The Tagareso is a type of malevolent spirit, or buso, in the traditional folklore of the Bagobo people of Mindanao, Philippines. This entity is known for causing social discord and personal distress.
On festive occasions, Tagareso is an ugly devil who incites animosity and a combative spirit. In order to make married men desire to flee and abandon their wives, he tries to make them unhappy.
Anger and small acts of wickedness are caused by a class of low spirits called Tagareso. Sometimes they lead to madness.
Arguments and conflicts are caused by Tagareso, an unpleasant buso that occasionally makes men unhappy with their spouses.
Role and Behavior
The primary function of the Tagareso in Bagobo mythology is to stimulate ill-feeling and arouse a quarrelsome spirit. Its activities often lead to arguments and disputes among people, particularly during social or festival occasions when the community gathers. It is also sometimes blamed for causing insanity.
The Tagareso's presence is feared because it breaks the harmony of the community, an act that can lead to violence and even death, which provides sustenance for other evil spirits. One specific aspect of its mischief is sometimes making men dissatisfied with their wives.
Classification and Appearance
Buso: The Tagareso belongs to the general class of Bagobo demons or evil spirits known as buso. These spirits generally prey on human flesh or cause sickness and death from afar.
Appearance: The Tagareso is generally described as an "ugly fiend". Unlike other buso like the Tigbanua, whose appearance is described in more detail (one eye, hooked chin, etc.), specific physical descriptions of the Tagareso are less common, with its actions being its defining characteristic.
Interaction with Humans
The Bagobo people would make offerings or use spells and magic to protect themselves from the malicious influences of various buso like the Tagareso. The mabalian (shamans or spirit mediums) played a key role in communicating with and appeasing these spirits to protect the community.
Sources:
A study of Bagobo ceremonial, magic and myth, Laura Watson Benedict, New York Academy of Sciences, 1916)
Aswang Project - https://www.aswangproject.com/bagobo-buso/
”Extinction” - Creation by Bienvenido “Bones” Banez, Jr., a Filipino surrealist painter born in Davao, now living in New York City.
