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Alinam #1
Alinam: Diego Domingo and the Mandato Ruiz
All shy and awkward Diego Domingo wants is peace, quiet, high grades, and maybe get noticed by popular ‘It’ girl Sophia. But what he doesn't count on is falling into a portal into another world with her and his best friend, Luis.
In this strange city, magic is real, Natives are oppressed, an Aswang rebellion is brewing, and a tyrannical governor-general rules the city with an iron fist. What's more, a mysterious figure from the Philippines' past is leading a city-wide resistance... and guarding the secret at the heart of this parallel universe.
Now Diego must find the courage and heart he never knew he had to survive this dangerous new place. Into this maelstrom of danger, intrigue, and wonder, the three friends must find a way back home to Manila—but in doing so, they may change the fate of both their worlds forever.
—
Dorky Diego Domingo is the kind of kid who never gets into fights. When facing down bullies at school, it isn’t even a choice between fight or flight. He always runs away. So when Diego agrees to go on an urban adventure with his athletic best friend Luis Tolentino and it girl Sophia Madrigal, he is only thinking of eating Binondo’s famous siopao. But in a mysterious turn of events, they find themselves jumping through a portal to Alinam and facing off monsters they’ve only read in books. With no way home and no one else whom they can trust, they turn to a very familiar face and his motley crew for help. But help comes with a price: Diego must venture through the dangerous streets of Alinam to help advance their cause. There’s no running away from this adventure for Diego and his friends. Not this time.
In this strange city, magic is real, Natives are oppressed, an Aswang rebellion is brewing, and a tyrannical governor-general rules the city with an iron fist. What's more, a mysterious figure from the Philippines' past is leading a city-wide resistance... and guarding the secret at the heart of this parallel universe.
Now Diego must find the courage and heart he never knew he had to survive this dangerous new place. Into this maelstrom of danger, intrigue, and wonder, the three friends must find a way back home to Manila—but in doing so, they may change the fate of both their worlds forever.
—
Dorky Diego Domingo is the kind of kid who never gets into fights. When facing down bullies at school, it isn’t even a choice between fight or flight. He always runs away. So when Diego agrees to go on an urban adventure with his athletic best friend Luis Tolentino and it girl Sophia Madrigal, he is only thinking of eating Binondo’s famous siopao. But in a mysterious turn of events, they find themselves jumping through a portal to Alinam and facing off monsters they’ve only read in books. With no way home and no one else whom they can trust, they turn to a very familiar face and his motley crew for help. But help comes with a price: Diego must venture through the dangerous streets of Alinam to help advance their cause. There’s no running away from this adventure for Diego and his friends. Not this time.
- GenresYoung Adult
247 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
10 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 3, 2021
If you went to high school in the 2000s, then this book will definitely stoke some nostalgic feelings for you! It's very uniquely Filipino, making use not just of our myths and legends but even our historical figures! (Honestly if you paid attention in your history classes you may be able to figure out some plot twists.) The relationship between our protagonist Diego and his best friends Luis and Sophia even feel like the main trio that we see in afternoon ABS-CBN or GMA specials. Honestly reading this book shot me straight back to when I was a high school student - both with the ages and characterizations of our protagonists, as well as the book's overall vibe - and I had a really good time reading it!
If you want fantasy that's incredibly Filipino, nostalgia-inducing, and tense while still fun, definitely pick this up!
If you want fantasy that's incredibly Filipino, nostalgia-inducing, and tense while still fun, definitely pick this up!
November 7, 2022
back on my bullshit (posting tweets as reviews because I cannot write one for the life of me + new thoughts)
- isekai but to an AU of Manila
- law of equivalent exchange!!!
- only gripe (a tiny one) is of course the nerd's the one who's good with magic lol. well this is a common trope tho so there's that
- there's a journalist named Jenica Goho LMAO
- Mika really said "kapag namulat ka na sa katotohanan, kasalanan na ang pumikit"!!!
- it's wild how they were talking about seeing and then
- the Fiesta. whew. feel bad for my boy Diego but that's just how it is
- i really like how Sophia and Diego's friendship turned out. that's a solid friend right there
- sometimes i forget that they're dealing with aswang and magical people here. the violence shocked me lol
- IS THIS REALLY HOW THE BOOK IS GOING TO END
- IS THIS REALLY A STANDALONE BOOK
- THE ENDING RAISED MORE QUESTIONS INSTEAD OF ANSWERSSSSSSSS
thoroughly enjoyed this. really looking forward to more of Mickey Ingles' works!
- isekai but to an AU of Manila
- law of equivalent exchange!!!
- only gripe (a tiny one) is of course the nerd's the one who's good with magic lol. well this is a common trope tho so there's that
- there's a journalist named Jenica Goho LMAO
- Mika really said "kapag namulat ka na sa katotohanan, kasalanan na ang pumikit"!!!
