Getting to know the Visayan aswang: An analysis of three aswang-themed films

Abstract

This is a descriptive study designed to get to know the Visayan aswang as depicted in three Filipino films, namely: “Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles,” “Yanggaw ” and “Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang.”

Data were gathered through watching the films, focusing on how the films presented the aswang based on the characters’ physical description in their aswang state, age, gender and characterization o f the aswang. It also looked into symbolisms, town of origin, and urban legends that were shown in the films. Further, the study presented the similarities and differences of the aswang characters in the films in terms of their physical description, transformation, and social value.

Based on the analyses o f the films, it was determined that the aswang is popularly presented as a monstrous creature that is physically strong and can be animal-like. This depiction of the aswang is very much popular in urban legends that are especially at nighttime. Also, it can be noted that even if aswang characters are oftentimes feminine, a masculine figure can also be an aswang and even lead a whole pack. Lastly, although the films were set in fictional villages, they were named after places in the Visayas—as in “Yanggaw 's” Cordova (Cordova in Negros Occidental) and “Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles” Pulupandan (Pulupandan in Antique).