Philippine Mythical Creatures - folklore
Philippine Mythical Creature - folklore
by Arlene Gentallan
Here are some of the commonly
known Philippine urban mythological creatures. While others may think
these are just imaginary creatures to compel kids to go to bed early,
most rural residents would attest that they indeed existed.
Manananggal (Viscera sucker)
Manananggal is the best known amongst the Philippine folklore creatures. Who wouldn't be terrified by a flying torso, with its entrails hanging loosely, fresh from its peritoneal cavity?
Even the rustling produced by the flapping of its oversized wing is enough to instill fear among the rural folks who are well aware of the danger it brings.
This flesh eater is usually disguised as a beautiful woman by day, but when night falls, she rubs a kind of ointment around her waist, enabling her upper body to separate from waist down. Huge pair of bat like wings sprouts out of her back. Her nails and teeth lengthen and sharpen. Her face leaving no trace of the beauty she wore during daytime.
She prefers to eat her favorite meal straight from it's mother's womb. Clawing holes on the roof, she protrudes her long thin tongue to suck out the fetus.
Although she usually hunts for unborn child, she is reportedly well equipped to kill and eat full grown men.
Pregnant women are usually advised to hang garlic around there house to fend off the manananggal. The best way to kill it is to prevent the upper torso from reattaching to its lower half by sprinkling salt on it so when morning comes, the sun's rays will toast both halves.
Tiyanak
There's something disturbing about the shrill cry of a baby that compiles one to come to its aid. But beware; this very human nature is instrumental for TIYANAK in hunting its prey.
Said to be the spirits of aborted fetuses, this ugly monster is hiding under the mask of an innocent child. Although it may appear small, it has the strength and agility to kill.
So next time you hear the heart melting cry out there in the woods, be more careful.
Engkanto
Trying to find your way out of the forest but have the feeling you're just circling the same path? An Engkanto may just be the culprit.
These creatures often trick unsuspecting folks, making them believe they are lost. So while they may have been walking all afternoon, in reality, they're just circling a tree.
Turning one's clothes inside out will enable one to escape the illusion created by the engkanto.
Kapre
Notice how a particular tree's leaves seem to sway in response to a nonexistent breeze when all the other trees are dead still? A red glowing light seems to float up in a tree and smoke rises out of thin air. These usually indicate the presence of a tree dwelling giant fond of smoking tobacco--Kapre.
by Arlene Gentallan
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| Philippine Mythical Creatures - folklore |
Manananggal (Viscera sucker)
Manananggal is the best known amongst the Philippine folklore creatures. Who wouldn't be terrified by a flying torso, with its entrails hanging loosely, fresh from its peritoneal cavity?
Even the rustling produced by the flapping of its oversized wing is enough to instill fear among the rural folks who are well aware of the danger it brings.
This flesh eater is usually disguised as a beautiful woman by day, but when night falls, she rubs a kind of ointment around her waist, enabling her upper body to separate from waist down. Huge pair of bat like wings sprouts out of her back. Her nails and teeth lengthen and sharpen. Her face leaving no trace of the beauty she wore during daytime.
She prefers to eat her favorite meal straight from it's mother's womb. Clawing holes on the roof, she protrudes her long thin tongue to suck out the fetus.
Although she usually hunts for unborn child, she is reportedly well equipped to kill and eat full grown men.
Pregnant women are usually advised to hang garlic around there house to fend off the manananggal. The best way to kill it is to prevent the upper torso from reattaching to its lower half by sprinkling salt on it so when morning comes, the sun's rays will toast both halves.
Tiyanak
There's something disturbing about the shrill cry of a baby that compiles one to come to its aid. But beware; this very human nature is instrumental for TIYANAK in hunting its prey.
Said to be the spirits of aborted fetuses, this ugly monster is hiding under the mask of an innocent child. Although it may appear small, it has the strength and agility to kill.
So next time you hear the heart melting cry out there in the woods, be more careful.
Engkanto
Trying to find your way out of the forest but have the feeling you're just circling the same path? An Engkanto may just be the culprit.
These creatures often trick unsuspecting folks, making them believe they are lost. So while they may have been walking all afternoon, in reality, they're just circling a tree.
Turning one's clothes inside out will enable one to escape the illusion created by the engkanto.
Kapre
Notice how a particular tree's leaves seem to sway in response to a nonexistent breeze when all the other trees are dead still? A red glowing light seems to float up in a tree and smoke rises out of thin air. These usually indicate the presence of a tree dwelling giant fond of smoking tobacco--Kapre.
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