Philippine Mythological Creature: Calanget (Gaddang)

 

The Calanget (also spelled Kalanget) is one of the more elusive and fascinating entities in Philippine mythology, specifically within the folklore of the Gaddang people of Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela. While many are familiar with the generic Duwende, the Calanget represents a much deeper, more ancestral connection to the land.

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👤 Who is the Calanget?

The Calanget is a type of earth-dwelling spirit or "small person." In the Gaddang worldview, the universe is populated by various spirits (anganam), and the Calanget are the masters of the soil and the underground.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: They are consistently described as tiny, often no larger than a human toddler.

• Appearance: Though usually invisible to the naked eye, they are sometimes depicted as having very dark skin, or conversely, as pale, wrinkled old men.

• Vocalizations: They are known for a distinct, high-pitched whistling or a "shrieking" sound that echoes from the ground, which is often how humans first realize they are in the presence of one.

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🌾 The "Guardians of the Soil"

Unlike the more mischievous Duwende of Tagalog lore, the Calanget are seen as stewards. They inhabit the mounds of earth, the hollows of trees, and the literal dirt beneath human feet.

The Sacredness of the Ground

For the Gaddang, every act of disturbing the earth—whether it’s tilling a field for rice, digging a well, or clearing a forest—is a potential intrusion into a Calanget’s home. Because they are the "true owners" of the land, humans are essentially seen as tenants who must ask for permission.

The "Apo" Title

Gaddang elders often refer to the Calanget as Apo (a term of high respect meaning "Grandfather" or "Lord"). This signifies that they aren't just "monsters," but ancestral-like figures that command reverence.

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⚡ Conflict and Consequences

If a human accidentally steps on a Calanget's home or digs into their "living room" without performing the proper rituals, the Calanget will retaliate.

1. Illness: The most common form of revenge is a mysterious ailment. Symptoms often include sudden swelling of the limbs, high fever, or skin rashes that doctors cannot explain.

2. The Medium's Role: To cure this, a Gaddang medium (often called a Paratungul) is consulted. The medium communicates with the Calanget to determine what was damaged and what "payment" is required.

3. The Offering: Usually, a ritual called a Binalay (using sticky rice cakes) or the sacrifice of a white pig or chicken is required to appease the spirit.

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💡 Interesting Facts & Trivia

• The Sound of Warning: If you are walking in the woods and hear a sharp, unexplained whistle coming from the ground, Gaddang tradition suggests you stop immediately and say, "Tabi-tabi po" (or the Gaddang equivalent), as you have likely nearly stepped on a Calanget.

• Urban Legends: Even in modern-day Nueva Vizcaya, construction projects are sometimes delayed because workers refuse to bulldoze certain mounds of earth, fearing the "wrath of the Calanget."

• Ancestral Spirits: Some folklorists believe the Calanget represent the souls of the very first Gaddang ancestors, who have literally become one with the earth over centuries.

• Aversion to Iron: Like many European "Fae," the Calanget are said to have a deep dislike for iron and steel, which is why traditional offerings to them are never served with metal utensils.

📚 Footnote Sources

1. Ramos, Maximo D. (1971). The Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. University of the Philippines Press. (This is the primary academic text that categorizes the Calanget as "Dwarfs" of the North).

2. Cole, Fay-Cooper. (1922). The Tinguian: Social, Religious, and Economic Life of a Philippine Tribe. Field Museum of Natural History. (Provides context on the spirit-beliefs of Cordillera-adjacent groups like the Gaddang).

3. Llamzon, Teodoro A. (1978). Handbook of Philippine Language Groups. UNESCO. (Details the cultural and linguistic nuances of the Gaddang people and their animistic traditions).

4. Gaddang Oral Traditions: Collected ethnographic notes from local historians in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, regarding the Paratungul rituals.

Unknown Filipino Hero in History: Edilberto Evangelista

 

Edilberto Evangelista 

First Filipino Civil Engineer and Revolutionary General 

(1862 - 1897)

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While many Filipinos recognize his name from the major street in Quiapo or the military camp in Cagayan de Oro, few realize that Edilberto Evangelista was the "Engineer of the Revolution." A man of immense intellect, he was one of the few Filipinos of his time to hold a high-level European degree in engineering, which he used not for personal profit, but to design the sophisticated trenches and forts that allowed the poorly armed Filipino rebels to withstand the might of the Spanish Empire.

