The Tale of Sinogo's Betrayal
Off the northern coast of Mindanao, a potent current sets forth, journeying northward. It courses towards Siquijor, then, veering gently eastward, dashes between the isles of Cebu and Negros. At the slender passage between San Sebastian and Ayucatan, it fragments into myriad whirlpools, causing the water to hiss and froth for nearly three miles.
For steamers and grand vessels, peril is absent. Yet, to the native in his petite sacayan with bamboo outriggers, these whirlpools evoke dread. He deviates miles to shun them. If you question why, he'll elucidate—the Liloan, or whirlpool, is a perpetual menace, and then he'll narrate Sinogo's saga.
Eons ago, when Maguayan governed the seas and Captan, with thunderbolts, ruled from above, the air and water teemed with monstrous beings. Airborne creatures wielded formidable teeth and claws. Fierce and savage, they coexisted in peace, fearing the wrath of their master, Captan.
Yet, in the sea, tranquility waned. Some monsters, colossal and audacious, defied Maguayan's control. Fearing constant onslaughts, he, in desperation, beseeched Captan for aid.
Captan dispatched swift messengers to all corners of Earth, air, and sea, decreeing a council for all creatures worldwide. Caueli, a small isle in the Sulu Sea, was designated the meeting place. Creatures flocked, darkening the sky and agitating the waters.
The isle soon swarmed with formidable beings—Buayas from Mindanao, Tic-bolans from Luzon, Sigbins from Negros and Bohol, Unglocs from Panay and Leyte, Uak Uaks, and other dreadful monsters from Samar and Cebu. Circling a golden throne where Captan and Maguayan sat, their howls filled the air.
Captan raised his hand, silencing the cacophony. He declared Maguayan his brother god, deserving equal respect. He commanded all to obey the sea god, threatening thunderbolt retribution for defiance. Then, he bid all to return to their realms. Thunderous roars echoed, and the sea roiled as monsters retreated to their abodes.
On the isle remained Captan, Maguayan, and three messengers—Sinogo, Dalagan, and Guidala. Giants with swift wings, long spears, and sharp swords. Dalagan, the swiftest; Guidala, the bravest; Sinogo, the handsomest, beloved by Captan.
When creatures departed, Maguayan thanked Captan. Captan, humbly, asserted he fulfilled his duty. He gifted Maguayan a golden shell with wondrous power—to transform into any creature by placing it in his mouth. In case of an insubordinate monster's attack, he could morph into a larger, mightier beast and vanquish with ease.
Grateful, Maguayan placed the shell beside him. Captan summoned food and drink; the two gods feasted joyously.
Sinogo, standing behind the throne, coveted the shell. Despite Captan's favors, desire consumed him. With the shell, he could rule as a god, evading Captan's wrath. An opportunity arose as he handed Maguayan food—he seized the shell, slipping away unnoticed.
Captan, missing his favorite messenger, ordered Dalagan to search. Sinogo was gone, and the golden shell vanished. Captan, enraged, vowed Sinogo's demise. Dalagan and Guidala were dispatched northward to bring the faithless messenger back.
Swiftly over the blue sea, the messengers pursued Sinogo. Near Guimaras, they caught sight, and Sinogo, seeing them, sped faster. Nearing, they drew swords, aiming to seize him.
Sinogo, swift and cunning, placed the shell in his mouth, diving into the water, transforming into a crocodile-shaped Buaya with impenetrable scales. Dalagan and Guidala's blows were futile against the armored monster.
Through Guimaras Strait, the chase ensued. Sinogo churned the water. Rounding Negros' northern coast, waves swept over Bacabac isle, leveling hills to the sea.
Still, Sinogo fled. Towards Bantayan, then altering course into the narrow channel between Negros and Cebu. Dalagan, leaving Guidala, flew back to Caueli, informing Captan of Sinogo's whereabouts.
Captan, armed with an enormous thunderbolt, positioned himself at the southern channel entrance. Sinogo sped into the narrow passage, his monstrous form bearing Dalagan's and Guidala's onslaughts in vain. Thunder roared, a bolt struck Sinogo, pinning him underwater.
Thousands of years passed. Deep beneath the water, Sinogo, in the form of a colossal Buaya, struggled. Whirlpools raced up the channel for three miles. The native, in his sacayan, avoids the narrow entrance, for Sinogo still twists and squirms—a feared and dreaded Liloan.
TIK TIK
Tiktik is a mythical creature in the Philippines, well-known in contemporary legends for devouring human organs. These creatures possess the ability to jump, hop high, crawl along walls like cats, and hang like bats. Their targets are the fetuses of pregnant women and month-old embryos. Tiktik attacks occur at night when they hop onto the roof of their victim's house. Using their long tongues, they rip open the womb, consume the fetus, and leave the woman dead. Cutting their tongues can kill them, causing them to die of starvation.
