The Philippines abounds with legends of ghosts, specters, vampires and monsters of all kinds. These
supernatural apparitions are widely believed by people. One such tale is that of a monstrous half-
man, half-snake beast born to a wealthy family due to a generations old curse.
It is protected by it’s ‘father’ who believes it is his duty to let it live because of the curse. He is a wealthy
property owner, and as it grows he hides it in the basement of the Robinsons mall, which he owns. The
beast feeds off young girls who shop at the mall, but eventually one of it’s victims escapes, before the
monster can kill her. No-one believes her fantastic story, but eventually she persuades the authorities to
investigate. The beast’s wealthy ‘father’ finally realizes that he cannot protect his charge any more, but
what will he do? His options are limited, and none of them are good. What will he do?
supernatural apparitions are widely believed by people. One such tale is that of a monstrous half-
man, half-snake beast born to a wealthy family due to a generations old curse.
It is protected by it’s ‘father’ who believes it is his duty to let it live because of the curse. He is a wealthy
property owner, and as it grows he hides it in the basement of the Robinsons mall, which he owns. The
beast feeds off young girls who shop at the mall, but eventually one of it’s victims escapes, before the
monster can kill her. No-one believes her fantastic story, but eventually she persuades the authorities to
investigate. The beast’s wealthy ‘father’ finally realizes that he cannot protect his charge any more, but
what will he do? His options are limited, and none of them are good. What will he do?
Behind the scenes
Philippinos are generally a superstitious people and will regale you with stories of “Aswang’ (Ghosts)
living in their local forests, or ‘Dwende’ (Elves) living in their garden, or in an abandoned tree. The story
of the Robinson’s mall snake/beast will soon come up in the conversation, and is mostly believed. My
Philippina wife has told me many of these stories, so I decided to write a series of novellas to tell the
tale of these legends. I have checked the details with my wife’s friends and family and, although there
are variations, the legend is mostly believed to be true – I have written another novella about another
legend – see ‘Santilmo’ below.
living in their local forests, or ‘Dwende’ (Elves) living in their garden, or in an abandoned tree. The story
of the Robinson’s mall snake/beast will soon come up in the conversation, and is mostly believed. My
Philippina wife has told me many of these stories, so I decided to write a series of novellas to tell the
tale of these legends. I have checked the details with my wife’s friends and family and, although there
are variations, the legend is mostly believed to be true – I have written another novella about another
legend – see ‘Santilmo’ below.