Balbal
Pronounced as :
BAWL-bawl
A vampiric, GHOUL-like creature from Tagbanua, Philippines, the balbal can be found in or near Muslim villages. Its name, which literally translates to mean “one who licks up,” is an apt description of its hunting technique. The balbal glides through the air and alights upon a home with a thatched roof. Then, using its long, curved nails, it rips open the roof and snatches up its sleeping prey with its very long, thick tongue.
After it kills and feeds, the balbal returns with a facsimile of its prey made of banana leaves and places it in the home.
Source:
- Dumont, Visayan Vignettes, 13, 121;
- Parais, Balete Book, 40;
- Ramos, Creatures of Mid-night, 47;
- Ramos, Creatures of Philippine, 69, 72
Taken from the Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology Written by: Theresa Bane ©2010 Theresa Bane. All rights reserved