Edilberto Evangelista was a brilliant strategist and a brave soldier who proved that the Philippine Revolution was not just a struggle of bolos and grit, but also one of science and mathematics. General Emilio Aguinaldo once remarked that if the Revolution had a brain like Rizal and a sublime paralytic like Mabini, it had its master builder in Evangelista.

Childhood and Education

Edilberto Evangelista was born on February 24, 1862, in Santa Cruz, Manila. He was the son of Agaton Evangelista and Faustina Sablan. Growing up in a modest household, he showed early academic promise. He completed his primary education in Manila and eventually earned his Bachelor of Arts from the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1878.

Seeking to improve his family's standing and satisfy his hunger for technical knowledge, he initially worked as a cattle dealer and a tobacco merchant. However, his life took a pivotal turn when he traveled to Europe. In 1890, while in Madrid, he met Jose Rizal. It was Rizal who suggested that Evangelista study engineering, noting that the Philippines would soon need builders and technical experts to modernize the nation once it gained independence.

Following Rizal’s advice, Evangelista moved to Belgium and enrolled at the University of Ghent. He excelled in his studies, graduating in 1896 with a degree in civil engineering and architecture. He was the first Filipino to graduate from this prestigious institution. Despite receiving lucrative job offers from the Belgian government to work on infrastructure projects in Europe and South America, the echoes of the 1896 Revolution called him home.

The Engineer of the Revolution

Evangelista arrived back in Manila in September 1896, just as the revolution was gaining momentum. He was immediately suspected by Spanish authorities and was briefly imprisoned. Upon his release, he fled to Cavite to join the forces of Emilio Aguinaldo.

Aguinaldo was quickly impressed by Evangelista's technical background. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant General and tasked with the fortification of Cavite. Evangelista applied modern European military engineering to the Philippine landscape. He designed a complex system of trenches, redoubts, and forts that were so well-constructed that Spanish generals were shocked to find "European-style" defenses manned by "indios."

His most famous achievement was the fortification of Binakayan and Dalahican. During the Battle of Binakayan in November 1896, his defensive designs allowed the Filipino revolutionaries to deliver the first major defeat to the Spanish regular army. His trenches were deep enough to protect soldiers from artillery fire and angled to provide optimal fields of fire.

Death and Legacy

Edilberto Evangelista’s life was cut short during the Battle of Zapote Bridge on February 17, 1897. As he was directing his troops and inspecting the defenses, he stood up to get a better view of the enemy's positions. At that moment, a Spanish sniper’s bullet struck him directly in the forehead. He died instantly at the age of 34.

His death was a massive blow to the revolutionary cause. Aguinaldo wept at his funeral, realizing he had lost his most capable military engineer. Evangelista's body was buried in the cemetery at Bacoor, Cavite, but his legacy lived on in the fortifications that continued to hold back the Spanish forces for months after his passing.

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Interesting Facts and Trivia

• Rizal’s Protege: Evangelista was so close to Jose Rizal that Rizal once wrote to his family about the young engineer's "extraordinary talents."

• The First Engineer: He is officially recognized as the first Filipino civil engineer to have graduated from a foreign university.

• The "Science" of War: Unlike many revolutionary leaders who relied on "anting-anting" (amulets) and raw courage, Evangelista insisted on using surveying tools, maps, and mathematical calculations to determine where to dig his trenches.

• A Belgian Offer: He turned down a salary that would have made him a very wealthy man in Europe just to return to the Philippines with no guarantee of safety or pay.

• Camp Evangelista: The headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Cagayan de Oro City is named "Camp Evangelista" in his honor.

• Quiet Brilliance: Peers described him as a man of few words but immense action. He was often seen carrying his surveying equipment and transit level onto the battlefield rather than a ceremonial sword.

