Spolarium

Songs are created by song writers to express their feelings, to tell their stories, and to say their disappointments for something. All of the songs are meaningful - they may expressly or impliedly say something from within.

One of our viewers suggested a topic to me through e-mail. She asked me to create an article of a song with a hidden meaning on it, or backmasking. I became interested, so I begun searching songs with hidden meanings. There were many, but only one caught my attention - the Spolarium of Eraserheads.

The Song

The song Spolarium was written and performed by the Eraserheads, and was included in their album - Sticker Happy. The song was allegedly hiding something puzzling behind the poetical lyrics. People who hear it might not understand instantly what was in there if they don't know the story. On the other hand, people may also misunderstood the song if not gently inspected and studied.

Now, let's have the lyrics of the said song.

[Taken from Internet [a]:]

Spolarium By: Eraserheads Dumilim ang paligid May tumawag sa pangalan ko Labing isang palapag Tinanong kung okay lang ako Sabay abot ng baso May naghihintay At bakit ba pag nagsawa na ako Biglang ayoko na At ngayon di pa rin alam Kung ba’t tayo nandito Pwede bang itigil muna ang pagikot ng mundo Lumiwanag ang buwan San Juan 'Di ko na masasakyan Ang lahat ng bagay ay gumuguhit na lang sa 'king lalamunan Ewan mo at ewan natin Sinong may pakana At bakit ba tumilapon ang gintong alak dyan sa paligid mo At ngayon 'di pa rin alam Kung ba’t tayo nandito Pwede bang itigil muna ang pagikot ng mundo Umiyak ang umaga Anong sinulat ni Enteng at Joey dyan Sa gintong salamin 'Di ko na mabasa Pagkat merong nagbura ahhh… Ewan mo at ewan natin Sinong may pakana At bakit ba tumilapon ang spolarium dyan sa paligid mo? At ngayon di pa rin alam Kung bakit tayo nandito Pwede bang itigil muna, ang pagikot ng mundo Pwede bang itigil muna, ang pagikot ng mundo Pwede bang itigil muna, ang pagikot nga mundo

Spolarium By: Eraserheads The surroundings dimmed Someone called my name Eleven(th) floor(s) And asked if I was okay While handing me a glass Someone was waiting And why is it when I’ve had enough Suddenly I don’t want it anymore And now, I still have no idea Why we're here Can we please just stop the earth from revolving The moon shone San Juan I may not be able to ride (on it) Everything is just drawing a line (trailing) across my throat You don’t know and we don’t know Who did it And why did the golden liquor spill all around you. And now I still have no idea Why we are here Can we please stop just for now, the world from revolving The morning cried What did Enteng and Joey write In the golden mirror I can’t read anymore Cause someone erased it ahh… You don’t know and we don’t know Who did it Why did the spolarium spill all around you? And now I still have no idea Why we are here Can we stop it for now, the world from revolving Can we stop it for now, the world from revolving Can we stop it for now, the world from revolving

Meaning of Terms

The title Spolarium was actually a 19th century painting of our hero - Juan Luna. The painting is now displayed in the Malacanang Palace. It depicts a picture of a scene in a Roman Coliseum with soldiers dragging cadavers of gladiator out of it. The painting signifies the death or absence of freedom or the lost of hope of a country.

Other than that, there were also other obvious words in the song that might imply something important.

According to a website[a], these are the words he considered are important facts of the song.

San Juan
This might refer to a place. The verse 'Di ko na masasakyan (I may not be able to ride on it.) might tell you a clue of a jeepney routing to the place named San Juan.

The word gumuguhit
Gumuguhit came from the simple verb guhit which means to draw. However, the song didn't really mean to draw. Gumuguhit is actually a kind of feeling - sensing something sharp that trails accross your throat, especially if you're drinking a liquor.

Enteng and Joey
Enteng is a name presumed to be Vic Sotto, as it was his name in his popular fantasy movie, Enteng Kabisote. And Joey is Joey De Leon. They are two famous comedic icons in Philippine entertainment scene, or more appropriate mass culture. (You can still watch them every noon of Monday to Saturday on Eat Bulaga in GMA Channel 7.)

The Alleged Story

Some people said that the song was actually telling us the story of Pepsi Paloma who was said to be a rape victim. They said, the rapist was Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and Richie D'Horsie.

She was given a liquor till drunk. When her consciousness was lost, she was raped.

The case happened in 1982. Joey de Leon along with Vic Sotto and Richie D'Horsie made headlines when underaged actress Pepsi Paloma accused the trio of gang raping her. The case was settled out of court and the trio made a public apology to Paloma. According to Pepsi Paloma, it was mainly Tito Sotto who coerced her to sign the affidavit of desistance to throw out the filing of the rape case, which is punishable by death penalty at that time. Justice was stopped from moving when the comedians humbly made a public apology to the judge to where they admitted to the crime committed to the starlet. Paloma committed suicide by hanging herself afterwards in 1985, due to the trauma she experienced from the hands of the comedians.[b]

There were rumors that Pepsi didn't actually committed suicide, instead she was killed to stop her from testifying in court.

As the Spolarium resembles an absence of freedom, Pepsi's death indicates the absence of justice.

The True Story

It wasn't actually about the case of Pepsi Paloma. Yes, the story of the song did happen, but wasn't connected to the prior sad story.

In fact, it was telling us about how a drinking spree started.

It was evening, Ely Buendia was about to go home. Then he was called out by somebody in the eleventh floor of a condo in San Juan (particulary in Unit 1108 of that condominium). He was asked if he's alright (as it was our habit, saying Kamusta? or How are you?). Somebody hand him a glass of liquor. He stayed there till morning.

The gintong alak (golden liquor) is a Goldshlagger. Enteng was one of the Eraserheads' roadies that time; Joey a.k.a. Cowpunk, a classmate of Raims, was a member of the Eraserheads' posse. Thus, the song didn't have any connection with Vic Sotto as Enteng and Joey as Joey de Leon. What the two wrote using their hands in the mirror was Ely's true name but slightly erased. So he can't read it properly.

Source:
a. http://aragonasten.wordpress.com/2008/06/29/spolarium-by-eraserheads/
b. http://www.istorya.net/forums/general-discussions/550586-pepsi-paloma-and-meaning-behind-song-spolarium-eraserheads.html

Daisy

Haunted houses are made when they have a dark past in which the ghost still haunts. Those ghosts might seek for revenge to his/her captor, and they might be jealous to the living.

I found a story in a book about a 1950s house in Cavite wherein a ghost of a young lady still haunts and scares his neighbors through her sad moaning.

