Capiz (Roxas City is the capital) )is the seafood capital of the Philippines. The province of Capiz is located in the western part of the Visayas Region. Almost all kinds of seafood are found here. This place is ideal for seafood lovers because the local price is so affordable. Despite these beautiful and interesting things this place offers, a lot of people believed, especially the older generation, that this place is full of mythical creatures. This mindset has affected the tourism sector and the way other Filipino sub-groups treat Capizenos. Some tourists hesitate to visit here because they are afraid of seeing these flesh-eating creatures.
Others thought that Capizenos are deceitful and cannibals. Some even call them “ASWANGS”. Even at this present time, some Capizenos are hesitant to divulge where they came from. This is the best way to avoid discrimination and time in proving other people that they are not Aswangs!
Before we settled back in Metro Manila, my family moved in and lived in Capiz for almost 20 years. I was only in preschool when I started hearing thee Aswang stories. The older people have told us to not play in remote places because the Aswangs might attack us. They made us believe that these creatures are everywhere and are disguised as normal people. If Aswangs captured us, we will become Aswangs too! For more than 20 years of being there, I never experienced or saw these creatures though some people testified that these Aswangs exist. If someone went missing, died, or got sick instantly, they blame it on the creatures.
Sadly, I did believe these things until I was older enough to understand that these were just old stories. The peoples’ minds got influenced and poisoned by these old scary stories. A lot of people, even the locals, have testified that these creatures do exist. For me, they were just wild and scary imaginations. Unfortunately, because of these stories, a lot of Capizenos went through this irritating and very annoying question: Are you Aswang!?
Psychology in different cultures can impact the mindset of both locals and tourists. Good impressions can help the economy and local peoples’ cultural identity. However, false interpretations of folk stories can cause misunderstandings and conflicts. Everyone must carefully study and consider the facts first before believing and making a conclusion.
Now for ESL teachers, they too must be fully aware of the beliefs and values of their foreign students. If some beliefs need to be discussed, teachers should assist students in developing responsible critical thinking skills. In this type of activity, students could practice speaking in English while expressing their own cultural beliefs regarding the subject. Generally speaking, the human brain is very powerful. What we keep in mind could either destroy or develop one's identity.
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