What's your favorite Filipino book?
For this forum, we asked Palanca award-winning authors as well as some content creators to share the Filipino books that have stayed with them. From gritty fiction and crime novels to coming-of-age stories and horror books, their picks show the range of Filipino literature and the different ways stories can shape how young readers see themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
‘Mapanglaw ang Mukha ng Buwan’ by Efren R. Abueg
‘I became a writer because of Efren R. Abueg’s short story “Mapanglaw ang Mukha ng Buwan,” which is included in the book ‘Mga Agos sa Disyerto,’ alongside works by Dominador B. Mirasol, Rogelio L. Ordoñez, Edgardo M. Reyes, and Rogelio R. Sikat.
This book has had a profound influence on several generations of Filipino short story writers. It also demonstrated the power of words to give strength and support to the oppressed and the disadvantaged, especially those who have no voice in society.’
Joe Chua
‘Andong Agimat’ by Arnold Arre,
‘Libing Isa’ by MPAU,
‘Patay Kung Patay (Death be Damned)’ by Mike Alcazaren, Noel Pascual, and AJ Bernardo, and
‘Trese’ by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo
‘Libing Isa’ by MPAU,
‘Patay Kung Patay (Death be Damned)’ by Mike Alcazaren, Noel Pascual, and AJ Bernardo, and
‘Trese’ by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo
Special mentions: 'Wasted' by Gerry Alanguilan
It’s a hyperviolent comic book was the right thing for me to read at the right time and was what got me interested in local comics. I don’t know if I can recommend it now in light of all the school violence, though.
Ardie Aquino and Macoy Tang’s 'School Run' is also hyperviolent, and I’m interested to see where the story goes.
Yvette Tan
‘Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag’ by Edgardo M. Reyes
‘I love this book not only because Reyes is a writer I admire, but also because of the novel's effective portrayal of the cruel and dangerous face of the city. It realistically presents major social issues, vividly narrates the true condition of the poor, and depicts the complex struggles of ordinary workers. It also highlights the voicelessness of the poor in the face of oppression. And another thing I value most about this novel is that it is not only the story of Julio and Ligaya, but also the story of many Filipinos struggling to survive.’
Perry Mangilaya
‘Macarthur’ by Bob Ong
‘Gritty and unapologetic, Bob Ong’s ‘Macarthur’ is a book I read many years ago yet still think about every now and then. It highlights the strength of laughter as a coping mechanism. It introduces moral conundrums. It enrages. It is hard to believe the book is just 98 pages because it manages to do so much.’
Firas Abbound
‘Dekada ’70’ by Lualhati Bautista
‘If I have to answer only one, I’ll go with “Dekada ‘70” by Lualhati Bautista. This changed the way I read (fiction) books from treating them as pure escapism to realizing they hold powerful reflections of our history and society.’
Veron Cruz
‘Kulang na Silya’ by Ricky Lee
‘There are so many books to choose from, but I’ll keep coming back to “Kulang na Silya” by Ricky Lee. There are also so many Ricky Lee books to choose from, but this one, specifically, really feels like medicine for a creative who is about to give up, or for anyone, really, who is going through a difficult time. Truly, a National Artist for a reason.’
Paula Michaella
‘Janus Silang’ by Edgar Calabia Samar
It is a five-book series that follows Janus, a 14-year-old gamer who plays Tala, an online game inspired by Filipino mythology. Everything changes one game night when all the other players suddenly turn to dust, leaving Janus as the only survivor.
Janus follows the chosen-one trope. The series starts with a horror-esque atmosphere and gradually becomes more fantasy as its universe expands. Along the way, readers are introduced to a wide array of creatures from Filipino mythology and folklore, along with exciting and action-packed fight scenes.
Readers who grew up watching ‘Pedro Penduko,’ ‘Wansapanataym,’ and ‘Kakabakaba Adventures’ will surely find something nostalgic in the series. On the other hand, younger generations are in for a treat as they explore the richness of Filipino culture.
JP Obias
These choices may come from different genres and generations, but they share one thing: each book left a lasting impression on its reader. And as Buwan ng Wika comes to an end, they offer a reminder that Filipino stories are not simply something to celebrate for one month. They are stories worth returning to, especially for a new generation of readers.
