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.
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