As the tiktik is already deceased and lacks a human form, it takes on the appearance of flying creatures like birds or bats. It cannot assume a human form and serves as a spirit guide to the aswang. The tiktik, a deceased aswang that died from old age, continues to be a tormentor. Notably, the tiktik has a preference for human hearts, while the aswang favors human guts.
The tiktik is named after its distinct cry, a shrill sound resembling "tik-tik-tik-tik" or ticking. This cry is particularly eerie because it is louder when far away and gets quieter as the tiktik approaches its victims.
SIGBEN
The Sigbin is a creature from Philippine mythology believed to emerge at night, preying on victims by sucking their blood from their shadows. It walks backward with its head between its hind legs, resembling a hornless goat. Emitting a foul smell, it has large ears capable of clapping like hands. Legend has it that during Holy Week, the Sigbin leaves its lair to seek children, whose hearts are turned into amulets.
Some families, known as Sigbinan ("those who own Sigbin"), are believed to have the power to control these creatures. Aswang, a mythical being, is said to keep the Sigbin as a pet, along with a bird called the Wakwak. The Sigbin is associated with bringing wealth and luck to its owners, also known as Amamayong in the Eastern Visayas.
Speculation suggests the legend may be based on rare sightings of an actual animal species. Descriptions of the Sigbin in popular literature resemble a potential new carnivore species, possibly related to the cat-fox of Borneo. These creatures are believed to be invisible, with some describing them as having dog-like features with a mix of cat and goat characteristics. They walk backward and target unguarded sleeping children, biting their ankles or feet, leading to illness and death. Those who care for these creatures are said to gain luck and prosperity.
NUNO
A Nuno, also known as Nuno sa Punso or Duwende, is a dwarf-like creature in Philippine mythology. It lives in anthills or termite mounds, earning its name as the 'Ancestor/Grandparent of the anthill.'
These creatures are invisible and quiet. If disturbed by noise or careless actions causing harm, they become upset and may punish those who trespass on their home. Children, often innocently playing and accidentally destroying their homes, are common victims. The affected children become very ill, and the only cure is seeking help from an Albularyo. It's customary to say "Excuse Me" when passing by a punso to avoid bothering them.
There's a belief that if modern medicine fails to cure an illness, it might be a Nuno's curse. In such cases, an Albularyo performs a ceremony called tawas, where melted candle wax is interpreted to determine the cause of the illness and where the curse occurred. To be cured, the victim's family may offer fruits, food, drinks, or objects to the Nuno. If healing doesn't occur, asking the Nuno for forgiveness is advised to prevent the victim from being permanently possessed by an evil spirit, leading to possible insanity.
Though it's possible to kill a Nuno by crushing its head, this method isn't recommended due to the potential anger from the Nuno's friends and relatives. Legends also suggest attracting the Nuno by placing a plump female by the road after midnight, allowing afflicted individuals to seek revenge. Nuno has a peculiar affinity for large-bodied mammals of the opposite sex.
To avoid the Nuno's wrath, children are reminded not to play outside between noon and three o'clock in the afternoon. They are advised to return home before six in the evening, avoid making noise near places where Nuno dwell, and ask permission or give notice before passing by these locations by saying "tabi tabi po" or expressing goodwill toward the Nuno.
DIWATA
Diwata were ancient gods and goddesses in Philippine mythology, and the lower caste of diwata are fairy-like creatures that live in the woods. They act as guardian spirits of nature, bringing grace to those who care for it and bad luck to those who threaten it. Another term for Diwata is Lambana. Diwata, also known as Encantada, is a dryad, and they are considered benevolent or neutral. They are invoked ritually for positive crop growth, health, and fortune. However, they may bring illness or misfortune if not given proper respect. Residing in large trees like acacia and balete, they serve as guardian spirits, casting blessings or curses on those who affect the forests and mountains. The Laguna Copperplate dated 900 AD also mentions a Chief of Medang in Java, Indonesia, referred to as a representative of the Chief of Diwata in Butuan, Mindanao island.
The lambana are small-winged fairy-like creatures often associated with diwata, but they represent the lowest type of diwata. They are small with wings resembling those of a butterfly or dragonfly.
The term "diwata" has evolved in meaning since its incorporation into the mythology of pre-colonial Filipinos. Sometimes used loosely to refer to beings like "elves" or "fairies," it can also be specific, as mentioned above. "Diwata" is considered synonymous with "anito," with "diwata" being more commonly used in the Southern Philippines and "anito" in the Northern regions.
TAMAWO (engkanto myths)
A long time ago, people believed that the crystal-clear waters of Kawasaan connected to the realm of the Tamawo tribe. Human settlers and these fairy beings lived peacefully together. One day, a young woman and a Tamawo fell in love, but their romance faced challenges. The maiden had many jealous suitors who, out of envy, abducted her. Blaming the Tamawo, they created a ruckus at the falls.
