The manananggal is described as scary, often hideous, usually depicted as female, and always capable of severing its upper torso with its intestines trailing out and sprouting huge bat-like wings to fly into the night in search of its victims.

[2][3][4] The myth of the manananggal is popular in the Visayan regions of the Philippines, especially in the western provinces of Capiz, Iloilo, Bohol and Antique.

Like vampires, Visayan folklore creatures, and aswangs, manananggals are also said to abhor garlic, salt and holy water.

[5] They were also known to avoid daggers, light, vinegar, spices and the tail of a stingray, which can be fashioned as a whip.

The manananggal shares some features with the vampire of Balkan folklore, such as its dislike of garlic, salt, and vulnerability to sunlight.

"The seventh was called magtatangal, and his purpose was to show himself at night to many persons, without his head or entrails.