Anitism, simply referred as Philippine mythology or indigenous Philippine ancestral religion, is a body of myths, tales, and superstitions held by Filipinos, mostly originating from beliefs held during the pre-Hispanic era.

REGION 1:

The Flood Story Igorot

Once upon a time, when the world was flat and there were no mountains, there lived two brothers, sons of Lumawig, the Great Spirit. The brothers were fond of hunting, and since no mountains had formed there was no good place to catch wild pig and deer, and the older brother said, “Let us cause water to flow over all the world and cover it, and then mountains will rise up.” So they caused water to flow over all the earth, and when it was covered they took the head-basket [a bamboo basket, in which the heads of victims are kept prior to the head-taking celebration] of the town and set it for a trap. The brothers were very much pleased when they went to look at their trap, for they had caught not only many wild pigs and deer, but also many people. Now Lumawig looked down from his place in the sky and saw that his sons had flooded the earth and that in all the world there was just one spot which was not covered. And he saw that all the people in the world had been drowned except one brother and sister who lived in Pokis. Then Lumawig descended, and he called to the boy and girl, saying, “Oh, you are still alive.” “Yes,” answered the boy, “we are still alive, but we are very cold.” So Lumawig commanded his dog and deer to get fire for the boy and girl. The dog and the deer swam quickly away, but though Lumawig waited a long time they did not return, and all the time the boy and girl were growing colder. Finally Lumawig himself went after the dog and the deer, and when he reached them he said, “Why are you so long in bringing the fire to Pokis? Get ready and come quickly while I watch you, for the boy and girl are very cold.” Then the dog and the deer took the fire and started to swim through the flood, but when they had gone only a little way, the fire was put out. Lumawig commanded them to get more fire and they did so, but they swam only a little way again when that of the deer went out, and that of the dog would have been extinguished also had not Lumawig gone quickly to him and taken it. As soon as Lumawig reached Pokis he built a big fire which warmed the brother and sister; and the water evaporated so that the world was as it was before, except that now there were mountains. The brother and sister married and had children, and thus there came to be many people on the earth.

Source: Mabel Cook Cole, Philippine Folk Tales (Chicago: A. C. McClurg and Company, 1916), pp. 102-104.

REGION 2:

What Causes Earthquakes(Y Paggafuanan na Lunig)

Once upon a time, there was a very poor couple who had only one son. He’s name was Bernardo Carpio. Since this family led only a hand to mouth existence, both husband and wife had to work for a living. Whenever the mother went out to work, she would lock up the baby in the house. She would just give him some things to play with. Upon coming home, she would find all the toys of the baby broken into small pieces. This happened everyday until the mother could no longer give the baby anything to play with. So the baby was left in the house without any toy. When she came home to feed him, the mother was surprised that the walls and studs of their house were either broken or destroyed. She remained silent but observant. As soon as these parts of the house had been repaired, she again left Bernardo Carpio alone. When she came home, she found the same in shambles. Next time, the mother deliberately gave her son an iron rod to play with. Again he broke this rod into pieces. Now the parents were growing alarmed over the extraordinary strength of Bernardo. News of it also spread in the neighborhood.

As the child grew up, he was recognized as the strongest boy in the village. He challenged to fight those who dared him and defeated them all. As a man, his prowess was also acclaimed in the whole country. This popularity made him very proud. He was so proud that he even dared challenged God. At first, God gave him the upper hand. But on the third trial, when God asked him to stop the quarrel between the two big mountains, Bernardo failed. In a conceited gesture, he impulsively went between the warring mountains. He extended his arms to stop them but instead, he got caught between the two mountains and was buried alive with only his head out.
Today, it was believed that whenever Bernardo Carpio struggles to free himself from the grip of the mountains, the earth quakes. The old folks also say that when he finally frees himself, that will be the end of the world.
Source: Edna Bangan, Ibanag Folk Literature, pp. 262- 263 Narrated by Mauricio Baggay, 43 years old, Macubacubac, Penablanca, Cagayan, who heard it from his mother.

