Buzz
In a previous comment on '15 Bogeymen from Around the World,' I mentioned that a dedicated list of Filipino monsters and legendary beings could easily be created. Now, it's time to back up that statement and present this compilation! Here are ten of the most frightening and unique creatures from Filipino folklore.
10. Aswang
The aswang is arguably the most well-known among Filipino mythical creatures, with numerous variations across regions. Typically, they are shape-shifters who appear human during the day but transform into animals like dogs, pigs, bats, cats, or snakes at night, depending on local tales. They are notorious for raiding funeral homes to steal fresh corpses and infiltrating homes to feed on human blood. Some legends claim they can turn humans into aswangs by tricking them into biting back. Aswangs are particularly infamous for their craving for unborn children, leading to superstitious practices like neighborhood patrols guarding pregnant women from stray animals that might be aswangs in disguise.
9. Matruculan
The Matruculan is a fearsome Filipino mythological being known for targeting pregnant women. This creature is said to impregnate a virgin, only to return later and devour the fetus, with some tales suggesting both mother and child are consumed. In certain versions, the victim is a married woman already expecting. To safeguard the mother and unborn child, the husband must wield a balisong, or butterfly knife, above the woman’s belly during labor. This raises the question: what’s more terrifying—an unseen mythical beast or a father swinging a knife near his wife’s stomach?
8. Kapre
These towering, hairy giants with glowing eyes and an eternally lit cigar are often spotted perched in trees, waiting for nightfall to frighten mischievous children wandering outside after dark. Unlike other Filipino monsters, the Kapre doesn’t harm humans or feast on fetuses. Instead, it takes pleasure in terrifying youngsters and perhaps chuckling at their fear. Some legends suggest Kapres are friendly creatures capable of granting wishes if you discover their enchanted white stone. Signs of a Kapre’s presence include trees swaying without wind or faint smoke drifting from treetops, likely from their ever-burning cigar.
7. Duwende
Duwendes are small, humanoid beings that dwell underground. They come in two main varieties: the duwende puti, benevolent entities that bring good fortune, and the duwende itim, mischievous tricksters who enjoy tormenting humans. They typically remain hidden but interact with people if their homes are disturbed. A considerate farmer might be blessed with bountiful harvests by duwende puti, while someone who disrupts an anthill near a duwende itim’s dwelling could suffer ailments ranging from facial distortions to swollen body parts. To avoid offending any Duwende, it’s customary to say “Tabi-tabi po” before entering areas they might inhabit.
6. Tiyanak
The tiyanak shares similarities with the Greek siren, using its voice to attract victims. A crying baby is heard deep in the forest, prompting someone to follow the sound. In some tales, the individual becomes lost while searching, while others describe finding a baby that transforms into a monstrous creature with sharp teeth. The creature devours the victim and reverts to its baby form to lure others. Both versions conclude with the phrase, '...and he was never found again.'
5. Sigbin
The sigbin's appearance varies by region, described as a hornless goat, a reptilian crow, or resembling the Chupacabra. It is commonly depicted with a head hanging low between short forelegs and longer hindlegs, often moving backward like a crab. Its long, whip-like tail emits a foul odor, and it has grasshopper-like legs on its neck for jumping. The sigbin hunts children at night, collecting their hearts for amulets. Most tales come from Cebu, but in 2005, a similar creature was discovered in Borneo, sharing traits like long hind legs and a carnivorous nature. No definitive link has been established. [Image Source]
4. Tikbalang
The tikbalang is a mythical creature with the head and hooves of a horse and the torso of a human. In northern areas, it is seen as a mischievous but mostly harmless being that confuses travelers, causing them to hallucinate. To end its tricks, one can turn their shirt inside out and request it to stop. In southern tales, the tikbalang is far more dangerous, with glowing red eyes, a cigar, and a foul odor resembling burning hair. It is quick to anger and can trample victims to death. To control it, one must pull a specific long hair from its mane, after which it becomes subservient. Legend says that when rain falls while the sun shines, it signifies a tikbalang wedding.
3. Manananggal
The Manananggal is often regarded as a unique variant of the aswang. Known as 'Tik-tik' due to the sound it makes while flying, it cleverly deceives its prey by making the noise grow quieter as it approaches. This creature typically appears as an attractive woman with expansive, bat-like wings. During its hunt, the upper half of its body detaches and flies off, leaving the lower half rooted to the ground. It feeds on human blood, particularly favoring the hearts of unborn fetuses, which it extracts using its elongated, tube-like tongue. Similar to Western vampires, the Manananggal despises garlic and salt, making these effective deterrents. To destroy it, one must locate its lower body and apply salt or ashes to prevent reattachment at dawn.
2. The White Lady / Kaperosa
The White Lady is a distinct type of Multo, or ghost. Unlike typical Multo, who visit relatives to resolve unfinished matters, she appears to strangers in places like abandoned buildings, forests, and cliffs. Most sightings occur along Balete Drive in Quezon City. Her origins trace back to WWII, where she was allegedly raped and murdered by Japanese soldiers. Though not inherently evil, she has been linked to car accidents, as drivers often report seeing a faceless or bloodied woman in white seated in their backseat.
1. Kumakatok
Late at night, three cloaked figures—a beautiful young woman and two old men—appear at your doorstep. Their origins and how they came together remain a mystery, but stories of their visits have spread across the Philippines, especially during epidemics. Their arrival is said to foretell an impending death in the household. No charms or decorations can ward them off, and ignoring their knock does nothing to change the outcome. After they leave, a family member is destined to pass away soon.
