20 JUN 2024 · Join me on this intriguing episode of the LilWeird Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary tale of Gil Pérez, the 16th-century Spanish soldier who mysteriously teleported from Manila to Mexico City overnight. Was it an act of the supernatural, a case of bilocation, or simply an elaborate legend? Discover the different perspectives from historians, folklorists, and scientists as we unravel this historical enigma. In this episode, you'll learn: - The detailed account of Gil Pérez's teleportation - Historical context and recorded accounts by Fray Gaspar de San Agustín - Theories ranging from supernatural to scientific explanations - The distinction between teleportation and bilocation, with notable examples like Padre Pio Why listen? - Gain a deeper understanding of one of history's most fascinating mysteries - Explore how stories evolve into legends over time - Engage with thought-provoking discussions on the boundaries of reality Subscribe to the LilWeird Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform to never miss an episode. Do you have a bizarre story or an unsolved mystery you'd like me to investigate? Reach out to me on Instagram, Twitter, or leave a comment on our Facebook page. Stay updated with the latest episodes and join our community of curious minds. If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show. Share this episode with friends and family who love exploring the weird and wonderful. 🎵'Dystopia' by Neutrin05

17 JUN 2024 · In this episode of the LilWeird Podcast, we continue our exploration of the miraculous events at Lipa, Batangas. Following the divine apparitions experienced by Teresita Castillo, we now turn our attention to the miraculous shower of rose petals that captivated the faithful in 1948. These petals, some said to bear holy images, sparked awe and devotion, but also intense scrutiny and controversy. Join me, Jane Bee, as we delve into the Church's response to these events, the suppression that followed, and the eventual reopening of the case decades later. Discover the stories of those who fought to uncover the truth, the skepticism they faced, and the enduring faith that kept the miracles of Lipa alive in the hearts of many. - Key Topics: - The miraculous shower of rose petals - Skepticism and scientific scrutiny - Church investigation and suppression - Efforts to reopen the case and uncover the truth Tune in to the LilWeird Podcast for the second part of this captivating series. Dive deeper into the mysteries of Lipa and see how faith and controversy intertwine in this remarkable story. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the LilWeird Podcast, rate us, and leave a review on your favorite listening platform. Share this episode with friends and family who are fascinated by the mysterious and the divine. Follow us on social media for updates and more intriguing stories. References: Mother Figured: Marian Apparitions and the Making of a Filipino Universal by Deirdre de la Cruz Credits: 🎵'Dystopia' by Neutrin05

14 JUN 2024 · In this episode of the LilWeird Podcast, I take you on a captivating journey into one of the most extraordinary tales of faith and mystery from the Philippines. Discover the miraculous apparitions experienced by Teresita Castillo in 1948 at the Carmelite monastery in Lipa, Batangas. Unveil the profound connection between Teresita and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, as we delve into the divine messages and awe-inspiring encounters that transformed this quiet monastery into a site of spiritual wonder. Join me, Jane Bee, as I explore the hidden and almost forgotten story of Lipa's miraculous events. Learn about Teresita's visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the significance of these apparitions, and the impact they had on the faithful. This episode sets the stage for the miraculous shower of rose petals and the subsequent Church suppression that we’ll dive into in Part 2. Key Topics: - Teresita Castillo's divine apparitions - Connection with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux - The spiritual transformation of Lipa's Carmelite monastery - Hidden and almost forgotten miracles in the Philippines Tune in to the LilWeird Podcast for an intriguing exploration of faith, mystery, and the supernatural. Don't miss Part 1 of the Lipa Miracles series! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the LilWeird Podcast, rate us, and leave a review on your favorite listening platform. Share this episode with your friends and family who love exploring the mysterious and the divine. Follow us on social media for updates and more intriguing stories. 🎵'Dystopia' by Neutrin05

