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Mythology & folklore

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The Ethereal City of Biringan

Biringan is an ethereal city which is believed to be located somewhere between Calbayog City and Catarman. Those who claim that they already saw this mysterious spot described it as a city of light because it is highly illuminated. Some people think of it as the dwelling place of Engkantos, Aswang and Lost Souls.

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Published at 2018-01-28 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore

The Mysterious Mummy of Capiz

In 2008 I was visiting friends in Roxas City, Capiz. Upon learning about my interest in the creatures of Philippine Mythology, an acquaintance suggested I visit the mummy of Maria Basañes in Pilar, a few districts over. So off we went. After stopping at city hall and hiring a guide, we arrived at a humble cement block home. After being charged a small fee, we entered the property and then the front door of the house.

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Published at 2018-01-28 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Capiz

Engkantos: Mystical Malady Bringers

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. Since science and “modern” thinking hadn’t come to our land yet, our ancestors tried to analyze various phenomena and incidents in their community with a mystical approach, where Engkantos were almost always involved. Medical and health conditions were no exception to this.

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Published at 2018-01-28 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Engkanto

Asog: Emergence of the Male Babaylan

There will always be a subtle yet vital role that only females can play within the intricate tales of myths and mysticism. Among all the creations, they are the only one who are given the power of procreation; the ability to conceived life. Such qualities are usually attributed with omnipotent gods and that is why being a woman escalates an individual to a certain degree that makes them special among the people of their society.

Continue reading (1,256 words , 2 pictures)

Published at 2018-01-28 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Babaylan

Aswang Urban Legends: Maria Labo and Teniente Gimo

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 there were growing numbers of mobile phone users. Entertainment for “common people” is mostly divided into two categories: the repertoire of Soap Operas on their television and, of course, the endless hours of chatting with their kumares and kumpares during their afternoon siestas.

Continue reading (1,844 words , 4 pictures)

Published at 2018-01-28 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Urban, demons, legends

Hilot: the Science and Philosophy of Ancient Filipino Healing Arts

The ancient Filipino healing art known as Hilot can be classified as a type of traditional/folk medical practice that details both the resourcefulness of Filipinos as well as a rich culture overflowing with different influences. It also ultimately showcases that our ancestors already possessed an ingenious knowledge of medicine despite a formal education or background in the subject.

Continue reading (1,723 words , 4 pictures)

Published at 2018-01-27 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Hilot, Nature, Philosophy

Stars Through the Eyes of Ancient Filipinos

There is something special about the stars and the countless heavenly bodies ruling the night sky. Besides their beauty, stars narrate the story of man’s origin and existence since the early age of time through the numerous constellation depicting heroes and monsters from an equally vast number of cultures. Thus we have the constellations like that of the hero Hercules and Draco, the Dragon forever drawn in the night sky.

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Published at 2018-01-25 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: stars

The Soul According to the Ethnolinguistic Groups of the Philippines

The soul (linnawa) of a child floats around in the heavens, awaiting its entry into the human world. During sexual intercourse the soul/spirit enters the female through the male, resulting in pregnancy. If a woman cannot conceive, shamans conduct sacrifices to see if the couple is compatible. If they are, shamans offer other sacrifices to enhance fertility.

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Published at 2018-01-28 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Ethnography, Spirits, soul

The Concept of Time According to Pre-Colonial Filipinos

The importance of time remains a constant – from the older ages when clocks were still unknown, to our current period where time itself literally runs our lives. From the beginning of our life, we are taught how to use our time wisely and treat it like “gold” because of its irreplaceable value. However, there is a common trait that seems to be prevalent in every Filipino that can be both a source of humor and annoyance: our chronic inability to be on time – commonly dubbed “Filipino Time”.

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Published at 2018-01-28 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Filipino, pre-colonial

The Many Faces of Filipino Folk Healers

We are quiet familiar with the way of Herbolarios who utilize different herbs and plants to cure illnesses. Most would even remember the old man in their barrio known as ‘Magtatawas’ who, through candles, can diagnose the malady of a person. But those are only the tip of the iceberg of folk healing; there is more than just candles and brewed leaves to understanding these complex and interesting practices and roles.

Continue reading (1,350 words , 3 pictures)

Published at 2018-01-28 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Health, Tradition, medicine

Visayan War Gods / Philippine Mythology

The “trinity” of Visayan War gods invoked before or during battle were Yna Guinid (the goddess of war and poisons), Barangaw (the god of rainbow and symbol of hope), and Makanduk (god of war and plunder) – patron god of the mangatang or sea bandits/pirates.

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Published at 2018-01-29 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore

Ribung Linti: Visayan Deity of Thunder & Lightning

There is actually very little known about the lightning deity, but we do know how he was first documented. In 1955, Filipino anthropologist F. Landa Jocano became interested in native folklore. He travelled deep into central Panay with two colleagues collecting folk songs, stories, and riddles. It was during one of those trips to the upland barrios of Lambunao, Maasin, Janiuay, and Calinog in Iloilo that his attention was called to a long and popular tale called Hinilawod ...

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Published at 2018-01-28 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Deity

Banwaanon, Denizens of the Philippine Fairyland

Banwaanon, meaning ‘of the forest’, are sometimes called Katsila from ‘Castilian’ (shortened to kastila) meaning Spaniard. They are said to have caucasian features and coloring. The legend is rumored to have started in Northern Samar where, in 1614, the Jesuits established a mission. These missionaries stayed until the late 17th century when they were expelled from the Philippines and were replaced by the Franciscans.

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Published at 2018-01-28 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: demons

Santonilyo and the Cultural Appropriation of Santo Niño

The child deity Santonilyo is considered the “god of graces” within the ancient Visayan pantheon. It has always fascinated me, not just because of it’s obvious similarities to the Christian image of Santo Niño, but because of its interconnection with recorded historical fact. It is through these recordings of history that we are able to piece together speculative glimpses of the societal past. In the case of Santonilyo, the evidence leads us on a fairly distinct pathway towards its origins..

Continue reading (1,392 words , 4 pictures)

Published at 2018-01-27 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Deity

Why People Die: the Bisayan Tale of Immortality Lost

There is no shortage of tales about immortality. Call it a age long human obsession or a divine mission that carries our minds from magic to science. Nevertheless mythology and folklore will always features beings who are untouched by death and characters who engage in perilous quests to find artifacts that will give them the much coveted gift of everlasting life.

Continue reading (1,611 words , 2 pictures)

Published at 2018-01-27 by Puerto Parrot
Categories : Culture, Mythology & folklore
Tags: Magic, soul