Balikbayan: A Tale of the Philippines

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.