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The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast

by The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast · English · Stories

Two Filipina transplants explore the rich, strange, wacky, and largely underground (pun intended) world of Philippine Mythology.

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 55 min
Latest: 11 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 11 minNew

74: BE MY BABY | The Obando Fertility Dance

74: BE MY BABY | The Obando Fertility Dance Couples from all over the world travel hundreds to thousands of miles to this small municipality in Bulacan every year, all for the hopes of begging the saints’ intercession to have a child. All you have to do is… dance? The Obando Fertility Rites hail all the way back from pre-colonial times, enigmatically preserved by Catholic tradition. Join us as we traverse stories of summoning old harvest gods, how not one, not two, but THREE figures became crucial intercessors to Obando’s annual pilgrims, and that dark period when no one was allowed to dance…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

13 Jul 2026 · 49 min
73: CAPIZ BE WITH YOU | The Aswang Capital of the Philippines
73: CAPIZ BE WITH YOU | The Aswang Capital of the Philippines Ever met anyone from Capiz and immediately get worried ‘coz that’s where aswang is supposedly from? Just me? Okay. But how did one province become synonymous with this particular type of monster? After a LOOONGG break, we’re glad to be back with this gem. Join us as we take you from seafood, house design via shells, giant church bells, and colonial history to one of the most fascinating intersections of Philippine folklore and modern science. Could there be a real-life reason behind one of our country's oldest supernatural rural…
1 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
72: RAINBOW CONNECTION | Legends of the Bahag-Hari in Philippine Mythology
72: RAINBOW CONNECTION | Legends of the Bahag-Hari in Philippine Mythology There’s a rainbow always after the rain–but is it always a good thing? This episode, to cap off pride month, we cover the various myths and legends about the heavenly phenomenon: THE RAINBOW, also known as Bahag-hari. In this episode we meet Bighari, the flower-loving daughter of Bathala who got grounded for tardiness, and a star maiden who lost her wings and learned to be happy in her mortal husband’s earthly home. We also learn why the Ibaloi think the rainbow isn’t straight, why you shouldn’t point at rainbows and…
17 Jun 2025 · 42 min
8: The Legend of the Durian | PALENGKE PHABLES
8: The Legend of the Durian | PALENGKE PHABLES Perhaps it is only fitting that the Durian, the King of Fruits, has its own epic-level origin story. This rich, bittersweet, iconic pungent fruit has boundless lovers and haters alike, but perhaps none more so than the ancient Bagobo people. Follow us as we recount the tale of an old bachelor king seeking a bride, the epic quest he takes to rekindle their marital passion, and the one mistake that led to their ruin. If fruits could kill, right? — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice…
15 Jun 2025 · 29 min
7: The Legend of the Coconut | PALENGKE PHABLES
7: The Legend of the Coconut | PALENGKE PHABLES When life gives you ten kids, a mystery lady, and tragedy… you get a coconut tree? In this episode of Palengke Phables , we crack open the story of how the humble niyog became the Swiss army knife of tropical fruits. From sweet water to tasty meat, it turns out the coconut tree might just be the ultimate mom: nourishing, sturdy, and always there when you need her. Grab a buko juice and join us as we peel back the husk of this bittersweet Filipino legend. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama…
12 Jun 2025 · 20 min
6: The Legend of the Atis (Custard Apple) | PALENGKE PHABLES
6: The Legend of the Atis (Custard Apple) | PALENGKE PHABLES What happens when an encanto catches you being a Mean Girl? In this story, Tess finds out the hard (and lumpy) way. We dive into the legend of the Atis fruit—how one girl’s nonstop teasing turned into a sweet-but-bumpy tree. It’s a tale of sass, karma, and a fruit named after a sister. Tune in for magic, mischief, and a lesson wrapped in custard-y goodness. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us…
