Stories Philippines · Episode
## Episode 23: The Dwende: Little People of the Philippines
Three chilling encounters with the Dwende, the small underground creatures of Filipino folklore. From a family in Laguna who destroyed a Nuno's anthill and paid the price, to a construction crew in Pampanga whose bulldozer awakened something ancient, to a college student in Iloilo who befriended a lonely spirit beneath her boarding house floor. These are real stories passed down through Filipino families, and they all carry the same warning: respect the earth, because the beings who live in it were here first.
## Timestamps
- 00:00 — Introduction and cold open
- 01:00 — Disclaimer and content warning
- 01:30 — Show intro and host introductions
- 02:00 — Kamustahan and catch-up
- 05:00 — Episode topic introduction: The Dwende
- 08:00 — Story 1: The Punso of Bambang (Laguna)
- 22:00 — Discussion and reaction
- 26:00 — Story 2: The Construction Crew (Pampanga)
- 38:00 — Discussion and reaction
- 42:00 — Story 3: Lolo Ipe (Iloilo)
- 55:00 — Discussion and closing thoughts
- 58:00 — Outro
## Story Summaries
**The Punso of Bambang**
A young couple from Manila moves to a rural barangay in Laguna with their four-year-old daughter. When the father destroys a massive anthill next to their bahay kubo, despite his neighbor's warning, the family begins experiencing terrifying disturbances. Tiny footsteps beneath the floor, a child talking to an invisible old man, and a mysterious injury that no medicine can heal. The local albularyo knows exactly what happened, but by then the damage may already be done.
**The Construction Crew**
A developer in Pampanga hires a crew to clear land for a new subdivision. When the bulldozer splits open a massive termite mound, a foul wind bursts out and the workers begin experiencing strange phenomena. Objects go missing, fevers break and return, and the concrete poured over the mound refuses to set. The message is clear: you cannot build on someone else's home.
**Lolo Ipe**
A college student in Iloilo moves into an old Spanish-era boarding house and begins hearing music beneath her floor. She discovers a lonely Dwende who has been living under the building for centuries, outlasting every tenant. When she befriends the spirit, the gifts and conversations feel harmless at first. But the albularyo warns her that not all collectors are violent. Some take you slowly, one conversation at a time.
## Hosts
- **Angel** — Co-host, brings personal stories and cultural perspective
- **Paul** — Co-host, provides research and historical context
## Topics
- Dwende (Filipino dwarf creatures)
- Nuno sa Punso (Old Man of the Anthill)
- Filipino folklore and superstitions
- Albularyo (traditional healers)
- Bahay kubo (traditional Filipino house)
- Tabi-tabi po (asking permission from spirits)
- Provincial Philippines (Laguna, Pampanga, Iloilo)
- Construction and land development conflicts
- Filipino-Canadian cultural identity
## Disclaimer
This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The hosts are not professionals in paranormal investigation or folklore studies. We have deep respect for the spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions of the Filipino people. Listener discretion is advised.
Stories Philippines is a Filipino podcast exploring the mysteries, legends, and supernatural encounters of the Philippines. New episodes every week.
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**Episode 23** | **Runtime:** 44 minutes | **Hosts:** Angel & Paul
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Stories Philippines Podcast is an independent production made possible by
HustleStudios. The stories, accounts, and topics discussed in this episode are intended for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HustleStudios or its affiliates.Some names, dates, and identifying details may have been altered to protect the privacy of individuals and families involved, particularly in cases of true crime or ongoing investigations. Listener discretion is heavily advised. All content, narrations, and sound designs are protected under copyright law. Thank you for listening, and stay safe.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 🌟
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