pinoygoth

Before the turn of the 20th Century in Colonial Philippines, when the grasp of Spain started to weaken, a small town was disturbed by the disappearance of a young boy believed to be abducted by the Maranhig, a resurrected corpse seeking vengeance. This incident caused a nightmare to resurface which the townsmen thought they have long forgotten as the same incident happened years ago.
      But underneath the disappearance of the young boy was a much darker conflict slowly being revealed as the simple rural town get caught in a crossfire between the pious and pagan practitioners with their conflicting interests while the rest of the country struggled to obtain absolute freedom against the inquisition.

The House of the Unholy

	       Few minutes before the church's doors open to welcome the devotees, the friar's apprentice, Tinyo was fixing the vestment at the altar table. The friar has been very particular with order, as he believed that as servants of the church, they should be in the presence of the Lord at their very best. His garments and vestments have to be coordinated with the celebration for the day; and have to be patiently waiting for him at the table.


     At a small door near the altar, a young boy came in holding the chalice and bells. Behind him came another boy about his age, holding a silver basin to which the friar would eventually wash his hands


      	"Chalice and bells at the left, Isko," Tinyo instructed, " water basin at the right, Mateo!" he continued


      The young boys rushed to their designated positions and gently settled the chalice, bells and silver basin. Tinyo stepped in to make necessary adjustments until he was satisfied


      "When can I hold the water and wine cruets, Segnor Tinyo?" a small voice from the benches interrupted


     	"Soon Lito, once you are at Isko's and Mateo's age. Or the same height as them at least" Tinyo paused, " for now, you are suited to keep the floors of the house of the Lord shimmering"


     	The church's bells started to ring aloud signaling the doors are to be opened


     "It's about time!" Fray Luciano claimed from the altar who had been standing all along watching them in silence.


The Altar Boys