Driving Superstitions in the Philippines

The Philippines is a deeply religious and superstitious country. Some of these practices have been showcased by the Pinoy animated series Trese. By the different superstitions shown there, they failed to show some of our interesting ones regarding driving.

In our culture, there are beliefs regarding driving. It does not matter whether one believes the supernatural or not, because Filipinos practice these nevertheless. It would not hurt you to know some of our country’s superstitions especially if you plan to stay here for a while.

The culture of folk catholicism is still widespread in the Philippines. It is part of the Filipino culture to request clergymen to bless their new belongings such as a new house, a store, and even vehicles.

But the blessing is not limited to new vehicles straight from the store. Secondhand units with a spooky history, such as having been owned by a now deceased person, are typically being re-blessed again to push the bad spirits away.

Most of the Philippines used to be covered in forests. Back then, Filipinos were animists who believed that there are spirits living in nature such as trees, rocks, and even bodies of water. This culture is still being practiced by indigenous tribes in the country.

A standout lore is the commonly feared Balete tree. This is considered as sacred by people, with most of them treating it with respect. When someone is driving and comes across a Balete tree, they should be quiet and respectful so as to not disturb the entity living in it.

Cemeteries are creepy and have been associated with ghosts. However, in the Philippines most cemeteries can be located by the side of the road!

But despite the availability and closeness cemeteries have to residential areas, there is still a terrorizing feeling attributed to cemeteries in the country.

In some provinces, it is common for people to practice the superstition of holding your breath while driving past a cemetery. Some even avoid going out in the evening so as to not encounter them when it is night time.