Dive into Filipino mythology for some cool, eerie costume ideas! Here are five mythical creatures you can channel, complete with their history and how to dress like them:

1. Aswang

The Aswang is probably the most notorious creature in Filipino folklore, often described as a shapeshifting monster with vampiric tendencies. It preys on humans and is especially feared for stealing fetuses from pregnant women.

How to dress like one: 

• Opt for dark, tattered clothes or a long, ragged black dress.

• Add prosthetic fangs and long, sharp claws.

• Smudge your face with dark makeup and add a touch of fake blood around your mouth for that "I-just-ate-a-person" vibe.

2. Kapre

Kapres are large, hairy giants that live in trees, often seen smoking cigars. They’re not typically harmful, but their presence can bring mischief or confusion to those who encounter them.

How to dress like one:

• Wear oversized clothes with leafy or jungle-like accents to make yourself look forest-dwelling.

• Stuff your shirt to appear bulkier, add body hair (faux fur works great), and carry a giant fake cigar for that signature look.

• Use bronzed or brown makeup to simulate the skin tone of this earthy giant.

3. Manananggal

The Manananggal is a horrifying creature that can separate her upper body from her lower half and flies at night to feast on human innards. With its bat-like wings and gruesome habits, it’s one of the most frightening figures in Filipino lore.

How to dress like one:

• Create the illusion of being split in half by wearing a flowy, ragged top and a fake waistline with guts spilling out.

• Attach faux bat wings to your back, and use red lipstick to give a “bloody” mouth.

• Apply heavy eye makeup to give a haunting, sunken-eyed look.

4. Tikbalang

The Tikbalang is a creature with the head of a horse and the body of a man. Often seen as a trickster in the forests, it leads travelers astray with its playful but deceptive ways.

How to dress like one:

• For the horse head, consider using a full or half-horse mask.

• Wear brown or earth-toned clothes and add tufts of faux fur to simulate the body of the Tikbalang.

• Consider adding hooves to your feet or hands for extra authenticity.

5. Tiyanak

The Tiyanak is a vampiric creature that takes the form of a baby or small child, crying to attract victims. Once someone picks it up, it transforms into a monstrous being and attacks.

How to dress like one:

• Wear a tattered baby costume with makeup that gives you a sinister, ghostly appearance.

• Smear red lipstick or fake blood around your mouth and paint your face to resemble a demonic baby.

• Carry a creepy baby doll for added effect—you’ll surely freak people out!

Whether you want to go spooky or playful this Halloween, these costumes inspired by Filipino mythology will give you a unique edge! Just make sure you’re not too convincing when you’re pretending to be an Aswang—you might give your neighbors nightmares!