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Discover Filipino Mythical Creatures: Movies, Books, and Podcasts
Did you know the Philippines is home to a world of fascinating creatures hiding in plain sight? Discover Filipino mythical creatures in movies, books, and podcasts, from the shape-shifting aswang to the mischievous tikbalang. Explore the tales and legends that have influenced Philippine culture.
Watch: Movies Featuring Filipino Mythical Creatures
From horror to animation, there's a film for every taste and age.
Shake, Rattle & Roll (1984)
Manananggal is the third segment in this anthology film, featuring a creature that sprouts bat wings and splits its body in half to hunt humans at night. The story follows Douglas, a teenager who encounters the manananggal (played by Irma Alegre) while staying with his grandmother in a remote province. After witnessing its gruesome killings and discovering its true identity, Douglas must fight to protect his family from the creature's deadly attacks.
Stream it on YouTube
Tiyanak (1988)
This horror film, directed by Peque Gallaga, introduces you to the tiyanak, a creature that disguises itself as an innocent baby to lure its victims. Tiyanak is a classic Filipino horror movie, known for its chilling atmosphere and effective scares. The story is about a woman (Janice de Belen) who takes in an abandoned baby only to discover its true monstrous nature.
Stream it on YouTube
Aswang (1992)
Another classic by Peque Gallaga, Aswang is known for its atmospheric storytelling and depiction of this shape-shifting creature that preys on humans, particularly pregnant women. The film follows a girl (Aiza Seguerra) and her yaya (Manilyn Reynes) who encounter the aswang (Alma Moreno) while traveling through a remote province. As the creature targets them, they must fight to survive the night and escape its clutches.
Stream it on YouTube
Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles (2012)
This action-packed horror-comedy throws you into a fight against the aswang. Experience a modern take on this iconic monster, brought to life with impressive special effects and a talented cast including Dingdong Dantes, Lovi Poe, and Joey Marquez. Tiktik blends humor and horror as it follows a man forced to protect his pregnant wife from a horde of hungry aswangs.
Stream it on BiliBili TV
Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B (2016)
This contemporary horror film delves into the loneliness and isolation of a manananggal. Experience the creature's internal struggles and yearning for connection, portrayed by Ryza Cenon in a captivating performance. Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B offers a unique psychological perspective, exploring themes of identity and acceptance. It’s the story of a woman grappling with her monstrous nature as she forms an unexpected bond with a man with his own secrets.
Stream it on BiliBili TV
Trese (2021)
Explore the dark underworld of Manila with Trese, a Netflix animated series where legendary beings and humans co-exist. Follow Alexandra Trese (voiced by Liza Soberano in the Filipino dub and Shay Mitchell in the English dub) as she investigates supernatural crimes and confronts entities like the tikbalang (half-human and half-horse) and manananggal. Based on the popular graphic novel, Trese blends crime noir with Filipino mythology, offering a unique and thrilling viewing experience.
Stream it on Netflix
Read: Books Exploring Filipino Folklore
Get lost in thrilling tales that bring Filipino mythology to life.
Philippine Myths, Legends, and Folktales by Maximo Ramos (1953)
Uncover the stories that shaped Filipino culture in this collection of 31 myths, legends, and folktales.
Image Credit: Amazon
This collection of folktales introduces you to all sorts of legendary beings. You'll discover stories about diwata (a nature spirit), duwendes (dwarves), tiyanaks, and more. It's the perfect book to read to your children as both of you explore the rich tradition of Filipino folklore.
Available on Amazon
The Mythology Class: A Graphic Novel by Arnold Arre (2005)
The Mythology Class blends classic mythology with modern storytelling and is a Philippine National Book Award winner!
Image Credit: Amazon
Join Nicole, an anthropology student, as she journeys into a world filled with creatures like the tikbalang and engkantos, learning about their origins and cultural significance along the way. The Mythology Class is a fun and informative read filled with vibrant illustrations.
Trese graphic novels by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo (2005-present)
This graphic novel series follows Alexandra Trese as she solves crimes involving Filipino mythological creatures.
Image Credit: Amazon
Immerse yourself in the dark and gritty world of Alexandra Trese, a detective specializing in solving crimes involving supernatural entities. These graphic novels blend Filipino folklore with urban fantasy, offering a modern and visually stunning take on mythical figures.
Available on Amazon, Shopee, or National Bookstore
Mga Nilalang na Kagila-gilalas by Edgar Calabia Samar (2015)
Can supernatural beings be your friend? Find out in Samar’s Mga Nilalang na Kagila-gilalas
Image Credit: Adarna House
This non-fiction book explores the diverse world of Filipino mythical creatures, from fearsome monsters to helpful spirits. Discover the aswang that brings death or the anito that guides and warns. Mga Nilalang na Kagila-gilalas is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to learn more about the beliefs surrounding these enigmatic beings.
Available on Adarna House and its Shopee Store
The Lost Journal of Alejandro Pardo by Budjette Tan and David Hontiveros (2018)
Learn all about the dark creatures of Philippine mythology, from sightings to strengths and weaknesses!
Image Credit: Amazon
This book, written as a field guide, recounts the adventures of a 19th-century cryptozoologist as he encounters 36 fantastical figures from Filipino legends. These include the kapre (a tree demon), the mangalok (an angel-faced predator), and the pugot (a fearsome headless beast). If you love escaping into a fantasy world, then The Lost Journal of Alejandro Pardo is a must-read!
Available on Amazon
Listen: Podcasts Delving into Philippine Mythology
Listen to stories of mythical creatures with these podcasts, from spooky encounters to humorous tales.
Tune in to these podcasts and let these stories transport you to another realm.
The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology
Ever wondered about the crazy stories behind Philippine gods, goddesses, and mythical monsters? The Gods Must Be Crazy podcast dives into those weird and wild tales with a fun and informative approach. Learn about their origins, why they're important to Filipinos, and how their stories have shaped beliefs for generations.
Listen on Spotify
Myth Monsters
While this podcast explores myths and monsters from around the world, it dedicates several episodes to figures in Filipino folklore. Tune in to learn about the Manananggal (Episode 17), Sigbin (Episode 27), Kapre (S2 Episode 23), Engkanto (S2: Episode 43) and Tikbalang (S4: Episode 15). Myth Monsters provides a blend of storytelling and information, making it an entertaining and informative listen.
Listen on YouTube
Kwentong Takipsilim Pinoy Tagalog Horror Stories
Immerse yourself in the eerie world of Filipino folklore with Kwentong Takipsilim. This podcast features horror stories, including real-life encounters with aswangs and other supernatural beings. Prepare to be spooked as you listen to these spine-tingling stories.
Listen on Spotify
Stories with Sapphire
This award-winning podcast shares diverse paranormal and supernatural stories, including Filipino folklore. You’ll also find a few animated videos on Sapphire's YouTube channel, like the one about the demon baby, Tiyanak. If you want to learn about these folklore figures and other supernatural phenomena, make sure to listen to Stories with Sapphire!
Uncover the World of Filipino Folklore
Explore the fascinating world of Filipino mythical creatures. Make sure you have a fast and reliable internet connection to access these movies, ebooks, and podcasts. Choose GFiber Postpaid for uninterrupted streaming or downloads without worrying about data caps. Or opt for GFiber Prepaid for reloadable and affordable high-speed internet with no monthly bills. Get ready to be frightened or fascinated by these beings of myth and deepen your appreciation for Philippine culture.