In Filipino folklore, there are creatures that are reviled as often as they are revered. Among them, you have some big baddies like the manananggal (a winged shapeshifter that can detach its upper torso from its lower body and feeds on unborn babies), the mangkukulam (a witch for hire should you need to place a curse on others), as well as the bakunawa (a serpent-like creature that’s been held responsible for many a natural disaster). Despite their supernatural and mythical status, they can be as human as your ninth grade science teacher or your university crush—in this anthology at least.

Fly by Night and Other Stories is a collection of 11 short stories written by a diverse range of writers — from prize-winning authors to former bankers. Published by 8lettersbooks, it promises to sweep readers away “through the enchanting realm of Philippine mythology” and introduce them to a “panorama of mythical beings, age-old rituals, and supernatural wonders.”

In some of these aspects, the book does deliver. Some of the stories offer interesting characters that are more nuanced and complex than the ones we might be used to. The titular “Fly by Night,” written by Palanca winner and National Book Awards judge Alma Anonas-Carpio, portrays the manananggal as both cynical and empathetic. Sports writer Hazel Pagador’s “Man Eater” makes you think you have certain characters figured out before flipping the script at the last minute. Many of the stories are also set in vibrant and imaginative landscapes, such as is the case in “The Secret of Saint Gregory’s Church,” written by photographer, artist, and writer Fred Figueroa.

That said, an anthology is only as strong as its weakest link, and in this instance, it’s clear that some stories are more developed than others. Fly by Night and Other Stories has some gems, yes, but as a whole, does not really stand out.

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Photo and text by Jen Chan

The book was a gift, but it retails for P390.00 in the publisher’s website.