Demystifying Local Supernatural Creatures: A Phenomenological Exploration

DR. ERWIN L. PURCIA

Dean, School of Graduate Studies
Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College
16 Tandang Sora, Novaliches, Quezon City
erwinpurcia@yahoo.com

Abstract

Our country is very rich in terms of culture, tradition as well as beliefs that serve as the

main reason why Filipinos have different perspectives. In addition, these differences in our

perspectives lead us to different way of understanding the existence of supernatural creatures.

There are some who believe that they do exist and some who don’t. With this reason, this study

entitled “Demystifying Local Supernatural Creatures: A Phenomenological Exploration” was

conducted.

The researchers gathered information through interviews from key informants who were

knowledgeable in this matters and interpreted them to and attained the research objectives. With

that, the researchers were able to find out that there are supernatural existing in the locality based

from the testimonies provided by the key informants. These creatures include Aswang- a creature

that is afraid to salt as described by one of the research subjects. Wakwak- a bird-like creature but

its size is greater than that of the normal one and produces sound that suggests its name.

Amamayong- described as a creature with half the body of a human and an animal. Also the

subjects mentioned creatures that were not identified or described well by the informants because

of some factors. The researchers found out that the existence of these creatures have impact
towards the Calbayognons. They bring fear for some who have witnessed them and to those who

know something about these creatures.

After interpreting and summarizing the findings, the researchers concluded that there

were supernatural creatures living within the locality and they have their distinct characteristics.

Also, these creatures affect the perspective and everyday lives of Calbayognons.