Tradition: Philippine Mythology
Alternative Names: Bungingis
Category: Giant
The Myth
Bungisngis is a one-eyed giant in Philippine folklore, said to dwell in Meluz and Orion in Bataan, as well as in Batangas. It has a humanoid body, a single eye in the middle of its forehead, and a broad mouth that is almost always open in laughter. Its large teeth are permanently visible, and when it throws back its head, its upper lip can cover its face. Two long tusks protrude from the sides of its mouth. Despite having only one eye, Bungisngis possesses an exceptionally strong sense of hearing, along with extraordinary physical strength.
The giant’s name derives from the Cebuano word ngisi, meaning to giggle, reflecting its characteristic laughter. Bungisngis is known for its immense strength but also for its foolishness and tendency to panic. These weaknesses make it vulnerable to clever opponents, who can overcome its physical power through deception and quick thinking.
In the Filipino folktale The Three Friends – The Monkey, The Dog and the Carabao, Bungisngis demonstrates its tremendous strength by lifting a carabao and throwing it with such force that the animal lands knee-deep in the ground. However, the giant is eventually outwitted by the Monkey, whose tricks lead to Bungisngis’s death. The story portrays the giant as a formidable but easily deceived creature, showing how intelligence and cunning can triumph over brute strength.
Sources
“Bungisngis.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 16, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bungisngis