TeamManila Hitlist: 10 Obscure Philippine Mythical Creatures

Did you know that there are almost 90 mythical creatures recorded in the Philippines? From the country’s smallest barrios to the deepest forests unknown, locals have proved and disproved the mysterious forms that they have come across.

Some people believe them while some just shrug it off. The white lady of Balete Drive, the tobacco smoking Kapres atop humungous trees, or the Tiyanaks that have been enacted in countless horror movies (remember Anak ni Janice?) have been favorite mythological identities discussed over time. But beyond these articles are countless creatures that mask the country’s folklore.

As Halloween is drawing near, we give you 10 Philippine mythical creatures that are obscure to most of us. We gathered the most unimaginable but no doubt hair-raising creatures to spook ourselves away. Of course we won’t force you to believe but we’ll let your imaginations do the creeping. Happy Halloween!

1. Santelmo – A ball of lightning from the ancient times that is said to have mystical powers. It is also called St. Elmo’s Fire.

2. Dila – A spirit in the form of tongue which slides down through the floor and licks its victims to death.

3. Bungisngis – A one-eyed giant which is said to be very strong and has a keen sense of hearing. It lives in the forest or woods and is commonly called as the “Mahentoy” in Northern Davao.

4. Wak Wak or Ek Ek – A bird-like vampire that emits a wak-wak or ek-ek sound when looking for and eating a pregnant woman’s baby.

5. Kumakatok – A group of three hooded figures, one young woman and two old men, who knocks on their victims doors and serve as omens of death.

6. Matruculan – A creature that impregnates a virgin and comes back to kill the woman and eat its fetus.

7. Sigbin – A hornless goat, reptilian crow, or something that resembles a Chupacabra. The Sigbin originated in Cebu and is known to walk backwards. They wander at night to devour children and keep their hearts as amulets.

8. Pasatsat – A word rooted from the Pangasinense work “satsat” or “to stab,” Pasatsats are ghosts of people from the World War II. These ghosts’ bodies were said to be wrapped in mats and buried in places other than cemeteries.

9. Langsuir – A vampire that originates from a woman who died from giving birth. The Langsuir is a woman with long nails and black hair and shapeshifts into an owl during nighttime. They are said to suck the blood of living infants.

10. Alan – A deformed spirit with wings who takes the blood of miscarriages and transforms it into a human child.

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