The Other Half Body

It's like they have Velcro in their bodies wherein they can detach themselves then reattach their bodies when they are done flying around *eek, eek*. Wow, amazing! I wish someone from Discovery Channel would document on this creature, Philippines would be a popular tourist spot. Rake in the money, "Awoo!" to our economy.


The manananggal literally means "one who can remove". A manananggal is described as being an older, beautiful woman (as opposed to an aswang), capable of severing its upper torso in order to fly into the night with huge bat-like wings to prey on unsuspecting, pregnant women in their homes; using an elongated proboscis-like tongue, it sucks the hearts of fetuses or blood of an unsuspecting, sleeping victim. The severed lower torso is left standing and it is said to be the more vulnerable of the two halves (source: Wikipedia).

Cool, let's wait for them!! But really, I don't want to meet them, knowing they suck the blood out of unsuspecting people (there is some time when I am "unsuspecting"). I am a precious child. However, preggies beware! (Hmm, another method of reducing the human population... Not bad, not bad.)

Manananggals are not superhumans, or , supercreatures. Just like Superman, (no they don't wear briefs outside their Spandex) they have a notable weakness. According to Wikipedia, their lower torso is the most vulnerable part. (Do humans consider their lower torso a vulnerable part? Hmmm... That would be another post.)

How To Destroy A Manananggal In 4 Easy Steps

1. Locate the lower , stationary half of her body. She leaves it in some dark corner of her house.

2. Pour a cup of rock salt into the exposed guts. When she returns, she will not be able to reattach herself to her lower torso.

3. She will go berserk. Hide.

4. Wait for sunrise. If she hasn't reassumed her human form by then, the early morning sunlight will vaporize her.

MORAL: I think everyone must have a copy of the easy 4-step guide. Or memorize it. It's just 4 easy steps, right? It's not everyday that one could meet a manananggal, so better be prepared for that once-in-a-lifetime encounter. But what if you use some super adhesive instead? Or pour the trusty old muriatic acid straight-on? Please don't ask me why muriatic acid is trusty. (notice the "Please".) But how would we know if the acid (wait how about vinegar?) or the adhesive will work? Do my own 2-Step Guide on Testing If The Manananggal Killing Thing Works.

1. Cut yourself open. Any part of the body would do, not necessarily the lower torso. You can rip your fingers off if wanted.

2. Apply the desired materials (mint mouthwash, vinegar, pesticide, perfume, super glue, sand, saltwater, kerosene, toothpaste, feminine wash, whatever) onto the wound DIRECTLY. No need to wait for sunrise when you do this (you will not die, don't worry. *sinister smile*).

If the process worked or if it didn't produce the desired effect, try again or seek professional medical help (not psychological, but if desired, go. I'll support you). Happy experimentation! Enjoy. =)


*photo: loren javier
*4 easy steps: jessica zafra
*2 easy profound steps: mine