DAILY PHOTO: Baclayon Church Tower

Posted on April 4, 2023 by B Gourley

A.K.A. The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary Parish Church, this church in southern Bohol dates to the late sixteenth century.

Cebu Limerick

Posted on February 6, 2023 by B Gourley

There was a clumsy tourist in Cebu
who broke Magellan's Cross, and sought wood glue.
"Oh, don't worry, son!
That's not the first one.
The original was lost... and was already broken, too."

DAILY PHOTO: Cebu Sunset, Moalboal

Posted on February 6, 2023 by B Gourley

DAILY PHOTO: Stony Shore, Siquijor

Posted on May 22, 2022 by B Gourley

Taken in December of 2016 on Siquijor Island, Philippines

BOOK REVIEW: The Mythology Class by Arnold Arre

Posted on April 20, 2022 by B Gourley

The Mythology Class: Where Philippine Legends Become Reality (a Graphic Novel)

The Mythology Class: Where Philippine Legends Become Reality by Arnold Arre
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazon.in Page

Out: August 9, 2022

Let’s call this “Breakfast Club” meets “Ghostbusters” but instead of busting ghosts this group of student-misfits is tasked with getting Filipino mythical creatures back to their home domains while saving their own city from the most villainous of the beasts. There’s a lot happening in this graphic novel — action and adventure tied to the daunting task of containing these creatures, some magical and some monstrous, but there’s also a couple love stories that play out, as well.

I enjoyed reading this graphic novel, finding it fast-paced and imaginative. The characters, both human and mythological, are distinct and face meaningful problems. It’s a story that is both lighthearted and humorous, but with the requisite tension and conflict for such a story. If you’re into mythological superhero stories, check this one out.

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DAILY PHOTO: Fort San Pedro, Cebu City

Posted on March 4, 2022 by B Gourley

Taken in Cebu City, Philippines in December of 2018

BOOK REVIEW: After Lambana by Eliza Victoria & Mervin Malonzo

Posted on February 1, 2022 by B Gourley

After Lambana: A Graphic Novel: Myth and Magic in Manila by Eliza Victoria
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazon.in Page

Out: May 10, 2022

This urban fantasy takes place in a Manila where magic exists and mythological creatures live. The story follows two young men as they travel around the city. The two seem to be new and casual friends. One is an ordinary human (Conrad) though with a terminal illness that seems not of this world, and the other is an expat from the magic realm (Ignacio) who’s going to great efforts to help Conrad. The hook is the question of why this casual acquaintance seems so important to the too-cool-for-school Ignacio. Conrad seems to be along for the ride as a distraction in his last hours, but Ignacio has an objective – benighted as it may be. The story unfolds to reveal what’s really happening and to offer backstory.

I love works that incorporate mythology and folklore, and think it’s a wise move for writers of speculative fiction because there’s such a rich and engaging field of stories and characters / creatures – all ripe for the picking. This is particularly true of a mythology, such as that of the Philippines, that isn’t widely known and, thus, offers a whole slate of creatures and alternate worlds with which most readers aren’t familiar. In this book, Filipino mythology is most prominently seen via the “Sirena,” which bear some resemblance to Greek Sirens – except being in the form of mermaids (though able to walk on legs under certain conditions.) I think more could have been done with Filipino Mythology, though there are a few other magic elements in the book that may or may not have mythological origins.

In found this to be a compelling story, and the art was colorful, while still capturing a little noir feel for late night Manila. If you’re interested in speculative fiction graphic novels, this one is worth investigating.

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