All Filipino Mythical Creatures Explained in 4 minutes

Aswang Aswang is one of the most terrifying creatures in Filipino folklore. By day, it looks like an ordinary person, but at night, it transforms into a winged monster that preys on humans. It's known for targeting buntis, or pregnant women, using a long, thin tongue to suck out the fetus while they sleep. Many stories from Capiz and the Visayas keep this creature alive in people's imaginations and their nightmares. Capre Capre is a giant who lives in trees, especially old balete trees. He's hairy, dark-skinned, and always smoking a huge cigar. He isn't always violent, but if you disrespect his tree, he might curse you or make you lose your way. Maligaw kahit alam mo na yung daan. Some say if you leave him gifts like tobacco or coins, he'll protect your home instead. Manananggal Manananggal is a fearsome monster that detaches its upper body and grows wings at night. It flies through the sky, hunting for hearts and unborn babies. Buntis, beware. She uses her sharp tongue to pierce through rooftops. To kill her, you have to find her hidden lower body and sprinkle it with asin or salt or even bawang or garlic before sunrise. Tikbalang Tikbalang has the head of a horse and the body of a tall man. He guards forest paths and loves to mess with travelers, making them walk in circles. Some say you can tame him if you pull out three golden hairs from his mane. But to be safe, many still say tabi-tabi po when entering a forest just in case he's watching. Chanak Chanak looks and sounds like a crying baby, but when you approach to help, it transforms into a tiny demon with sharp teeth and claws. In some stories, they're spirits of aborted or abandoned children, filled with rage. They lure people deep into the woods and attack when you least expect it. Moral lesson, if you hear a baby crying in the middle of the gubat or forest, think twice. Diwata Diwata are graceful spirits of nature, often linked to rivers, trees, and mountains. They're beautiful and kind unless you damage their home, cut down their sacred tree, or pollute their river and they might curse you with illness or misfortune. That's why elders always say tabi-tabi po when passing by places where a diwata might live. Serena Serena is the mythical mermaid of the Philippine seas, with the upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish. She sings haunting melodies that lure sailors to their doom. Some say she falls in love with humans, while others claim she enjoys dragging them underwater. Either way, if you hear something under the sea, better not look back. Nuno Nuno is a short elderly spirit who lives in small earth mounds or punso. If you accidentally step on his home, he might curse you with fever, swelling, or worse. He's not evil, just easily offended. That's why people say tabi-tabi po when walking near grass or unfamiliar ground. Better safe than sorry. Duende Duende are small goblin-like beings who live underground or in old houses. They can be good or mischievous, depending on how you treat them. White duendes bring you luck, while black ones cause you accidents or steal small items just for fun. They love sweet treats and tiny offerings, and may even reward you if you treat them with respect. White Lady The White Lady is the ghost of a woman who died with deep, pain-usually betrayal. She wears a long white dress and appears near roads, trees, or bridges, especially at night. Some drivers say she appears in their rearview mirror before the crash. Others say she just stares as you pass. Either way, if the road is dark, don't look too closely.