The Aswang
The Philippines' most feared supernatural creature. By day, a normal person. By night, a monster that feeds on the unborn, the dying, and the dead. Belief remains widespread.
The aswang is the most feared creature in Filipino folklore—a shape-shifting monster that appears human by day but transforms at night to prey on the vulnerable. Unlike many folkloric creatures, active belief in aswangs remains widespread in the Philippines today.
What is an Aswang?
According to documented accounts, the aswang is not a single creature but a category of monsters that includes:
Manananggal: A creature (usually female) that separates at the waist, leaving her lower body behind while the upper body sprouts wings and flies to hunt.
Tik-tik: Named for the sound it makes; the further away the sound, the closer it actually is.
Wakwak: A bird-like variant, also named for its call.
Viscera Sucker: Uses a long, proboscis-like tongue to feed on fetuses or the sick.
Characteristics
Common aswang traits:
- Appear human during daylight
- Transform or reveal true nature at night
- Fear garlic, salt, holy water, and religious symbols
- Cannot stand the tail of a stingray (used as a whip)
- Reflection in eyes appears inverted
- Avoid daggers or special oils
- Return to human form at dawn
Preferred Victims
Aswangs traditionally prey on:
- Pregnant women (to consume the fetus)
- The sick and dying
- Young children
- The recently deceased
- Corpses in funeral homes or morgues
The preferential targeting of the vulnerable makes the aswang especially terrifying.
Regional Variations
Different regions have different aswang traditions:
Capiz: Considered the “aswang capital” of the Philippines Iloilo: Strong aswang belief Samar and Leyte: Unique local variants Visayas region: Most concentrated aswang lore
Modern Belief
Unlike many folkloric creatures, belief in aswangs remains active:
- People accuse neighbors of being aswangs
- Protective measures are still employed
- Pregnant women take specific precautions
- “Aswang hunts” have occurred in living memory
The belief can have serious social consequences—accused individuals face ostracism or violence.
Encounters
Reported aswang encounters include:
- Strange creatures seen on rooftops
- Tik-tik sounds heard near pregnant women
- Animals behaving strangely (aswangs in animal form)
- Missing fetuses attributed to aswang feeding
- Neighbors who “everyone knows” are aswangs
Scientific Perspectives
Researchers have proposed various explanations:
XDP (X-linked dystonia parkinsonism): A genetic condition endemic to some Philippine regions causes unusual movements and appearance, potentially inspiring aswang accusations.
Social Control: Aswang belief enforces social norms and punishes outsiders.
Catholicism Adaptation: Pre-colonial beliefs merged with Spanish Catholic demonology.
Cultural Impact
The aswang appears in:
- Filipino horror films
- Television series
- Literature
- Comic books
- Tourism (Capiz “aswang tours”)
The Truth?
Whether aswangs exist or not, their impact is real:
- Genuine fear affects millions of people
- Accusations can destroy lives
- Cultural practices shape around the belief
- The line between legend and lived experience blurs
The aswang represents not just a monster, but a living folklore that continues to evolve.