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Asuwang/Aswang is an inherently evil vampire-like creature and is the subject of a wide variety of myths and stories in Philippines.It is well known throughout the Philippines. It is especially popular in the Western Visayan regions such as Capiz, Iloilo, Bohol, Masbate, Aklan, Antique the home of aswangs, manananggals, giant half-horse men (tikbalang) and other mythological creatures.. Other regional names for the aswang include "tik-tik", "wak-wak" and "soc-soc. The original definition is an eater of the dead, also called the bal-bal which replaces the cadaver with banana trunks after consumption. They prefers to take occupations related to meat, such as butchery or making sausages.. They live in secluded areas of barrios far from the townsfolk, usually isolating themselves from the public, appearing to be quiet and shy. Elderly in rural folks say that in order to detect an aswang one must look at it from an inverted position.
The Philippine equivalent of the Vampire, this creature is the most feared of all the Filipino monsters. The Aswang is a normal man or (most often) a woman by day, but by night transforms into a bat-winged monster that devours the flesh and blood of its human prey. The Aswang is a sorcerer or a witch that, through the study and practice of the dark arts, acquires an incredible array of supernatural powers, including shapeshifting (most often taking the forms of cats or dogs).
During their nocturnal activities, they walk with their feet facing backwards and toenails reversed.
Kinds of Aswang ;
Tikbalang lurk in the mountains and forests of the Philippines. It is generally described as a tall, bony humanoid creature with disproportionately long limbs, to the point that its knees reach above its head when it squats down. The head and feet of an animal, most commonly a horse. It is sometimes believed to be a transformation of an aborted fetus which has been sent to earth from limbo.
Wakwak-- is a vampiric, bird-like creature in Philippines. It is said to snatch humans at night as prey, similar to the Manananggal and the Ekek in rural areas of the Philippines, due to its ability to fly. The difference between the Manananggal and the Wakwak is that Wakwak cannot separate its torso from its body while the Manananggal can.
TikTik-- which transforms into a huge bird at night and prowls. The tik-tik looks for a sleeping person. Then extends a very long proboscis into the unsuspecting victim and proceeds to suck the blood. While performing, a 'tik-tik' sound is heard.
Manananggal--one who detaches," and that is exactly what the manananggal does. Human by day, the manananggal retreats to a hiding spot at nightfall, sprouts giant bat wings, and then detaches its upper body from its lower body. It then takes to the air, leaving its legs and the bottom half of its torso on the ground.The manananggal feeds on human viscera and unborn fetuses. It does so through its tongue, which is said to be hollow, fine, and sharp; like a very long and grisly hypodermic needle.
Sigbin-- a kangaroo-like creature which has a wide mouth with large fangs. Some say that this is another form of the aswang, while there are other claims which identify it as the companion of the tik-tik. It kills people with its deadly sneeze.
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