We, Filipinos, have a penchant for the unknown and the supernatural. This is why we have tons of urban legends and a long list of mythical creatures from different parts of the country.
Popular urban legends include the white lady of Balete Drive, the headless priests roaming around universities at night, and this half-man half-snake creature living at a basement of a famous mall along EDSA. If these stories still give you goosebumps, then you’d probably enjoy reading these fictional spooky stories on Twitter under the hashtag #ManilaEncounters.
BJ Recio, the guy behind #ManilaEncounters, said that the hashtag was created for a tabletop role-playing game with Metro Manila as its setting.
Started out #ManilaEncounters so we can have a Random Table for RPGs set in fantasy Metro Manila. If y'all feel like it, feel free to add!
— Nosfecatu (@bjrecio) February 24, 2019
And these tweets will surely keep you up all night.
#ManilaEncounters At midnight, Waze tells me to turn right at Balete Drive.
I refuse, and in my refusal is a punishment: San Juan, all blind corners and high concrete walls, is labyrinthine.
Waze recalibrates, and recalibrates, and recalibrates. I can’t get out.
— princess leia de lima (@staennis) February 26, 2019
"Tao po," you call as you tap your coin on the window sill.
The tindera turns, long hair disheveled, her red eyes lighting up the dimness of the store. Her smile is mocking as she says, "Hindi kaya." #ManilaEncounters
— Rogue Witch (@B_RA_Ve) February 26, 2019
#ManilaEncounters The night security guard of Ateneo's Dela Costa Building is extremely diligent. He still reports to work and still makes it a point to remind its occupants – gently, firmly – to head home when it gets a bit late even if it's been years since they buried him.
— Pammu, Lvl. 99 Tableflipper (@TheDovetailor) February 25, 2019
At night, little boys roam around the streets of Tomas Morato, checking if anyone got lost or needs their help. At dawn, they return to the middle of the rotonda, waiting until the night falls and they patrol once again. Scout's Honor. #ManilaEncounters
— Lolyer Life (@lolyersforlife) February 26, 2019
3:30 AM. You found yourself somewhere, reeking of beer and smoke. You booked a ride home. Rough night, you thought. Your driver arrives and he takes you home only to find out that you're too late for your own wake.
1 star for the tagasundo.
— #postmodernunicorn (@tofi_alonte) February 26, 2019
#ManilaEncounters
Feb 25, 1986 in an office someone asked "we're waiting for your orders sir, ar we going to shoot?" and a friend beside you answered "No ones going to shoot let them freely have their protest" and Pres. Marcos looked at you wid a sad face before leaving to Hawaii— Kods (@_kodskyke) March 3, 2019
Twitter users took #ManilaEncounters as an opportunity to let their imaginations run wild and showcase their writing skills. At the moment, the said hashtag has garnered a massive collection of creative stories that are either based on the Philippines’ rich history or real-life events./TV
InqPOP! Creator Community/Vanessa Martinez
