Filipino Mythology Water Creatures

23rd of May 2022

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1. Sirena

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Mermaids also made it to the Philippines, it was called Sirena, Half-human, half-fish. It is said that these creatures are mostly in the river rather than the sea and a beautiful warmth voice. There were too many stories about the said creatures but like the western counterpart, these Sirenas or mermaids appear to be a beautiful woman who liked to comb their hair on a bright night.

Though there were no accounts of actually seeing one people, from the Philippines actually experienced some force in the river that tried to drag them. They say that it was the spirit of the Sirena or the Sirena themselves since they are being disturbed by the people who are swimming in their habitat.

Although experienced, no one has actually seen what was really pulling them down. It could be the current or it could be some sort of a thing or maybe a Sirena.

2. Siyokoy

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Siyokoy or merman is the counterpart of Sirena. But unlike Sirena, they do not have any beautiful bodies nor resemble any human face. Siyokoy are creatures straight out of your nightmare. Although some account states that there are Siyokoy that look like Sirena, it could be that they just use their magic to appear beautiful like the mermaids.

They have scaled legs and web feet; they also have long green tentacles, and their body is covered with scales more like fish. Usually, the merman or Siyokoy drains fishermen and consume them as food.

3. Kataw

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Kataw is a merfolk in Philippine mythology. It is believed that Kataw holds higher ranks than other sea creatures such as Sirena. It is believed that Kataw is part of the royalty of the sea world.

Kataws are not like Sirena. They closely resemble humans; they have normal body and have legs but have have gills on their bodies and fins in their arms. These help them to swim faster and breathe underwater.

Kataw also holds the ability to manipulate water, they can bring waves, throw waters, and create bubbles. It is said that they can also change their water into ice. They are actors as well.

One of their most common acts is to lie helplessly underwater like they are cast away of some ship or just drowning. Usually, fisherman fall for this approach and will attempt to help them but once approached they grab the hands of the fishermen and quickly swims down while drowning and killing the victim and of course eating them.

4. Mameleu

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Mameleu is another one of the water creatures. This creature is said to be a large reptilian with hard and resistant scales. It belongs to the serpent family, and it is said that these creatures have a body that is the size of a buffalo.

Thinking about it from perspective, the buffalo is rather small but that is just the width of this monster's belly not the actual length. Like other sea monsters, it lies deep within the ocean.

They have a fiery eyes and long fangs. When they are hungry, they spit green water in its surroundings. It could be that this green water is to attract fishes in its vicinity or since it lives deep in the ocean, it could be that these green waters are luminous instead of tracking fishes. Whatever the case is, that green water is used to hunt prey.

5. The Beberoka

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The Beberoka is a fierce creature that came from Philippine folklore. It is said to be a woman and is more related to nymphs of water elements. They are cannibalistic water creatures. these water fairies or water monsters can suck the entire water out of a pond.

They once terrorized the people of the Philippines and these creatures’ home is the river. They like to lie in and wait for their victim, usually these creatures drain the water of the pond or river making the water lower and the fish will be seen easily. A wandering fisherman seeing those many fish easy to catch will be lowered in and that is the time the perfect time for the Beberoka to strike. Once the fisherman is in the river, the Beberoka will unleash all the water, drowning the fisherman and swallowing him whole.

It is also believed that these creatures would suck the water and use it to attack their pray nearby. Think of it like a fire truck hose- the pressure will knock off their prey and they will drag it to watery depth and consume them you.