The Philippine folklore of salamangka in Visayas is where magic, myths, and mystique converge
In Philippine folklore, the Visayas region stands as a potent crucible of intrigue and wonder. Here, the legends of Salamangka unfurl, conjuring a spine-tingling scene where black magic, witchcraft, and mystical creatures lie in wait within the most unassuming corners. Step into the depths of this enigmatic universe of the Salamangka, where the guardian known as the Tagapagbantay becomes the ethereal bridge between our world and the domain of the mystics.
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Salamangka, a term that sends shivers down the spine, represents the dangerous and powerful magic found within the nation’s folklore, with its origins often traced to Visayas. Within this enthralling narrative, the worlds of witchcraft and the mysterious creatures of the night intertwine, contributing an extra layer of excitement to the rich and diverse heritage of the region.
The Tagapagbantay, a guardian of otherworldly dimensions, possesses the keys to realms beyond mortal imagination. This mystical sentinel has the power to decide who ventures into the land of the mystics, infusing an intricate element into the tales of Visayas. Like a master guide, the Tagapagbantay opens and closes the door between worlds, deciding who may tread the perilous path into the unknown.
Mangkukulam, often women who have mastered the dark arts, emerge as formidable figures within these tales. These cunning sorceresses harness hexes and spells to subject their victims to torment, displaying a finesse in incantations that straddle the delicate border between clever and disgust. Their enigmatic prowess serves as a testament to the depths of their dark knowledge, creating an aura of both intrigue and foreboding in the land they inhabit.
Unlike the benevolent white lady, the Babaeng Itim embodies a malevolent spirit suffused with darkness and seething wrath. Her presence, as sinister as the deepest abyss, sends a shiver down the spine of anyone unfortunate enough to cross her path. She emerges as an antagonist driven by thirst for vengeance, infusing the legends with a palpable sense of suspense and impending doom. Like a shadowy specter in the night, her sinister aura blankets the essence of dread, constructing a web of disquieting surprises.
As the battle between light and darkness unfolds, the Anting-Anting ascends as the pivotal key, a metaphorical lighthouse of optimism. This sacred artifact, meticulously forged from the dried tail of a stingray, fortified with salt, bolo, garlic, and other cryptic components, assumes the role of a protective talisman against the looming specter of the dreaded halimaw. Its mystic properties invoke a shield of defense, akin to a safeguarding enchantment, offering solace in the face of impending peril.
Within the ranks of Salamangka practitioners, the Mambabarang emerges as a harbinger of fear, an embodiment of potent malevolence. Their power surpasses that of a Mangkukulam, for they possess the ability to invoke a sinister force. A mere recollection of the victim’s face acts as a catalyst, summoning swarms of insects to plague their prey.
The origins of Salamangka in Visayas are a darkly alluring fusion of myths, magic, and mystery. The ingenious deployment of incantations and the enthralling narratives have breathed life into a realm where the supernatural and the ordinary cohabitate. Within this bewitching lore, the lines between reality and myth blur, leaving us captivated and intrigued by the enigmatic allure of Philippine folklore in Visayas.
Photography JERICK SANCHEZ
Stylist JEB FRONDA
Makeup BYRON VELASQUEZ using MAC COSMETICS
Hair MONG AMADO
Shoot coordination GENALLI FRANCISCO
Model ELIS (Ideal)
Shot on location in TEMPLE OF LEAH BUSAY, CEBU
Special thanks to MS. LENA
