Bataan haunted house draws local tourists

DINALUPIHAN, Bataan , Philippines  – The “Bahay ni Impo” or “haunted house” in this town continues to attract hundreds of visitors promising more “frightful nights” until Nov. 1 as an All Saints’ Day treat.

“This is not a part of the culture of Dinalupihan but merely a show to give entertainment not only to local folks but also people in the neighboring areas in Bataan, Zambales and Pampanga,” town Mayor Joel Payumo said.

Payumo challenged those with guts to try entering “Bahay ni Impo” that he said has added “more frightening” gimmicks than the last three years.

The old house was constructed before World War II and belongs to the maternal grandparents of the Dinalupihan mayor.

A frail old man who oversees the house plays the role of “Impo”, he said.

Entrance fee is P30 per person and is good from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Payumo said excess from the proceeds goes to projects for the youth.

Shrieks of children and even teenage boys and girls are heard as “ghosts” and other “spirits” dash from the dark portion of the house. “It is really so frightening (Nakakatakot pong talaga),” said the teenage girls.   – Ric Sapnu