Netflix Trese: Every Supernatural Creature Explained
2. Tikbalang And Sarangay
The dangerous, noble, horse-headed humanoids that were part of Anton Trese's council, the Tikbalang are some of the most iconic creatures in Philippine folklore.
Most versions of their stories are much more horrifying than their appearance in the series as steadfast allies to the Trese family, characterising them as Tricksters with legs so long their knees rise above their heads when they sit down.
Tikbalang often mislead travelers in the mountains, trapping them in a loop until nightfall, with many Filipinos taught to turn their shirts inside-out to break the Tikbalang's trick. Some stories say Tikbalang guard the entrance to another world, explaining their tendency to mislead travelers.
Supposedly, Tikbalang can be tamed, either by riding on their back until they tire, or taking three of the thickest spines on their neck and making them your servant.
Sarangay are lesser known creatures, though somewhat similar in appearance to Tikbalang, with the head of a Carabao or Tamaraw. Sarangay are said to have a jewel in their ear, and are notoriously protective of their riches, killing anyone who dares to steal from them. The Sarangay leader appears in the series in Anton's council as one of Anton's steadfast allies.