It walks backward with its head between its legs, drinks from shadows and, in some stories, hides inside a clay jar in a wealthy family’s home. Meet the sigbin, one of the Philippines’ strangest and most unsettling creatures of folklore. Read more »
One peak is a pilgrim’s New Jerusalem. The other is a hiker’s cautionary tale. Here’s what Filipinos believe about both, and why you can’t climb either summit. Read more »
Walk through the narrow aisles of Quiapo or Baclaran market in the weeks before February 14, and you'll notice something curious tucked between the incense, rosaries, and dried herbs: small vials and sachets promising love, luck, or a second chance at romance. As Valentine's Day nears, demand for these so-called love potions is climbing, and the vendors say business has never been steadier. Read more »
Colorism in the Philippines isn't some vague, unsourced prejudice. It has a documented origin: centuries of Spanish and American colonization positioned lighter skin as closer to power, education, and respectability, while darker skin, the typical skin of farmers, laborers, and the working class, was coded as ‘lesser.’ Read more »
A piece of Philippine heritage recently found its way into an Indian school as young learners got the opportunity to write using Baybayin, one of the Philippines' ancient writing systems. Read more »
More than just a name change, we need to understand why Baybayin exists and why Filipinos are learning to use it again. Read more »
