Siya yadto.

Permiro naay, wara pa ako kabantay na siya baya yadto. Yadto na gabii, may yakit-an ko na di maitsura na bayho ug mga pangil. Yakakita ako nan morag dugo sa kapuwa na tanod ug gisundan nako pasingod sa atop.

Ug ngadto nakita nako ang wakwak.

Yapulihan nan dako na ngisi ang kaina na mga pangil ug ang buhok na yapuno nan pomada ug yakahipay na sa likod, pero pareha da na bayho.

Yhibaw-an nako na Fortunato Leviste kuno iya pangan laong nan mga taga ngadi. Yangampanya baya sa pagka gobernador.

Kung kasayod pa lamang sila.

Yagdako ako na pirmi lang-on na mag-amping basta gabii na, labi na basta masakit kami. May mga nilalang na manlupad basta buwanon, mantugpa sa atop kay kan-on imo mga tinae.

May gilaong yadto ni lola sa ako na storya mahitungod sa inin mga wakwak. Laong niya mga gwapa kuno sila, mga pution ang palis ug mga mata na amo dan makalumay. Gipasidaanan ang mga laki tungod sa ila, kay ang laong sa gud na pakaslan kuno nila ang ila mga biktima tapos mulayas da dayon, di na magpakita balik.

Basin amo sab inin iya gihimo ngadi. Gwapo siya ug mistiso, di gayud malikayan na makatan-aw ang mga babae sa iya bisan hain siya kadto. Maningkamot gayud sila para da lamang makastorya sila sa iya.

Pero may isa gayud ka butang na di ako mahiluna.

Mga babae da sa ang manananggal, ‘di ba?

Madumduman ko ang mga storya.

Mga bae na matunga ang lawas.

Mga bae na amo da nan kagi ang ampak.

Mga bae na dili masumpay ang ubos na parte nan ila lawas basta butngan nan abo, sukaan, o asinan.

Mga babae na tag-as nan dila na mokaon nan tinae sa ila biktima.

Dili.

Hibawo ako kun uno ang ako yakita.

Gatindog siya duha ka dupa ang kalayo sa ako tapos yagkatawa.

Uno kaha iya gihuna-huna. Iya siguro sunod na biktimahon?

Di nako yaon pasagdan na mahitabo.

Labi na kuman na may ako yakita.

Gisundan nako siya pagawas sa pirtahan pasingod sa dan. Masimhotan nako ang baho nan tabako.

Yakit-an niya ako ug mindako ang iya ngisi.

Gilang-an ko siya na hibawo ako kun uno siya ug hibawo ako kung uno ang iya hapit gihimo sa ako. Gilang-an ko siya na dili nako pasagdan na mahitabo yadto utro, na wara nay iya mabiktima.

Mikatawa siya.

Yabuang na kuno ako laong niya.

Sin-oy mutuo sa ako?

Ang pulis?

Ako mga amigo?

Ako pamilya?

Unoy ila mahimo?

Minpanaw siya pasingod sa ako ug gitan-awan ako sa mata. Yanimbarot ako kalawasan.

“Ngadi naay ako,” laong niya “wara pa raba ako kapanihapon.”

Makalaong ako na mintaas ang iya dila, sakto da para maabot ang likod sa ako liog.

Yatumba ako sa lupa, grabe na hilak ko.

Dili.

Dili nako ihatag ang iya gusto.

Hanapon ko kung hain siya gahuya.

Mag-andam ako.

Asin, bumbay, ug kutsilyo.

Tana sakto da ini.

Ginoo ko, paigoa ini.

=———————–=

English Version

It’s him.

At first, I didn’t recognize him. That night, I saw a twisted face and fangs. I saw the blood-red thread and followed it to the roof.

And I saw the monster.

The fangs are replaced by a gleeful smile and the hair is slicked back with too much pomade, but it’s the same face.

I ask around and find out that his name is Fortunato Leviste. He’s in the area trying to get some votes to be the governor.

If only they knew.

Growing up we’d be told to be careful in the night, especially if we were sick. There were creatures that flew through the moonlit sky, ready to land on your roof and feast on your bowels.

My lola told me a story once about these monsters. She said they were beautiful, with ivory-white skin and alluring eyes. Men were warned against this beauty though, for it was said that they marry their victims and flee, never to be seen again.

Maybe he’s doing the same here. He’s handsome and mestizo, charming every woman in the room. They’re practically falling over themselves to have a conversation with him.

But one thing keeps nagging me.

Mananaggal are only female, right?

I think back to all the stories.

Women that remove the upper half of their bodies.

Women with batlike wings.

Women that can’t reconnect their lower parts if it’s covered with ash, vinegar or salt.

Women with a threadlike tongue that sucks the bowels of their victims and feast on them.

No.

I know what I saw.

He’s standing four feet away from me and laughing.

I wonder what he’s thinking about. His next victim perhaps?

I won’t let that happen.

Not after what I’ve seen.

I follow him out the door into the street. The smell of tobacco cloyingly lingers on my nose.

He sees me and his smile widens.

Then I tell him I know what he is and I know what he tried to do to me. I tell him I won’t let that happen, that there would be no more victims.

And then he laughs.

He tells me I’m just a hysterical girl.

Who would believe me?

The police?

My friends?

My family?

What could they do?

He walks by me and looks me in the eye. Fear rolls down my spine.

“I’m going to go ahead,” he says “I haven’t had dinner.”

I could feel his tongue get longer, long enough to reach the back of my neck.

I fall to the ground, tears streaming down my face.

No.

I won’t give him the satisfaction.

I find out where he’s staying.

And prepare.

Salt, garlic and a knife.

I hope this is enough.

Please God, let this be enough.

=—————————=

*Tandaganon (also called Tinandag, Naturalis, Tagon-on) is a closely related variety of Surigaonon spoken in the central Surigao del Sur municipalities of Tandag City, San Miguel, Tago, Bayabas, Cagwait, Marihatag, San Agustin, and most of Lianga. It can be classified as a separate language or alternatively as a southern variety of Surigaonon. There are about 100,000 speakers.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Tandaganon Translation by Mark Anthony Ramos
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Mark Anthony Ramos

Story inspired by the Iqui description in Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. Ramos. 1971.

Iqui Illustration by Michael Sean B. Talavera
IG: @maykelshan
Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/isaneleach13

*Note this story is in Hiligaynon

“Ma, ara na naman siya liwat”, hambal ni Justo samtang gina butong ang bayo sang iya nanay.

“Pabay-i lang siya anak, buligi na lang ako preparar kay makadto pa kita sa tinda para sa aton pamahaw” sabat sang iya nanay

Ka temprano pa sini gani, natuyo pa ako, gusto ko pa ya matulog,

“Ako natuyo man ako kag gusto ko man matulog pero kinahanglan na naton magkadto sa tinda kay wala kita palamahawon. Sige na kay maluto ko sang imo paborito”

Longannisa?! Sige ma, dali na!

Samtang nagapanghimos si Justo para magpamercado, indi madula sa iya isip ang katingalahan nga masami lang nagatanga sa bintana ang iya magulang.

Indi man siya amo sina sang una. Madumduman pa ni Justo ang manami nga tingog sini nga nagapatulog sa iya. Gusto niya gid pirme nga ginahakwat siya nga daw lab-ot sa langit para makita ang bilog nga kalibutan.

Wala na natabo ang ini nga mga inadlaw, kag indi niya bal-an ang rason kung ngaa. Isa ka gab-i, nabatian niya ang nguynguy sang iya nga iloy sa piyak kwarto kag nakita niya na naga tindog sa kilid sang bintana ang iya magulang nga babayi samtang gakaurungan ini.

Indi lang amo sina ang natabo. Nadumduman niya man nga gindilian siya sang nanay niya nga mag guwa sa iya nga kwarto bisan ano pa ang matabo. Siniraduhan sang iya nanay ang tanan nga puertahan kag bintana para wala sing may makasulod o makaguwa sa balay.

May mahinay nga huni nga nabatian si Justo pero indi ya ma eksplikar kung ano ini. Tungod sa iya pagka-usyoso, ginlapit niya ang iya dalunggan sa likod sang puertahan sang iya kwarto, namati kag naghulat.

Nabatian niya ang siagit sang iya nga utod kag amo man ang singgit sang iya nga nanay.

Kag gulpi lang naghipos ang tanan.

Asta subong, daw wala lang sang natabo. Kada adlaw, ginailisan sang iya nanay ang iya magulang kag bayaan ini isa tupad sang bintana.

Kag indi gid ni Justo maintindihan ang rason.

Ano ang natabo kay manang? Ngaa amo siya sina?

