Opinion • THE ASWANG PROJECT

Opinion pieces and studies about the various cultures and beliefs from the area now known as the Philippines.

APOLAKI’S LAMENT: Who killed the ancient Filipino gods?

June 18, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion

Among the ancient gods of the Philippines, Apolaki was the Pangasinan deity of the sun and the lord of war. A few weeks ago, our resident

Artistic representation of the cosmic layers in folk beliefs, intertwined with Catholicism. Top layer shows a man standing in front of a sun, next is seen Jesus Christ on one side and 16th century Spanish missionaries on the other. The earth realm shows the folkloric beings of Philippine folk beliefs, while the final layer of the ocean shows sea life and a mermaid.

Devils in the Philippines: From Demonization to Abandonment

June 5, 2016 Daniel De Guzman Opinion

Pre-colonial Filipinos had their own concept of evil in the form of malicious spirits that carry diseases, infertility and at times, death. Without the intervention

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

An androgynous looking healer sits cross legged in precolonial attire. They are using a large stick to stir a pot of herbs over a fire in front of them.

ASOG: Emergence of the Male Babaylan

April 17, 2016 Daniel De Guzman Opinion, Shamans & Healers

The Babaylan There will always be a subtle yet vital role that females play within the intricate tales of myths and mysticism. Among all the

A Philippine negrito couple depicted in the Boxer Codex, circa 1590

ANIMISM | Understanding Philippine Mythology (Part 1 of 3)

March 13, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion, Philippine Mythology, Precolonial Society

A few weeks ago I published a compendium of over 370 creatures in Philippine Mythology. A week later, I published a chart that outlines the gods

HINDU & BUDDHIST INFLUENCE | Understanding Philippine Mythology (Part 2 of 3)

March 13, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion, Philippine Mythology, Precolonial Society

(CLICK FOR Part One: ANIMISM | Understanding Philippine Mythology) An often ignored part of Philippine history is the wonderful trade system they were an integral part of throughout

FOREIGN INFLUENCE | Understanding Philippine Mythology (Part 3 of 3)

March 13, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion, Philippine Mythology, Precolonial Society

(CLICK FOR Part Two: Indianized Kingdoms | Understanding Philippine Mythology) MUSLIM STATES: Meaning to acquire or conform to some of the characteristics, culture, or usage of Islamic

ENGKANTOS: Mystical Malady Bringers & Folk Healing

March 2, 2016 Daniel De Guzman Opinion, Shamans & Healers

Before the era of colonization came upon South East Asia, old customs and beliefs were the only thing that people could lean upon to explain their surroundings.

PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY: A Chart of the Deities, Creatures & Heroes

February 29, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion, Philippine Mythology

I’m a very visual person. My office wall is plastered with thumb tacks, maps and strings from when I charted out the history and evolution

Mythical Heroes of the Philippines | Old Tales Revisited

February 9, 2016 Daniel De Guzman Opinion

“ A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into regions of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory

ARTICLES ON CULTURE & HISTORY:

ARTICLES EXAMINING MYTHS, LEGENDS & FOLKLORE:

ARTICLES REGARDING TREES, PLANTS, & FARMING

ARTICLES REGARDING EDUCATION:

ARTICLES ON GENDER:

GENERAL RESEARCH & OPINION ARTICLES: