Pinoy spooks already present since Spanish rule

Tianaks, kapres, and aswangs feature heavily in Filipino culture, whether positively in television shows or negatively in grim, real-life crimes.

 

According to GMA 7's "Unang Balita" Wednesday, fascination for these dark creatures stemmed from the time of Spanish colonial rule, wherein they served a darker purpose.

 

 

"Ito ay propaganda ng mga Español na kapag hindi kayo nagbalik-loob sa simbahan, hindi kayo nagpa-convert, kakainin kayo ng mga elemento na ito," said Prof. Jimmuel Naval of the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

 

He then explained that during Spanish times, the locals' belief in these creatures—who lived a peaceful co-existence with humans—were used to improve the business of the then-economically driven church.

 

One of the most popular characters, the aswang, came from the corruption of the image of the babaylan, the town folk healer who was more sought after for cures and prayers than the Spanish priests.

 

Demon children or tianaks were also introduced into local lore thanks to the church, and were characterized as babies who died before undergoing baptismal rights.

 

"Kaya yung mga tao, kapag kapanganak, isang araw pa lang binyag, binyag, binyag. Kasi kapag binyag, kita 'yan ng simbahan," said Naval.

 

Children avoiding siestas were scared into submission using kapres, who supposedly kidnapped children who didn't nap in the afternoons.

 

But unlike aswangs or tianaks, the kapre was also used to enforce a positive trait.

 

"May mga paniniwala na 'pag may pinutol na mga puno, nagiging malas kasi ito yung bahay ng kapre na nagbabantay sa kalikasan," Naval explained.

 

Whether one believes in spooks or not, a new series of mini-feature films by director Topel Lee revolving around mythical creatures will surely entertain the audience this October.

 

Named "Elemento," the series will explore the stories of four elemental creatures and human children and will run from October 10 to 31.

Want to know more about Philippine ghouls? Here's a rundown of the most well-known ones, and then a sampler of some of the lesser-known but no less creepy ones. — Rie Takumi/VC, GMA News