Babaylan

Tala is a 21-year-old first year medical student at the University of the Philippines Philippine General Hospital. Unbeknownst to most, she hails from generations of babaylans, Filipino shamans tasked with appeasing, harnessing, or communicating with spirits of the dead and of nature. While groomed to practice the ancient traditions of her forebears, she must also make her way into the world while protecting her family's legacy, both financially and socially. Though her sheltered youth makes her naive and inexperienced, she is eager to explore.

Narciso is a 28-year-old pathology resident trying to juggle work and a family secret that has only barely evaded escape. He is the youngest in a family of aswangs, ordinary humans by day, monstrous shapeshifters by night, able to hide their true nature through stealth, as well as wealth accumulated through generations of assimilation with society through a booming family-owned sugar conglomerate. Narciso is torn between the vagaries of his origins, unwanted family obligations, and his medical vocation.

Tala and Narciso eventually meet at the Philippine General Hospital. Narciso has become weary of the world and Tala's enthusiasm, compassion, and innervating conversations are like a breath of fresh air. Despite having different backgrounds and values, the two are inexplicably drawn to each other.

Tala quickly discovers that Narciso is far more complex than she initially assumed. As their unlikely friendship grows deeper, Tala begins to understand how fear and ignorance can cause people to be unforgiving, judge others harshly, and make careless, life-altering decisions. Along with this newfound understanding comes a greater appreciation for her own heritage.