Even though the Philippine Islands is contested territory within the Vigil, the actual supernatural communities get along with an ease that would surprise most other supes from other countries. Many suspect that it’s a mix of the appropriation of World of Light Filipino culture (the strong emphasis, for example, on pakikisama – or simply the unspoken agreement to watch over one’s own and generally leave others to their own devices), a natural result of the country’s colorful (and difficult) history of colonization and invasion, and the propensity for misguided nationalism to lead to a strong need for most Hunters to turn their sights – and weapons – on “monsters”. It helps, of course, that the Maharlika’s position has always been one of self-preservation, survival, and cooperation – something that has helped them whenever the likes of the Methuselah failed them, or when Zangyaku itself was stretched too thin by their own war with the Dragon’s conspiracy.
The Philippines has also always placed a strong emphasis on blood ties and camaraderie. By merit of the country’s geographical position, Sleepers “awaken” to their inherent gifts, or are just more naturally exposed to external influences like Amrita and geists. Sleepers who stay asleep also show a remarkable propensity for accepting the fact that the World of Darkness exists, even if they may never fully understand what that means, or what the World of Darkness is actually like.
Metro Manila might be the city with the largest concentration of supernaturals in the country, but the capital is not, by far, the seat of political power. Here are brief profiles of the men and women behind the names penned on every major Accords contract forged on Philippine soil.
LILY The Empress Dowager of Malate
Promethean [Galateid] The infamous “Empress Dowager of Malate”, single-handedly responsible for making the area the party place that it is today. Lily is over two hundred years old, and appears to be near the end of her Pilgrimage. She claims that the insight she has gained from one of the first Milestones she achieved inspired her to settle down in Metro Manila and “tend to her flock” – that is, the rest of Promethean kind. As such, Kismet, the strip club and high-class brothel that Malate’s night haunts have grown around, has become a halfway house for any weary Created who find themselves in the Philippines. Her influential position at present is a direct result of this decision, as she’s been doing this for nearly half of her life.
Because of her nature, Lily is often forced to spend long stretches of time away from her own home in order to keep the Disquiet from affecting the city. She is nevertheless reachable to the other supernatural authorities of the Philippines, and to those who know her best.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Many a Promethean has commented on how Lily is just one step away from her Philosopher's Stone. The only thing that seems to be holding her back is her reluctance to sire a child, and subject them to the same anguish that she underwent.
Lily has finally agreed to be Pilar Veterano's mentor. Some of the nastier assistants and students that she has under her wing have been vocal about claiming that their beloved mistress was strong-armed into it. Those who know the Empress Dowager best, however, know that that you can't actually strong-arm Lily into doing anything.
As of last report, Lily took the first opportunity to leave Metro Manila once the dust settles. She is attempting to collect as many of her brethren as she can and bring them to safety.
AN'YU OYAMA Alchemist of the Tammuz Lineage A respected Alchemist descended from the line of Saitou Oyama, a Tammuz from Japan who, at the end of his Pilgrimage, settled down in Davao City. Saitou made a name for himself in history as one of the only Japanese men who stood with the Filipinos against his own race during World War II, and also aided any supernatural, regardless of what they were, while the war razed the country that he had come to call his home. An’yu was groomed from birth to handle his father’s work, just as his father was groomed by Saitou. Their family is attributed to the prosperity of the supernatural communities within Davao.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
From the looks of it, while Lily is busy keeping house for the Created whom she feels responsible for, An'yu will be covering for her on top of his own duties.
FACE PEG: MARK DACASCOS
Edited 2016-10-01 05:23 (UTC)
FOR THE AWAKENED :: Lola Maganda of the Malaahas Family
LOLA MAGANDA Great Spirit [Acanthus] The Great Spirit known as Lola Maganda was not always a Great Spirit. While no one beyond the Malaahas family knows what her name was, those familiar with Awakened history in the Philippines are aware of the fact that she was the first in the archipelago to Awaken as an Acanthus, and also one in the pair of twins who would establish the oldest (and, up until now, the most powerful) Mage family in the country. As such, it should be unsurprising that Lola Maganda has occupied the position of representative of Acanthus within the Supernatural Accords.
As a general rule of thumb, Lola Maganda is only too happy to take a step back from the politics and let the other representatives decide on things. She does, however, respond to just about anyone who wishes to speak to her – but they have to make their way to Batanes. She claims that she’s too old to travel around. She's especially disinclined to leave now that the Philippines is one of the only safe places left in the Fifth World.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
In accordance with an arrangement between her and Brianna, Lola Maganda is taking point as "mother superior" of the Good Men and Women of the Accords in the Philippines. Her presence in Batanes is a huge plus for the United Vigil, as her very existence makes it difficult for the Vigil's adversaries to penetrate far into the archipelago. This also allows the more mobile Good Folk to attend to their business without worrying so much about their people.
MANG BALISONG Stygian Herald [Moros] Records of Mang Balisong have existed since the 1500s, but his real name and his actual background have been lost to the annals of time. He’s a hard figure to miss, however, given his imposing height and the fact that near every visible square inch of his skin is covered in clean cuts, as though someone decided to take a knife and carve out geometrical grids all over his body.
Mang Balisong can be difficult to reach because he likes to travel around the archipelago, playing Good Samaritan and messenger to other Awakened who reside beyond the city centers. The best way to reach him is to get in touch with Estanislao Marisigan, one of the Mages he adopted many years in the past.