[Taken from The Sound of Fear by Gabby Libarios]

.... Built during the 1950s, it was a baronial house belonging to the landed gentry of Cavite. Bathe in opulence and grandeur, the house was not only meant for residence. It was also a place for grand celebrations, where the cultured, the educated, and the toast of the town converged to partake of joyous merrymaking that lasted until the wee hours. Some townsfolk would suggest that the festivities held there were always of grand scale. Music spilled into the streets, wine flowed like water, and all the lights switched on, making the house look ablaze from afar. However boisterous and pompous the celebration were, people in the surrounding area regarded the house as their temporary escape, which offered them an experience - albeit vicariously - what it was like the charmed life. But as always, there was another side of the story, especially if no one alive could attest to the house's history, which, over the years, has become a mix of truth and untruth passed around by word of mouth. Some people would say that it was the hiding place of powerful drug lord. Other would suggest that it was a hotbed of vice, where the high rollers and card sharks gamble their riches, sometimes life and limb, all in the name of money. Just the same, the houses had nothing but notoriety. But among the lies and fabricated tales, there was always one story that kept the house's history interesting, horrifying, and sad all at the same time. It was the story of the Santos family. Despite their wealth, which came from the father's successful mining company, the sons and daughters were taught to lead a simple, low key life. Every morning, the father would read the paper and drink his coffee on the veranda. The mother, who always wore melancholic smile, would tend their garden, quietly pruning the plants and pulling out the weed sprouts, while the kids, except the eldest who was always in her room, would run around the garden. Named after a flower, Daisy had always been quiet and reserved. She would spend most of her time inside her room, carefully thumbing through her dog-eared books by classic authors. Oftentimes, she would just sit in front of her dresser and comb he long black hair for hours. If the weather permitted, she would linger on her balcony and relish the crisp, fresh air summer. Their neighbors would say that sometimes they would hear Daisy singing from the balcony. Her voice is so lovely, they would say. On days when Daisy would accompany her mother to church, people would always notice her. Some say Daisy was the most beautiful girl in town. In fact, her mother's friends never failed to compliment her, however inadequately or too informally clothed she was. Boys, on the other hand, simply gawked at her presence. Little did Daisy know that her beauty, which held so much power, would soon be her curse. Barely a month after her 18th birthday, Daisy was brutally raped and murdered. The crime happened when the rest of the family was out for an afternoon mass. Her lifeless body was found in the backyard. Her clothes were ripped, blood dripping between her legs. Investigations said she was in her room when her attacker barged in. Bruises on her stomach and legs suggested she was beaten first. Loose black hair found on the floorboards near her bedroom indicated that the rapist dragged Daisy by the hair out of her room before committing the heinous crime. Despite the thorough investigation, the culprit was never found. Some say it was Daisy's spurned lover. Others say it was their house help who always harbored feelings for Daisy. The family eventually moved out and never returned. Although there were the occasional visits from real estate agents, no one had ever taken interest in the house since then. Though it was relegated to a mere urban legend, Daisy's death still echoes in that little town in Cavite. Legend has it that every night, the sound of a weeping young girl can be heard from the house. ....

Source(s):
True Philippine Ghost Story Book 15

Note(s): The picture depicted above is not the actual picture.

Tiniente Gimo, the First Aswang

Why did I forgot this famous tale from Iloilo? It was so long since I started my blog, but then I forgot to make an article about Tiniente Gimo. I heard about him in my childhood days, of course, from my grand parents.

Who is Tiniente Gimo

He was called Tiniente (Spanish word which means Lieutenant) because he was actually a Tiniente del Barrio, or what Filipinos, in the present day, refer as the Barangay Chairman, of Dueñas in Iloilo. He may also be a leader of the family of Aswang from which he acquired the title.

Because of the legend about him, many stories made him a antagonist as the blood-sucking villain, a leader of a group and/or clan of Aswangs. Perhaps, the effect of this tales created a bad image to every people, and versions of his story was created.

Actually, there were stories from internet that tell about the experience of their grandparents in his village, that they were certain they were ghoul-vampires, and many more.

The Story

One of the teniente's daughters studied in a university in the city. During a break, this daughter invited two of her classmates to come to her hometown for a visit. The young ladies agreed, excited at the prospect of going to a town they had never visited before. They were greeted with enthusiasm by the teniente's family and as was customary in the Philippines, a small party was prepared. The lady visitors were fed and entertained. As the night grew deeper, one of the young ladies asked (let's call her Juana) what the sleeping arrangements would be. Gimo's daughter said that the visitors would be sharing a room with her. And so off to bed they went. Because they were in a small town, no big beds were available so they all agreed to sleep on mats on the floor. Juana slept in the middle, tucked in between Gimo's daughter and their friend. The two girls soon drifted off to sleep but Juana found that tired as she was, she just couldn't bring herself to sleep. Filipinos refer to this feeling as 'namamahay', which is when your body and mind are still in the process of adjusting to a new environment and thus cannot perform a certain routine. This was what prevented Juana from sleeping. It was also what kept her alive. The party went on outside even as the night deepened but to Juana, instead of fading away, the noise just seemed to get a little bit louder. She heard more people coming, being greeted, there were sounds of suppressed laughter, soft giggles and whispers. "Must be the party for tomorrow," she thought. "They're really throwing a big one." Since she couldn't sleep anyway, Juana decided to get up and take a peek at the activities through the window. When she lifted the cover, what she saw stirred fear in her heart. On the clearing not far from the house, people were gathered together in a circle – a few women were busy cutting spices and vegetables, some men were talking and drinking while others were sharpening knives. There were children as well. And there, through the shrubs, more people were coming. In the middle of the circle was a fire and over the fire was a larger-than-usual iron cauldron. If these people were going to cook, they were going to cook something big – bigger than a full-grown chicken or a goat. Just then, Juana heard Teniente Gimo's voice just on the other side of the wall, talking to another man. "So which one is it?" the man asked. "The one in the middle and the other one's on the right," Teniente Gimo said. "Okay. I'll bring three or four along in case there's a struggle." "Let's just hit her on the head. Keep her quiet that way." "True." "And bring the sack to carry her with. We'll take care of the other one." Juana didn't need to hear any more just to understand what the two men were discussing. The 'one in the middle' they were referring to was her! The fire and the iron cauldron, all those vegetables and spices the women were preparing, the sack… they intended to butcher her and her friend! Juana's survival instinct kicked in. She debated for a while on whether to wake up her friend or not but the men were coming up the stairs and if her friend woke up suddenly, there's no telling what she would say or do. They could both be in bad trouble if she delayed for another second. Juana hurried back to the sleeping girls on the floor, pushed Gimo's daughter towards the middle, lay on the girl's right and covered everyone's head with the wide blanket. That way, the heads were hidden underneath. She tried to calm herself to prevent from shaking. Soon the door opened slowly and noiselessly. Juana didn't know how many men came for Teniente Gimo's daughter that night. All she felt and heard were soft footsteps, a few whispers and a loud thud as they hit the young girl on the head. They were very quiet, as if they were used to doing what they did. They didn't even wake up her friend, who was sleeping so soundly just an arm's length away from Juana. Teniente Gimo's daughter lay moaning next to her. The men quickly wrapped the bleeding girl in the sack and carried her away. After the men had left the room, Juana got up, tried to wake her friend for the last time, failed and decided to go at it alone. She opened the window across the one facing the clearing where they were presently beating the body inside the sack and carefully but fearfully climbed down. As soon as her bare feet touched solid ground, Juana began to run. She didn't care where she was passing through – all she knew was that the main road was in that direction. She hadn't gotten far when she heard shouts and screams from the group. They had opened the sack and found out the terrible mistake they made. Enraged, Teniente Gimo cried for everyone to check the house, find the girl, THE girl they wanted, she who was supposed to be in the middle, she who was supposed to be in the sack, she who was supposed to be the one they should be prepping tonight, she whose throat they should have slit. Behind her, Juana heard the commotion and simply assumed that people were now climbing the stairs, opening the door to the daughter's room and finding that only one was left behind and the other had run away. It would only be a matter of time before they found out where she was headed. So Juana kept on running over the grass, the rocks, the pebbles that cut her feet, the sharp thorns of the shrubs and the slimy dead things underneath her. But those who were in pursuit of her were men – grown men, men taller than she, with longer legs, with strength stolen from the other men and women they had slaughtered before her poor friend. As the men with the torches began to gain on her, Juana felt panic rise from her legs to her heart, threatening to turn her legs to stone. She could never outrun these men and if she could hide, where? They probably knew this area very well and could find her easily. But right in front of her, a tree stood. It was tall enough but not so tall that she couldn't climb it and it looked strong, with a thick truck and even thicker leaves. Juana had no memory of how she managed to climb the tree that night but there she cowered, shaking, mouthing prayers for the Virgin to protect her, to please not let them see her, hear her, smell her. The voices grew nearer and so did the footfalls. Not only the men came in pursuit. There were a few women as well, some of them holding torches, some gripping a thick tree branch and others, still holding on to the knives they used to cut the onions and the tomatoes. Light from the torches illuminated the branches and the leaves of the tree as the mob passed underneath her. If one of them ever looked up… But no one did. The crowd of angry men and women who tried to come after her came and went. They couldn't find her. A few hours later, which seemed an eternity to Juana, they came back again, walking this time, tired and hungry, their torches fading but they came a few feet away, no longer passing under Juana's tree. Although the crowd had gone, Juana stayed hidden in the tree. She waited for the dark sky to turn gray and very carefully, painfully climbed down. No one was in sight and she was too far away to actually hear anything from where Teniente Gimo's hut stood. Besides, it was morning and if they did party on last night, they would be too full and tired to care today. Juana brushed the thought of her other friend, the one she left behind, away and began to run again, towards the main road. At this point, I no longer remember how Juana got help. Maybe she stopped a passing bus or jeepney or maybe a person with a good soul came across the fearful girl with the wild eyes. But she did get help and she did find her way home, safe and alive. She never went back to the town of Dueñas, not even to see if the tree that saved her life still stood. As for Teniente Gimo and his clan of aswangs, it is said that the incident devastated him. It was his own beloved daughter after all. They packed up and abbandoned their home and moved someplace else. Where he and his family are now is only whispered about and whether they are still hunting and luring human prey, it can only be guessed at. Who knows? They could be in your town.