11 JUN 2024 · In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the shadowy and tumultuous history surrounding Yamashita's treasure. Journey with us as we uncover the labyrinth of secret tunnels and hidden vaults that crisscross the Philippines, said to contain untold riches looted during World War II. We explore the intricate web of power, secrecy, and betrayal that characterized the Golden Lily operation, orchestrated by Japan's Imperial family. Discover the complex relationships and unbreakable oaths between war heroes and civilians, and the heavy cost of human greed. As we delve into the struggles faced by treasure hunters and the political intrigue that ensued, we’ll shed light on the hidden agendas that have kept these stories buried for decades. Join us as we unravel the enigmatic legacy of Yamashita's gold, examining how the quest for wealth and power has left indelible marks on history and humanity. Tune in to reflect on the blurred lines between heroism and villainy, and ponder the profound impact of these hidden stories on our understanding of the past. As we conclude this episode, remember that history is often written by the victors, leaving many stories untold or shrouded in mystery. The saga of Yamashita's treasure is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the lengths people will go for power and wealth. What other secrets lie hidden in the annals of history, waiting to be uncovered? Thank you for joining us on this journey through the hidden vaults of the past. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Share your thoughts with us on social media, and stay tuned for more intriguing tales in the next episode of the LilWeird Podcast. Disclaimer The content of this episode includes historical events and personal accounts that are complex and multifaceted. The views and interpretations presented are based on extensive research but may not encompass the entirety of perspectives on the subject. Listener discretion is advised, especially considering the sensitive nature of political and wartime topics discussed. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the Lil Weird Podcast on your favorite listening platform. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a rating and review. It helps us reach more listeners like you. Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. We love hearing from you! Share your thoughts and theories about this episode using #LilWeirdPodcast. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you next time for another dive into the weird and wonderful! Reference: Gold Warriors: How America Secretly Recovered Yamashita’s Gold By Sterling & Peggy Seagrave Credits: Song: Punch Deck - 808 Lotus License: Creative Commons (CC BY 3.0) 

6 JUN 2024 · In the mysterious jungles of the Philippines, an extraordinary legend has captured the imaginations of treasure hunters and historians alike: Yamashita's Treasure. As World War II drew to a close, the retreating Japanese forces, led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita, allegedly buried a vast hoard of looted gold, diamonds, and priceless artifacts. Join me, Jane, your host of the Lil Weird Podcast, as I unravel the enigma of this hidden treasure. Is it real or just an elaborate wartime myth? Tune in to explore the secrets, sift through the evidence, and hear the thrilling tales of those who have dedicated their lives to uncovering Yamashita's Treasure. Show Notes: In this episode, we dive into the captivating legend of Yamashita's Treasure, a rumored hoard of gold and artifacts hidden by Japanese forces during World War II. We provide context on the dramatic Japanese retreat from the Philippines and why they chose to hide their loot. Uncover the secretive and meticulous plundering operation led by Japan's imperial princes, masterminded by Prince Chichibu. Learn about the construction of 175 treasure vaults across the Philippines, featuring ingenious engineering and deadly security measures. Explore the fascinating treasure vault locations like San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and Santo Tomas University. Key Takeaways: - Yamashita's Treasure: A legendary stash of looted gold and artifacts hidden by the Japanese during World War II. - Golden Lily Operation: Masterminded by Prince Chichibu, marked by meticulous planning and brutal secrecy. - Intriguing Locations: Treasure vaults hidden in iconic places like San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral. - Blend of Intrigue: Secret maps, booby-trapped caves, and mysterious disappearances. - Enduring Fascination: The quest for Yamashita's Treasure continues to captivate treasure hunters and historians worldwide. Additional Resources: For those interested in delving deeper, check out these must-read books, intriguing historical accounts, and documentaries on Yamashita's Treasure. Explore exclusive interviews with seasoned treasure hunters and historians. Gold Warriors :How America Secretly Recovered Yamashita’s Gold  By Sterling & Peggy Seagrave  Don't miss an episode—subscribe to the Lil Weird Podcast for more deep dives into bizarre and fascinating tales. Share your thoughts and wildest theories about Yamashita's Treasure on social media using LilWeirdPodcast. Find us on Instagram for more fascinating content. Leave a review on your podcast listening platform to let us know what you think! Disclaimer: The stories shared in this episode are based on historical events, research, and interpretations. While we strive for accuracy, interpretations of these events may vary. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of my podcast team. Listener discretion is advised. Tune in for Part 2! Curious about what happens next? In Part 2, I'll introduce you to Ben Valmores, a young Filipino valet whose life took an extraordinary turn when he crossed paths with a Japanese prince. We'll dive into his captivating story, exploring friendships forged in the chaos of war and the relentless quest for hidden gold. Get ready for more twists and turns in this thrilling treasure hunt! Don't miss out—tune in for the next episode of the Lil Weird Podcast. Credits: Song: Punch Deck - 808 Lotus License: Creative Commons (CC BY 3.0) 

