Puting Gabunan

 

The Puting Gabunan is a rare type of aswang in Philippine mythology. According to traditional stories, it was born from the forbidden love between a diwata (nature spirit) and an aswang. Some versions say a male diwata fell deeply in love with a female aswang, while other stories say it was the aswang who desired the diwata. From this unlikely union came children who were different from ordinary aswang. These beings became known as the Puting Gabunan, and the diwata and aswang couple are considered their ancestors.

Unlike most aswang, who are known for harming or eating humans, the Puting Gabunan usually do not attack people. Because they carry the blood of a diwata, they are naturally inclined toward goodness. In many stories, they are even seen as allies of humans, fighting against evil aswang. In their aswang form, they are described as tall, large, and extremely strong, with long white hair that seems to glow in the dark. Other aswang fear them because of their great strength and their brutal fighting ability.

Some stories, especially in more modern times, describe the Puting Gabunan as resembling white lycanthropes or white werewolves. This image is sometimes linked to Spanish and Western influence. Other explanations say this wolf-like form comes from their diwata blood. In folk stories, male diwata are often shapeshifters who can turn into white owls or white dogs. When this shapeshifting ability mixes with aswang blood, it results in the wolf-like or lycanthrope form of the Puting Gabunan.

The Puting Gabunan possess unusual powers inherited from both sides of their bloodline. They are far stronger than ordinary aswang and are known for their courage and cruelty in battle. They also have resistance to magic and are not easily affected by curses or sorcery. Most importantly, they have an inner moral sense and usually choose to protect humans rather than harm them. However, because they are born from both diwata and aswang, they are not fully accepted by either world. Aswang fear them because they are powerful and do not follow traditional aswang behavior, while diwata hesitate to accept them due to their connection to darkness.

Stories say the Puting Gabunan have a strong connection to the moon. This link reflects their mixed blood. Aswang are associated with night and darkness, while diwata are tied to nature and light. The Puting Gabunan stand between these two forces. When the moon shines, especially during a full moon, their strength increases. From their diwata side, they gain power from the moon’s light, which symbolizes purity and balance. From their aswang side, their strength and form are affected by the night.

Because of this, many believe the moon helps balance their nature. The Puting Gabunan do not fully fall into darkness like other aswang, but they also cannot return completely to the light of the diwata. This balance defines who they are.

In legends and folktales, the Puting Gabunan are often portrayed as solitary beings. They usually have no tribe and no allies of their own kind. Many stories describe them as lone protectors of humans, fighting monsters and evil spirits. Yet because they are half-aswang, they are never fully welcomed by the diwata. This is why they are often shown as wandering warriors traveling alone, fighting evil, but never truly belonging to either side.

In modern retellings, the Puting Gabunan are sometimes portrayed like heroic figures from films or fantasy stories. They are shown as powerful, mysterious beings who represent hope—the idea that even in a world filled with darkness, goodness can still exist.