Marco: Knocks on the gate “Tao pooo!”
There. Always better to be safe.
Lena: laughs You’re knocking on my own gate, Marco. I know it’s you. Why do you still say “tao po” like something bad will happen if you don’t?
Marco: You never know. My lola always said spirits roam around, especially at night. Saying “tao po” tells the people inside—and anything else listening—that you’re human. Not some… thing.
Lena: “Anything else listening,” huh? You realize houses don’t have a supernatural spam filter, right?
Marco: Joke all you want. One time my cousin knocked without saying it. The door suddenly slammed because of the wind, and their dog started howling. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Lena: Or… physics and a dog with sensitive hearing? Wind pressure changes can slam doors, and dogs howl at random noises all the time. They’re basically living alarm systems.
Marco: But why does everyone say it then? Even delivery riders do it. You think millions of Filipinos are wrong?
Lena: Not wrong—just following tradition. “Tao po” is polite. It tells the homeowner you’re not barging in. That makes social sense. But that doesn’t mean spirits are checking credentials at the gate.
Marco: Still, my lola swore that aswang or wandering spirits get confused if you don’t announce yourself properly.
Lena: Think about it logically. If a supernatural being existed and wanted to harm people, do you really think it would be fooled by two words?
Marco: Maybe it’s about respect. Spirits don’t like rude people.
Lena: Humans don’t either. That’s the part we can actually prove. When you say “tao po,” people feel safer and more respected, so they respond kindly. That’s psychology, not the paranormal.
Marco: So you’re saying the protection is… social?
Lena: Exactly. I’ve knocked and said nothing, and nothing bad happened. I’ve also said “tao po” and still waited five minutes because no one was home. No spirits chased me either time.
Marco: grins Maybe the spirits knew you don’t believe in them.
Lena: Or maybe they don’t exist. Notice how every “spirit encounter” story has another explanation—poor lighting, fear, imagination, or good old coincidence.
Marco: You’re killing the mystery.
Lena: Not really. I think traditions are cool. They connect us to our families. I just don’t think we need to be afraid if we forget to say the words.
Marco: Hmm. I guess I don’t say it only for spirits. It feels… respectful. Like knocking properly instead of banging.
Lena: See? That’s something we agree on. Keep saying it for politeness and culture. Just don’t assume danger if someone forgets.
Marco: Fair enough. But I’m still saying “tao po.” Even science can’t stop me.
Lena: laughs That’s fine. As long as you don’t blame ghosts when the Wi-Fi goes down again.
Marco: Hey, even ghosts hate slow internet.
Science Vs Superstition 
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