Manananggals are usually terrifying, but this one is absolutely serving.
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The 2010s gave us a lot of things that made for a memorable childhood, and one of those was Monster High, one of the decade’s biggest doll lines. The dolls are known for taking inspiration from famous monsters and creatures, such as Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, Werewolves, and more. But the dolls also had us wondering when our own monsters and mythical creatures would get their time in the spotlight. That time, it turns out, is now. Mattel, the makers of Monster High, has taken inspiration from our side of the world as they’ve just released a doll inspired by the iconic Manananggal. With the doll taking direct inspiration from our culture and mythology, we’re living for this diva!
HALF MONSTER, HALF FIERCE
Corazon Marikit is the name of this Manananggal maven, and serving looks is her specialty. “A feast of Filipino fashion and traditions, this manananggal maven is said to be able to separate her top and bottom halves to fly into the night. A vision in foil print and fringe, along with beautifully embroidered batwings, Corazon Marikit saunters down a runway of jasmine, leaving her fangs screaming for more,” reads her description on the official website, while also noting that she comes in a two-part packaging design.
Her outfit is inspired by different parts of Filipino culture, featuring that classic Monster High twist. She’s repping our traditional fashion by sporting a pink and red Terno covered in tiny hearts. How cute is that? The accessories also add fun details to the ‘fit. Her heels feature a tiny Bahay Kubo, the iconic house widely associated with Philippines. She also carries a purse that features rattan woven into the popular Solihiya design. To keep cool during the hot Ce-boo summer, she also holds an embroidered fan. Her whole look is topped off with jasmine flowers in her hair.
Her wings are also a fashion piece in itself, as they are embroidered, too. But the coolest part about this doll? She splits in half, just like an actual Manananggal. Yes, the doll has a detachable torso. Collectors can pose her in any way they want, whether they want her whole or pose her like she’s flying into the night. Either way, she’s fully giving us everything.
REPRESENTATION, BUT MAKE IT SPOOKY
This isn’t Mattel’s first foray into taking inspiration from Filipino culture for their releases. You might remember when Mattel released their Filipina doll as part of their Barbie Signature line in 2024 and the Mutya Barbie released in 2015. These divas were both designed by Filipino-American doll designer Carlyle Nuera.
Past releases have highlighted our culture by showing them in the classic Barbie fashion, but this new Monster High release highlights a different part of our culture. While we usually see our food and fashion represented in mainstream media abroad, seeing our mythology highlighted makes for an exciting moment.
It’s a representation that’s unexpected but welcome given how it dips into the rich culture of Filipino folklore, something we rarely see make it on the global stage. And honestly, how cool is that? It’s time for our local mythological creatures to get the spotlight and attention they deserve. Who knows, maybe we’ll see more creatures adapted into dolls. In the meantime, we’ll be adding Corazon to the collection.
If you want to get your hands on the doll, head on over to MattelCreations.com. The collector’s item will cost you $75 (around 4,300 pesos) excluding shipping.
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