POINT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Reports from the Maharlika indicate that Mang Balisong has expanded his route to include Southeast Asia. He has taken point on surveillance work for the Maharlika, and is feeding all of his information to Netsach.
ALUNSINA Dreamspeaker [Thyrsus] Actual historical records of who Alunsina was do not exist, and the few who are old enough to know her story aren’t telling it. The closest anyone can get to an account of her past exist in obscure epic song cycles within the Visayas, known only by a few bards. These are the common elements across all of the songs that refer to her:
She was the Seventh Daughter of a Seventh Daughter. Thus, she was born under strange circumstances, and “had the gift” the moment she could walk. (A closed reading of the words used in the song cycles indicate that she Awakened.)
Her father wished for her to settle down and allow the family to choose a husband for her. She insisted that she would not marry anyone who could not best her in song, in hunting, and in combat.
After running through all of the potential suitors in her village and the villages close to her home, she found her match in a mysterious stranger who hid his face and had a gentle voice.
Thrilled at finally meeting a man who was worthy of her, she agreed to marry him. Throughout the celebration, regardless of who asked, the stranger refused to show his face, or tell anyone his name.
On the night of their wedding, Alunsina discovered that her “husband” was not a man at all, much less human. “He” was the goddess Magwayan. She attempted to escape, but Magwayan used the powers at her disposal to keep Alunsina captive.
As the seasons wore on, as the Alunsina was made to share Magwayan’s bed and exposed to the wonders that the goddess could offer her, Alunsina fell in love with Magwayan.
Denizens of tonight’s Vigil confirm that Magwayan is, indeed, a Great Spirit of the Philippines. Alunsina continues to refer to Magwayan as her husband, and was the second of the Awakened to sign the first Supernatural Accords in her country (the first, of course, being Lola Maganda). Alunsina and Magwayan are the guardians of all Awakened and all spirits within the Visayas region.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Diamong Dog contacted Alunsina personally earlier this year. She's taken note of him.
EULA VAN LEONG Alias: The Gardener
Card of the Hanged Man Triumph(?) Known around most circles as “The Gardener”, and it isn’t actually because that’s her favorite past time. She was the Dealer of the Hanged Man Arcana during the Grand Game of Fate – although it’s more correct to say that she’s ALWAYS been the Dealer. Eula’s express decision to rebel against the very forces of the universe that made her by aiding Jessiah Vice is ultimately the reason why she’s in the comfortable position that she occupies now. Jessiah mercilessly unseated (or destroyed) Dealers in an effort to dismantle the Game, and rewarded the ones who had helped him. Eula reputedly required no reward beyond being left to her own devices.
At present, Eula is the supreme matriarch of the World of Darkness side of the Chinese Triad on Philippine shores and of the Chinese community as a whole. However, most everyone has no idea who she is and what she’s done for them. She has only recently stepped back from worldly affairs, leaving her fiefdom in the care of some of her most trusted advisors while she focuses on the concerns of all Second Breathers within the archipelago.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Eula is Lenny Ramirez's aunt. They are actually related by blood, although that connection goes way back. Like, Ancient China before it was China back.
CERES DACAY Alias: None
Torn Reaper [Geist: The Voices of Ash] Ceres is the poster child for a victim of the political machinery within the Philippines. Her father was a tribe leader and her mother was a social worker. Their family attempted to protest against a deal that would cede a large amount of tribal land to a private investor for a resort. The local government official who was attempting to broker the deal felt that the best way to silence the protest was to have the entire Dacay family kidnapped, tortured, and killed. Unfortunately for him, Ceres came back from the dead. Locals in Boracay still share chilling accounts of his mysterious death at the hands of an “avenging angel”.
30-year-old Ceres was only recently voted into her position by the other Bound, following the death of her predecessor. She has won a lot of respect from her peers because prior to her direct involvement with the Accords, Ceres made it a point to personally respond to every cry for help that she received. She is the worst nightmare of every wicked man in Filipino business and politics, made more terrible yet because she’s real.
JAYSON AGUAS Alias: None
Changing Breed [Uchichraihshravas {Horse}] Jayson Agas hails from a long line of Uchchaihshravas, horse shapeshifters via an ancestor – a gaucho who fled South America in the early 1800s and came to the Philippines hoping for a better life. Since the myth of the Tikbalang had originally come to the country during the earlier decades of the Spanish colonialization of the islands, this had long since grown into a folk belief that the natives whispered about. When the wife of Jayson's ancestor discovered what her husband could change into, her way of coping was to firmly believe that she had married one of the monsters of local myth.
Jayson is a quiet, patient man, who used to work up in Baguio as a rancher and trail guide for tourists who wanted to try horseback riding out. He was initially working out of Camp John Hay, but due to developments in that part of the country, he and his kin have had to adjust their business (and care of their animal brethren) within the constraints of the times.
MAHALIA "MIA" CASTRO Alias: None
Changing Breed [Chevaliers Rapace {Philippine Eagle}] The sole surviving scion of the Castro Family, the last remaining line of Chevaliers Rapace who shift into Philippine Eagles – and this is an arrangement that suits Mia just fine, given what she had to endure. She turned on her own parents the moment they forced the Change upon her, and systematically worked through her family, culling the old blood that continued to cling to the clan’s vicious ways. It helped, of course, that the Methuselah supported her endeavors.
