Trick or treat

And where do you think is the ghostliest place to end this Halloween tour? It’s no other than Malacañang, the official residence and workplace of the President of the Republic.

Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or a skeptic wanting to debunk myths and legends, Halloween has always been a good time to share spooky tales and ghost stories, all in the spirit of scaring ourselves silly.

And this long weekend would be no exception.

Today, as thousands, nay millions, flock to cemeteries to observe All Saints’ Day, it would probably do good to tell millennials about urban legends and folklore. It would definitely be a great way to reconnect them with our native culture and beliefs.

We have a menagerie of creatures from Filipino folktales that they know very little about. If you are from the province, chances are you have been told cautionary tales about disturbing the earthen mound of the nuno sa punso, as well as other stories of creatures like the tikbalang or diwata as a child.

Telling our millennials these myths could be a great way of engaging them and whiling away the time at the puntod or mausoleums — and oh, yes, the modern columbariums.

We Pinoys like to get scared and, in most cases, have a ghost story to share, be it a paranormal encounter or an urban myth handed down from generation to generation. These stories are just waiting to be snatched up by our youngsters.

Speaking of getting scared, there can be no other adventurous way to get that high than actually visiting some of the most haunted places in the country. We don’t have to be cooped up in cemeteries or columbariums, since we have several haunted locations that are part of ghost lore, err folklore.

So, if you’re not visiting any relative or are done with your chores, why not do some tour of the following haunted places with your millennials in tow?

Balete drive — This major residential avenue in New Manila, Quezon City is known as the site of several apparitions of a white lady believed to be the ghost of a teenage girl who was raped and killed by a taxi driver in the ’50s. There have been stories of her apparition at the back of cars, resulting in accidents.

Fort Santiago — A historic fortress in Intramuros, Manila considered haunted by ghosts of soldiers and civilian victims killed during World War II. It was also where Jose Rizal was detained prior to his execution.

Manila City Hall — Employees here claim seeing wandering spirits at the stroke of 6 p.m. The paranormal activities are believed to be residual hauntings from Japanese era ghosts and a woman who allegedly died in the premises during the war. Most of the hauntings, they say, are concentrated in the clock tower where there are also claims of sightings of a casket-like object.

Ozone disco — The site of the worst fire in Philippine history, this former discotheque in Quezon City was demolished in 2015 after paranormal activities have been sighted in the area now occupied by Goodah Restaurant. The fire killed at least 162 people and injured some 195 mostly young disco goers who were trapped inside during the fire.

PNB Branch Pasay — The fifth floor of this bank on Roxas Blvd. was used as a morgue for the victims of a fire, mostly youngsters, at Regent of Manila hotel in 1985. Exorcisms were conducted on the said floor at the request of previous occupants because of frequent paranormal activities.

Manila Film Center — Construction of this building inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex was rushed for a film festival but unfortunately a ceiling scaffolding collapsed killing several workers. It was reported that instead of rescuing the victims, cement was ordered poured on them, entombing them. Various ghostly activities, including mysterious sounds, have been reported since then.

Hyatt Terraces Baguio — The 12-story landmark in the City of Pines was destroyed in the 1990 earthquake. People in the area claim ghosts of those who perished have been wandering the vacant site.

PMA Baguio — The controversial military school in the uplands is reportedly haunted by various ghosts, including a cadet who allegedly died from a brutal hazing session. Phantom platoons marching in the parade grounds late at night have also been seen.

Corregidor Island — A historic island at the entrance of Manila Bay, Corregidor played a major role during World War II. Its Malinta tunnel, used as a storage by the US Army during the war, was converted into a hospital for injured soldiers. To this day, unexplained noises, sudden draft and temperature changes have been reported in the tunnel.

And where do you think is the ghostliest place to end this Halloween tour? It’s no other than Malacañang, the official residence and workplace of the President of the Republic. The Palace by the river is considered haunted by numerous ghosts such as former presidents, presidential aides and workers from pre-Hispanic and Spanish eras. A black lady reportedly is also seen peering out towards the Pasig River from a window of the Mabini Hall late at night.

Who could be this lady? Your guess is as good as ours. Awooooooo!