If you’re new to Filipino YA literature and do not know where to start, keep reading for my recommended titles. The Filipino books for teens below feature characters with unique life experiences. Filipinos are all too familiar with how difficult it is growing up in the provinces: the apparent harshness of religious parents, the unbearable messiness of local politics, the dreary routine of high school life, and more. You’ll see variations of these in the books below — whether it’s romance, contemporary, fantasy, horror, or fiction. There are award-winning books, and there are also some that are written by recognized YA authors in the Philippines who do not enjoy global prominence. There are books that feature Philippine mythology characters, and ones that deal with current events that concern the youth. There’s something for every young reader here. So without further delay, here are 12 Filipino YA books from the Philippines to add to your reading list: Do you want more books from Filipino authors? Here are five of the best Philippine literature books if you only need a short list and want to try the genre for the first time; this list features fiction and classics from Filipino literary heavyweights. But in case you’re not into that, here are some recommended Filipino horror books as well. Before the stories were published here, they appeared first in many local magazines. It follows Karina, who, after her 16th birthday, starts experiencing the supernatural. Soon, she discovers that her mother is an engkanto (a mythical spirit) princess who escaped from their kingdom of Engkantasia. And now that she’s at the right age, the responsibility befalls Karina to take the throne to prevent a war between the world of Engkantasia and of the humans, and to learn how to take control of her abilities. The book moves at a slower pace, but the author evokes small-town intrigue with each story. Most stories have a mystery element, while others are more character-based. Due to the local success of “Young Blood,” the newspaper also published succeeding collections from its treasure trove throughout the years. Last year, it came out with another omnibus collection. The book won 2016 National Children’s Book Award for Best Read for Kids. In 2018, local media network ABS-CBN scooped its television rights. The success of the book paved way for many others in the series: Si Janus Sílang at ang Labanáng Manananggal-Mambabarang, Si Janus Sílang at ang Pitumpu’t Pitong Púsong, Si Janus Sílang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon, Si Janus Sílang at ang Hiwagang may Dalawang Mukha, Si Janus Sílang at ang Hiwagang may Dalawang Mukha, and the latest, Si Janus Sílang at ang Lihim ng Santinakpan. The book follows a 19-year-old closeted lesbian named Sam, who grows up in a traditionally religious family. Though Sam’s mother is strict and is abusive toward her, that doesn’t stop Sam from befriending her widowed neighbor, Clara. Soon, her friendship with Clara turns into something more. It’s a short, bittersweet tale. The book draws attention to Philippine mythology characters such as tikbalang (a half-man, half-horse creature) and kapre (a very tall man that usually holds tobacco). Despite the marketing slip-up, this slim collection is very well-written. This sweet and light read also explores the many challenges Filipino teenagers face today, like finding their way in adulthood. In March, a TV series adaptation of Bola-Bola was released, which you can watch on iWantTFC.
