In 2004, a group of young professionals in Roxas City, Capiz formed Dugo Capiznon Inc. It’s goal was to promote Capiz as a tourist destination while shaking the negative “aswang stigma”. To do this, they decided to hold an annual “Aswang Festival”, which was a huge success. Not only did they showcase the handicrafts, food and services of local businesses in the trade fair, they were able to host educational symposiums about local history and the possible origins of the aswang myth in Capiz. People of all ages filled the streets to witness the parade of mythical creatures – like the tikbalang, wak-wak, and kapre. Many local businesses reported year long improvements in business as a result of the Festival. Regardless, the festival only ran for 3 years and ended in October 2006. So what the heck went wrong?
The easiest answer is “the church shut it down”, but it isn’t quite as simple as that. Yes, the religious sector was a contributing factor, but it wasn’t the Catholic Church as many suspect. In fact, I met with a Catholic priest in Roxas and he said that they neither support it, nor oppose it. In my conversations with the organizers of the festival, it was revealed that the religious sector opposition was spearheaded by the First Assembly Missions in Roxas City. I interviewed Pastor Rey Calusay in 2006 and he made some good points. I believe that his intentions were to protect the people of Roxas City and that he acted in what he thought best served them. I don’t agree with him, but I can respect where his opinions were coming from.
It brings shame and embarrassment to our people instead of lifting the dignity of our people. -Pastor Rey Calusay, First Assembly Missions
Here is an excerpt from the interview I filmed with Pastor Rey.
The opposition from the religious sector certainly caused difficulties in organizing the event, but they were able to maneuver around this for the 3 years the festival ran. What proved more challenging was when the long time mayor of Roxas City – and supporter of the Aswang Festival – Antonio A. del Rosario (mayor from 1997-2007) did not run in the mayoral race and instead was elected to congress. The new mayor, Vincente Bediones Bermejo, did not directly oppose the festival, but did not show support either. Without the city’s endorsement, it became too difficult to obtain sponsorships, battle the religious sector, and operate the festival. Holding the festival on private land was considered, but that would have turned an educational and business boosting cultural event into a giant party – which would be fun, but not within the mission of Dugo Capiznon Inc.
The organizers of the festival saw its potential to raise the status of Capiz as a tourism destination, while at the same time educating people about the history and stigma of the aswang. What a shame that others did not.
Here is a short video of THE ASWANG FESTIVAL parade in 2005.
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.
