Philippine Mythological Creature: Akop (Tingguian)

Akop is an evil being. He lacks a body but has a head and lengthy, slimy arms and legs.  He constantly visits the scene of death and tries to give the deceased's spouse a hug. If he is successful, death comes soon after. The widow is heavily protected by the wailers to thwart his schemes; she wears seeds that this creature detests and sleeps behind a fish net for added protection from his long fingers.

Overview

Based on the mythology of the Tingguian (or Itneg) people of Northern Luzon, the Philippines, the Akop is a frightening and enigmatic figure. Akop is a member of a class of lesser-known spirits that appear exclusively after sorrow and death, in contrast to more well-known figures like the kapre or aswang. Akop represents the age-old notion that death leaves the living emotionally and spiritually vulnerable, and is linked to mourning, funeral customs, and the spiritual dangers that accompany bereavement. Akop is a legendary character that warns of the perils that exist in transitional areas, such as those between death and life, grief and recovery.

Physical Characteristics

One of the most unique forms in Philippine mythology is that of the frightening Akop. He doesn't look human; instead, he's a jumbled thing without a torso at all. The only part of his hideous anatomy is a bloated head that is joined straight to lengthy, hideous arms. It is reported that these freakishly long, slimy limbs and legs crawl across dimly lit rooms or funeral areas in eerie silence.

His liminal, unfinished nature is reflected in this terrifying aspect, which is not merely intended to frighten. At wakes and rites, Akop, who lacks a central body, becomes more of a hint of a being—an incomplete specter that lurks in the shadows, preying on the dead and their loved ones. He is both real and spiritual, tangible but elusive, as seen by his ability to coil between rafters and fissures.

Family

Akop stands apart from other deities who are part of divine hierarchies or ancestral lineages.  He is neither derived from any great gods or goddesses nor a member of any pantheon.  Rather, he is better characterized as a funerary demon, possibly one of several, whose life revolves on decay and death.

According to some Tingguian stories, Akop works in concert with Ibwa, another death demon that eats the flesh of the deceased. Akop is attracted to the fatty liquids that flow off carcasses, but Ibwa eats the soft tissue and ears. Despite not being a family in the conventional sense, this somber alliance creates a conceptual connection based on the defilement of the deceased.

Other Names

Although Akop doesn't have any well-known aliases, his characteristics are remarkably similar to those of other Philippine legendary characters. In Waray folklore, for example, the term "Abat" describes a ghost that splits from its body and eats its internal organs. Conceptually identical to Akop, corpse-eating demons are referred to as pak-an or awok in several Visayan locales. In the meanwhile, strange forest creatures with reverse feet and ulterior intentions are the Alan of Tingguian legend.

Despite the fact that each of these creatures has a distinct function, they all represent societal fears related to death, decay, and the invisible forces that could haunt the bereaved. Even while his name is still exclusive to a certain cultural niche, these theme parallels imply that Akop is a part of a larger regional knowledge of funerary demons. 

Strength and Capabilities

Akop's threat stems from his silent, predatory presence during vulnerable emotional moments rather than from his physical might or paranormal exploits. The vulnerability of the bereaved, especially at funeral ceremonies, is the foundation of his abilities. In contrast to other mythological creatures that cause mayhem by using violence or storms, Akop sneaks into times of mourning, preying on grief and taking advantage of the spiritual void created by death.

His need to eat the fat that leaks from a body before it is buried is one of his most disturbing characteristics. He has a terrifyingly close relationship with the dead because of his disgusting appetite, which makes his abuse of the body extremely personal. Akop is inserted into the holy process of mourning and burial by consuming this fat, which is more than just a physical act; it is a spiritual defilement that halts the natural passage from life to death.

Targeting the grieving spouse is Akop's most dreaded behavior. It is thought that he stalks widows and tries to kill them by embracing them. If he is successful, the widow or widower is believed to pass away soon after, so his presence is not just a sign of grief but also a possible source of further deaths. He belongs to a special class of mythological creatures that prey on emotional ties and turn grief into peril because of this position.

The Tingguian people perform a number of protection rites to stave off Akop's quiet attacks.  Widows remain surrounded by mourners who serve as spiritual guards, wear seeds as amulets to ward off his presence, and sleep beneath fishing nets to trap his abnormally long arms. By assuring that no spirit, no matter how cunning, can take another life in the midst of the grief, these customs represent the community's collective attempt to safeguard the bereaved and maintain the purity of mourning.

