What are the common themes in Filipino short horror stories?

One common theme is the presence of supernatural entities. Ghosts, demons, and other spirits are frequently featured. Another theme is revenge. Often, a wronged spirit comes back to seek vengeance on those who wronged them in life. For example, in stories where someone was murdered unjustly, their spirit will haunt the murderer.

Love, in various forms, is also a frequent theme. It could be romantic love, like in stories where characters struggle with their feelings for someone. But it can also be love for one's community or love for the country, as seen in some stories that touch on patriotism and national identity.

Family is a very common theme. Many Filipino short stories explore family relationships, like the love, conflicts, and sacrifices within a family. For instance, as in 'The Mats' where the family's connection is shown through the mats.

One common theme is family interference. Filipino families are often close - knit, but this can be a problem in marriages. Family members might meddle in the couple's decisions, like where to live or what jobs to take. It's like they don't respect the couple's boundaries as a new family unit.

One common element is the presence of supernatural beings like the aswang, white lady, or kapre. These creatures often bring fear and mystery.

One common theme is family. Filipino culture places a high value on family, and this is often reflected in short stories, such as in stories about family reunions or family conflicts.

One common theme is family. Filipino families are often large and full of different personalities. Stories might show the humorous chaos that can happen during family gatherings or when family members interact with their unique traits.

Family is a very common theme. In many stories, like 'The Mats', family relationships, traditions, and values are explored. Another common theme is love, as seen in 'Dead Stars' where different forms of love and its consequences are delved into.

One common theme is nature. Filipino fantasy short stories often have nature as a backdrop or as an active part of the story. For example, in stories about diwatas, they are usually associated with forests, mountains, or rivers. Another theme is family and community. The characters' actions are often influenced by their family ties or the community they belong to.

Another common theme is the exploration of Filipino culture and traditions. Stories often feature elements like family values, superstitions, and local customs. In 'May Day Eve', the superstitions related to May Day are an important part of the story. It shows how these cultural elements shape the characters' lives and beliefs.