PHILIPPINE MYTHICAL CREATURES

Have you heard about the Philippine Mythical Creatures? Philippine mythical creatures are the
mythical beasts, monsters, and enchanted beings of more than 140 ethnic groups in the
Philippines.  

Each ethnic people in the Philippines has their own sets of belief systems concerning
mythological creatures, demons, and monsters. Each creature was initially unique under each
ethnic people's culture. But due to nationalism, various creatures from various ethnic peoples
have gone into the limelight and have been absorbed by other ethnic peoples. Mediums such as
television, radio, and books have enhanced the spread of multiple creatures between ethnic
peoples in the country. Additionally, due to colonialism, many creatures of Western origin have
also been inputted in the beliefs of many natives. Among the most known creatures in
Philippine mythology are the aswang, tikbalang, kapre, tyanak, pugot, and engkanto.

Here are some examples of The Philippine Mythical Creatures:

Aswang
Aswang are shapeshifters, believed to appear human-like by day but transform into different
monstrous forms to harass and eat awake humans at night or day, especially pregnant women
who are about to give birth. Aswang can change from human to animal form, typically as a large
black bird with a long tongue Aswang are shapeshifters, believed to appear human-like by day
but transform into different monstrous forms to harass and eat awake humans at night or day,
especially pregnant women who are about to give birth. Aswang can change from human to
animal form, typically as a large black bird with a long tongue.

Duwende
Duwende are goblins, hobgoblins, elves or dwarfs. They are little creatures who provide good
fortune or foretell an ominous fate to people.  Filipinos may mutter the words "tabi-tabi po" or
"bari-bari apo ma ka ilabas kami apo", asking them to excuse themselves for bothering
the duwendes. They may also take a person's things, laughing at their attempt to recover them.
They give it back when they feel like it, or when one tells them to please give it.
Engkanto