“Ma, handa na ko.” Nakasuksok si Justo sang iya bayo pang ulan. Nagdala siya sang iya maswerte nga payong para indi sila Mabasa sang iya nga nanay

“Abaw ka gwapo gid ah! Dali na, dasigon na naton para kabalik kita dayon para makapreparar ka pa eskwelahan”

“Okay mama”

Indi malikawan nga magtulok ni Justo sa iya magulang samtang palakat na sila sang iya nanay. Daw angay nga may ginatulok in inga indi makita ni Justo.

Gusto gid ni Justo ang lab-asan. Nanarisari ang imo makita kag masimhutan. Ginakalingawan niya ang magkadto sa mga manuglab-as kag tusok-tusukon ang mga mata sang mga isda. Nakita niya nga gina ubra ni sang mga katigulangan kag naisip niya basi amo na ang pamaagi para mabal-an kung preska pa ang isda.

Samtang nagahinya pa mag-ayo ang iya nanay sang itlog para sa ila pamahaw, naglibot-libot naman sa mercado si Justo.

Wala na nalingaw ang gabaligya sang utan sa ginaubra ni Justo sa iya baligya. Natingala lang si Justo kung ngaa gintabog siya sang tawo. Pila pa ka minutos ang maglipas bag-o ma talupangdan sang mga gabaligya na indi man gali magbakal si Justo amo pa ginahambalan na lang nila ini nga magsaylo sa iban.

Samtang nagalibot-libot si Justo, natingala siya kung ngaa lain ang tulok sang mga tawo sa iya kag sa iya iloy. Matulok sila kadali kag mag hutik sa ila mga upod kag magpalayo.

“Justo, dali ka na diri” tawag sang iya nanay

“Pakadto na ma!” Nagdalagan padulong sa tupad sang iya nanay si Justo, gusto niya na magpauli tungod gakabatyagan niya sa palibot nga ginatulok sila sang kadam-an.

Pagkatapos magbayad sang iya nanay sang itlog, naghutik si Justo sa iya “Mama, ngaa lain ila tulok sa aton haw?

“Indi lang sila pagsapaka. Amo gid naya ang iban nga mga tawo” hambal sang iya nanay nga daw natingala man

Pero namati maayo si Justo sa mga gina huring-huring sang mga tawo. Isa lang ka tinaga and iya sulit-sulit nga mabatian.

“Atros”

Adlaw-adlaw, amo man sa guihapon. Ilisan sang ila nanay ang iya magulang kag mabalik na naman siya pungko sa ingod sang bintana, indi maistorya. Isa ka beses, ginhaboy ni Justo ang bola sa ulo sang iya magulang apang wala gid ini naglikaw.

Adlaw-adlaw gina pamangkot niya ang iya nanay kung ano ang natabo kag adlaw-adlaw niya man sini gina likaw ang istorya.

Isa ka adlaw, naglab-ot na sa punto ang tanan.

Samtang nagapanghugas sang pinggan ang nanay ni Justo, gulpi siya naghambal sang mga tinaga

“Mama, ano ang Atros”

Naghagunghong ang kusina sa tunog sang nabuka nga pinggan

“Diin mo na nabatian, anak?”

“Wala lang..nabatian ko abi na gina istoryahan sang tawo sa mercado samtang gatulok sa aton”

“Indi sila pagpamatii, anak, wala sila kabalo sang ila ginapanghambal”

“Pero ano na siya mama? May paghilabot ba na sa gakatabo kay manang?”

“Indi bala kinanglan mo pa magpreparar pa eskwelahan? Sige na, ilis ka na”

“Naka-ilis na ako mama. Palihog, isugid na sa akon. Basi mabuligan pa naton si manang”

Indi bal-an ni Justo kung ano sa kadugayon naglipas ang oras, pero daw lima ka dayon. Nagatulukay sila sang iya nga nanay sang dugay, kag wala sang may magpapirde sang Dungan.

Kag nag abot na gid man sa punto nga naghambal na ang iya nanay.

“Oras na para magkadto ka sa eskwelahan”

“Pero mama—”

“Indi ka na magbais, lakat ka na.”

“Mama—”

“Indi. Kag husto na nga pamangkot”

Isa ka tungang gab-i, nabatian ni Justo nga may nagahuni sa gawa sang ila balay. Daw mga galagubong na tambor.

Ginabinag-binag ni Justo kung may parada, pero ano man klase sang parada ang matabo sa tunga sang gab-i.

Sa iya pagkatingala, ginbuksan niya ang puertahan kag naglingling sa guwa.

Nakita niya ang isa ka grupo sang tawo, pero pirte ini ka gagmay. May maputi nga panit, ga mudlo ang nga mga mata, kag may dako nga tiyan. Nagasakay sila sa daw angay sang kabayo kag nagasunod sa ila ang tunog sang nagalagubong na tambor.

Nagahana na nga buksan ni Justo ang puertahan sang may nagbutong sa iya kag gintakpan ang iya baba”

Wala na siya sang oras para magsumbalik, ginbutong na lang siya para manago sa hilamnanan sang misteryoso nga dagway asta madula ang huni sang tambor.

“Mama!” nagsinggit si Justo sang nakita niya kung sin-o ang nagbutong sa iya. “Ano sila”

“Nagahibi ang iya iloy. Indi ko na gusto na maghatag sang isa pa sa ila. Indi na. “Amo lang ni ang maintindihan ni Justo samtang naganguyngoy ang iya iloy.

“Mama, hambal ni Justo “Palihog. Ihambal na sa akon kung ano ang gakatabo. Ano adto sila? May kinahilabtanan ba sila kay manang?”

“Gusto ko lang maging maayo nga iloy. Nabatian ko ang huni sang tambor kag bal-an ko na ang mga istoryahanon. Bal-an ko ang ila ginapanguha”

“Ano ang ginkuha nila mama?”

“Ginkuha nila ang iya nga kalag”

Tubtob sadto nga gab-i, wala na ga salig si Justo sa lati. Para sa iya, simbolo ini sang pagkadula kag kasakit.

Tungod adlaw-adlaw, makita niya ang iya nga utod nagakaurungan lang sa gwa sang bintana kag bal-an niya na.

Indi na niya mabawi ang ginkuha sa iya.

Kag ini isa ka sumpa, tungod sa nahitabo, tungod wala siya sang ano man nga mabuhat kundi ang magbantay kag maghulat. Sa pag-abot liwat sang lati.

Para makita liwat ang mga malain ginhawa nga nagkuha sang iya utod.

=———————————=

English Version

“Mama, she’s doing it again,” Justo says as he pulls his mother’s dress.

“It’s okay anak*just leave her alone. Now help me with breakfast, we have to go to the market,” his mother replies.

“But it’s so early in the morning! I want to sleep more,” protests Justo.

“We both want to sleep more, but if we don’t go to the market there will be no breakfast. Now come along, I’ll make your favorite.”

“Longganisa?!** Ok mama! Let’s go!”

Justo prepares himself for the trip to the market and in the back of his mind he asks, “Why is ate*** like that? All she does is stare outside the window.”

It wasn’t always like that. Justo could remember to the times he wasn’t able to talk and the beautiful serenade of his sister’s voice. He liked the way she would hold him up, as if she was lifting him to the heavens so he could see the entire world.

Those days were gone and he didn’t know why. One night, he heard the soft weeping of his mother from his room and he saw his sister standing by the window side, her eyes glazed.

That wasn’t all that happened. He remembered that his mother told him to stay in his room, no matter what may happen. She locked all the doors and closed the windows and made sure that everyone in the house was where they were supposed to be.

There was a faint sound of something he couldn’t make out. Justo couldn’t keep his curiosity hidden so he pressed his ear against the door to his room and waited.

There was a scream from his sister and a shout from his mother.

And then, silence.

His mother wouldn’t admit that anything was wrong. She would dress up his sister every morning and leave her by the window.

And still, Justo didn’t know why.

What happened to his sister? Why was she like that?

“Mama I’m ready!” Justo was dressed for the rain. He brought his lucky umbrella along to make sure they both would stay dry.

“Oh what a handsome boy! Now come with me, let’s be fast so we can get back early so you can get ready for school.”

“Okay mama.”

Justo couldn’t help but glance at his sister as they left the house. Her eyes locked on something Justo couldn’t see.

Justo always loved the wet market. There were so many things to see and smell. He liked going by the fish vendors and poking the fish in their eyeballs. He had seen older people do this and he thought it was their way of testing if the fish was really fish.

While his mother was haggling over some eggs for their breakfast, Justo had a look around the market. The vegetables were especially bright today and he spent his time poking some sayote to see if they were fresh.

The vegetable vendor didn’t look particularly amused at the young boy’s playing with his produce and Justo was wondering why he hadn’t been shooed away yet. Usually it would take a few minutes before the vendors realized he wasn’t going to buy anything and they would tell him to go somewhere else.

