Halloween came early to the Philippine Twitterverse, which is currently taken over by a viral hashtag that has users sharing short fictional horror stories set in Manila.
#ManilaEncounters, the #1 trending topic on Philippine Twitter as of this article’s posting, is a role-playing game (RPG) believed to have been started by user @bjrecio — who aptly goes by the name Nosfecatu — on Feb. 24.
The game has people sharing stories about a fantasy version of Manila, complete with dragons, witches, and ghosts.
@bjrecio’s first tweet goes like this: “THE DRAGON OF PASIG, as large as your house and 5x as smelly. Its skin is plastic bags and shit and tetra packs. Its breath is corrosive factory smoke. It eats people, but it is tired of the taste of masa and wants to know what glutathione skin tastes like.”
THE DRAGON OF PASIG, as large as your house and 5x as smelly. Its skin is plastic bags and shit and tetra packs. Its breath is corrosive factory smoke. It eats people, but it is tired of the taste of masa and wants to know what glutathione skin tastes like.
— BJ Games of #RPGSEA! (@bjrecio) February 24, 2019
@bjrecio tweeted about a few more characters before inviting people to join in on the fun.
“Started out #ManilaEncounters so we can have a Random Table for RPGs set in fantasy Metro Manila. If y’all feel like it, feel free to add,” he said.
Started out #ManilaEncounters so we can have a Random Table for RPGs set in fantasy Metro Manila. If y'all feel like it, feel free to add!
— BJ Games of #RPGSEA! (@bjrecio) February 24, 2019
Filipino netizens took it as an opportunity to exercise their writing muscle and now the hashtag is fast becoming a massive collection of truly creative stories. All are set in the alternate version of Metro Manila and most of the creatures are based on people, things, and experiences Manileños encounter every day.
Some stories and characters are based on real-life events or urban legends, while others serve as a commentary on Philippine society and pop culture.
The Twilight Zone-esque twist some tweets end with is just the cherry on top.
Here are some examples:
@wkpsapdlsu’s story has its own Hannibal Lecter.
“Mang Tony, the guy who religiously sells beef pares, has seen EVERYTHING. From undead students chugging caffeine to unsuspecting jaywalkers to the muffled screams of his unwary victims being slaughtered to provide for his business.”
https://twitter.com/wkpsapdlsu/status/1100267429639348225
@glittersnicket’s, on the other hand, is a twist on the Three Witches.
“TITAS OF MANILA. Titas of [M]anila, they always come in threes. If you pay close attention, you’ll see. One spins the thread of fate, one dispenses it, and the last one decides when one’s life is at an end.”
TITAS OF MANILA. Titas of manila, they always come in threes. If you pay close attention, you'll see. One spins the thread of fate, one dispenses it, and the last one decides when one's life is at an end.
— Mister King Dice (@wasabibuns) February 26, 2019
@lolyersforlife’s story is based on the real-life 1963 tragedy where 22 Filipino boy scouts died in a plane crash on their way to a jamboree. Their lives were honored in a monument in Quezon City which stands to this day.
“At night, little boys roam around the streets of Tomas Morato, checking if anyone got lost or needs their help. At dawn, they return to the middle of the rotonda, waiting until the night falls and they patrol once again. Scout’s Honor.”
At night, little boys roam around the streets of Tomas Morato, checking if anyone got lost or needs their help. At dawn, they return to the middle of the rotonda, waiting until the night falls and they patrol once again. Scout's Honor. #ManilaEncounters
— loyer life (@lolyersforlife) February 26, 2019
This one by @tofi_alonte puts a twist on people’s ride-sharing experience.
“3:30 AM. You found yourself somewhere, reeking of beer and smoke. You booked a ride home. Rough night, you thought. Your driver arrives and he takes you home only to find out that you’re too late for your own wake. 1 star for the tagasundo (Literally means fetcher/driver but also means grim reaper.)”
https://twitter.com/tofi_alonte/status/1100382295775621120
@eoaniciete15 put a funny spin to his.
“I went to the bank to withdraw cash and then the guard there warned me never to look on the ATM screen after entering my PIN.
Puzzled by what he said, I still looked at it and I was terrified upon seeing it. The screen displayed: P0.00 maintaining balance.”
I went to the bank to withdraw cash and then the guard there warned me never to look on the ATM screen after entering my PIN.
Puzzled by what he said, I still looked at it and I was terrified upon seeing it. The screen displayed: P0.00 maintaining balance.
— EJ Aniciete (@eoaniciete15) February 26, 2019
The one by @neokiro is ready to be turned into a TV episode.
“Manila Hotel has a 13th floor, that much is common knowledge. But if you try to enter it at a certain time wearing the proper clothing, it will open up to a party just like in the painting!
Remember the rules though, or you might get stuck. Or worse.”
#ManilaEncounters
Manila Hotel has a 13th floor, that much is common knowledge. But if you try to enter it at a certain time wearing the proper clothing, it will open up to a party just like in the painting!Remember the rules though, or you might get stuck. Or worse.
— Kiro-kun (under maintenance) (@neokiro) February 26, 2019
@B_RA_Ve’s will fit right in Black Mirror, too.
“In a store at Gilmore, you say, ‘Pa-reformat po ng memory (Please reformat the memory).’
‘Laptop?’ The technician asks without raising his head.
‘Hindi po. Ng memory. (No, memory)’
He finally looks up and notices you are emptyhanded. He takes you to the old lady in the back. You leave a new man.”
https://twitter.com/B_RA_Ve/status/1100340471241396224
Reactions to the viral trend have mostly been positive, with many noting how creative Filipinos can be.
“#ManilaEncounters is so enjoyable to read, so many of you are such talented writers and its such a good blend of modern urban legends and old folklore just, wow Philippine culture is so RICH with stories and potential. Beautiful,” @aswangofmnl said in Filipino and English.
https://twitter.com/aswangofmnl/status/1100349921306136576
Even Neil Gaiman, who previously said that he is a fan of Philippine monsters and myths, gave the hashtag his stamp of approval.
Twitter user @ThatsMiketastic pointed the hashtag out to Gaiman, saying that he “would be so proud,” to which the writer replied, “I am.”
I am
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) February 26, 2019
It doesn’t get cooler than that.
Do you have your own #ManilaEncounters stories? Share them in the comments below or tweet us @CoconutsManila.
