MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In a compelling new critique for The Manila Times, reviewer Conrad Carino sheds light on Ang Kuwento ng Biringan, a thought-provoking work by author Ricky Rivera that reexamines one of the Philippines’ most enigmatic folktales the mythical city of Biringan.

Carino’s review, published in the paper’s Campus Press section, navigates the layered narrative Rivera constructs, blending legendary folklore with cultural introspection. In his assessment, Carino notes how Rivera uses the story of the hidden city not merely as a fantastical narrative device, but as a window into Filipino cultural psyche — exploring why myths endure and what they reveal about human hopes and anxieties.

According to Carino, Rivera’s storytelling balances credibility with imagination, inviting readers to reflect on whether Biringan exists “only in story — or in the deeper imagination of a people.” The review praises Rivera’s ability to respect traditional lore while also making the tale accessible to contemporary audiences.

The mythical city of Biringan, long a subject of oral tradition in Samar, is said to lie invisibly between municipalities such as Gandara and Pagsanghan, inhabited by supernatural beings called enkanto. These beings and their city have intrigued Filipinos for generations, inspiring numerous tales, media retellings, and now literary interpretation.

Carino highlights how Ang Kuwento ng Biringan doesn’t simply retell the legend; it contextualizes the narrative within the broader Philippine cultural tradition of the enkanto and other mythic figures. By doing so, the book bridges mythology, identity, and modern storytelling, making it a recommended read for those interested in Philippine folklore and its ongoing resonance in contemporary society.

Readers drawn to stories of mystery and myth may find in Rivera’s work a fresh exploration of belief and narrative heritage  one that continues conversations about how legends like Biringan reflect deeper truths about community and cultural imagination.