Variations: Macupo, Marcupo
The Markupo is a serpent known to the Hiligaynon of the Philippines. It lives in the highest mountains of the historical province of Bulgas, between Marapara and Canlaon.
In appearance the markupo is a huge snake with a distinctive red crest. Its long tongue has thornlike hairs. It has sharp tusks and a forked tail.
The markupo sings sonorously on clear days. Its exhaled poison is instantly lethal to the touch. If sprinkled on plants, this poison withers the plant, kills any birds that land on it, and kills any beast touched by its shadow.
References
Ramos, M. D. (1971) Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. University of the Philippines Press, Quezon.
Ramos, M. D. (1973) Filipino Cultural Patterns and Values. Island Publishers, Quezon City.
A Book of Creatures 
I got the Ramos book. But I kind of had a hard time reading it. The info seems oddly spread, like, instead of talking about each creature individually, it separates all that information. Idk if I made myself clear
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Oh, I agree. It’s very dense and oddly organized, but really good. I think Ramos was trying to group concepts together rather than “taxa”, but like you said makes it hard to collect all the info on one creature. At least there’s the tables at the end?
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I can relate with Markupo. We share something in common.
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You exhale poison on plants???
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Have you ever heard of this creature called Colo Colo? Its kinda like a basilisk but its body is more that of a feathered rat or lizard than a small dragon, and instead of deadly gaze it sucks your saliva out of your mouth when you sleep until you dry up and die.
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I have!
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Love from the Philippines! Do Tikibalang.
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Aah! Was it you who corrected my Markupo draft?
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Sadly no.
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A lethal crested snake is also described in the 10th century Chinese collection Taiping Guangji: https://oferwaldman.wordpress.com/2019/10/02/tpgj-456-10-cockscomb-snake/
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Dragons started out as crested snakes too, what is it with snakes and crests?
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basilisk
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Why are you sitting on the floor crying and eating bread? 😦
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C-chiron stole my chi *sniffle* chickem n-nuggies and n-now i can only e-eat bread! *cries*
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I’m pretty sure I saw an article with a chinese tile that depicted a crested thorn-toungued serpent. Haven’t been able to find it again though.
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In fact,I’ve never heart of it as a Chinese.
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