The Aswang Project presents Creatures Of Darkness
An Interview with Enrico delos Reyes
In Southern California, toys are transforming into the Creatures of Philippine Mythology. Not because of a full moon, amulet, or evil spell, but because of the tireless work and incredible talent of Enrico delos Reyes. I first became aware of Reyes’ work through his Facebook Page, Creatures Of Darkness (Philippines). Born in Manila, Reyes was introduced to the creatures of mythology the same way most Filipinos are – through stories from a family member. Rarer, was that he brought this part of his culture with him to California where he works, among other things, as a tattoo and airbrush artist. I was so impressed by his work that I decided to reach out and ask for an interview. Luckily, Reyes was kind enough to give us some insight into the thought and process of how he plays Dr. Frankenstein with toys to create these haunting Creatures Of Darkness.
1. How did you become interested in the Creatures of the Philippines?
As a small boy growing up in Manila my father often told stories about the dwendes living in a kingdom full of gold and candies hidden inside large trees. He also told stories about zombies or the living dead. But I’m not sure if I heard him mention the ASWANG. One time he took me to watch a movie titled ‘Darna Kuno’ starring Dolphy. In this movie Dolphy battled numerous monsters including a group of TIKBALANGS. I learned about the MANANANGGAL in an elementary school book which was so realistically illustrated it frightened me. From that time on I have been intrigued and fascinated with our folkloric creatures.
2. What is the process to making one of your figures? How long does it take?
In making my figures, it depends on the materiasl I have, say, if I found a toy that I think would be easy to customize and turn into the KAPRE then that’s what I’m going to do. But sometimes I have a particular creature that I wanted to make then I’ll look for a toy to create that creature, How long it takes to make a figure depends on my free time.
3. Which figure has been the biggest challenge, and why?
The most challenging figure that I had built so far is….mmmmmm. ALL OF THEM! HAHAHA! No. Probably the MAMBABARANG DIORAMA because there are two figures there: the MAMBABARANG and her VICTIM.
4. Do you have a favorite creature in Philippine Mythology?
My favorite creature in Philippine mythology is the most famous of them all… THE ASWANG! I have a very clear idea of how it should look like (please refer to my figure to see my vision of the aswang) which maybe different from other people’s ideas of about it. To me the ASWANG is not necessarily evil, it’s just like any animal who needs to eat that’s why it kills people or dig up corpses.
5. Which creatures are currently in your collection and what can we expect to see in the future?
Currently in my collection are: ASWANG, TIKBALANG, KAPRE, MANANANGGAL, DWENDE, TIYANAK, BATIBAT or BANGUNGOT, MAMBABARANG (w/ VICTIM), PARING PUGOT, KUMAKATOK, SIYOKOY, SIRENA, AMARANHIG (VISAYAN ZOMBIE), WAKWAK, MANGKUKULAM, NUNO SA PUNSO, and the SIGBIN.
My next project is the ANGGITAY – a centaur like creature who is a female with a unicorn-like horn on her forehead
6. Are they for sale? How can someone acquire one of your pieces?
Maybe if the price is right. HAHAHA! Just contact me and we can talk about it.
For more information about Reyes’ Creatures Of Darkeness, visit their Facebook Page.
Jordan Clark is a Canadian born descendant of Scottish immigrants living on the homelands of the Lekwungen speaking peoples. His interest in Philippine myth and folklore began in 2004. Finding it difficult to track down resources on the topic, he founded The Aswang Project in 2006. Shortly after, he embarked on a 5 year journey, along with producing partner Cheryl Anne del Rosario, to make the 2011 feature length documentary THE ASWANG PHENOMENON – an exploration of the aswang myth and its effects on Philippine society. In 2015 he directed “The Creatures of Philippine Mythology” web-series, which features 3 folkloric beings from the Philippines – the TIKBALANG, KAPRE and BAKUNAWA. Episodes are available to watch on YouTube. Jordan recently oversaw the editing for the English language release of Ferdinand Blumentritt’s DICCIONARIO MITOLÓGICO DE FILIPINAS (Dictionary of Philippine Mythology) and is working on two more releases with fellow creators scheduled for release later this year. When his nose isn’t in a book, he spends time with his amazing Filipina wife of 20 years and their smart and wonderful teenaged daughter.
