The Magical, Mystical, and Macabre
Creatures of Philippine Mythology
MGA ASWANG
Manananggal
This beast has the ability to chop its body into half where the latter, starting from the hips, is left while the upper body grows its own wings to find a victim. It attacks the victims by sucking the blood of the baby inside the mother’s womb.
Tip: Swipe left or right to navigate.
BACK TO SAFETY
The Magical, Mystical, and Macabre
Creatures of Philippine Mythology
MGA ASWANG
Danag
For the Isneg tribe, Danag were once gods with sharp tongues who lived in the heavens and went down to Earth to help the people with planting. However, as one of the gods tasted blood, they became beasts who hunted the people for their blood as a source of food.
BACK TO SAFETY
The Magical, Mystical, and Macabre
Creatures of Philippine Mythology
MGA ASWANG
Hukluban
A shape-shifting creature from Tagalog lore considered to be the most powerful kind of witch due to her ability to curse and cure at the same time.
BACK TO SAFETY
The Magical, Mystical, and Macabre
Creatures of Philippine Mythology
MGA ASWANG
Mandurugo
Closely resembles a vampire but by day is a woman that preys on unsuspecting men for their blood. The myth of the mandurugo traces its origin from Tagalog and Bicolano folklore.
BACK TO SAFETY
The Magical, Mystical, and Macabre
Creatures of Philippine Mythology
MGA ASWANG
Yanggaw
A human transformed into a blood-thirsty aswang by another aswang. Based on Hiligaynon literature, such cases evolve from unexplained illnesses.
BACK TO SAFETY
The Magical, Mystical, and Macabre
Creatures of Philippine Mythology
MGA ASWANG
Amalanhig
In Visayan mythology, this creature is described as aswang who rose from the dead after having failed to pass on its prowess to a kin. It moves stiffly like a zombie and bites its victim on the neck.
BACK TO SAFETY
The Magical, Mystical, and Macabre
Creatures of Philippine Mythology
MGA ASWANG
Mangkukulam
A general term of witches, who avenge people who wronged them by inflicting illnesses and/or causing them to vomit weird objects. Other kinds of mangkukulam have the ability to cure and come between two lovers, among others.
BACK TO SAFETY
The Magical, Mystical, and Macabre
Creatures of Philippine Mythology
MGA ASWANG
Kiwig
This aswang is a human by day who transforms into a boar, dog, or bearcat and is known to prey off pregnant women and children. In Aklan, Cebu, and other parts of Visayas, it is feared because it is believed to eat livestock and poultry innards while hiding under houses waiting for a human pillage.
BACK TO SAFETY
The Magical, Mystical, and Macabre
Creatures of Philippine Mythology
MGA ASWANG
Mambabarang
An individual well-versed in sorcery and uses insects to enter their targets’ orifices to cause debilitating and sometimes fatal bodily harm.
BACK TO SAFETY