Some of the nastier ferals in tonight’s Vigil (especially ones within the Maharlika’s ranks) insist that Mia only has her position because of her bloodline. Truth be told, she has it because she knows exactly how to play the game, and because she has some friends in pretty high places within the Methuselah. She's lucky too: said contacts did not end up getting snuffed out by the sudden shift in the Methuselah's internal workings.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Mia has volunteered to be the man liaison between Lola Maganda and Anino. Everyone has an interest in keeping the archipelago safe, and friendly to the United Vigil.
FACE PEG: SOLENN HEUSAFF
Edited 2016-10-01 06:06 (UTC)
FOR THE FERALS :: Cecilia Judalena, Queenmaker of the Stars
CECILIA JUDALENA Alias: The Queenmaker of Stars
Changing Breed [Vaguhir {Fruit Bat}] The “Queenmaker” of the entertainment business, often viciously lambasted by her Deadwalker rivals for her “weird” features and strange nocturnal habits. Cecilia (fondly called “Tita Ces” by her starlets) takes all of this into stride, for nothing they could say could possibly jeopardize the place she has made for herself in the country. It helps, of course, that she’s got the backing of the Maharlika - and now, by extension, the entirety of Netsach. She’s one of their scouts for the upper echelons of society, monitoring Deadwalkers for any sign of “waking up” or “changing”.
Cecilia’s appearance is unforgettable because of how it makes her appear – to Sleepers and supernaturals alike – like a grounded creature of flight, and her huge eyes and disproportionate features are difficult not to zone in on. This is characteristic of her bloodline, as is the fact that she’s unreally charming.
PLOT POINTS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Team Death Wish is rather familiar with the Queenmaker because they helped her out with Ashwood Abbey. Cecilia isn't one to forget the good that people have done for her.
Miss Judalena had a direct hand in giving Maddie her cushy position at the Philippine STAR. She was acting on a favor she owed Kasumi Aoi, the Mother of the Wolf.
Because of her close connections with the World of Light, Cecilia is now one of the public faces of the Department of Supernatural Affairs in Manila. Reception around the reveal of her "true" nature, however, has been mixed.
DANILO SANGANDAAN Alias: None
Changing Breed [Taurae {Carabao}] The Sangangdaan used to be the largest family of ferals on Philippine soil, and were viewed by many as the protector-builders of the archipelago. The brutality of the Spanish, the bloodshed that took place during the Philippine Revolution, World War II and the other, smaller domestic conflicts that followed have decimated the clan. Danilo is one of the only pure-blooded Sagangdaan left who is capable of leading the family: his older brother was crippled by his torturers during the Marcos Regime, and his older sister never went through the First Change.
Many of the Maharlika and his colleagues among the Good Folk discourage Danilo from participating in the politics of tonight’s Vigil, mostly because they want to give the Sangangdaan time to recover. Danilo, however, feels as though it would be wrong of him to shirk his duties to the Accords.
PLOT POINTS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
None just yet!
FACE PEG: JERICHO ROSALES
Edited 2016-10-01 06:15 (UTC)
VACANT POSITION FOR THE KINDRED: Good Man of the Daeva Clan
ALEX QUIMPO Alias: None
Gangrel; Prince of Davao The recently installed Prince of Davao, and the roguish, hot-headed boss man that controls half of the gangs in the city (and he’ll probably have control over the rest by the end of the year at the rate that he’s going). He was Embraced against his will a few years back, but made a name for himself in tonight’s Vigil by destroying his sire and taking to Kindred politics like a fish to water – on his own terms, of course. Another thing that makes him stand out is the fact that he remains incredibly close to his human family. His brother John, in fact, personally helped him get revenge and take control of his fiefdom.
Alex is the new kid on the block compared to his peers, but that might be one of the reasons why he’s incredibly popular. He also appears to be doing something that none of his predecessors ever managed to achieve: unite the Filipino Gangrel and all of the bloodlines within the Clan.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Team Death Wish is on this guy's radar because of their engagement in Davao. He's grudgingly impressed with them so far.
APOLINARIO MABINI Alias: None
Mekhet [Agonistes]; Prince of Batangas …No, he’s not just a man who happens to share the name of the “Brains of the Katipunan”: he is the Apolinario Mabini, Embraced on the brink of death by a semi-deranged vampire who admired his work. Mabini has only recently resurfaced in tonight’s Vigil: he spent his initial years consumed with grief over the loss of his human life, and was previously unwilling to accept what he had become. The Maharlika, however, were quick to support his decision to involve himself once more in Philippine politics, and supported his rise to power. At present, he is the Prince of Batangas.
When he is not monitoring the petty disputes of his constituents, Mabini is perfectly content with collecting oddities and old books. It is said that anyone hoping to recover an artifact or text lost to the rest of Philippine history should get into Mabini’s good graces. There’s a strong chance that he might just have what you’re looking for.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
The member of Team Death Wish whom Mabini has had the most contact with is Lenny Ramirez. Fitting, given Lenny's allegiances.
