#10. Duwende

Duwende have been defined as different but similar things: goblins, hobgoblins, elves, dwarves, gnomes, little spirits, and more. The name comes from duende, the Spanish word for goblin/elf, and dueño, the Spanish word for the "real owner of the house." They live in houses, trees, underground, and other rural areas. They also live in mounds, which makes them mistaken for "nuno sa punso," which means "old man of the mound."

Pilipinos believe that saying, "Tabi-tabi po" or "Bari-bari apo ma ka ilabas kami apo" can help keep the Duwende from playing tricks on you. The phrases excuse the person for bothering the Duwende.

When the Duwende aren't hiding people's belongings or trapping people in rice cookers, they sing, make noise, throw sand and pebbles, knock over kitchen utensils, and sometimes even play with children.

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