If you’re a fan of M. Night Shyamalan’s works, then Universal Pictures’ VIY: The Spirit of Evil will definitely be your cup of tea. This dark fantasy film based on a Nikolai Gogol story of the same name will be opening this week in theatres in Manila starting October 22.

The movie was produced by Russian Film Group and Marins Group and stars Jason Flemyng from the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The production was set in 17^th century Eastern Europe in a small town in Ukraine allegedly plagued by an evil spirit called Viy who has the ability to murder and takes the soul of his victim with just a gaze of his many eyes.

Jason Flemying plays the part of cartographer Jonathan Greene and the story of his arrival and stay at the small village, where he meets several characters that all played a part in the mystery surrounding the myths about Viy and the unexplained things happening in the village.

The film was shot in Prague and became a certified hit when it was released in Russia earlier this year taking in $17 million on its first week.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, the movie will be shown starting October 22 in 3D in select theatres in Metro Manila and in 2D movie houses nationwide. Those who will watch the movie will also get a chance to win an iPhone 6 via the film’s Facebook competition.

To be eligible for the prize, participants simply need to writer their name and signature on their movie ticket (the side where the movie title is visible) and then take a selfie with their ticket and post it on the movie’s official Facebook page. Users must like the page and click the “Watch and Win iPhone 6 promo logo” for the next steps and for them to enter their complete details.

There will be three winners of an iPhone 6 unit, which will be drawn on October 25, 28, and 31. Winners will be announced on different communication channels including the VIY Facebook page, the Futuretainment Facebook page, the Futuretainment Instagram page (@futureupdate) and of course the winners’ registered emails.

Do note that participants can only enter once during the entire promo.

All souls day is just a few calendar boxes away, and in line with common Filipino tradition, this is usually the time of the year when people commemorate their friends and relatives who have passed away. This is also that one time of the year where people try to scare each other with scary stories as they believe that the spirits from the other plane come to visit the living and entities from the supernatural world make their presence felt.

Whether true or not, this scare-or-be-scared mentality has long been with us and has long been a withstanding trademark of the traditional Filipino celebration of All Souls day thanks of course to our rich folklores filled with stories about mythical creatures, monsters and beings that have been passed down from generation to generation.

And in today’s post, we’ve listed some of the most popular mythical creatures and beings that most Pinoys (if not all) have come to fear and at times used as tools in their scare tactics.

NUNO SA PUNSO

Nuno sa punso is a dwarf-like being known to live in anthills and termite mounds in the Philippines. The Nuno sa punso is usually interchanged with the duwende but unlike the latter, this being is described as having a grumpy and easily-angered demeanor, especially if its home is disturbed.

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The Nuno sa punso is believed to have the power to curse anyone who disturbs its home inflicting swelling or pain on any part of the body of the trespasser, cause the person to vomit blood or urinate black liquid. In order to avoid being cursed by the nuno, a person is advised to say “tabi tabi po” before passing a place inhabited by this creature.

MANANANGGAL

The manananggal is a mythical creature that has the ability to separate its torso into two parts. The upper part of the body would usually grow bat-like wings and allow it to fly and search for unwary victims. It is often depicted as a female who takes the form of a normal human being by day but transforms at night.

When the body of the manananggal has been separated, it is believed that by sprinkling salt or smearing crushed garlic into its lower torso would prevent the upper body from reconnecting and therefore will eventually cause the demise of the manananggal.

ENGKANTO/DIWATA

Engkanto are environmental spirits that have the ability to appear in human form. They often are depicted as beautiful beings with fair complexion, high-bridge noses and other god/goddess like physical features. Most are believed to dwell in natural land and water features like large rock formations, rivers, lakes, etc.

Roderick Paulate in Engkanto (1992)

Engkantos and Diwatas are most commonly known for their malignant effects to humans, causing harm and misfortunes to those who have wronged them and bringing wealth and riches to those who they favor. These beings also sometimes lead travellers astray in forests and mountains and even kidnapping them if they find a liking to that person.

KAPRE

Kapres are the Philippines’ tree demon characterized by a tall stature, brown skin covered with hair and a long beard. They are usually depicted in traditional folklore as a giant figure atop a tree smoking a tobacco pipe. They are believed to dwell in big trees like acacias, mangoes and balete and is said to wear a bahag.

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Unlike other creatures in Philippine folklore, the Kapre is not generally known to be malevolent. Although they are said to play pranks on people, usually making people forget where they are, confusing people or leading them astray in the forest.

MAMBABARANG

The mambabarang is the Filipino version of a sorcerer. It is commonly associated with the mangkukulam and has the ability to instruct insects and other animals to enter the body of its victim through any bodily orifice such as the nose, mouth, ears, anus or any dermal breaks such as open wounds.

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To be able to counter the mambabarang, a victim would usually need to employ the services of an albularyo or a faith healer.

SIRENA/KATAW/SIYOKOY

The Bantay tubig (merpeople/merfolk) are divided into three distinct groups – the sirena, the kataw and the siyokoy.

Ella Cruz as Aryana (2012) - Source

Sirena is the Filipino term for mermaids. They are depicted as creatures having the upper torso of a woman and having a tail of a fish. The male counterpart of the sirena is called a kataw. Another sea creature popular in Pinoy folklore is the Siyokoy which is usually depicted as green-skinned humanoids with bodies covered with scales, webbed hands and feet and having scales in some parts of their body.

TIKBALANG

The tikbalang is a creature with the head and feet of a horse and the upper torso of a man. They are said to play tricks on humans often leading them astray in forests and mountains. They are also said to have the power to shape shift and cause hallucinations. There are also stories that depict the tikbalang travelling at night and raping female mortals who would then give birth to more tikbalang.

