Nuno sa punso

A nuno sa punso is a small old man who lives in a mound of earth, often an anthill or a termite mound. The word nuno also means grandparent or ancestor, and people often call these beings ancestor spirits. They are said to live under big rocks, in trees, along riverbanks, in caves and in gardens as well.

The belief teaches care. People ask the nuno for leave before they fell a tree or break new ground. Passers-by say "tabi-tabi po," which means "please step aside, excuse me," when they walk past a mound or a lonely spot. In the stories, a nuno gets angry at people who kick or damage its home. It may spit on them or curse them. The signs are swollen feet, boils, aches and other illness.

Storytellers say the nuno differs from the dwende. A dwende is playful and shows itself to children. A nuno is easily offended and takes revenge. When a doctor cannot find a cause for an illness, some families suspect a nuno and call a healer. The belief is told across the islands, and Bulacan and Batangas are among the places named for it.