Press play to a selection of local jump scares; and other news in the Filipino podcast scene 

The boom of thunder, wolf howls, and bloodcurdling screams are some of the auditory cues that trigger a fear response in our brains. The more unthinkable or outside the realm of our understanding the noise is, the more it tends to leave an impression on our minds and ringing in our ears. Even everyday sounds, when robbed of the positive veneer of daylight, are made menacing by the cover of darkness. Take, for instance, a child’s laughter.

Creepy noises pierce through the stillness of the night. And since it’s Halloween, many of us celebrate and look forward to the freaky, frightening, and absurd. That said, as we welcome the season of spooks, Spotify launches its own house of horrors, the Takot Muna Playlist.

From a vivid childhood memory of a supernatural encounter to a deep dive into Philippine folklore like the aswang, and even ghost stories from listeners, there’s an episode for every horror enthusiast and brave soul.

Gather ‘round the campfire

Join content creators Gideon Mendoza and Glenn Tabajeros in a video podcast examining 13 disturbing photographs and their tragic origins in the Spotify Exclusive Creepsilog. 

With the kapitanas of Wag Kang Lilingon, delve into hypothetical situations like if an alien that’s about to abduct you resembles BTS member Jimin or other scenarios that will make you second-guess ludicrous situations. Best enjoyed in a quiet room with occasional peering over your shoulder.

Philippine Campfire Stories features a collection of native mysteries such as those surrounding locales including a mythical creature featured in Dungeons and Dragons but was already chronicled in detail in Sulu circa 1986. 

Filipinos topping charts and the pursuit of better content creation

The audio streaming platform, meanwhile, reveals that the Philippines has seen more than 60 percent growth in time spent listening to podcasts in the last year, with Filipino content leading the charge. Said top shows include Barangay Love Stories, Dear MOR: The Podcast, Charot Readings with Macoy Dubs & Show Suzuki, Skypodcast, and Punchline with Alex Calleja!

Listen to them, the children of the night. What music they make!—Bram Stoker, Dracula

“We want Pinoys to think of podcasts as their daily audio habit that provides a moment to pause and reflect on rich and inspiring stories. Local connections and storytelling are intrinsic to human identity and a primal form of expression,” says Carl Zuzarte, Spotify head of studios for Southeast Asia.

From talking about hugots in life to a quick comedy fix, Spotify data reveals that local podcasts spanning love and relationships, wellness, and entertainment genres resonated the most with Pinoy listeners.

At a recent event at Enderun College in Taguig, Carl sat down with podcasters and discussed the future of the local audio industry and the importance of championing Filipino talents. Creators from MavLine on Me to Paano ba Ito the Podcast as well as Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast (AWK) gave insights on how their fans relate to the intimate conversations.

Topics on shared experiences such as childhood habits, for example, get Pinoy audiences talking, according to film director Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac of Spotify Exclusive AWK. “It’s important to us that our podcasts sound—and feel—like a conversation among best friends,” says Antoinette. “Through Spotify’s easily accessible stats and audience demographics feature for podcasters, we found out that Filipinos, who are working overseas in the US, Maldives, and Kenya, look forward to our shows as it gives them a taste of home. The massive platform enables us to build communities that extend across the globe.”

Mavy Legaspi of MavLine on Me explains: “People are used to seeing Kyline and I give short responses or rehearsed answers. With Spotify creating a space that enables long and thoughtful conversations, it allows our listeners to get to know us authentically.”

To Carl, the warm response serves as motivation. “We are thrilled that our growing range of podcasts entertain Filipinos and connect them to creators and content,” he says. “We’re inspired to continuously innovate and uplift creativity in the Philippines.”