El Barco Fantasma: A Narrative Study of the Phantom Ship in Maydolong Eastern Samar

This study explored the local folklore of the Black Ship in Maydolong, Eastern Samar. The research aimed to document the origin of the myth, examine how the narrative reflects the beliefs of the community, and transform the collected stories into a multimedia narrative for cultural preservation. A qualitative research design was used in gathering data from twenty-six elderly respondents aged 75-79 who were believed to have knowledge and experiences related to the folklore. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect narratives about the phantom ship, including its physical characteristics, supernatural abilities, cultural meaning, and role within the community. The study followed modified ADDIE framework consisting of Analysis, Design, Development and Evaluation phases to guide the creation of a narrative based multimedia output. Findings revealed that the Black Ship is widely believed to be an enchanted phantom vessels that appears during stormy weather and at night, often associated with danger, plague, or the disappearance of people near the seacoast. The myth also functions as a cultural warning that encourages community members, especially children, to remain cautious near seacoast near coastal areas during unfavorable weather conditions. Based on the narratives, the researchers developed a digital illustrated storybook using multimedia tools such as Clip Studio Paint and Ibis Paint. The final output was evaluated by the teachers using the Department of Education Nueva Ecija Evaluation Rating Sheet for Storybooks and Big Books. The results in Factor 1 was rated 4.1 and factor 2 with 4.1, which were interpreted as Acceptable with minimal Revision; both met the Acceptable standards with minimal revision. With this, there is a basis that using storytelling can preserve local cultural heritage while making traditional narratives more accessible to younger generation.

folklore, multimedia storytelling, cultural preservation, qualitative research, and Black Ship Myth

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