In the heart of the Philippine countryside, where the wind whispers through towering banana trees and shadows stretch long beneath the pale glow of the full moon, an ancient terror lurks. It is neither ghost nor demon, but something far more sinister—a creature of the night, split at the waist, its bat-like wings carrying it across the sky in search of prey. It is the Manananggal (Ma-na-nang-gal), a figure both feared and whispered about in hushed tones, an enduring specter of Philippine folklore that has haunted generations. But this is not just a mythological fiction. This is Isla’s story. A young woman burdened by a curse older than time, Isla is both hunter and hunted, torn between her nature and the world that would see her destroyed. As mystical forces of Philippine supernatural tales collide, she must navigate a world where ancient evils still breathe in the dark, where urban legends of the Philippines are more than just bedtime stories. From the eerie nipa huts standing alone in the fields to the chilling silence of the midnight forest, Isla’s journey will take you deep into the heart of Filipino mythology, exploring the world of the Aswang, the unknown forces of the Visayas, and the dark fantasy that lurks just beyond the firelight. And now, I invite you, dear reader, to walk this path with me. I grew up hearing these stories—the whispers of supernatural creatures in the night, the warnings from elders never to stay out too late, and the quiet fear in the air when the wind shifted just right. These legends are more than just tales. They are part of our culture and our identity, and now, I want to share them with you. This book is for those who love supernatural horror, Southeast Asian myths, and folklore-inspired fiction. If you’ve ever felt the thrill of fear from an old bedtime story, if you’ve ever wondered what lurks beyond the trees on a moonlit night, then this journey is for you. With every crumpled dress in the grass, every rustling leaf, and every flicker of movement in the night sky, you will feel the presence of the Manananggal, watching, and waiting. The village sleeps, unaware. The full moon rises. And somewhere in the distance, wings beat against the night. Welcome to Isla’s world. Are you ready