Folktales from the Philippine islands are often filled with magic, monsters, and mayhem. One of the most infamous beasts from the islands' mythos is the fearsome aswang, largely considered to be the Filipino version of a vampire. 

In this pilot episode of "Philippine Folktales," host Shayla Cabalan walks you through the development of the aswang legend -- and why the word vampire doesn't even begin to describe this creature's legendary existence. 

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Episode transcripts, contact information and resources can be found at plutopodcasts.org.