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Sources

1. Agoncillo, T. A. (1990). History of the Filipino People. Garotech Publishing.

2. Quirino, C. (1995). Who's Who in Philippine History. Tahanan Books.

3. Zaide, G. F. (1970). Great Filipinos in History. Verde Bookstore.

4. National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). Biographical entries on Revolutionary Generals.

5. University of Ghent Archives. Records of Filipino Alumni (1890-1900).

Gay Filipino in History: Trixie Maristela

 

Trixie Maristela
Second Filipino Miss International Queen
(1986 -   )

Trixie Maristela is a Filipino beauty pageant titleholder, actress, model, and author best known for being crowned Miss International Queen 2015. She is the second Filipino woman to win the world's most prestigious transgender beauty pageant, following in the footsteps of Kevin Balot.

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Early Years and Education

Trixie Maristela was born on April 30, 1986, in Makati, Philippines. Unlike many who find themselves in the spotlight, Trixie is as much a scholar as she is a queen. She attended the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in European Languages, majoring in Spanish and minoring in French.

Her intellectual pursuits didn't stop at her undergraduate degree. Demonstrating a "beauty and brains" ethos that would define her career, she later moved to Australia to further her education. She successfully completed a Master’s degree in Professional Accounting in Queensland, where she currently resides.

Life as a Beauty Queen

Trixie’s journey to the international stage was paved with several local victories. In 2014, she competed in Eat Bulaga!’s Super Sireyna Worldwide, where she finished as the 1st runner-up. Not one to settle for second, she returned to the pageant scene in May 2015 and was crowned the first-ever Miss Gay Manila.

On November 6, 2015, Trixie represented the Philippines at the Miss International Queen pageant in Pattaya, Thailand. Competing against 26 other candidates, she won the crown, a cash prize of 400,000 baht, and the option for gender-affirming surgery. During the Q&A portion, she impressed the judges by stating that a "true queen possesses a golden heart" that radiates from within.

Filmography and Publications

Beyond the runway, Trixie has made significant contributions to Philippine media and literature:

• Literature: In October 2015, she and her long-term partner, Art Sta. Ana, released a memoir titled He’s Dating the Transgender (also known as He's My Girl). The book chronicles their relationship and aims to humanize transgender experiences and romance.

• Television: In 2016, she made her acting debut on GMA Network's drama anthology Karelasyon. Her own life story was also featured in an episode of Magpakailanman, where she was portrayed by actor Martin del Rosario.

• Film: She appeared in the 2015 film Pinagpalang Ama.

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Interesting Facts and Trivia

• The Academic Queen: Trixie is often cited as one of the most academically accomplished beauty queens in the Philippines due to her cum laude honors from the country's premier state university.

• A Growing Legacy: By winning in 2015, she solidified the Philippines' status as a powerhouse in transgender pageantry, proving that Kevin Balot’s 2012 win was the start of a "golden era" for Pinay trans queens.

• Human Rights Aspirations: In various interviews during her reign, she expressed a desire to become a human rights lawyer to further advocate for the LGBTQIA++ community.

• Australian Life: As of 2026, Trixie has largely transitioned from the entertainment industry to a professional career in accounting in Australia, though she remains an influential figure for trans visibility.

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Sources:

1. Wikipedia: Trixie Maristela

2. Philstar: Pinay transgender Trixie Maristela is 2015 Miss Int'l Queen

3. Bangkok Post: Philippines contestant wins transgender pageant

4. Anvil Publishing: He's Dating the Transgender

Unknown Filipino Hero: Deodato Arellano

 Deodato Arellano

Propagandist and First President of the Katipunan 

(1844 - 1899)

Often overshadowed by the fiery leadership of Andres Bonifacio or the intellectual weight of Marcelo H. del Pilar, Deodato Arellano was the quiet, methodical engine that powered the early Philippine revolutionary movement. As the first president of the Katipunan, he provided the administrative backbone and the necessary link between the reformist Propaganda Movement and the radical underground revolution. He was a man of dualities: a dedicated civil servant within the Spanish colonial bureaucracy by day, and a subversive architect of national liberation by night.

Arellano’s life was a testament to the "middle-class" radicalism that defined the late 19th-century Philippines. He was not merely an officer of the revolution but a vital conduit for communication, serving as the primary liaison for Marcelo H. del Pilar while the latter was in exile in Spain. His role was perilous; he managed the clandestine flow of funds and information that kept the flame of reform alive while simultaneously laying the groundwork for an armed struggle that would eventually end three centuries of Spanish rule.

