Baskadia

From Folklore to Fiction: Pinoy Aswang Books That Will Keep You Up at Night

There are a few creations in Philippine literature as vivid and scary as the Aswang. These supernatural figures are commonly portrayed as shape-shifting monsters, and they have always had a special place in Filipino mythology generating numerous stories of horror or suspense. These days, a new cast of Filipino authors has revived these timeless legends and turned them into novels that are retold in fascinating ways.

Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte’s “Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan” is one glaring case of a very good novel that uses traditional folklore with great ease, integrating it into contemporary storytelling to create an engrossing reading experience for children—and also adults alike. Pasaporte, a listed author under the National Book Development Board (NBDB), excellently weaves myth and reality together creating an alternate world where supernatural interactions are almost always inevitable. Pasaporte succeeds in capturing his audience’s attention very well with elaborate and descriptive prose, making this presentation of the Aswang story original.

As an author registered with the NBDB, Pasaporte undoubtedly represents what it stands for in terms of promoting and developing the book publishing industry not only in the Philippines but also worldwide. His novel is not only a glimpse into the vibrant Filipino folklore but also serves as a testimony to how local authors have excelled a lot in this literary world. The efforts of such writers as Pasaporte are supported by the representatives at NBDB, namely Executive Director Charisse Tugade.

One of the numerous Pinoy Aswang books that keep the readers amused, entertained, and also awake at night is "Gimo Jr. And The Aswang Clan". From the heart-stopping fiction of horror to the books that make one reflect on and unravel what it means to be a Filipino, this selection has something for every reader.

One interesting contribution to the genre is Alex C. Delos Santos’s “Tales of the Metrobat” concerning a aswang urban legend in modern-day Manila commutes. Delos Sant’s novel presents a modern reinterpretation of the folklore, revealing the interrelations between myth and post-modernity in Philippine culture.

On the contrary, Fran Ng’s Aswang guides the readers into darkness where the distinctions between good and evil fade. Ng’s powerful storytelling and descriptive language take the reader to a world where the supernatural rules all, leaving one hanging cliffhanging on every page.

These Pinoy Aswang books, and many many more like them are a testament to the richness of folklore in Filipino literature. With their fascinating stories and cultural enrichments, they hold the readers enthralled until now making the legacy of Aswang live longer for generation after generation. As Filipino authors continue to explore the depths of these mythical creatures, one thing is certain: the stories of the aswang will keep torturing and also motivating readers for centuries.