Once upon a time, there was a very poor couple who had only one son. He’s name was Bernardo Carpio. Since this family led only a hand to mouth existence, both husband and wife had to work for a living. Whenever the mother went out to work, she would lock up the baby in the house. She would just give him some things to play with. Upon coming home, she would find all the toys of the baby broken into small pieces. This happened everyday until the mother could no longer give the baby anything to play with. So the baby was left in the house without any toy. When she came home to feed him, the mother was surprised that the walls and studs of their house were either broken or destroyed. She remained silent but observant. As soon as these parts of the house had been repaired, she again left Bernardo Carpio alone. When she came home, she found the same in shambles. Next time, the mother deliberately gave her son an iron rod to play with. Again he broke this rod into pieces. Now the parents were growing alarmed over the extraordinary strength of Bernardo. News of it also spread in the neighborhood. As the child grew up, he was recognized as the strongest boy in the village. He challenged to fight those who dared him and defeated them all. As a man, his prowess was also acclaimed in the whole country. This popularity made him very proud. He was so proud that he even dared challenged God. At first, God gave him the upper hand. But on the third trial, when God asked him to stop the quarrel between the two big mountains, Bernardo failed. In a conceited gesture, he impulsively went between the warring mountains. He extended his arms to stop them but instead, he got caught between the two mountains and was buried alive with only his head out.
Today, it was believed that whenever Bernardo Carpio struggles to free himself from the grip of the mountains, the earth quakes. The old folks also say that when he finally frees himself, that will be the end of the world.
Source: Edna Bangan, Ibanag Folk Literature, pp. 262- 263 Narrated by Mauricio Baggay, 43 years old, Macubacubac, Penablanca, Cagayan, who heard it from his mother.

REGION 3:

In ancient mythology among the Tagalogs, there was a creator, a supreme god. He was known as Bathala Maykapal or Lumikha. According to F. Landa Jocano’s Outline of Philippine Mythology (1969), Bathala is the grand conserver of the universe – the caretaker of nature and the creatures of the earth. “Hence the beautiful word “bahala” or “mabahala” meaning “to care.” From this evolved the Filipino attitude of “bahala na” or “Let Bathala take care of it” which gives a person tremendous courage in the face of danger.

Legend, traditional story or group of stories told about a particular person or place. Formerly the term legend meant a tale about a saint. … But many local legends are actually well-known folktales that have become attached to some particular person or place.

REGION 1:

Anita and Akong (Alaminos Pangasinan)

One of the legends told by old folks who live in the area and passed on to generations of storytelling, is the story of a couple named Akong and Anita. There used to be only one island in the place where the Hundred Islands can be found today. 
Akong is a fisherman and his wife Anita sells the fish he catches everyday. But discontentment soon crept in Akong’s heart and thought of ways to earn money in an easier and faster way. While he went out to sea one night, Anita had a dream about an old man who visited their hut and told them that if they work hard, they will eventually get rich after three years. She shared this with her husband when he returned but he dismissed her impatiently. 
One night, he set out to sea again; his first throw of the net didn’t yield any fish but the second one caught black stones the size of a man’s fist. In disgust, he threw them back to the sea, accompanied by complaints. 
Just then, he heard a rumbling sound and saw the waves becoming bigger, making him paddle faster towards the shore. Unbeknownst to him, the black stones he threw to the sea became islands. He died that night in his sleep. 
And once more, the old man appeared in Anita’s dream, telling her about the islands and the fate her husband brought upon himself. Anita just cried as she looked at her dead husband.