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Childhood and Matrimony

Deodato Arellano was born on July 26, 1844, in Bulakan, Bulacan, to Juan Arellano and Mamerta de la Cruz. Growing up in a province known for its fierce intellectualism and elite families, Arellano received a solid education, eventually finding stable employment as a compitador (clerk-scribe) in the Spanish arsenal in Cavite. This position gave him a unique vantage point into the inner workings of the Spanish military apparatus—knowledge that would later prove invaluable to the revolutionary cause.

His personal life was inextricably linked to the revolution through his marriage to Hilaria del Pilar, the sister of the "Great Propagandist" Marcelo H. del Pilar. This union was more than a domestic partnership; it was a political alliance. Arellano became Del Pilar’s most trusted confidant and his primary "man on the ground" in Manila. Through this connection, Arellano was brought into the inner circle of the Filipino intelligentsia, bridging the gap between the affluent reformists and the working-class revolutionaries.

Revolutionary and Organizational Works

Arellano was a serial founder of patriotic organizations. In 1892, he was one of the founding members of La Liga Filipina, organized by Jose Rizal upon his return to the Philippines. Arellano served as its secretary under the presidency of Ambrosio Salvador. When the Liga was dissolved following Rizal’s arrest and deportation to Dapitan, Arellano did not retreat into safety. Instead, he joined forces with Andres Bonifacio, Ladislao Diwa, and Teodoro Plata to form the Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) on the night of July 7, 1892.

Recognized for his maturity and administrative experience, Arellano was elected the first Supremo (President) of the Katipunan's Supreme Council. During his tenure, he focused on the slow, careful recruitment of members and the establishment of a financial base. However, his cautious, deliberate approach eventually clashed with the more aggressive stance of Andres Bonifacio. In 1893, believing that Arellano was not moving fast enough toward an armed uprising, Bonifacio orchestrated a reorganization of the council, replacing Arellano with Roman Basa.

Collections and Clandestine Correspondence

Arellano’s "collections" were not of art or gold, but of dangerous ideas and revolutionary funds. He was the chief solicitor for La Solidaridad, the Filipino mouthpiece in Spain. He spent years collecting "contributions" from wealthy Filipinos and secret sympathizers, meticulously spiriting the money away to Hong Kong and Madrid to keep the reform movement afloat.

His home at 72 Calle Azcarraga (now Claro M. Recto Avenue) in Manila became a hub for seditious literature. He was responsible for the distribution of Rizal’s novels and the copies of La Solidaridad that arrived smuggled in crates. To the Spanish authorities, he was a loyal clerk; to the patriots, he was the librarian of the revolution.

Other Interests

Beyond his clerical duties and revolutionary fervor, Arellano was deeply interested in the logistics of military organization. His time at the Cavite arsenal allowed him to study weaponry and colonial troop movements. Unlike the purely academic interests of some propagandists, Arellano’s interests were practical: he wanted to know how a poorly armed populace could successfully challenge a disciplined colonial army.

Serving the Public

Arellano served the public by sacrificing his professional security for the dream of a sovereign nation. Even after being ousted from the Katipunan leadership, he remained active. When the Revolution broke out in 1896, he fled to the mountains of Bulacan to join the fighting. During the Philippine-American War, he served as a commissary captain under the command of General Gregorio del Pilar (his nephew-in-law). He was tasked with the logistical nightmare of feeding and supplying the revolutionary army while it was being hunted through the rugged terrain of Northern Luzon.

Death and Legacy

Deodato Arellano met a soldier’s end. In 1899, while the Filipino forces were retreating into the Cordillera mountains to protect President Emilio Aguinaldo, Arellano succumbed to a fever (possibly malaria) or was killed in a skirmish with American forces in the town of Itogon, Benguet. His grave, like those of many original Katipuneros, remained unmarked in the wild mountains of the north.

His legacy is that of the "forgotten founder." While Bonifacio is the "Father of the Revolution," Arellano was the man who held the keys to the room where it all began. He proved that the revolution required more than just bravery; it required the steady hand of an administrator who could turn a secret society into a functional shadow government.

