I have a short story in the first edition of Ginger & Smoke! A Filipino-Canadian first, Ginger & Smoke is a genre-blending publication reclaiming Filipino folklore, mythology and fairy tales. It became my dream publication as soon as I saw the call for submissions, and I’m grateful to Nathalie De Los Santos for broadening the scope of Filipino expression.
“Learn the New Light” is a science-fantasy story about a nuno sa punso living on a tidally-locked planet, grappling with guilt over his failure to protect his land against expansion by human settlers. It explores his fractured relationship with his community and the “Eternal Ones” Anitun Tabu and Meylupa.
The nuno sa punso has been my favourite character from Filipino folklore ever since my dad taught me to say “tabi tabi po, nuno” on childhood hikes. I’ve always been fascinated by the nuno’s portrayal, the focus on fear mingled with respect. With this story I examine why we’re taught to fear a guardian of the land. (And he features in my free folklore guide too!)
“Tabi tabo po, nuno.”
The ancient voice speaks a new name.
The name they gave me, strange names from Strangers come down from cold stars.
Cold machines, cold eyes as they pulled the land inside-out, land I was meant to protect in my youth, though an old man to their eyes.
When did it change? Who decided I would curse, spit, scratch, poison?
You can read “Learn the New Light” here (and I encourage you to explore the rest of Ginger & Smoke!