Inside Gayang: The Igorot legends of Cordillera

We are familiar with the tales of Tikbalang, Aswang, Engkanto, and Duwende. But it’s time to uncover the hidden myths nestled deep in the Cordilleras. In this mountainous region, mythical creatures once roamed the land, some as guardians of nature, others as harbingers of fear.

And today, they hound the suburbs of Manila—not as mythology incarnate but as graphic novels. 

Gayang is a comic book created by Gerald Asbucan, a Cordilleran graphic novelist, and Tor Sagud, the Komikero Champion of Cordillera. Together with 12 senior high school students under the banner of the Gripo Comic Group, they created stunning illustrations that celebrate and preserve the timeless Igorot myths.

These legendary beings hold profound cultural significance, embodying the rich folklore of the Igorot, Ifugao, Kalinga, and other Cordilleran communities.

Enter Igorot legends

Gayang crafted an original narrative that intertwines the legendary creatures, opening the gates to seven captivating stories from the Igorot mythology.

Illustration courtesy of Gerald Asbucan

The Bingil are Igorot's deadlier version of zombies. With a single touch, they can kill and turn their victims into fellow Bingil. When a group of Bingils attack a community, they do not just murder, they also spread their curse. The only way to stop them is to trap and bury them.

Lampong, the forest guardian, is a dwarf-like creature with deer horns who can transform into a white deer that lures hunters deeper into the forest and dodges their spears.

Pili, a genie and dog-like creature, guards sacred artifacts. Anyone who steals them will be cursed with an illness, which can only be reversed by offering a chicken.

Gatui, a small creature with giant bat wings, is often seen in rice fields. While resembling the tiktik in Visayan and Tagalog folklore—known for eating unborn children—Gatui is different. He feeds on the stones of unborn children rather than the children themselves.

Bana, a dashing young man, radiates light when the sun hits his back; plants and animals bow to him.

Pinading, a shape-shifter, is revered by Kankanaey and Ifugao people. They make offerings to it for blessings on land, crops, rivers, and forest travelers.

Binobaan (or Inlablabbuut) is an ogre-like creature that shapeshifts into humans to lure and eat its prey. Skilled in metalworking, he lives in caves and crafts his own weapons.

The Cordilleran spear

Gayang, meaning “spear” as a noun or “to throw” as a verb, was part of the students’ immersion project, which Asbucan and Sagud materialized into comic format.

Its title reflects the Igorot spear, traditionally used as a thrown weapon, much like a javelin. It symbolizes the diversity of Cordilleran communities, with the cultural spear as weapons used to defend their sacred lands.

The role of these mythical creatures in the Igorot community holds deeper cultural significance for the mountainous region. 

Asbucan explained that Igorot myths and legends remain alive because they are closely tied to environmental protection. In places like Baguio and other parts of the Cordillera, an abundance of trees and a well-preserved natural environment is noticeable; a reflection of their culture—one that instills a sense of duty among Cordillerans to care for their surroundings, maintain cleanliness, and safeguard the environment for generations to come. 

Their rituals, offerings, and cultural dances such as for the forest creatures, stands as a testament to their deep connection to nature and their origins.

Though the gates are closed

Gayang had a successful launch in 2019, with exciting plans for a sequel to further explore the legends and myths of the Igorot community. Unfortunately, the pandemic disrupted its journey, leaving many stories untold.

But even as Gayang closes its chapter, the curiosity it ignited should not fade—it must only grow. While comics may no longer hold the same appeal for this generation, Asbucan's ironic experience—being asked to teach art, yet seeing little value in his own works reminds us of the enduring power of these stories. 

Despite the challenges, he continues to breathe life into these myths through his art, showing that their significance extends beyond the pages of a comic book.

The legends of provinces and regions are still alive, waiting to be discovered. And the gates will be opened to the hidden myths, the ones that Gayang once brought to light to bear the honor of the culture that refuses to be forgotten.

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Layout by: Marge Baldo