Aswang

Aswang
An artist's sketch depicting the aswang
GroupingA vampiric werebeast or cannibalistic human-like shape-shifter
Similar entitiesTik-tik/Wakwak
RegionVisayas, southern parts of Luzon and parts of Mindanao

Aswang is an umbrella term for various shape-shifting evil creatures in Filipino folklore, such as vampires, ghouls, witches, viscera suckers, and transforming human-beast hybrids (usually dogs, cats, pigs). The aswang is the subject of a wide variety of myths, stories, arts, and films, as it is well known throughout the Philippines.[1] Spanish colonists noted that the aswang was the most feared among the mythical creatures of the Philippines, even in the 16th century.[2] Although with no specific motive other than harming others, their behavior can be interpreted as an inversion of the traditional Filipino's values. The aswang is especially popular in southern parts of Luzon, and some parts of Mindanao and Visayas, especially the Visayan province of Capiz.

  1. ^ Tan, Michael. "Aswang! Aswang!". Sunday Inquirer Magazine. Inquirer. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  2. ^ Scott, W.H. (July 18, 2018). Barangay: Sixteenth-century Philippine Culture and Society. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-971-550-135-4.