‘Barrio Aswang’: Horror theme park in Bulacan brings Filipino folklore to life for Halloween

BALIWAG, Bulacan — For those looking for a frightening experience this Halloween, a horror theme park in Baliwag, Bulacan is bringing some of the Philippines’ most feared mythical creatures to life. 

Dubbed “Barrio Aswang,” this year’s theme at Ghostown features characters from Filipino folklore, including the Aswang and Manananggal, giving visitors a chance to test their courage inside a 500-square meter horror attraction.

For 21 years, the Victoria family has turned the Halloween season into a frightening experience for visitors, opening the attraction every year from October until early November. 

But behind the screams and creepy characters is a business that started as a family pastime—inspired by what its owners described as unusual experiences in their ancestral home in San Rafael, Bulacan.

“Napili po namin ito dahil katuwaan nung una, magpipinsan magkakapatid, mga artists po kasi kami,” said Marco Victoria, an artist at Ghostown. 

“Yung mga bahay po kasi namin sa San Rafael way before, marami pong nagpaparamdam, yan po yung hugot namin way before kaya po, tinuloy na po namin, and magbigay ng saya sa barangay.”

The family eventually turned the idea into an annual attraction, combining their artistic talents with elements of horror and local folklore. 

Early bird visitors were already eager to see what awaited them inside—an hour before they officially opened.

Daphney Furiscal traveled all the way from Pasay with her friends to experience the attraction for the first time. 

“From Pasay po mga friends ko po, first time po, maganda daw dito talagang nakakatakot kaya gusto itry,” she said.

Others came from nearby towns, bringing along family members and friends who wanted to experience the Halloween attraction together. 

“Galing kami ng Angat, sinamahan namin sila, kasama ang pamilya ko at kaibigan. Gusto daw niya eh,” said visitor Clint Morcen.

Inside the park, visitors encounter dark passageways, coffins, ghosts, and other frightening figures designed to make them feel as though they had stepped into a world of horror. 

One of its premier attractions, the Black Chapel, offers a particularly chilling experience for those brave enough to enter. 

Despite its frightening theme, Ghostown is open to children, provided they are accompanied and supervised by adults.

Tickets range from P175 to P280, depending on whether visitors choose the regular, VIP or VVIP experience.

Ghostown is open daily from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. until November 2, giving thrill-seekers several more nights to face their fears.