It was then that Justo realized that the people in the market were looking at him and his mother strangely. They would give a glance and mumble something to their companions before walking away.

“Justo, come here!” his mother called from across the market.

“Coming mama!” Justo ran to his mother’s side, he wanted to go home. Now, he could feel the stares pulling him in different directions.

After his mother paid for the eggs, Justo whispered, “Mama why are people looking at us funny?”

“Don’t pay them any mind. That’s just how some people are,” his mother said with a hint of uncertainty.

But Justo perked his ears and tried to make out what some of them were saying. He could only hear one word, repeated.

“Atros.”

It was the same day in and day out. Justo’s ate would be dressed by their mother and she would sit by the window, unresponsive to anything. One time, Justo threw a ball at her head and she didn’t even flinch.

Every day he would ask his mother what happened and every day she would change the subject.

One day enough was enough.

Justo’s mother was busy washing the dishes when he blurted out,

“Mama, what’s an Atros?”

The kitchen echoes with the sound of the breaking plate.

“Where did you hear that, anak?”

“It was just…. Some people in the market were talking about it when they were looking at us.”

“Don’t listen to them anak, they don’t know what they’re talking about.”

“But what is it mama? Does it have something to do with ate?”

“You have to get ready for school don’t you? Come on, get dressed.”

“I’m already dressed mama. Please, tell me. Maybe we can help ate.”

Justo couldn’t tell you how long the moment lasted, but it seemed like five forevers. His mother and he had their gazes locked, both not backing down to the other’s will.

Finally, his mother broke the stalemate.

“It’s time for you to go to school.”

“But mama—-”

“No other words, you have to go to school now.”

“Mama—-”

“No. And don’t ask about this ever again.”

It was the middle of the night when Justo heard something strange from outside his window. It was like the beating of drums.

Justo wondered if it was a parade, but what kind of parade would happen in the middle of the night.

Fueled by curiosity he unlocked the front door and peered outside.

He saw a group of people, though they were very short. They had fair skin, eyes that bulged and big pot bellies. They were riding what looked like horses and the sound of beating drums followed them where they went.

Justo was just about to open the door when someone grabbed him and put their hand over his mouth.

He didn’t have time to react and the mystery figure pushed them both to the ground holding Justo down until the sound of the drums faded.

“Mama!” Justo exclaimed after he saw who it was that pushed down. “What are they?”

His mother was in tears. “I won’t lose another one to those things. I won’t.” Justo managed to pick up through her sobs.

“Mama,” Justo said, “Please. Tell me what happened. What are those things? Do they have anything to do with ate?”

“I was just trying to be a good mother. I heard the drums and I knew the legends. I know what they take.”

“What did they take mama?”

“They took her soul.”

Ever since that night, Justo never trusted the new moon. He saw it as a symbol of loss and pain.

Because every day he would see his sister stare blankly out the window and he knew.

She could never get back what was taken from her.

And it was a curse, knowing what happened, for he couldn’t do anything about it, except watch and wait. For the coming of a new moon.

To see the monsters that took his sister from him.

*Child

**Filipino sausage

***Older sister

=——————————————=

Story inspired by the Atros legends from La Union

Artros Illustration by Michael Sean B. Talavera
IG: @maykelshan
Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/isaneleach13

*Note this story is in Bicol-Naga

Siya ito.

Sa inot, dae ko sya nabisto. Kaidtong banggi, nakahiling ako ning biribid na lalawgon asin mga pangil. Nahiling ko ang mapulang garo dugo na pisi asin pigsusog ini pasiring sa atop.

Asin nahiling ko ang halimaw.

Ang mga pangil naribayan ning maogmang ngisi asin ang buhok nakahugay palikod ning sobrang pomada, pero iyo an parehong lalawgon.

Naghapot ako sa palibot asin naaraman na ang ngaran niya ay Fortunato Leviste. Yaon siya sa lugar para magpurbar makakua ning mga boto bilang pagkagobernador.

Kung aram lang ninda.

Sa pagdakula mi, pigsabihan kami na maglikay sa banggi, lalo na kung kami may helang. May mga nilalang na naglalayog sa langit na may liwanag kan bulan, handa na magtugdon sa mga atop asin magpakabasog sa saindong mga bituka.

Ang lola ko nagistorya sako minsan tungkol igdi sa mga halimaw na ini. Sinabi nya na ini magagayon, may singputi ning ivory na balat asin mapang-akit na mga mata. Alagad ang mga lalaki pigbabalaan kaning gayon na ini, ta sinasabi na pinapakasalan ninda ang saindang biktima asin minarayo, dae na mahihiling giraray.

Siguro ginigibo nya ang kapareho igdi. Gwapo sya asin mestizo, sinusuyo ang kada babae sa kwarto. Sinda halos magdarasmag para lang magkaigwa ning pakikiulay sa saiya.

Pero sarong bagay ang daeng ontok na nagbabagabag sako.

Ang manananggal ay mga babae sana, tama?

Nag isip ako pabalik sa gabos na istorya.

Mga babaeng natatanggal ang taas na kabanga kan saindang hawak.

Mga babaeng may pakpak na garong sa paniki.

Mga babae na dae maitakod ang kabangang babang lawas kun bugtakan nin abo, suka o asin.

Mga babae na may gapising laba ning dila na minasupsop kan bituka kan saindang biktima asin nagpapakasawa igdi.

Dae.

Aram ko an sakong nahiling.

Siya nakatindog apat na dupa ang rayo hali sako asin nagngingirit.

Nagngangalas ako kung ano an saiyang iniisip. Siguro an sunod nyang biktima?

Dae ko tutugutan na mangyari ito.

Dae pakatapos kan sakong nahiling.

Pigsusog ko siya paluwas kan pinto pasiring sa dalan. An parong kang tabako minadukot pa sa sakuyang dungo.

Nahiling nya ako asin nagdakula an saiyang pagngisi.

Tapos sinabi ko saiya na aram ko kung ano siya asin kung ano ang pigpurbaran nyang gibuhon sako. Sinabihan ko siya na dae ko babayaan na mangyari ito, na mayo nang magiging biktima pa.

Asin nagparangakngak siya.

Sinabi nya sako na saro lang akong nakakapay na babae.

Siisay ang matubod sako?

Ang mga pulis?

Mga amigo asin amiga ko?

Mga kapamilya ko?

Anong magiginibo ninda?

Naglakaw siya pasiring sako asin naghiling sa sakong mga mata. Takot ang nagkamang sa sakuyang tulang.

“Mainot na akong maghali,” sabi niya “Dae pa ako namanggi.”

Namamati kong naglalaba ang saiyang dila, tamang laba para maabot ang likod kang sakong liog.

Napatukaw ako sa daga, nagtuturo ang luha pababa sa sakong lalawgon.

Dae.

Dae ko itatao saiya an saiyang kamuyahan.

Aaramon ko sain siya nag-iistar.

Asin maiskusar.

Asin, bawang, tsaka kutsilyo.

Sana lang Dios ko, bayaang maging sapat na ini.

=————————-=

English Version

It’s him.

At first, I didn’t recognize him. That night, I saw a twisted face and fangs. I saw the blood-red thread and followed it to the roof.

And I saw the monster.

The fangs are replaced by a gleeful smile and the hair is slicked back with too much pomade, but it’s the same face.

I ask around and find out that his name is Fortunato Leviste. He’s in the area trying to get some votes to be the governor.

If only they knew.

Growing up we’d be told to be careful in the night, especially if we were sick. There were creatures that flew through the moonlit sky, ready to land on your roof and feast on your bowels.

My lola told me a story once about these monsters. She said they were beautiful, with ivory-white skin and alluring eyes. Men were warned against this beauty though, for it was said that they marry their victims and flee, never to be seen again.

Maybe he’s doing the same here. He’s handsome and mestizo, charming every woman in the room. They’re practically falling over themselves to have a conversation with him.

But one thing keeps nagging me.

Mananaggal are only female, right?

I think back to all the stories.

Women that remove the upper half of their bodies.

Women with batlike wings.

Women that can’t reconnect their lower parts if it’s covered with ash, vinegar or salt.

Women with a threadlike tongue that sucks the bowels of their victims and feast on them.

No.

I know what I saw.

He’s standing four feet away from me and laughing.

I wonder what he’s thinking about. His next victim perhaps?

I won’t let that happen.

Not after what I’ve seen.

I follow him out the door into the street. The smell of tobacco cloyingly lingers on my nose.

He sees me and his smile widens.

Then I tell him I know what he is and I know what he tried to do to me. I tell him I won’t let that happen, that there would be no more victims.

And then he laughs.

He tells me I’m just a hysterical girl.

Who would believe me?

The police?

My friends?

My family?

What could they do?

He walks by me and looks me in the eye. Fear rolls down my spine.

“I’m going to go ahead,” he says “I haven’t had dinner.”

