The stories are a collection of local folktales centering around Magkatun, whose real name was Santiago Salcedo, believed to be a former member of the US Navy. According to these stories, he often ventured into mariit (mystical or dangerous) places and cut down trees considered sacred or inhabited by spirits. After these trees were cut, residents of nearby houses would report hearing loud noises believed to be caused by a tamawo (local supernatural being). He avoided directly returning home, often resting under trees or going from one house to another to evade any spirits that followed him. His stories are passed down orally, particularly by his descendants in Barangay Lisub-B, Antique, where these remain to have both spiritual and social significance, helping to foster respect for spirits and preserve family traditions. The descendants would often use the phrase, “Pabinit-binit lang kamo, apo kami ni Magkatun” upon entering mariit places for protection.
Photo Credit/s:
Sketch by Justiniano R. (2024), Visual Idea by Medy Blanco (2024)
Mappers:
Medy Jane R. Blanco, Research Assistant,,April Lyn M. Genovea, Research Assistant,,Dezhel Jane Maubol, Research Assistant,,Samuel Cezar N. Rubido, Research Assistant,,John Paul A. Imbang, Research Assistant,,Jaydee S. Caspillo, Barangay Kagawad,
Tags:
ancestral wisdom in folklore, Antique traditions, , cultural preservation through storytelling, Filipino community beliefs, Filipino family traditions, , Filipino mystical beings, Filipino oral storytelling, , local Filipino folklore, Magkatun family traditions, Magkatun folktales, mariit places, mystical encounters in folklore, mystical places Philippines, sacred trees in folklore, , spiritual folklore, spiritual protection traditions, spiritual respect in Filipino culture, tamawo beliefs, tamawo supernatural beings, US Navy folk hero
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