31 MAY 2024 · In the second part of this episode, we shift our focus to personalistic and naturalistic causes of illness. We explore the supernatural and environmental factors that Filipinos believe can affect health. For personalistic causes, we discuss: - Engkanto: Elusive nature spirits believed to cause illness when disturbed. - Kulam: The dark art of sorcery, where curses and hexes bring about physical and mental ailments. (For more information about Filipino Folk Magic, check out Episode 4) - Aswang: Spine-chilling legends of witches who prey on the weak and vulnerable. We then move to naturalistic causes, including: - Pasma: The belief that sudden changes in temperature can wreak havoc on the body, causing trembling hands and muscle spasms. - Lamig: A condition believed to be caused by exposure to cold or damp environments, leading to muscle stiffness and aches. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the LilWeird Podcast for more intriguing content. Share your stories and questions about Filipino health beliefs on our social media or website—I love hearing from our listeners and engaging with this amazing community. Stay curious, keep exploring, and tune in next time as we continue to uncover the weird and wonderful aspects of the world around us. This episode was inspired by the insights from Michael Tan's book, https://books.google.com.ph/books/about/Revisiting_Usog_Pasma_Kulam.html?id=EktzHrfup1UC&redir_esc=y, which provides a deep dive into these fascinating beliefs. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

30 MAY 2024 · Join me, Jane Bee, on the LilWeird Podcast as we dive into the fascinating world of Filipino health beliefs. In this two-part episode, we uncover the rich tapestry of traditional practices and supernatural explanations that shape how many Filipinos understand health and illness. From mystical forces to personalistic and naturalistic causations, discover how these age-old beliefs still hold significance in modern Filipino culture. Show Notes - Part 1 Introduction and Mystical Illness Causation In the first part of this episode, we explore the mystical causes of illness in Filipino culture. We delve into ancient beliefs that attribute sickness to unseen and supernatural forces. We start with an overview of the episode's focus on Filipino health beliefs, explaining the three categories: mystical, personalistic, and naturalistic. We then dive into the mystical causes of illness: - Life Force: The concept of an invisible energy that sustains vitality and health. - Usog: The belief that a stranger's gaze or compliment can make a child sick, with a quick dab of saliva as the remedy. - Bangungot: A deadly form of sleep paralysis attributed to malevolent spirits attacking during sleep. - Soul Loss: The belief that the soul can wander or be stolen, leading to illness. (For more on this, check out Episode 6!) - Pollution: Spiritual contamination that can taint the body and soul, often requiring cleansing rituals. - Mystical Retribution: The idea that illness can be divine punishment for offending spirits or breaking taboos. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these mystical beliefs. Follow us on social media and share your experiences or opinions. And don’t forget to check out Episode 6 for a deeper dive into soul loss and the afterlife in Filipino culture. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will explore personalistic and naturalistic causations. Subscribe to LilWeird Podcast for more fascinating exploration into the unknown. ♪ [non copyright music] Lofi Type Beat - Coffee fruits