GINOONG MARIA Alias: None
Nosferatu; Prince of Pampanga With his tall figure and practice of concealing the deformities of his entire being beneath whimsical clothing and masks, Ginoong Maria is perhaps the most frightening of the Vampire Princes who acknowledge the power of the Supernatural Accords. The Prince of Pampanga is the one who controls human trafficking and prostitution within the Philippines, all for his own purposes: he requires subjects for his flesh-shaping experiments, and has a bizarre fondness for children. Nevertheless, he’s proven to be a steadfast supporter of the Supernatural Accords, and horrific and strange as his practices are, he has never actually taken anyone who was not willing. 100% of his close staff (all of them children between the ages of 8 to 16, we note) knows who they are serving and who he really is. They’re also loyal to the death to him.
The rise of Apathy has disturbed Ginoong Maria greatly. Several of his children and several of the men and women who were in his employ when they were younger, have fallen prey to the disease. The recent collapse of the Veil and the fall of the Vigil has only made things worse for him.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
None just yet!
Edited 2016-10-01 06:44 (UTC)
VACANT POSITION FOR THE KINDRED :: Good Man of the Ventrue Clan
BIG BALETE Alias: None
Speaker of the Bone Shadows & Protector of Death Wolf's Totem As the Speaker of the Bone Shadows and Protector of Death Wolf’s Totem, Big Balete is currently the oldest tribe leader of the People – a strange shift, given that he was once the youngest of his batch. He’s over 600 years old, and still remembers the day that the first Uratha landed in the country. He remembers, as well, how his peers died. Big Balete’s main priority at the moment is finding a suitable successor for himself. Uratha tradition on the archipelago dictates that each tribe must have a representative leader, even if the Tribes of the Moon in the Philippines function rather differently from the rest of their brethren in the Fifth World.
BRYCE Alias: None
Speaker of the Iron Masters and Protector of Red Wolf's Totem Speaker of the Iron Masters and Protector of Red Wolf’s Totem, set apart from the rest of the Speakers because he isn’t actually Filipino. Bryce was a Canadian soldier whose First Moon occurred while he was assigned to the Pacific during World War II. He ended up slaughtering his own squadron during his Death Rage, and wandered throughout the countryside, shaken and alone. Big Balete found him and took him up to Baguio, where he helped Bryce learn more about what he had become and find peace within himself. Bryce actually attempted to protect his predecessor from the Japanese, and even though his heroic actions ultimately failed, it cemented his standing within the Tribes of the Moon. As such, he was unanimously voted as the new Speaker for the Iron Masters.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Bryce is personally watching over the Battali Home in Baguio. Alistair may or may not have informed the Speaker that there's a, uh, particularly sensitive package in the pool there...
DALAGANG HABAGAT Alias: Ginaang Habagat
Affiliations: Speaker of the Storm Lords and Protector of Winter Wolf’s Totem Because she is the Speaker of the Storm Lords and Protector of Winter Wolf’s Totem, Uratha tradition in the Philippines states that Dalagang Habagat is also the “Alpha” of the Speakers. This is a position that Ginaang Habagat has held for two hundred years, and tradition is actually the weakest reason why the rest of the People are happy to have her guide them. She has proven herself to be a good, reliable leader regardless of the circumstances, and has steered the People through some of the worst periods in Philippine history. On another note, she is the daughter of the first Storm Lord to ever lead the People of the Philippines, a woman who had a love pact with Big Balete. Ginaang Habagat views Big Balete as a surrogate parental figure, and addresses him as “uncle”.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Dalagang Habagat is taking point once again in ways that her kin have not seen since World War II. Go figure: the apocalypse is coming, and she's a war chieftain among her kind through and through.
MAYARI Alias: None
Affiliations: The Speaker of the Hunters in Darkness and Protector of Black Wolf’s Totem Mayari, we note, is less a name for the People of the Philippines and more of a title given to whoever becomes the Speaker of the Mennina. This current Mayari’s predecessor died of old age barely a year ago, and selected her successor with her dying breath. Many feel that she possesses wisdom and skill far beyond her years. Mayari herself does not think she is worthy of the position she occupies, but continues to perform her duties as best as she can.
BASILIO TUPAZ Alias: None
Speaker of the Blood Talons and Protector of Fenris Wolf’s Totem The Speaker of the Blood Talons and Protector of Fenris Wolf’s Totem, and a rather young Werewolf relative to most of his peers among the Speakers: the only Speaker who is younger than him is Mayari. Genial and courteous to everyone he meets, Manolo’s black rage used to come out in full force whenever his younger brother Matteo was mentioned. He had serious issues with the Methuselah, and considered it an insult to his family’s honor among the People that Matteo turned their back on all of them in favor of becoming a Hunter...
...Although one has to wonder if it's simply because Matteo became a Hunter or because Matteo chose the Methuselah of yesteryear that gets Basilio's goat. Maybe things will be different now that his brother has gone to Zangyaku. Maybe.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Rumor has it that Matteo is actually the stronger one between him and his older brother - or, at least, he has the potential to be, and said potential is obvious to any Uratha with eyes. If this is true, that might be a huge part of why Basilio is so pissed at Matteo to begin with.
