Maria Erika Cayetano BSED-English, SE2-1

Aswang (origin)

An aswang, also known as a witch, is a mythical creature from the Philippines passed
on from generations to generations, and said to have originated in Leyte and Samar. Leyteños
and Samareños grouped aswang into two types: the malupad (flying witch) and the malakat
(walking witch). This mythical creature is prominent in the said localities, especially in Jaro,
Leyte where it is believed to have existed until today.

According to the elders, the aswang have been on earth from time immemorial. Spirits
of the mountains made the witches. When an aswang is about to die, it must transfer its black
magic to its relatives. A stone will come out of the dying aswang and be transferred to the
chosen relative. When the stone enters the person’s body, it becomes a witch. If the person
fails to control its power in any way, he or she will gradually deteriorate and eventually
die. An aswang cannot withdraw from being an aswang, or else, he or she would die.

Outward Appearance

An aswang can either be male or female. According to the people of Jaro, an aswang
appears to be a normal person who socializes with the community. They are human beings
possessed by evil spirits, endowed with black magic powers. The aswang flies at midnight,
and its presence is announced by the cry of "wakwak," a bird that accompanies the aswang.
Aswang was also known as wakwak by the locals.

This mythical creature can detect if a person is sick, or if a pregnant woman is about
to give birth. When it craves one, it flies to the roof of its victim and causes harm by sucking
a sick person’s blood or eating the liver of the woman’s baby. Before an aswang changes its
appearance from that of a normal person, a magical oil, or lana, as the residents may call it,
will be applied to the body of the aswang. Massive wings will grow out of its body, and the
people describe it as a devilish and frightening sight. Its eyes turn reddish, sharp, and
penetrating, enabling it to see through the infant from the womb of the mother’s body. Its
teeth and nails become long and sharp like swords. Its hair is also long, brittle, straight, and
spreading. Its saliva drips as an aswang finds the blood of sick people and the flesh of babies
pleasing and fragrant. The body is thin and slippery, making it possible for an aswang to pass
through small holes.

Experiences

The locals of Jaro fear and detest aswangs. According to them, to avoid being harmed
by an aswang, a pregnant mother should wear a black cloth when sleeping. I could still recall
one experience of a pregnant woman in my neighbourhood. According to her, she was in a
deep sleep when she felt a pain in her belly. Her husband at that time was still awake when he
heard a terrifying sound. He was certain it was an aswang. He shouted, "I know you, and
where you live! Stay away from my family!" The aswang flew away in an instant. Since then,
the pregnant woman has worn a black dress at night and a "pakot," which is believed to be
feared by the aswangs.

My uncle also shared a similar story about the aswang. According to him, he often
hears an aswang passing by our house. He thought it might be in our neighbourhood.I still
remember how I couldn’t sleep in my room for several nights because I was afraid that it
would come at me since, according to my uncle, an aswang hears well even from a distance.

There is no actual evidence to describe what an aswang actually looks like, and there
is no such incident where an aswang harmed a sick person or killed an infant. However,
everyone in our barangay believes that aswang exists up to the present day.