RANDOMS UNSORTS

 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.

Ang Alamat ng mga Hayop na Nagkapakpak upang Lumigaya ang mga Bulaklak

 Ito’y magandang alamat ng paru-paro at bulaklak.  Noong unang panahon sa daigdig o kaharian ng mga halaman ay malungkot ang mga bulaklak.  Hindi katulad ng mga punong-kahoy na kasuyo ang hangin, ng ibang halaman na iniibig ng bubuyog, ng mga tao at mga hayop na may kanya-kanyang asawa o kasintahan, ang bulaklak ay nangungulila pagkat walang matatawag na kalaguyo.

Hindi nalalaman ng bulaklak , na isang klase ng hayop na parang malaking uod ang nalulungkot din.  Kasi’y pangit at walang pumapansin.  Ang hayop na ito ay nabubuhay lamang sa paggapang sa lupa.  Walang malayong mararating, kaya nagkakasya na lamang sa pagtingin-tingin sa anomang bagay na nakatatawag pansin.  Isang araw, ang bulaklak at ang nasabing hayop ay nag-usap Kawawa naman tayo ang sabi ng bulaklak.  Hindi tayo makaparis sa iba.  Oo nga ang sagot ng hayop.  Sinabi ng hayop na: Mas mabuti ka pa dahil may nagkakagusto na sa iyong bango.  Subalit ako ay bale wala.  Kung mapaliligaya lamang kita… ang sabi ng bulaklak.

At kung magaganti ko lamang ng kabutihan ng iniisip mo sa akin, siguro’y magiging maligaya tayong pareho, ang sabi ng munting hayop pero hindi kita maaabot hindi tayo magkalapit.

Naririnig ng Diyos ng kaharian ng mga halaman ang usapan ng dalawa.  Tinubuan ng awa ang Diyosa at ang sabi kung magkalapit na kayo’y kayo ba’y magmamahalan?

Mabilis na sumang-ayon ang munting hayop gayun din ang mabangong bulaklak.

Hinipan ng Diyosa ang munting hayop.  Isang milagro ang nangyari at noon din ay nagkaroon ng magandang pakpak at kahit siya pangit ito ay gumanda.  Lumipad ang hayop na nagkapakpak at hinalikan ang bulaklak.

Nakaramdam ng tuwa at ligaya ang bulaklak, gayundin ang hayop na nagkapakpak pagkat parehong noon lamang nakatikim ng halik.

Mula noon, ang bulaklak at ang hayop na nagkapakpak na tinatawag na paru-paro ay lagi nang nagsusuyuan.  Naging walang kamatayan ang kanilang pagmamahalan.

The Monkey, the Turtle, and the Crocodile

 There was once a monkey who used to deceive everybody whom he met.  As is the case with most deceivers, he had many enemies who tried to kill him.

One day, while he was walking in the streets of his native town, he met in a by-lane a turtle and a crocodile.  They were so tired that they could hardly breathe.  I'll try to deceive these slow creatures of the earth, said the monkey to himself.  So said, so done.  He approached the crocodile and turtle, and said to them, My dear sirs, you are so tired that you can hardly move!  Where did you come from?

The two travellers were so much affected by the kind words of the monkey, that they told him all about themselves with the greatest candor imaginable.  They said, We are strangers who have just made a long journey from our native town.  We don't know where to get food or where to spend this cold night.

I'll conduct you to a place where you can spend the night and get all you want to eat, said the monkey.

All right, said the two travellers.  Lead on!  For we are very hungry and at the same time very tired.

Follow me, said the crafty monkey.

The turtle and the crocodile followed the monkey, and soon he brought them to a field full of ripe pumpkins.  Eat all the pumpkins you want, and then rest here.  Meanwhile I'll go home and take my sleep, too.

While the two hungry travellers were enjoying a hearty meal, the owner of the plantation happened to pass by.  When he saw the crocodile, he called to his laborers, and told them to bring long poles and their bolos.  The turtle clung to the tail of the crocodile, and away they went.

Don't cling to my tail! Don't cling to my tail! said the crocodile.  I cannot run fast if you cling to my tail.  Let go!  For the men will soon overtake us.

I have to cling to your tail, said the turtle, or else there will be no one to push you.

But their attempt to escape was unsuccessful.  The men overtook them and killed them both.  Such was the unhappy end of the turtle and the crocodile.

MORAL: Never trust a new friend or an old enemy.

Legend of hidden lagoon Caramoan

 In a time when gods strolled with men,

And Ibalong's colonies, free from monstrous den,

Lived a bronzed fisherman, youth in his prime,

Kind and robust, under the sun's golden climb.

One day, amidst fishing with comrades so true,

His net entwined a mermaid, a breathtaking view.

Beautiful, yet fierce, the sea's creature rare,

Spears poised to strike, a perilous affair.

But the young fisherman, brave in his stand,

Halted the others, a decision unplanned.

Into the waves, he leapt without fear,

Freed the mermaid, as her eyes held a tear.

Weeks passed, a storm arose, skies turned gray,

Boats overturned, a dire display.

The fisherman, trapped, saw a familiar face,

The mermaid saved him, in that storm's embrace.

Vicious Magindara, flesh-eating and cruel,

Devoured his comrades, a fate so cruel.

He, the lone survivor, fate turned his way,

Bountiful catches, each and every day.

Under the moon's gentle, silvery gleam,

He met his mermaid by the ocean's soft seam.

But envy and suspicion, like shadows, crept near,

As rumors spread, whispered words in the ear.

Another storm struck, wrath upon the land,

Seeking blame, torches flared in the hand.

The young fisherman, his mermaid so fair,

Accused of dealings with Asuang's dark lair.

Torches ablaze, weapons raised high,

The mob sought vengeance, to make them both die.

Unaware, on a nearby island's shore,

Bulan, the lunar god, heard the uproar.

Luminous and fair, he descended with grace,

A celestial presence, radiance in his face.

Wind nymphs followed, in the moonlit night,

As the people bowed, in awe and in fright.

"Why harm a mermaid and this mortal so dear?"

Bulan inquired, his voice pure and clear.

Explanations given, jealousy laid bare,

He declared innocence, the couple to spare.

Released by the lunar god's divine decree,

The fisherman pleaded, his heart filled with plea.

He begged to depart, from this hateful abode,

To live in peace, away from envy's cruel code.

Bulan smiled, granted their plea so sweet,

Turned them to milkfish, a fate replete.

In a bubble of water, they joyfully swam,

Protected by wind nymphs, in their newfound realm.

Promising bountiful harvests, storms they'd repel,

If the villagers vowed, their secret to quell.

As Bulan departed, in grace and delight,

The milkfish guardians embraced their new night.

In the lake of Matukad, their haven so fair,

Tiny milkfish transformed, water they'd share.

Bulan wished them joy in their aquatic embrace,

Guardians of his lagoon, in their watery grace.

Centuries passed, memories faded away,

Bulan in slumber, in a mountain's stay.

The pact forgotten, greed took its toll,

A fisherman discovered, the lake's hidden soul.

One milkfish captured, a triumph declared,

But greed's consequence, a fate they shared.

The village feasted, unaware of the cost,

For those who partook, in death were lost.