Clickbalang

by Arnold Subastil

Many people are puzzled by the sudden rise of the “ClickedT!” app. But just like other memes, we
know that’s just how the internet works, right? Things suddenly become popular for no apparent
reason.
This app is different. It gives points for every click within the app. Everything is counted. Every like
or dislike. Everything is paid. What’s it for? No one knows.
It’s addictive.
Who are the people behind this app?
The app’s programmer, Joseph, hides behind the alias 'Mr. Click,' but the true source of its power
is Bagwis—a Tikbalang who weaves his magic into every click.

159 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2024

About the author

Arnold Subastil is an award winning author and also a professional web developer.

Grand Winner of the Lampara Prize 2025, Young Adult Category, he believes that stories significantly impact everyone's life and will always be essential to our progress. Before creating inspirational essays online, he had already written technical blogs that support the IT field for important information in programming languages, specifically for web development.

Arnold Subastil's literary journey culminated in the publication of his debut novel, “Anong Nangyari kay Wallace?” followed by “Ako, Ikaw at Isang Apocalyptic na Bulalakaw.” Both these works delve into the profound themes of time and the interconnectedness of our lives, offering a unique perspective on the journey we all undertake.

Arnold's writing usually focuses on hope and restoration from brokenness to a life worth telling - a life worth reading.

Reviews

[Susie Halabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It does such a great job of mixing real life with the fantasy/folklore of the tikbalang, and it really made me think about how much social media affects our everyday lives. The story was engaging from start to finish. My only gripe is the ending—I’m not a big fan of the “love conquers all” trope and was hoping for something with more action. Still, it was a fun, meaningful read that I’d recommend if you like modern stories with a touch of myth.

[C.J. Edmunds · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting take about the addiction to social media. Throw a little teen angst and elements of Philippine folklore and you have a fun read about the society we live in. How we are addicted to the LIKES and SHARES that we get and the lengths at times we go to in order to get them. And yet do we pause and think of the quality of the interaction that we are getting?

Social media has helped a lot in getting the word across and yet it is also a double-edged sword; one that everyone wields with nary a care on the effects on others and most especially ourselves.

And if it needs a creature of Philippine folklore to tell us how as a society we have given too much importance on the wrong thing, then we certainly have lost our way. Perhaps reading this may be the reminder we all need.