Another version, which is more brief than the latter, and more known by everyone:

Tiniente Gimo's daughter Maria (not her real name) brought his two friends, Jean and Melay (not also there real names) from the city to visit her hometown and her family. They accepted them warmly and served them with foods, as if there was a celebration. The two loved the food and ask them what kind of dish it is. But they answered them with only a smile. After hours passed full of chattering, they decided to sleep. But because the house is small and there's only one room for everyone, Tiniente Gimo told Maria and her friends to sleep in the bed room, while they will sleep in the living room. Like other girls, when they are together, they don't sleep right away. Maria borrowed the accessories of Jean, and wear them till they went to sleep. Tiniente Gimo targeted Jean that night, and the only thing he could familiarize who among of them is Jean, is her necklace. However, Maria weared the necklace of Jean that time. He sneaked unto the bed room to kill her. He hit the head not knowing it was his daughter, and brought her in the kitchen. He chopped her to pieces, and cooked her in a pot. Tiniente Gimo discovered who he had eaten when morning came. No one knows what happened to Jean and Melay after that. Maybe they lived to tell the story of Tiniente Gimo.

As you notice, both tales almost have similar flow of story. In which, there was these two women, who were friends of the daughter of Tiniente Gimo, came in the province with her for vacation or the like, and was killed by the tiniente or his whole clan. Some sources tell that they were teachers from a school, not students. Aside of it, the movie Shake, Rattle and Roll, potrayed by Manilyn Reynes, had almost the same story as above.

Conclusions

Many reasonable explanations emerged about the legend of Tiniente Gimo. One is about his political career. His enemy invented a kind of story that rose people's fear.

Another is about the kind of disease they called Dystonia de Panay (scientifically named torsion dystonia-parkinsonism), Ilonggo called it Lubag. This is a rare musco-skeletal disease found only in Panay, in which the victim will be twist involuntarily. Maybe, the appearance of them in this position made them look like an Aswang, and this might be Tiniente Gimo's disease that time. This same reason can be used to explain the Aswang.

Source:
http://jeminastories.blogspot.com/2008/09/tiniente-gimo.html
http://iloilocityboy.blogspot.com

Jeepney Warning Stories

Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. They have become a ubiquitous symbol of Philippine culture.

The word jeepney is a portmanteau of "jeep" and "Jitney".

While most are used as public utility vehicles, jeepneys used as a personal vehicle have their tailgate attached, known in the Philippines as "For family use", originating from the sign painted on them. Jeepneys are used less often for commercial or institutional use.

So, let's talk about some criminal stories dealing with this vehicle. The stories shown below are the most widely spread stories of all. Well, I doubt the credibility of these, though all of them may had happened once. But I can't find any articles in news papers or if it had been featured in television shows.

Story

[Taken from Internet:]

I want to share this story for you all to be aware while having their trip. Si Ana, Student ng PUP, ay pauwi na. Sumakay siya ng Jeep. Apat lang sila na nasa loob ng jeep; Yung driver, si Ana, isang matandang lalake at isang nursing student. Si ANA, nakaupo sa dulo ng jeep, right side, malapit sa babaan. Yung matandang lalake, nakaupo sa left side, likuran ng driver. Then yun nursing student, nakasandal sa matandang lalake, nakalaglag yun buhok sa mukha, tulog ata. Umandar na yung jeep. After 5mins. May sumakay na matandang babae. Umupo sya sa harap nung matandang lalake at nung nursing student. Umandar ulit yung jeep. Wala pang 10mins, pumara yung matandang babae, and on her way down sa jeep, pinipilit nyang bumaba si Ana. Sabi nya: “BABA!” On a not shouting but medyo galit na way. ANA: “Bakit po?” Matandang Babae: “Basta baba!” Hinahatak nya ang damit ni Ana pababa, while saying “sabing baba eh!” dahil sa takot, bumaba si Ana.. Pagkaandar ng jeep, Ana asked the old woman.. ANA: “Bakit po ba?” Matandang Babae: “Hindi mo ba napansin?” ANA: “Alin po?” Matandang Babae: “Nangingitim na ‘yung mga kuko nung babae!” ANA: “Ano po ibig nyong sabihin?” MB: “Patay na yung babae! Sinaksak ng Ice pick nun lalake!” *Kapag daw ice pick ang ginamit pangsaksak, di daw lalabas ang dugo dahil maliit lang ang ice pick, sa loob daw mamumuo yung dugo, magkakaron ng blood clot.* Hindi pa nag sink in kay Ana yung sinabi nun matandang babae, until napanood nya sa news. Swerte ni Ana dahil may malasakit yung matandang babae sa kanya, dahil diba, pwede naman umalis yun MB kahit hindi kasama si Ana. It means, di pa oras ni Ana. Ang nakakaawa is yung nursing student. Sobrang swerte ni Ana. Puzzle pa rin sa’min what’s the real story behind that. Kasi sabi daw sa news,di daw hinold up yun nursing student, kaya hindi alam ang reason kung bakit sya pinatay. ngayon si Ana, lagi daw tulala at lutang. Tahimik palagi. Sus, kahit kanino naman siguro mangyari yun magkakaganon diba? Kaya sa mga commuters dyan, be aware sa mga nakakatabi nyo sa byahe, laging mag iingat and be observant. Be Safe and Never removed your eyes from the people you saw inside any public transportation. You will never know that one of them may hurt you for no reason. Enjoy the trip and always remember to pray for your safety. (SHARE IF YOU CARE)

