by FRANCISCO R. DEMETRIO, S.J. from the book MYTHS & SYMBOLS, PHILIPPINES The aswang or witch is one of the givens of the Philippine cultural
Read morePANG-O-TÚB: The Traditional Philippine Tattooing You Haven’t Heard About
By now, most of us are familiar with the incredible work of Whang-od, the tattoo artist from Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines. She is often described as the
Read moreDuwende Lore in the Philippines
According to Philippine lore, mounds of soil or anthills are not just nests for insects like termites and ants. The majority of us who grew
Read moreLUMAD DOLLS & FOLKLORE THEMED CRAFTS: Made With Indigenous Weaves by Philippine Artisans
Be still, my heart! Okay, this is about the coolest thing I’ve heard of in a while. I received a message from Pangolin Crafts showing
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
Read moreThe Theme of Resurrection in Philippine Epic Tales
The rule of nature is simple: we live and then we die. The moment of birth is also the beginning of the countdown towards death.
Read morePHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY: Similarities and Parallels to World Mythologies
Mythology is understood by many as being part of the cultural identity for particular regions – representing spirituality, beliefs and values in the form of
Read moreQUESTION: Was there a Kingdom of Maharlika, with a pre-colonial one true God?
Before I begin, I’ll give a little bit of background as to why I am asking this question. The “Kingdom of Maharlika” was recently in
Read moreTINAKCHI: Legends of the Unseen on Mt. Kechangon
The Tinakchi from the mountain range of Kalinga are a classic example of “unseen beings” that are often a pivotal element to staple horror stories.
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