The Bakunawa is popularly known as Philippine’s very own legendary dragon. According to Cebuano and Waray mythology, Bathala originally created seven moons. However, the Bakunawa, a serpent with two wings on its back and two wings near its tail, was attracted by its moonlight. It flew to the skies and ate all six moons, and when it was about to eat the last moon, Bathala smited the serpent down and cursed it to live at the depths of the sea, never eating the moon ever again.

 

Whenever a lunar eclipse occurs, it is believed that the Bakunawa is attempting to eat the last moon again. To stop this, Cebuanos and Warays make noise by clanking their metal wares to stop the serpent from fully consuming the last moon. 

 

Despite being popularly known as the devourer of moons, the Bakunawa is only one of the few celestial devourers that can consume both moon and the sun.