Are you afraid of the Balete? Certainly not this Promdi. Well, at least not anymore. It is said in Filipino folklore that the Balete tree is enchanted and mystical beings like tikbalang, kapre and dwende live in it. People who grew up in the the Philippine provinces must have heard stories of people hurt by beings inhabiting a Balete tree.  As much as possible never get close to them unless …

Folklore stories are always part of Filipino life and culture. We grew up hearing stories about aswang, tikbalang, dwende and other mystical creatures believed to live among us. Others have swore to have seen one of these creatures and swore to their existence. I am skeptical about these stories but growing up hearing them retold countless times makes one beleive they’re true.  Last week we visited San Carlos City, Negros …

I grew up hearing Aswang stories and how they love to eat children who still roam the neighborhood after 6 pm. That had me scurrying to go home every time it gets dark, even if I’m in a middle of a hide and seek game. The threat of getting whacked with a guava twig on the butt didn’t succeed in getting me home before six, the thought of Aswang surely …