Moon and myths of Bicol mythology

 

Pasado alas-6 na ng umaga, Pebrero 3, 2026 makikita pa ang kabilugan ng buwan. Kuha ang litrato sa Matungao Iraya, Tugbo, Masbate City.

In Bicol Oral mythology, the moon was considered pure and sacred and the deties that represent them beautiful and radiant.  Because the moon was seen as a gentle power that protected, guided, and balanced the world especially at night. Unlike the harsh heat of the sun or the chaos of storms, the moon’s light was soft, calm, and comforting. For coastal and farming communities in Bicol, moonlight guided fishermen at sea, marked time, and brought order to the darkness. This made the moon a symbol of safety, rhythm, and divine presence.

Bulan and Haliya of Bicol Mythology

In many oral stories and myths from Bicol, moon gods are often shown as luminous and beautiful divine beings who come down from the heavens to bathe and swim in the fresh waters of the region.

The moon deity Bulan of Bicolano mythology embodies this purity and beauty. Bulan is often described as youthful, radiant, and gentle, with a light that drives away evil spirits and brings peace. In Bicol belief, moonlight was thought to cleanse the world, which is why he was associated with innocence, grace, and spiritual clarity. Comeliness representing goodness, calm and harmony rather than power or dominance.

Bulan

Haliya

Haliya, the moon goddess, and the embodiment of Halea rituals also reflects the sacred and feminine nature of the moon. She is a warrior-protectress who defends the moon and her brother Bulan from darkness and chaos, especially from the serpent Bakunawa. Haliya’s beauty is tied to strength, discipline, and purity of purpose. Her beauty in myths is a celebrated grace, balance, and protection, showing that beauty in Bicol culture was never weak it was powerful and sacred. Many stories and modern portrayals showcase her beautiful face covered by a mask hiding her radiant beauty.

Together, Bulan and Haliya and their myths and stories show why the moon held such a holy place in Bicol mythology. The moon was pure because it gave light without burning, powerful without violence, and beauty without arrogance. In the Bicolano worldview, this kind of beauty quiet, protective, and enduring was closest to the divine. 

Nasilayan ang ganda ng buwan ngayong gabi, Lunes, Pebrero 2 2026, sa Naga City. Photo courtesy: Philip Darilay

Through these orally passed myths, Bulan and Haliya became lasting symbols of beauty and purity. The moon was sacred because it gave light without harm, protection without force, and beauty without pride values deeply honored in the Bicolano worldview. 

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.

Ang pag ku-kwento para sa lahat ng Filipino, hindi yan dapat kino-kontrol ng mga banyaga at mga dayuhan. Sariling atin. Sa wika natin, sa salita. 

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.