Florejun_Flores

Luis, a Filipino-American college student, finds himself mysteriously transported to a strange world after touching an ancient amulet in his grandfather's attic. To his surprise, he wakes up in a forest surrounded by unfamiliar creatures and plants, and soon realizes he has been isekai'd to a realm inspired by the folklore and mythology of the Philippines.

Determined to find a way back home, Luis sets out on a journey through this new world, guided by a talking tarsier named Tito. Along the way, he discovers that he has inherited the powers of a babaylan, a shamaness of the ancient Tagalog people, which allows him to communicate with spirits, heal wounds, and even control the elements.

As Luis navigates through the different regions of the Philippines-inspired world, he encounters various creatures from Philippine mythology, such as the tikbalang, kapre, aswang, and diwata. He also learns about the different cultures and customs of the different ethnic groups in this world, such as the Ifugao, Aeta, and Bicolanos.

However, Luis soon discovers that this world is not without its dangers. A dark force is looming over the land, threatening to destroy everything in its path. With the help of his newfound friends and allies, Luis must gather the strength to face this evil and save the Philippines-inspired world from destruction.

Balikbayan is a story of adventure, magic, and culture, a journey through the rich and diverse folklore and mythology of the Philippines. Will Luis be able to find his way back home, or will he decide to stay and protect this world from harm? The answer lies in his hands.

Balikbayan: A Tale of the Philippines

As Luis and Tito continued their journey, they soon arrived in a new land. The air was thick with the scent of spices and the sounds of drums and bells filled the air. They had entered the land of the Moro people.


Luis and Tito were greeted by the Moro tribe, who welcomed them with open arms. They were fascinated by the tribe's intricate clothing, adorned with beads, feathers, and shells, as well as their colorful dances and music.


As they explored the Moro village, Luis and Tito discovered that the tribe was not just known for their arts and crafts, but also for their fierce fighting skills. They were renowned for their kris, a deadly sword that they wielded with deadly accuracy.


Luis was intrigued by the Moro culture and their way of life. He learned about their history and their struggles to maintain their customs and beliefs in a rapidly changing world. He also discovered their strong connection to the sea and their seafaring traditions.


However, their peaceful visit was soon interrupted by a group of bandits who had been raiding nearby villages. The Moro tribe had been targeted, and their prized possessions were in danger of being stolen.


Luis and Tito knew they had to help. They were trained in combat by the Moro people and given kris swords of their own. They joined the Moro warriors in a fierce battle against the bandits.


Luis fought with all his might, using his babaylan powers to enhance his strength and speed. Tito also proved to be a formidable fighter, using his knowledge of the terrain to gain the upper hand.


The battle was intense, but ultimately the Moro tribe and their allies emerged victorious. They drove the bandits away and ensured that their village and treasures were safe.


The Moro tribe was grateful for Luis and Tito's help. They thanked them with a feast, where they were treated to delicious food and performances of traditional dances and music.


Luis and Tito left the Moro village with a newfound respect for the Moro people and their culture. They felt honored to have been able to fight alongside them and protect their way of life.


As they continued their journey, they realized that each new place they visited had its own unique culture and traditions, and they felt more connected to the world around them than ever before.


Chapter 12: The Mystical Moro People