full Moon over Ibalong

 

 Full Moon above Bicol. wow!

Full Moon tonight! Dayaw na Dayaw ang bulan!

Bulan

"Sa katahimikan ng gabi, ikaw ay liwanag,
Mukha mong busilak, sa  mga ulap ay hinahanap.
Hinahabol ng dagat, may lihim na pagsinta,
Ngunit ikaw ay hanging malaya,hindi makamtan,

Hindi mahahawakan."

Oh Bulan

"Sa gab-i nin kasiring, saro kang sirang liwanag,
An saimong kagayon, minasuya nin alapaap.
Ginigibo nin dagat, an puso niyang naghahabol,
Alagad kaipuhan, baga kang layang dai mahahawakan."

Bulan
"In the silence of night, you are the light,
Your pure face drifts softly among the clouds.
The sea longs for you, chasing with quiet desire,
But you are the light, and never to be held tight"

In Bicolano mythology (from the Bicol region in the Philippines), the moon god is Bulan. Bulan is one of the many moon gods in Philippine mythology and even in old folk religion. Bulan is spirit of the moon and the god (or deity) of the moon in Bicolano mythology.

Bulan of Philippine mythology

"Sa mga kwentong pasa-pasa asin kwentong-bayan, si Bulan bilang espiritu asin diyos kan bulan, kilala siya bilang napagayon na lalaki, may hararom na kaamong lawas asin puting-puting balat. Maski an mga aswang na Magindara nagin maamo pansamantala, maski an mga pakpakan na pating nalimutang maglupad sa irarum kan saiyang liwanag."

Sa mga kwetong pasa pasa Kilala sa pagiging napakagandang lalaki pagkakaroon ng napaka among mukha at napaka puting balat, maging ang mga aswang na magindara ay pansamantalang naging maamo, maging ang mga pating na pakpakan ay nalimutang lumipad pansamantala.

Bulan of Bicol mythology

Bulan as depicted on Philippine TV ( Raya sirena) as the Moon god and deity of Mermaids

He’s often described as young, beautiful, and radiant, sometimes depicted as an (feminine male) effeminate or androgynous  (napakagandang lalake, sobrang ganda parang babae na) figure, which makes him especially unique among Philippine mythological deities. Associated with calm, gentleness, and beauty, in contrast to more aggressive or fiery deities like sun gods or war spirits.

Bulan and Haliya

Haliya and Bulan in Bulan Music video by Ken of SB19

Ken aka Felip of SB19 as Bulan in music video Bulan 

Bulan is also linked to Haliya, the moon goddess known for her strength and independence, sometimes portrayed as Bulan’s sibling and in other stories Haliya is his daughter and in some just his defender.

Bulan as depicted in  "Dayaw sa Bilog na buwan " in Balud theatre of Bicol

Bulan is best known in Bicol as the deity chased by the Bakunawa. He represents the soft, emotional, mysterious qualities of the moon, youth, and beauty, often contrasted with the boldness of sun or war gods. Much of Bicol mythology, like other indigenous Philippine systems, was eroded or syncretized due to colonization, which is why stories about Bulan are fragmented and regional. But oral traditions and modern scholars help keep those stories alive.

Bulan bathala ng buwan

Reminder

Avoiding Foreign Manipulation: Weaponizing myths and stories and using them as an excuse to attack, harass and even stalk storytellers or communities risks distorting their purpose. Myths are meant to unify, educate, or entertain, not to create division or hostility among Filipinos.

Filipino mythology belongs to everyone—Filipinos, Filipinix, and even foreigners. These stories are meant to unite, inspire hope, and empower. They are for all, ever-evolving yet forever a cultural treasure.

Both oral and written mythology in the Philippines are valid because they serve different but equally important roles in preserving Filipino heritage. What is truly harmful is when foreigners manipulate these discussions for personal gain, attempting to invalidate one aspect of Filipino mythology to cause division. Instead of falling for such tactics, Filipinos should embrace the richness and diversity of their own stories, ensuring that both oral and written traditions continue to thrive.

Don’t Stalk or Harass Storytellers Online.

This should be obvious butt some folks need the reminder. Disagreeing is fine, but attacking, doxxing, or bullying creators? Big no-no. You’re not “correcting history,” you’re just being creepy. Respect the people keeping these stories alive.

Foreigners Please don’t use Filipino myths to farm views, start drama, or pit Filipinos against each other. These stories are meant to unite, not divide. If your content is causing more fights than fascination, it might be time to step back and rethink the approach.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.