I want to share this story for you all to be aware while having their trip. Ana, a student of PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), was about to go home. She took a jeep for a ride. They are four inside it - the driver, her, an old man, and a nursing student. She take a seat at the right side near the passage door of the vehicle. The old man seated at the left side near the driver. Then, the nursing student was leaning on the old man with her hair covering her face, as if she's asleep. The jeep was running now. Then, after 5 minutes, an old woman took a ride on it. She seated on front of the old man and the nursing student. And the jeep ran again. 10 minutes after, the old woman told the driver that she wanna go out, and on her way down the jeep, she forced Ana too to go down with her. She said on a not shouting but angry way, "Go out!". Ana: "But why?" Old woman: "Just go out!" She pulled Ana's clothes forcing her to go down while saying, "I said go out!" Because of fright, Ana followed the old woman. When the jeep leave, Ana asked her. Ana: "Why did we went down?" Old woman: "Haven't you noticed?" Ana: "The what?" Old woman: "The girl's nails were becoming black!" Ana: "What do you mean?" Old woman: "The girl was already dead. The old man stabbed her with an ice pick!" When you use ice pick to stab someone, the blood will not ooze out of the wound because the ice pick is so small. The blood will only clot in the body. Still, what the old woman had said did not sink in on Ana's mind, till she watched it on a news in TV. Ana was lucky, that the old woman has concern on her. The old woman can just go down without telling her what's happening. It only mean, it's not already Ana's time to die. But the most pitiful is the condition of the nursing student. Ana was very lucky. It's still puzzling to us what was actually the real story behind that. Because according to the news, the nursing student wasn't been robbed, thus the reason was still unknown. Now, Ana always act stupidly, and often silent. Well, whoever might experience that will eventually be like that. So, to all the commuters there, be aware who's beside you, be careful, and be observant. Be Safe and Never removed your eyes from the people you saw inside any public transportation. You will never know that one of them may hurt you for no reason. Enjoy the trip and always remember to pray for your safety. (SHARE IF YOU CARE)

[Taken from Internet:]

Hindi ako makapaniwalang may mga tao talagang handang pumatay para lang makuha yung mga materyal na bagay na gusto nila o siguro dala na ng desperasyon kung paano makakatawid ng gutom. Kwinento sakin ‘to nung kaibigan ko kanina: Papunta sila ng kaibigan niya sa CEU kahapon para sunduin yung isa pa nilang kaibigan. Sumakay sila ng jeep sa may bandang Ortigas. Pagsakay nila, konti lang yung mga pasaherong nakasakay. Mag-jowang magkayakap, isang matandang babae, sila, tapos yung driver. Sa may bandang likod sila nakaupo. Yung mag-jowa yung nasa may bandang unahan ng jeep. Nakasandal si ate kay kuya na parang natutulog tapos si kuya nakayakap kay ate. Yung matandang babae naman nasa may bandang gitna. Inaabot na nung kaibigan ko yung bayad niya dun sa lalaki pero hindi siya pinapansin kaya yung matandang babae na lang yung nagabot ng bayad. Yung matandang babae din yung nagabot ng sukli sa kanila. Napansin na din nila nung mga oras na yun na ang sama ng tingin ng driver sa kanila. So medyo nagtataka na din sila. Mayamaya, biglang sinabi sa kanila nung matandang babae na bumaba na sila. So lalo silang naguluhan kung saan mas matatakot. Sa manong driver na masama yung tingin o sa aleng bigla na lang nagyayayang bumaba ng jeep. Hindi na din sila nagisip tapos bumaba na sila ng jeep. Pagkababa nila ng jeep, sinabi sa kanila nung matandang babae kung bakit. Buti na lang daw hindi sila nagtanong kung bakit. Sabi nung matandang babae patay na daw yung babaeng nasa jeep. Hindi daw mag-jowa yung dalawa. Kaya nakasandal si ate kay kuya tsaka nakayakap si kuya kay ate kasi may nakasaksak kay ate na ice pick. Kaya hindi din inaabot ni kuya yung bayad. Napansin din daw ni ale na medyo nangingitim na yung bandang leeg ni ate. Kaya din daw siguro masama yung tingin ni manong driver sa kanila kasi baka binabalaan na din silang bumaba. Nakakatakot lang kung iisipin mong isa ka sa mga nakasakay sa jeep na yun. Sobrang nakakatakot. Sa panahon ngayon, hindi ka na talaga makakasigurado kung sino yung mapagkakatiwalaan mo tsaka kung hanggang kelan na lang yung buhay mo. Nakakatakot na, lalo na kapag gabi. Kaya paalala lang sa mga madalas bumyahe sa gabi, mag-ingat. Hangga’t maaari, maghanap ng kasama. Tsaka wag kalimutang magdasal. Hindi mo man akalain pero malaki ang impact niyan. Ingat! -A student from AB Pol Sci. (UST)

I can't believe there are people who are ready to kill just to get material things they want, or ... because of desperation on how to overcome hunger. This story was told to me by my friend: They were on the way to CEU (Centro Escolar University) to fetch their other friend. They ride in a jeep around Ortigas. As they went inside, there were only few passengers. Lovers who happened to be embracing that time, an old woman, they, and the driver. They decided to sit at the back near the door way of the jeepney. While the lovers were sitting at the front near the driver. Ate* was leaning on to his shoulder, as if she's sleeping, while Kuya* was embracing her. And the old woman was sitting in the middle of the seat. My friend was offering our fair to the guy to give it to the driver, but he just ignore us, instead the old woman reach it for us. And it was also the old woman who reach the change of our payment. At that time, they noticed the bad stare of the driver to them. So they wonder why. A few minutes passed, the old lady told them that they should go out of the jeep now. So they became more confused on to whom they will be scared - to the driver or to the old lady who wanted us to go out. They don't put attention on thinking about it, they just followed what the old lady told them. As they were outside, the old lady told them the reason. Luckily, they didn't asked why while they're still inside. The old lady said that the girl there was already dead. The two were not lovers. The reason why Ate was leaning to Kuya, and why he embraced her is because there was an ice pick already plugged on her. That's also the reason why he didn't reach their payment. She also noticed that her neck was blackening. The same reason why the driver look very bad on them warning us to go out. It was very frightening to think if you're one of the passengers on that jeep. It was sooo scary! At this time, you're not certain who you'll gonna trust and when your life will last. It was fearful especially if it happens at night. So... To all of you who travels at night, BE CAREFUL! If possible, find someone to be with. And don't forget to pray. You'll never notice what its effect, but it has a huge impact on you. BE CAREFUL! -A student from AB Pol Sci. (UST) * Note: Ate and Kuya, even translated in English as Sister and Brother, Filipino also use it to address elder strangers - female and male respectively.

[Taken from Internet:]

Kanina nagkwento yung classmate ko sa nangyari sakanya kagabi. Pumunta kasi sila ng tita niya sa Junction. Pero umuna na siya ng uwi kasi may allergy siya saka papasok pa nga siya kinabukasan. Sumakay daw siya sa jeep, nung una. Dalawa lang sila. Siya saka daw isang babae. (Maganda tas maputi saka medyo mayaman tignan. bata pa daw, mga 17-19) Tapos, may sumakay daw na dalawang lalaki. Pinagitnaan yung babae na nasa harap niya. Tas ginigitgit daw, eh samantalang apat lang naman sila sa jeep. Nung medyo nakalayo na sila sa junction, Prumeno daw ng sobra yung jeep tas yung babae, imbis na patagilid, paharap daw naano. Tumama pa daw sa tuhod ng classmate ko yung ulo ng babae. Don na daw siya kinabahan. Tapos, maya maya may sumakay daw na nurse. Tapos nung magbabayad na dawyung nurse, napatingin yung nurse don sa 3 sa kabilang side. Nilapitan daw siya ng nurse tapos pinilit siyang bumaba. Sumama nalang yung classmate ko kasi daw mukhang takot na takot yung nurse. Nung pagbaba, nagtanong yung classmate ko kung bakit daw sila bumaba, ang sabi ng nurse sa classmate ko. “Hindi mo ba napansin yung babae, patay na? may icepick na nakasaksak sa tagiliran niya. Buti nalang nakita ko agad.” Hindi daw napansin ng classmate ko kasi naktingin siya sa may bintana. Buti nalang sumakay yung nursre tapos napansin agad. kung hindi, baka kung ano na nangyare sa classmate ko. Atleast safe siya, pero kawawa naman yung babae. Ingat tayong lahat!