8 Jun 2025 · 39 min
5: The Legend of the Mango | PALENGKE PHABLES
5: The Legend of the Mango | PALENGKE PHABLES She’s a sweetie with a heart of gold, the national fruit of the Philippines, and probably every country in South and Southeast Asia will claim they have the best one. That’s right folks, this episode, we talk about the legend of the Mango. Follow us through all-too-relatable tales of family inheritance battles, a daughter’s broken heart, and young love that transcends species. And while we’re there, learn about a mango that’s literally worth its weight in gold, as well as a group of mango-worshippers that probably took it a bit too far. — The…
18 May 2025 · 30 min
4: The Legend of the Bayabas (Guava) | PALENGKE PHABLES
4: The Legend of the Bayabas (Guava) | PALENGKE PHABLES It’s Beauty and the Bayabas in this story of why the fruit of the Bayabas has a crown. In this tale as old as time, learn about the fate of King Barabas, the perils of gluttony and greed, the duty rulers owe to their subjects, and why you should never take mysterious old women at face value. Also, weigh in on the Team Sinigang vs. Team Adobo debate. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at…
14 May 2025 · 14 min
3: The Legend of the Ampalaya | PALENGKE PHABLES
3: The Legend of the Ampalaya | PALENGKE PHABLES Before it was the star of every dish your mom forced you to eat, ampalaya was just a plain, smooth veggie with a major inferiority complex. In this minisode, we unravel the OG tale of envy, theft, and justice that made the ampalaya the icon of bitterness it is today. Featuring anthropomorphic produce, colorful neighbors, and deep-fried feelings. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at…
11 May 2025 · 29 min
2: The Legend of the Dama de Noche (Night Jasmine) | PALENGKE PHABLES
2: The Legend of the Dama de Noche (Night Jasmine) | PALENGKE PHABLES This legend will teach you not to take the ones you love for granted. Meet the beautiful Dama, and learn the tragic tale of how the Night-Blooming Jasmine, or Dama de Noche came to be. Fly with us as we detour to some hot and sexy Italian Islands and learn the secret to keeping the always keeping that relationship spark alive. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at…
6 May 2025 · 22 min
1: The Legend of the Langka | PALENGKE PHABLES
1: The Legend of the Langka | PALENGKE PHABLES In this nineties romcom-meets-tragic-folktale, we meet Anka—an outsider with a heart as soft as a langka seed—and Alberto, the village hottie who maybe (??) loves her. There's a garden, gossip, lightning, and a very betrayed fruit. Also, we unpack our Halo-Halo feelings. Spoiler: Lanka is controversial. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good…
5 May 2025 · 1 min
Teaser | Coming May 7: Palengke Phables
Coming May 7, 2025 : Palengke Phables A mini-season of tall tales, tragic love, and bitter truths. Join us as we dig into Filipino legends behind your favorite fruits, flowers, and vegetables—because every gourd has a story, and not all of them are wholesome.
2 Mar 2025 · 59 min
62: BREAKING DAWN | Hanan, the Tagalog Goddess of the Dawn
62: BREAKING DAWN | Hanan, the Tagalog Goddess of the Dawn It’s a new day, a new episode, and finally time to talk about Hanan, the long-overdue Tagalog goddess of dawn! She’s been there all along, ushering in the sunrise, bringing in the harvest, and very recently being recruited as the unofficial goddess of the New Year. But why do we know so little about her? Join us as we uncover Hanan’s origins, from her celestial family (yes, she’s sisters with Mayari and Tala) to her often-overlooked role in Philippine mythology. We take a deep dive into the myth where she blinds the Bakunawa in a…
16 Feb 2025 · 38 min
[REBROADCAST] EPISODE 2: THE GODDESS OF LOVE JUST CAN’T CATCH A BREAK | Maria Makiling/ Dian Masalanta (The Philippine Mountain Spirit & Goddess of Love)
