There are some warnings that go unheeded, and foolishness that is mistaken for bravery.
Take the small barrio of Dalupirit. Its winding trail filled with balete and ipil roots. One night a man refused the invitation of his friend to stay the night. “I have my bolo,” he thought. “Anyone who tries to stop me will have to think twice.”
In truth it was because his friend had the reputation of being an aswang. There were rumors of his deeds from all over the surrounding barrios, but the man kept quiet. He did not want to know if the stories were true.
He went through the coconut plantation without any problem, but felt a chill go down his spine when he came to the balete and ipil roots.
He should have heeded their warning.
In an instant a force threw him to the ground and grasped his shirt. The man would not be a victim and he wrestled his assailant to the ground, both figures rolling in the mud. Their strength was evenly matched but a foul odor emanated from the assailant, causing the man to feel sick and faint.
The man was grabbed by the chest and an unfamiliar feeling overtook him. A branch grazed his head and he realized he was being lifted off the ground. Try as he might he was not strong enough to break free from his assailant’s grasp. He knew that if he was to survive he would have to try to strangle his way out of the grip of the creature.
A clicking sound signaled his victory. Both were thrown back onto the ground and the man quickly took out his bolo to gain an advantage. He struck with his sword, but his aim was faulty. The assailant quickly ran into the woods, the man gave chase, but it was pointless. The creature had disappeared.
The next morning, the man returned to his friend in Dalupirit. The friend said that his neck was very stiff because he slept in a bad position the night before.
The man said nothing as his hand instinctively moved towards his bolo.
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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Adapted from The Wrestling Match. in Philippine Folk Literature: The Legends. Eugenio. 2002.
Aswang (Waray) Illustration by Ysa Peñas
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