[Taken from Internet:]

because i can write in filipino just trying my hand at some creative non-fiction in filipino. actually, the core of this is from a story i’ve been told. the details, i just filled in. **** Byahe mahaba nanaman ang pila sa sakayan. tanghaling-tapat at naluluto na ako sa ilalim ng naglalagablab na araw, ngunit tinitiis ko ‘to. kailangan ko itong gawin. kaya pumila ako. nag-abang ako. hinintay kong mapuno ang sasakyan. hindi ako komportable. sino ba naman ang magiging komportable kung higit pa sa talagang kakayanin ng jeep ang pinapasakay? siksikan nanaman. naipit ako sa gitna ng dalawang babae. sa kaliwa, pikit na ang mata. nakatulog na sa kakahintay. kahit anong tulak ko ay hindi siya magising. sana man lang ay umusog pa siya ng konti. hindi rin maayos ang upo ng katabi ko. may kausap siya sa kanyang telepono. hindi ko naman maiintindihan kung bakit kailangan niyang makipagsigawan sa nasa kabilang linya. wala akong intensyong malaman ang kanilang pinagtatalunan, at wala rin akong pakialam. sa harap ko, dalawang magkasintahan. naglalampungan sila, parang walang ibang kasabay sa jeep. sa isang dulo mayroong mag-ina. umiiyak ang bata, marahail sa pagkabalisa niya. marami pang ibang biyahero sa loob, ngunit hindi ko na sila pinansin. kanya-kanya ang bawat pasahero, pareparehong napipilitang ipabahagi ang kanilang sariling espasyo pare sa mga estrangherong walang pakialam at respeto sa personal na lugar. nilunod ko na ang sarili ko sa aking patugtugan, umaasang matapos na agad ang paghihirap na ito. traffic nanaman. may inaayos na tubo sa may kabilang kanto. hindi makausad ang ibang sasakyan. mainit ang ulo ng lahat. tiniis ko na lang ito, umaasang maaayos ito kaagad ng mga mmda, ngunit sa totoo lang, wala namang silang ginagawa para masolusyonan ang problema. hindi talaga maaasahan ang ibang tao. hindi na makapagtiis ang ibang pasahero. isa-isa silang bumaba at onti-unti lumuwag ang jeep. ewan ko ba kung bakit, mas kumportable naman sa loob ng jeep, pero pinili nilang maglakad sa ilalim ng init ng araw. bahala sila. sa wakas, umusad na ang jeep. matagal rin ang hinintay ko. kakaunti na lang kami sa loob ng jeep, yung babae sa telepono, hindi pa rin niya binababa ito, yung babaeng tulog, yung magkasintahan at yung mag-ina. tuloy-tuloy na sana ang jeep ng biglang tinigil ng driver yung sasakyan, at susunod na nangyari ay kinagulat ng lahat sa loob. bumagsak ang babaeng natutulog sa sahig ng jeep, may ice pick na nakasaksak sa likod. hindi ko maalala ang mga sususnod na nangyari. bahagya mga imahe lamang ang pumasok sa isip ko. umiiyak ang bata. humihiyaw ang babae. sinusubukang itago ng lalaki ang malamig na bangkay mula sa kanyang nobya. natataranta ang driver. tumigil ang mundo ko. walang nakakalam kung kailan pa nangyari ang pagsaksak. walang nakakilala sa babae. wala akong maisagot sa pulis sa presinto. kahit anong tanong sa akin ay wala akong masabi. hindi ko tuluyang maintindihan ang tunay na nangyari sa loob jeep na iyon. hindi ko alam kung gusto kong maintindihan. sinundo ako ng aking kaibigan mula sa presinto. walang nagsasalita sa loob ng kotse sa buong byahe. pag-uwi ay dumiretso ako sa kama. inaasahang maitutulog ko na lang ang lahat ng nangyari, umaasang paggising ay . hindi ako makatulog. **** i’m not altogether sure if i’m done with the story. i’m just checking if i still have my writing chops for the non-academics. not entirely sure if i want to pursue this or anything. – jocsbonx @ livejournal

Some of these stories, according to my interviewees, was first published from a university news paper. (I don't know what page in the news paper that story was - Literary or Campus News).

I noticed the similarities between those stories:

Ice Pick
The instrument used to kill the victim.

Girl
The victim is always a girl.

Well, the only thing I can say is, whether these stories really happened or not, it only mean, we should be careful, especially to those commuters who go home at night.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney
http://acidpixels.com/blog/philippines/totoo-ba-eto-o-kwentong-barbero/
http://www.facebook.com/FetishisticDesire/posts/315779198491708?comment_id=2678843*
http://www.tristancafe.com/forum/222281*

* One of the sites where you can find the story.

White Lady sa Muzon

I found this from a book. My first impression was, it seemed like an urban legend. I found it in a true ghost story book.