I could feel his tongue get longer, long enough to reach the back of my neck.

I fall to the ground, tears streaming down my face.

No.

I won’t give him the satisfaction.

I find out where he’s staying.

And prepare.

Salt, garlic and a knife.

I hope this is enough.

Please God, let this be enough.

=——————————-=

*The Iqui is also known as Ikki / Ike

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol  Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Monmon Nietes

Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Monmon Nietes

Story inspired by the Iqui description in Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. Ramos. 1971.

Iqui Illustration by Michael Sean B. Talavera
IG: @maykelshan
Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/isaneleach13

*Note this story is in Tagalog

Ilang taon na akong hindi nakapunta sa bahaging ito ng kagubatan.

Hindi na magmula noong nangyari ang…

Gumagalaw ang lupa habang binubuo ng tagapagsilbi ang katawan nito. Sinabi sa akin na maraming engkanto ang gumagamit nitong mga elemental na nilalang bilang mga bantay at sa tuwing nakakakita ako ng isa, inilalapit ko ang aking rosaryo at iniintindi ang babala.

Itong bahagi ng probinsiya ay nagtataglay ng mga mahahalagang alaala para sa akin.

Naalala ko noong una ko siyang nakilala, napakagwapo niya, tulad ng kanyang uri.

Dinala niya ako sa kanyang mundo at wala akong naranasan na ganoong kaligayahan noon, o kailanman.

Hindi nga lang ako simpleng kabataan. Alam ko ang mga kuwento—kung paano ang pagkain ng itim na bigas sa kanilang lugar ay magkukulong sa akin doon magpakailanman o kung paano ang pagdarasal sa nag-iisang Diyos ay magpapawala ng kanilang mahika.

Masyado akong maraming nalalaman, at napakakaunti din.

Pagkatapos, ako ay umibig.

Isang batang-isip na pagkakamali.

Kapag ang engkanto ay umibig sa tao, magsisimula itong magpakita ng pisikal na kaanyuan. Ang taong biktima (o dapat bang sabihing iniibig?) ay magkakasakit. Kapag nanligaw ang engkanto, unti-unting humihina ang katawan ng tao, hanggang sa puntong mawalan siya ng malay

Sinasabing kung ang taong iniibig ng engkanto ay namatay, ang ibig sabihin nito ay  tumawid na siya sa mundo ng engkanto.

Mas malugod kong tinanggap ang kamatayan kung siya ang katabi ko.

Kami lang, magkasama.

Pero natakot ako. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin kaya ang likas kong reaksiyon ay magdasal.

Dahil doon, ang mahika ng kanilang kaharian ay nawala.

Ang tanging alaala ng kanyang mundo, ang bato-bato, ay tumingin sa akin. Ang mukha nitong hindi gumagalaw ay tila nakaukit ang bahid ng kalungkutan.

Tila kabaliwan na mag-iwan ng bulaklak sa isang alaala, ngunit nandito ako.

Siya iyon. Palaging siya iyon. Hindi ko kayang makasama ang sinuman pagkatapos ng mga araw ng pag-ibig at panganib na kasama ang engkanto.

Ang mga hindi nagtagumpay kong relasyon ay patunay ng pag-ibig na iyon.

Michael, Jaime, Simon, James…

Patuloy ang listahan.

Kailanman ay hindi nila matutumbasan ang karanasan ko sa kanya.

Kung kaya, itinapon ko ang aking rosaryo, isinuot ang aking pinakamagandang damit, at nagtungo sa kagubatan.

Nandoon ang bato-bato, ang piping saksi sa aking pagkatalo.

Nagsimula akong pumasok sa kuweba. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat asahan. Isinigaw ko ang kanyang pangalan.

At pagkatapos, wala.

Ilang oras kong sinubukan na hanapin ang daan papasok sa kanyang mundo. Namaga na ang aking lalamunan, duguan ang mga kamao, lahat para sa pagkakataong masilayan ang nawala kong pag-ibig.

Hindi pa ako nakaramdam ng ganitong katinding pag-iisa.

Pagkatapos ng ilang oras, kinulayan ng araw ang kagubatan ng pula at alam kong oras na para umalis.

Nagtataka pa rin ako

Iniisip niya pa kaya ako?

Ibig bang sabihin na hindi na niya ako iniibig dahil ako ay malusog pa?

Bakit hindi niya ako bigyan ng isa pang pagkakataon?

Alam ko na ang daang papasok sa kanyang mundo ay nandoon pa din sa kuweba.

Kung hindi, bakit nandoon pa din ang bato-bato?

Babalik ako, sa ilalim ng liwanag ng bilog na buwan.

Kasama ang mga dasal at agimat.

Kailanman ay hindi ko susukuan ang aking pag-ibig.

=————————–=

English Version

I haven’t been in this part of the forest in years.

Not since what happened with…

The ground moves as the servant builds its body. I was told that many engkanto use these elemental creatures as guards and every time I chance upon one, I take my rosary close and heed the warning.

This part of the province holds so many dear memories for me.

I think back at the time I first met him, he was too beautiful, as his kind always was.

He took me to his world and I had never had such pleasure before, or since.

I was no mere youth though, I knew the stories, about how eating black rice in their domain would trap me there forever or how praying to the one God would dissipate their magic.

I knew too much, and also too little.

Then I fell in love.

Such a childish mistake.

When an engkanto falls in love with a human, it will start to show physically. The human victim (or should I say lover?) will fall ill. When an engkanto courts, the human’s body becomes progressively weaker, up to the point of the human becoming unconscious.

It is said that if the subject of the engkanto’s love dies then that means he has crossed over to the engkanto’s world.

I would have welcomed death had he been by my side.

Only us, together.

But I was scared. I didn’t know what to do so by instinct I prayed.

And thus, the magic of their realm disappeared.

The only remnant of his world, the bato-bato, looked at me. Its unmoving face etched with what looked to be a twinge of sadness.

It seems crazy to leave a flower on a memory, yet here I am.

It was him, it was always him. I could never be with anyone after spending the days of love and danger with the engkanto.

My failed relationships are a testament to that love.

Michael, Jaime, Simon, James…

The list goes on.

They could never come close to giving me what I had with him.

And so, I tossed my rosary, wore my best clothes and ventured into the forest.

The Bato-bato was there, a silent witness to my lost cause.

I take the first steps into the cave. I didn’t know what to expect. I shouted his name.

And then, nothing.

I spent hours trying to look for an entrance o his world. My throat was sore, my knuckles bloody, all for the chance to see a glimpse of the lover I lost.

I had never felt so alone.

After a few hours the sun painted the forest red and I knew it was time to go.

I still wonder:

Does he think of me?

Is the fact that I’m healthy means that he stopped loving me?

Why won’t he give me another chance?

I know the portal to his world is still there by the cave.

If it wasn’t why was the bato-bato there?

I will return, by the light of the full moon.

With incantations and agimats.

I will never surrender my love.

=———————————–=

Story inspired by the Engkanto Myths

Bato-bato Illustration by Michael Sean B. Talavera
IG: @maykelshan
Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/isaneleach13

*Note this story is in Bicol-Sorsogon

“Mama, inhihimo na naman niya utro,” ansabi ni Justo habang inhuhugnot an bado san kaniya ina.

“Okay lang* pabay-an mo lang siya magsayo. Danunan mo na lang ako maghanda san ato pamahaw, makadto pa kita sa plasa,” an simbag san ina.

“Pero atabon pa man! Gusto ko pa magturog”. Kontra ni Justo.

“Pareho kita na duwa gusto pa magturog, pero kun dire kita magkadto sa plasa wara na kita kakaunon na pamahawon. Kumanhi ka na, lutuan ko ikaw san paborito mo.”

“Longganisa?!**sige mama! Hamos na!”

Naghanda na si Justo pagkadto sa plasa pero hapot niya sa utak niya, “Akay irog sun si ate? An pirmi niya inhihmo ay magtan-aw sa luwas san bintana.”

Dire man siya irog sun dati. Nadumduman pa ni Justo san dire pa siya nakaistorya at an magayunon na boses san kaniya kamanghod. Gustuhon niya na inkakarga siya, na maling siya intataas para maimod niya an kalangitan nan an bilog san mundo.

Pero wara na an mga adlaw na yun tapos dire ko aram kun akay. Sayo na gab-i, nabati ko an ako ina na nagngungusngos sa kwarto tapos naimod ko an ako kamanghod na babaye na nakatindog sa piliw san bintana, maling nagkukurukintab an kaniya mga mata.

Dire lang yun an mga nangyari. Nadumduman ko pa na sabi san ina ko na magpirmi lang ako sa kwarto, maski nano an mangyari.Kinandado ni Mama an intiro na pinto nan sinarado an mga bintana nan sinigurado na an intiro ay magpirmi lang kun diin dapat sira.

