Characters
1. Nana- A manananggal who is not necessarily evil, still eats babies as per her character, but acts normal and mingles with the humans otherwise.
2. Juan- A kapre that has a knack for sleeping for centuries, ends up waking up in different time periods, usually with very confusing circumstances. He is usually passive and selfish, but does not act violently unless provoked. He usually wakes up to find Nana around.
* This is not to paint aswangs as neither bad creatures nor good creatures. They are sort of like humans-- except their treatment of humans is almost the same as we would treat cute animals. Sort of like the sheep, its cute, and adorable, and it could be our friend. But it could also be food. HAHAHAHAHA.
Setting
The setting is in the future-- mankind is so dominant, we are like a plague. Overpopulation is so prevalent that people are reduced to killing each other for survival. Governments pay lots of attention to population control. The Church has separated into several factions regarding the use of contraceptions and reproduction. This situation has affected the world of the aswangs greatly.
* It could also be a pseudo-commentary about the RH bill.
Synopsis
Juan wakes up in the future, Nana is still there but looking very tired. The future is a horrible place with horrible people and world issues that have been left unsolved due to individualism and environmental ignorance. They find that most of the aswangs have been dead for a very long time now.
Research Methods
Books on aswangs, interviews with experts and seniors doing their theses on the aswangs. Also read up on issues that concern the world today, including overpopulation (RH bill), environmental issues, economics, etc. etc.
Reasons for Writing
Since I’ve already done a past and present version of Nana and Juan, it’s only fitting that I create a future for both them and humanity. This story is meant to open readers’ eyes to the possibilities of our future, good and bad, from the perspective of one who was born from both nature and man (the aswangs). It also delves into the nature of the aswang, and touches on my theory of how the aswangs came into existence.
I didn't decide on writing the romantic short story of the Chinese-Filipino relationship for lots of personal reasons, but I probably will one day.
~Margaret Kawsek
1 comment:
hi, meggy. as i've already said, during our coffee session, i think this has so many narrative potentials. the thing is, we have so many conceptions and preconceptions about aswangs and kapres. you have to locate your own within a particular culture, so your characters will be consistent and better developed. study and read about how they ahve manifested in people's lives and in people's collective narratives, most of which are oral in nature. you'll be surprised at the descriptive details you'll find. and i am sure they will also aid you greatly in setting up the appropriate backdrops for these two very interesting characters. the commentary will naturally follow when the story is whole and complete. =)
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