A Free Resource for Philippine Mythology & Folklore • The Aswang Project

BICOL Origin Myth: The Creation of the World

July 30, 2016 Jordan Clark Bikolano Mythology

“Beliefs as to the origin of the earth, and of the men, animals, plants, and various topographical features found in it, seem to survive with greater persistence

Philippine Folkloric Creatures amidst a Cultural Identity Crisis

July 25, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion

Since completing The Aswang Phenomenon documentary in 2011 and launching The Aswang Project blog last year, I have been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Young

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 Bakunawa sword hilt compared to the image of the Javanese demon Kala Rahu. Both share common attributes and seem to be based off similar influences and design - large fangs, swirling design, head shape etc.

Ancient Cultural Weaponry: Finding the Visayan Bakunawa Kampilan

July 15, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion, Visayan Mythologies & Beliefs

Among Filipino swords, the most distinguishing characteristic of the Kampilan is its huge size. At about 36 to 40 inches (90 to 100 cm) long, it is

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 collection of books regarding Philippine Mythology and Folklore.

Books and References on Philippine Mythology and Folklore

July 1, 2016 Anne Plaza Books & References

*UPDATED 14 MARCH 2020* While most, if not all, of our local myths and lore have been verbally transmitted through speech or song, historians and

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

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

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