BALATIK: Katutubong bituin ng mga Pilipino Talampad=Constellation 

By: Dr. Dante L. Ambrosio -They have created talampad (constellation) according to
what they value in life. 
Objectives  
 To acquaint with the author of history reading How do Filipinos call stars?
 To know what is Ethnoastronomy and why do we need Bituin- for Binukid, Manobo, Sambal, and Tagalog
to sudy it Bituon- for Aklanon, Bikol, Hiligaynon, Maguindanao,
 To learn Filipino's Talampad ng mga Bituin (Balatik & Samar-Leyte, and Sebu.
Maroporo) Bituun- for Kinamigin, Mansaka, Sama, Tagbanua, and
 To learn other Filipino's Talampad ng mga Bituin (by Tausug.
Ethnic Group) Bitun- for Gaddang, Ibanag, Itawis, and Subanun.
 To know how Filipinos show their appreciation of stars Mamahi- for Sama of Tawi-tawi.
Magirim and Panggasam- for Mangyan.
Talaw- for Kordilyera.
Dr. Dante Lacsamana Ambrosio was a Filipino ethnologist, Baggak- for Ilokano.
astronomer, college professor, and activist known as the
"Father of Philippine Ethnoastronomy."  What are some talampad ng mga bituin?
-Ethnoastronomy is the branch of astronomy concerned with balatik: panghuli ng baboy damo
specific cultures' astronomical beliefs and practices. As for bubu: panghuli ng isda
Dr. Ambrosio, he focused on Ethnoastronomy here in the kupu: paru-paro
Philippines, specifically, the astronomical beliefs and lepu: baluktot o lumpo
practices of early ethnic Filipinos.  manok: ibon
-He is also known for his written works which discussed the niyu: niyog
importance of celestial bodies to various Philippine ethnic pudun: ikid
groups.  pungul: putol
rara: pula
Just like any other culture, for early ethnic Filipinos, the timbang: pantay
sky became the basis of their beliefs, actions, and -Based on this we can say that the talampad really exist
lifestyle.  thousands of years ago because of the words that they used to
-The sky has functions in their lives. For example, Filipinos name the talampad. 
consult the sky as they go on with their everyday lives, just
like in determining the good times for planting, fishing, and 20th Century Discoveries
hunting. Furthermore, together with the sun and the moon, -in the 20th century, many individuals were interested in
the stars serve as symbols of ideals and values these cultures studying Ethnoastronomy. As a result, many constellations
hold on to. and stars were discovered and revealed by researchers. 
Revel recognized 24 talampad of Palawan ng Palawan.
When did Dr. Ambrosio discover Filipino Matuan and Schlegel recognized 6 talampad that Maranao ng
Ethnoastronomy?  Lanao and Teduray ng Cotabato use in farming.
-It was 1982 when Dr. Ambrosio discovered that Filipinos Casiño recognized 16 stars of Jama Mapun of Tawi-tawi.
have their own stars.  Dr. Ambrosio learned 15 stars of Sama Tawi-Tawi, but they
-He read Mabanggal ng mga Bukidnon and his grandmother are 60 overall. 
taught him about "Tatlong Maria, Supot ni Hudas, Krus na Frake mentioned the seven stars the Sindangan SUbanen
bituin at Koronang Tinik," which did not catch his attention used in farming.
because they were just stars of Christians, which he believed Cole spoke about 8 talampad of Bukidnon.
was not significant.  Magos named six constellations from Antique. 
-But, when he learned about the "Tenduray ng Cotabato," Kasberg discovered 16 constellations of Gubatnon Mangyan
that is when he knew there were absolute stars in Filipino. of Mindoro. 
And that is also when Dr. Ambrosio had an interest in Lambrecht and Vanoverbergh discovered Ifugao and
Ethnoastronomy.  Kankanaey of Cordillera praying to at least ten stars. 

Why study Ethnoastronomy?

-According to Dr. Ambrosio, through the study of Philippine Balatik at Maropo
Ethnoastronomy, we can connect the past and present. These are the two most recognized groups of stars in the
Moreover, we can pinpoint what our culture is and what the archipelago. 
culture brought about by colonialism. Plus, it proves how
rich Filipino culture is.  Why are the balatik and moroporo famous?
1. They can easily attract attention. Balatik is made up
"Talampad ng mga Bituin" of bright stars with three lined-up stars at the same
What do you think is the meaning of talampad? distance. Tagalog call those stars Tatlong Maria o
 Tres Marias, and the modern astronomy call them Moroporo- Bikolano
Orion's Belt. The Orion's belt shows the shape of Mulupulu- Arumanen Manobo
balatik (panghuli ng baboy damo). The Pleiades Mupu- Sama
comprises a cluster of 6-7 shining stars. It is also Murupuru- Antique, Tagbanua
called Supot ni Hudas o Rosaryo by Tagalog, Penikapan- Manobo
Mapulon is its old name, and is also known as Rosaryo- Tagalog
Moroporo.  Poyopoyo- Mandaya
2. They have a strange location in the sky. They are Salububu- Kankanaey
commonly seen in the archipelago from October up Salifuto- Khinaang Fontok
until May.  San Apon- Ibaloi
3. They are usually used as a sign to begin something, Supot ni Hudas- Tagalog
especially in farming. Because of this, they are
known to the whole archipelago. They appear when They sometimes relate Moroporo to two nearby stars--
it is the right time to plant crops.  Hyades at Orion. 
Hyades- triangle group of stars between Pleiades and Orion.
Katutubong Pangalan ng mga Bituin ng Orion It is part of the Taurus constellation like the Pleiades. 
Atlung Maria- Kapampamngan It is widely known in the archipelago.
Balatic- Magahat, Bilaan The terminology is almost similar, especially in the middle
Balatik- Bagobo, Tagalog, Maguindanao, Bikol, Antique and south of the Philippines, although the meaning is
Bayatik- Mandaya different.
Balbalays- Mayawyaw Ifugao Some ethnic groups knew it during the prehispanic period.
Batik- Jama Mapun, Sama Its name is clearly associated with hunting and agricultural
Belatik- Manobo use, as is Balatik.
Binabbais (Orion's Belt)- Kankanaey
Binawagan Magsasawad (Orion's Belt and Sword)- Palawan Iba pang Tamlampad
Bodays (Orion's Belt and Sword)- Ibaloi There are other talampad (constellations) of stars reported by
Farrais- Khinaang Fontok Spaniards. 
Gaganayan- Ilokano/Igorot
Gendaw Belatik- Subanen Talampad ng mga Tagalog
Lubang- Bikol Tala (Third star, the morning star)
Magbangal- Bukidnon Macapanis (Bootes o Arcturus)
Mbangal- Maranao May carang (bubong ng sasakyan ang carang)
Seretar- Teduray Hampil (harang sa sasakyan)
Tatlong Maria- Tagalog Camalyang (Southern Cross)
Trismariiya- Itbayater Tanglao Daga (Venus)
Bulansaguan
Four things are clear about Balatik. Balais
It is ancient and prehispanic as a trap and star. Balatik at Mapulen (Bituin ng Tayabas)
It is widely recognized in the archipelago as a trap and a Talang Batugan (Tala sa umaga o Talang Bakero(tala ng mga
trap.  pastol))
Its name is related to hunting, but its use is related to Talang Bilaran
planting. Bituing Bumbong
One of the primary references in farming. Krus na Bituin
Talampad ng mga Bisaya
There was also a time when it served as the cue for a ritual of Losong (Big Dipper)
human sacrifice by the Bagobo people. Alimango (Aries)
Lobi 
Katutubong Pangalan ng Pleiades (Moroporo) Malopolc
Gendaw Gubiyan- Subanen Lubi (Puno ng Niyog)
Katanidin- Agta ng kasiguran
Kufukufu- Tenduray Talampad ng mga Bikolano
Langaw- Maguindanao Macadadamlag (Venus)
Madakel- MAranao Paglong (Southern Cross)
Manapuru- Palawan Pogot (ginagamit na senyal sa pangingisda at ng bagyo)
Mapolon- Tagalog Soag (apat na bituing kuwadrado na senyal ng hatinggabi)
Marapuro- Kanlurang Samar Torong (tatlong bituing senyal ng bagyo kung nasa tuktok sa
Maroprop- Ilokano gabi)
Molopolo- Bisaya, Bukidnon, Hiligaynon
Mopo- Jama Mapun Talampad ng mga Ilokano
Gagan-ayan (Orion) Bunta o Buntal (Southern Cross) (Butete na sinisibat ng
Marorop (Pleiades) Anak Daru)
Sunay (Southern Cross at Northern Cross) Niyu-niyu (Puno ng Niyog) (Tagahimatog ng hangin)
Sibilut (Polaris)
Talampad ng mga Teduray Tanggong (bahagi ng Aguila) (Binubuo ng Tohng, Masikla,
In Teduray myth... Mayuyu) 
Keluguy- palayaw ni Fegeferafad (bahagi ng Canis Major, Tanggung (Connected to planting rice, exaplains why people
Canis Major, at Gemini) plant rice)
Kufukufu (Pleiades), Baka (Hyades), Seretar (Orion) ay Anakdatu (Alpha Centauri) (Mangingisda)
magpipinsan. Amain nila si Keluguy at si Singkad Basung (Hyades)
Fegeferafad is in the shape of a human. The head (Procyon) Lakag o Maga (Jupiter o Venus) (tala sa umaga)
has bandana and chicken wings (Gomeisa), a sign of Mamahi Uttara (Polaris)
braveness. Canis Major stars Sirus, Murzim is his left hand, Mupu o Pupu (Pleiades) (mga isla)
Gemini stars Castor and Pollux is his right hand.  Naga (Milky way) (Ahas o dragon)
Singkad (bahagi ng Aguila) and Kenogon (Delphinus) are Paliyama (Tarased, Altair, Alschain of Aguila) (maligai,
couple. Bahay ni Tuhan)
Sahapang (Beta Centauri) (Sibat na may tatlong talim)
In their myth, Lagey Lingkuwus leads the Teduray people to Salokah (Scorpius) (puno ng niyog)
go to inged Tulus (place of fairies), where they can stay and Sangkap-sangkap (Alpha, Beta, Theta Lyrae) (paet)
settle. Lagey Lingkuwus knows Tulus was created again by Soka punggul (part of Grus) (Bulto ng puno ng niyog)
new Teduray so Lagey Lingkuwus can take care of the forest. Tunggal Bahangi (Jupiter o Venus) (tala sa gabi)
For Teduray's convenience when farming, he requested
Fegeferafad and his six subordinates to go to the sky to serve In Jama Mapun myth...
