Aswang - Evil Vampire Creature

Spanish known this creature since their colonization in Philippines in 16th century. It is the most feared among other mythical creatures of Philippines.

Philippians known Aswang - sometimes called Asuwang - as a combination of vampire and witch. They mostly appeared in female form. But sometimes also appearing as an old man. The legend of Aswang are vary from region to region, so none of the characteristic can be ascribed to the term. Mostly it portrayed as a monster with wings flap loudly when it's far away and quietly wen it's nearer. Aswang has been a very famous, especially in  West Visayan area, such as Capiz, Iloilo, and Antique. In Capiz, Aswang is also called as Tik-Tik or Wak-Wak.

People believed Aswangs living as regular people. As people, they are quiet, shy, and elusive in the day time. Most of them are prefering to take occupations related to meat, such as buthcer. Usually they are isolating themselves from public as well. But in the night time, they transformed into creatures and taking form of animals like pig, bird, cart, and dog. They enjoy eating unborn fetuses and small children, favoring livers and hearts. They are fast and silent, and some have thin body that can hide themselves behind a bamboo post.

Dealing with Aswang can be done by throwing salt and / or semen at it because people believe it can burn their skin. Another way for dealing with them is to keep a red pouch full of gingers and coins. The ginger's smell will keep hem away, while the coins are used for preventing them from lifting us up.

People also believe that Aswang is fear of bullet, feathers, and canes. Hung garlic on doors and window will beat off Aswang.

Many films about this creature have been made, such as Aswang (1992), a Phillippines movie, starring Almo Moreno, Manilyn Reynes,, Aiza Seguerra, Aljon Jimenez, and directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes. The Hollywood version of Aswang creature has been made in 1994 and called The Unearthling.