SIGBIN

Sigbin, sigben, orzegben is said to be another form of aswang. It has the appearance of a kangaroo, Tasmanian devil or a hornless goat but with spotty fur. It has very large ears which it can clap and a long, flexible tail that can be used as whip. It also has a wide mouth with large fangs. It walks backwards with its head lowered between its hind legs. This creature has the ability to become invisible, but its presence is still detectable by the nauseating odor it emits.

It is believed that the sigbin goes out at night to suck the blood of victims from their shadows. During Holy Week, the sigbin looks for children that it can kill for their heart which it uses as amulets. It is said that there are families known as Sigbinan or “owner of sigbin” who keep the creature in jars made of clay. As a return, the owner shall possess great fortune and have the power to control the sigbin.

In other parts of the country, the sigbin is known as Amamayong. Other countries have urban legends of similar creatures known as chupacabra.

(October 2013 https://sites.google.com/site/catmonanonsabako/tradition/customs-and-beliefs/folklore)

References, Attributions and Further Reading:

•           Philippine mythical creatures – Wikipedia

•           Philippine Myths & Legends: Manananggal – FFE Magazine

•           File:Manananggal.jpg From Wikimedia Commons – Manananggal, mythical creature of the Philippines – Gian Bernal – Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

•https://www.academia.edu/37262886/Supernatural_Creatures_in_Philippine_Folklore