- it's wild how they were talking about seeing and then
- the Fiesta. whew. feel bad for my boy Diego but that's just how it is
- i really like how Sophia and Diego's friendship turned out. that's a solid friend right there
- sometimes i forget that they're dealing with aswang and magical people here. the violence shocked me lol
- IS THIS REALLY HOW THE BOOK IS GOING TO END
- IS THIS REALLY A STANDALONE BOOK
- THE ENDING RAISED MORE QUESTIONS INSTEAD OF ANSWERSSSSSSSS
thoroughly enjoyed this. really looking forward to more of Mickey Ingles' works!
April 16, 2022
I don't know where to start!!!! I want to say, I want Book 2! I want to know what happened to Alinam. 🤯
In this story, we follow Diego, Sophia and Luis falling into a strange place called Alinam. Here, they discover magic, mystery and intertwining history.
This book is full of historical references that makes the story more intriguing and exciting to read. Since this book is set on the 2000s, there are also pop culture reference on that time which really made the nostalgia real.
This book makes me want more. Aside from the cliffhanger in the end, it made me want to know more about Alinam. I want to know what happened to Mika, to Andres, and to Tala. I have so many questions that I think will be answered in the 2nd book.
Thank you, Mickey Ingles for this book. It was a fun, exciting and rollercoaster of emotions.
I don't want to put the book down but it unfortunately ended. 🙈
In this story, we follow Diego, Sophia and Luis falling into a strange place called Alinam. Here, they discover magic, mystery and intertwining history.
This book is full of historical references that makes the story more intriguing and exciting to read. Since this book is set on the 2000s, there are also pop culture reference on that time which really made the nostalgia real.
This book makes me want more. Aside from the cliffhanger in the end, it made me want to know more about Alinam. I want to know what happened to Mika, to Andres, and to Tala. I have so many questions that I think will be answered in the 2nd book.
Thank you, Mickey Ingles for this book. It was a fun, exciting and rollercoaster of emotions.
I don't want to put the book down but it unfortunately ended. 🙈
June 16, 2021
I really enjoyed reading “Alinam”, it felt like an exhilarating escape into a magical world filled with history, mystery and folklore. As a Filipino, it made me proud to see elements of Philippine history and mythology seamlessly come to life on pages. The author is great at world-building, revealing just enough details to hook you in, but also keeping enough mystery to let you anticipate the next series of books.
Ultimately, this book is about 3 young adults on a journey of self-discovery, as they learn what it takes to survive using their wits, their skills and their friendship.
I can’t wait to see what the next series of books have in store.
Ultimately, this book is about 3 young adults on a journey of self-discovery, as they learn what it takes to survive using their wits, their skills and their friendship.
I can’t wait to see what the next series of books have in store.
November 20, 2021
This is a really great story! A well-written and exciting adventure through the streets of old Manila that leaves you guessing until the end. Diego is like a Filipino Harry Potter, and the story has similar themes of friendship, courage, sacrifice, and good vs. evil. Looking forward to the next book!
November 20, 2020
love, love, LOVED IT! it has pretty much all my favorite topics, tropes and themes in a book.
August 25, 2025
I loved the historical references in this book mixed with fantasy. I liked the world-building; Alinam was an interesting place that seemed to stem from a multiversal phenomenon. The writing itself is actually on par with that of other popular foreign authors.
As for the characters, they're okay, but they're cliché, especially Sophia. She's the Annabeth Chase of fantasy books, the type you'd want to give a good slap in the face. Their voices didn’t sound like English-translated Filipino—it felt unrealistic. I’m not a big fan of the trio, honestly. The side characters are actually more interesting.
This book also introduced a lot of questions but didn’t seem to give any answers. It promised too much but delivered too little.
Overall, this is not a bad book. It has potential. With more polishing, it could be an excellent novel on the same level as the Janus Silang series.
Also, I was disappointed that the font was too small for its genre. The publisher probably wanted to save money.
As for the characters, they're okay, but they're cliché, especially Sophia. She's the Annabeth Chase of fantasy books, the type you'd want to give a good slap in the face. Their voices didn’t sound like English-translated Filipino—it felt unrealistic. I’m not a big fan of the trio, honestly. The side characters are actually more interesting.
This book also introduced a lot of questions but didn’t seem to give any answers. It promised too much but delivered too little.
Overall, this is not a bad book. It has potential. With more polishing, it could be an excellent novel on the same level as the Janus Silang series.
Also, I was disappointed that the font was too small for its genre. The publisher probably wanted to save money.
November 19, 2021
I loved this book! The last few chapters were super enthralling. I couldn't put the book down!
May 27, 2022
This book is a gem! Nostalgic. #SupportLocal
January 18, 2026
#BernardReads | BOOK REVIEW 📚
#Alinam Book 1: Diego Domingo and the Mandato Ruiz by Mickey Ingles 🇵🇭
I have this book for like 2 years already since I bought it from MIBF and it’s also on my wishlist. Philppine history, mystery, adventure, and more. You name it. All ingredients that wakes me up at night as a writer.