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There are also stories that talk about how to tame a tikbalang by acquiring one of the creatures sharp spines located in its mane. It is said that those who obtains one of these spines can use the spine as a talisman in order to keep the tikbalang as his servant.

TIYANAK

The tiyanak is a vampire-like creature that takes the form of a baby. There are many stories about the origin of the Tiyanak but the most widely accepted is the one spread by Christian catechism which explains that tiyanak are babies who died before receiving baptism rites or those who died through abortion.

In recent times, the tiyanak has been a very popular creature depicted in movies like in the Shake, Rattle and Roll movie series. The term “ang anak ni Janice” was a result of the movie depicting the tiyanak as the child of TV actress Janice De Belen.

ASWANG

Last but definitely not the least is the Aswang. The Aswang is probably the most featured mythological creature in this list. It is a creature with vampire-like characteristics that is said to eat human flesh and can shape shift into animals at night. They enjoy eating unborn fetuses and small children, with a specific liking to livers and hearts.

Erich Gonzales in Corazon Ang Unang Aswang (2012)

So, which creature is the stuff of your nightmares? Tell us by leaving a comment below. Also, please do follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google Plus. You can also subscribe to our RSS feeds for the freshest and newest Filipino Lifestyle stories.

Almost everyone loves to watch horror movies to scare themselves, to feel some excitement and to be thrilled. There are hundreds of Filipino horror films produced, although not all are scary enough to give us creeps. From the movies you watch since you were young up to the local films you see today, horror movies are part of the movie industry and it will always be one of the undying genres of film.

Comparing those horror movies we watched when we were younger, it seems like those are a scarier than those which were produced recently. But, the modern filmmakers won’t just let that happen. In the recent years, successful and top-grossing horror movies were filmed. November is still ages away to talk about horror movies but I’ll be giving my own list of scary Filipino horror movies then and now.

Then…

10 to 15 years ago, horror movies seem to be scarier and more original and realistic (when it comes to storyline). I guess it’s because of the era. During that time, stories about aswang, tyanak and other monstrous creatures and scary stories about spirits are often topics in your barangay. Films can reflect the current situations and stories happening in real life. And during 1980’s to 1990’s here are the top scariest movies I think everyone has seen and heard of.

Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara

I don’t know which movie is better, the original film first produced in 1974 or the 1995 remake. The 1995 film remake was directed by Chito S. Rono. This movie became a TV series too in 2008. What I can say is that this movie or story is really scary. My cousin told me that she can’t sleep after watching the movie.

The story is about Ruth who committed suicide because of anxiety over the real feelings of his husband Nick towards her. She committed suicide out of jealousy towards her sister Barbara whom she suspects to be having an affair with Nick. After committing suicide, Ruth haunts the house where her family lives to take revenge on Nick and Barbara.

Halimaw sa Banga

I was too young when I watched this movie which doubled my imagination making me feel so scared on this movie. It gave me nightmare for months. The movie is part of the two-part film Halimaw directed by Mario O’Hara and Christopher de Leon.

The story of the movie revolves around an ancient jar (banga) owned by an attractive woman who is an art collector. She purchased the jar which was excavated from an ancient cave and used it as a display in her backyard. Unknown to the owner, the jar is being haunted by an angry spirit of a witch who was crucified and condemned by villagers years earlier. To take her revenge, she used the jar to take lives and fulfil her vengeance.

Shake Rattle and Roll III. (1991) Episode – Nanay

I know you have seen this film if you were born in the 90’s. Part of the three episodes of Shake Rattle and Roll II, Nanay is more popularly known for its villain called “Undin”. This movie scared the hell out of me. I was too young by that time and it is easy to freak me out. The episode was directed by Peque Gallaga & Lore Reyes.

Undin is a sea creature which was disturbed by humans who were hunting her eggs. She avenges for the loss of her eggs by killing all the people involved one by one. I think, what makes this creature scary is its slimy green color and its habit of appearing from the comfort room’s bowl. The thought of made me feel like not using the restroom for a while. (I was six during that time).

Now…

Feng Shui

After years, I guess, a film to scare and thrill the Filipinos was produced. Feng Shui became the top grossing film during the time it was released.

The story of the film revolves around Joy. She bought the bagua and brought it to her home to bring her luck, but unfortunate events happened afterwards. Anyone who looks at the bagua will die and death will be associated to the person’s Chinese Zodiac. The bagua belongs to a woman in China who was trapped inside a burning house and was burned alive. She died leaving a curse to the bagua. The ghost is the movie is more popularly known as Lotus Feet or Lotus Lady.

Sukob

The story is about Filipino’s “pamahiin” or old traditional beliefs or superstition about weddings. It is believed that you should not get married in the same year that a relative dies, or no siblings should be married in the same year.

Sandy and Helen unluckily and accidentally ignored the superstition which gave them series of unfortunate events.  The movie was directed by Chito S. Rono and became a box office hit and highest-grossing Filipino Film of all time until 2009.

Sigaw

Produced in 2004, Sigaw (internationally known as The Echo) was translated into other language and was released in other countries. It was released in Singapore and Malaysia. The film had its US remake “The Echo” in 2008. It was directed by Yam Laranas.

Marvin, the protagonist, hears strange noises from his neighbour when he moved in to his new house. The murmurs and noises made him curious. His actions brought him into getting involved in a scary situation as he discovered what’s really happening beyond the doors of his neighbour.

There are still a lot of scary Filipino movies I haven’t listed here both produced from the past and some were just released. Asian horror movies are really scary. It will never fail to freak you out in some ways.

PS: I hope these photos I researched and the memories I recalled from these movies won’t give me nightmares. I sleep alone in my room. L