There are many places in the Philippines where sightings of local cryptids are often talked about, the City of Muntinlupa is no stranger to it. Here are artworks of known cryptids in Muntinlupa with a millennial twist, as seen in Museo ng Muntinlupa page.
The Tikbalang - is probably one of the most popular mythological creatures in the Philippines. According to stories, these beings have half-human, half-horse bodies. It has two versions: one with a horse's head and the other with a human-like face. Based on folklore, whoever rides on the back of the tikbalang and manages to pull out its golden hair from its nape will be able to tame it and serve as its master. Despite their powerful and fearsome appearance, tikbalangs do not harm or kill people. They simply enjoy leading or playing with people in the forest.
The "Nuno sa Punso" - are said to be old men with long beards. Their height is likened to that of a three-year-old child. According to other stories, the "nuno" are depicted wearing wide-brimmed hats called "salakot." The "nuno sa punso" are known for inflicting illness upon those who disturb their dwellings. Typically, this results in high fever, severe body pains, and swelling of private body parts.
The Sirena - In legends and on television, mermaids are commonly depicted as beings with beautiful and gentle faces, long hair, glistening skin, and a melodious voice. They are considered guardians of the seas, and whoever disturbs their domain will be punished and dragged into the depths of the ocean. Their enchanting voices attract men, and this is what they use to lure those they fancy into their world. In The City of Muntinlupa, there are often folk stories about mermaids being sighted in Jamboree Lake.
The "Tiktik" - belongs to the family of "manananggal." They are commonly depicted as creatures resembling birds that only fly at night to seek food. It's also believed that their color is as black as crows. They are known to favor consuming babies from pregnant women's wombs. The "tiktik" got its name from the sound it makes. When you hear its loud screech, you can be sure that the "tiktik" is still far away. But as the sound gets softer and softer, the "tiktik" is getting closer to you!
The "Kapre" - typically resides in trees and forests. It's said that they often play tricks on people who find themselves near their dwellings by suddenly misleading them in the woods and mountains. Kapres are described as large, man-like beings covered in dark hair. Some say they are only clad in loincloths, while others claim they are naked and that only leaves cover their private parts. They are often depicted carrying tobacco, the scent of which tends to attract people's attention. When a Kapre is attracted to a woman, he befriends her and follows her for life.