Who should one fear? The deceased, the living, or us?
This question caught my attention when I first saw it online a few weeks ago. It was a teaser for a new book by an artist whose work I was already familiar with because I frequently see it on Twitter. I pre-ordered a book right away and promptly forgot about it as I went about my day. And even though it arrived yesterday afternoon, I didn't get a chance to unbox and read it until before bed.
Libing Isa is the debut book by Filipino author and illustrator Malayo Pa ang Umaga (MPAU), published by Anino Comics. It is composed of 11 stories about death, fears, and other macabre things that make us not want to sleep at night. The author claims that his fascination with the number eleven is what inspired the book's title. In his words:
"Para sa akin, kakaiba ang labing-isa (eleven) dahil nag-iiwan ito ng "hindi kumpletong" impresyon. Hindi pa buo kasi hindi pa isang dosena. Hindi pa hatinggabi, pero malapit na. Patapos na ang taon, pero parang hindi pa. Muntik na o kaunti na lang. Kulang pa. Papunta pa lang."
("For me, the number eleven is strange because it leaves an "incomplete" impression. It's incomplete because there aren't a dozen of them yet. It's not yet midnight, but it's getting close. It's almost the end of the year, but it doesn't seem like it yet. Almost or barely. Not enough, but getting there.")
Of course, I have my favorites out of the 11 short stories.
Right off the bat, the first short story, Makakalimutin si Tin (Forgetful Tin), sent chills down my spine. It starts with an illustration of Tin running and describes how she often forgets some of her things at school. Tin is always excited to go home, completely forgetting even her best friend. But why is Tin always in a hurry to go home?
Si Maning at ang Diwata ng Kangkungan (Maning and the Water Spinach Field Fairy) is about a young boy's friendship with a lady living beneath the vast water spinach field and his impending discovery of how the lady ended up underwater.
Ang Kasaysayan ng Bigas (The History of Rice) narrates how our favorite Filipino staple food is made, from planting to harvesting, milling, and selling, and how a little girl's father contributes to this rigorous process.
Mabangong Pagdating (A Fragrant Arrival) is a story about a boy's first day (and night) in the province. It is similar to Shake, Rattle, and Roll's Aswang but with a different plot.
Along with the stories, the book is beautifully illustrated throughout by MPAU. His style of art is quite similar to that of Filipino-American illustrator Bong Redila, but MPAU's works are more often dark and eerie. Perhaps this is a result of his ominous subject and the use of bold strokes. Nevertheless, they are as fascinating as his words. The cover is equally impressive as well.
Overall, Libing Isa is an absolute page-turner and a keeper. It reminds me of the literary folios we used to publish back in my university days. It is original and well-written. It's undoubtedly an excellent addition to the genre.
Libing Isa is available for sale at Adarna House.
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