Bakunawa GYC BICF

Our performance of Bakunawa, composed and arranged by Sir Ily Matthew Maniano, during the 13th Bali International Choir Festival Competition round. Bakunawa—the moon-eating dragon of Philippine mythology—is believed to have caused eclipses in the early times. According to the ancient folks, Bathala—a supreme god—created seven moons so that each would illuminate one night of the week. Each of the seven nights was bright and beautiful, bringing joy to the people. It didn’t last when the Bakunawa was stricken by the radiance of the moons, became obsessed, and eventually swallowed six of the moons, one by one, each night, as he yearned to possess them all. The people, in turn, learned to arm themselves to protect the last moon from being swallowed by producing a cacophony of noises that echoed through the deafening screams and banging of drums and pots, pans, and other objects one could get hold of. One night, as they saw the Moon attack, everyone rallied together to drive the Bakunawa away and cried: “Return our Moon.” The loud noises soon stopped as they saw the beast spit out the moon, bringing back light to the earth. They lifted their hearts and uttered their praises of gratefulness to the Almighty who owned all creations.