FACE PEG: AKARA AMARTTAYAKUL
Edited 2016-10-01 06:53 (UTC)
FOR THE SLEEPWALKERS/TOUCHED :: Gabrielle Batumbakal
GABRIELLE BATUMBAKAL Alias: None
Rivers Hunter [Mage] The older one of the Batumbakal twins, born just a few minutes ahead of her brother. While Amado continued the family legacy of protecting (and sometimes controlling) the Malaahas Family, Gabrielle turned her attentions towards aiding the Maharlika and attending to the needs of the large demographic of Sleepwalkers in the Philippines. She has gone from simple Groundskeeper to the strongest voice of Sleepwalkers from Luzon and some parts of the Visayas Islands.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
The Batumbakal Clan - beholden to Lola Maganda, their Companion - embodies Wisdom in its purest form, the ideal that all of the Awakened seek in order to see through the Lie. They use their blood and bones to invoke their rituals, and have a much wider range of magic at their disposal than most other Rivers. The main caveat of their legacy is that they must swear an oath of protection over a Mage and his relatives by blood or formal adoption. We note, with interest, that the Batumbakal have always sworn fealty to the Malaahas, which actually includes the heavy duty of destroying any member of the Malaahas Family who Falls.
JOHN QUIMPO Alias: None
Riskbreaker By day, John Quimpo is a well-loved entrepreneur who started off as a risk analyst for a major bank and later moved on to establish banks of his own all across Mindanao. Within tonight’s Vigil however, John is a highly respected Inquisitor of the Methuselah who is single-handedly responsible for keeping things in order for the conspiracy down south. He was not so popular with his old superiors because of what he’s done for his brother Alex, and because of his strong views against the Committee’s policies regarding the Blade King and Zangyaku. Nevertheless, he was, for the longest time, one of the only Arbiters that the supernatural community on the island turns to when things get rough simply because he got the job done.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
Team Death Wish is on this guy's radar because of their engagement in Davao. He's rather impressed with them so far.
John continued to stick with the Methuselah even after the Veil broke and most of his conspiracy was revealed to be corrupt. He had himself registered as part of the Methuselah that stood with the United Vigil.
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wakingthedead2016-05-19 08:25 pm
FOR THE ALCHEMISTS/CREATED :: Lily, Empress Dowager of Malate
The Empress Dowager of Malate
Promethean [Galateid]
The infamous “Empress Dowager of Malate”, single-handedly responsible for making the area the party place that it is today. Lily is over two hundred years old, and appears to be near the end of her Pilgrimage. She claims that the insight she has gained from one of the first Milestones she achieved inspired her to settle down in Metro Manila and “tend to her flock” – that is, the rest of Promethean kind. As such, Kismet, the strip club and high-class brothel that Malate’s night haunts have grown around, has become a halfway house for any weary Created who find themselves in the Philippines. Her influential position at present is a direct result of this decision, as she’s been doing this for nearly half of her life.
Because of her nature, Lily is often forced to spend long stretches of time away from her own home in order to keep the Disquiet from affecting the city. She is nevertheless reachable to the other supernatural authorities of the Philippines, and to those who know her best.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: ADRIANA LIMA
FOR THE ALCHEMISTS/CREATED :: An'yu Oyama
Alchemist of the Tammuz Lineage
A respected Alchemist descended from the line of Saitou Oyama, a Tammuz from Japan who, at the end of his Pilgrimage, settled down in Davao City. Saitou made a name for himself in history as one of the only Japanese men who stood with the Filipinos against his own race during World War II, and also aided any supernatural, regardless of what they were, while the war razed the country that he had come to call his home. An’yu was groomed from birth to handle his father’s work, just as his father was groomed by Saitou. Their family is attributed to the prosperity of the supernatural communities within Davao.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: MARK DACASCOS
FOR THE AWAKENED :: Lola Maganda of the Malaahas Family
Great Spirit [Acanthus]
The Great Spirit known as Lola Maganda was not always a Great Spirit. While no one beyond the Malaahas family knows what her name was, those familiar with Awakened history in the Philippines are aware of the fact that she was the first in the archipelago to Awaken as an Acanthus, and also one in the pair of twins who would establish the oldest (and, up until now, the most powerful) Mage family in the country. As such, it should be unsurprising that Lola Maganda has occupied the position of representative of Acanthus within the Supernatural Accords.
As a general rule of thumb, Lola Maganda is only too happy to take a step back from the politics and let the other representatives decide on things. She does, however, respond to just about anyone who wishes to speak to her – but they have to make their way to Batanes. She claims that she’s too old to travel around. She's especially disinclined to leave now that the Philippines is one of the only safe places left in the Fifth World.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FOR THE AWAKENED :: Philip Cambio
Before he was ever the voice of the Warlocks in the Philippines, Philip Cambio was a man of Bates, the first squadron in Lincoln's Cabinet.
FOR THE AWAKENED :: Mang Balisong
Stygian Herald [Moros]
Records of Mang Balisong have existed since the 1500s, but his real name and his actual background have been lost to the annals of time. He’s a hard figure to miss, however, given his imposing height and the fact that near every visible square inch of his skin is covered in clean cuts, as though someone decided to take a knife and carve out geometrical grids all over his body.
Mang Balisong can be difficult to reach because he likes to travel around the archipelago, playing Good Samaritan and messenger to other Awakened who reside beyond the city centers. The best way to reach him is to get in touch with Estanislao Marisigan, one of the Mages he adopted many years in the past.
POINT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FOR THE AWAKENED :: Estanislao Marisigan
Estanislao Marisigan's entry can be found here, with the rest of the War Hounds.
