The Mythical Creatures of Forgotten Island

From friendly companions to formidable foes, these creatures draw from some of the Philippines’ most enduring folklore.

Forgotten Island takes its characters into a fantastical world shaped by Philippine folklore. The animated film follows best friends Jo and Raissa, who find themselves transported to the mysterious island of Nakali just as they are about to go their separate ways. As they search for a way home, they encounter a cast of mythical creatures while facing the possibility of losing the memories of their friendship.

Drawing from Philippine folklore, Forgotten Island brings familiar creatures into a new animated world, giving each one a distinct role in Jo and Raissa’s adventure. Below, see the mythical beings they encounter in Nakali and the folklore behind them.

Sarimanok

From the Maranao culture of Mindanao, the Sarimanok is a colorful bird seen as a symbol of good luck, wealth, and prosperity. It comes from an older totem bird called the Itotoro, believed to connect people to the spirit world.

In Forgotten Island, the creature is Raissa and Jo’s trusty companion who takes them around the island of Nakali.

Kapre

In Philippine folklore, a kapre is a giant, tree-dwelling mythical creature that resembles a hairy, dark-skinned human or ape that is between seven and nine feet tall. While they are popularly known for being playful tricksters and smoking cigars, Raissa and Jo find safety among a kapre village that loves karaoke.

Batibat

Coming from Ilocano folklore, the batibat is an ancient tree-dwelling female spirit that causes nightmares to those who sleep too close to its wooden post. In the film, the creature takes the form of an agoraphobic, memory-invading demon named Batiba.

Duwende

Similar to a dwarf, gnome, or goblin, a duwende is a tiny, human-like creature or nature spirit. They are commonly believed to live in anthills, termite mounds, under old trees, or in gardens. Traditionally, Filipinos say “tabi-tabi po,” which means “excuse me” or “please move aside,” to ask permission to pass by the duwende’s home.

Forgotten Island makes an aggressively cute version of the duende, who derails Raissa and Jo from finding their way home.

Kataw

In the Visayan seas, tales of Kataw float about. The creature is a mythical sea-being or high-ranking merfolk, believed to control water elements. In Forgotten Island, the creature becomes Mermahn, one of Jo and Raissa’s unlikely companions.

Tiyanak

The tiyanak is a Filipino mythic, vampiric creature that disguises itself as an innocent baby or toddler to lure unsuspecting victims. But in the film, Manny Jacinto’s Bungi is a big-hearted version of the shape-shifting demon baby.

Were-dog

Although not exactly a mythological creature, the aspin becomes a were-dog in Forgotten Island. The aspin, a portmanteau of the words “asong Pinoy” or “Filipino dog,” is a native mixed-breed dog in the Philippines. In the film, the breed is represented by Raww, a centuries-old were-aspin.

Manananggal

In Philippine folklore, the manananggal is a vampire-like creature that can sever its upper torso from its lower body. Forgotten Island makes the manananggal equally as fearsome, voiced by award-winning actress Lea Salonga.