In Celebration of Valentine's Day, we bring you tales of love and woe from one of our earliest episodes on the Tagalog Goddess of Love: Dian Masalanta aka Maria Makiling! EPISODE 2: THE GODDESS OF LOVE JUST CAN’T CATCH A BREAK | Maria Makiling/ Dian Masalanta (The Philippine Mountain Spirit & Goddess of Love) In this episode, we visit the misty peaks of Mount Makiling in Laguna (a province in South Luzon). There we encounter one of the staples of Philippine legends and folklore: the beautiful mountain nymph Maria Makiling . What do Maria Makiling and Dian Masalanta, the Tagalog Goddess of…
27 Jan 2025 · 2 hr 9 min
61: GOOD LUCK, BABE | Feng Shui (2004), When Good Luck Has a Price
61: GOOD LUCK, BABE | Feng Shui (2004), When Good Luck Has a Price When it rains, it pours—both in good luck and death, if Feng Shui is to be trusted. This episode, we recount one of the most epic and beloved horror films in the Philippines, Feng Shui, released in 2004, directed by Chito S. Roño and starring the queen of block-buster horror herself, Kris Aquino. When the Lunar New Year comes, everyone’s concerned with bringing in the most luck and prosperity, but what would you do if it came with a price? Join us for a truly wild ride as we follow one woman’s journey through amazing luck and…
12 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
60: I’VE BEEN DREAMING OF A WHITE LADY | White Lady Hauntings in the Philippines
60: I’VE BEEN DREAMING OF A WHITE LADY | White Lady Hauntings in the Philippines She’s the lady in white, and she’s the bane of lone nocturnal cab drivers everywhere. This episode we cover one of the most popular ghostly creatures that has made a mark across cultures all over the world, the White Lady. If you’re driving alone through Quezon CIty’s famous Balete Drive, or picking up lone passengers in Baguio’s Loakan Road, you might encounter her solitary spectre. Join us as we follow tales of her appearance around the Philippines and abroad, figure out her story, and what keeps her tethered…
24 Nov 2024 · 33 min
Minisode 59: NAME GAME | How the Cities of Metro Manila Got Their Names
Minisode 59: NAME GAME | How the Cities of Metro Manila Got Their Names Ever wondered why Metro Manila’s cities are named the way they are? This episode dives deep into the curious, quirky, and fascinating origins behind the names of the 16 cities of Manila. From Caloocan’s hidden corners to Marikina’s poetic charm and Las Piñas’ sweet pineapple past, each city holds stories that reveal its history, culture, and the occasional hilarious linguistic misunderstanding. Join us as we explore tales of lovers, rivers, and even a dash of colonial confusion that shaped the names we know today.…
17 Nov 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
[Rebroadcast] EPISODE 9: IMAGINE DRAGONS | Bakunawa (The Moon-Eating Dragon of Philippine Myth)
In celebration of our Singapore Writer's Festival Panel, Here Be Dragons: The Magical Beasts of Southeast Asia, we are re-airing our Dragonlore episode! Welcome, new friends! :) EPISODE 9: IMAGINE DRAGONS | Bakunawa (The Moon-Eating Dragon of Philippine Myth) You’ve seen them in blockbuster movies like Shang-Chi and epic fantasy TV shows like Game of Thrones, but did you know that we have our own mythical dragons (yes, dragons plural) in Philippine Mythology? In this episode, we tackle the majestic Bakunawa and their dragon cousins around the islands. We also learn about pre-colonial…
20 Oct 2024 · 1 hr 23 min
58: BEAUTY AND THE BLOUSE | Blusang Itim, the 80s Supernatural Makeover Classic
58: BEAUTY AND THE BLOUSE | Blusang Itim, the 80s Supernatural Makeover Classic Step into the wardrobe of wonders with "Blusang Itim," where fashion meets sorcery in the most unexpected twists. This isn't just any makeover episode—imagine trading your identity for a blouse that swings your life from blah to voila, but with a pinch of chaos. Revisit with us the classic 80s film adapted from a comic anthology and revamped into a hit tv series that is relevant ‘til this day. Witness Jessa's whirlwind journey from wallflower to vixen, thanks to one magical top that redefines “capsule wardrobe.”…
8 Sep 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
