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This article was originally an exploration to try and find evidence in support of the moon deities Libulan (Visayan) and Bulan (Bicolano) being the “Patron Deities of Homosexuality.”
No evidence was found and since it’s publication the Bulan and Sidapa love affair has been proven fiction. There are several blogs operated by a single individual that propagated this myth with the intention to deceive the public.
READ: Uncovering the BULAN & SIDAPA Love Story Deception
However, contrary to the backlash against the fictional story, there was indeed a Bicolano moon deity called BULAN.
READ: BULAN, the Bikol Moon Deity
There was also a deity in the Visayan creation story named Libulan, who became the moon.
READ: VISAYAN Origin Myth: Creation of the Sun and Moon
Below is the conclusion to the exploration in this article.
“So is it safe to call Libulan the patron deity of homosexuals? Not in a historical context, and that needs to be emphasized when Libulan is mentioned. As I said earlier, Philippine societies regarded their myths as containing psychological and archetypal truths. If modern Philippine society needs Libulan as a symbol for the LGBT movement, then that is his purpose for today. As a study of anthropology, history and the evolving realm of Philippine mythology, I’m okay with that – as should we all be.”
It is, however, unfortunate that the modern “Patron Deity of Homosexuals” re-interpretation of Libulan/ Bulan is based on a fictional story. I’m really at a loss for words. With all the time and effort that people have spent researching, creating art, and debating this hoax, I can’t help but think of the current state of historical revisionism. If one person can convince an entire generation of the imaginary love affair between Bulan and Sidapa, imagine what a legion of thousands can do for political purposes.
The Bulan & Sidapa deception is a sad reflection of how easily we are persuaded and manipulated into believing something we want to be real. There are countless threads arguing the validity of this story. The love story between Bulan and Sidapa is a work of fiction that was deliberately spread in a manner that misrepresented it as precolonial beliefs.
Jordan Clark is a Canadian born descendant of Scottish immigrants living on the homelands of the Lekwungen speaking peoples. His interest in Philippine myth and folklore began in 2004. Finding it difficult to track down resources on the topic, he founded The Aswang Project in 2006. Shortly after, he embarked on a 5 year journey, along with producing partner Cheryl Anne del Rosario, to make the 2011 feature length documentary THE ASWANG PHENOMENON – an exploration of the aswang myth and its effects on Philippine society. In 2015 he directed “The Creatures of Philippine Mythology” web-series, which features 3 folkloric beings from the Philippines – the TIKBALANG, KAPRE and BAKUNAWA. Episodes are available to watch on YouTube. Jordan recently oversaw the editing for the English language release of Ferdinand Blumentritt’s DICCIONARIO MITOLÓGICO DE FILIPINAS (Dictionary of Philippine Mythology) and is working on two more releases with fellow creators scheduled for release later this year. When his nose isn’t in a book, he spends time with his amazing Filipina wife of 20 years and their smart and wonderful teenaged daughter.