Nakabati siya sin maluwayon na tunog na nagging intiresado siya. Dire niya mapigilan an kuryusidad kaya dinukot pa niya sin mayad an kaniya talinga sa pinto san kwarto nan naghulat siya.

Nakabati siya san sing-git san kaniya kamanghod nan siyak san kaniya ina.

Pagkatapos, tahimikon na.

An ako ina dire man in-aamin na may-on sin dire mayad na nangyayari. Liliwanan niya an kamanghod ko na babaye uruadlaw sa aga tapos bayaan na siya sa bintana.

Niyan, dire pagihapon aram ni Justo kun akay.

Nano an nangyari sa ako kamanghod? Akay irog siya suon?

“Mama handa na ako! Nakasul-ot bado si Justo na pang uran. Nagdara siya sin kaniya maswertihon na payong basi dire sira mahulos.

“Hala kagwapo man sine na bata! Kanana, kaskason ta lang basi makauli kita tulos basi makapasok ka na sa eskwelahan.

“Mao po Mama”

Dire matios ni Justo na tan-awon mun-a an kaniya kamanghod bag-o  sira maghali sa balay. An mata san kaniya kamanghod ay nakatutok sa bagay na dire man niya naiimod.

Gustuhon pirmi ni justo na magkadto sa plasa. Daghanon an kaniya naiimod nan nababaho. Gustuhon niya magkadto sa isdaan tapos tusok tusukon an mata san mga isda. Naiimod man niya an iba na mga gurang na inhihimo man yun tapos naisip niya na mao yun an paraan para matesting kun isda talaga un.

Habang si Mama ay nakipagtawadan sa nagtitinda sin bonay para sa kanira pamahawon, Si Justo sige man an libot libot sa plasa. Mga bag-uhon pa an mga sulihon tapos sige lang niya an katusok tusok sa mga sayote kun bag-o pa.

An tindera san mga sulihon kay dire nlang inririparo an bata na inuuyagan an mga sulihon niya tapos nagngangalas man siya akay dira pa siya in papahali. Awat awat pa mao natimala sin paratinda na dire man siya mabakal kaya inpahali na siya.

Mao na nariparo ni Justo na inpaparaimod na sira san Mama niya sin maraot san mga tawo sa plasa. Iimudon sira nan mahuring huring sa kanira kaupod bag-o maghali.

“Justo, kumanhi ka dine!” gahoy san kaniya ina sa plasa.

“Pakaon na Mama!” Dunalagan si Justo pakadto sa kaniya ina, gusto na niya mag-uli. Niyan kay namamatian niya na inpaparaiimod sira maski diin.

Pagkatapos bayadan san ina an bonay, naghuring si Justo, “ Mama akay inpaparaimod kita nan intitinaw-an kita nira?

“Pabay-i lang sira. Irog talaga sun an iba na tawo,” simbag san ina niya na di man sigurado.

Pero inpirit pagihapon ni Justo na mabati kun nano an insasabi sa kanira. Sayo lang an kaniya nababati, uru-utro.

“Atros”

Uruadlaw. An kamanghod na babaye ni Justo kay pirmi inliliwanan sin bado san ina tapos mangingkuran sa bintana, dire nagtitigmok maski kankanay. Minsan, Natamaan ni Justo sin bola sa ulo an kamanghod pero dire man lang punikit.

Uruadlaw pirmi ko inhahapot an kaniya ina akay irog sun pero pirmi man inbabag-o an istoryahan.

Sayo na adlaw ay tama na.

An in ani Justo kay bisihunon maghugas sin mga pinggan san dire na siya nakatios,

“Mama, nano an Atros?”

Sa kusina kay umalingawngaw an tunog san nabuka na pinggan.

“Diin mo yun nabati ha, anak?”

“Pan-o… An iba na tawo sa plasa sige an iristoryahan habang nagiimod sira saato.”

“Dire ka mamati sa kanira, anak, dire nnira aram kun nano an insasabi nira.”

“Pero nano yun Mama? Tungkol ine kan Manay?

“Kaipuhan mo na pumasok sa eskwelahan dire mao? Kanana, magliwan ka na.”

“Nakaliwan na ako Mama. Sige na, Sabiha na baya saako. Kay kun madanunan pa si Manay”

Dire masabi ni Justo kun nano kaawat an momento, pero maling an wara katapusan. Nagimudan sira na duwa, halos wara gusto maghali sin imod.

Sa wakas, wara nahimo an kaniya ina.

“Oras na para pumasok ka na sa eskwelahan.”

“pero Mama—–”

“Wara na iba na storya, kaipuhan mo na kumadto sa eskwelahan.”

“Mama—-”

“Dire. Dire ka na maghapot sine utro maski san-o.”

Sa dis oras san gab-i kay nakabati si Justo sin ibahon na tunog na hali sa luwas san bintana. Maling an nagpopokpok sin mga tambol.

Nangalas si Justo kun parada yun, pero nano man na parada an mangyayari san dis oras sin gab-i.

Grabe an kaniya kuryusidad kaya inabrihan niya an kandado san pinto nan sunikop sa luwas.

Nakaimod siya sin grupo san mga tawo, mga haragbabaon sira, mapution, an mga mata kay budlot nan maling an tiyan na buy-ayan na nakapatong sa paso. Nakasakay sira sa maling kabayo nan an tunog san tambol kay sige nira an bungyod maski diin magkadto.

Aabrihan na kunta ni Justo an pintuhan san may kunapot sa kaniya nan tinakupan an kaniya hiwa.

Wara na siya pakahiwag nan an misteryoso na itsura kay natumba sira na duwa sa salog habang kapot si Justo hanggang sa nawara na an tunog san mga tambol.

“Mama!” buranghat ni Justo san maimod niya kun sin-o an tunklang sa kaniya. “Nano Yadto.”

Nagparaturo na an luha san kaniya ina. “ Habo ko na na mawaraan pa ako sin sayo pa dahil sa kanira. Habo ko.” Inhinguha ni Justo na patindugon an kaniya ina na naghihibi.

“Mama,” sabi ni Justo, “ Sige na, Sabiha na saako kun nano an nangyayari.”Nano yadto? May-on sira sin kinaraman sa nangyayari kan manay?”

“Gusto ko lang maging mayad na ina. Nabati ko an mga tambol at aram ko an mga istorya. Aram ko kun nano an kanira kinuwa.”

“Nano an kanira kinuwa Mama?”

“Kinuwa nira an kaluluwa san ate.”

Batog sadto na gab-I, dire na nagtitiwala si Justo kapag bagong buwan. Nagpapadumdum sin simbolo san nawaraan nan pasakit.

Kay pan-o uruadlaw naiimod niya an kamanghod niya na tulala pirmi na nagtatan-aw sa bintana na aram niya kun akay.

Dire na mauuli kun nano an nakuwa sa kaniya.

Nan ito ay sumpa, maski aram niya an nagyari, pero wara siya mahimo, kundi an imudon at maghulat. Para sa pagbabalik ng bagong buwan.

Para maimod an halimaw na kunuwa sa kaniya kamanghod.

=————————————=

English Version

“Mama, she’s doing it again,” Justo says as he pulls his mother’s dress.

“It’s okay anak*just leave her alone. Now help me with breakfast, we have to go to the market,” his mother replies.
“But it’s so early in the morning! I want to sleep more,” protests Justo.

“We both want to sleep more, but if we don’t go to the market there will be no breakfast. Now come along, I’ll make your favorite.”

“Longganisa?!** Ok mama! Let’s go!”

Justo prepares himself for the trip to the market and in the back of his mind he asks, “Why is ate*** like that? All she does is stare outside the window.”

It wasn’t always like that. Justo could remember to the times he wasn’t able to talk and the beautiful serenade of his sister’s voice. He liked the way she would hold him up, as if she was lifting him to the heavens so he could see the entire world.
Those days were gone and he didn’t know why. One night, he heard the soft weeping of his mother from his room and he saw his sister standing by the window side, her eyes glazed.

That wasn’t all that happened. He remembered that his mother told him to stay in his room, no matter what may happen. She locked all the doors and closed the windows and made sure that everyone in the house was where they were supposed to be.

There was a faint sound of something he couldn’t make out. Justo couldn’t keep his curiosity hidden so he pressed his ear against the door to his room and waited.

There was a scream from his sister and a shout from his mother.

And then, silence.

His mother wouldn’t admit that anything was wrong. She would dress up his sister every morning and leave her by the window.

And still, Justo didn’t know why.

What happened to his sister? Why was she like that?

“Mama I’m ready!” Justo was dressed for the rain. He brought his lucky umbrella along to make sure they both would stay dry.

“Oh what a handsome boy! Now come with me, let’s be fast so we can get back early so you can get ready for school.”

“Okay mama.”