White Lady sa Muzon Marso 12, 2006. Alas tres ng madaling arawnang bulabuginang buong Phase X sa subdivision ng Muzon, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. Sa bahay ng pamilya Mahilum nagpakita ang multo ng isang babae. Malapit ang bahay sa isang malawak ba palayan na sinasabing pinanggalingan ng multo. Isang linggo bago ang malagim na pangyayaring bumalot sa bahay, unti-unting nagparamdam at nagpakita ang multo sa mga miyembro ng pamilya Mahilum mula sa sampung taong gulang na bunsong anak hanggang sa padre de pamilya. Hindi maipaliwanag ng pamilya Mahilum kung sino ang multo at kung bakit sila pinagpapakitaan at tinatakot nito. Ang padre de pamilya na si Larry Mahilum ay kasalukuyang sumasailalim sa psychiatric therapy. Mula nang magpakita ang multo sa kanya, lagi na siyang tulala at hindi makausap ng maayos.Walang makapagsabi kung ano ang totoong nangyari at ang nakita ni Larry noong madaling araw na iyon. Nagising na lamang ang mga kasama niya sa bahay, maging ang mga kapitbahay, sa kanyang sigaw. Natagpuan nila si Larry sa palayan na pinagtatataga ang sarili. ANG BAHAY SA MUZON Sa Phase X, Lot X, Block XX, Site XX makikita ang isang may katamtamang laking bungalow. Pula ang bobong at krema ang pintura ng bahay. Nababakuran ang bahay ng hanggang dibdib na pader. Puro namumulaklak na halaman naman ang paligid ng bakuran. Dito nakatira ang pamilya Mahilum. Sa likod ng kanilang bahay naroon ang malawak na palayan. Bago ang insidente noong ika-12 ng Marso, laging bukas ang mga bintana at pintuan ng bahay. Pero simula nang magwala si Larry at pagtatagain ang kanyang sarili, lagi nang sarado ang mga bintana at pintuan. Laging nakakandado ang gate at laging patay ang ilaw kahit gabi. MGA PANAYAM 1.Marco Mahilum Sampung taong gulang, grade IV sa Muzon Elementary School. Payat, katamtaman ang tangkad, at may kaitiman. Sa oras ng panayam, kapansin-pansin ang puting marka ng kamay sa kanyang pisngi. May kaunting sinat at ubo. "Nag-iisa po ako noon sa bahay. Umalis po kasi sila Mama at Papa papuntang bayan. Si Ate po, umalis din, pumunta sa mga kaklase. Nasa sala po ako, naglalaro po nu'ng GI Joe na ibinigay ng ninong ko noong nakaraang Pasko. "Bigla na lang po akong gininaw. Nagtayuan po ang mga balahibo ko sa braso. Lumakas po 'yung ihip ng hangin, akala ko nga po uulan, pero pagtingin ko sa labas hindi naman. Inilipad po 'yung mga papel sa ibabaw ng mesa tapos 'yung kurtina rin po. "Pagtingin ko po sa likod ko, andun 'yung babae. Puti ang kanyang suot at mahabang-mahaba ang kanyang buhok. Duguan ang kanyang mukha, pati nga po 'yung luhang dumadaloy sa mga mata niya ay kulay pula. "Naihi po ako sa sobrang takot. Hindi po ako makagalaw at makapagsalita. Ni hindi nga po ako makasigaw. Lumulutang po ang babae. Itim na itim po ang kanyang mga paa na parang balot ng putik. "Lumapit po siya sa akin, tapos hinawakan niya ang aking pisngi. Ang lamig po ng kanyang kamay. Heto pa nga po 'yung markang kanyang kamay. Tapos, bigla na lang siyang nawala. "Umiyak po ako pagkatapos mawala ng babae. Masakit po kasi ang aking pisngi. Pagdating nila Mama, ikinuwento ko ang nangyari pero hindi sila naniwala." - end of tape - 2. Lisa Mahilum Labinwalong taong gulang, second year sa isang sa isang computer college. Nagtatrabaho nang part-time sa isang restawran bilang crew.Katamtaman ang pangangatawan. Mahaba ang buhok at bilugan ang mukha. Sa panahon ng panayam, kapansin-pansin ang pagiging magugulatin ni Lisa. Malayo ang tingin at malalim ang iniisip. "Sabado noon. Bumisita po 'yung mga pinsan ko mula Pangasinan. Mga lima po kaming nagkakatuwaan sa sala. May salu-salo po at konting inuman. "Kumuha po kami ng mga litrato gamit 'yung digital camera ni Kuya Jun-jun. 'Yung panghuli pong kuha nu'ng group picture ako ang kumuha. "Nu'ng pagtingin ko po sa camera, bigla pong may isang babae roon na naka-puti. Akala ko nga po 'yung kurtina lang 'yun. Pero nu'ng tingnan ko ulit, andun pa rin siya. Katabi niya ang mga pinsan ko. Pero 'di tulad ng mga pinsan kong nagtatawanan, ang babae ay lumuluha. Dugo ang kanyang iniluluha. May sugat siya sa noo. Matagal ko pong tinitigan ang babae sa camera. Nainip na nga po 'yung mga pinsan ko kaya inagaw na ni Ate Kristine 'yung camera para siya na lang daw ang kumuha ng litrato. "Pinapunta niya ako sa may bintana kasama ang iba pang pinsan ko para kunan ng litrato. Hindi ko masabi sa kanila na may nakita akong babae. Natakot ako. Pagpunta ko roon sa bintana, biglang umihip nang malakas ang hangin. Binalutan ako ng kurtina, ang lamig-lamig ng pakiramdam ko. "Tapos, hindi ko na alam ang sumunod na nangyari. Paggising ko, umaga na, sabi nila nahimatay daw ako sa sobrang kalasingan. Pero hindi naman kasi ako uminom nang marami nu'n, kaya imposibleng lasing ako nang mga oras na 'yun." - end of tape - 3. Hermie Mahilum Apatnapung limang taong gulang. Maybahay ni Larry Mahilum at ina nina Marco at Lisa Mahilum. Paminsan-minsa'y tumatanggap ng patahi ng mga kurtina at punda. Sa oras ng panayam, balisa at hindi mapakali si Ginang Mahilum. Panay ang punas sa pawisang mukha. "Alas onse iyon. Nagsasahod ako ng tubig sa labas ng bahay kasi hindi pumasok sa loob ang tubig. Wala ring tubig kapag umaga kasi may ginagawang tubo diyan sa kanto. "Tahimik na tahimik ang paligid noon. Kahit ang palayan sa likod ay wala man lang ingay, kahit lagaslas ng mga dahon ng palay. Wala akong masyadong maaninag. Katatapos lang ng kabilugan ng buwan kaya manipis ang liwanag sa paligid. "Nakita ko mula sa palayan ang isang babae. Nakakasilaw ang puti niyang damit. Lumulutang siya sa ibabaw ng mga palay. Duguan ang kanyang mukha. Duguan ang kanyang kaliwang kamay. Puro putik ang kanyang paa. Mahabang-mahaba ang kanyang buhok. "Lumulutang siya papalapit sa akin. Nanlilisik ang kanyang mga mata. Hindi bumubuka ang kanyang bibig pero naririnig ko sa loob ng aking tenga na sumisigaw siya. Umiiyak at nagmamakaawa. Sumigawa ako ng sumigaw. Tinawag ko ang aking asawa at ang mga bata. "Paglabas nila, itinuro ko sa kanila kung saan naroon ang babae. Pero wala na siya roon. Lumabas pa kami sa kalsada para tingnan kung nasa paligid pa siya pero isang asong gala lang ang nakita namin." - end of tape - 4. Larry Mahilum Apatnapung taong gulang. Construction worker. Sa oras ng panayam, tulala at tahimik si Ginoong Mahilum. Nakabenda ang kanyang dibdib dulot ng mga sugat mula sa sariling itak. Nakabenda at sariwang-sariwa pa ang sugat sa kaliwang braso. Nataga at naputol niya ang sariling kamay. "Si Maricel iyon. Ang kanyang mga mata. Ang kanyang mga mata. Impyerno ang kanyang mga mata. Si Maricel iyon." - end of tape - SINO SI MARICEL? Tikom ang bibig ni Hermie Mahilum nang tanungin kung sino ang Maricel na tinutukoy ni Larry Mahilum. Wala raw siyang kilalang Maricel. Gayon din ang mga anak na sina Marco at Lisa. Ngunit nang ipagsiyasat, natuklasang may isang nagngangalang Maricel Sembrano na tumira sa bahay ng mga Mahilum mula Pebrero 2001 hanggang Marso 2004. 5. Esther Jalosjos Kapitbahay ng mga Mahilum. Matandang dalaga. Nagtitinda ng barbecue sa tapat ng bahay at naging malapit na kaibigan ni Maricel. "Kamag-anak nila si Maricel galing Pangasinan. Kinuha siya nila Hermie para maging katulong. Hindi ako sigurado sa kanyang edad pero malamang na disisais o disisiyete. Naalala kong nabanggit niyang baging gradweyt lang siya ng high school. "Alas kwatro pa lang ng umaga bumabangon na siya para maglaba o magsahod ng tubig. Tahimik at mahinhin, hindi siya gaanong lumalabas ng bahay. Lumalabas lang 'yan kapag wala ang pamilya. Dito siya sa akin umiistambay at nakikipagkuwentuhan. "Isang araw, bigla na lang nawala si Maricel. Pinalayas daw ni Hermie matapos matuklasang buntis. Pinabalik si Maricel sa probinsiya, ngunit isang linggo matapos siyang umalis, natagpuan ang kanyang naaagnas na bangkay sa gitna ng palayan. May natagpuang kalawanging alambre sa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita. "Nakakasuka. Itim na itik ang lupa dahil sa dugong natuyo roon. Puro uod ang mukha ni Maricel. Andami-daming langaw. "Walang makapagsabi kung sino ang may gawa nu'n. Sabi ng mga pulis na nag-imbestiga, si Maricel rin mismo ang may gawa nu'n sa kanyang sarili. Siguro nahihiya rin siya at natatakot kasi at nabuntis nang hindi pa ikinakasal. "Hindi nalaman kung sino ang ama ng ipinagbubuntis ni Maricel. Wala naman siyang kasintahan. Pero sino ba ang lalaking palagi niyang kasama sa bahay? 'Di ba si Larry lang naman?" - end of tape - Nanatiling tikom ang bibig ng pamilya Mahilum simula noon hanggang sa makalimutan na ng mga taga-Muzon ang pangyayari. Ngayon, binasag nila ang kanilang pananahimik at piniling magsalita para ipagtanggol at ipaliwanag ang kanilang sarili sa haka ng mga kapitbahay na sila'y nababaliw na. Ngayong araw, ipinasya ng mga doktor na dalhin muna sa mental hospital si Larry para suriin at bigyang lunas. Ngayong araw din ang saktong araw nang mamatay si Maricel dalawang taon na ang nakakaraan.

