This is a series about two creatures popularly drawn in the month of May, the mermaid and the manananggal. As most people are more familiar with the first creature, I shall describe the second. The manananggal is a creature from Philippine mythology capable of severing the upper half of its body without pain and of growing bat-like wings to hunt for its victims during a full moon.
I created these illustrations to improve my conveying of moods and storytelling. I hope you enjoy the stories of colored pencils and words.
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Locals claim that the baby was taken by a sea witch, taking her beneath the blue and green.
But what if she was only protecting her from someone? From something?
From that creature with the bat-like wings.
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Two sisters went out into the wood. One in disbelief while the other absorbed.
"Do you really believe what Lola says?"
No answer, as her sister stared at the winged creature leering at the one who spoke.
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"'Nay, paano ka nagka-peklat sa likod?"
The woman was lost in thought. She recalls orange touching jagged edges. Torn wings. Red orbs.
"I got these when I last saw her."
"Sino?"
And just like that, everything drowned in fog.