Justo couldn’t help but glance at his sister as they left the house. Her eyes locked on something Justo couldn’t see.

Justo always loved the wet market. There were so many things to see and smell. He liked going by the fish vendors and poking the fish in their eyeballs. He had seen older people do this and he thought it was their way of testing if the fish was really fish.

While his mother was haggling over some eggs for their breakfast, Justo had a look around the market. The
vegetables were especially bright today and he spent his time poking some sayote to see if they were fresh.

The vegetable vendor didn’t look particularly amused at the young boy’s playing with his produce and Justo was wondering why he hadn’t been shooed away yet. Usually it would take a few minutes before the vendors realized he wasn’t going to buy anything and they would tell him to go somewhere else.

It was then that Justo realized that the people in the market were looking at him and his mother strangely. They would give a glance and mumble something to their companions before walking away.

“Justo, come here!” his mother called from across the market.

“Coming mama!” Justo ran to his mother’s side, he wanted to go home. Now, he could feel the stares pulling him in different directions.

After his mother paid for the eggs, Justo whispered, “Mama why are people looking at us funny?”

“Don’t pay them any mind. That’s just how some people are,” his mother said with a hint of uncertainty.

But Justo perked his ears and tried to make out what some of them were saying. He could only hear one word, repeated.

“Atros.”

It was the same day in and day out. Justo’s ate would be dressed by their mother and she would sit by the window, unresponsive to anything. One time, Justo threw a ball at her head and she didn’t even flinch.

Every day he would ask his mother what happened and every day she would change the subject.

One day enough was enough.

Justo’s mother was busy washing the dishes when he blurted out,

“Mama, what’s an Atros?”

The kitchen echoes with the sound of the breaking plate.

“Where did you hear that, anak?”

“It was just…. Some people in the market were talking about it when they were looking at us.”

“Don’t listen to them anak, they don’t know what they’re talking about.”

“But what is it mama? Does it have something to do with ate?”

“You have to get ready for school don’t you? Come on, get dressed.”

“I’m already dressed mama. Please, tell me. Maybe we can help ate.”

Justo couldn’t tell you how long the moment lasted, but it seemed like five forevers. His mother and he had their gazes locked, both not backing down to the other’s will.

Finally, his mother broke the stalemate.

“It’s time for you to go to school.”

“But mama—-”

“No other words, you have to go to school now.”

“Mama—-”

“No. And don’t ask about this ever again.”

It was the middle of the night when Justo heard something strange from outside his window. It was like the beating of drums.

Justo wondered if it was a parade, but what kind of parade would happen in the middle of the night.

Fueled by curiosity he unlocked the front door and peered outside.

He saw a group of people, though they were very short. They had fair skin, eyes that bulged and big pot bellies. They were riding what looked like horses and the sound of beating drums followed them where they went.

Justo was just about to open the door when someone grabbed him and put their hand over his mouth.

He didn’t have time to react and the mystery figure pushed them both to the ground holding Justo down until the sound of the drums faded.

“Mama!” Justo exclaimed after he saw who it was that pushed down. “What are they?”

His mother was in tears. “I won’t lose another one to those things. I won’t.” Justo managed to pick up through her sobs.
“Mama,” Justo said, “Please. Tell me what happened. What are those things? Do they have anything to do with ate?”

“I was just trying to be a good mother. I heard the drums and I knew the legends. I know what they take.”

“What did they take mama?”

“They took her soul.”

Ever since that night, Justo never trusted the new moon. He saw it as a symbol of loss and pain.

Because every day he would see his sister stare blankly out the window and he knew.

She could never get back what was taken from her.

And it was a curse, knowing what happened, for he couldn’t do anything about it, except watch and wait. For the coming of a new moon.

To see the monsters that took his sister from him.

*Child
**Filipino sausage
***Older sister

*The Bikol languages or Bicolano languages are a group of Central Philippine languages spoken mostly in the Bicol Peninsula in the island of Luzon, the neighboring island province of Catanduanes and the island of Burias in Masbate. There is a dialect continuum between the Visayan languages and the Bikol languages; the two together are called the Bisakol languages.

The Tabaco-Legazpi-Sorsogon (TLS) dialect is spoken in the eastern coast of Albay and the northeastern part of Sorsogon. TLS is the dialect that has been most influenced by the Inland Bikol languages.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Jem Pogado
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Jem Pogado

Story inspired by the Atros legends from La Union

Artros Illustration by Michael Sean B. Talavera
IG: @maykelshan
Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/isaneleach13

I haven’t been in this part of the forest in years.

Not since what happened with…

The ground moves as the servant builds its body. I was told that many engkanto use these elemental creatures as guards and every time I chance upon one, I take my rosary close and heed the warning.

This part of the province holds so many dear memories for me.

I think back at the time I first met him, he was too beautiful, as his kind always was.

He took me to his world and I had never had such pleasure before, or since.

I was no mere youth though, I knew the stories, about how eating black rice in their domain would trap me there forever or how praying to the one God would dissipate their magic.

I knew too much, and also too little.

Then I fell in love.

Such a childish mistake.

When an engkanto falls in love with a human, it will start to show physically. The human victim (or should I say lover?) will fall ill. When an engkanto courts, the human’s body becomes progressively weaker, up to the point of the human becoming unconscious.

It is said that if the subject of the engkanto’s love dies then that means he has crossed over to the engkanto’s world.

I would have welcomed death had he been by my side.

Only us, together.

But I was scared. I didn’t know what to do so by instinct I prayed.

And thus, the magic of their realm disappeared.

The only remnant of his world, the bato-bato, looked at me. Its unmoving face etched with what looked to be a twinge of sadness.

It seems crazy to leave a flower on a memory, yet here I am.

It was him, it was always him. I could never be with anyone after spending the days of love and danger with the engkanto.

My failed relationships are a testament to that love.

Michael, Jaime, Simon, James…

The list goes on.

They could never come close to giving me what I had with him.

And so, I tossed my rosary, wore my best clothes and ventured into the forest.

The Bato-bato was there, a silent witness to my lost cause.

I take the first steps into the cave. I didn’t know what to expect. I shouted his name.

And then, nothing.

I spent hours trying to look for an entrance o his world. My throat was sore, my knuckles bloody, all for the chance to see a glimpse of the lover I lost.

I had never felt so alone.

After a few hours the sun painted the forest red and I knew it was time to go.

I still wonder:

Does he think of me?

Is the fact that I’m healthy means that he stopped loving me?

Why won’t he give me another chance?

I know the portal to his world is still there by the cave.

If it wasn’t why was the bato-bato there?

I will return, by the light of the full moon.

With incantations and agimats.

I will never surrender my love.

=———————————————–=

Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Story inspired by the Engkanto Myths

Tanggae Illustration by Michael Sean B. Talavera
IG: @maykelshan
Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/isaneleach13

*Note this story is in Waray – Ninorte Samarnon

Diri gud kaurugan sa panahon san akon pagtubò nahitabo sa Libacao, an lugar san akon apoy.

Pareho an akon kag-anak nagtatrabaho sa Manila mao nga adto liwat ako kun hain an akon kag-anak. Napakadto la kami sa Libacao sayò ug duha kabeses san kada tuíg.

Diri ko pa nahihingalimtan an mga takna kun adto kami. Nauubos an adlaw pagdinurudalagan sa ilarom sa tambong san mga kalubian, pakigsangkay san mga anak sa mga higripid san akon apoy, an akon mga kababata. Gintatangpos an kagab-ihon pamati sa mga susumaton sa iroy san akon nanay, an akon apoy.

San kada namo bakasyon sa Libacao, mayaon tawo nga permi ko nahihinomduman.

Sa kada pagsisirom, kadagab-e mayaon permi lalaki nga may dara-dara nga pala ngan serilya, permi siya naglilibuton sa bug-os nga barangay. An kanya kiwa, parehas san mayaon siya permi ginhihinanap. Kudi an akon manla naiimod, siya nga permi nagkukuha tuna tikang san bungdò.

Sayò ka kabeses nangutana ak’ sa ak’ apoy hiunong siton nga lalaki pero an ginbabaton la sa akon apoy “imos na iton siya” ngan ginsugaran ak nga diri magdinook-dook sa kanya.

Sugad ko sa ak’ apoy nga diri ak madook siton nga lalaki kudi kay an pangidaron san sugad ko nga langyaw pa mayda gihapon pagkausyoso.

San mga napulo (10) an ak pangidaron, naglalag ako ngan waray na ak kahibaro sa again pabalik sa amon balay gulpi an akon apura kay kun maabutan ak san kurpyo san ak’ apoy, alas 6, sigurado nga masesermonan ak’. San pabalik na ak’ sa amon, natan-awan ko ito lalaki nagdadagkot san kanya serilya.

