Mungan and Lola by Justine Villanueva and Ray Nazarene Sunga
Picture: Sawaga River Press, 2024
In a blogpost by The Halo Halo Review, Maileen Hamto reviews the heartwarming children's book that explores intergenerational connections, ancestral Filipino knowledge, and traditional Indigenous practices from Bukidnon, Philippines.
Author Justine Villanueva delivers a touching and heartwarming story that centers on the gifts of intergenerational connections, ancestral Pilipino knowledge, and traditional Indigenous practices from her native Bukidnon, Philippines. Mungan and Lola is set in an unnamed place in the diaspora, where the girl and lola share stories amid “the oak trees and poppies.” The story reveals that Mungan’s family remains closely tied to knowledge and practices from the homeland. Although primarily relayed in English, the story incorporates words in two Philippine languages – Bukidnon and Bisaya – reflecting the hybrid way multilingual people express themselves. English translations help readers follow along, enhancing their vocabulary in the process.
The artwork stands apart to showcase the richness of Filipino culture. In depicting family interactions, artist Ray Nazarene Sunga integrates scenes and motifs familiar to Filipinos – from house decor to fabric patterns. The butterfly figures prominently in the artwork, as it is an old Filipino belief that butterflies manifest the spirits of the departed.
To support grownups in understanding the rich context of the book, Justine introduces Bukidnon as a place and people. I also appreciated the short essays on Filipino American history and honoring ancestors, which helped to further explain the Pilipino Indgenous worldview. Be sure to check out the simple recipe for linagpang na manok!
In full transparency, I have long admired Justine’s work in bringing Filipino Indigenous traditions and beliefs to the page for readers of all ages. I have the honor of serving with Justine as part of the Center for Babaylan Studies’ core group and as an adviser for Sawaga River Press. Justine’s vision for imparting ancestral wisdom from our forebears to the next diasporic generation is genuinely commendable, an offering of deep care and thoughtful intention.
