EPISODE 25: The Demon of Deception

A hush falls over tonight’s episode. We walk into a world of shadows, half-truths, and the slow, soul-scrambling dread of being led in circles. From a moonlit mango grove to isolated classrooms and quiet compounds, these stories track one of the Philippines’ most unsettling spirits: the Tikbalang — the horse-headed trickster who bends journeys, minds, and sometimes lives.Listen as survivors and witnesses describe:The patient, immobile silhouette beneath an ancient tree that watches and confuses.Hoofprints on staircases, metallic scuffing in the night, and the smell that precedes a presence.Folk remedies that work: turning a shirt inside out, dyeing hair back to “safe” colors, burning specific incense, and rituals from the magtatawas and albularyo.The Tikbalang as more than monster: a historical and political metaphor for cultural erasure, mass deception, and the national feeling of walking the same path to nowhere.Accounts of possession, obsession, and the deep psychological trauma that follows encounters with this elemental being.Trigger warning: this episode contains intense descriptions of fear, possession, and psychological distress. Listener discretion is essential.Submit your stories: [email protected] us on social for daily folklore facts and deep dives.=======DISCLAIMER 📢This episode might be ad-supported. You can support us by subscribing for as little as $5 a month on our Patreon page or through Apple Podcast Subscriber-Only Audio. 🎉Subscription Benefits 🌟Ad-free weekly podcastExclusive podcast promosEarly access to select episodes👉 Check our Patreon👉 Or subscribe using the Apple Podcasts appThank you so much for your generosity! 🙏Connect with Us 📱Visit us on FacebookShare Your Stories 🎤Record and submit your narrated stories hereEpisode SponsorsNoota: The best transcription and AI Meeting Zoom alternative!Sign Up hereMoxie 🌟The Moxie app is designed specifically for freelancers and small business owners. It offers tools for:Invoicing: Create professional invoices.Client Relationship Management (CRM): Manage client info and communication.Project Management: Organize tasks and files.Expenses: Keep track of business expenses.Proposals and Contracts: Craft and manage them easily.Time Tracking: Efficiently manage your time.Streamline your freelance workflow with Moxie! 😊Learn more about Moxie🎧 Transform Your Audio into Content Magic! 🎤Join our community of creators and enhance your Castmagic experience with custom Presets and Community Prompts. 🚀🔥 Why You'll Love It:Instantly turn audio into engaging contentAccess Featured Community Prompts 🌟Enhance your workflow with tailored solutions🔗 Ready to Revolutionize Your Content? Sign up now and start creating magic today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/storiesph/exclusive-content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.DISCLAIMER 📢This episode might be ad-supported. You can support us by subscribing for as little as $5 a month on our Patreon page or through Apple Podcast Subscriber-Only Audio. 🎉Subscription Benefits 🌟Ad-free weekly podcastExclusive podcast promosEarly access to select episodes👉 Check our Patreon👉 Or subscribe using the Apple Podcasts appThank you so much for your generosity! 🙏Connect with Us📱Visit us on FacebookEpisode SponsorsNoota: The best transcription and AI Meeting Zoom alternative!Sign Up here