Maaram ak’ nga mag-iisog ngan mababaraka ak’ pamilya san ak’ hihimoon kudi kay karuyag ko la man matumanan.

Dinook ak’ ngan nangutana,“naupay, nag-aanano ka?”

An baton niya nga may ngarob nga boses, “ginsisigurado nga diri na sira bumalik”.

San ak nabati, nanmulagdat an akon mga mata ngan sa sobra nga kadamo san akon naisip siton nga takna, waray na ak pakalata.

“Nano an karuyag sindngon mo nga ‘sira’?”

“Kay nano nga may ka permi dara nga pala bisan ka magpakain?”

“Puyde ko ba matan-awan an imo serilya?”

“Sugad san mga tawo nga permi ka kuno nanwawakay o danay gin-uukad mo an

 mga bungdò, ungod ba iton?”

“Mayaon ka ba ginhihinanap? Mao nga maydara ka nga pala?”

“Kay nano kadagab-e adi ka sa gawas? Nano man an iisipon san imo pamilya?”

Siton nga urhi ko nga pakiana, ginsunong ak niya sa mata ngan pumitad paatras.

“Neneng, uli na sa iyo balay. Delikado an gab-e, mao pa dihan.”

“Nano an karuyag mo sindngon? Maaram ak nga diri ak’ puyde gumawas gab-e kudi kay diri man dihan delikado, diri pareho sa Manila.

“Uli na! Larga!”

Nag-apura nga ak’ nga bumalik sa balay sak’ apoy. Katima san amon panigab-e ngan pagmingaw san sermon san akon kag-anak mas kinaruyag ko pa lugod nga may mahibaruan hiunong siton nga lalaki. Gulpi an akon pakiana san akon kag-anak ngan sa ak’ apoy.

Tubtub san sira nala an sumuko.

Ngan nagtikang nga nag-istorya an akon apoy:

“An ngaran niya Candido del Castillo. Gintitiniawan namon danay an kanya ngaran kudi diri la niya kami gin-aasahan, tigda nala siya nga nalarga. Si Candido gwapo nga lalaki. Sadto nga panahon an kalalakin-an ginhaharana an mga kadragan-an kun kanra ini natitipuhan. Giibahi la san iyo yana panahon, an kababayen-an, an mga sul-ot haros ipakita nala an ngatanan.”

“Apoy, puyde tangpuson mo na an imo istorya?”

“Sige, oo gad. Sadto, an pinakagwapa san amon baryo si Risa. Tigda nala kami naghimangraw nga ginkasal sira ni Candido. Sadto pa man, pira ka tuig man liwat an ginhulat ni Candido tubtob san nagin maupay sira sa kada-tagsa. Si Risa, diri la matingog ngan ngan diri mahilig makiisrtorya, anggasi ngani namon nga maaarog nala siya nga daraga. Nahinumdoman ko pa san ginsagot ni Risa si Candido. Siton nga gab-e gin harana ni Candido sa Risa sa ilarom san maanyag nga bulan. Samtang naghaharana si Candidio, dumungaw si Risa sa bintana ngan naghimangraw kami kay bisan pakitawa, diri gud iton siya. An kanra permi karuyag himoon didto mag-inistorya sa ligid sa salog hiunongsan kanra mga kinabuhi ngan kun diin nira karuyag kumadto. Nagpakasal sira sa simbahan didto sa poblasyon ngan anggasi namon nga mag-iiha an malipayon nira nga pag-upod.”

“San diri pa sadto burod si Risa.” Dugtong ni Apoy, ngan nag-iisip nga ginhangad an mga bitoon.

“Diri mo pa man masasabtan, an pagburod an sayo san pinkamakuri nga butang. Daramo an mga pamaagi nga puyde an katangpusan diri magigin maupay. Iton an nahinabo kan Risa. Diri na ak magiistorya pa bata kapa para masabtan iton nga mga butang. San nawara si Risa, si Candido waray na liwat kabaliani san kanya kalugarinon.”

“Apoy, kay nano mayaon siya permi dara nga pala?”

”Mayaon uruistorya nga an ikinamatay ni Risa diri yano, nga mayaon iba nga butang nga responsable sa pagkawara ni Risa.”

“Nano man iton nga butang, apoy?”

“Istorya la iton, waray na iba. Siguro mas maupay san panhuna-huna ni Candido nga may mabasol nga iba nga butang kontra san pagakseptar nga waray na si Risa.”

“Kay tingali manla….”

“Oras na pangaturog. Katurog na ngan buwas ta naman utro istoryahan.”

Kudi, waray na namo adto kadugtungi pa nga istorya.

Paglabay san panahon, talagsa ak’ nala nakakabisita sa Libacao. Diri ko na ngani naiisip pa magbisita ug bakasyon sin kun diin-diin la nga lugar tungod san kakuri sini pagineskwela pagkadoktor.

Nag-eskwela ak hiunong sa pagpapaanak ngan pag-aram hiunong sa mga sakit sa babaye nga may katuyuanan san pagburod (Obstetrics and Gynecology). Sa sobra nga kapagalan pagtrabaho sa syudad, sa Manila nagdesisyon ak nga magbakasyon naman sa probinsya.

Pinahuway na nga dayon an akon apoy, ginbayaan an kanya balay nahibilin an mga hinumdoman. San nagbabakasyon ak’ kun mayaon ak oras naghahatag ak sagdon sa mga tawo hiunong san ak kinaadman.

Nangutana ak hiunong sito lalaki sadto nga mayda dara permi pala ngan serilya, an baton san mga tawo nga, waray na liwat siya.

Kunta, mahanap na niya an kamurayawan nga kanya ginhihinanap.

Kaurugan sa mga tawo nga permi sa ak’ nadook mga kababayen-an tungod san akon kinaadman nga hiunong sa pagburod. Ngatanan sira sayo la an istorya, permi sira napupunitan. Napupunitan an problema san mga kababayen-an sa amon lurgar, sumala kanra, haros tulo sira kabeses napupunitan. Nahahadok na sira utro magburod kay an iba nga kababyen-an mao an ikinamamatay.

Nag-aro na ak’ bulig basi mahanap kun nano an kinahiunongan sini nga problema. Waray man liwat problema sa panlawas sini nga kababayen-an, may posibilidad nga mayaon ini hiunong sa kanra kalibongan ug an kanra lugar.

Diri ak makakalarga tubtub san mabuligan ko ini nga mga tawo, diri la ak’ maaram kun paunanho.

An akon la naobserbaran, daramo na liwat an mga bungdò dihan sini nga baryo.

Kudi, waray man haon ini kinalabotan sa panhitabo.

Waray ba?

=————————————=

English Version

Not much of my childhood was spent in Libacao.

Both my parents worked in Manila and would only take me there for vacations once or twice a year.

I would always look forward to those. Spending the day running around the coconut trees, making new friends with our neighbors and ending the night with one of Lola Maria’s stories are memories I still hold dear today.

There was one person that I will always remember though.

Every evening like clockwork, there would be a man with a shovel and a lantern going around the barangay. It always looked like he was looking for something but all I could see was him taking a shovel to some mounds.

When I asked my lola about him she just said *“Kaumangon imaw.” And made me promise never to go near him.

I said I wouldn’t, but you know how kids are.

One night when I was about ten, I lost track of time and ended up out after my curfew (around 6pm). Afraid I might get sermoned I rushed back to my lola’s house. On the way I saw the man lighting his lantern.

I knew the adults would be mad and worried if they knew what I was doing. But I was too curious to think about that.

I approached him and asked, “Excuse me, what are you doing?”

He replied with a gruff tone, “Making sure they don’t come back.”

My eyes opened wide with interest and my mouth couldn’t keep up with my thoughts.

“What do you mean ‘they’?”

“Why do you carry a shovel around with you everywhere?”

“Can I see your lantern?”

“Everyone says you dig up anthills, is that true?”

“Are you searching for something? Is that why you have a shovel?”

“Why are you out every night? What does your family think?”

On that last question he stared me in the eye and I stepped back.

“Go back to your home, child. The nights are dangerous, especially here.”

“What do you mean? I know I’m not allowed to go out at night, but this town seems pretty safe to me. Not like where I’m from in Manila.”

“JUST GO!”

I knew I wore out my welcome and rushed back to my lola’s house.

After dinner and the sermon, I had to find out more about him. I was incessant and bombarded my parents and lola with question after question after question.

They knew when to give up.

My lola started the story:

“His name is Candido del Castillo. We used to make fun of him about his name, but he took it all in stride. He was actually a very handsome young man. In those days those lads would actually take the time to woo a girl and serenade her. Not like today, with your televisions and radio and the miniskirts that let the whole world see—”

“Lola, can you finish the story?”

