Greetings everyone, and welcome to the spooktacular BOO-vember! While the Catholic Church designates this month as a time for remembrance, many Filipinos recognize it as the “Ghost Month” – a time rife with jump scares and eerie tales preceding the festive holiday season.
Unlike Halloween, not widely celebrated in our country, some establishments and exclusive neighborhoods are the main purveyors of the yearly event, while most Filipino households eschew it, whether due to religious beliefs or personal preference. Nonetheless, many of us relish a good scare and share in the delight of horror stories.
Today, I have a collection of chilling encounters to share with you, featuring four spine-tingling tales:
- Duwende (Dwarf): Growing up, I lived near an old Kamyas tree, shrouded in an unsettling aura. Despite never witnessing anything firsthand, eerie occurrences surrounded it, from my dogs’ persistent barking to my nephew’s unexplained fear. Local lore spoke of a small creature perched on its branches, with emerald eyes and a sinister grin, deterring visitors from lingering nearby.
- Kapre: Our neighbor’s towering mango tree harbored an unexpected terror one blackout night. Amidst the oppressive darkness, I ventured outside for fresh air, only to be met with an unsettling presence among the highest branches – glowing rubies piercing the night, accompanied by the pungent scent of cigars. This encounter, shared by others in the neighborhood, left an indelible mark on my childhood, reinforcing the importance of adhering to curfew.
- Espirito (Spirit): Within the confines of my own home, a spectral presence often made its presence felt, appearing as fleeting shadows or ghostly figures. One particularly vivid encounter occurred during a late-night study session, where a faceless figure materialized in the bathroom mirror, mirroring my mother’s prior sightings. Despite the fear it instilled, academic responsibilities prevailed over supernatural dread.
- Multo (Ghost): The most recent and haunting encounter unfolded during my uncle’s wake, amidst the chaos of final exams and familial obligations. Alone in our hotel room, a chilling premonition descended upon me, culminating in a phone call from my cousin warning of sinister figures lurking outside. Armed with every available light source, I braced myself against the darkness, haunted by the specter of the unknown.
Now, dear friends, I’ve shared my tales of terror. But what about you? Do you dare to share your own spine-chilling encounters?