Well, 'The Diwata' in Filipino short horror stories can be quite terrifying. These nature spirits, when angered, can cause all sorts of spooky happenings. In some stories, people who enter the forest without permission are haunted by the Diwata. There are also stories about haunted wells. People who get too close to the well at night might see strange apparitions or hear unearthly screams coming from it.
One well - known Filipino horror story is 'The White Lady'. It's often set in dark, lonely roads. Legend has it that she appears as a spectral figure, usually dressed in white, and is said to be the spirit of a woman who met a tragic end. Another is 'Tiyanak'. It's about a creature that looks like a baby at first but then reveals its true, menacing nature.
There's a story of a haunted ancestral house. In this story, a family moved into an old, large house in the Philippines. Every night, they would hear strange noises coming from the attic. One of the children was brave enough to go up there. He found an old doll with a cracked face. When he touched it, he felt a cold chill and heard a whispering voice. The family soon left the house in fear.
There's also 'The Legend of Maria Makiling'. This story is set around a beautiful and powerful diwata (goddess or fairy - like being) named Maria Makiling. She lives in the mountains and has interactions with local villagers. It shows Filipino beliefs and culture through a fantasy lens. The story is rich in descriptions of the enchanted forest and Maria's magical powers.
One of the well - known Filipino horror stories is 'The White Lady'. It is often said that she haunts certain roads and bridges. Legend has it that she was a victim of a tragic love or a violent death. Another great one is 'Kulam' stories which involve witchcraft and dark magic practiced in Filipino villages long ago.
One famous Filipino mythology short story is about the 'Tikbalang'. It is a half - man, half - horse creature. In the stories, it is often depicted as a mischievous being that likes to lead travelers astray in the forests. Another is the story of 'Maria Makiling', a beautiful diwata (goddess) who lives in Mount Makiling. She is known for her kindness towards the local people at first, but when they start to abuse the forest's resources, she gets angry.
One popular Filipino short story is 'Footnote to Youth' by Jose Garcia Villa. It tells the story of a young man who marries early and then faces the hardships that come with it. Another is 'The Mats' by Francisco Arcellana, which beautifully portrays family relationships through the symbol of mats.
One well - known Filipino Christmas short story is 'The Christmas Bells'. It tells about a small town where the church bells stop ringing on Christmas Eve. A young boy sets out on a journey to find out why and discovers the true meaning of Christmas through his adventures. Another is 'The Star - Lit Night'. It focuses on a family that is having a tough time during Christmas but then experiences a miracle on Christmas day.
One famous Filipino old short story is 'Dead Stars' by Paz Marquez Benitez. It explores themes of unrequited love and the passage of time.
There's 'The Centipede' by Rony V. Diaz. It's a rather dark and intense short story. It delves into the relationship between two brothers, Eddie and Delia. Eddie has a pet centipede, and Delia's cruel treatment towards it leads to a series of events that expose the complex and often troubled nature of their relationship.
Another great one is 'The Mats' by Francisco Arcellana. This story beautifully uses the symbol of mats to explore family relationships, memories, and the sense of identity within a family. The detailed descriptions of the mats and how they are associated with different family members make it a very touching read.