Once Halloween season arrives, the first question that pops into our head is: What or who will I be for this year’s party? The first looks we often consider are based on the most iconic characters from popular culture. On the other hand, the plethora of references based on our rich folklore are left as stories only revisited to frighten kids. So, for this year’s Halloween parties (virtual hopefully!), why don’t you borrow looks from mystical creatures your grandmother once told you about? Makeup artist Slo Lopez shows us how.
Manananggal
Descended from the Western vampire, stories of local mythology’s manananggal read far more terrifying, as this creature is separates at the torso, with its winged upper body hunting for victims at night. To kill a manananggal, you must sprinkle salt on its lower half while its top half is out seeking prey.
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MAC Groundwork Paint Pot eye shadow
Mangkukulam
These practitioners of black magic have been recognized as blasphemous in local folklore. Hired by clients seeking revenge, the mangkukulam often uses dark spells, rituals and voodoo dolls in their craft. The curse of the mangkukulam can only be healed by an albularyo, whose practices also dwell within the supernatural.
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MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylip in 202
Diwata
Described as tall, ethereal and inhumanely beautiful, these guardians of nature are considered mostly benevolent. They are known to give gifts, blessings and good luck to mortals they favor. However, people must continue to be wary of them, as they have a tendency to kidnap humans they like and whisk them away from their loved ones.
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MAKE UP FOR EVER Metal Powder
Sirena
Other than these vicious mermaids being recognized for their sweet, tempting voices and tendency to lure Filipino fishermen to their deep-sea doom, the sirena is labeled a specific type of engkanto who lives in the sea. Pangasinan folklore calls them warriors who worshipped the sun god Apolaki.
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KRYOLAN Aquacolor Paletta
Words by Denise Fernandez
Photography by Paolo Crodua
Makeup by Slo Lopez
Modeled by Anna Buquid
This story was originally published in our 4th Anniversary issue and has been edited for web. The digital copy of Scout’s 31st issue is accessible here.