hidden gems based from Bicol mythology

 From Bicol’s gods, monsters, heroes, and legendary creatures to modern tales like The Mask of Haliya, Bulan, and The Seventh Moon, Filipino writers are giving our mythology a fresh glow-up.  We’ve got ancient gods, magical masks, moon-eating dragons, secret warriors… honestly, Hollywood has some catching up to do. 😂

And Filipino storytellers abroad? They’re our cultural storytellers on the world stage bringing our myths, humor, identity, and imagination wherever they go.

Supporting Filipino writers isn’t just about preserving old stories. It’s about keeping them alive, letting them evolve, and making sure the world knows we’ve got some seriously epic stories to tell.

Supporting Filipino writers and storytellers, both at home and abroad, is like fueling the magic that keeps our cultural stories alive and kicking! These creative minds are the torchbearers of our legendary tales that have been passed down through generations, morphing and evolving with time.

By cheering them on, we’re not just preserving our folklore we’re giving it the chance to grow, adapt, and stay as vibrant as ever. These local legends aren’t just dusty old stories; they’re alive, pulsing with the spirit of our culture. Our writers and storytellers are the ones who make sure these tales keep up with the times while staying true to our roots, helping us all feel a little more connected to our shared heritage.

And let’s not forget our Filipino storytellers abroad! They’re like cultural ambassadors, spreading our unique myths and legends across the globe. Every time they share a story, they’re building bridges back to the Philippines, keeping our traditions alive in faraway places and introducing our rich culture to new audiences.

Bicol, a region in the Philippines, is bursting with myths, legends, gods, and monsters that have been passed down through generations. Exploring these stories is like diving into a vibrant, living world of magic and mystery!

Take "The Mask of Haliya," for example a graphic novel and POV of the Filipinix aboard this series that puts a fresh spin on Philippine mythology. This young adult urban fantasy follows Marisol, a troubled Filipina-American teen, who stumbles upon a mysterious mask at her great-grandmother’s wake. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Cebu, the story dives deep into themes like mental health, intergenerational trauma, and corruption. When Marisol uncovers the mask’s hidden powers, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of secrets, lies, and danger.

Then there's "Bulan," a comic book that reimagines the legend of the eclipse and the seven moons, with a spotlight on Bacunawa, the dragon-like sea serpent from Filipino mythology. But here’s the twist this comic doesn’t just stick to the usual portrayal of Bacunawa as a bad guy. Instead, it offers a more nuanced view, reflecting the complexity found in Asian and Filipino folklore. The stunning artwork in "Bulan" brings this legend to life in a way that’s both fresh and captivating.

And don’t miss "The Seventh Moon," a novel perfect for teens and young adults looking for an adventure that’s out of this world. The story follows Chris Garcia, a boy whose life takes a wild turn when he learns he’s the son of Anitun Tabu, an ancient Philippine goddess of wind and rain. As Chris navigates his new reality, he joins the Society of Maharlikas, a secret group of warriors with supernatural abilities. Together with his new friends, Chris embarks on a thrilling quest to Ibalong to stop Bacunawa from devouring the seventh moon and causing eclipses.

These stories aren’t just entertaining they’re a gateway to the rich cultural heritage of Bicol and the Philippines. By weaving ancient myths into modern narratives, they captivate and inspire, all while keeping our traditions alive.

In a world where many voices are often drowned out by dominant cultures, supporting Filipino storytellers both at home and abroad is a powerful way to make sure our voices are heard loud and clear. It’s not just about preserving our past; it’s about empowering the present and shaping the future. By backing these creative minds, we’re weaving a narrative filled with pride, unity, and a sense of belonging that truly reflects who we are as a people. Let’s keep the magic alive and make sure our stories continue to shine on the global stage!

Reminder

Avoiding Foreign Manipulation: Weaponizing myths and stories and using them as an excuse to attack, harass and even stalk storytellers or communities risks distorting their purpose. Myths are meant to unify, educate, or entertain, not to create division or hostility among Filipinos.

Filipino mythology belongs to everyone - Filipinos, Filipinix, and even foreigners. These stories are meant to unite, inspire hope, and empower. They are for all, ever-evolving yet forever a cultural treasure.

Both oral and written mythology in the Philippines are valid because they serve different but equally important roles in preserving Filipino heritage. What is truly harmful is when foreigners manipulate these discussions for personal gain, attempting to invalidate one aspect of Filipino mythology to cause division. Instead of falling for such tactics, Filipinos should embrace the richness and diversity of their own stories, ensuring that both oral and written traditions continue to thrive.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.

Reminder

Avoiding Foreign Manipulation: Weaponizing myths and stories and using them as an excuse to attack, harass and even stalk and dox storytellers or communities, risks distorting their purpose. Myths are meant to unify, educate, or entertain, not to create division or hostility among Filipinos.

Filipino mythology belongs to everyone—Filipinos, Filipinix, and even foreigners. These stories are meant to unite, inspire hope, and empower. They are for all, ever-evolving yet forever a cultural treasure.

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.

stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.