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Sources and Footnotes

1. Agoncillo, Teodoro A. The Revolt of the Masses: The Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 1956. (Provides details on the founding meeting at Calle Azcarraga and Arellano's presidency).

2. Richardson, Jim. The Light of Liberty: Documents and Studies on the Katipunan, 1892-1897. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2013. (Primary source analysis of the Katipunan’s founding and the roles of its early leaders).

3. Manuel, E. Arsenio. Dictionary of Philippine Biography, Volume 1. Quezon City: Filipiniana Publications, 1955. (Contains the biographical sketch of Arellano’s early life and service in the revolutionary army).

4. Zaide, Gregorio F. The Philippine Revolution. Manila: Modern Book Company, 1968. (Details Arellano's work as a liaison for Marcelo H. del Pilar and his involvement in La Liga Filipina).

Philippine Mythological Creature: Balendik (Dumagat)

Deep within the lush forests and winding river systems of the Sierra Madre mountain range lives the legend of the Balendik. While the rest of the Philippines might be familiar with the Sirena (mermaid), the Dumagat-Agta people of Aurora and Quezon provinces have their own distinct, ancient version of the water-dwelling spirit.

The Balendik is more than just a "fish-woman"; she is a powerful guardian of the aquatic ecosystem and a central figure in the spiritual life of the Dumagat Aetas.

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🌊 The Nature of the Balendik

The Balendik is primarily described as a water goddess or spirit (often classified as an anito or bitalik) who inhabits deep pools, rivers, and coastal areas. Unlike the often-malevolent spirits found in urban Philippine legends, the Balendik is seen as a neutral entity—beautiful but dangerous, deserving of immense respect.

Physical Appearance

• The Hybrid Form: Most accounts describe her as having the upper body of a beautiful woman with long, flowing black hair and the lower body of a large fish.

• The Agta Features: Interestingly, local lore often attributes "Agta" or Dumagat physical characteristics to her—darker skin and curly hair—aligning her closely with the ethnic identity of the people who tell her stories.

• Radiance: She is said to possess a supernatural glow, making her visible even in the murky depths of a river during a storm.

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🐚 Interesting Facts and Trivia

1. The "Guardian of the Catch"

The Dumagat believe that the Balendik controls the movement of fish. If a fisherman is greedy or disrespects the river by polluting it, the Balendik will hide the fish, leading to a poor harvest. Conversely, those who offer a small portion of their catch back to the water are often blessed with abundance.

2. A Lure for the "Lawless"

In many Dumagat tales, the Balendik acts as a moral arbiter. She is known to "bewitch" (mangkukulam style, but through song) men who enter the forest with ill intent or those who have committed crimes against the tribe. She lures them to the deepest part of the river, where they are never seen again.

3. Connection to the Sierra Madre

Unlike the Magindara of the Bicolanos (who are strictly sea-dwellers), the Balendik is unique because she inhabits freshwater systems deep within the mountains. This highlights the Dumagat's ancestral connection to both the mountains and the sea.

4. The Taboo of "Pointing"

In some Dumagat communities, it is considered taboo to point your finger at strange ripples in the water or unusual rock formations in the river. It is believed that you might be pointing at a resting Balendik, which could result in a sudden, inexplicable fever or skin rashes.

5. More than just a Myth

To the Dumagat, the Balendik is a symbol of ecological balance. The stories serve as a traditional "environmental law," preventing overfishing and ensuring the community maintains a sacred relationship with the water sources that provide their lifeblood.

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🛠️ Comparison: Balendik vs. Sirena

Feature	Balendik (Dumagat)	Sirena (General Hispanic-Filipino)
Origin	Indigenous/Pre-colonial	Spanish Influence
Habitat	Mountain Rivers & Creeks	Open Sea / Oceans
Role	Ecological Guardian	Predatory / Luring
Temperament	Fair but Stern	Malicious / Vain

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📖 Sources

1. Headland, T. N. (1987). Kinship and Social Organization among the Casiguran Agta. This anthropological study touches upon the spiritual world and the various water spirits (including the Balendik) feared and respected by the Agta people of Aurora.

