The Best Books in Philippine Literature

Noli Me Tángere by Dr. José Rizal

Among the great novels in Philippine literature, Noli Me

Tángere (Touch Me Not) is the most controversial and widely-known
– it’s included in the current education curriculum of Filipino high
school students. Written by the country’s national hero, Dr. José Rizal,
this novel sparked the social awakening of authors from Filipino
culture during the Spanish colonial era. As Rizal’s purpose of writing
the book was to expose the ills of Philippine society at the time.

Florante at Laura by Francisco Balagtas

Another famous masterpiece in Philippine literature, Francisco

Balagtas’ Florante at Laura is written in the form of ‘awit’ where there
are four lines per stanza and 12 syllables per line. Set in the fictional
kingdom of Albania, it tackles the story between Duke Florante and
Princess Laura, who’s also being pursued by Florante’s enemy Count
Adolfo. As a literary classic, this book has become a favorite play not
only among Filipino high school students but has been showcased in
grand theaters such as Gantimpala Theater and the Cultural Center of
the Philippines.

Mga Ibong Mandaragit by Amado V. Hernandez

Mga Ibong Mandaragit (Birds of Prey) was written by Filipino

authors and social activist, Amado V. Hernandez. Being a novel that
tackles social-political issues, particularly Philippine revolution and
neocolonialism, it has a connection to Rizal’s earlier novels – Noli Me
Tángere and El Filibusterismo. There was a passage in the novel
where protagonist Mando Plaridel was tested by Tata Matyas on what
he knows about Rizal’s controversial books about the revolution.
The Woman Who Had Two Navels by Nick Joaquin

Being one of the most admired writers in Philippine literature, Nick

Joaquin was recognized as National Artist of the Philippines for
Literature in 1976. In his historical novel entitled The Woman Who
Had Two Navels, Joaquin examines the effects and influence of the
past towards the post-war events in the Philippines. Lead female
character Connie Escobar thinks she has two navels, and thus requests
her doctor to remove one – which symbolically means that she wants
to shun away from a traumatic past. She later finds out that her
husband, Macho Escobar, was the lover of her mother. Hoping to
escape after being betrayed, she flees, only to discover more truths.

Po-on A Novel by F. Sionil Jose

Like Hernandez and Joaquin, F. Sionil Jose’s works have been deeply
influenced by Rizal. This was reflected in his books and short stories,
particularly the five-part novel series Rosales Saga, which narrated
class struggles and colonialism experienced by Filipinos. Po-on A
Novel is the first book in the Rosales Saga, which tells stories about
Rosales, Pangasinan in the Philippines. While this book is the last
written and published in the series, it’s the book that sets the five-part
story. Discover the story of Eustaqio “Istak” Samson who abandoned
his family to join the rebel forces and escape the cruelty of Spanish
authorities.

Banaag at Sikat by Lope K. Santos

Banaag at Sikat (From Early Dawn to Full Light) has been dubbed the
‘bible of the Filipino working class.’ Being among the earliest novels
written by Lope K. Santos, it’s considered by Filipino critic Teodoro
Agoncillo as one of the most important books in Philippine literature
in 1949. According to Agoncillo, it paved the way for the development
of a system on how Tagalog novels were written. The novel narrates
the story between Delfin and Felipe who have contrasting views.
Delfin is a socialist whereas Felipe, despite being the son of a rich
landowner, leans towards anarchism. Themes of love, livelihood, and
societal status are embedded in the narrative.
Ilustrado by Miguel Syjuco

This novel written by Miguel Syjuco landed him a spot on the 2008
Man Asian Literary Prize, being awarded the Grand Prize. Layered
with fiction and non-fiction themes, the story begins with main
character Crispin Salvador, a noted writer whose lifeless body was
discovered by authorities floating off the Hudson River in New York.
Since there was no evidence of foul play, it led them to think that the
author must have taken his own life. His student and friend, who has
the same name as the book’s author Miguel Syjuco, hopes to unravel
the story behind this mystery.