“Nagmalitong Yawa” book reading with Surigaonon translations in the Baybayin Library, Siargao

Kat Limchoc shares a joyful moment with children at the Baybayin Library, surrounded by books and smiles.

Author Kat Gomez-Limchoc was invited by the Baybayin Library in Siargao to read "Nagmalitong Yawa, a modern retelling of an ancient story of a fierce Filipina heroine” in a specially organized event for the children of the community.

Sitting side by side with her good friend, fellow author and Surigao native, Tweet Sering, Kat would read a spread in English and then give the floor to Tweet who would then tell the story in the local language of Surigaonon.

It was interesting to see the children giggle in shock every time the heroine’s name was read. “Yawa” in their language is a curse word that has come to mean “devil”. In the pre-colonial times, “yawa” was a word that harkened more to “spirit”, a reflection of how intrinsic the connection to the spiritual and sacred was to the early Filipinos. When the Spanish colonizers came, wanting the people to connect to the divine only through their priests and religion, they demonized ancient forms of spirituality, including the word “yawa’. Loosely translated “Nagmalitong Yawa” means a “fragrant spirit.”

The Baybayin Library is a French nonprofit organization based on Siargao island, Philippines. In February 2022, it opened the doors of the first library on the island, in the center of General Luna. With the Baybayin Library, the local community now has a welcoming place to come and read, learn and relax.