A few weeks ago I came across an Instagram photo showing a Tikbalang statue decorating a bridge. A quick Google search told me it was located at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar – an open air museum and heritage park in Bagac, Bataan, Philippines. I made a Facebook post and then didn’t put any more thought into it until someone asked , “Why are they there?” Some further investigation was clearly needed.
The Wikipedia page for Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar explains: “José “Gerry” Acuzar, owner of New San Jose Builders started to rebuild Spanish mansions in Bagac in 2003. Each house was dismantled brick by brick, numbered, transported to his property in Bagac, reassembled in the same order, and then restored. Houses were chosen based on their historical, cultural and architectural value. Seven years later, in 2010, the heritage park was opened to public.
So what about the bridge? Apparently, Acuzar intended it as a reproduction of the 1916 Jones Bridge (that replaced the Puente de España bridge) spanning the Pasig River. This first Jones Bridge was destroyed by bombing during WWII and the Jones Bridge 2 is what stands there now.
Near the bridge in Bagac, there is a tribute statue of Lola Basyang telling stories to children – “Lola Basyang” was the pen name of playwright Severino Reyes, who became famous for his fantasy / adventure stories and his major contribution to Philippine lore and children’s literature.
The Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Jones bridge was also decorated with Philippine mythical creatures like the tikbalang (part man and part horse), engkanto (nymphs and ghouls), siokoy (mermen) and more. As a result, the bridge is affectionately known to tourists as “The Lola Basyang Bridge”. What an incredible way to encourage young minds to explore Philippine literature, and embrace the folklore that is unique to their country. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more places followed suit?
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.
