• Bayan ng Ginhaw cover by Rodel Tapaya, folk-art painting of a magician pulling a bat from a top hat before an onlooking crowd
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Bayan ng Ginhaw

Bayan ng Ginhaw

Istorya Studios

$44.90 USD
$44.90 USD
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A Visually Poetic Filipino Graphic Novel on Memory, Myth, and National Healing

Step into the imagined world of Bayan ng Ginhaw, a compelling “novel in pictures” by renowned Filipino contemporary artist Rodel Tapaya. Co-published with Istorya Publishing House, this 176-page hardcover graphic novel blends Philippine folklore, personal history, and social commentary in a beautifully drawn, black-and-white visual narrative.

Set in a fictional Filipino town born from Tapaya’s 2005 painting, Bayan ng Ginhaw is inhabited by symbolic characters like Pitang Tsismosa, Emong Manlalakbay, and Don Miguel—archetypes of everyday life in the Philippines. The book draws inspiration from Tapaya’s childhood in Montalban, Rizal, and echoes the mythic resonance of Gabriel García Márquez’s Macondo.

Rooted in the etymology of Ginhawa—a Filipino word meaning relief, breath, and spiritual comfort—this book evokes a deeper yearning for social and moral renewal. Through Tapaya’s striking art and allegorical storytelling, Bayan ng Ginhaw explores themes of cultural identity, historical trauma, and the dream of collective well-being (kaginhawaan) for the Filipino people.

Product Details:

  • Publisher: Rodel Tapaya & Istorya Publishing House, Philippines

  • Publication Date: 2023

  • Format: Hardcover | 7.95 x 5.59 inches | 176 pages | Black & White

  • Language: Filipino, English

  • ISBN: 978-1-387-38534-8

Perfect for readers and collectors of:

  • Filipino graphic novels and art books

  • Contemporary Philippine literature

  • Southeast Asian visual storytelling

  • Cultural studies, mythology, and postcolonial narratives

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Let customers speak for us

from 148 reviews
5/5 lumpias

sick as hell brother heck yeah
showed it to my filipino mother who flipped to a random page and said Hey thats a tagalog word and i was like Yeah thats the point

Sarah F
Philippine Spirits: Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4 [English, Softbound]
Absolutely happy!

I ordered from Germany and it got delivered really quick, cost me a Liver, but was worth every penny.
I absolutely love the Art + Story and had to support this. So happy I stumbled upon this one and had the chance to buy it, even if it had to travel more than I ever did myself.

Sarah S.
Careless x Confidential Volume 1 [English, Softbound]

I ove this story very much, so getting it as soon as possible was great! It was easy to buy and having it shipped in a short amount of time was a plus. Can't wait to get the second volume!

Katherine
Careless x Confidential Volume 1 [English, Softbound]

Love the whole book!

Charae Ng
Maloles: The Reckoning Vol. 1 - Keeper of the Underworld [English, Softbound]
Cute bag thank

Cute bag thank you!

RaeChelle Rose
Aswang Adventure Club Tote Bag

Nice collection for daily practice. I have Spanish and a little Russian under my belt, why not add a pre-colonial Philippine script?

Brian
Baybayin Flash Cards - Learn Pre-Colonial Philippine Script

Nice vintage look, will look great for any BBQ or Aswang Adventure activities. 👍

Brian
Aswang Adventure Club T-Shirt
Unique and interesting

Great, interesting topic. Love that it's bilingual with just enough information. Nice illustrations too

Anonymous
The Amazing Beasts of Philippine Mythology [English, Softbound]
It's distinctive

It's distinctive, I loved that I can reference this Philippine myths and monsters to its specific place

Christine Ong
Philippine Spirits Creature Map Tote

Can't wait to read this work. Beautiful illustrations. The first volume was sublime. Hot Tropiks has been an exceptional service since I began making purchases.
Salamat
Brian

Brian
Philippine Spirits: Mythica Obscura (Volumes 5–8) by Karl Gaverza
Excellent start to the vast cultural diversity in the islands……missed more Moro folklore…

Excellent start to the vast cultural diversity in the islands……missed more Moro folklore….but hopefully this book will inspire interest in more……

fred marinello
Philippine Spirits: Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4 [English, Softbound]
Humor is Good

Cute bag, makes me smile. Got an extra one for a friend who will appreciate the reference.

East Coast Allen
Tindero Iconic Shopping Tote Bag
Lovely collection of myths and folklore

Lovely collection of myths and folklore. The included art is also spectacular, doesn't hold back from the spookiness.

Customer
Philippine Spirits: Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4 [English, Softbound]
Filipino Myths Are A Favorite Of Mine

It's lovely to get a copy of this book!

Glaiza Champion
Philippine Spirits: Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4 [English, Softbound]
Style

Love the longer style

Anonymous
Maria Makiling Garden Club Logo T-shirt