We Ranked 6 Pinoy Monsters from Least to Most Scary
Pinoy monsters plague the imagination of millions of Filipnos for generations. From the cunning aswang to the playful dwende, each being has unique traits and stories. Here, we ranked 6 of them based on what we think is the least to most scary.
6. Dwende
Dwendes are usually described as small, playful beings that live underground or in mounds. Sure, they can be mischievous, causing some minor inconveniences from time to time. But they aren’t really seen as threatening in the grand scheme of things.
5. Tikbalang
Known as the “half man, half horse,” this monster leads travelers astray and is often associated with forests and mountains. However, much like the dwende, we would classify them as trickster rather than a scary creature due to its playful demeanor.
4. Kapre
The kapre is described as a tree-dwelling creature disguised as a giant man who smokes. Now, its size and eerie presence would scare the next person. However, they’re not inherently evil and are instead mischievous in nature.
3. Tiyanak
Trigger warning: These next 3 monsters feast on human flesh!
Ever heard of “small but terrible”? The tiyanak, described as a vampire-like crying baby, clearly falls into that category. Its ability to lure victims is unsettling, especially when it reveals its true form.
2. Aswang
We’d call the aswang a pillar of Pinoy monsters because of its lore. Legend has it that it shapeshifts and hunts pregnant women to feast on them and their babies! So their stealthy and cunning nature put them high on this list.
1. Manananggal
The top of our Pinoy monsters list belongs to the mananggal, a type of aswang. Yes, they also prey on pregnant women and their unborn babies. But what edges them out is their ability to split their body, top and bottom, and fly. Trigger warning for body horror!
READ: Capiz Aswang: The Reality Behind the Terrifying Myth
In the world of Pinoy monsters, each creature brings its own mix of power, mystery, and fear. And whether you believe in them or not, their stories continue to shape Filipino folklore and highlight our cultural identity.
