The Witches of Juban - Bicol folkore

 Unless you're from Bicol, im 10000 % sure you havent heard of Juban. 

The Witches of Juban are infamous in Bicol folklore, with the town long believed to be a haven for witches' covens. However, many of these stories are considered apocryphal, likely stemming from Juban’s reputation in ancient times for its skilled hilots and herbolarios—traditional healers known for their secret herbal remedies and curative incantations. These practitioners were sought after not only for their healing abilities but also for their expertise in exorcising individuals possessed by evil spirits. Their powers were so remarkable that people began to view them as aswangs or witches, not in a negative sense, but with deep respect and awe.

These healers were likely descendants of ancient balyanas, babaylanes, asog, or shamans—spiritual figures from pre-colonial tribal communities. Their knowledge of magic and healing earned them reverence, though this power also fueled the legends of witchcraft surrounding the town.

The Witches of Juban are the people you turn to for protection against the malevolent Manbabarang, a witch known for using insects to inflict pain and curses. When the threat of the Manbabarang looms, the Witches of Juban are called upon for their expertise in countering her dark magic. With their deep knowledge of herbal remedies and protective incantations, they serve as guardians against the curses and torment inflicted by the Manbabarang, drawing upon their ancestral wisdom to shield their community from harm. Their role in this struggle not only highlights their reputation as healers but also reinforces the respect and awe with which they are regarded in Bicol folklore.

The origins of Juban’s name are also debated. Some believe it comes from the Bicol word "gujuban," meaning to groove or etch with a sharp instrument, while others contend that the name is derived from "gujuban", a tree sap used by locals for kindling fires. This sap was valuable for starting cooking fires, and people would travel to Juban to collect it.

Thus, the stories of Juban’s witches, while fantastical, likely arose from the town’s historical connection to powerful healers whose practices bordered on the mystical, blurring the line between magic and medicine.

REMINDER

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding, not for appropriation, commercial exploitation, or the promotion of foreigners and foreign products. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.