57: EMPIRE STATE OF MIND | The Majapahit Empire: Southeast Asia's Pre-colonial Superpower
57: EMPIRE STATE OF MIND | The Majapahit Empire: Southeast Asia's Pre-colonial Superpower We do something a little different in this episode which is more history lesson than folklore storytelling. We transport you back to the days when the Majapahit Empire ruled the seas of Southeast Asia. From its mystical origins in 1293 to its dramatic decline in 1527 – right when the Spanish arrived – we uncover how this Javanese powerhouse stretched its influence from Sumatra to New Guinea, commanding both respect and awe across the region. Join us as we sail through tales of maritime mastery,…
26 Aug 2024 · 55 min
56: GOLD RUSH | The Tallano Gold Myth, Part 2
56: GOLD RUSH | The Tallano Gold Myth, Part 2 Not ALL the glitters is gold! This is the 2nd part of the Tallano Gold Myth story, which purported that the Philippines was ‘owned’ by the clan that ruled an ancestral Maharlika kingdom, and left hundreds of thousands of tons of gold hidden away for the Filipino people. In part 2, we cover how the strange conspiracy theory has evolved in the modern times: how it affected recent presidential elections, and how multiple individuals have since stepped forward and claimed to be the long-lost heirs of this immense kingdom, including, of course, all…
12 Aug 2024 · 51 min
55: FOOL’S GOLD | The Tallano Gold Myth, Part 1
55: FOOL’S GOLD | The Tallano Gold Myth, Part 1 This gold rush is a WILD one! In this episode, we talk about one of the conspiracy theories that rocked the imagination of Filipinos for years–most especially in the last Presidential election. Have you heard of the myth of the Tallano Gold? Hundreds of thousands of metric tons of gold that are supposedly owned by an old royal family that “legally owns” the Philippine archipelago. Join us as we parse through historical documents, take a journey through Asia, the Vatican, and… outer space? What does a UFO cult have to do with the ancestral gold…
6 Aug 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
54: ISANG TANONG, ISANG SAGOT | Answering the Top Questions about Philippine Mythology on Google
EPISODE 54: ISANG TANONG, ISANG SAGOT (Answering the Top Questions about Philippine Mythology on Google) NOTE: A BONUS extended version of the ep (20 mins more!) going over top Philippine superstitions will be available to subscribers on Spotify and Patreon supporters. Watch out for it! Who is the most powerful god in Philippine Mythology? How was the Philippines created? What is the scariest monster in Philippine Folklore? Who is the god or goddess of love and beauty? Also, how many of you have capre-related love problems, be honest! On our podcast’s third anniversary, join us for a fun,…
2 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 13 min
53: DOCTOR QUACK QUACK | Folk Medicine Part 1
53: DOCTOR QUACK QUACK | Folk Medicine Part 1 In this episode, we're diving into the world of Philippine folk medicine, where the cure for your sniffles might just be under your kitchen sink—or in your backyard. Who needs a doctor when you've got chickens and vinegar at the ready? Join us as we explore remedies that range from the bizarre to the bewildering. Ever thought about dodging diseases by tossing flowers on top of a casket? Or maybe you prefer wearing crocodile teeth for that extra bit of health insurance. And if you're feeling brave, learn why you should consider a fiesta over a…
5 May 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
52: GREAT BALLS OF FIRE | Santelmo - Part 1: Flaming Orbs of Death?
52: GREAT BALLS OF FIRE | Santelmo - Part 1: Flaming Orbs of Death? Goodness, gracious! This week, we fire it up with a deep dive into the legend and lore behind the Santelmo, or St. Elmo’s Fire. Were these mystical balls of fire omens of death and destruction… or a sign pointing to hidden treasure? Buckle up as we go into tangents you never expected: from old sailors tales, to physics concepts about plasma and electricity they didn’t teach us in high school, to the patron saint of abdominal pains. Learn about the various sightings of the Santelmo in ‘rural legends’ of old and recent memory,…