The Boyfriend's Death

The story happened in the old Broadway Centrum.

[Taken from Internet:]

There was a couple inside a car when they noticed a guy walking around them. Of course the girl, in fright, told her boyfriend to go out and confront the person. After hours later, the girl was freaked out when the head of her boyfriend just abruptly appear on the window. Next day, she was found by the police insane. Legend has it that the guy walking around them hunts couples doing something inside the cars.

[Taken from http://underbonesphilippines.com/forums/index.php?topic=3068.90;wap2 (itchy4travel)]

The story goes that a couple went out on a date one night somewhere along New Manila. Then their car breaks down; good thing they were able to steer it to the broadway centrum parking lot. The boyfriend gets out of the vehicle and tries to fix the problem, but fails. So he tells the girlfriend to stay in the car, close the windows, and lock the doors while he's looking for help. An hour later, the girl was getting anxious waiting for her boyfriend to arrive when she notices a strange man watching from the shadows. this man approaches the car and starts banging on the windows and trying to force open the doors. Terrified, the girl honks the car horn to get attention and scare the man off. He stopped and hurriedly left, only to return a few minutes later. then he circled the car, deliberately, holding something in his hand, which he raises to the window. To her absolute horror, the girl realizes it was her boyfriend's decapitated head! That's not all: she was even more horrified to see what the man lifts up in his other hand: the boyfriend's car keys. Allegedly the poor girl was so traumatized by the experience that she lost her mind.

[Taken from a Text Message:]

nasira ang car ng magsyota pauwi..(The car of the lovers broke up while they're driving home.) Boy: stay here, il call 4 help.. Lock d doors.. i’l bring d keys.. Girl: ok.. then may baliw n lumapit sa car, tiningnan ang girl at umawit..(Then, there was a madman went near to the car, staring at the girl while singing.) “twinkle2 little star”.. Umikot sa car,(Walked around the car) “twinkle2 little star”.. huminto at lumapit s girl!(Stopped and went near to the girl.) hulaan mo kung anu ang dala q?(Guess what's I'm carrying.) d BOY’S HEAD! Umikot ulit at umawit,(Walked around again and sang.) “twinkle2 little star” huminto!(Stopped!) hulaan mo kung anu ulit dala?!(Guess what's I'm carrying?!) d KEYS..

As I noticed, both stories are similar to the urban legend written by Jan Brunvand in his book, telling us about. It is as if the Americans brought here their stories and frightened couples who were still roaming outside in the middle of the night. If only I know when these stories circulated in the public, perhaps I might conclude something. If it rose in the time of Marcus' reign (perhaps the Martial Law), I might think it is one of their way to scare people going outdoors at night.

Other known informations concerning this urban legends: [Click here]

AIDS patient injects Movie-goers & Shoppers with his blood

Claim:

Movie-goers and mall shoppers were injected with syringes containing infected blood of AIDS/HIV.

Legend:

The story about a guy carrying a syringe full of AIDS/HIV positive blood going around injecting moviegoers at SM Megamall broke out sometime in the 1990s. There were those who claimed to have heard stories from people who knew one of the guy's victims.

A person will sit beside to someone who is alone then prick a needle to him, then leaves a morbid note like, "Welcome to my world!" or "Congratulations, you're one of us."
In the case of the shoppers, they will stand or sit beside you, then they'll inject you with the infected syringe or needle. After that, they will just run away living the words, "Happy living".

Variations:

- In some stories, the guy was said to be wearing a baseball cap or a hooded jacket.
- Some people also said that the guy would let out a maniacal laugh each time he injected a victim. The guy seemed to "melt into the shadows" since nobody reported seeing him running or headed anywhere.
- Instead of a syringe, he use only a needle.
- Other versions, this guy injects HIV positive blood in Ketchup dispensers in fast-food chains.
- Another story which originated this legend:

---

A woman (an employee of SM) who was infected by an HIV. After being fired by Mr. Henry Sy, she took revenge. She sit/stand beside SM shopper, then injects a needle from her body. Sometimes, she left some of the needles in the seats in SM cinemas for whoever will sit on it will also be infected. Other story would claim it was a disgruntled man.

Facts:

Anti-Megamall groups probably got together and decided to infect it with this story, which, by the way, isn't original. It turns out that this story has an international scope.

Sources:

http://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/41192/urban-legends-that-drove-pinoys-crazy
MC DUANE's PAGE PRESENTS: Philippine Urban Legends by: Michael Caleda a.k.a. MIKERAPPHONE of Mikerapphone Chronicles.[1]

Jose Rizal is Jack The Ripper

Claim:

"Jack the Ripper" is the best-known name given to an unidentified serial killer who was active in the largely impoverished areas in and around the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. He was so called because of a letter who was written by someone who claims he was the killer, however the letter was considered as a hoax. Another names to him are "The Whitechapel Murderer" and "Leather Apron".

While Jose Rizal was in London, Jack The Ripper was present and when he went back to the Philippines, the killings had stopped. It was very mysterious! Could it be just a coincidence? Or not?

By the way, Jack The Ripper likes girls, while Jose Rizal was quite similar to him. They both have the same initials too, J.R.

For those who don't know Jose Rizal, he is the national hero of the Philippines though not legally official.

José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda (Jose Rizal) was a Filipino polymath, patriot and the most prominent advocate for reform in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. He is regarded as the foremost Filipino patriot.[Click Here]

Let's find out...

Legend:

While searching everything about Jose Rizal in the internet, I stumbled upon this summary of his life while living at London.

Rizal was in London from May 1888 to January 1889, in the British Library copying "Sucesos de las islas Filipinas" by hand because there were no photocopying machines at the time. Jack the Ripper was active around this time, and since we do not know what Rizal did at night or on the days he was not in the library, some people would like to believe Rizal is suspect. They argue that when Rizal left London, the Ripper murders stopped. They say that Jack the Ripper must have had some medical training, based on the way his victims were mutilated. Rizal, of course, was a doctor. Jack the Ripper liked women, and so did our own Rizal. And -- this is so obvious that many overlooked it -- Jose Rizal's initials match those of Jack the Ripper!

