Reviews

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

Only show reviews with written explanations

krissyfied's review against another edition

4.0

I grew up on fairy tales and I carried my love for folklore, fantasy, mythology, and all things phantasmagoria until young adulthood. This book sated my appetite for local folklore, and my only complaint is that I wish this book contained more stories. My favorites are Ana's Little Pawnshop on Makiling St. by Eliza Victoria, Beneath the Acacia by Celestine Trinidad, and Balat, Buwan, Ngalan by David Hontiveros. The new print version also contains a bonus story by Eliza Victoria, and I must mention here that I am her newest fan. I can't wait to read more of her stories.

thepaperreels's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I cannot wait to talk about this more!

itssthestars's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring reflective

5.0

a perfect introduction to the world of filipino folklore.

samiism's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

GORRRL. Oh my bathala! This book was great!

Philippine mythology has a whole universe of its own. Greek, Norse, Roman mythology--all great. We know what they're about. But Philippine mythology is seriously underrated. I always knew it was fascinating, but I didn't fully realize the scope until I read this book of retellings.

Growing up in a largely Catholic and superstitious country made me paranoid child. I was always wary about offending spirits and supernatural creatures. The night was my enemy. I wouldn't point at trees in the dark in fear of a demon biting my finger off. When walking home at night, I would chant "Tabi tabi po", asking invisible dwarves to move aside so I don't step on them. I stayed away from big trees because I didn't want to anger the kapre/agta living there.

This book sort of reminded me of my childhood, or at least the legends I heard from old folks. The legendary diwata (fairy) Mariang Makiling who "haunts" Mt. Makiling was often rehashed in these pages, probably because she truly is a fascinating character. The story of creation involving Tungkung Langit and Alunsina, proudly of Visayan origin, was also retold. (That said, I kinda want to name my future daughter Alunsina. It's such a beautiful sounding name.)

If you're curious about Philippine mythology, I highly recommend this book. Granted it's not accurate (it is a collection of retellings), but it's a fantastic gateway nonetheless.

danibee33's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

So good, I was savouring each story, reading this book over the course of a couple of months. I loved the way many of these stories took modern/contemporary twists on traditional & ancestral mythologies and folklores. Colourful, imaginative, and endlessly interesting. I usually don't like short stories that much but this is a book I'll definitely return to.