FOR THE AWAKENED :: Alunsina
Dreamspeaker [Thyrsus]
Actual historical records of who Alunsina was do not exist, and the few who are old enough to know her story aren’t telling it. The closest anyone can get to an account of her past exist in obscure epic song cycles within the Visayas, known only by a few bards. These are the common elements across all of the songs that refer to her:
- She was the Seventh Daughter of a Seventh Daughter. Thus, she was born under strange circumstances, and “had the gift” the moment she could walk. (A closed reading of the words used in the song cycles indicate that she Awakened.)
- Her father wished for her to settle down and allow the family to choose a husband for her. She insisted that she would not marry anyone who could not best her in song, in hunting, and in combat.
- After running through all of the potential suitors in her village and the villages close to her home, she found her match in a mysterious stranger who hid his face and had a gentle voice.
- Thrilled at finally meeting a man who was worthy of her, she agreed to marry him. Throughout the celebration, regardless of who asked, the stranger refused to show his face, or tell anyone his name.
- On the night of their wedding, Alunsina discovered that her “husband” was not a man at all, much less human. “He” was the goddess Magwayan. She attempted to escape, but Magwayan used the powers at her disposal to keep Alunsina captive.
- As the seasons wore on, as the Alunsina was made to share Magwayan’s bed and exposed to the wonders that the goddess could offer her, Alunsina fell in love with Magwayan.
Denizens of tonight’s Vigil confirm that Magwayan is, indeed, a Great Spirit of the Philippines. Alunsina continues to refer to Magwayan as her husband, and was the second of the Awakened to sign the first Supernatural Accords in her country (the first, of course, being Lola Maganda). Alunsina and Magwayan are the guardians of all Awakened and all spirits within the Visayas region.PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: ZOE SALDANA
FOR CARDS :: Eula Van Leong, The Gardener
Alias: The Gardener
Card of the Hanged Man Triumph(?)
Known around most circles as “The Gardener”, and it isn’t actually because that’s her favorite past time. She was the Dealer of the Hanged Man Arcana during the Grand Game of Fate – although it’s more correct to say that she’s ALWAYS been the Dealer. Eula’s express decision to rebel against the very forces of the universe that made her by aiding Jessiah Vice is ultimately the reason why she’s in the comfortable position that she occupies now. Jessiah mercilessly unseated (or destroyed) Dealers in an effort to dismantle the Game, and rewarded the ones who had helped him. Eula reputedly required no reward beyond being left to her own devices.
At present, Eula is the supreme matriarch of the World of Darkness side of the Chinese Triad on Philippine shores and of the Chinese community as a whole. However, most everyone has no idea who she is and what she’s done for them. She has only recently stepped back from worldly affairs, leaving her fiefdom in the care of some of her most trusted advisors while she focuses on the concerns of all Second Breathers within the archipelago.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: JOAN CHEN
FOR THE SIN-EATERS :: Ceres Dacay
Alias: None
Torn Reaper [Geist: The Voices of Ash]
Ceres is the poster child for a victim of the political machinery within the Philippines. Her father was a tribe leader and her mother was a social worker. Their family attempted to protest against a deal that would cede a large amount of tribal land to a private investor for a resort. The local government official who was attempting to broker the deal felt that the best way to silence the protest was to have the entire Dacay family kidnapped, tortured, and killed. Unfortunately for him, Ceres came back from the dead. Locals in Boracay still share chilling accounts of his mysterious death at the hands of an “avenging angel”.
30-year-old Ceres was only recently voted into her position by the other Bound, following the death of her predecessor. She has won a lot of respect from her peers because prior to her direct involvement with the Accords, Ceres made it a point to personally respond to every cry for help that she received. She is the worst nightmare of every wicked man in Filipino business and politics, made more terrible yet because she’s real.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: MERCEDES CABRAL
FOR THE FERALS :: Jayson Aguas
Alias: None
Changing Breed [Uchichraihshravas {Horse}]
Jayson Agas hails from a long line of Uchchaihshravas, horse shapeshifters via an ancestor – a gaucho who fled South America in the early 1800s and came to the Philippines hoping for a better life. Since the myth of the Tikbalang had originally come to the country during the earlier decades of the Spanish colonialization of the islands, this had long since grown into a folk belief that the natives whispered about. When the wife of Jayson's ancestor discovered what her husband could change into, her way of coping was to firmly believe that she had married one of the monsters of local myth.
Jayson is a quiet, patient man, who used to work up in Baguio as a rancher and trail guide for tourists who wanted to try horseback riding out. He was initially working out of Camp John Hay, but due to developments in that part of the country, he and his kin have had to adjust their business (and care of their animal brethren) within the constraints of the times.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: MATTEO GUIDICELLI
FOR THE FERALS :: Mahalia "Mia" Castro
Alias: None
Changing Breed [Chevaliers Rapace {Philippine Eagle}]
The sole surviving scion of the Castro Family, the last remaining line of Chevaliers Rapace who shift into Philippine Eagles – and this is an arrangement that suits Mia just fine, given what she had to endure. She turned on her own parents the moment they forced the Change upon her, and systematically worked through her family, culling the old blood that continued to cling to the clan’s vicious ways. It helped, of course, that the Methuselah supported her endeavors.
