Usog: The Traditional Belief in “Evil Eye”
Have you ever heard of Usog? If you’re from the Philippines or have Filipino friends, chances are you’ve encountered this intriguing cultural belief. As someone who grew up in a Filipino household, I’ve always been fascinated by our rich tapestry of traditions and superstitions. Today, I’m excited to take you on a journey into the […]
Read More
The Tale of the Sampaguita: The National Flower’s Fragrant Legend
Have you ever caught the sweet scent of jasmine on a warm summer evening and felt instantly transported to another time and place? Imagine that scent woven into the very fabric of a nation’s identity, its delicate petals carrying the weight of centuries-old legends and cultural pride. Welcome to the enchanting world of the sampaguita, […]
Read More
The Myth of the White Lady: Ghost Stories from Across the Philippines
Have you ever felt a chill run down your spine as you walked along a dimly lit road, surrounded by the lush tropical foliage of the Philippines? Perhaps you’ve heard the rustling of leaves when there’s no wind, or caught a glimpse of something white fluttering just beyond your peripheral vision. If so, you might […]
Read More
The Legend of the Pineapple: A Story of Piña’s Disobedience
Have you ever wondered about the story behind that spiky, sweet fruit sitting in your fruit bowl? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a journey through time and folklore to uncover the fascinating legend of the pineapple. This isn’t just any old fruit tale – it’s a story of disobedience, transformation, […]
Read More
The Tale of the Chocolate Hills: A Giant’s Tears or Carabao Droppings?
Have you ever stumbled upon a landscape so surreal that it feels plucked straight from the pages of a fantasy novel? Picture this: over a thousand perfectly cone-shaped hills, covered in lush green grass that turns chocolatey brown in the dry season, stretching as far as the eye can see. Welcome to the Chocolate Hills […]
Read More
The Legend of Mayon Volcano: A Tragic Love Story
Have you ever gazed upon a landscape so breathtaking that it seemed to whisper ancient tales of love and loss? Picture this: a perfectly conical volcano rising majestically from the lush Philippine countryside, its slopes draped in emerald forests and its peak often shrouded in wispy clouds. This is Mayon Volcano, a natural wonder that […]
Read More
Anting-Anting: The Filipino Belief in Amulets and Talismans
Have you ever wondered about the mysterious charms and amulets that some Filipinos wear or keep close? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the fascinating world of Anting-anting, a cornerstone of Filipino folk beliefs that has captivated generations. As someone who grew up hearing whispered tales of these powerful objects, I’m excited […]
Read More
Malakas at Maganda: The Creation Story of the First Man and Woman
Have you ever wondered how the first humans came to be in Philippine folklore? Picture this: a vast, pristine wilderness untouched by human hands, where the air is thick with the promise of new beginnings. It’s in this primordial setting that one of the most captivating creation myths unfolds – the story of Malakas at […]
Read More
Mindanao Folklore: Tales of the Sarimanok and Other Legends
Growing up in the Philippines, I was always fascinated by the rich tapestry of folklore that blankets our archipelago. But it wasn’t until I set foot on the enchanting island of Mindanao that I truly understood the depth and diversity of these tales. Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, is a treasure trove of […]
Read More
Mutya ng Saging: The Mystical Pearl Found in a Banana Blossom
Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden treasure in the most unexpected place? Imagine walking through a lush Filipino garden, surrounded by the vibrant greens of banana trees swaying in the warm tropical breeze. As you approach a cluster of these trees, your eyes are drawn to a peculiar sight – a gleaming, pearl-like object […]
Read More