Influence of the Modern Era

Akop's legacy endures in subtle yet significant ways in spite of his relative obscurity. The rites and anxieties he symbolizes are still prominent in Filipino burial customs, even though his story has not made it into popular culture.

For example, there are many superstitions associated with contemporary Filipino wakes, or lamay, that are thought to ward off spirits such as Akop. Ancient ideas about spirits penetrating mourning areas are the origin of customs like burning incense, covering mirrors, and putting salt around coffins. The protective gestures demonstrate Akop's indirect cultural longevity, even if most urban inhabitants may not precisely name him.

Additionally, Akop is quietly gaining popularity online. To inform and amuse, paranormal bloggers, folklore scholars, and digital storytellers are bringing these lesser-known ghosts back to life. Through characters like Akop, producers explore loss, dread, and the supernatural in a regional setting as they dive into obscure mythology on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and podcasts.

Akop has influenced themes in graphic novels and short films that explore mourning as a means of spiritual disruption in independent horror circles. His disjointed body and subdued terror serve as ideal symbols for the psychological disarray brought on by loss. Akop is a terrifying yet culturally significant character that is only waiting to be rediscovered in contemporary storytelling that tends to go toward folklore horror.

Sources:

The Tinguian: Social, Religious, and Economic Life of a Philippine Tribe, Fay-Cooper Cole, 1922

The Aswang Project - https://www.aswangproject.com/creatures-mythical-beings-philippine-folklore-mythology/

MythLok - https://mythlok.com/akop/

Brian Valeza, Illustrator for Bukana: Gateway to the Sea of Skull made thru Artstation - https://www.artstation.com/artwork/kQwnqd

Philippine Mythological Creature: Labang (Buhid, Mangyan)

 

According to the folklore of the Buhid Mangyan, one of the indigenous communities on the Philippine island of Mindoro, the Labang is a supernatural creature. The Labang are a ghoulish and frightening race of ghosts that can appear as either humans or animals.

The Labang are dreadful creatures that inhabit the world's edge. Before killing and devouring its victims, labang can transform into both humans and animals.  Before moving on to live in Binayi's garden, where all souls rest, they are said to wander the places they used to visit during their mortal lives.

The Labang are demonic spirits that take the shape of animals. According to the Buhid Mangyan, their bites are lethal. In the event that the bite is not removed, it becomes a conduit for evil spirits to enter and cause illness or even death.  In one story, a gang of labang injure a man. By licking his wound, an edu-labang—a labang that resembles a dog—kills him. His body is eaten by a gang of labang.

A Mangyan shaman (iglahi) tells a particular folktale that sheds light on the Labang's character.

The "labang" is a creature from the mythology of the Buhid Mangyan people, described in a folktale as a flesh-eating monster that was eventually defeated by an old woman named Wada-wada. 

In the tale, Wada-wada tricks a family of labang into climbing a rope, which she then cuts to kill most of them, before defeating the parents in a game of hide-and-seek. 

The labang's story is told in a Buhid tale by an iglahi (shaman). Yoyon was the grandchild of an elderly woman named Wada-wada. One day, Yoyon complains to his parents that a wiwi (creeping monster) bit him. By dusk, Yoyon dies. Hordes of young and old Labang visit Wada-wada as they grieve over Yoyon's tomb.  She scales a hayu-ayahak tree out of fear. Wada-wada hears the labang consuming her grandchild's remains late at night.  When the labang sees her climbing the tree the following day, he asks her how she got there.  To fool them, she makes them climb a rope, which she subsequently cuts, killing the majority of the labang who aren't paying attention.  There is still a labang family consisting of a man, his spouse, and their two kids. Wada-wada is invited to play hide-and-seek, but if she fails, they promise to eat her.  Wada-wada attempts to use fire to flush the family out of their hiding spots after failing to locate them.  The two young labang are killed by her.  The Labang parents are allowed to live when Wada-wada wins the game.  Wada-wada later warns a group of eight brothers about the labang after they cross paths in the highlands.  Six of the brothers soon become ill and pass away. Kulinda and Dumalogdog are the two survivors.  Dumalogdog notices the approaching horde of labang while he is excavating a burial for his deceased brethren and chops them all to death.  However, the labang dies from the bloodstains on his skin.  The rest of Kulinda roams the woods.  Every time he forgets a personal item or wherever he lies down, a labang appears.  He crafts a bamboo spear but is injured when he gets to Hayakyan.  By licking his wound, an edu-labang—a labang that resembles a dog—kills him.  His body is eaten by a gang of labang.

