Netflix Trese: Every Supernatural Creature Explained

12. Gods, Emissaries, And Babaylan

Deities like Ibu, the Manobo goddess of death, and Talagbusao, Bukidnon god of war, play significant roles in the series. They were held in high regard among different indigenous groups, and their stories were much more widespread in the islands's pre-Catholic era.

We don't get to see Ibu herself, but see her Emissary, who is dressed in Spanish era clothing when she speaks to Alexandra Trese. She seems to be based on the belief that there were certain gods humanity could not speak to directly, and would therefore need messengers or emissaries.

The butterflies from her mouth seem to be based on a popular supersition in the Philippines that butterflies or moths are the souls of dead loved ones.

Another element of pre-colonial religion that has survived in some capacity to modern day is the babaylan, often a cis or trans priestess who was held in high regard and presided over many rites, from birth to coming of age and even death.

They were also known as healers and doctors. In modern day, many still practice babaylan techniques and specialties, from the "Hilot" for physical healing such as massage, to spiritual healing, and other such practices.