In the olden days in Quezon Province and in Laguna, the sipay is believed to be a mysterious man (allegedly hired by people engaged in the construction of bridges and buildings) who snatches children who are outdoors at 3 p.m. or after sunset and carries them off inside a sack (some say the sack is black). The sipay decapitates a captured child and collects the victim’s blood. Others say the innards and flesh are set aside for the sipay to eat later. The sipay brings the blood to his contractors and either mixes it with the cement or smears it on the structure as some sort of ritual to ensure the bridge or building lasts and can withstand the test of time.
It can be told if a sipay is approaching because the area suddenly becomes so quiet and a somewhat foul stench could be discerned in the air. Some sipay may snatch more than one child which it loads on a wooden cart.
Later, the sipay was used to scare children who refuse to take a nap in the afternoon or those who remain outdoors at 3 p.m. until sundown.
In other areas the sipay is known as manunupot. In Bicol and Camarines Norte, he is known as mambabansok. In other areas the sipay is called mandudugo and mamumugot.
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It can be told if a sipay is approaching because the area suddenly becomes so quiet and a somewhat foul stench could be discerned in the air. Some sipay may snatch more than one child which it loads on a wooden cart.
Later, the sipay was used to scare children who refuse to take a nap in the afternoon or those who remain outdoors at 3 p.m. until sundown.
In other areas the sipay is known as manunupot. In Bicol and Camarines Norte, he is known as mambabansok. In other areas the sipay is called mandudugo and mamumugot.
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