Important Traits of Labang from a Story by Buhid Mangyan

Corpse-eaters: The Labang are portrayed in the story as ghouls who consume human remains.

Cunning and crafty: In the story, the Labang are outwitted by an elderly woman named Wada-wada, who deceives them into climbing a defective rope and then engages in a lethal game of hide-and-seek.

Appears in a Variety of Ways: Although the Labang are a race of spirits, the story depicts them as both an assaulting "horde" and a particular family consisting of a man, a woman, and two boys.

A beauty pageant contestant's attire is one example of how the Labang's symbolism has been incorporated into contemporary Mangyan cultural expressions.  The Labang, a spirit with "a symbiotic interaction with nature" and the natural beauty of Filipina women, was supposed to be represented by the elaborately beaded gown.  This stands in contrast to conventional folklore's darker ghastly representations.

Sources:

Buhid Mangyan Folk Tale of the Labang by Aswang Project - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=5322527414480737&id=101949063205291&set=a.150223701711160&locale=zh_CN

Buhid Mangyan Cosmology and Beliefs by The Aswang Project - https://www.aswangproject.com/buhid-mangyan/

Mindoro and Palawan by Group Mindorawan - https://groupmindorawan.wordpress.com/2015/03/10/religion/

Philippine Mythological Creature: Onglo (Bicol)

In Philippine tradition, the Bicolano people describe a legendary creature called an Onglo.  It is frequently connected to the forest and is renowned for producing a severe, excruciating itching sensation just by touching or being near it.  In Philippine folklore, a large, hairy, and savage humanoid creature with long hair, pointed ears, and clawed feet is frequently described. It is said to live in swamps and collect shellfish using its incredibly hard elbows and knees, which are said to give people a painful itching sensation.

The creature, Onglo, is around one foot tall and extremely hairy, making anyone who touches it itch all over. The onglo resembles a human and is covered in long, straight black hair from head to toe. It possesses long, pointed fingernails, long, pointy ears, and clawed feet. An onglo's foul odor allows humans to identify it. It consumes food that has been exposed to the sun to dry, such as dried fish.  The monster known as an onglo has a man's upper body and a horse's lower body. It has a strong scent that is detectable from a considerable distance. Onglo is a hideous, black monster that itches people's skin just by being around it.

Physical Description / Appearance

- A little, human-like height, usually between one and two feet.

- Wearing long, straight black hair from head to toe.

- The feet have claws and long, sharp nails.

- They have pointed ears.

-  A disagreeable, foul smell.

The reason behind the itching  - People that go too close to the creature's dwelling are frequently afflicted by the insatiable, excruciating itching it causes.  According to certain folklore, a woman's long hair can be used to whip the person who is itching.

Habitat - It is thought to reside inside big balete trees or in other secluded, dark areas like wetlands.

Diet - According to legend, the Onglo eat dried fish and other foods that have been exposed to the sun.

Behavior - They have a reputation for being vicious and savage.  They crack open clam shells for food using their strong, rock-hard elbows and knees.

Dangers - An encounter with an Onglo can be dangerous since its hair can give its victims a terrible, excruciating itching sensation.

Trickster -  According to some legends, the Onglo is a cunning prankster who deceives and misleads tourists.

Alternative Description

According to one version of the myth, the Onglo is a big, menacing creature with powerful knees and elbows that it employs to crush everything. In this variant, it consumes shellfish and dwells in marshes.

Cultural Significance

The Bicol Region's rich cultural legacy and folklore include the Onglo tale.  The narrative is frequently recited as a warning to keep people away from hazardous areas like forests.

Sources:

Leandro Gensiton - https://www.instagram.com/thatguywithapen/

Opinyon Bicol - https://www.facebook.com/Opinyonbicol/posts/ano-ang-ongloang-onglo-ay-isang-nilalang-sa-alamat-ng-mga-bicolano-inilalarawan-/1111054657044594/

Philippine Mythological Creature: Carango (Ibanag)

 

A tiny earth ghost in the fields, woods, or in a mound.  makes a zipping noise in response to the summons of the shaman.  regarded as "the land's true owner."  harms anyone who tampers with its house.

Source:

Bestiary.US Art by Brian Valeza - https://www.bestiary.us/karango/en

Philippine Mythological Creature: Wirwir (Apayao)

 

The Wirwir are wandering ghouls that hunt down corpses. Like a hermit crab, they typically live inside their victim to prevent other ghouls from stealing it.

