@Imjhum 3 February 2026

ASWANG Aswang is one of the most famous and feared creatures in Filipino folklore. Here’s a long, detailed story-style explanation about where they came from, what they look like, what powers they have, and the different kinds of Aswang found across the The Legend of the Aswang Long ago, before the Spanish came to the islands, the people of the Visayas and Mindanao already whispered about a terrifying creature that lurked in the dark — the Aswang. No one knew exactly where it came from. Some old folks say the first Aswang was once a human who made a deal with an evil spirit in exchange for power and eternal youth. Others say they were descendants of demons who fell from the sky and took human form to live among mortals. Appearance and Behavior By day, an Aswang looks like any ordinary person — quiet, shy, often living alone at the edge of the village. But when night falls, it reveals its true form. Its eyes turn red, its nails grow long and sharp, and its body becomes thin and shadowy. In some stories, its tongue stretches like a thin thread that can pierce through windows and roofs to suck the blood of sleeping victims. People say if you look closely into the eyes of someone who might be an Aswang, you’ll see your reflection upside down — a sure sign that something is not human. What an Aswang Can Do Aswangs have the power to: Shape-shift into animals like dogs, cats, pigs, or bats. Fly silently through the night in search of food. Separate their bodies (in some types) — usually the upper half that flies off to hunt. Cast illusions so people won’t recognize them. Devour flesh or drink blood, especially from the sick or unborn babies. They are said to fear salt, garlic, holy water, and sunlight, and they cannot cross consecrated ground or churches. Different Types of Aswang There isn’t just one kind — there are many types of Aswang across the Philippines, each with unique traits and abilities. 1. Manananggal (Probably the most famous type.) A beautiful woman by day who turns into a terrifying monster at night. She separates her upper body from her lower half, grows wings, and flies to hunt for pregnant women. She uses her long, hollow tongue to suck out the unborn child’s heart or blood. To kill her, people sprinkle salt, garlic, or ash on her lower half while she’s away — she cannot reattach and dies when the sun rises. 2. Tik-tik Named after the sound it makes — “tik-tik” — while flying at night. The sound actually grows fainter the closer it gets, tricking people into thinking it’s far away. It’s often a companion of the Manananggal or a similar vampire-like Aswang that hunts for human blood. 3. Sigbin A strange, invisible Aswang that moves backward and has the power to suck blood through its shadow. It’s said to look like a hornless goat or kangaroo, and it smells terrible. In some areas, rich families are believed to keep Sigbins as pets to gain wealth and power. 4. Wakwak Another flying Aswang that tears out the hearts of its victims. Its name comes from the “wak-wak” sound of its wings. Some believe it’s a large bird-like creature, while others think it’s another form of the Manananggal. 5. Balbal A corpse-eating Aswang. It digs up graves and eats the bodies of the dead. It can even replace the corpse with a banana trunk so the family doesn’t notice right away. Its long tongue and sharp claws make it a terrifying scavenger of the night. 6. Kuwak-Kuwak or Ekek Similar to the Wakwak, this creature has birdlike wings and a long beak. It makes a crying sound like “ek-ek” while searching for food — often human flesh or blood. 7. Abat or Weredog A version of the Aswang that transforms into a dog or boar. It attacks travelers at night and disappears without leaving a trace. How People Protect Themselves Filipinos have long believed in ways to protect themselves and their homes from Aswangs: Hang garlic, salt, or holy rosaries near windows. Keep buntot pagi (stingray tail whip) as a weapon. Use holy oil or blessed palm leaves from Palm Sunday. Place sharp bamboo sticks under the window to keep them away. Cultural Meaning The Aswang is more than just a scary tale — it reflects Filipino fears, beliefs, and values. It warns people to protect their families, respect the dead, and be careful whom they trust. In many ways, it also symbolizes the unknown — the dangers that hide in the dark, both in the forest and in people’s hearts.