REGION 2:

Legends

The Legend of Apo Lakay-Lakay (Cagayan Valley)

One day, the father coming home from an abundant catch came across an old man. The old man asked if he could spare a bite from one of the fishes he would cook as he was starving. The father laughed off his request. The old man said “You’ll regret it if you will not!” but he continued on.
That evening while the couple were cooking, an old lady came knocking at their door and pleaded for a bite of fish they were cooking. The wife yelled at her exclaiming they have nothing tho give her. She gave a warning that they would regret it if they won’t give here even a bit. She went away empty handed.
By dinner time, they found out their son was missing. They searched out of the house and asked their neighbors for help. It was during sunrise when they found their son across the waves in the east. They ran despite the tiring night long search but was heart broken to find their beloved son turned to stone.
The couple went back to their home weeping. The wife blamed her husband for being greedy and useless. Suddenly her husband turned into a stone in front of her. Slowly she noticed the waves caught her feet and slowly she turned to stone as well.
On this day the the Two towering rock formations at Taggat Lagoon are known as Apo Lakay-lakay (Old Man) andApo Baket-baket (Old Woman). Their son Ubing-ubing (Child) is found of Sentinela Beach across Claveria Bay.
To make up for their mistakes, the mountain and the rocks there has been protecting their village from storms and always have abundant catch. But whenever boats pass by these rock formations, they would give offerings to the sea or else their boats would be wrecked by the rocks and the waves

REGION 3:

The Legend of Alitaptap
(Valley of Pinak, Central Luzon)

     Once, a long time ago, in the valley of Pinak in Central Luzon, one of the islands of the Philippines, there was a deep, large lake rich with fish. There, the people of Pinak fished for their food, and always, there was plenty for all. Then suddenly, the big river dried up. In the shallow mud, there was not a fish to catch! For months, there was no rains. Out in the fields, the land turned dry. The rice stalks slowly withered. Everywhere in Pinak, there was hunger. Night after night, the people of Pinak prayed hard.

“Dear Bathala,” they would recite together in their small and poorly built chapel, “send us rains, give us food to eat for the people are starving, and there is want among us all.”

     Then one black and starless night, the good Bathala answered the prayers of the faithful people of Pinak. For suddenly, up in the skies, appeared a blaze of gold.
“A chariot! A chariot of gold!” shouted the people in fear and wonder.

     True enough-zooming and blazing through the sky, was a beautiful chariot made of pure, glittering gold! The people started to flee in panic, when a big voice boomed from the chariot:
“I am a Bulan-hari, and I have come with my wife, Bitu-in. We are sent from the heavens to rule Pinak from now on. We have come to give you a good life!”
     As Bulan-hari spoke, the black skies opened. The rains fell in torrents. Soon the dry fields bloomed fresh again. The large lake rose till it was again deep and alive with fish. The people of Pinak were happy once more under the rulership of the good Bulan-hari. Soon Bulan-hari and Bitu-in had a daughter. She grew up to be a beautiful maiden. Such long, dark hair! Such lovely eyes under long, curly lashes! Her nose was chiseled fine. Her lips were like rosebuds. Her skin was soft and fair like cream. They named her Alitaptap, for on her forehead was a bright, sparkling star. All the young, brave, and handsome men of Pinak fell in love with Alitaptap. They worshipped her beauty. They sang songs of love beneath her windows. They all sought to win her heart.
But, alas! The heart of Alitaptap was not human. She was the daughter of Bulan-hari and Bitu-in who burst from the sky and were not of the earth. She has a heart of stone, as cold and hard as the sparkling star carved in her forehead. Alitaptap would never know love. Then one day, an old woman arrived in the palace. Her hair was long and dirty. Her clothing was tattered and soiled.Before the King Bulan-hari, Balo-na, the old, wise woman whined in her high and sharp voice.

“Oh, mighty king! I have come from my cave in the mountains. I have journeyed on foot to bring you sad news!”
Bulan-hari asked in fear, “What is it, wise woman?”
“I can see in my crystal ball that the future will bring ruin and sorrow. The warriors from the land of La-ut will come on their mighty horses with their mighty swords and conquer our mighty men. They will destroy our crops, throw poison in the lake, and bring ruin everywhere!”
“Oh, wise woman,” the king replied in despair, “what are we to do?”
“Alitaptap must bear a son. Only he can grew up to be the people’s leader. He will conquer all invaders, and keep the peace in our land!”
At once, Alitaptap! You must pick one of the young men to marry. You must bear a son. He will keep the peace and happiness our people now enjoy!”

But how could Alitaptap understand? The beautiful maiden with a heart of stone merely stood in silence. Bulan-hari gripped his sword in blind despair. “Alitaptap!” he bellowed in the quiet palace. “You will follow me, or you will lie dead this very minute!”
 But nothing could stir the lovely young woman’s heart. Bulan-hari, bling with anger nand fear of the dark future, finally drew his sword. Clang! The steel of his sword’s blade rang in the silence of the big palace. It hit the star on Alitaptap’s lovely forehead! The star burst! Darkness was everywhere! Suddenly a thousand chips of glitter and light flew around the hall. Only the shattered pieces of the star on Alitaptap forehead lighted the great hall, flickering around as through they were stars with tiny wings. Alitaptap, the lovely daughter sent from the heavens, lay dead. And soon, Balo-na’s predictions came true. Riding on stamping wild horses, the warriors of La-ut came likt the rumble and clash of lightning and thunder. They killed the people of Pinak, ruined the crops, poison the lake. They spread sorrow and destruction everywhere. When it all ended, the beautiful, peaceful valley of Pinak had turned into empty and shallow swamp. At night, there was nothing but darkness, but soon, tiny sparkles of light flickered and glimmered brightly in the starless night.

And so, the fireflies came about. Once, a long time ago, they were fragments from the star on the forehead ob Bulan-hari’s daughter, the beautiful Alitapap.

Hispanic influences are dominant within the Philippine’s folk music, foods, art, religion, language and folk dances. The infusion of such elements represents a way of life deeply ingrained within the Filipino people. Philippine folk songs are, quite literally, songs of the people.

REGION 1:

Pamulinawen (Ilocano Folk Song)

Pamulinawen, pusok indengam man Toy umas-asug agrayod’ta sadiam. Panunotem man inka pagintutulngan Toy agayat, agukkoy dita sadiam. Essem nga diak malipatan ta nasudi unay a nagan, Uray sadin ti ayan, lugar sadino man, Aw-awagan di agsarday,ta naganmo kasam-itan. No malagipka, pusok ti mabang-aran. Adu a sabsabong, narway a rosrosas Ti adda’t ditoy a di nga mabuybuya, Ngem awan man laeng ti pakaliwliwaan No di dayta sudim ken kapintas. Aywen, biagko, indengam man. Iyasasokko nga inaldaw Ta diak to a kayat ti sabali nga imnas Sika laeng, o, biagko, ita ken uray tanemman No malagipka, pusok ti mabang-aran. Dakay nga ububbing, didakam’ tultuladen Ta dakkel kamin nga agiinnarem Ta ituloyyo ta panagadalyo Tapno inkay magun-od kakaligumanyo Essem nga diak malipatan, ta nasudi unay a nagan, Uray sadin ti ayan, lugar sadino man, Aw-awagan di agsarday ta naganmo kasam-itan. No malagipka, pusok ti mabang-aran. Pamulinawen.

REGION 2:

Annako (Ibanag Folk Songs)

Into’y nabay gatanam 
Inka’y tay mid alam 
Palalo ka’y kasegseg-ang
No inka et maeesang 
Inka et ta alam nan 
Ta wad-ay et en kaduam
Ta adi ka et maeesang 
Inka et ta alam nan. 

REGION 3:

ATIN KU PUNG SINGSING (Kapampangan Folk Song)

Atin ku pung singsing
Metung yang timpukan
Amana ke iti
King indung ibatan.*

Sangkan keng sininup
King metung a kaban
Mewala ya iti,
E ku kamalayan.

Ing sukal ning lub ku
Susukdul king banwa
Pikurus kung gamat
Babo ning lamesa.

Ninu mang manakit
King singsing kung mana
Kalulung pusu ku
Manginu ya keya.