Tuesday, July 29, 2025

What's The Difference Between Kabunian And Lumawig?

I've been communicating via email with a writer from Iloilo who is currently working on a book project about the evolution of supernatural beliefs among indigenous peoples in the Philippines. Let's call her Kristine (not her real name since she's still at the early research stage for her planned book and she wants to be anonymous for now).

In our back-and-forth, the conversation eventually led to the topic of Kabunian and Lumawig and the difference between the two. She asked: Who is Kabunian? Who is Lumawig? And what is their relationship to each other?

Then I remembered that I asked this same question in this page last year. And that there were some really interesting answers. The answer that resonated with me and readers the most was LA Piluden's response to the question. LA is an instructor at the University of the Philippines Baguio.

So I took a screenshot of her comment and sent it as a response to Kristine's questions.

Sharing it here as well for everyone. Something to think about and mull over.