Honorato C. Perez, Sr.

Memorial Science High School

THE WITCH
By Edilberto K. Tiempo

The story unfolds through the eyes of a young boy who recalls his childhood
experiences while visiting his uncle Tio Sabelo in Libas, a place he enjoys due to
the abundant treats and the vibrant natural setting. However, Libas is also home to
Minggay Awok, a feared witch known for her supposed supernatural abilities to
curse those who wronged her. It was believed by the locals that the various ailments
or misfortunes that they were experiencing were caused by Minggay. Her notoriety
spreads across several barrios which was underscored by the isolation of these
communities.
Minggay lives in a decrepit hut by a creek, with details of her dwelling
contributing to her mysterious and feared persona. She is known to carry with her
bottles containing insects and objects used for her witchcraft alongside a set of
keys. Despite several attempts from the townspeople to end her life, Minggay
managed to survive. Her only company appears to be a barren sow and some
chickens, which is believed by some to transform into supernatural creatures
serving her.
One day, while delivering medicine for his aunt, the boy encounters the feared
surroundings of Minggay's hut at dusk. With this, his fear of encountering her or
being cursed became strong. Despite his terror, his experiences around Minggay's
abode start to become part of his routine, lessening his fear but not completely
erasing it.
In a surprising event, while hunting for shrimp, the boy meets an old woman
bathing in the creek. This woman, kind and seemingly ordinary, shares tips for
catching shrimps and offers him coconut shreds for bait. She engages him in
conversation, revealing personal details about her life, including a son who left
home young, a deceased cruel husband, and her loneliness.
Soon enough, the woman revealed that she lives in the same feared hut of
Minggay Awok near the balete tree. This revelation scared the young boy because
at that moment he realized that he was currently face-to-face with Minggay Awok
herself. The interaction leaves the boy with a mix of emotions since he finds it hard
to associate the kind old woman with the fearsome image of Minggay. He realized
there was a deeper, more human side to the witch's story, filled with loss,
loneliness, and longing. In the end, the boy can’t help but wonder if Minggay was
truly a witch or was she just a misunderstood woman shunned away by society.