The use of local settings like the thick forests, old ancestral houses, and rural villages in the stories adds to their charm. For instance, the story of 'The White Lady' often takes place on a spooky, desolate road or an old bridge. These familiar yet eerie settings make the stories more relatable and scarier. Also, the characters in these stories, such as the 'Manananggal' and 'Tiyanak', are unique to Filipino horror and are very different from typical Western horror creatures.
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.
It's not common at all. The vast majority of Filipino nannies are highly professional and loving towards the children they take care of. However, just like in any profession, there might be a few bad apples that get more attention because of the drama they create. But in general, it's unfair to assume that these horror stories are a common occurrence.
No, they are not common. Just like in any culture, most marriages are based on love, respect, and mutual understanding. However, because of the international attention Filipino brides sometimes get, the few negative stories tend to be more publicized.
Many best Filipino stories often have strong moral lessons. For example, stories like 'The Monkey and the Turtle' teach about the consequences of greed and the value of intelligence in a simple yet effective way.
One common theme is the presence of supernatural entities. Ghosts, demons, and other spirits are frequently featured. Another theme is revenge. Often, a wronged spirit comes back to seek vengeance on those who wronged them in life. For example, in stories where someone was murdered unjustly, their spirit will haunt the murderer.
Many Filipino horror stories often involve elements of local folklore and superstition. For example, creatures like the Tikbalang are unique to Filipino culture. Another characteristic is that they usually have a moral lesson. Stories about the Aswang warn people about the importance of protecting the family, especially pregnant women. Also, the settings are often in rural areas, like the haunted haciendas or the thick forests where these supernatural entities are believed to lurk.
One horror story could be about a Filipino nanny who was secretly stealing from the family. She took small but valuable items like jewelry over time without the family noticing at first. When they finally caught her, it was a shock as they had trusted her completely.
One horror story could be related to legal issues. There have been instances where the paperwork for the marriage, especially when it involves international marriages with Filipino brides, was not done properly. This led to problems like the bride being in an uncertain immigration status. And also, in some rare cases, there were reports of brides being exploited by unscrupulous marriage brokers who promised them a better life but ended up in bad situations.
The settings of these horror stories are also very characteristic. Many are set in rural areas, old haciendas, or dense forests. These locations add to the spooky atmosphere as they are often associated with isolation and mystery. Also, the creatures in Filipino horror stories, such as the Tikbalang and Aswang, are unique to the Filipino folklore and not found in other horror traditions.