APIFantasy | Myth and Folklore Anthology

Filipino Mythology - Mythical Creatures

Different supernatural beliefs are held by Filipinos. Many people still think that mythical animals exist among us, even in these modern times. This can be linked to the old folk stories they heard as children or to the Filipinos' imaginative thinking and storytelling skills.

Some creatures are regarded by the villagers as being on par with gods and goddesses, serving as their divine protectors and providers. From the other perspective, some are perceived as villains who bring forth bad luck and misery. Learn more about some of them as we highlight some popular Filipino mythical beings!

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Creatures of the Soil

Agta: It has been depicted as a supernaturally large guy with a dark complexion who lives in cliffs, trees, or abandoned homes. They are regarded as kind spirits that live in trees and don't hurt people; instead, they observe and keep watch from their homes.

Alan: The Tinguian tribe of the Philippines' folklore has the deformed spirits known as the Alan. Their hands and feet point backward, they have wings, and they can fly.

Amalanhig: In Visayan mythology, notably among Hiligaynon-speaking populations, are creatures known as amalanhig. They are Aswangs who failed to transmit their monstrosity, which caused them to emerge from their graves and bite the necks of humans.

Amomongo: According to Philippine tradition, the Amomongo is a large, hairy ape with long nails that resembles a man. The Hiligaynon word amó, which means monkey or ape, is possibly the source of the name.

Anggitay: It is a monster with the lower body and legs of a horse from the waist down and the upper body of a female human. They served as the centauride, or female centaurs, counterparts in the Philippines. They are also said to be the Tikbalang's female counterparts.

Bal-Bal: A Bal-Bal is an undead creature from Philippine mythology that snatches bodies from graves or funerals and consumes them. It has a keen sense of smell for the remains of dead people. Additionally, it has teeth and claws that are strong enough to rend the dead's clothing. It only consumes corpses, hence its breath is terrible.

Batibat: In Ilocano folklore, there is a vengeful monster known as the Batibat. Bangungot is the name of the monster in Tagalog legend. The batibat manifests as a grotesquely obese, ancient female spirit that lives in trees.

Berbalang: The Berbalangs are ghoulish legendary beings in the Filipino culture that are said to eat human flesh. They obtain their food by removing bodies from cemeteries or by employing flying and other magical abilities to hunt living people. They are connected to the Mindanao culture of the small villages.

Bungisngis: In Philippine folklore, Bungisngis is a behemoth with just one eye. This monster is said to reside in Orion, Bataan, Meluz, and Cebu, and is always said to be laughing. The Cebuano word ngisi, which means to giggle, is the source of the term Bungingis' literal meaning.

Busaw: Legendary creature known as Busaw is similar to humans in appearance, behavior, and farming of root crops. However, as people are its preferred source of food, numerous human skeletons are lying around its home. A corpse and ghoul thief, the Busaw.

Dalaketnon: In Philippine folklore, a race of creatures known as Dalaketnons resembles elves. They were regarded by Visayans as being dashing and lovely animals that resembled prehistoric Philippine aristocrats and monarchs.

Diwata: Large trees like balete and acacia are supposed to be where the diwata live. They are the protector spirits of nature, bestowing blessings or curses on anyone who benefit or harm the mountains and woods. One such well-known Diwata is Maria Makiling, the protector of Laguna province's Mount Makiling.