JE C.C.
The Netflix Original Anime Series, Trese is out, and it somehow reintroduced us to the local mythical creatures we’ve always known since childhood.
Most of us have learned to outgrow the fear of knowing them, while some remain in awe of both their magic and terror; and continue to explore them in a seemingly relentless streak of multimedia adaptations.
We looked at 16 of these beloved figures on the new anime series and took notes of how they depicted them in the show.
Aswang.
Aswangs are evil, shapeshifting creatures, that share attributes with Western vampires. Manay aswang figures are introduced in Trese, including prominent clan leaders, Ibwa and Xa Mul with which occult detective Alexandra Trese, made a scuffle.
Babaylan.
The Babaylans are shamans who serve as intermediaries between the material and spiritual worlds. They are priestesses, healers, and warriors. In Trese, babaylans are powerful prophetesses who foresee the destiny of both worlds. Trese’s mother, herself, is a Babaylan who taught her to ‘see beyond the outside’.
Duwende.
Duwendes are little elves said to give bad fortune or luck to people. Befriending a duwende is suggested to earn you the latter. In Trese, duwendes are depicted in many forms, including the mischievous Nuno sa Punso. The leader of the ‘good’ duwendes in the series, is Amang Paso.
Elemental.
Several elemental beings got introduced in Trese. But perhaps, the most striking of these creatures is Trese’s elemental aids, Hannah and Amie, who are wind-elementals from the Habagat and Amihan tribes, respectively. Other beings with whom Trese made an encounter, including the lightning and storm benders–Bagyon Lektro and Bagyon Kulimlim.
Kambals or the Twins.
The Kambals or the Twins–Crispin and Basilio are Talagbusao’s children to the mortal, Ramona. Raised in Trese’s household, the two ultimately became among Alexandra Trese’s biggest allies to defeat Talagbusao. As demi-gods, they possess several supernatural abilities, including healing and the ability to fly.
Kapre.
Kapres are nocturnal tree giants, known for their foul smell and omnivorous eating habits. They are known to exact revenge on trespassers and those who cut the trees that serve as their abode. They are usually found to dwell in large Balete trees.
Kataw.
The Kataw is the Philippines’ version of mermen, except they are bipedals. They are also called siyokoys in popular media. Kataws are said to be of high ranks among the mythical creatures of the sea.
Manananggal.
The mananangal is an aswang that has the ability to fly. They are often depicted in popular media as bloodsuckers whose upper body separates from the lower when it is time for them to hunt for their prey. Trese introduced a powerful manananggal Queen who fought with the Aswang leader, during the final battle against Talagbusao, in the series’ season finale episode.
Multo.
Multo is the Tagalog term for ghosts or wandering souls. They are feared in spite of being mostly harmless. In Trese, they board the Train of Death to get to the Afterlife. A friendly and tech-junkie ghost, Jobert, came to Trese‘s aid on a number of occasions in the series.
Nuno.
Often depicted as mound dwellers. Trese’s Chocnut-loving Nuno is a manhole-dweller, who comes to Trese’s aid to provide information on the young detective’s enemies’ whereabouts. In the series, Nuno sa Manhole is engaged in a secret war with Amang Paso, another dwarf leader. He has one of the most interesting character developments in the series. But that was arguably unsurprising, given his mischievous nature.
Santelmo.
The Santelmo has been steadily gaining popularity in the mainstream market. Viewers of the late 2000s hit ABS-CBN series, Pedro Penduko, are familiar with the creature, whose name was probably adapted from St. Elmo. The traditional depiction of the lore describes Santelmo as two balls of fire fighting with each other. In the series, Santelmo comes to Trese’s aid in a number of circumstances.
Sigbin.
Sigbins are ghoulish creatures that are often kept as pets, and hidden in clay jars. Humans who shelter these creatures are said to benefit extreme fortune, which they can immediately lose upon losing the creatures. They are shapeshifters that assume many forms. In Trese, they assume the form of a dog.
Talagbusao.
The God of War, Talagbusao is the main antagonist in the series and is hellbent to destroy both the physical and spiritual worlds to give rise to the new. He is father to demi-gods, Kambal, who are Trese’s most skilled combat sidekicks.
Tikbalang.
Tikbalang is a humanoid creature whose head belongs to a horse and whose body to human. They are said to love playing tricks with travelers by leading them in the wrong direction. In Trese, the prominent Tikbalang herd is the Armanaz, headed by the Great Stallion. Alexandra Trese once battled with Maliksi, the Tikbalang Prince, in an auto race, which the latter lost despite cheating his way to the finish line.
Tiyanak.
Being a predominantly Catholic nation is where the conception of Tiyanaks is born. Tiyanaks are said to be the devolved form of unborn children who got aborted by their mothers. They are given the spotlight in Trese’s third episode, where superstar celebrity, Nova Aurora, gets haunted by her unborn child.
White Lady.
The popularly known White Lady sa Balete Drive is given special attention in the pilot episode of the series. Here, she is given a fresh spin by providing an intriguing background to her identity. In Trese, she is a dirty politician’s mistress and was allegedly killed to keep her from exposing her lover’s wicked secrets. She is also among souls being awaited by the Emissary of Death to board the train to the afterlife.
There is a big possibility that we missed something else.
Did you spot another creature in the series that we failed to include on this list? Tell us in the comments section. Meanwhile, watch the official trailer of Trese below.
