Beyond the Archive: Why I am Obsessed with Lam-ang and the Story Behind My New Book
In the quiet aisles of the library, we often talk about "the classics" usually meaning Homer, Virgil, or Shakespeare. But as a librarian and a writer, my heart has always belonged to a different kind of hero. For years, I’ve been quietly living in the world of Philippine mythology, and if I’m being honest, I am obsessed with Lam-ang.
A Lifelong Connection This isn't a new fascination for me. As an Ilokana, Lam-ang has been a constant presence in my world since elementary school. I grew up with these verses; they are part of the landscape I call home. But as I moved from being a student to a librarian, I started to wonder what happens to a legend when the world changes around him. What does a warrior-hero do when he is no longer just a character in an oral epic, but an immortal soul wandering through history?
That curiosity eventually became my latest book, Deity: Reimagining the Adventures of an Ilokano Epic Hero.
The Immortality of a Legend In my reimagining, Lam-ang isn't just a figure of the past. I wanted to explore the weight of his legacy. If immortality is a sentence rather than a gift, how does he navigate the Spanish conquest? How does he look for his lost love in the modern, bustling streets of Baguio?
Why This Story Matters Now As librarians, we are the stewards of stories. We know that myths aren't just old tales; they are mirrors. Reimagining Lam-ang allowed me to look at themes of psychological resilience, the cruelty of time, and the endless longing of the human heart. It’s a mix of historical fiction, folklore, and a very modern search for meaning.
Bridging the Gap Writing Deity was a way for me to bridge the gap between the archival records of our culture and the vibrant, evolving world we live in today. If you are a fan of Philippine mythology, or if you just love a story about a man trying to outwit grief across lifetimes, I hope this book offers a new way to look at our oldest heroes.
If you’re interested in a journey that spans from pre-colonial battles to the present day, you can find the book on Amazon using my affiliate link https://amzn.to/42negZg
