Indio

The story begins in Central Visayas during the pre-colonial period, where natives and diwatas (gods) are living together in harmony, harvesting the bounty of the earth and sea, guided and loved by Laon (the Creator). Ynaguiguinid, the goddess of war, who have fallen in love and had chosen to marry a warrior tribesman lives with their newborn child, a demigod. But they had to face a pitiful separation when chaos, confusion, death and destruction comes with the arrival of the Spaniards conquistadors whose aim is to spread Christianity and at the same time, to take control of the strategic trade routes and to control the resources of the archipelago. Due to the wounds from a battle in an attempt to defend the settlement, Ynaguiguinid had to transfer all her powers to her lifeless son to survive, resulting to her own death. The baby was later found and raised by a native couple, Tarong and Linang, who named the child, Malaya after a Tagalog word which means 'Free'. Being a half-human, half-diwata, Malaya's supernatural abilities, incredible strength and invulnerability increased steadily as he grew up. By the help of Magayon, the goddess of all flying creatures, Malaya found out who he really was, his roots and the ultimate task he must fulfill - which is to save and protect the commoners from the abuses of the Spanish colonial government. An unfortunate turn of events had lead to the separation of Malaya from his adoptive parents. He finds himself under 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 will treat him as his master and will do anything he commands. Many years have passed. Simeon maintains a strong relationship and unrelenting devotion for Juancho. Until he uncovered Juancho's manipulation and deceit, including the oppression of the common people and the latter's involvement in the death of Rosa, the love of his life. This prompted him to finally embrace his mission, and with this his quest and battle for peace and freedom begin.