We are coming close to the beloved day of all spooky enthusiasts. Even though we can’t all meet up with one another in person, it doesn’t mean we can’t still go on call wearing our costume of choice (or at least the top half of it).
Just in case you’re not yet sure of what to wear to your Halloween video call, here are a few options drawn from our very own rich Filipino mythology, and media inspired by this.
Bathala
Starting out strong with the pre-colonial Filipino creator of the universe. Ladies and gentlemen, Bathala. Maybe you still have your quarantine long locks going from last year, dust a little powder on it and put on some gold bling. Shirt, optional!
Tiyanak
In Filipino mythology, there are many reasons why an adorable baby may turn into a violent and vengeful tiyanak. From the baby dying before its baptism to its being the offspring between a human and a demon.
They reel you in with their childish charms and cries, and the next thing you know, you’re being attacked. On the off chance that you no longer resemble an actual child (not like it really matters), maybe you’d want to consider being one of the haunted/tortured parents instead.
Trese
The story of Alexandra Trese, in both the original comic book and Netflix original animated series, is filled with Filipino mythological creatures. It’s a smorgasbord of great Halloween costumes.
Go as the Babaylan Mandirigma of Manila herself, Alexandra Trese (just watch your eyes with the bangs).
Maybe you want to be twinning with your best friend, DIY some masks and slap on a polo and tie (it’s not like you have to wear a whole suit, no one can see your legs in a video call anyways).
Or, if you want to be a power trio: why not go as Trese and the twins? (not gonna lie, sounds like a killer band name)
There are so many other options from this series, all you have to do is take your pick. Why not dress as Nuno to justify buying a bunch of Choc Nut and binging on the show to “stay in character”.
Ulan
Another Filipino mythology costume treasure trove is the 2019 film Ulan. Filled with magical realism, Mara goes from childhood to adulthood while grappling with her ever complicated relationships with the rain, Filipino mythological creatures, and her love life.
Although Aning isn’t necessarily in the Filipino mythology creatures/deity canon, it doesn’t make her any less magical and cool. Why not dress up as the melancholic sobbing storm of sadness who prophesies a tragic future in Mara’s love life? It could be fun to predict the outcome of all your friend’s love lives too, though you wouldn’t need to dress up as Aning to do this.
You could also go as the movie’s rendition of the tikbalang if you’re up for a DIY challenge.
Kapre
Again, another quick and easy go-to if you still have your quarantine mane growing and going strong. Put your vape to good use and dress up as the gigantic tree dweller (try not to litter though). Just like Bathala, top optional!
Maria Makiling
One of the more commonly known diwatas of the Philippines, why not dress up as the fairy guardian of Laguna’s Mt. Makiling?
All you’d need is an ethereal white dress/blouse and a little flower power to look more earthy and fairylike.
I mean, you could dress up as the mountain too, I guess. Be sure to remember to post that online if you do.
There is a wide array of character choices that you can choose from within Filipino mythology, either from the myths themselves or the stories inspired by these.
Or you know… you could always go as Shake, Rattle and Roll’s Unding as well…