Infos

Actually the case was still unsolved. Till now everything about it is a speculation. Here's a brief information about Rizal and the Ripper in London:

Jose Rizal	Jack the Ripper
He was a doctor. (An ophtalmologist particularly)	He is suspected to be a doctors (the removal of the victims’ organs implied anatomical knowledge).
He is a multi-talented person, and could even speak English fluently.	The Ripper is an Englishmen.
Rizal lived in Beckett family at Crescent, London.	Ripper killed prostitutes in Whitechapel, London.
He is known for having many lovers.	His victims are all women.
Rizal copied, by hand, the book Sucesos de las islas Filipinas at daylight.	Ripper killed prostitutes always at night time in the East End.
Rizal is a Freemason.	In the word 'Juwes', which might mean Freemason, makes him related somehow to it.
He leaved London on January, 1889.	On July, 1889, another victim was believed to be killed by the Ripper.
Jose Rizal's initial is JR.	Jack the Ripper's initial is also JR.

This is the events that happened in London at the time when Jose Rizal and Jack the Ripper was in the said city. (In chronological order.)

-----

DATE:	Jose Rizal	Jack the Ripper
February 3, 1888	As the controversy over his novel raged, Rizal got involved in the Kalamba tenant's fight to correct generations-old abuses commited against them. Thus, the security for the Rizal family became a problem. Then, they advised Jose Rizal to leave the Philippines. He departed secretly for Hong Kong, then to Japan, and to United States.	-----
May 13 to 16, 1888	Dr. Jose P. Rizal stayed at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City.	-----
May 16, 1888	He gathered enough funds for a trip to London onboard the luxurious liner CITY OF ROME.	-----
May 24, 1888	He arrived in Liverpool, then went on to London, where he eventually settled down at No. 37 Chalcot, Crescent (with the Beckett Family).	-----
-----	While in London, Dr. Rizal copied the book Sucesos de las islas Filipinas written by Antonio de Morga in the library of British Museum.[1]	-----
June 13, 1888	He wrote a letter to his family informing them where he was that time.	-----
August 31, 1888	-----	Jack the Ripper started his killings. (First victim, Mary Ann "Polly" Nichols)
September 8, 1888	-----	Jack the Ripper killed his second victim - Annie Chapman.
September 25, 1888	-----	A post card was sent to 'Dear Boss', the head of the Central News Agency, signed 'Yours truly, Jack the Ripper.'
September 30, 1888	-----	Jack the Ripper killed two women in the same day - Elizabeth Stride and Catharine Eddowes, found half-a-mile apart.
-----	-----	[The words 'The Juwes are the men that Will not be Blamed for nothing', were chalked, seemingly by Jack, on a doorway immediately above a portion of the bloodstained apron of victim Catharine Eddowes. The word 'Juwes' may mean a code-word for the Freemasons, or the Jews.]
November 9, 1888	-----	Jack the Ripper killed his last victim, Mary Jane Kelly.
-----	[Dr. Jose Rizal wrote letters to his friend Blumentritt from London, however there were no letters written to his family or friends from July, 1888 - November 14, 1888.]	[Between August 31 to November 9, 1888, five prostitutes were killed in Whitechapel, always late at night.]
January, 1889	Dr. Jose P. Rizal left London.	-----
July, 1889	-----	After nine months from the last Ripper killing, Alice Mackenzie was murdered, and once claimed as a Ripper victim, although the police did not think so at the time.
	-----	There were fifteen leading candidates for the true identity of Jack the Ripper. Three of them were highly suspected, namely Montague Druitt; 'Kosminski’, a Polish Jew; and ‘Michael Ostrog, a Russian doctor.’ All were documented in MacNaghten Memorandum. But the more highly suspected and convincing of the three is Montague Druitt.[2][3]

[1]The book tells a fair presentation of a 16th century Philippine culture and civilization. (If you notice some defects in Filipino race, maybe you read the book yourself in order to make a better judgement of the present.)

[2]There appeared to be a good deal of evidence linking him with the Ripper. In 1913, Mac-Naghten told the Daily Mail that he had ‘a very clear idea’ who the Ripper was, but had ‘destroyed all the documents and there is now no record of the secret information which came into my possession at one time or another.’ A journalist with good police contacts, G.R. Sims, stated in 1903 that ‘the body of the man suspected by the chiefs of Scotland Yard, and by his own friends, who were in communication with the Yard, was found in the Thames.’ Druitt indeed committed suicide in the Thames around November 30th, 1888, shortly after being dismissed as a schoolteacher in Blackheath, and three weeks after the last Ripper murder. Druitt, who was also a barrister, had chambers at King’s Bench Walk, within walking distance of the East End, and apparently had a cousin who was a doctor with offices in the Minories, on the border of the East End.

[3]In some sources, the evidences pointed James Maybrick to be Jack the Ripper. Well, all or almost all are convincing that he indeed is the killer.

Other things about Jose Rizal:

He was a Malay.

He would have been 27 years old at the time of the Ripper killings.

He was short, had dark skin, dark hair, and dark eyes.

He came from a well to do family, was well dressed and looked respectable.

He was executed in the Philippines on December 30, 1896 at the age of 35.

Had a romantic relationship with Gertrude Beckett - daughter of Charles Beckett.

After he died, his mother tried to procure his assets which consisted of some pretty nice jewelry including gold cuff links and other baubles of diamonds and amethysts (gold chain with a red stone seal?)

Conclusion:

Well, as soon as Jack the Ripper is still unknown, no one can say that Jose Rizal isn't him. We, Filipinos see this intelligent little guy a hero, good, patriot, and brave man for writing Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Are we so sure that there is no bad side of him? If you notice, in El Fili, Simoun is brave, dark and vengeful who thinks of killing the influential people in Paulita and Juanito Pelaez's wedding day. I don't mean of anything. I just open some possibilities which make him suspect of being JACK THE RIPPER.

However, if it is true that Alice Mackenzie was indeed one of Jack the Ripper's victims, then probably Jose Rizal was not him because at the time she was killed, Jose Rizal was not present anymore in London. Aside of that, there is no strong evidence to prove that he is the Ripper. They don't even have a connection with each other. I personally believe he is NOT.

I asked my professor in 'The Life of Jose Rizal' once about this intriguing controversy. She didn't tell me exactly if she do believe that Dr. Jose Rizal is indeed Jack the Ripper. She told me that even the the most silent person in the world do have a secret, and Rizal might be one of them. She also told me that there are some proofs that point him to be the killer, but not too strong to hold the claim. I asked her what proofs, but she just became silent and closed the topic eventually. I don't know if she knew something. But one thing for sure, as long as Jack the Ripper is still not identified, claims of his identity will just rose from no where.

I highly advise you to search for yourself information that disproves the legend, not to prove it. You know, its embarrassing if you believe he is. Jose Rizal is the perfect picture of a true Filipino, not only for being small but for being just HIM - patriot, talented, multi-lingual ... name it. Remember, Ninoy Aquino died the same reason why our national hero die for. I can't imagine if my favorite hero is a killer. I don't know if you feel the same way too.

Sources:

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/weblog/comments/philippine_urban_legends
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_the_Ripper
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Rizal
AmateurSleuth: forum.casebook.org
http://filipinohome.com/02_03_01rizal_london.html
Book: The Hunt for Jack the Ripper by: William D. Rubinstein