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A review by ginpomelo
Alternative Alamat: Stories Inspired by Philippine Mythology by Raymond G. Falgui, Paolo Chikiamco, Celestine Trinidad, Budjette Tan, Dean Francis Alfar, Timothy James Dimacali, David Hontiveros, Andrei Tupaz, Rochita Loenen-Ruiz, Mo Francisco, Raissa Rivera Falgui, Eliza Victoria
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Philippine myths and legends are ushered into the 21st century in this collection of eleven stories, with additional information on the original legends and the regions they come from. There are also a couple of interviews with the country’s foremost folklorists included in the appendices. This structure is quite unique for an anthology and I really appreciate the care and rigor that the editor exercised in trying to bridge the past and the present.
My favorite story in the collection is “Harinuo’s Love Song” by Rochita Loenen-Ruiz, which is a fantastic and humane examination of maleness in the face of society’s unfair prejudices. It’s a master class in creating a fully human, if unlikeable character.
My favorite story in the collection is “Harinuo’s Love Song” by Rochita Loenen-Ruiz, which is a fantastic and humane examination of maleness in the face of society’s unfair prejudices. It’s a master class in creating a fully human, if unlikeable character.