as reference stars. They agreed.  Tohng, Masikla, and Mayuyu are couple. One time, Masikla
cooked leaves of grass. Masikla instructed Mayuyu to watch
Talampad ng mga Bukidnon the food because Masikla would find food on the seashore.
Magbangal (parang tabo) Masikla also ordered Mayuyu not to open the pot's cover;
Balokau (Natirang kamay ni Magbangal) whatever happens. But, Mayuyu opened the pot and saw it
Baka (Triangle shape, panga ng baboy damo na napatay ni was half grass and half rice. When Masikla came back,
Magbangal) Masikla knew Mayuyu's disobedience. So, Masikla said
Molopolo (lampas sa tuktok, parang maliit na tabo, burol na because of Mayuyu's disobedience, people must work hard
pinangangasuan ni Magbangal) before they could eat. If only Mayuyu obeyed Masikla,
Ta-on (Hugis L sa madaling araw, palakol ni Magbangal) people could have cook grass. 
Sogoba-ton (Kawayang pingga) Then, there is another story. Tohng went to his farm. Mayuyu
Malala (Itak ni Magbangal) followed him. She saw the axe and bolo cutting down trees
Ti-ok (Pabilog, alagang butiki ni Magbangal) and grasses while Tohng was just playing his flute. Mayuyu
Taku (talang sa gabi, magnanakaw) came out and confronted Tohng for his laziness. The axe and
bolo fall, and they never work again. Tohng got angry and
The story of Magbangal blamed Mayuyu for disobeying Masikla; if she did not,
He is an influential person in the story of the Bukidnon people would not need to work. Because of this, Tohng and
People. When he goes to his farm, he asks his wife to stay Masikla left Mayuyu and went to the sky. But Mayuyu went
home and not follow him at work. But, his wife did not listen after them. They become Talampad ng Tanggong. 
to him. His wife heard trees falling, a sign that Magbangal
was starting to clear the field. But, when she peeps, she sees Talampad ng mga Palawan
Magbangal sleeping. The axe and the bolo are moving and Anak Datuq (Saturn and Jupiter)
doing all the work. That's when the wife knew Magbangal Antatalaq/Bunatatalaq (Venus)
had powers. That is also when the axe moved to cut Asak (Cor Caroli)
Magbangal's hand. Because of anger, Magbangal told his Binawagan magakas (part of Canis Major) (Bitag sa baboy
wife to go to the river and become a fish. Then, Magbangal damo)
goes to the sky and becomes a reference star for the farming Binawagan Magsasawad (Orion's Belt and Sword)
season of the Bukidnon people.  Bulalaw + Paqajung ja (part of Lyra and Hercules) (lalagyan
ng tubig) 
Talampad ng mga Jama Mapun (Mapun, Tawi-tawi) Bungsud + Magipag (Part of Perseus) (punso o isang pares
*Connected to fishing and hunting ng hipag at bilas)
Bobo o Bubu (Big Dipper) (Panghuli ng Isda) Buntal + tatanan at rampulung (Southern Cross and part of
Batik (Orion's Belt) (Bitag o Patibong) Centaurus) (Botete at sahapang)
Mopo (Pleiades) (Preislamiko, senyal sa pagtataya sa simula Duruj (Part of Gemini) (manok)
ng pagtatanim) Gubang ni Asak + salanaqan ja (Ursa Major and Cor Coli)
(Bangka ni Asak at sibat)
Inaq + alad ja (Part of Auriga) (Manok at pakpak) Liwliu
Lakut at paraj (Coupe) (lalagyan ng buto o butil) Pinadanga (Hyades)
Lakut at sanglij (Corona Borealis) (lalagyang may kamote) Sangbat
Manapuru ( Pleiades) (tumpok ng kamote)  Salibubu (Pleiades)
Njug + wasaj (part of Scorpius) (puno ng niyog at hawakan Sipat (Dolphin)
ng palakol) Takang
Pungur (part of Ophiuchus)  Tikem (Sagittarius)
Punggur + Sawa (part of Serpens) (puno at sawa) Tudong (part of Andromeda, Pisces, Triangulum, and Aries)
Sagab (part of Aguila) (lagayan ng tubig) Ulinh
