In fiction books, a prevalent theme related to Filipino martial arts is the sense of community. Those who practice it form a tight - knit group, often with a shared sense of purpose. They support each other and have a mutual respect for their skills. There can also be a theme of revenge, where a character uses their knowledge of Filipino martial arts to seek justice for a wrong done to them or their family. And sometimes, the books may play with the idea of transformation. A character might start as a meek individual but through learning Filipino martial arts, they become confident and powerful, both physically and mentally.
In some fiction books, Filipino martial arts are often portrayed as a very dynamic and deadly form of combat. The characters who practice it are usually depicted as highly skilled and agile, able to use various weapons like knives and sticks with great proficiency.
One common theme is colonial oppression. Given the long history of colonization in the Philippines, many works explore how Filipinos were treated under Spanish, American, etc. colonial rule.
One common theme is family. Filipino culture places a high value on family, and this is often reflected in short stories, such as in stories about family reunions or family conflicts.
One common theme is the struggle with changing identity. As a woman goes through menopause, her self - perception may change, and this is often explored in fiction. For instance, she may no longer feel as youthful or as sexually desirable as she once did.
One common theme is the importance of community. Bees live in highly organized colonies, and in fiction, this can be used to represent human communities. For instance, in 'The Secret Life of Bees', the beehive is like a microcosm of the society the characters are in.
Another theme is destruction and rebirth. Arson causes destruction, but in some fictional works, it can also be a catalyst for change or rebirth. For instance, a community might come together to rebuild after an arson incident, and this process can bring out different aspects of human nature like resilience and cooperation. This is seen in some novels where the arson event is not just about the act itself but also about what follows.
The theme of sexual taboos also exists in science fiction books. Authors may create alien cultures with very different taboos regarding sex compared to our own. This can be used to make readers question the basis of our own sexual taboos and values.
One common theme is colonialism. As seen in works like 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo', Filipino fiction often deals with the impact of colonial rule on the people, such as oppression, exploitation, and the fight for independence.
Family is a very common theme. In Filipino life stories, family often plays a central role. Whether it's about a family coming together during festivals like Christmas or a family supporting a member through tough times, family bonds are strong. Another theme is faith. Filipinos are mostly religious, and stories often include how their faith helps them through difficulties.
Family and community are also common themes. In Filipino fantasy stories, characters often act in the interest of their family or village. Magic is of course a big theme as well. It can be used for good or bad, like in 'The Enchanted Fish' where the fish's magic has different implications for the fisherman. And there's the theme of the supernatural, with all kinds of spirits and creatures that inhabit the fantasy world of these stories.