Tradition / Region: Philippine Mythology
Alternative names: Ek Ek
Category: Bat

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The Myth

The Ekek is a winged, human-like creature that hunts at night in Philippine folklore. It feeds on human flesh and blood and is often compared to the Manananggal because of its appearance. Unlike the Manananggal, however, the Ekek cannot split its body in two.

By night, the Ekek transforms into a gigantic bird or bat and prowls in search of victims. It is especially known for preying upon sleeping pregnant women. Using an unusually long proboscis, it reaches into the womb to drain the blood of the unborn child, killing the fetus.

The creature is closely associated with the Wak Wak, as the two share many characteristics. The principal difference is that the Ekek possesses a bird-like bill, while the Wak Wak does not.

Its name comes from the eerie “ek-ek-ek” sound it makes while hunting. According to tradition, the cry is deceptive: when the sound seems faint and distant, the creature is actually very close to its intended victim.

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Sources

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Ekek. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekek

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