Last October, episode one of a new Philippine Mythology web-series was released online. It traced back the origins and evolution of the TIKBALANG (half-horse/ half-man creature) more than 5000 years to a Hindu avatar of Vishnu called Hayagriva. Well, episode 2 was just released and explores the KAPRE – the docile, tree dwelling, cigar smoking giant! Once again, they strip down the creature to the earliest interpretations and present a fascinating educational look at how the creature came to be known in popular culture as it is today.
I think it’s important to see where you came from, just so you can figure out whether you want to continue that, or to depart from it. – Budjette Tan (creator of TRESE komiks)
KAPRE: The Tree Dweller – DOCUMENTARY (15min)
If you notice the scent of tobacco in the Philippine jungle, see the glow of embers near a giant tree, or you feel the eyes of an 8 foot beast upon you while you sleep, it might just be the Kapre. What is perhaps the simplest creature in Philippine Mythology, turns out to have a very complicated past. In this episode of the new “Creature of Philippine Mythology” web-series, The Aswang Project peels away the layers that comprise the origin, history and evolution of the Kapre. Journey back to the pre-Spanish Philippines where animist beliefs created a huge black spirit that watched people from the trees. Follow the etymology of the term “kapre”, and discover why the creature is always smoking cigars.
Even though much of the Kapre’s evolution is due to foreign influence, it’s important to remember that its origin and ownership is truly and uniquely Filipino. – Jordan Clark (director of the web-series)
The Series is produced for THE ASWANG PROJECT by High Banks Entertainment Ltd. and features interviews with Peque Gallaga (director, SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL), Budjette Tan (creator, TRESE comics), Karl R De Mesa (writer, NEWS OF THE SHAMAN) and Yvette Tan (writer, WAKING THE DEAD).
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.
