THERE is a Manuvu legend that explains why Mindanao is so endowed. Accordingly in the beginning there was Manama, the creator of many things. In
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SALAKEP, the spirits of epidemic sickness: Tagbanua (Tagbanuwa) Beliefs
For the northwest winds bring the feared salakap, the spirits of epidemic sickness, to earth. The name Tagbanua derives from tiga banua, meaning “people of the village.” There
Read moreThe Origin of Taal Volcano: Tagalog Myth
Taal Volcano in the Philippines is erupting for the first time since 1977. It sent an eruption plume a kilometer above the crater, according to
Read moreIlokano Deities: Philippine Mythology
When we think of Ilokano Mythology, we are often referred to Biag ni Lam-ang ( “The Life of Lam-ang”), the epic poem of the Ilocano
Read moreEtymology of ASWANG: Where did the word come from?
Back in 2006 when I began preliminary work on THE ASWANG PHENOMENON documentary, I had 5 main questions I was trying to answer. What is an
Read moreThe BUSO Complex in BAGOBO Folklore
The Bagobo are one of the largest subgroups of the Manobo peoples. They comprise three subgroups: the Tagabawa, the Klata (or Guiangan), and the Ovu
Read moreThe Sky Maiden Motif in Philippine Tales
Originality in stories is a must for both readers and storytellers. Being able to deliver a tale with a different plot, themes and characters as
Read moreNOTES ON THE MEDICAL PRACTICES OF THE VISAYANS, 1908
The following notes were recorded by a native Visayan teacher: If a person is ill or feels a pain in any part of his body,
Read moreFOLKLORIC SPIRITS: Is Knowing “Tabi Tabi Po” Enough When Travelling the Philippines?
We may all be familiar with the term “tabi tabi po”, which is used when someone is entering a locale where Philippine folkloric spirits may
Read morePHILIPPINE RELIGION: A Curious Thing Happened on the Way to Christianization
When it comes to understanding Philippine Mythology, Folklore and Legends, the decolonization movement is a tricky one. It generally leans to one side – contempt
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