Some of the nastier ferals in tonight’s Vigil (especially ones within the Maharlika’s ranks) insist that Mia only has her position because of her bloodline. Truth be told, she has it because she knows exactly how to play the game, and because she has some friends in pretty high places within the Methuselah. She's lucky too: said contacts did not end up getting snuffed out by the sudden shift in the Methuselah's internal workings.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: SOLENN HEUSAFF
FOR THE FERALS :: Cecilia Judalena, Queenmaker of the Stars
Alias: The Queenmaker of Stars
Changing Breed [Vaguhir {Fruit Bat}]
The “Queenmaker” of the entertainment business, often viciously lambasted by her Deadwalker rivals for her “weird” features and strange nocturnal habits. Cecilia (fondly called “Tita Ces” by her starlets) takes all of this into stride, for nothing they could say could possibly jeopardize the place she has made for herself in the country. It helps, of course, that she’s got the backing of the Maharlika - and now, by extension, the entirety of Netsach. She’s one of their scouts for the upper echelons of society, monitoring Deadwalkers for any sign of “waking up” or “changing”.
Cecilia’s appearance is unforgettable because of how it makes her appear – to Sleepers and supernaturals alike – like a grounded creature of flight, and her huge eyes and disproportionate features are difficult not to zone in on. This is characteristic of her bloodline, as is the fact that she’s unreally charming.
PLOT POINTS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FOR THE FERALS :: Danilo Sangandaan
Alias: None
Changing Breed [Taurae {Carabao}]
The Sangangdaan used to be the largest family of ferals on Philippine soil, and were viewed by many as the protector-builders of the archipelago. The brutality of the Spanish, the bloodshed that took place during the Philippine Revolution, World War II and the other, smaller domestic conflicts that followed have decimated the clan. Danilo is one of the only pure-blooded Sagangdaan left who is capable of leading the family: his older brother was crippled by his torturers during the Marcos Regime, and his older sister never went through the First Change.
Many of the Maharlika and his colleagues among the Good Folk discourage Danilo from participating in the politics of tonight’s Vigil, mostly because they want to give the Sangangdaan time to recover. Danilo, however, feels as though it would be wrong of him to shirk his duties to the Accords.
PLOT POINTS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: JERICHO ROSALES
VACANT POSITION FOR THE KINDRED: Good Man of the Daeva Clan
Barbara Gomez used to the Prince of Cebu and the Good Woman of the Daeva Clan within the Philippine Accords. Both positions are up for grabs now.
FOR THE KINDRED :: Alex Quimpo
Alias: None
Gangrel; Prince of Davao
The recently installed Prince of Davao, and the roguish, hot-headed boss man that controls half of the gangs in the city (and he’ll probably have control over the rest by the end of the year at the rate that he’s going). He was Embraced against his will a few years back, but made a name for himself in tonight’s Vigil by destroying his sire and taking to Kindred politics like a fish to water – on his own terms, of course. Another thing that makes him stand out is the fact that he remains incredibly close to his human family. His brother John, in fact, personally helped him get revenge and take control of his fiefdom.
Alex is the new kid on the block compared to his peers, but that might be one of the reasons why he’s incredibly popular. He also appears to be doing something that none of his predecessors ever managed to achieve: unite the Filipino Gangrel and all of the bloodlines within the Clan.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: TOM RODRIGUEZ
FOR THE KINDRED :: Apolinario Mabini
Alias: None
Mekhet [Agonistes]; Prince of Batangas
…No, he’s not just a man who happens to share the name of the “Brains of the Katipunan”: he is the Apolinario Mabini, Embraced on the brink of death by a semi-deranged vampire who admired his work. Mabini has only recently resurfaced in tonight’s Vigil: he spent his initial years consumed with grief over the loss of his human life, and was previously unwilling to accept what he had become. The Maharlika, however, were quick to support his decision to involve himself once more in Philippine politics, and supported his rise to power. At present, he is the Prince of Batangas.
When he is not monitoring the petty disputes of his constituents, Mabini is perfectly content with collecting oddities and old books. It is said that anyone hoping to recover an artifact or text lost to the rest of Philippine history should get into Mabini’s good graces. There’s a strong chance that he might just have what you’re looking for.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: EPY QUIZON
FOR THE KINDRED :: Ginoong Maria
Alias: None
Nosferatu; Prince of Pampanga
With his tall figure and practice of concealing the deformities of his entire being beneath whimsical clothing and masks, Ginoong Maria is perhaps the most frightening of the Vampire Princes who acknowledge the power of the Supernatural Accords. The Prince of Pampanga is the one who controls human trafficking and prostitution within the Philippines, all for his own purposes: he requires subjects for his flesh-shaping experiments, and has a bizarre fondness for children. Nevertheless, he’s proven to be a steadfast supporter of the Supernatural Accords, and horrific and strange as his practices are, he has never actually taken anyone who was not willing. 100% of his close staff (all of them children between the ages of 8 to 16, we note) knows who they are serving and who he really is. They’re also loyal to the death to him.
The rise of Apathy has disturbed Ginoong Maria greatly. Several of his children and several of the men and women who were in his employ when they were younger, have fallen prey to the disease. The recent collapse of the Veil and the fall of the Vigil has only made things worse for him.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
VACANT POSITION FOR THE KINDRED :: Good Man of the Ventrue Clan
Alejandro Raura used to the Prince of Manila and the Good Man of the Ventrue Clan within the Philippine Accords. Both positions are up for grabs now.
