Pinoy pride, yo!
Bestselling author Neil Gaiman tweeted on Tuesday that he’s a big fan of the country’s monsters and myths.
Gaiman was responding to a follower who asked if he would ever consider writing about Filipino myths and monsters.
To which the writer replied: “I really LOVE the myths and monsters of the Philippines. But you also have many terrific writers there who can do a better job of telling those stories than I am.”
I really LOVE the myths and monsters of the Philippines. But you also have many terrific writers there who can do a better job of telling those stories than I can. https://t.co/Igp3x3vtIR
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) August 7, 2018
That response would make even the most jaded person blush with delight.
This delighted his Pinoy followers, of course. One using the handle @GunRev wrote: “If ever you do dive into Philippine myths someday, we’ll be more than happy to do some art for you. Our Creative Director Tots Valeza has been doing a series of artworks based on local myths.”
The user then shared some artworks by Valeza.
If ever you do dive into Philippine myths someday, we’ll be more than happy to do some art for you. Our Creative Director Tots Valeza has been doing a series of artworks based on local myths. ^___^ pic.twitter.com/iSyXBcZ48E
— Gunship Revolution (@GunRev) August 7, 2018
Gaiman responded to the fan and wrote: “[G]osh. LOVE the manananggal.”
gosh. LOVE the manananggal.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) August 7, 2018
The manananggal is a female vampire-like creature whose upper half of the body detaches itself from the stomach to fly around and seek victims at night.
Another Twitter user said Gaiman wouldn’t be happy to know that some Filipinos still believe that they’re real.
Ohh you wouldn’t love that many still believe they’re real. It is believed that there are only a few now because of modernization. They can be witnessed in rural regions.
— Anjiolina Magarse (@heyanjiolina21) August 8, 2018
On the other hand, a user suggested a book titled A Thousand Beginnings and Endings for people who want to know more about Asian myths and legends.
The book A Thousand Beginnings & Endings, edited by Ellen Oh & Elsie Chapman is a good start for people looking for an anthology of Asian myth & legend
— Stephree (@rainbowhill1994) August 7, 2018
Another fan suggested that Gaiman shouldn’t be diffident.
You did well enough with Anansi The Spider. Why so diffident?
— Antoine Dennison (@AntoineDennison) August 7, 2018
To which Gaiman said that being an “outsider” would make it difficult for him to write about Filipino myths.
I’m glad you liked it. Because I come to Filipino myths as an outsider. I didn’t feel I came to Anansi – or Fat Charlie – as an outsider. I was making them for @LennyHenry, after all.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) August 7, 2018
Another user sent him a photo of Victor Magtanggol, the television superhero played by Alden Richards — as a joke of course. The show’s producers have been accused of copying Marvel’s Thor character.
— Rene Perez (@UncleRenePerez) August 8, 2018
On the other hand, a Filipino who introduced herself as an author confessed that she started reading Gaiman’s work because of a man she liked. And while her “love [has] faded” she continues to read Gaiman’s work.
Well said Neil! As a Filipino author I truly appreciate this comment. BTW I have a true confession. I only started reading your work because this guy I was besotted with was a fan of yours. That love faded but my adoration for you and your work continues. 😍
— Tanya Guerrero (on Semi-Hiatus) (@guerrerotanya) August 8, 2018
Gaiman has visited the Philippines several times but his last trip to the country was in 2010.
What’s your favorite Gaiman book? Tell us by tweeting to @CoconutsManila.
