Module 17: Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology

Background

In this module, learners will learn about the role of lower mythology in Philippine life.  ​

Motivating Activity

Do you believe in mythical creatures?  If so, what monsters, fairies, mythical creatures do you know?  What are their abilities?  Where do they reside?  What do they look like?  

​*Using Jamboard or mentimeter, gather answers from students.  Have students share in small groups and share out loud.  Teacher should also share their own personal story about mythical creature.  Below is a sample:
​Growing up, a duwende lived under home.  My family built our home around it so we do not disturb the nuno that lives there.
Students will watch a video about a giant dirt mound (known to be the home of the nuno) that grew inside a house in Iloilo, Philippines
Have students take notes of the following:
  • Describe the home of the nuno?
  • What objects do you see?
  • Discuss with the class the following:  If your current home has a punso (dirt mound) what would you do?  Would you destroy it or build around it?  
    • Alternative question:  If your home or a specific place or space is known to be the home of a mythical creature, what would you do?  Would you go there?  Why or why not?  ​

Processing Activity

Filipinos speak of the sky having many layers such as a seven-layered sky among the Bukidnons.  The Bukidnons believe that the sky is divided into seven tiers and each are made of various elements and resided by various creatures.  Particularly, the 4th layer or lupan-on represents the earth that humans live in.  However, this space is known to be shared by numerous beings.  Who might these beings be?  ​
  • Maximo Ramos on the effect of lower myths on Philippine life…

“The creatures of lower mythology appear to have greatly influenced Philippine life.  Customs and other ways of behavior appear to have been shaped by beliefs in these imaginary beings.  Social progress has, to a certain extent, lagged because of these beliefs.  The apparent power of their influence suggests the need to delineate their varied and pervasive roles in Philippine life.”  (Ramos, 1990, p. 189)
READ a story or WATCH movie - ​

Culminating Activity

It’s science fair time!  Only this time, we will showcase various Philippine lower mythology creatures!  Create a 5-6 minute powerpoint presentation that shows what you have learned and researched.  You may work with a partner or alone.

Pick a Philippine lower myth creature and research by answering the following questions:
  1. Name of creature.  Does it have multiple names?  Does is vary in other regions?
  2. Physical Description
  3. Domicile (location, where are they found?  Where do they live?)
  4. Activities (things they do)
  5. Intellectual and Spiritual Endowments (Qualities?)
  6. Animal Instincts?  Do they resemble any animal(s)?
  7. Magical Character:  What magical things do they possess? 
  8. Share a story about this creature.  What can the tale(s) teach us?
  9. What does this creature/story suggest about the Philippine worldview?

Supplemental/Enrichment Activity

<insert SAKAY excerpt here>

Design your own agimat or anting-anting - a Filipino word for amulet or charm.