balete

Balete is a term in the Philippines that refers to large, old fig trees of the genus Ficus, commonly known as balete trees, as well as the spirits believed to inhabit them. In everyday usage, balete describes both the physical tree and the cultural idea of a tree associated with supernatural presence. Balete trees are typically banyan-like, with broad canopies and visible aerial roots; many specimens are hollow or gnarled and are found along roads, in village plazas, or at forest margins.

Folklore and beliefs: In Filipino tradition, balete trees are thought to host spirits or supernatural entities, sometimes described as sentient beings. They are connected with diwata or anito, nature spirits, and with other forest beings such as kapre—tall, tree-dwelling figures in popular legends. Tales recount whispers, moving objects, or apparitions around balete trees, especially at night, leading communities to avoid camping beneath them or to perform rituals when passing by.

Cultural presence: Balete trees appear in folklore, literature, and urban legends. A well-known example is Balete Drive in Quezon City, a street famed for ghost stories linked to the trees along the road. Beyond superstition, balete trees are part of the ecological and historical landscape of the Philippines, illustrating the interplay between nature and belief in Filipino culture.