Creatures & Spirits • THE ASWANG PROJECT

This section contains legends, myths, and studies on the folkloric beings of the Philippine archipelago. These beings have been popularly classified as the “creatures of Philippine lower mythology.” In many cases, some of these beings are still living beliefs. Please use the site search function to look up specific folkloric beings and attributes.

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Check out our “Compendium Of Creatures & Mythical Beings From Philippine Folklore & Mythology”

Illustration of a shark with very large side fins flying above the ocean.

TIBURONES: The Flying Sharks of Philippine Folklore

August 26, 2016 Karl Gaverza Bikolano Mythology, Creatures & Spirits

The Tiburones are said to be flying sharks, with razor sharp teeth, crushing jaws, and able to circle their prey from the air. ‘Tiburon’ is

A possessed man with cloudy eyes opens his mouth wide in a horrific look as a black bird begins to emerge from it.

Aswang Lore: Transferring the Black Chick

July 22, 2016 Jordan Clark Bikolano Mythology, Creatures & Spirits, Opinion

“In your research, what did you find out about the supposed black chick that people swallow to become an aswang? Erik Matti used it in

ALAN, the deformed humanoid/avian Creature of the Philippines

July 16, 2016 Jordan Clark Creatures & Spirits, Itneg/Tingguian Beliefs

When it comes to the Creatures of Philippine Mythology, there is no shortage of bizarre and grotesque beings. The Alan is one of these – a mysterious

A filipina is shown with unkempt hair and dark circles under her eyes. A large slash wound crosses her face from the right of her mouth up to the left side of her eye.

Aswang Urban Legends: Maria Labo and Teniente Gimo

July 8, 2016 Daniel De Guzman Creatures & Spirits, Opinion

It was the early 90’s and it would still be a few more years before social media was introduced. The internet was exclusive to a handful of people but

A giant crab crawls up the side of a rocky ocean front. A human is seen off to the side, dwarfed by the massive giant.

TAMBANOKANO: The Giant Crab, Mandaya Folklore

June 9, 2016 Jordan Clark Creatures & Spirits, Mandaya Beliefs

You’ve heard the tales of Bakunawa, the giant serpent who attempts to swallow the moon. But have you heard of the gargantuan crab named Tambanokano (also

Bakunawa, a serpent -like dragon emerging and stretching from the earth with the moon held in its mouth.

BAKUNAWA: The Moon Eating Dragon of Philippine Mythology

May 27, 2016 Jordan Clark Bikolano Mythology, Central Visayas Mythologies & Beliefs, Creatures & Spirits, Opinion, Visayan Mythologies & Beliefs, Western Visayas Mythologies & Beliefs

CREATURES OF PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY: Episode Three What always fascinates me most about the Creatures of Philippine Mythology, is where the origins came from and how