Salangan (part of Perseus) Wayat
Sangat at bjak (Hyades) (panga at pangil ng baboy damo)
Sjud ni Bihang (lambat ni Bihang) Talampad ng mga Kordilyera (Khinaang Fontoc)
Taktampinak ni Asak (part of Pegarus) (lalagyan ng tabako Farrais (Part of Orion)
ni Asak) Farrangay (Part of Ursa Major)
Taktampinak at magkapuqun (Libra) Salifuto (Part of Pleiades)
Tarung (Delphinus) (pingga)
Talampad ng mga Kordilyera (Mayawyaw Ifugao)
Palawan has 24 total talampad. Notably, their names are Agiwa'na (Sirius)
related to the environment, maritime, forest, and farm work. Balbala'ys (5 stars on Big Dipper's handle)
The Palawan's hunting star is similar to Tenduray and Ilihan
Bukidnon, while fishing stars are similar to the stars of Nachalipo'pong (compiled like balls)
Sama.  Nahiki'hig
Ni'pngot (crown)
Talampad ng mga Bagobo Palpa'llo Pawit (Venus)
Balatik Pumi'-nal 
Marara Tumi'gan
Mamari
Bwaya There are many ethnic groups in Kordilyera, which is why
they have different star names. But, they were geographically
Marara appears in April. It is a sign of the start of farming. In far from each other, which is why star names are also not
Bogobo stories, Marara is a person with one hand and one similar. Researchers got the star names on the ethnic rituals
foot. It brings cloudy weather during agriculture season, so and prayers. Corona Borealis and Aquarius are included in
people would not see its disabilities.  the Kankanaey prayers. Sipat and Tudong are also mentioned
Mamari and Bwaya appear in the last part of June, after in a ritual of sacrificing chickens for someone who can't stop
Marara.  peeing and in the ceremony of kentan, wherein they bless
rice seedlings for transfer. Slibubu, Binabbais, and Aquarius
Talampad ng mga Kordilyera (Ibaloi) are also mentioned in prayers for sacrificing a chicken. 
Balikongkong (Leo)
Batakagan (bright stars of Cassiopea) Pagpapahalaga sa mga Bituin (Appreciation of the Stars)
Bodays (Orion's Belt at Sword) From what we have seen, it is noticeable that Filipinos have a
Koros (Corss in Canis Major) clear, deep, and profound appreciation for the stars. It was
Mamawas (Venus or Jupiter) (Morning star) seen because of the following:
Mauwa Balaya (5 circle star in Auriga) Larawan ng Katutubong Langit at Bituin- Filipinos
Pangal (triangle in Lyra, part of Vega) created their own images of the sky and stars. They gave
Salabobo (Hyades) constellations, images, and meaning to their cultural heroes
San apon (Pleiades) and works in their daily lives. 
Tachong (Head and Body of Scorpius) Bituin at Pamumuhay- Stars have profound meaning to
Tado (two pointers of Little Dipper and Polaris)  Filipino lives. They named the stars after their lifestyles, such
Wadwadan (part of Bootes in the middle of Acturus) as their works and tools. 
Sangguniang Bituin- Stars become a signal of when to start.
Talampad ng mga Kordilyera (Kankanaey) They became Filipino references to seasons. 
Aggiwanas (Milky way) Pagbabago- Spanish influenced Filipino stars like Tatlong
Balangay o Kinamalig (Ursa Major) Maria, but it did not change how Filipinos gave importance
Batakdan (Venus or Morning Star)  to the stars. In fact, it further spread since Christianity sees it
Binabbais (Orion's Belt) as a way of clarity.  
Dopo Pagpapatuloy- It was never forgotten. In the 20th century,
Ketma researchers started to write about Filipino stars. Furthermore,
Kinallaub (Coma Berenices) ethnic groups still use stars as how they were used before.
Laska
Moreover, Filipinos gave a genuine appreciation to the stars.
It is evident in our flag.