In ancient Tagalog belief, who is considered the supreme deity?

• A. Mayari
• B. Bathala
• C. Lakapati
• D. Tala

Answer: (B)

Bathala is the supreme deity in ancient Tagalog belief. He is regarded as the Creator who formed the world and holds the ultimate authority over life and the cosmos. Prayers and offerings were directed to Bathala Maykapal as the source of all things and the one who maintains order in the universe. The other deities—Mayari, the moon goddess; Tala, the goddess of the stars; and Lakapati, the fertility goddess—govern specific domains, but they do not occupy the highest position in the pantheon.