Dark magic in the everyday

Yvette Tan weaves modern horror with Filipino folklore in 'Insect Hag and Other Stories'

- JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

Dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Horror Stories,” Palanca award-winning writer Yvette Tan once again invites readers into her chilling world, seamlessly blending modern-day settings with the eerie mysteries of Filipino folklore in her latest book, “Insect Hag and Other Stories.”

In her latest work, Yvette proves that horror and mystery transcend time. Her stories don’t just haunt—they reflect the realities of our society. Don’t be fooled by the book’s petite frame; its pages take readers on an emotional rollercoaster of grief, longing, and the desperate desire to control the uncontrollable—even in moments when nothing makes sense.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, we delved deeper into Yvette’s world, hoping to better understand the mind behind the horrors—and to gather valuable insights for aspiring speculative fiction writers.

Many of your stories delve into Filipino folklore and supernatural elements. How do you balance tradition with contemporary storytelling in this collection?