What’s next, I dunno yet. We’re developing Arnold Arre’s Mythology Class. Maybe starting on the Luna sequel, Goyong. ~ Jerrold Tarog
Earlier today I came across a Facebook post that made my heart jump with joy! During an interview with Radio Republic about his recent film “Heneral Luna”, Jerrold Tarog was asked “What’s next for you?” The director answered “What’s next, I dunno yet. We’re developing Arnold Arre’s Mythology Class. Maybe starting on the Luna sequel, Goyong. “
Several hours later, it was confirmed on Arnold Arre’s Facebook page.
“The Mythology Class tells the story of Nicole, who has been summoned to a secret gathering by the mysterious Mrs Enkanta. She finds herself face to face with tikbalangs, kapres, and all sorts of engkantos–mythical creatures she had only heard about from her grandfather’s stories. Together with new found friends, she embarks on a quest into the realm of myth and folklore where she fights alongside heroes of her childhood against an age-old terror. Follow in their footsteps as their adventure takes them through the familiar streets of Metro Manila and into a world more fascinating than they had ever imagined.”
Back in 2008, while making my documentary The Aswang Phenomenon, I visited SM Mega Mall to enjoy the air-con and escape the outside heat. I happened upon a Comic Store on the very bottom floor. I asked if they had any local komiks about Philippine Mythology. The girl behind the counter answered, “Sir, you should read The Mythology Class and Trese.” At the time, they didn’t carry either title, but I managed to track them down at a larger retailer. Both titles have become favourites of mine – not just in Philippine comics, but in everything I read.
The Mythology Class has not only been credited with saving the Philippine comic industry, but also went on to win the Manila Critics Circle National Book Award. It became a staple in pop culture and had a whole new generation of Filipinos learning about their folklore. The Mythology Class sparked imaginations and created a resurgence of the genre.
I, for one, am thrilled to see this masterpiece get brought to life and given the attention is so greatly deserves. Arnold admits that the project is “still under development”, but is glad Tarog is “on top of the project”.
Jordan Clark is a Canadian born descendant of Scottish immigrants living on the homelands of the Lekwungen speaking peoples. His interest in Philippine myth and folklore began in 2004. Finding it difficult to track down resources on the topic, he founded The Aswang Project in 2006. Shortly after, he embarked on a 5 year journey, along with producing partner Cheryl Anne del Rosario, to make the 2011 feature length documentary THE ASWANG PHENOMENON – an exploration of the aswang myth and its effects on Philippine society. In 2015 he directed “The Creatures of Philippine Mythology” web-series, which features 3 folkloric beings from the Philippines – the TIKBALANG, KAPRE and BAKUNAWA. Episodes are available to watch on YouTube. Jordan recently oversaw the editing for the English language release of Ferdinand Blumentritt’s DICCIONARIO MITOLÓGICO DE FILIPINAS (Dictionary of Philippine Mythology) and is working on two more releases with fellow creators scheduled for release later this year. When his nose isn’t in a book, he spends time with his amazing Filipina wife of 20 years and their smart and wonderful teenaged daughter.