FOR THE LOST :: Brianna Lopez, Sister Spider of the Philippines
Brianna Lopez's entry can be found here, with the other War Hounds.
FOR THE PEOPLE :: Big Balete
Alias: None
Speaker of the Bone Shadows & Protector of Death Wolf's Totem
As the Speaker of the Bone Shadows and Protector of Death Wolf’s Totem, Big Balete is currently the oldest tribe leader of the People – a strange shift, given that he was once the youngest of his batch. He’s over 600 years old, and still remembers the day that the first Uratha landed in the country. He remembers, as well, how his peers died. Big Balete’s main priority at the moment is finding a suitable successor for himself. Uratha tradition on the archipelago dictates that each tribe must have a representative leader, even if the Tribes of the Moon in the Philippines function rather differently from the rest of their brethren in the Fifth World.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: JUNIX INOCIAN (R.I.P.)
FOR THE PEOPLE :: Bryce
Alias: None
Speaker of the Iron Masters and Protector of Red Wolf's Totem
Speaker of the Iron Masters and Protector of Red Wolf’s Totem, set apart from the rest of the Speakers because he isn’t actually Filipino. Bryce was a Canadian soldier whose First Moon occurred while he was assigned to the Pacific during World War II. He ended up slaughtering his own squadron during his Death Rage, and wandered throughout the countryside, shaken and alone. Big Balete found him and took him up to Baguio, where he helped Bryce learn more about what he had become and find peace within himself. Bryce actually attempted to protect his predecessor from the Japanese, and even though his heroic actions ultimately failed, it cemented his standing within the Tribes of the Moon. As such, he was unanimously voted as the new Speaker for the Iron Masters.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: MATT BOMER
FOR THE PEOPLE :: Dalagang Habagat
Alias: Ginaang Habagat
Affiliations: Speaker of the Storm Lords and Protector of Winter Wolf’s Totem
Because she is the Speaker of the Storm Lords and Protector of Winter Wolf’s Totem, Uratha tradition in the Philippines states that Dalagang Habagat is also the “Alpha” of the Speakers. This is a position that Ginaang Habagat has held for two hundred years, and tradition is actually the weakest reason why the rest of the People are happy to have her guide them. She has proven herself to be a good, reliable leader regardless of the circumstances, and has steered the People through some of the worst periods in Philippine history. On another note, she is the daughter of the first Storm Lord to ever lead the People of the Philippines, a woman who had a love pact with Big Balete. Ginaang Habagat views Big Balete as a surrogate parental figure, and addresses him as “uncle”.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: ANGEL AQUINO
FOR THE PEOPLE :: Mayari
Alias: None
Affiliations: The Speaker of the Hunters in Darkness and Protector of Black Wolf’s Totem
Mayari, we note, is less a name for the People of the Philippines and more of a title given to whoever becomes the Speaker of the Mennina. This current Mayari’s predecessor died of old age barely a year ago, and selected her successor with her dying breath. Many feel that she possesses wisdom and skill far beyond her years. Mayari herself does not think she is worthy of the position she occupies, but continues to perform her duties as best as she can.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: JESSICA SANCHEZ
FOR THE PEOPLE :: Basilio Tupaz
Alias: None
Speaker of the Blood Talons and Protector of Fenris Wolf’s Totem
The Speaker of the Blood Talons and Protector of Fenris Wolf’s Totem, and a rather young Werewolf relative to most of his peers among the Speakers: the only Speaker who is younger than him is Mayari. Genial and courteous to everyone he meets, Manolo’s black rage used to come out in full force whenever his younger brother Matteo was mentioned. He had serious issues with the Methuselah, and considered it an insult to his family’s honor among the People that Matteo turned their back on all of them in favor of becoming a Hunter...
...Although one has to wonder if it's simply because Matteo became a Hunter or because Matteo chose the Methuselah of yesteryear that gets Basilio's goat. Maybe things will be different now that his brother has gone to Zangyaku. Maybe.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: AKARA AMARTTAYAKUL
FOR THE SLEEPWALKERS/TOUCHED :: Gabrielle Batumbakal
Alias: None
Rivers Hunter [Mage]
The older one of the Batumbakal twins, born just a few minutes ahead of her brother. While Amado continued the family legacy of protecting (and sometimes controlling) the Malaahas Family, Gabrielle turned her attentions towards aiding the Maharlika and attending to the needs of the large demographic of Sleepwalkers in the Philippines. She has gone from simple Groundskeeper to the strongest voice of Sleepwalkers from Luzon and some parts of the Visayas Islands.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: KC CONCEPCION
FOR THE SLEEPWALKERS/TOUCHED :: John Quimpo
Alias: None
Riskbreaker
By day, John Quimpo is a well-loved entrepreneur who started off as a risk analyst for a major bank and later moved on to establish banks of his own all across Mindanao. Within tonight’s Vigil however, John is a highly respected Inquisitor of the Methuselah who is single-handedly responsible for keeping things in order for the conspiracy down south. He was not so popular with his old superiors because of what he’s done for his brother Alex, and because of his strong views against the Committee’s policies regarding the Blade King and Zangyaku. Nevertheless, he was, for the longest time, one of the only Arbiters that the supernatural community on the island turns to when things get rough simply because he got the job done.
PLOT POINTS AS OF 01 OCTOBER 2016
FACE PEG: RAFAEL ROSELL