Hunyango: How a Shape-Shifting Creature Mirrors People-Pleasers

Chameleon, known as hunyango in Filipino, is not only a reptile with the ability to camouflage but also a redefined folkloric creature capable of transfiguring into another form.

In reality, hunyango-like traits are often mirrored by what we commonly call “people-pleasers.” These individuals hide behind the trait of being adaptable—usually changing their personalities, actions, and even appearances to meet the expectations and approval of others.

Oftentimes, being a yes-person comes at a cost.

The Parallels

In “The Creatures of Darkness: Ghouls, Ghosts, and Monsters of the Philippines,” Enrico Delos Reyes describes a hunyango as a shape-shifting creature.

Delos Reyes characterizes it as someone who resembles a human but with longer limbs and claws. They also have the face and skin of a reptile. While it does not harm others, it finds pleasure in imitating and confusing them. 

A hunyango blending with its surroundings parallels how people-pleasers navigate social settings. They try to achieve a sense of belonging by changing themselves.

Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker/psychotherapist, and author of several best-selling mental strength books, discusses in The Verywell Mind Podcast that people-pleasers often change themselves to appease and meet the needs of those around them.

She said this behavior stems from childhood experiences, particularly in households with frequent parental conflicts, and with strict, short-tempered guardians. It can also arise from low self-esteem.

“As an adult, they might become more like chameleons who constantly try to blend in with whoever is around them without knowing who it is that they actually want to be,” Morin said.

Mirroring the Truest Form

While a hunyango enjoys confusing and scaring everyone, people pleasers often find comfort in making people happy and avoiding conflict within relationships. But if left unchecked, they can lead to frustration and heartbreak.

People-pleasing also results in exhaustion, causing them to lose touch with their authentic selves. Morin pointed out, “If you’re always trying to say what you think other people want to hear, you don’t ever get to know the real you.”

Another difference is that a hunyango can change forms but maintain its identity, often returning to its original shape. In contrast, people-pleasers may struggle to figure out their truest form. This makes them seem to have multiple personalities or are two-faced, like a Hunyango who disguises itself through another person or animal.

Furthermore, while Hunyango thrives by masking themselves, people-pleasing stems from experiences and fear of rejection, which makes them vulnerable to society. This affects their decisions, actions, and perceptions, as they prioritize others over themselves.

Nonetheless, there are ways to break free from these tendencies such as disagreeing with someone when needed, having “maybe” as one of your responses, and making personal goals for yourself. Always keep in mind that someone’s feelings are not your responsibility.

Preserving Identity Amid Shifting

A hunyango is a product of the creative Filipino mind and reflects a trait Filipinos commonly possess: the ability to adapt and adjust for survival.

While it can be advantageous—especially for a hunyango who effortlessly conceals its true identity—people pleasers may lose themselves as they constantly prioritize others and neglect their feelings, making expressing themselves and fostering genuine relationships challenging.

This highlights the importance of owning your individuality, like a hunyango who still preserves itself as a reptile-like mythical creature despite constantly shifting. It reminds us that we can navigate this complex world without losing our truest form.

---

Layout by: Joanah Plopenio