Introduction
The Philippines is big on romance. During the Spanish colonial occupation around every nine out of ten books published in Filipino languages were either religious or romantic in nature.
This is still reflected in today's culture in new and modern ways. For example,
love teams are a form of modern romantic storytelling where an actor and an actress are presented as a couple to be 'shipped' by the general population.
One such popular couple is "JaDine", that is to say, James Reid and Nadine Lustre.
In this article though we will focus more on traditional stories and forms of romantic expression.
Magayon and Panganoron
There are a number of romantic myths and stories in Filipino Mythology unique to each group of people. One of the most touching stories is that of Princess Magayon and Warrior Panganoron.
According to the original oral story, after being saved by Panganoron from drowning, the two fell in love and her father gave them his blessing. This enraged Pagtuga, a jealous former suitor, who then kidnapped Magayons father, threatening to kill him if Magyon did not marry him.
Fortunately, Panganoron arrived to challenge Pagtuga on their wedding day and the two men duelled. After an epic struggle, Panganoron wins!
Unfortunately, before the two lovers can embrace, a poison dart from Pagtuga in one last act of spite as he is dying strikes Magayon. As she lies dying in Panganoron’s arms, one of Pagtuga’s soldiers strikes him down whilst he grieves over his dying love. The Magyon Volcano rose up at the site of their grave.
A testament to their love.
It is now said that every time Mayon is about to erupt, Pagtuga is challenging Panganoron, while when the volcano is calm.
Panganoron is embracing Magayon.
The Myth of Libulan and Sidapa
Libulan and Sidapa in some myths are often addressed as being the Patron Deities of Homosexuality in the Philippines.
According to the myths, Sidapa lived alone on top of a mountain where he could see the moon gods and Libulan. At the same time, Bukunawa, a great sea dragon also became similarly enthralled by him.
Libulan created a pathway of fireflies in order to get to Sidapa where he was presented with gifts and affection. Bukunawa grew angry at their happiness and came up from the sea to devour the moon.
Fortunately, Sidapa saved Libulan from being eaten and ran away together to the mountain as husbands.
Problems with Libulan and Sidapa
Whilst this is a captivating tale, sadly it cannot really be called a myth as it is not located within pre-colonial thought but is instead a modern invention. The original source of the two gods is much, much different from the modern-day understanding of the myth.
Although it is important to keep the actual mythology and belief systems of indigenous peoples alive, is it okay to completely alter the identity of indigenous beliefs to fit modern narratives? The answer to this is unclear and deserves its own article.
Despite this, it is clear that there is a rich culture of LGBTQ+ acceptance in pre-colonial thinking which should be celebrated at valentines too!
For example, the identity of the deity Lakapti (goddess of fertility and good harvest) is often thought of as being both man and woman in one. Therefore they/she/he exist outside of traditional western ideas of Gender.
The Art of Ligaw
In terms of expressing love and affection, there is a tradition known as Ligaw which means to court or to woo.
Traditionally, this is meant to take the form of gifts, letters or poetry presented by a man to a woman and her family. And as a fun fact: Jose Rizal (Rizz by name Rizz by nature) sent hundreds of letters to multiple women throughout his life.
The tradition of Ligaw, and to many today, is a major part of Filipino culture.
This practice originates in the colonial era of the Philippines which explains its rather patriarchal and conservative tone. Despite this, it has found a continuous place in dating culture and even found itself to have an online presence now that the art of letter writing is becoming relatively obsolete.
The Art of Harana
The Philippines is also a very musical place, and Filipinos love to sing. In fact, the inventor of the karaoke machine was Filipino, Roberto del Rosario.
In a more romantic sense, Harana is a great tradition from rural areas where young men may formally meet young women in order to serenade and woo them. The hopeful suitor would sing outside her window in a truly dreamy way.
The typical music genre for this was called Kundiman and it involved slower-paced music with quite long instrumentals.
Whether you're a hopeless romantic or planning a dope karaoke party, here are a few classic Flipino (old and new) love songs to inspire you:
Grent Perez - Cherry Wine
Jeremy Passion - Lemonade
IV of Spades - Come Inside of My Heart
APO Hiking Society - When I Met You
Side A - Forevermore
Romantic Phrases
Last but not least, here are some Filipino phrases to tell your partners to make them fall in love all over again, or to your crushes if you're going to finally confess:
Iniibig kita (I love you (Poetic))
Lagi kang nasa isip ko (You are always on my mind)
Kailangan kita (I need you)
May gusto ako sa'yo (I have a crush on you)
Mamahalin kita habang buhay (I will love you forever)
Bibliography
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