Studying Filipino Folk Magic
Modern resources on magic, folklore, and shamanic practices
I still have incredible difficulty finding relevant and scholarly local resources on spirituality and magic, which is why it can be so rewarding to find a good one. The truth is that many great resources within my niche—such as ethnographic studies and academic reflections—are either decades old or tragically out of print. My lived experience is filled with supernatural realities (not merely superstition), and much of it is echoed in our culture. I know people who have gone to folk healers because of mysterious ailments, people who can “see” strange presences, and people who have interacted with folkloric beings. There is a wealth of everyday, commonsense “data”, and my task as a researcher is to sift through them and witness their unfolding as manifestations of the deeper parts of our collective cultural psyche.
In this article, I have collected some wonderful resources that I enjoyed.
Read This
“Faith Healing in the Philippines: An Historical Perspective” (1980), an overview of traditional healing practices and notes on its transformation throughout history, written by Dr. Zeus Salazar, who promoted the Pantayong Pananaw. Published in the journal Asian Studies.
“Strange Brew,” a journalistic investigation of folk magical practices in Siquijor Island, a place known for occult mysteries. Written by Bea Misa-Crisostomo, with photographs by Geric Cruz. Published in Grid Magazine.
“The Engkanto Belief: An Essay in Interpretation” (1969), an article about the invisible beings of Filipino folklore, written by the great folklorist Fr. Francisco Demetrio. In it, Fr. Demetrio argues that the madness caused by the engkanto is a form of shamanic initiation. Published in Philippine Studies.
“Potensiya, Bisa, at Anting-Anting (Decoding Belief System Encoded in Folklore)” (1980), an article about the mythology of folk Catholicism written by Dr. Prospero Covar, who promoted Pilipinolohiya. Published in the journal Asian Studies.1
The Aswang Project is a blog managed by Canadian documentarian Jordan Clark that makes resources on Philippine folklore accessible.
Watch This
“Knowing Fr. Bu,” a docuseries about Filipino priest-psychologist Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao, founder of Ateneo de Manila University’s psychology department, known for using folk healing techniques in his clinical practice.
This episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” that aired in 2017 about the mystical city of Biringan, said to be the home of the engkanto.
This episode of “Rated K” that aired in 2019 about barang, which is sorcery that usually manifests through strange and disturbing physical sicknesses.
“Liwanag sa Dilim” (2016), a documentary on exorcism in the Philippines, prepared by the Jesuits through JesComTV.
More Resources
This article is in Tagalog.