Generally, they appear as a beautiful, older woman (though men are possible) who are capable of severing their upper torso. When they do this, they reveal huge bat-like wings and a proboscis. Their guts just hang out of the top of their bodies.

One in five million have heart or soul magic. Mind and body magic are possible. Void is possible. Faith is not uncommon.

Garlic, ash, and salt can harm them. Daggers, light, vinegar, and spices irritate them. The tail of a sting ray will destroy them. When they separate halves, their lower half is especially vulnerable. If they cannot rejoin halves, they die at dawn. They will not allow their livers to slide on the ground, so lying low can help avoid them. Killing their chick will destroy them, but if the chick survives, even sealing their lower half in salt will not permanently destroy a manananggal.