9 MAY 2024 · Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the fascinating world of ancient Filipino beliefs about the afterlife. In this episode, we explore the rich tapestry of beliefs that shaped early Filipino views on life after death, drawing insights from cultural sources and traditional wisdom. From the concept of the soul to the diverse realms of the underworld, we unravel the mysteries and nuances of Filipino cosmology and spirituality. Show Notes: - Introduction to the concept of the soul in early Filipino beliefs. - Exploration of the geography and districts of the underworld according to different Filipino cultures. - Discussion on the absence of a native concept of hell in early Filipino beliefs. - Insights into how early Filipinos understood sin and moral values. - Examination of the afterlife for the rich and the poor in ancient Filipino societies. - Comparison of beliefs across various Filipino ethnic groups, including the Tagalogs, Bukidnons, T'bolis, and more. - Reflections on the continuity of life and the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms in ancient Filipino cosmology. Book Reference: "The Soul Book" by Francisco R. Demetrio and Gilda Cordero, provides valuable insights into the beliefs and traditions of ancient Filipino cultures, offering a comprehensive exploration of the soul, the afterlife, and spiritual concepts woven into the fabric of Filipino heritage. We invite you to listen, learn, and engage with us as we uncover the echoes of eternity in the tapestry of ancient Filipino beliefs. Your feedback and thoughts are always welcome! Stay weird, stay curious, and stay tuned for more on Lil Weird Podcast! Thanks for listening.

22 APR 2024 · Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos according to Philippine folk religion in this episode of Lil Weird Podcast. Delve into the enchanting world of ancient beliefs and mythical narratives that have shaped the cultural landscape of the Philippines. Key Topics Covered: - The Earth and the Cosmos: Explore how ancient Filipinos perceived the world, from flat Earth concepts to layered interpretations of the universe, each filled with spiritual significance. - Gods and Goddesses of the Sky: Uncover the mythical realms reminiscent of Mount Olympus in Filipino folklore, where towering mountains are revered as sacred dwellings of divine beings. - Divine Connections and Departures: Discover captivating tales of gods and mortals coexisting, their intricate relationships, rifts, and eventual separations that left lasting imprints on human history. - Celestial Phenomena: Journey into intriguing narratives such as how the sky people discovered the earth through a hole in the sky. - Prepare to be captivated by the mystical allure of Philippine folk beliefs as we unravel the celestial myths that continue to inspire wonder and awe. Subscribe to Lil Weird Podcast to stay updated on more episodes exploring the fascinating realms of mythology, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Share your thoughts, stories, or questions with us on social media or through our website. We love hearing from our curious listeners! Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll delve into the native Filipino view of the soul, afterlife, and the underworld. Don't miss out on more intriguing insights into the weird and wonderful aspects of our world. Book Reference: https://books.google.com.ph/books/about/The_Soul_Book.html?id=TgANAQAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y

18 MAR 2024 · Welcome to a captivating journey into the mystical realms of Philippine Folk Magic on the "Lil Weird Podcast." In this episode, we delve into the common malign magic prevalent in the Philippines, focusing on the renowned and feared practices in the Visayan Region. Join me as I uncover the methods and signs of affliction with this dark magic, shedding light on the mysterious symptoms that may indicate its presence. We'll explore how practitioners acquire these magical capabilities, the motivations driving their actions, and strategies for countering these mystical forces. But that's not all - I'll also venture into the realm of skepticism, aiming to debunk myths and beliefs surrounding Philippine Folk Magic.  Disclaimer: This podcast is purely for entertainment purposes and not a guide to actual magical warfare.  Don't forget to subscribe for more intriguing episodes and share your thoughts in the comments below.  Now, let's embark on this mystical journey into the unknown! Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Sources: Cebuano Sorcery: Malign Magic in the Philippines by Richard Lieban (1967) Wikipedia