Fighting own’s aswang

Book review of Edgar Calabia Samar’s Janus Silang series

By: KIRSTEN LEI VENTENILLA | features

Kapre, tiyanak, and manananggal have been part of my childhood as my parents often used them to scare me not to be naughty as a kid. But what about putting these Aswangs in the modern time to teach lessons to the youth?

Edgar Calabia Samar, 38-year old poet and writer, has them all in his book series, Janus Silang, a story of redemption that showcases morals and values through the use of Filipino mythical creatures. Heavily inspired by various kwentong bayan, Edgar is able to tell a story of Janus, a young boy who acquired powers in order to use them against evil.

“Lumaki ako sa mga kuwentong-bayan, tulad ng mga karaniwang bata sa probinsiya. Hinubog ng mga nilalang sa mga kuwentong-bayan ang kamalayan ko, na pinalawig ng pagbabasa ng komiks, at paglaon, ng panitikan.” Edgar said in an interview. “Ang pag-unawa sa sikolohiya ng mga nilalang/tauhan sa mga isinusulat ko ay palaging sang-ayon sa pag-unawa ko sa kanilang mga ninanasa at kinatatakutan,”

Upon reading the series, I can’t help but admire how well-put the characters are and how strong the plot is to deliver. Heroic stories with magical powers and creatures are new faces for me, most especially that this hits a nerve in Filipino culture. Hence, making it much more enjoyable to read.

Getting immersed in the story is easy. I had already imagined the possibilities if Janus’ world did exist and how timely it is to the Philippines’ struggles. Every ‘aswang’ character speaks so much of our fears not only as an individual but also how we struggle in our own society. The story of every episode was linked together with details that even the reader would take Janus’ growth as a person evident.

For Edgar, Janus as a teenager would give readers a more relatable character perfect to represent the youth today.

“Sa palagay ko, mas pinadali ko lang ang buhay ko rito dahil mas madali para sa akin na magharaya ng kamalayan ng isang batang lalaki dahil pinagdaanan ko iyon,” Edgard said. “Hindi rin madali sa kasalukuyan na magsulat ng lubhang malayo sa mga pinagmumulan mo dahil nasa panahon tayo na mas malay na tayo sa mga hanggahan ng representasyon, lalo pa ng kamalayan.”

Moreover, each book has its own use of symbolism. In the first book, “Si Janus Sílang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon,” was a story of Janus and a mere video game that cause hundreds of deaths around the world, including his companions. The author wanted to depict the paradox of technology to us people. More so, Janus represented the the youth of the present with similar characteristics and thinking.

Followed by the second book, “Si Janus Sílang at ang Labanáng Manananggal-Mambabarang,” that’s where my mind was not able to comprehend how good it was. Once finished, I spaced out. As if all the revelations and surprises were a minute late to catch up to me. More characters were added, and Janus became braver in the next scenes. I love how the book seemed like a long narrative. This kind of writing left the readers hanging at the ending wanting more.

“Maraming detalye sa serye ang puwede kong sabihin na halaw sa totoong buhay sa iba't ibang paraan at tindi, dahil isa naman sa mayamang bukal ng pag-akda ang karanasan,” the 38-year old author assured. “Pero isang literal na halaw sa totoo ang news clip sa Book 2 ng Janus Silang na galing sa isang aktuwal na balita ng pangyayari sa Southern Tagalog, pinalitan ko lang ang pangalan ng lugar.”

Likewise with the third, “Si Janus Sílang at ang Pitumpu't Pitong Púsong,” and fourth, “Si Janus Sílang at ang Hiwagang may Dalawang Mukha,” book, the wisdom and wit of the author were packed together and served. There was no fraying moment in the series, emotions and momentums were played excellently and lastly, every character, event and words had meaning. All the juices of each book linked with one another, there was no irrelevant spaces and questionable happenings.

Janus Silang is a book for the Filipinos meant to astound minds with our very own culture, tales, vand conducts. In fictions like this, Edgar and Janus come hand-in-hand to raise pride to our folklore with creatures unbeknownst and unseen.

This series has won NBDB (National Book Development Board) National Book Award for Fiction Novel in Filipino back in 2015 and up to this day, it remains as a token in Filipino literature.

When asked when will be the release of the fifth book, Edgar said, “Ipanalangin natin sa Siyam na Bathala na lumabas sa susunod na taon!”