IN THE PHILIPPINES, THE NIGHT IS NOT EMPTY. When the sun sets over the archipelago, the geography changes. The familiar path to the river becomes a gauntlet. The ancient mango tree in the backyard becomes a watchtower. The space beneath the bamboo floorboards becomes a hiding place for things that hunger. The Philippine Bestiary: Gods, Heroes, and Devourers is the definitive field guide to the "Hidden Neighbors" that have haunted the islands for centuries. This is not just a collection of bedtime stories. It is a map of the Filipino soul—a catalog of the entities that defined the fears, the faith, and the daily survival of our ancestors. From the supreme deities who dwell in the Sky World to the shapeshifters that stalk the village rooftops, this volume covers the essential canon of Philippine Mythology. Inside Volume I, you will encounter: The Creators: Meet Bathala , Kaptan , and the pantheon of gods who built the universe. The Cosmic Threats: Witness the celestial devourers like the moon-eating Bakunawa . The Earthbound: Learn the rules of the Tikbalang , the Nuno , and the Kapre —the guardians of the soil and tree. The Predators: Survive the visceral horror of the Aswang , the Manananggal , and the Tiyanak . These are the creatures that taught us to whisper "Tabi-tabi po" (Excuse me, please) when walking in the dark. They are the reason we fear the new moon. They are the shadows that look back. Open the book and acknowledge them. Just remember to keep a light on.