In ancient Tagalog theology, Bathala (or Batala), was the supreme being and omnipotent creator of the universe. Antonio de Morga, among others, thought Bathala meant an omen bird, but the author of the manuscript known as the Boxer Code, advises not to use it in this sense because it was not considered God but his messenger. After the arrival of the Spanish missionaires, Batala became identified with God, thus becoming synonymous with Diyos, or Dibino.
Trivia[]
- Bathala's tendency to spoil mankind with his love and care, and later his pairing with the Christian God has lead to the saying "Bahala na ang Diyos" which means (Leave it to God).