Biringan is a mythical city said to lie invisibly between the municipalities of Gandara and Pagsanghan in the province of Samar, Philippines. Described as ultramodern, Engkanto ("enchanted beings") populate the city. Seven portals are said to be scattered across Samar. A few of people have claimed to have seen the city, with folk stories stating that the witnesses have been the victims of . There was a legend that a satellite image showed large gold deposits in the alleged area near Biringan, leading the Japanese to create mining efforts in the area which led to accidents. Biringan is well-known over Samar with numerous movies based around the mythical city.
Legend
The ultramodern city is said to be located in the province of Samar specifically near Gandara and Pagsanghan. According to the local folklore, the population of Biringan comprises supernatural beings: the
engkanto ("enchanted beings"), and their progeny with humans.
The engkanto are described as
Shapeshifting who can adopt human form. In human form, they are identified by the absence of a
philtrum.
The name itself, Biringan, originates from "
Hanapán ng mga nawáwalâ" () in the local
Waray language.
The city is also alleged to contain gold.
According to folklore, there are seven portals leading to the city that are scattered across
Samar, one of which is said to be located at an old tree on the grounds of Northwest Samar State University in
Calbayog.
The city was described by alleged witnesses as having advanced architecture surpassing New York City and
Hong Kong. The only way to access the city according to a study by students of the Samar State University is to "be lost". Few people claim to have seen the city. Some seafarers have claimed to have seen a "dazzling city of light" on
New moon nights, lasting a few minutes.
According to folk stories, most of the people who claim to have seen the city have been the victims of demonic possession.
In a study conducted by students of Samar State University, four themes were observed from these paranormal claims. The first claim was about a "perfect dwelling place" was about the alleged "friendly inhabitants", everyday celebration, wealth, and a promise of visiting lost loved ones. The "deception" claim was about accepting healing in exchange for loved ones and people from Biringan tricking outsiders to stay in the city forever. The "protection" claim was from no alleged COVID-19 casualties and protection from the local New People's Army. The last claim pertaining to "healing" had the reported ability to "bring a dead person back to life".
History and cultural impact
Folklore about the city began circulating in the 1960s as there was a legend surrounding an American shipment for expensive construction materials which was allegedly addressed to Biringan, confusing the staff.
There was a legend that a Japanese company believed that there were rich deposits of gold and uranium in the area through satellite images. They began work immediately, setting up a large work site in the town of San Jorge, but accidents plagued the project from the start, forcing the company to shut down operations and abandon the project to avoid bankruptcy and cut their losses.
The city was featured on the
Mel & Joey talk show with a story from an alleged witness. When the internet became popular, the myth spread there as people who claimed to be from Biringan commented in posts related to the mythical city.
Biringan is well known in Samar and has been featured in international media stories. The 2009 Filipino supernatural horror film T2, directed by Samar native Chito S. Roño, is loosely based on the legend of Biringan.
See also
Bibliography
