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Philippine Constellations
April 10, 2018 | Grazielle Amnielle Gamab and Maryfe
Albayda

The constellations serve as a map during the early years and it tells about countless stories
about heroes and monsters, thru the years of humankind and cultures. Like in other
countries, our Filipino ancestors did worship stars before as their gods, they have their own
version of names, prayers, and stories depend on what region they from.

The origin of names of different astronomical bodies some from deities in ancient Philippine
mythology. “Tala” is a very good example and very common to hear. “Tala” is a goddess of
the stars. Other examples are; “Mayari” is a goddess of the moon, and “Hanan” the goddess
of the morning, they are the daughters of “Bathala” and a mortal woman. Another example is
“Apolaki” who is the god of the sun, he was the son of “Anagolay” and “Dumakulem”.

An artist’s view of Tala, Hanan, Miyari, & Apolaki. (trixdraws.deviantart.com)

The constellations and their movements, and as the season and time changed, our ancestors
somehow practiced following the star movements as a sign of good harvest, fishing, hunting,
and other activities in the tribe. It’s either a good or a bad omen when something is changing
in the night sky.

Philippine Constellations and Asterisms

There is a book called “Balatik: Etnoastronomiya, Kalangitan at Kabihasnang

Pilipino” by Dr. Dante L. Ambrosio. It is about the link between astronomy and ethnolinguistic
groups in the Philippines (known as Ethnoastronomy).

“Moroporo” is connected to sea navigation but, like “Balatik”, it was primarily used to signal
the beginning of the planting season.

Here are some of the constellations and asterisms commonly known in the
Philippines.

“Tres Marias” (The Three Marias) in Tagalog, “Magbangal”

in Bukidnon, and “Seretar” in Teduray, “Balatik” is
composed of perfectly aligned and evenly spaced stars
which act as the belt of the constellation of Orion. In
Palawan and Ibaloi however, “Balatik” is seen as both the
sword and belt of Orion. Start of planting and setting of
traps to protect the crops from animals.

“Supot ni Hudas”, “Mapolon” in Tagalog, “San Apon” in

Ibaloi, and “Kufukufu” in Teduray. In western, it is known as
the star cluster Pleiades (The Seven Sisters) located in the
constellation of Taurus. The Tagalogs consulted this star cluster to know the shifting of time
and season. Start of the planting season.

“Lepu”, by the “Matigsalug Manobo” of Bukidnon. In the western equivalent, it is known as the
constellation of Aquila. It signifies the time to clean or clear the fields while waiting for the
harvest time.

Tagalogs had a constellation called “Talang Batugan” (Lazy),

named for its characteristic of slow motion, large size, and low
brightness and usually known as a guiding star for shepherds.
In Bicol, there are stars such as “Pogot” used as a sign for fishing and incoming storms,
“Soag” is a four-star that resemble a four-sided figure, which signals the beginning of night
time, and “Torong” three stars that show an approaching storm.

“Sipat” and “Tudong” are mentioned in a ritual known as “kentan” conducted by ethnic
groups in the Cordillera to bless rice seedlings. “Binabbais”, another star named by the
people of Cordillera, is heard in prayers chanted during their ritual sacrifice of a chicken.
Tags: Astronomy
Gamab Albayda RizalTech Education Philippine Constellation
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