MALAYARI

The domains of Malayari. Among the early people of Zambales, it is recorded that Malayari was considered the highest ranking deity. Powerful and almighty, Malayari was said to be the creator of all things on earth. He was tha master of life and the lord of death. He was compassionate and loving. He granted satisfaction to the desires of his favorites. He sent rain for the fields of his worshippers, good health for those who follow his wishes, and wealth and good harvest for all those who faithfully observed his laws. However, like other gods, Malayari was also exacting and cruel in his punishment of those who ignored his commandments. He would send down disease, famine, misery, and destruction to the unbelievers, espacially those who refused to offer him sacrifices.


DIVINITIES ASSISTING MALAYARI


In administering the affairs of the universe, Malayari was assisted by several minor deities. These deities were called anitos. Among these anito were Akasi, Manglubar, Mangalagar, Anitun Tauo, Dumagan, Kalasakas, Kalasokus, and Damulag.
Sometimes considered as having powers equal to that of Malayari, Akasi was the celebrated god of health and sickness. Sacrifices for the immediate recovery of the sick were made to this god. No one had seen Akasi, although many of the priests claimed that they had talked to him. Whether this accountwas true or not, the people never bothered investigating. They believed whatever the priests told them. In fact, during the ritual ceremony everyone present, including the village's loafers, became good and food was shared alike.
Another deity serving Malayari was Manglubar, god of peaceful living. His main duty was to pacify angry hearts. Hence, when anyone in the village had committed crimes, it was the priest of Manglubar who were sent to pacify the relatives of the offended party. The reconciliation, if ever such was considered by the offended party, consisted in the offender's giving gold or something worth it to the relatives of the aggrieved person, according to the rank of the latter.
Often called the guardian angel, Mangalagar was the god of good grace. It was said that she used to accompany the priests wherever they went, especially when they were hunting. If the expedition was successful, sacrifices given to this deity were colorful; if otherwise, the ceremony was also less elaborate. It is interesting to note that under no circumstances would the person who invoked Mangalagar's aid enter the house without offering some gifts. Although it was not explained very clearly why sacrifices had to be given, some people said that if they did not do so, they would not be blessed with luck the nect time they embarked on an expedition.
As goddess of wind and rain, Aniton Tauo was said to be superior to any of her associates. However, because of her conceit, Malayari punished her by reducing her rank. The Zambals offered her pinipig of the best kind during harvest season. The sacrifices using these ingredients are called mamiarag.
As god of good harvest Dumagan caused the rice to yield better grains. Dumagan had several brothers, all equally powerful. They were Kalasakas, Kalasokus, and Damulag. Kalasakas was responsible for the early ripening of the ricestalks; Kalasokus, for turning the grains yellow and dry; and Damulag for keeping the flowers of the rice plants from being blown away by hurricanes. These gods had many priests and priestesses serving them.