Siyokoy

The encounter began when I crossed paths with Mang Ceasar (Mang, a Filipino term of respect used with the first name of a man) during my holiday in Surigao del Sur, Philippines. My intention was to visit the Enchanted River, a place rumored to be inhabited by mermaids, pixies, and fairies. Little did I know that I would come face to face with a frightening extraterrestrial being that fed on flesh.

May and I, both former members of the high school varsity swimming and driving teams, formed a close bond after winning numerous national awards. We made a pact to travel the world together once we graduated college. During our recent trip, we arrived in a town abuzz with rumors about Mang Ceasar and his terrifying encounter with a creature known as the Siyokoy. According to locals, the siyokoy is a humanoid entity from the merfolk, with green scaly skin, tentacles, webbed hands, and fins. Legend has it that these creatures dwell inside caves near rivers and oceans.

Mang Ceasar alleges that the siyokoy attempted to entice him into mystical caves. However, he managed to escape and made a vow to never swim in the Hinatuan Enchanted River again. He also cautioned everyone, especially his son, to stay away from the area. Instead, he advised people to swim in the nearby local cold spring. Despite his warnings, his child disobeyed and swam in the enchanted river at night. Tragically, the child disappeared and was never found. Mang Ceasar was seen weeping by the riverbank, clutching his son's slippers. In his grief, he even confronted tourists who wanted to swim in the river, but the town officials reprimanded him and insisted on allowing people to enjoy the water. At the time, many considered Mang Ceasar to be insane and treated him as an outcast. However, the enchanted river was renowned as a hidden gem with magnificent creatures protecting its waters, making it a popular tourist destination. Despite everything, Mang Ceasar continued to visit the area and warned tourists against jumping into the water. That's how their paths crossed.

He spotted our approach and swiftly approached us. The water is too frigid for swimming, as it can result in illness, he warned. Additionally, he enlightened us about a mythical creature referred to as the siyokoy and advised us to seek safety at the nearby resort. Naturally, we disregarded his words and dismissed him as delusional. Little did we know, this would prove to be a fatal mistake. Being avid swimmers, May and I continuously engaged in a friendly rivalry. However, May consistently claimed the top spot while I settled for second place. Despite our competitive nature, we formed an unbreakable bond of friendship. Another swimmer recommended the Philippines as an ideal destination for a summer getaway. The allure of the crystal-clear sapphire waters captivated us the most. It was truly a sight to behold.

May swiftly removed her dress, revealing her swimsuit underneath. Mang Ceasar was startled as he witnessed May dive into the water, causing him to hastily retreat. We couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction as I undressed to join in the fun. I was already in my swimsuit when a sense of being observed suddenly swept over me. May and I scanned our surroundings, but there was no one in sight except for a distant figure sprinting away from the river. Determined to shake off the unease, I joined May and proposed a friendly competition to determine who could swim across the river first. May laughed and inquired about the prize.

"A halo-halo," I replied. (Halo-Halo, a popular dessert from the Philippines consists of a combination of fruits, boiled sweetened white beans, milk, and shaved ice. It is usually served with purple yam, crème caramel, and ice cream on top.)

With that settled, we swam towards the riverbank and readied ourselves. On the count of three— one, two, three— we braved the strong current. Despite the challenges, May skillfully emerged as the first to conquer the river.

On the contrary, I encountered difficulty and was swept by the current towards a cavern. All I can recall and observe was a narrow entrance to the cave where the water swiftly flowed. In an instant, I caught a hazy glimpse of a large, fish-like creature emerging from beneath the water. It swiftly vanished when May swam towards me.

"Did you see that?" I inquired

"See what?" May responded.

As she gazed in the direction of my pointing. It was also during that moment when I started experiencing cramps, so May aided me in exiting the water. We took a break and enjoyed a delectable picnic consisting of chicken barbecue and rice cake, wrapped in banana leaves. Once she finished, May threw the leaves into the river, which startled me.

"You shouldn't have done that," I argued.

However, she defended her actions, claiming that the leaves were biodegradable. She proceeded to toss the barbecue stick into the water as well.