Kikik

 

The kikik is a bird so called because of the sound it creates – “kikik”. It is known to be an emissary or servant of the aswang. Wherever there is a kikik sound, an aswang is around. It is also said that when the kikik hovers above, the aswang is below. When the aswang is above, the kikik is below. Some believe the kikik to be a huge owl; some believe it to be a bat with a gift of exceptional sight. Whichever, it has a definite affinity to the aswang, and knows the aswang to be its master. When a kikik is heard in a house where there is a newborn baby, someone should say loudly, “Adi an asin” (Here is the salt).