2. Ramos, M. D. (1971). The Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. While focusing on more common creatures, Ramos provides the framework for understanding how indigenous water spirits like the Balendik differ from European-influenced mermaids.

3. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Ethnographic Accounts of the Dumagat-Remontado. Various field reports detail the oral traditions and "Bitalik" (spirits) that govern the natural resources of the Sierra Madre.

4. Local Folklore Archives of Baler, Aurora. Oral histories collected from elders in the Casiguran and Dingalan areas specifically name the Balendik as the "Queen of the Waters."

Illustration

Mark Tabay

Dark Lore PH Instagram

Filipino Games: Patintero

Patintero (also known as Harangang-Taga or Tubigan) is arguably one of the most beloved and widely played traditional outdoor street games in the Philippines. It is a game that tests speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork, requiring no equipment other than a piece of chalk, water, or a stick to draw lines on the ground.

Here is a deep dive into how to play the game, along with some surprising trivia, and a picture to help you visualize it.

How to Play Patintero

The Setup:

1. The Court: A rectangular grid is drawn on the ground (typically 5-6 meters long and 4 meters wide). It is divided into 4 to 6 equal rectangles by drawing a central lengthwise (vertical) line and a few crosswise (horizontal) lines.

2. The Teams: Players are divided into two teams, usually consisting of 3 to 6 members each. One team acts as the Passers (offensive/runners), and the other team acts as the Guards (defensive/taggers).

3. Starting the Game: The teams usually toss a coin or play Jack-en-Poy (Rock-Paper-Scissors) to determine who plays as Passers first.

The Objective: The goal of the Passers is to successfully cross all the horizontal lines from the starting point to the end of the grid and then return back to the starting line without being touched (tagged) by any of the Guards.

The Rules:

1. Guard Positions: The Guards must stand on the drawn lines. They are only allowed to move sideways along their assigned horizontal line. They cannot step inside the squares.

2. The "Patotot" Rule: The team leader of the Guards is called the "Patotot." The Patotot stands on the very first horizontal line but has a special superpower: they are the only guard allowed to move along both the first horizontal line and the central vertical line that runs through the entire grid.

3. Tagging: A Guard can tag a Passer who is within their reach, but the Guard must have both feet (or at least one foot, depending on house rules) firmly planted on the line when making the tag. If a Guard tags someone while completely off their line, it doesn't count.

4. Crossing: The Passers must use their agility and strategy to trick the guards, darting past them to cross the lines. They can run, dodge, and feint, but they cannot step outside the outer boundaries of the rectangular grid.

5. Scoring and Switching: * If a Passer successfully reaches the end of the grid and makes it back to the starting point without being tagged, their team scores a point.

   • If any Passer is tagged by a Guard, the turn ends immediately. The teams then switch roles—the Passers become the Guards, and the Guards become the Passers.

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Surprising Trivia and Facts about Patintero

• The "Water Game" Origins: In the Visayan regions of the Philippines, the game is famously called Tubigan or Tubig-tubig (which translates to "water game"). This is because, instead of chalk, kids would use water poured from a bottle or a dipper to draw the grid lines on the dry, dusty ground. As the sun evaporated the water, they would have to quickly redraw the lines!

• The "Saling-Pusa" Culture: Because Filipino communities are tightly knit, older kids often let much younger children join the game as a "saling-pusa" (literally translating to "a cat that joins" or a tagalong). A saling-pusa is allowed to run around the grid with the Passers, but if they get tagged, it doesn't count against the team. It is a beautiful cultural practice of inclusivity, allowing toddlers to feel part of the fun without ruining the competitive stakes.

• Intense Strategic Depth: While it looks like a simple running game, Patintero is highly strategic. Passers often act as "decoys" to distract multiple guards, sacrificing themselves so the fastest runner can slip through. The Patotot (guard leader) also acts as a terrifying sweeper, forcing runners into traps.

• A True Equalizer: Unlike sports that require expensive gear or specialized courts, Patintero is an absolute equalizer. It is played in exclusive subdivisions, rural farmlands, and busy urban streets (where kids just wait for cars to pass before resuming play).

Picture of Patintero

Here is an image of the game being played, showing the drawn grid and the players trying to cross the lines: