Indio
The story begins in Central Visayas during the pre-colonial period, where natives and diwatas (gods) live together in harmony, harvesting the earth's and sea's bounties, guided and loved by Laon (the Creator). Ynaguiguinid, the goddess of war, falls in love with a tribesman; they marry and soon welcome their demigod child, but they face a pitiful separation when chaos, destruction, and death come with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors who aim to spread Christianity and take control of the strategic trade routes and control the archipelago's resources. Due to wounds from a battle to defend the settlement, Ynaguiguinid transfers all of her powers to her lifeless son; he re-animates, she perishes. The baby is later found and raised by native couple Tarong and Linang, who name him Malaya after a Tagalog word that means "Free". Being a half-human, half-diwata, Malaya's supernatural abilities, incredible strength, and invulnerability increase steadily as he grows. With help from Magayon, the goddess of all flying creatures, Malaya finds out his true identity, his roots, and the ultimate task he must fulfill: save and protect the commoners from the abuses of the Spanish colonial government. An unfortunate turn of events then separates him from his adoptive parents and he lands in the custody of Juancho Sanreal, a despotic encomendero. Upon discovering the child's extraordinary abilities and seeing him as a great asset in fulfilling his dream of becoming a Governor-General, Juancho adopts Malaya, gives him a new name--Simeon--and does everything to get the child's sympathy--for him to be able to use the child and his powers for his own personal intentions. Blinded by Juancho's false compassion, Simeon treats him as his master and will do anything he commands. Many years later, Simeon maintains a strong relationship and unrelenting devotion for Juancho, until he uncovers his manipulation and deceit, including the oppression of the common people--and Juancho's involvement in the death of Rosa, the love of Simeon's life. Finally Simeon embraces his mission and begins the battle for peace and freedom.