Among the Apayao, there was a ghastly creature who "went everywhere spending his time looking for the dead." He exhumed human remains from cemeteries and lived off of them. The native priests appeased Wirwir out of fear that he might consume the dead. The home of Wirwir, a ghoulish Apayao creature, was reportedly discovered in a Mount Anay Forest and had "a cave full of valuable properties taken from the graves of dead persons."

Other than their infamous tenacity in pursuing the devouring of human flesh, little much is known about these horrific creatures. They are well-known from the mythology of the Apayao people of the Philippines' namesake Province, where it is sometimes claimed that local priests were compelled to appease the ghouls before burying new bodies because they were afraid the repulsive creatures would promptly dig them up again and devour them.

Source:

Elartwyne Estole - https://elartestole.artstation.com/projects/q9YlXP

Philippine Spirits - https://phspirits.com/wirwir/

Philippine Mythological Creature: Gisurab (Isneg)

The tale of Gisurab, a fire-possessing giant from the Isneg tribes, demonstrates that even beings of enormous size can exhibit kindness.  In the tale, hunters sought out Gisurab in the wild to request fire.  The giant supplies the hunters with fire to cook their food.  The story bears a likeness to that of Prometheus, the famous Titan who is reputed to have taken fire from heaven and bestowed it upon mortals.

The naked gigantic creature known as the Gisurab hunts both people and other animals.

Although he is incredibly enormous, his physique is human.  He has an excellent sense of smell and often wanders the woods shirtless.

The Gisurab hunt down deer and other wild animals in the forests, as well as people, using their acute sense of smell.  At home, he would hold the human and deer he had trapped and prepare them in his enormous cooking pot.  The Gisurab would sometimes engage in conversation with people and go hunting with them instead of attacking them.

Gisurab became a legend in this untamed yet gorgeous land.  His story is essential to Isneg culture since he was a giant with fire.  It presents the Isneg's perspective on giants, which is different from the typical "evil" one.

Source:

https://www.aswangproject.com/giants-philippine-mythology/

https://mythmuseum.weebly.com/gisurab.html

https://pinoymyths.com/gisurab-isneg-the-fire-possessing-giant/

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Ka029B courtesy of Ejay Paz

Philippine Mythological Creature: Lampong (Ilongot)

Lampong, a legendary figure, is deeply embedded in the cultural and environmental awareness of the Filipino people, revered as the guardian Anito of wild animals.  This legendary dwarf has the remarkable power to lead untamed deer and transform into a white deer with a radiant single eye.

More than just a legend, Lampong serves as an important cultural symbol in the Philippines. She embodies the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations, promoting a peaceful coexistence between people and nature. The deep-seated conviction that every action has repercussions is instilled by Filipino folklore, which stresses the necessity of treating the forest with the highest respect and thankfulness.

Lampong’s ability to transform into a white deer is a strong emblem of purity, innocence, and spiritual enlightenment. The singular, shining eye symbolizes wisdom and insight, reflecting Lampong’s esteemed position as a guide and protector. In addition, it is crucial to recognize the worldwide reverence associated with the white deer in various cultures around the world.  For instance, in Native American traditions, the white deer is viewed as a messenger from the spirit world, underscoring the deep importance of Lampong’s character.

Ilongot gnome Lampong has remarkable cross-eyed, bright yellow eyes and a height of only two feet. He wears a unique two-peaked cap and has a flowing white beard.  Although he may sometimes show a single eye and his form often resembles that of a deer while in his deer guise, his coat is always a brilliant snow-white.

It is noteworthy that although hunters can readily identify him, Lampong uses a distinctive approach to keep the deer he safeguards safe. He takes on the role of target, taking the hunters’ shots himself instead of allowing any damage to come to the deer. He can astonishingly rejuvenate himself and, in an unusual turn of events, bestows deadly illnesses upon the hunters as a means of deterrence.

Lampong is a key character in Ibanag folklore and is profoundly embedded in the cultural heritage of the Ibanag people, an ethnolinguistic group from Northeastern Luzon. As the guardian Anito of wild animals, Lampong is frequently depicted as a forest custodian tasked with guiding and protecting wild deer in their natural habitat.

Lampong’s legend is especially fascinating due to his extraordinary talent for metamorphosing into a white deer that possesses a single, radiant eye. This metamorphosis goes beyond a simple physical alteration; it represents his deep bond with nature and highlights his essential position as a guardian of wildlife.