“Alright, alright. Back then the most beautiful girl in the barrio was Risa. It was actually a surprise when they got married. It took years of trying for Candido to be able to even take her out. She was so cold and aloof that many of us thought she would be an old spinster. I remember when he finally got a ‘yes’ from her. He took his guitar and serenaded her in the moonlight. She looked out her window and smiled (Which was a shock to most of us, we had known her for years and barely even a grin showed on her lips). Their favorite thing to do was sitting by the river, telling stories about what their lives were and where they wanted to go. They got married at the church in Poblacion and it seemed like their life together was going to be happy.”

“That was before Risa got pregnant,” lola looked wistfully to the starlight.

“You may not understand, but a pregnancy is a difficult thing. There are many ways it could end badly. And that’s what happened with Risa. I won’t let you know all the details, you’re much too young to hear them. Ever since Candido lost her, he was never the same.”

“Lola, why does he carry the shovel around?”

“There are…. stories, handed down by people older than I. When Risa died there were… murmurs about how what happened to Risa wasn’t natural, that something else was responsible.”

“What was that something else?”

“Just an old story, nothing more. It was probably easier for Candido to have something to blame rather than accept the face that she was gone.”

“But what about—-”

“It’s past your bedtime. Go to sleep and we’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

We never did.

As the years went by, I visited Libacao less and less. I was too busy facing the horrors of medical school to even think about that old place.

I graduated and finished my residency in Manila, choosing Obstetrics & Gynecology as my specialty. The stress of working in Manila was taking its toll on me and I decided to take some time off and go back to the province.

Lola had passed by then, leaving the house cold and empty. I spent my free time giving medial advice to people in the area.

I asked about the man with the shovel and they told me that he passed away as well.

I hope that he found the peace he was looking for.

Most of the people that come to me are women (not surprising considering my specialty), and they all seem to have the same story. Miscarriages are very common in the area with some women saying that they had at least 3 miscarriages. Women are scared to get pregnant because so many die in childbirth.

I ask for help trying to find the cause of these issues. There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the women physically, so it might be an environmental factor.

I can’t leave until I help these people, though I’m not sure how I can do that.

The only thing different that people have noticed is that there have been a lot more anthills popping up in the area.

But that can’t be connected.

Can it?

*This Aklanon phrase means ’Baliw siya’ in Tagalog, or ‘He/she is crazy’ in English

*Waray is the fifth-most-spoken native regional language of the Philippines, native to Eastern Visayas. It is the native language of the Waray people and second language of the Abaknon people of Capul, Northern Samar and some Cebuano-speaking peoples of eastern and southern parts of Leyte island. It is the third most spoken language among the Visayan languages, only behind Hiligaynon and Cebuano.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Waray translation by Andrew Montejo
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Andrew Montejo

Story inspired by the Tanggae depictions from Aklan

Tanggae Illustration by Michael Sean B. Talavera
IG: @maykelshan
Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/isaneleach13

*Note this story is in Tagalog

Sa lahat ng mga nilalang mula sa Kanluran ng Visayas, ang bagat ang pinakakakaiba.

Ang mga bagat ay may kakayahang magpalit-anyo, maaari silang maging kasindak-sindak na hayop na may malaking sukat (karaniwan ay ang mga maaamong uri) o iba pang nakatatakot na pangitain gaya ng paglutang ng kandila o ng ataul.

Mararamdaman sila sa mga mapanglaw na lugar. Hindi na kakaiba na makita sila kung kabilugan ng buwan o kung madilim ang langit sa gabi matapos ang kaunting patak ng ulan.

Kalimitan, sila ay di mapaminsala, gaya ng nabanggit sa itaas na anyo ng mga alagang hayop. Ngunit huwag magpakakampante dahil may mga ilan ring dapat na alalahanin.

May mga bagat na alaga ng ilang kagila-gilalas na nilalang at kung makakaalitan mo ang mga ito ay paggagantihan ka ng mga bagat para sa kanilang amo.

Nagiging delikado rin ang mga bagat sa mga pagkakataon na sila ay masasaktan.

May nagsasabi rin na ang ilang mga aswang ay ginagaya ang anyo ng mga bagat. Kadalasang nakatayo ang mga ito nang ang buhok ay nakatirik at ang mukha ay sadyang nakakatakot, habang ang mata nito ay nakatingin lang sa harapan.

Now it has to be noted about bagat and aswang. In some cases, there are bagat that are aswang and in others there are aswang that take the form of the bagat. There is a strange relationship that I wish I had more time to study, but that will have to wait for a future time.

Kailangan tandaan ang tungkol sa bagat at aswang. May mga pagkakataon na may mga bagat na asawang at may mga aswang na ginagaya ang anyo ng mga bagat. May kakaibang relasyon ito na sana ay may mas oras pa ako para pag-aral, ngunit kailangan muna itong maipagpaliban.

Those that encounter true bagat should know that they are prone to terrifying lone travelers. Some bagat may even chase or wrestle their scared quarry. If one is wrestled this way then the victim should bite the bagat’s thumb hard until it yields and begs to be freed.

Sa mga nakatagpo na ng totoong bagat ay alam nila na karaniwan itong nananakot ng mga nag-iisang manlalakbay. May ilang bagat na nanghahabol o nakikipagbuno sa mga takot na dayo. Kung makipagbuno ang bagat, dapat na gawin ng biktima ay kagatin ang hinlalaki ng bagat hanggang sa huminto ito at magmakaawa na palayain na siya.

May ilan ring kwento na nagsasabing naduduwag o humihinto ang bagat sa pamamagitan ng pagbati rito na parang kakilala. Sa ganitong paraan, nalilito ang nilalang kaya nahihirapan itong gumawa ng kilos.

May narinig akong kwento kung saan nag-anyong malaking aso ang isang bagat at hinarang ang mga manlalakbay na dumaraan sa pook nito isang gabi. Wala namang napahamak sa pagkakaalam ko at di rin nagtagal, umalis na rin ang ang bagat at naghanap na ng bagong lugar na paglalagiman.

Pagkatapos ng lahat, hindi ko pa rin alam kung ano ang itsura o anyo ng totoong bagat at baka hindi ko na talaga malaman pa dahil aalis na ako sa Mindanao ngayong linggo.

Ano man ang mangyari, mag-ingat sana ang mga makatatagpo ng bagat.

Walang nakakaalam sa gagayahin at gagamitin nitong anyo.

Sana lang ay yung hindi kakaiba.

-Mula sa sulat ni Mari Bas

=——————————–=
English Version

Among the creatures from Western Visayas, the bagat is most peculiar.

The bagat are shapeshifters in the common nomenclature, changing between monstrous animals of huge proportions (mostly those of the domesticated variety) or other frightful apparitions such as floating candles or coffins.

They haunt lonely trails. It is not uncommon for them to be sighted when the moon is full or if it is completely dark after a light drizzle in the evening.

Normally, they are harmless, assuming the aforementioned form of domesticated animals. But one must not let their guard down as there are special considerations to note.

There are bagat that are pets of other supernatural creatures and if you cross these creatures then the bagat will have no choice but to retaliate for their masters.

What is common in most cases is that the bagat is very dangerous when harmed.

It is also said that some aswang take on one of the forms of a bagat. These are often encountered walking with their hair standing on end and their faces a terrifying sight, with the creature’s eyes staring ahead.

Now it has to be noted about bagat and aswang. In some cases, there are bagat that are aswang and in others there are aswang that take the form of the bagat. There is a strange relationship that I wish I had more time to study, but that will have to wait for a future time.

Those that encounter true bagat should know that they are prone to terrifying lone travelers. Some bagat may even chase or wrestle their scared quarry. If one is wrestled this way then the victim should bite the bagat’s thumb hard until it yields and begs to be freed.

There are also tales of discouraging the bagat by greeting them as if they were someone familiar. This presumably confuses the spirit, making it hard for it to react.

I have heard of a strange situation wherein a bagat took the form of a large dog and waylaid travelers walking its path at night. There were no casualties that I am aware of and eventually the bagat moved on, looking for another place to haunt.

Throughout all of this I still do not know what the true form of the bagat is, and I may never know as I leave for Mindanao this week.

Whatever happens I wish luck to those that encounter the bagat.

You never know what form it will take.

Pray it is a familiar one.

-From the notes of Mari Bas

=———————————————–=

*Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken as a first language by a quarter of the population of the Philippines and as a second language by the majority. Its standardized form, officially named Filipino, is the national language of the Philippines, and is one of two official languages alongside English.

Written by Karl Gaverza

Translation by Reina Mikee
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Translation Copyright © Reina Mikee

Story inspired by the Bagat description in  The Encyclopedia of Philippine Folk Beliefs and Customs Vol. 1 , F.R. Demetrio S.J., Xavier University, 1990

Bagat Illustration by Michael Sean B. Talavera
IG: @maykelshan
Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/isaneleach13