Ceejay Garrido

Celebrating Precolonial Filipino Feminism: Mayari

These designs are part of a visual/ conceptual development made for animation, which centers around a modern retelling of a Filipino mythological story of the moon goddess, Mayari. According to Mayari's tale, in her battle against her brother, Apolaki, for equal right to rule the skies, she was blinded in one eye, which explains why the sun was brighter than the moon. This story is an early example of precolonial Filipino feminist ideals as it champions the importance of gender balance and challenging patriarchal norms.

“As a Filipino-American woman, my journey to cultural re-discovery took an unexpected turn when I stumbled upon the colourful stories of Filipino mythology in my adulthood. Among the countless tales that captivated my imagination, the story of Mayari, the one-eyed lunar goddess, resonated deeply within me. Mayari's narrative embodied the essence of feminine strength and resilience, offering me a powerful source of inspiration.Through Mayari's story, I learned that my heritage carries with it a legacy of strong, resilient women who have triumphed over challenges throughout history. It empowered me to embrace my own strength and resilience, and helped me rediscover my passion for my Filipino heritage. Through this visual journey, I seek to share the beauty and power of Filipino mythology, inviting others to embark on their own journeys of cultural discovery and find inspiration in the stories that have shaped us.”