The story of Lampong in the Ibanag culture goes beyond myth—it is a vital part of their cultural identity and belief system. The Ibanag people exhibit a steadfast respect for nature and the animal kingdom, a feeling realized in their veneration of Lampong.

His steadfast dedication to safeguarding the forest’s noble inhabitants earned him the revered titles of Deer Herder and Deer Guardian.

On an ill-starred day, the peace of the woods was broken when a band of hunters with powerful firearms invaded the forest.  Their target, to the detriment of hundreds of deer, was unmistakable.  With the hunters' progression, their armaments reverberated through the woods, taking the lives of innumerable deer.  Their unceasing chase ultimately brought them to a broad expanse filled with the elegant creatures.  Without hesitation, the hunters aimed their guns, prepared to continue their relentless onslaught.

Yet, in a moment of astonishing change, the forest observed an intense light and heard a loud roar coming from behind a nearby hill. A gigantic white stag with splendid golden antlers came out of the shadows. As the other deer fled, escaping the looming threat, it placed itself in front of the hunters. The hunters, without mercy, set their sights on the noble white deer and shot at it; to their first impression, it had succumbed to their attack.

With the intention of skinning it, the hunters approached the fallen deer, eager to claim their prize. To their amazement, the white deer, which was clearly not defeated, suddenly got to its feet. In a surprising turn of events, it launched an intense assault on the hunters, causing them to suffer from a deadly disease that would signal the demise of their reign of terror.

Although modernization has caused radical changes, the lasting Lampong legend still resonates with the Ibanag people. It acts as a lasting reminder of their cultural origins and the essential part they play in caring for their natural environment. The Lampong legend offers insight into the rich cultural tapestry of the Ibanag people. It underscores their unwavering dedication to maintaining the sanctity of nature and wildlife—an enduring principle that still aligns with modern sensibilities.

A fresh enthusiasm for Philippine mythology, featuring legendary characters such as Lampong, has surfaced in recent times. This revival can be attributed largely to the resolute endeavors of cultural aficionados dedicated to safeguarding indigenous stories and spreading them across various platforms, including literature, art, and digital formats.

He is referred to as lampong by the Ilokanos and the Ilongots ethnic groups.  He is an old man, short in stature, of the fields and woods.  Sein Blick ist lebhaft, und er trägt einen langen, spärlichen Bart. He tends to wild deer as a shepherd.  He transforms into a deer and remains motionless.  He is shot at by hunters, but they fail to hit him. The hunters attempt to shoot him, but the deer flee. After that, he becomes an old man again.  He strolls off from the hunters.

In Philippine folklore, particularly among the cultures of Northeastern Luzon, the Lampong is a mythical creature recognized as the guardian Anito of wild animals and a protector of deer. It is represented as a two-foot-tall dwarf with a white beard, who can change into a magnificent white deer with a single, bright eye.  The Lampong, by presenting itself as the white deer, diverts hunters' attention when they attempt to shoot at deer, thus enabling the real deer to flee.

The Lampong, an Ilonggot gnome, has the ability to turn into a white deer in order to safeguard real deer. Whenever a hunter passes by to take aim at one of the deer, the Lampong transforms into its deer form and gets shot in place of the real deer, which flee. The Lampong is shot six times, but he is impervious to the bullets, ensuring the deer remains safe from hunters.

In the distant past, a magnificent forest teemed with beautiful creatures, and at its helm were the deer. One day, hunters armed with large guns arrived in the forest and began to shoot the animals individually, but their main target was the deer. They murdered hundreds of them. One day, they stumbled upon a vast field teeming with deer. The hunters lifted their rifles and began firing, but suddenly a bright light flashed and a loud roar erupted from behind a hill. Out of nowhere, a gigantic white stag with golden antlers appeared and dashed in front of the hunters as the other deer escaped. All the hunters shot the white deer, and he appeared to be dead. However, at the moment they were going to skin him, he rose up and battled the hunters, ultimately giving each of them a deadly sickness. The white deer was actually Lampong himself. He ensured that none of the remaining deer were shot. For this reason, he was occasionally referred to as the Deer Herder or the Deer Guardian.

The Lampong, an Ilonggot gnome, stands about two feet tall and sports a long white beard. He wears a two-peaked cap and has bright yellow, cross-eyed eyes. He can sometimes be seen with one eye or is about the same size as deer, but his coat is always a beautiful snow-white in his deer form. Though hunters can see him with ease, he ensures that no deer is shot by allowing himself to be shot, reviving himself afterward and infecting the hunters with a deadly illness.

Sources:

https://www.aswangproject.com/lampong/

https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Lampong

https://mythlok.com/lampong/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eifLa5PNRxY&t=17s

Philippine Mythological Creature: Kaperosa (Tagalog)

Kaperosa

Kaperosa of the Tagalogs

The Tagalogs local term for the white lady.

Female ghosts are frequently seen wearing flowing white robes or dresses. Some may appear without heads or with rotten flesh. The most famous are the White Lady of Balete Drive and Loacan Road in Baguio. Common Kaperosa stories feature a female committing suicide out of hatred or being betrayed by her spouse or fiance, and then being murdered. Other 'ghost legends' describe them as souls who refuse to rest because they have unfinished business on Earth.

The KAPEROSA, also known in the Philippines as the WHITE LADY, is a white-clad spirit of a young woman who died tragically. She periodically appears to people at night near the location where she died, but she does not cause any harm. She appears to be seeking justice for her death.

A female ghost dressed in a white long garment with long black hair. Kaperosa is a female who commits herself because she is hated or betrayed by her spouse or fiance, or who is murdered, according to others. They are souls who cannot rest because they have unfinished business on Earth.

Some people believe that if you encounter a white lady in your house, whether it is rented or inherited from your parents or relatives, she is the former owner and want to remain on the property.

A white lady lives in a specific location where she had a negative encounter and died. Some people claim that she doesn't hurt others. She will appear briefly and then vanish.

White ladies often reveal themselves in seconds, but they will frighten you to death. Some individuals believe they live in high-stress environments such as 'balete', old houses, or the location where she died. There are reports that they are waiting on the road and need a ride. She will enter the vehicle and close it once the driver has given his OK. By the time he asks where he can drop her off, she has already left.

These are just a few of the unresolved questions. People believed they were lost spirits seeking assistance from mortals.

Philippine Mythological Creatures Introduction

I will be introducing some of the mythological creatures in the Philippine folklore and more information about them as the Philippines is rich in folk tales and folk tales which was webbed through centuries of tradition and culture. They include witches, monsters, beasts, fairies, ghouls, spirits, folkloric beings etc. so we will have some insights into some of the creatures that continue to amaze and astound us through all time. 

Philippine Mythical Creatures

If you want to learn more about many of the Philippine mythical creatures, you can visit the website link below to check the comprehensive list and information about the unusual creatures embedded in Philippine folk literature and passed down in generations through oral traditions and in written literary form.

A Compendium Of Creatures From Philippine Folklore & Mythology / List Of Philippine Mythical Creatures And Information

https://www.aswangproject.com/creatures-mythical-beings-philippine-folklore-mythology/

Photo Source:

https://www.AswangProject.com

The Confession Of The Ghost

An infamous criminal or bandit who could not have an eternal peace in another life after death because of the crimes committed in the world when he was alive is returning after his death. He appeared to the people and sometimes hitchhiking with the person riding a horse and sometimes revealing himself in the form of a coffin floating in the river until his meeting with a priest, his confession with the latter and the eventual pardon and forgiveness of the priest to him.

One night, a priest was awakened by a knock on the door. When he opened the door, he was shocked by what he saw. In the veranda is ghost peering through wearing a white dress. The priest asked guest what does he needs.  "I am Siam-Siam" (Nine-nine) he replied.

The priest made a sign of the cross and gather all his courage. He knows Siam-Siam.

"If so, why are you roaming around the land scaring people? Why don't you repent and confess for you and your neighbor and other people to find peace? "Father," answered Siam-Siam, "I am here to make a confession."

And Siam-Siam whose bones is spreading in the concrete floor knelt before the priest.

"This is what I want to confess."

When I was still alive, I killed 99 people and stolen 99 carabao or water buffalo and 99 cows, 99 pigs, 99 bananas and 99 guavas. Each sin was committed 99 times."

With this confession, every disturbance and horror brought by the ghost was stopped and since then, Siam-Siam was never seen again.

Siam Siam Ride On

A man riding a horse is going to the town that midnight. In his journey he needs to cross a river. He is currently crossing the river when a man greets him to ride on. He stopped by it and he allowed the man to get a ride with him. . They are in the middle of the river when the kindhearted man was shocked. He felt the hugging of a man he gets to ride with him, it is all bones and no flesh. His nervousness, terror, and fear became intense upon the mention of "Siam-siam" (Nine-nine). This is the name of the ghost known by everyone. The man scrambled so much in fear. He jumped from riding the horse and with all his quickness and fast traces the river in going to the town. He recounted his horrifying experience to the people and everyone were terrified. The people offered prayers and a holy mass was held for the eternal repose of the ghost.

Became the Dwarf Friends

This story took place several decades ago. There is a couple who just moved to their rented house.

In the few weeks of their living were strange events happening in the house. This was told by the woman to the nephew of the deceased owner of the house. He responded that it was also the same complaint of the former residents or boarders of the house. They believed that the ghosts of the dead caused the disturbing noise above the room. They thought that the ghost is probably seeking for their help.  What they did was to pray the novena for the soul. However every full moon the same thing is happening. Thus, they never pay attention to the bizarre events. The following month during the full moon some footsteps can be heard again along with thumping sound and noise of a ball that seems like a child is playing. In that room is where their young son's toys were kept and stored. 

One day, their son got sick. They brought him to the doctor to be cured. He was given a medicine but the fever never cools down. Someone told them to bring the child to an albularyo. They called for the albularyo in the house and checked out the condition of the sick child. He told them that the child stepped on the dwarf's feet while he was playing. He further added that these dwarves are dwelling in a mound which is found inside the very room of the child. They checked on it and they found out its true that there is a growing mass of earth or mound there. The siruhano (Hiligaynon term for albularyo or traditional folk healer) also said that those dwarves living there are not bad or evil but it was hurt so the dwarf took a revenge. The couple asked for an apology. The albularyo did something so the child got cured or healed. Since then, they treated the place as the house or dwellings of their friends and each time they eat, they also share their food with them. They put it in a plate and put it on top of the mound locally called bungyod or punso. Since then, the children never got sick and their business prospered. They believed that they were helped and assisted by their dwarf friends.

The Dwarves In The Picture

A lot of people saw the dwarves in a place in Dingle. The dwarves had been seen singing and dancing.  One day, there are some guests and visitors who came to the place to get some pictures because the place is really beautiful and picturesque. After a few days, when the guests and vacationists see their pictures, they were surprised and amazed by what they saw because they were accompanied by dwarves in the picture. The dwarves in the picture seems like they were playfully teasing them.

The Tragedy In Makopa

In a Makopa tree (Syzygium samarangense) locally called tambis in Hiligaynon, there is a stream flowing down in a huge boulder of rock. During fiesta in the old days, it’s almost a tradition for the people receiving clothes from the tamawo. People were not surprised; they just get the clothes and never forgot to return them once they are done with their needs on it. If those clothes were not returned, the tamawos will be griping.

It happened that a child vanished. The child was just playing with its playmates but never returned anymore. The people imagined and assumed the tamawos hid the child in their dwellings. The father of the child took his hidden lantaka or cannon which was used during the Spanish colonial period.  He shot it near the shore of the streams in the hopes of gaining back his child. The next morning, the child was found dead.

The Hidden City Of Barotac Viejo

The hill of Angas and the mountain of Upao are two places in the town which were believed by the people as the site of the twin cities of the tamawo or fairies. According to the folklore, a very fortunate person can see flashy cars which were more beautiful than those seen in pictures and postcards in the big cities in Europe and America. People who were blessed to be friends with these creatures can have a glimpse of palace like mansion at the foothills of the mountain. These are seldom to happen so no one is certain when these sightings will happen again. The barrio of San Francisco which is the just near the shore is said to be the pier. On this fateful night of luck, which was told by the elders, it will be focused in the marveling eyes of the people the towering heights of the city which consists of thousands of skyscrapers, huge commercial and passenger vessels and cruise liner from different countries, and all of the luxurious attributes of a modern metropolis. Due to these beliefs in the cities of the fairies, the people were so careful in traveling or strolling around these cities.

Mystery In The Balete Tree

There is a young lady named Aida who is being wooed or pursued by the tamawo. This fairy is living in a balete tree near the water well. Everyday, the young woman washes clothes and takes a bath in this place.

One day, the fairy appeared to Aida. The young woman was so amazed because of his brawny body and his lavish costume. The fairy invited the young woman to stroll around and visit their house. They rode a car going to the house of the fairy. A palace like mansion fronting Negros Island is the place they visited. A beautiful scenery was sighted by the young lady. The man said that if the young woman likes they can visit Negros first before they eat. They rode an airplane and went around Negros Island. When they returned, delicious food is already served in the table. There is white and purple rice. The woman is wondering because the rice is moving. The woman was so scared she asked to leave without taking some food.

The Letter Of The Tamawo

There are lots of students who came from Dingle who are studying in Manila. Among those students were Juan and Pedro who were close friends. One day, Juan is going home to Dingle when Pedro requested him to bring letters to his family back home. When Juan arrived in his hometown, he immediately went to the place where Pedro instructed him to give the letters. Juan was surprised to see a very beautiful and big house Pedro told him about. This house was beside a very thick lush tree. Juan knocked on the door. An old woman opened the door. She read the letter and after that, gave Juan money to be given to Pedro. After the door was closed and in Juan's big surprise, the huge house disappeared. Juan's friend Pedro is actually a tamawo.

The Tamawo in Santa Barbara

In a village of Sta. Barbara, there is a young man named Pilo. It is a habit for Pilo to bring a guitar when visiting his lover. In the road is a lush balete tree which is widely reputed and known as the dwelling of the tamawo.

One humid night, Pilo is returning home from strolling around when he thought of passing by and serenade alone in the balete tree. He is just starting to sing some lovely songs accompanied by the sounds of the guitar when Pilo felt the wind is blowing stronger. Pilo continued to sing without even fearing. In the middle of his singing the rain suddenly fell but Pilo noticed he never got wet. It was followed by a sudden appearance of a fire from the top of the balete tree and Pilo was petrified and attempted to run but it seems something is stopping him. In a blink of an eye, it came to the view of Pilo a very big house, a house he could not describe its beauty.

Pilo saw the opening of the door and in an instance he realized that he was at the porch of the house facing a very beautiful lady. They talked for a long while and the lady told him he should return the next day as long as he should avoid drinking tuba and smoking.

Pilo went home as if dreaming to what had happened to him. The next day Pilo bragged to his friends about what had happened and planned to return to the place together with his friends. They spent the whole night and early dawn serenading but what was expected did not happened. Most probably his companions were inebriated.

The Taken Wife

Long time ago when there were still fewer people, there is a couple who lives in a remote area of Santa Barbara. Their small house is located at the foothills of a mound which is far from its neighbors. Their water well is near the Balete tree which is not far from their house. The husband is working in the city and returns home early in the evening so his wife was left alone in their house.

One day, the woman thought of washing their dirty clothes.  When she was about to finish her work, she saw a very beautiful ring beside the well.  Instead of keeping it, the woman exposed it in the road so that if the owner returns and looks for it, he or she will immediately see it. After two days, the woman will be doing the laundry again. When she was about to go home and hang dry the clothes she saw the said ring inside her batya. The woman got nervous and hurriedly went to the well. She thought she will be accused wrongly by the owner of the ring.

However, when she was returning to the well she saw a man under the balete tree and smiling at her. Without any hesitation, the woman showed him the said ring and asked him if he was the owner. The man smilingly answered that he was the owner of the ring but he sincerely give it to the woman. The woman got scared and explained that she’s already married and has a husband. She was not forced to get the ring.

When the night falls and the husband returns home from the city. He caught and saw that she was so sick with stomachache. Since they are remotely living far away from their neighbors and town center, the woman died without giving cure or solution to her illness. In his deep resentment, the man left the place and continued with his work in the city as a garbage collector.

Many years had passed and the man continued with his work. One day when he was returning home in a narrow path he saw a small store which he had never seen before. He went to the said store and pretends to buy a cigarette. He was suddenly petrified when it was revealed to him the lady inside the store which really resembled his wife. He asked the woman in the hopes of her being a relative of his departed wife.

The woman confessed the truth that she has three child and a wife of a tamawo (fairy), who is the owner of the ring and formerly residing in the balete tree near the place where they live. When the man learned about it, he wanted to hug his wife only that cold steel bars gets in between them.

They talked intensively while the tamawo or fairy is busy trading in other countries. The woman said that if her former husband wants to be reunited with her, he should go home to the place where they used to live, gather and fill with hays the balete tree. At around 12 o'clock noon of Good Friday of Holy Week, he should light or ignite the hays with fire and the woman will jump out of it.

The man left his job and followed all the instructions of his wife. So when 12 o'clock noon of Good Friday arrived, the man lighted with fire the balete tree and suddenly his wife jumped out of it. Since then, they lived happily together. Several years had passed, however each time 12 o'clock noon of Good Friday comes they can hear three children screaming "Mommy... Mommy..."



Photo Source:

http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/fellowshipofsaintsandsinners/2012/10/the-beautiful-wife-how-one-woman-is-crusading-to-save-christian-marriages.html