Found in Iluko folklore, especially in Pangasinan, the ugaw are people only as big as the human thumb and are seldom seen because they move so fast. It is believed they are beings from another realm. They are notorious for s†éáling rice from granaries or human habitations with abundant supply of rice. When containers for storing rice aren’t secured properly in the night, the ugaw would definitely raid these and take away the rice down to the last grain, leaving empty containers before sunrise.
Despite such notoriety, the ugaw are kind to those who have earned their favor. They roam carrying kadus (a bag or sack made from cloth and sewn by hand) filled with riches which they give to deserving individuals. If an ugaw is caught by a person, the former will offer riches to its captor in exchange for its freedom.
Meanwhile, the Sambal people believe in the kamanan-daplak, tiny people that inhabit trees or bamboo groves along rivers and streams. Playful in nature, the kamanan-daplak call out people’s names after sundown and would laugh at the confused individuals who tried in vain to find out who called them. They are known to leave flowers at the side of unattended sleeping infants. They may also reveal themselves after dark as a group of kids singing, laughing, and playing from a distance only to disappear upon closer inspection, scaring the wits out of those who saw them. Their presence is detected through the fragrant smell of the ylang-ylang flower.
Reference:
Ramos, Maximo D. Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology.
Despite such notoriety, the ugaw are kind to those who have earned their favor. They roam carrying kadus (a bag or sack made from cloth and sewn by hand) filled with riches which they give to deserving individuals. If an ugaw is caught by a person, the former will offer riches to its captor in exchange for its freedom.
Meanwhile, the Sambal people believe in the kamanan-daplak, tiny people that inhabit trees or bamboo groves along rivers and streams. Playful in nature, the kamanan-daplak call out people’s names after sundown and would laugh at the confused individuals who tried in vain to find out who called them. They are known to leave flowers at the side of unattended sleeping infants. They may also reveal themselves after dark as a group of kids singing, laughing, and playing from a distance only to disappear upon closer inspection, scaring the wits out of those who saw them. Their presence is detected through the fragrant smell of the ylang-ylang flower.
Reference:
Ramos, Maximo D. Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology.