When we think about the iconic female monsters in Filipino horror, it’s clear that they’re not just products of local folklore. The influence brought about by over 300 years of Spanish colonization has significantly shaped their evolution over the course of time.
One major aspect of Spanish influence was the demonization of female mythological figures. During the colonial period, many powerful female figures in Filipino folklore were given more sinister traits by the Spanish as part of their efforts to convert the indigenous population to Catholicism.
By contrasting local myths with the virtues of Catholic saints, they aimed to create doubt about traditional beliefs in that period. This tactic led to a view of strong women in folklore as malevolent entities, laying the groundwork for the monsters we see in horror films today.
The shift in gender roles brought by the Spanish also played a big role. Pre-colonial Filipino society was likely more egalitarian, with women holding significant influence. But with the arrival of the Spanish and the introduction of Christianity, new ideas of gender roles emerged: women were seen as "meek" and inferior to their male counterparts. This shift made it easier for powerful women, even in folklore, to be viewed with suspicion and fear,likely contributing to the manifestation of the Monstrous Feminine in Filipino horror.
The Spanish also introduced new folklore that blended with local narratives. For instance, stories about "man-eating women flying through the night" became more common during their colonization of regions in the Philippines like the Visayas and Bicol, feeding fears about powerful women. Additionally, the perception of indigenous spiritual leaders, like the Babaylan, shifted. Once revered as priestesses and healers, they began to be seen through the lens of "witch" stereotypes, appearing with more negative and demonic connotations.
Linguistically, the impact is clear too. The Tagalog word for ghost, "multo," comes from the Spanish word "muerto," meaning "dead." This highlights how colonization shaped the way the supernatural is understood in the Philippines. Plus, many Filipino horror films feature settings like haunted churches and schools from the colonial era, which naturally evoke a sense of unease and connection to the country’s historical past.
It’s undeniable that Spanish colonization has had a lasting impact on Filipino horror. This part of history has affected how women are portrayed as monstrous, changing traditional gender dynamics, introducing new folklore, and altering the understanding of indigenous spiritual beliefs. Recognizing this historical context helps us appreciate the complex origins and significance of the way female monsters appear in Filipino culture and its representation in film.
