USOG: Moving a Community

Filipinos believe in many superstitions related to every event; funerals, weddings, birthdays, graduations, or even on normal days. Many of these beliefs have been passed down through generations, often accompanied by a common warning: ‘Follow this, or something bad might happen.’ 

Rooted in tradition, these practices are said to be a form of protection from misfortune. But what happens when a superstition becomes a defining part of someone’s life?

This is the reality for Aling Ina, an 86-year-old woman known in Antipolo City for inflicting usog on people.

Usog is a belief that a greeting or even a glance from someone can cause sudden discomfort, illness, or unease. In many ways, it’s folklore. But for Aling Ina, it’s her reality.

For nearly three decades, she has carried the reputation of unintentionally causing physical discomfort through eye contact or casual interaction. This belief has shaped her daily life and how neighbors interact with her.

“Ang sabi ay ‘pag may nabati ako, o natignan, nausog ko raw. Totoo naman, kasi ‘pag hinawakan ko sila o nilawayan, gumagaan naman daw ‘yung pakiramdam nila,” Aling Ina shared.

One vivid account comes from Lani, who remembered feeling mysteriously ill after being greeted by Aling Ina. Despite numerous visits to doctors and trying various medications, her condition did not improve until Aling Ina touched her arm. The symptoms suddenly vanished.

From that moment on, Lani became cautious, often carrying an umbrella when walking past Aling Ina’s house to avoid direct eye contact. 

“Parang nagdahilan lang ako!” Lani recalls, remembering how quickly her symptoms faded after that simple gesture. Though grateful, she could not shake the fear and now takes extra precautions to avoid another encounter.

Lani’s experience was not unique. Many of Aling Ina’s neighbors have their own stories of being “hexed” by her, attributing sudden bouts of dizziness, cold sweats, and even fevers due her gaze. Intriguingly, Aling Ina herself believes that these incidents often happen when she is hungry. As a result, neighbors have started offering her food in hopes of warding off any unintended hexes.

Psychologist Lovein Pagatpat explains that superstitions like usog serve as a way to make sense of the unexplainable, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare.

“Napaka-powerful ng pag-iisip natin,” she says. “Naniniwala ang Pilipino na ang pagpapalaway o hipo sa taong may usog ay nagbibigay ng emotional comfort at reassurance na sila ay gagaling.” 

Despite the fear and suspicion surrounding her, Aling Ina has found her way to adapt. To prevent any discomfort, she now makes it a habit to gently pat anyone she meets, especially in the morning, offering what she calls a precautionary touch.

In a world increasingly dominated by science and logic, stories like Aling Ina’s remind us of the enduring power of belief and tradition. Whether usog is real or simply a psychological effect, it continues to influence lives and relationships within her community. It’s a testament to how cultural practices remain deeply rooted in people’s hearts, shaping not just how they view the world, but how they navigate it—umbrella in hand, just in case.

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