IT'S almost Halloween and this time of the year, Filipinos love to scare themselves with tales of horror and encounters with the "unknown." If you are a Cebuano, these beings and creatures surely have left you sleepless for a few nights:
Agta
Similar to the kapre, the agta is also a hairy giant spirit that lives in large trees but he is not shy of showing his romantic side. He is known for luring females with flowers. He drives men crazy, then seduces them to suicide.
Aswang
In Cebu, the aswang could be a witch or a blood sucker with shapeshifting powers. During the day, the aswang could be a silent lady who lives a simple life but at night, she could become a monster ready to feast on human blood and flesh. She especially likes pregnant women whose fetus she would gladly eat.
Once she already identified the house of a pregnant woman, she will come at night and alights at the roof. She will then stretch her tongue until it becomes as thin as thread and eats the fetus inside the womb.
Banwaanon
The Banwaanon, which means "of the forest," is the Cebuano version of the engkanto. The term could also vary into "Katsila," meaning Spaniard. It is believed that these beings with Caucasian features and colors would appear to people they like. They are also ready to help those who help them.
Duwende
The duwendes are mischievous creatures who can either be friends or foes. Remember those ant mounds from your childhood and why your mother always reprimanded you from playing near those?
That's because you might step on the duwende, who lives in the ant mound, and he might inflict you with an unknown disease, which will only disappear if you ask for his forgiveness.
Kalag (ghost)
The kalag literally means spirit but Cebuanos also use this word to refer to ghosts. Ghosts are entities who dwell in places and things especially those that they have been associated with. They may also be spirits of people who are yet to rest especially if they have been killed in gruesome ways.
Kataw
The Cebuano version of mermaids and sea gods, the kataw rules the oceans. They can manipulate the water. Men are also said to be lured by their beauty and before they know it, they are lost to sea.
Mansalauan
Have your elders ever asked you to ask permission first before a tree is felled? The elders believe that there are tree-dwelling spirits that may become upset when this happens and they can inflict sickness and other misfortunes to people.
Sigbin
The Sigbin is originally from the Warays. This is a cross breed of goat, dog, and kangaroo who is said to suck blood of victims through their shadow.
Tambaluslos
The tale of the tambaluslos originated from Bicol. He is described as a humanoid with black complexion, long and thin legs with big joints and hooves, long thin arms and fingers and with the hair running from the back of the head to the buttocks. Its lips are wide and protruding like an ape. But perhaps, the most distinct features of the tambaluslos are the wrinkled penis and loose testicles that hang loosely.
If a tambaluslos is following you, take your clothes off and wear it upside-down. He will find it so funny that he will laugh so hard until his mouth covers his eyes.
Ungo
While some may think the abat and the ungo are the same, to the Warays where this creature originated, this is a hairy giant spirit. This walks toward humans. He is a loner that wanders at night.
Which of these mythical beings have you had an "encounter" with?
(Source: http://www.aswangproject.com/creatures-mythical-beings-philippine-folklore-mythology/#U)
(Illustrations by Geraldine Sypieco)