Did you know that early accounts by explorers like Pigafetta** described the intriguing spiritual practices of the Filipinos, particularly their use of magic and witchcraft**?
Certain indigenous priests and healers were believed to control spirits, foretell the future, or even curse people. Leaders often consulted shamans or witch doctors for guidance in times of war and peace.
Some islanders were said to use magic to protect themselves from enemies, highlighting the strong superstition and mystical beliefs within native Filipino culture.
The above paragraph I found in my Face Book Today. It reminded me of Aswang's- one of my most widely read article published in my Hubpages Writing Account. I am reposting a summary of that article.
An Aswang (or Asuwang) is a mythical creature in Philippine folklore. The aswang is an inherently evil vampire-like creature and is the subject of a wide variety of myths and stories, the details of which vary greatly. Spanish colonizers noted that the Aswang was the most feared among the mythical creatures of the Philippines, even in the 16th century.
The myth of the aswang is well known throughout the Philippines, except in the Ilocos region, which is the only region that does not have an equivalent myth. It is especially popular in the Western Visayan regions such as Capiz, Iloilo, and Antique. Other regional names for the aswang include "tik-tik", "wak-wak", and "soc-soc". Aswangs are often described as a combination of vampire and witch and are almost always female. They are sometimes used as a generic term applied to all types of witches, manananggals, shapeshifters, lycanthropes, and monsters.
For details visit the following site:
In addition, long before the infamous witch hunts in Europe, the Spanish friars in the 1600s accused indigenous Filipinos, particularly Babaylans (native priestesses and healers), of practicing witchcraft.
The Spanish sought to suppress native spiritual beliefs, branding them as heretical or demonic. Many Babaylans were persecuted, exiled, or even executed for their resistance to Catholic conversion. This period marked a significant loss of pre-colonial Filipino traditions and indigenous healing practices.
Meanwhile, Did you know that:
The Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration, was a period of European exploration, colonization, and conquest that took place from the late 15th century to the 17th century. This period was marked by many notable events, including:
• Christopher Columbus
In 1492, Columbus set sail on a voyage to the Far East, but instead landed on two continents that were previously unknown.
• Spanish conquest of the Americas
The Spanish conquered the Aztecs of Mexico and the Incas of Peru, and by the end of the Age of Exploration, Spain ruled from the Southwestern United States to Argentina and Chile.
• Sir Francis Drake
Drake became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe.
• Vasco da Gama
Da Gama sailed to India, becoming the first European to do so.
• Bartolomeu Dias
Dias discovered the Cape of Good Hope.
• Ferdinand Magellan
Magellan's voyage led to the discovery of the Strait of Magellan and the Philippines.
Finally, Did You Know that
In the early 20th century, some U.S. politicians considered making the Philippines a U.S. state. Given its size and population, the idea had some initial support.
However, logistical challenges and cultural differences led to the proposal being quickly dropped.
The complexities of integrating the Philippines fully as a state made it an impractical endeavor.
