A third theme could be faith. The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, and many stories revolve around religious beliefs. Stories of miracles, the role of the church in the community, and how faith helps people in difficult times are often part of hot Filipino stories.
A major theme is also the relationship between humans and the supernatural. In Filipino fantasy stories, humans often interact with diwatas (spirits or deities). Sometimes they seek help from them, and sometimes they accidentally offend them. This shows how the Filipino people view the unseen world around them. These stories also have themes of family and community, as the actions of characters often affect their families and the wider community.
One common theme is the importance of family. For example, in many stories, family members support each other through difficult times.
Resilience is also a major theme. Despite all the difficulties, the characters in Filipino historical fiction stories often show great strength. They keep fighting for a better future, whether it's against a foreign power or against internal social problems. This is seen in stories that portray the struggles and the unwavering spirit of the Filipino people throughout history.
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.
Another theme is the connection with nature. In 'Mariang Makiling', nature is a central element. The story shows how the actions of humans towards nature can have positive or negative impacts. It also shows nature as a source of wonder and magic, with the diwata being an important part of the natural world.
Love and acceptance are also key themes. Many of these novels depict the journey of finding love in a society that may not be fully accepting at first. The characters often face challenges from family, friends, and society in general, but they strive for acceptance. For instance, a novel might show a gay couple fighting for their right to be together against the odds.
There are also hot Filipino stories related to their festivals. The Sinulog Festival in Cebu is a great example. It's a story of celebration, faith, and cultural pride. People from all over the world come to witness the grand parades, the traditional dances, and the vibrant colors that represent the Filipino spirit.
Perhaps themes like love, family, and the role of wives in different cultures could be main ones.
Morality is also a big theme. For example, in 'Ibong Adarna', the princes' actions are judged based on their moral integrity during their quest for the bird. If they fail the moral tests, they face consequences.
One important theme is the power of secrets. In stories like 'The Necklace', a small secret leads to a big change in the character's life. Another theme is the struggle between the individual and society. Characters often have to fight against the norms and expectations of society. For instance, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the woman is fighting against the patriarchal society that restricts her freedom. And of course, there are themes of hope and despair, where some characters hold on to hope in difficult situations while others are consumed by despair.