My article in Sun Star came out.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/feature/tale-of-a-thousand-roses
I feel a lot of people will see the Roses in society. It is precisely why I wrote it. There are too many Roses with the same stories. It is a sad society where the woman is under attack.
The woman is not a costume. Give the woman a chance to bloom!
Many Southeast Asian cultures, including the Philippines, have strong beliefs in an afterlife and the presence of spirits. Filipino mythology and death stories help shape national identity by passing down important cultural values like reverence for one's ancestors and reverence for one's elders.
My fellow writers Jean Karl Gaverza and Mary Louise Lu and I conceptualized Lagimat, A Tome of Philippine Death Myths. It has 61 entries divided into seven chapters. There are Psychopomps, The Ones Who Live Beyond, The Balancers, Sowers of Discord, Witches, Creatures and The Places Beyond.
In doing this project, I realized that although each ethnolinguistic group in our archipelago has distinct beliefs, there are similarities. And the way we view death, is different. It is very different from the Catholic and Christian views. Most of our death myths center around a journey. Many of the psychopomps are boat men, places in the afterlife are towns. Our views on death is not grim. What started a horror made me realize that Filipinos (the original pre-hispanic ones) have a more positive view of death. Perhaps there is a lesson or two to be seen here.
And perhaps, there is a part two to be written...
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Lagimat: Tome of Philippine Death Myths, delves into the rich tapestry of Philippine mythology. Explore 61 unique spirits, deities, creatures, and sacred places associated with death across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This dual-language book, presented in both English and Bisaya, offers a comprehensive guide to the ethno-linguistic groups that honor these entities, revealing the diverse beliefs that shape their cultural landscapes.
Featuring the stunning artwork of
19 talented Filipino artists, Lagimat not only serves as an informative
resource but also as a visual celebration of the myths that have been passed
down through generations. Each entry invites readers to discover the profound
connections between life, death, and the spiritual world in the Philippines,
making it an essential addition to the library for anyone interested in
folklore, mythology, and cultural heritage.
Book Concept by Maita Rue,
Jean Karl Gaverza and Mary Louise Lu
This is the first collaboration
between Maita Rue, Jean Karl Gaverza, and Mary Louise Lu. Maita is a multi-genre
author who had several books published since 2017. Jean Karl Gaverza is a
researcher and author. He has several books including Philippine Spirits and
Mythica Obscura. Both concentrate on Philippine mythology. Mary Louise Lu has
published short stories with mythical undertones. Together, they conceptualized
Lagimat.
Featuring 19 Filipino Artists!
Maita Rue (18 Artworks plus
layout), Mary Louise Lu (3), Donnie Ray Obina (5), Seb de Jesus (4), VexingLex
(4), Joll Mark Manabat (4), Michael Sean Talavera (4), David Geralao (3), Niño
Acero (3), Andrea Pua (3), Chris Alejado (3), Jerric Miraflores (2), Franzel
Mae Mendoza (2), Chris Micu (2), Raven Venida (2), Marius Dideles (2), OOTF
(1), Dot Lazo Tiu (1), Enervaugnn (1).
Pre-order Lagimat and other books for MIBF here: https://forms.gle/vmRP9p1AUp6ALore8
