Alternative Alamat: Myths and Legends from the Philippines

This delightfully illustrated dive into the relatively unknown Indigenous mythology, or alamat, of the Philippines brings together 13 fables and foibles that deliver modern takes on classic legends while honoring the original stories and preserving their poetry. Eliza Victoria’s “Ana’s Little Pawnshop on Makiling St.” demonstrates the codependent relationship between deity and follower: each needs the other to survive. “The Alipin’s Tale” by Raymond G. Falgui turns the focus from the divine onto an anonymous underdog. Bringing a legend into a contemporary setting allows Andrei Tupaz to showcase the shortcomings of technology in “Offerings to Aman Sinaya.” Editor Chikiamco mixes things up with the short comic “Upo” by Andrew Drilon and two fascinating interviews with Filipino scholars of folklore and anthropology. Combined with an informative introduction, glossaries of gods and terms, and a list of further reading, this proves a welcoming and thoroughly entertaining introduction to Filipino mythology. (Aug.)