October 18, 2026

Tabi-Tabi Po: What Is the Santelmo? The Floating Fireball of Philippine Folklore

by Mika Soriano

A blue glow on a ship’s mast, a fireball rolling across a field and a light that leads travelers astray. The santelmo has haunted Filipino folklore for generations, but some sightings may have natural explanations. Read more »

October 08, 2026

Tabi-Tabi Po: What Is a Kapre? The Cigar-Smoking Tree Giant of Philippine Folklore

by Mika Soriano

A dark giant in an old tree, the smell of tobacco, and a path that keeps looping back on itself. Here’s what Filipino folklore says about the kapre, where its name came from, and what old folks say to do when one takes an interest in you. Read more »