In the 1950s, periodic panics over Aswang lore in the Philippines revealed deep-seated cultural fears surrounding supernatural beings. These vampire-like creatures became focal points for community anxieties, often leading to hysteria and social unrest. The Aswang phenomenon illustrates how folklore can shape societal responses to fear and uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.

Filipino Aswang lore panics have shaped poetry that explores folklore and fear. Contemporary poets like Jose Garcia Villa and Merlinda Bobis use these themes to delve into the complexities of identity and cultural narratives.