Philippines

Written by Edgar Calabia Samar

2015 ﻿National Book Award, Novel in Filipino
2016 National Children's Book Award, Best Reads for Kids
In a TALA Online tournament in the town of Balanga, all the players fell dead, save for Janus. Soon after that, teen after teen suffered deaths in computer shops around the country. Janus was contacted by someone who calls himself Joey, apparently another survivor of TALA like him. Janus did not expect the truths he would discover, weaving him into the mystery of the RPG that enthralled him—and into the legend of the Tiyanak from Tábon!

Sa tournament ng TALA Online sa bayan ng Balanga, namatay ang lahat ng manlalaro maliban kay Janus. Sunod-sunod pa ang naging kaso ng pagkamatay ng mga kabataan sa computer shops sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Kinontak si Janus ng nagpakilalang Joey, isa rin umano sa mga nakaligtas sa paglalaro ng TALA na gaya niya. Hindi inasahan ni Janus ang mga matutuklasan niya mula rito na mag-uugnay sa kanya sa misteryo ng kinahuhumalingan niyang RPG—at sa alamat ng Tiyanak mula sa Tábon!

ISBN: 978-971-508-474-1
Published: 2014
Language: Filipino 
Age Recommendation: 14+ 
180 pages | 250 grams | 5.5 by 7.75 inches

Citation from the 2016 National Children's Book Awards:
Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon is a captivating tale of a young boy’s courage amidst the enveloping darkness in his life. Edgar Calabia Samar pulls us into a world of mysterious events and frightening characters from Philippine folklore. He expertly weaves in elements from role-playing video games, a concept that connects with young readers (and to gamers of all ages). This book takes us on a rollercoaster ride full of adventure, suspense, and danger.

Finally, a hero like Janus Silang claims his space in our imagination. He rises above the challenges and gives hope―a bright star leading us out of the darkness. —Dan Matutina