14 Apr 2024 · 36 min
51: PAST LIVES | The Eternal Love Story of Maruja
51: PAST LIVES | The Eternal Love Story of Maruja Buckle up, lovebirds and skeptics! This week, we're diving into the heart-stopping saga of Maruja, a love story so strong it just couldn't stay buried. From Mars Ravelo's comic genius to cinematic reboots, Maruja's undying romance with Gabriel has been making fans swoon for over a century. We're peeling back the layers of this epic melodrama where forbidden love meets ghostly whispers. Maruja, destined for a loveless marriage, pulls the ultimate bridezilla move with a tragic twist, promising a love revival a hundred years later. Does her…
10 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 12 min
50: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU | Indarapatra & Sulayman, a Maguindanao Epic
50: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? | Indarapatra & Sulayman, A Maguindanao Epic How many brothers does it take to kill five monsters & bring an entire civilization out from hiding? In our 50th episode , we cover the epic tale of Indarapatra and Sulayman, two gallant brothers whose heroics helped the people of Maguindanao (the precursor modern-day Mindanao). This set the foundation for a civilization and culture so strong they were able to flourish and put up incredible resistance across centuries of Spanish invasion. This epic story has everything: from self-driving boats, A.I.-powered weapons,…
24 Feb 2024 · 53 min
49: HE WILL ROCK YOU | Bernardo Carpio, the Lost Hero of the Tagalogs
49: HE WILL ROCK YOU | Bernardo Carpio, the Lost Hero of the Tagalogs In this seismic episode, we're cracking open the legend of Bernardo Carpio, the mythical giant (or man-sized hero, depending on who you ask) whose shrugs supposedly cause earthquakes. From his tangled roots in forbidden love to his epic showdowns, Carpio's story is more than just a tale – it's a tectonic narrative of resistance and resilience. But wait, it's not all about muscle, might, and mountain-sized struggles. Dive into the pre-colonial origins and find out how an alligator ties into this earth-shattering saga. We'll…
26 Nov 2023 · 1 hr 14 min
48: CACAO ME MAYBE | Maria Cacao, the Golden Ship-bourne Goddess of Mount Lantoy
48: CACAO ME MAYBE | Maria Cacao, the Golden Ship-bourne Goddess of Mount Lantoy In the last of our “Walang Kamatayan” Series, we take a delicious detour into the land of chocolate with Maria Cacao. Brace yourselves for a mystical ride with Maria Cacao, the goddess with a penchant for golden ships and chocolatey ventures. This episode sails through the legend of Maria Cacao – from her curious Spanish makeover to her eerie, yet glamorous, soul-harvesting escapades. But wait, there’s a dark twist! Dive into tales of ghost ships and post-disaster sightings. Is Maria Cacao just a harbinger of…
19 Nov 2023 · 1 hr 9 min
47: MARRY MY DEAD BODY | Ghost Marriage Practices Around the World
47: MARRY MY DEAD BODY | Ghost Marriage Practices Around the World We’ve all heard stories of love living on after death, but is it possible for love to BEGIN after death? In this episode, we veer slightly off the beaten path and explore the little-known practice of Ghost Marriage. Finding its roots in ancient China and India, you would be surprised to learn that the practice still lives on in various forms to this day: in provinces in rural China and India and in Chinese diaspora communities around the world. How exactly can a marriage take place when both parties are no longer living? How…

About The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast

Two Filipina transplants explore the rich, strange, wacky, and largely underground (pun intended) world of Philippine Mythology.

The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast is a English stories podcast from The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast
Language: English
Category: Stories
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 55 min
Latest episode: 11 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1576107300
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