With ABS-CBN picking up the rights to develop the beloved fantasy series into a multimedia franchise, Moymoy Lulumboy 6 instantly became one of the most anticipated releases on the biggest and longest running book fair in the Philippines.

The sixth installment debuted during the first day of the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) last September 13 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasig City.

Following Moymoy Lulumboy’s journey as a fascinating character who continues to grapple with the complexities of adolescent life, Lampara Publishing’s latest novel succeeds in debunking the preconceived notions about aswang by going beyond its role in popular culture.

In addition to Moymoy’s adolescent issues, the book marks the boy-aswang’s return to the enchanting world of Gabun where he saves his brother Alangkaw and childhood friend Hasmin from evil forces.

Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya is Segundo Matias Jr.’s sixth offering from the Moymoy Lulumboy series. When asked about the novel’s transition towards a more “Young Adult” direction, the award-winning author pointed out his fascination on writing characters that navigate a flawed life. “Gusto kong gumawa ng isang YA novel na gaya ng Mga Batang Poz. Yung buhay ng isang teenager o young adult: nag–e-explore, madalas magkamali at pagkatapos ay natututo sa buhay.”

These vulnerable, colorful and inspiring creatures populate Segundo Matias Jr.’s string of young adult titles such as Angelica, Ang Multo Ng Balete Drive, whose heroine broke ghost rules to save a friend’s life, and Moñito, Ang Mabait na Demonyo, a kindhearted demon born without a horn and a tail. Both novels were launched on the same day as Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya, leading Segundo Matias Jr.’s growing roster of fantasy titles.

Completing the publisher turned novelist’s showcase during MIBF week is Mga Batang Poz, a 2018 young adult novel whose digital series adaptation is considered to be one of the most viewed streaming titles on popular online platform, iWantv. Threading an important step forward in understanding the lives of People living with HIV-AIDS, the book garnered generally positive acclaim from various critics and publications, with Philippine Star Supreme praising the material for bringing attention to a subject that has long been derided by religious conservatives.