Compendium & Folklore

The Lore Guide

Explore the ancient entities, deities, spirit wardens, and apex predators inhabiting the universe of Mount Makiling and modern Philippine mythology.

Manananggal
Visceral Humanoid / True Vampire

Manananggal

Pronounced: [mah-nah-NAHNG-gahl]

First Seen: Book 1: Genesis (Chapter 8)

A once-revered guardian corrupted by cosmic energy. At night, her upper torso detaches on bat wings to hunt from the skies while her lower half remains hidden.

Key Abilities

  • Torso Bifurcation (silent flight)
  • Thread-thin feeding proboscis
  • Nighttime cloaking

Known Weaknesses

  • Rock salt & crushed garlic on the lower torso
  • Buntot-Pagi (stingray tail whip)
  • Sunlight
Tikbalang
Demonic Humanoid / Trickster Spirit

Tikbalang

Pronounced: [teek-BAH-lahng]

First Seen: Book 1: Genesis (Chapter 4)

A towering humanoid with the head of a horse that guards mountain thresholds. They distort paths and bend space to trap intruders in endless loops.

Key Abilities

  • Spatial distortion (infinite trail loops)
  • Kinetic hoof stomps
  • Vocal mimicry

Known Weaknesses

  • Wearing your shirt inside out
  • Plucking the three gold spines from its mane
Berbalang
Ghoulish Humanoid / Psychic Vampire

Berbalang

Pronounced: [bair-BAH-lahng]

First Seen: Book 2: Banaag (Chapter 6)

Winged ghouls that enter a catatonic trance in dark caverns to project lethal, intangible astral wraiths that hunt conscious minds.

Key Abilities

  • Astral projection through walls
  • Psionic mind drain and paralysis

Known Weaknesses

  • Disturbing the physical body during its trance
  • Electromagnetic frequency barriers
Kapre
Arboreal Humanoid / Territorial Spirit

Kapre

Pronounced: [KAH-preh]

First Seen: Book 1: Genesis (Chapter 2)

A massive, moss-covered tree colossus dwelling in ancient Balete and acacia trees. Smokes an ever-burning herbal cigar and watches forest boundaries.

Key Abilities

  • Massive obscuring smokescreens
  • Root and vine manipulation

Known Weaknesses

  • Dousing the glowing cigar
  • Respectful greetings ('Tabi-tabi po')
Wakwak
Avian Beast / Vampiric Ghoul

Wakwak

Pronounced: [WAHK-wahk]

First Seen: Book 1: Genesis (Chapter 7)

A predatory bird-like humanoid with razor-sharp talons that acts as a scout and herald for larger night predators. Its signature acoustic cries grow quieter the closer it gets to its prey.

Key Abilities

  • Inverted acoustic localization (sound decrescendo as it approaches)
  • High-altitude swooping slash
  • Night-vision echo tracking

Known Weaknesses

  • High-frequency sound feedback
  • Reflective silver mirrors
  • Direct daylight
Tiyanak
Demonic Humanoid / Trickster Spirit

Tiyanak

Pronounced: [tee-YAH-nahk]

First Seen: Book 1: Genesis (Chapter 5)

A cunning predatory demon that mimics the helpless cries of an abandoned infant in deep brush. Once a victim approaches, it morphs into a monstrous, sharp-fanged creature.

Key Abilities

  • Acoustic infant mimicry
  • Instant physical morphing & razor claw ambush
  • Forest hypnosis and trail obfuscation

Known Weaknesses

  • Turning clothes inside out to dispel its illusion
  • Fire and heated iron
  • Disrupting its cry with loud, discordant sound
Sigbin
Chimerical Beast / Vampiric Companion

Sigbin

Pronounced: [seeg-BEEN]

First Seen: Book 2: Banaag (Chapter 3)

A bizarre kangaroo-goat hybrid that walks backward with its head bowed between its hind legs. It hunts at twilight, feeding on vitality and shadow essence.

Key Abilities

  • Backward shadow leaping & extreme agility
  • Invisibility cloak in twilight/dusk
  • Paralytic bite and shadow tethering

Known Weaknesses

  • Bright concentrated light beams
  • Direct confrontation from behind
  • Infused herbal smoke
Bakunawa
Draconic Beast / Cosmic Serpent

Bakunawa

Pronounced: [bah-koo-NAH-wah]

First Seen: Book 2: Banaag (Chapter 14)

A colossal celestial sea serpent with iridescent scales and glowing fins that rises from the oceanic abyss to swallow the moon, plunging the world into total supernatural darkness.

Key Abilities

  • Tidal surge generation and abyssal whirlpools
  • Celestial eclipse veil (blots out moonlight/sunlight)
  • Empowered sonic roar capable of shattering crystal wards

Known Weaknesses

  • Loud rhythmic cacophony (drums, metal pots, bells) causing it to regurgitate the moon
  • High-tier solar and elemental Mantala resonance
  • Deep oceanic harmonic anchors
Diwata
Higher Celestial / Sovereign Guardian

Diwata

Pronounced: [dee-WAH-tah]

First Seen: Book 1: Genesis (Chapter 1)

Noble, radiant nature deities and supreme custodians of realms like Mount Makiling. They embody natural balance, wielding immense restorative and elemental power over land and mortals.

Key Abilities

  • Realm weaving and environmental restoration
  • Blessings of invulnerability and spiritual healing
  • Absolute command over flora, fauna, and weather

Known Weaknesses

  • Environmental desecration and deforestation
  • Corrupted dark cosmic resonance
  • Breaking a solemn pact or oath
Official Companion Material

Download the Official Lore Guide

Get the complete Makiling Guardians Lore Guide in PDF format for offline reading. Includes in-depth folklore records, character genealogies, bestiary guides, and world-building notes.