The Catholic church, unfortunately, is powerful enough so that even if there's no state religion, it seems like it is the one. My family (and relatives) are mostly Catholics, but even the extremely religious ones practice folk Catholicism like combination of animism and Catholicism.

Ah, that makes sense too. It could also be a family member. That line you quoted in the post "I was born on these waters." made me think if he's part of a group of sea/boat dwellers, similar to the Badjao.

I hope that if there's a second series, there'll be more of Nala. I liked it better when she's around.