ARAW
Sun god
Symbol: Power, eternal, looking forward, determination
Araw was considered a sun deity and son of Bathala.
In some stories, Araw is depicted as the angry persuer of Buan, the lunar goddess. The source of this rift is as follows:
Araw and Buwan both had their own constellation of millions of stars. One day, both deities agreed to destroy their stars. Araw willingly obliged and devoured his share of stars while Buan hid her amongst the clouds and would seldom emerge from hiding. Buan’s real intention was to protect her share of stars from the intense heat of Araw. Upon learning of this deceit, Araw has since pursued Buan across the sky to avenge her deceit - thus, the changing of day into night.
It is also believed that Tala (the morning/evening star) serves as a messenger and watcher to warn Buan’s constellation about Araw’s approach.
While the story depicts Araw’s wrath - Araw, as the sun, depicts nobility. Its eight-rayed version in the Philippine flag symbolizes the Spanish influence in the country. It has since been a popular symbol of Filipino identity.
The sun is the symbol of pride and power. As Araw, after all, is the son of the supreme god Bathala.