First off, I love the cover and the art inside. Even the chapter headers.
Anyway, the story is led by Diego and his two friends, Luis and Sophia as they navigate Manila and its parallel dimension. I was actually surprised that the writing style didn’t look down on its readers. It’s smart and full of nuances as if I’m also traveling with the characters.
And they didn’t shy away from heavy topics that surrounds our Filipino experience right now such as politics and poverty.
What I didn’t expect from this was the romantic part. I thought it was #middlegrade but it’s more of a teenfic with half of it spent on romantic plot, your usual angst, innuendos, and awkwardness. I mean, I get it. At that age, it would seems like my world would revolve just around impressing strangers I admire.
I admit, it kinda pushed the world building aside which was mostly spent on exposition. It was interesting though. And the author didn’t shy away on tackling sensitive topics like politics, racism, rage, harassment, and high-stakes bad decisions. It’s just that sometimes I thought It was more leaning on one side that the readers might agree or disagree. Well, at least teens could be exposed to this important topics that’s also happening in our reality.
Diego is far from perfect, as well as his comrades. So I know, young readers would relate and also learn a lot from their mistakes and their achievements.
The adults? They really just there. Manang Tere was the only one I adored. The rest, they’re playing cards that might be the author’s intentions to keep the tension and twists.
When it comes to the drama, the author nailed most of the emotional scenes.
I love the cover art. I thought they were too young there that gave me a middle-grade impression. But on a second look, they could pass as teenagers. I just hoped that the book explored more on the magic system and the magical natives. It was more of an alternate historical fiction with magical realism.
And that ending? It’s not your typical teen fantasy. It’s like a bittersweet ending of the first season of a TV series waiting for a renewal. Fortunately, Book 2 is already published so I will be able to know what happen next.
#bookrecommendations #bookreview
#Alinam Book 1: Diego Domingo and the Mandato Ruiz by Mickey Ingles 🇵🇭
I have this book for like 2 years already since I bought it from MIBF and it’s also on my wishlist. Philppine history, mystery, adventure, and more. You name it. All ingredients that wakes me up at night as a writer.
First off, I love the cover and the art inside. Even the chapter headers.
Anyway, the story is led by Diego and his two friends, Luis and Sophia as they navigate Manila and its parallel dimension. I was actually surprised that the writing style didn’t look down on its readers. It’s smart and full of nuances as if I’m also traveling with the characters.
And they didn’t shy away from heavy topics that surrounds our Filipino experience right now such as politics and poverty.
What I didn’t expect from this was the romantic part. I thought it was #middlegrade but it’s more of a teenfic with half of it spent on romantic plot, your usual angst, innuendos, and awkwardness. I mean, I get it. At that age, it would seems like my world would revolve just around impressing strangers I admire.
I admit, it kinda pushed the world building aside which was mostly spent on exposition. It was interesting though. And the author didn’t shy away on tackling sensitive topics like politics, racism, rage, harassment, and high-stakes bad decisions. It’s just that sometimes I thought It was more leaning on one side that the readers might agree or disagree. Well, at least teens could be exposed to this important topics that’s also happening in our reality.
Diego is far from perfect, as well as his comrades. So I know, young readers would relate and also learn a lot from their mistakes and their achievements.
The adults? They really just there. Manang Tere was the only one I adored. The rest, they’re playing cards that might be the author’s intentions to keep the tension and twists.
When it comes to the drama, the author nailed most of the emotional scenes.
I love the cover art. I thought they were too young there that gave me a middle-grade impression. But on a second look, they could pass as teenagers. I just hoped that the book explored more on the magic system and the magical natives. It was more of an alternate historical fiction with magical realism.
And that ending? It’s not your typical teen fantasy. It’s like a bittersweet ending of the first season of a TV series waiting for a renewal. Fortunately, Book 2 is already published so I will be able to know what happen next.
#bookrecommendations #bookreview
February 25, 2023
It was written so beautifully, i really am amazed by the similarities of alinam and manila. I got attached to the characters already, especially Diego cause we had so many similarities, i am also fond with learning about history. Yes.. the story has a little touch of history, and i love it. I want the sequel already ♡(> ਊ <)♡
October 9, 2025
3.5-4 / 5 stars
overall enjoyed this read! i liked the fictional mix of philippine history and folklore / fantasy
the main characters were too stereotypical so i had a hard time getting into it at the start. the world building and additional characters once they got to Alinam really brought it together for me!
overall enjoyed this read! i liked the fictional mix of philippine history and folklore / fantasy
the main characters were too stereotypical so i had a hard time getting into it at the start. the world building and additional characters once they got to Alinam really brought it together for me!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews