Filipino Mythology Gods: The Tagalog Pantheon Explained

Filipino mythology isn't one system. Each region had its own gods. The best-known set comes from the Tagalog people of Luzon, and these are the deities you'll see most often online and in art.

Bathala

The supreme god and creator, ruler of the sky and the fate of humans. The phrase 'bahala na' is often linked to his name.

Apolaki

God of the sun and of war, and a protector of warriors. In many retellings he is a child of Bathala.

Mayari

Goddess of the moon, often described as beautiful and strong. One well-known story says she lost an eye fighting her brother Apolaki, which is why the moon shines less brightly than the sun.

Tala and Hanan

Tala is the goddess of the stars. Hanan is the goddess of the morning. Together with Mayari they are often grouped as sisters of light.

Lakapati and Dian Masalanta

Lakapati is a deity of fertility and agriculture, honored for good harvests. Dian Masalanta is a goddess of love and childbirth.

A note on sources

Much of what we know comes from Spanish-era accounts and later retellings, so details differ between sources. That's part of what makes these stories living folklore.

Wear the story

We put Philippine mythology on what we make, including the Bakunawa. Shop the mythology designs. UGAT means roots. Know yours.