Are you looking for a book to pick up this weekend? It might be a good time to explore Filipino literary works. To help you get started, Style Weekend asked book influencers about the Filipino books that left them on the edge of their seats, broke their hearts, and gave them a sense of comfort and joy.
Cave and Shadows by Nick Joaquin
On the surface, it’s about a man who returns to Manila to solve the mysterious death of his stepdaughter. It’s a crime thriller and mystery, but Joaquin goes deeper and explores themes like identity, history, religion, and colonialism.
This is a meaningful recommendation as this year marks Joaquin’s 20th death anniversary. There is a renewed interest in the National Artist’s body of work, including the reprinting of his books, the launching of the Nick Joaquin Foundation, and the theatrical staging of Kisapmata, the Mike de Leon film adapted from the author’s The House on Zapote Street.—Koji Arsua, writer and book content creator
Of Flowers That Bloomed at Night by Jerico Silvers
In the midst of the pandemic, this book illuminated my darkest days and helped me find solace and understanding during challenging times. This book has been an unwavering friend, aiding me as I journey through the toughest stages of my life.
This book is truly special and I highly recommend it for anyone in need of comfort. It’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve come across, blending self-help and poetry in a way that feels like a warm embrace.—Jucelle Garcia, BookTok influencer
Desaparesidos by Lualhati Bautista
This book delivered everything I hoped for and more—a heart-wrenching story set during a defining moment in Philippine history, written with boldness and courage, yet strikingly relevant to today’s society. It’s graphic, raw, honest, and deeply moving all at once. I’d go so far as to call it Bautista’s best book of all time.—Kat Leonorio, professional teacher and co-founder of #AkdangPinoy2024
Si by Bob Ong
Sinimulan ni Bob Ong ang librong ito sa dulo at tinapos sa pinakasimula. Isasama ka ng librong ito sa buhay ng karakter na busog sa pag-ibig at mga pagsubok sa buhay. Manipis lang ang libro, pero pakikiligin, patatawanin, at paiiyakin ka. Ipapakita rin ng kwento ang kahalagahan ng pamilya, pagpapatawad, at pagkakaibigan. Ang ganda ng pagkakasulat—parang hinihele ka ng mga salita. Bubuuin ang puso mo para lang durugin ng huling pahina (Bob Ong started the story at the end and ended it at the beginning. This book will take you on a journey about the character’s life—full of love and challenges. It’s a short read but will make you feel the love, laugh, and cry. It shows the importance of family, forgiveness, and friendship. It was beautifully written. It’s like a lullaby; it will make your heart complete, only to shatter it in the end).—Gerald, The Bookworm, Book content creator
Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kelly
Released in 2019, this middle-grade fantasy novel follows the story of a young girl, Lalani Sarita, from Sanlagita. When an overlong drought came upon Sanlagita, Lalani decided to go beyond the island and find both the solution and the truth.
Powerful and imaginative, Lalani is a highly recommended book for readers of all ages. What made it more accessible to Filipino audiences are the references scattered all throughout the book, coded and reimagined from different Filipino mythology and folklore. We have a nunso (nuno sa punso), fei (diwata), and mindorens to name a few. It also delivered a fresh perspective on childhood thinking while also highlighting classic Filipino traits such as generosity and bravery even in the most challenging times.
Lastly, one of the many takeaways from Lalani that spoke to me is about taking risks even when no one believes in you and challenging the system.— Saimon or Sai, petroleum engineer and co-founder of #AkdangPinoy2024
Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? You can—reach us via [email protected] or on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.