Daybreaker: How a Filipino Author Is Weaving Family Superstitions into a Magical New World
Growing up in a Filipino household is a truly unique experience, full of warmth, laughter, and, let’s be honest, a lot of fascinating superstitions. We’ve all heard them, haven’t we? The warnings not to sweep the floor at night so you don’t “sweep away” your good fortune, or the advice to never go straight home after a funeral to avoid spirits following you. For many of us, these “pamahiin” are just old tales, passed down from generation to generation. We might laugh them off or simply comply to please our elders. But what if there was a world where these superstitions weren’t just folklore, but actual facts?
Imagine a universe where a moth fluttering around your home isn’t just a bug, but a sign that a departed loved one is visiting. This is the magical premise at the heart of Daybreaker, a new fantasy novel by Filipina comic artist Tori Tadiar. This book invites us to reconsider all those seemingly bizarre warnings we grew up with and see them through a new, enchanting lens.
Where Filipino Folklore Leaps from Family Stories to Fictional Pages
Tori Tadiar, like many of us, grew up with these beliefs woven into the fabric of her childhood. Her grandparents’ stories and sayings naturally found their way into her adult life and, eventually, into her creative work. She shared a particularly memorable anecdote about a moth:
- She was in the bathroom when a moth appeared behind her.
- Usually, she’d be scared of bugs, but in that moment, she laughed and said, “No, this bug cannot be killed. We need to release it into the wild. That could be my grandpa for all I know.”
This lighthearted moment of respect for a superstition is a perfect example of how these beliefs become a part of our lives. But in Daybreaker, that moth encounter is more than a fun family tale—it’s a catalyst for the entire plot.
The book’s main character, Mika Mirasol, literally reunites with her “grand-moth-er” a year after her death. This encounter awakens a dormant magical power within her, leading to a spell gone wrong that binds her to two classmates. This trio is then forced to embark on an incredible journey across the Philippine islands to find a cure, navigating a world where ancient beliefs, gods, and spirits are very, very real.
Tori explained that her own experiences and extensive research were key to bringing this world to life. She drew from things she witnessed firsthand and immersed herself in the rich folklore of the Philippines. For instance, readers will find traces of the Ifugao epic, Hudhud ni Aliguyon, and references to the majestic Mt. Pulag, a mountain known for its breathtaking “sea of clouds” at its peak.
You’ll also notice a familiar setting in the book: a boarding school nestled in the mountains. This institution is a tribute to the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), located on Mt. Makiling in Laguna. Tori even went full “creepy stalker” on Google Maps during the pandemic to get every architectural detail just right, since she couldn’t visit in person! This dedication shows just how much she poured into making the world of Daybreaker feel authentic and lived-in.
The Hero We Can All Relate To
While the magical world-building is a huge draw, the true magic of Daybreaker lies in its main character, Mika Mirasol. Tori based Mika’s personality on her own husband, Miko, creating a protagonist who is deeply relatable and refreshingly imperfect.
Mika starts off as an introvert, a bit lost and unsure of herself, who struggles to make friends. She’s not a confident hero from the get-go; instead, she’s a shy individual with a powerful, innate magical ability she keeps hidden. Sound familiar?
When she’s thrust into this forced adventure with her classmates, her world is literally torn open. She must explore different regions of the Philippines, get herself into trouble, and learn to rely on her own strength. This journey of self-discovery is one we can all connect with. By the end, Mika learns to trust her abilities and believe in the magic she can create. For any young reader who has ever felt different or unconfident, Mika’s story is an inspiring reminder that your unique qualities are your greatest strength.
Bringing a Culture to the Global Stage
With Daybreaker being published by Disney Hyperion—the same publisher that brought us Rick Riordan’s best-selling Percy Jackson series—Tori is bringing Filipino culture to a massive global audience. This is a huge responsibility, and she didn’t take it lightly. She dedicated countless hours to research, ensuring she represented the country’s diverse cultures respectfully.
Ultimately, Tori’s goal was to tell a story she wanted to tell, one that was authentic to her own experiences. She knew that Daybreaker could be many people’s first glimpse into Filipino mythology, and she wanted to do it justice. The heart of the story, however, is a simple, universal one: a young girl who has lost her grandmother and is trying to find her place in the world. It’s a story about adapting, making friends, and discovering the incredible power that lies within you.
So, the next time you hear a Filipino superstition, you might not just laugh it off. You might just wonder if there’s a little bit of magic behind it, just like in the world of Daybreaker. Ready to believe?