The loud commotion angered the Tamawo leader, who emerged with his followers. Confronting the angry villagers, the Tamawo leader, or Datu, insisted on proving their innocence. Swift and agile, the Tamawo found the abducted maiden, who revealed the truth about the jealous young men and the loss of her true love – the Datu's son.
Fueled by sorrow and anger, the Datu swore to wipe out the villagers unless they sacrificed the culprits. In fear, the villagers agreed and pushed the guilty young men into the waters. The Datu declared that the Falls' waters would stay pure as long as lives were given to honor their pact with the villagers. This tragic tale left a lasting impact on the relationship between humans and the Tamawo tribe.
Tamawo (Western Visayas myths)
In ancient times on Alimango Island, the Tamawo, a tribe of albino-elf-like beings, entered into a pact with the island's people and the goddess of the tides. The agreement required the settlers to respect nature, honor the spirits, and offer food and rice wine during every full moon to venerate the gods and spirits. This harmonious relationship led to abundant harvests and clear skies.
However, a twist of fate occurred when a low-born girl, orphaned and with starving siblings, took the offerings meant for the gods and the Tamawo. Fearing the wrath of the gods and Tamawo, the settlers discovered the theft and, in a fit of rage, presented the girl as an offering. Some villagers beat her mercilessly as the pale Tamawo emerged from the freshwater inland, and the goddess rose from the sea.
Curious, the Tamawo and the goddess questioned the meager offerings and the sacrifice of a child. The villagers explained that the girl had stolen the offerings and deserved punishment. The tearful girl pleaded, revealing she had taken the food to feed her siblings. Infuriated by the villagers' cruelty, the goddess cursed those who had harmed the girl, transforming them into crabs. Emotionless, the Tamawo suggested the remaining settlers cook the crabs for sustenance.
With the goddess returning to the sea and the Tamawo clan retreating to their freshwater abode, the islanders learned a profound lesson about compassion, responsibility, and the delicate balance between humans, nature, and the supernatural.
Tabunaway and Mamalu
Long ago, in the Skyworld, there lived a beautiful Maguindanao goddess named Sitli Paramisuli. She was the daughter of the great Sharif Awilya, one of the original inhabitants of paradise, who remained in Madinat, Mindanao, after the angels moved the ethereal garden to Mecca.
Paramisuli married a god whose name has been lost to time. Together, they had two sons: Tabunaway and Mamalu.
One day, Paramisuli fell ill. Sensing that her end was near, she gave her sons one final instruction—to bury her comb beneath the window of their heavenly home. Dutifully, the sons obeyed. Three days after her burial, Tabunaway and Mamalu noticed a small plant sprouting from their mother’s grave. Respecting her last wish, they cared for the plant, which grew into a tall and graceful bamboo tree. Over time, more shoots emerged, and soon a grove of elegant bamboo trees swayed gently in the wind, a living reminder of their mother.
As years passed, Tabunaway and Mamalu returned to visit their mother’s resting place. They saw that the bamboo had multiplied, with one shoot growing directly over the grave. Mamalu, carrying his knife, began cutting down the trees, but he left one large tree in the center standing.
As evening approached, Tabunaway urged his brother to finish the task, saying, "Finish your work before we leave. It is not good to leave it incomplete; it could bring bad luck to our fish corral." Mamalu obediently cut the last bamboo tree, and to their astonishment, inside the severed bamboo was a young girl. The blade had wounded her finger, and blood trickled from the cut. Mamalu bandaged her wound and brought the child to Tabunaway.
Seeing the girl, Tabunaway believed she was a gift from the gods, perhaps even their mother reborn. They decided to adopt the child and named her Putri Tunina, believing she had a special destiny.
Around this time, a mortal man named Kabungsuwan arrived in Mindanao. While fishing one day, Tabunaway encountered him and brought him to meet Mamalu and Putri Tunina. Kabungsuwan was captivated by the beauty of Putri and asked for her hand in marriage. The two brothers, seeing the connection between the mortal and their adopted sister, agreed to the union, and Kabungsuwan married Putri Tunina.
From this marriage came three daughters. The eldest, Mamuranda, married Pulwa, the dark lord of Bwayan. The second daughter, Milagandi, wed the fair-skinned Malang-sa-Ingud. The youngest, Putri Batitla, married a man whose identity has since been forgotten. These three daughters became the ancestors of the Maguindanao people, and through them, many other human lineages spread across the land.
Thus, through the union of divine and mortal blood, the Maguindanao people were born, their origins rooted in the Skyworld, bound by the bamboo grove where Paramisuli’s spirit lives on.