Spot Shelf: This Award-Winning Book Gives a Different POV About Boracay

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(SPOT.ph) Good storytelling is essential in effectively conveying ideas, emotions, and experiences to readers. It captivates and engages them while forging deep connections to the characters and themes. With its power to elevate a literary work, the skillful narration makes it impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the readers. 

Genevieve L. Asenjo unveils her mastery in this craft by using multiple voices and perspectives (polyvocal), which adds richness, diversity, and complexity in Ang Itim na Orkidyas ng Isla Boracay—winner of the recently concluded 40th National Book Awards in the Filipino Short Story category.

The book is a profound exploration of seeking freedom and self-determination, skillfully portrayed through the contrasting paths of two female protagonists. Their stories invite readers to contemplate the intricate dynamics of personal and societal liberation, and the choices that shape their lives as individuals and citizens of this country. 

The one who stayed, Acay Amba, is a half-Ati and half-Bisaya and a scholar of Balay Sugidanun Inc., which is an organization in Boracay that preserves cultural and historical heritage using storytelling as a platform. She works in a multinational company in Makati called Indigenous Knowledge Resources. It creates stories for online games and has main clients that are Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese.

The one who left, Simply Gingging, is a blogger and a balikbayan visiting Boracay. She met Martin, a Black American from Texas who was stationed in a military base in South Korea. Gingging was taking her master’s degree as a scholar when she met Martin, whom she referred to in the book as her "Seoulmate." 

These characters are engaged in a quest to discover their true selves, striving to define their identity and what this self-discovery means to them and their choices. Throughout the narratives, Asenjo unveils truths and revelations, making the reading experience both insightful and captivating.

Oral Tradition and Myth-Making in Ang Itim na Orkidyas ng Isla Boracay

Myth-making and traditional storytelling are interconnected. In the book, both elements play crucial in Asenjo’s narrative creation, particularly the role of oral tradition in the cultural identity of the original settlers of Panay Island. It provides continuity and adaptation both in the story and the main characters.

As popular as the place is, did you ever wonder what is the origin of the name "Boracay"? The book provides insight on that question, from the perspective of Acay Amba’s people. "Bura" or "bora" for instance has a two-pronged meaning in the Ati’s language, either "bubbles" or "storyteller." There are many indigenous knowledge that lie behind what we now know as Boracay—stories that were lost to us and information that even the Internet cannot provide.

We often hear of Boracay as one of the leading tourist destinations in the Philippines, but we rarely hear stories that talk about its history and its original settlers. The burial of Acay Amba, which was done upon specific instructions she left behind, greatly exemplifies this aspect.

The entire book is evidently supported by extensive research, and Asenjo purposefully employs a writing style that allows readers to easily comprehend and appreciate the content. She combines stories that are both anthropological and mythopoeic in nature. 

Interracial Love, Diaspora, and More 

Majority of the love story in the book is interracial, either between a Filipina and an American; a Filipina and a Korean, or a Filipino and Palestinian woman.

Asenjo delves into the intricate interplay between America, the Philippines, and South Korea—an entanglement that may appear complex but resonates with the dynamics of interracial love stories we often encounter in literature.

Asenjo uses the most popular and beloved topic among Filipinos: love and romance. This timeless theme resonates profoundly with our human emotions. As Gingging said on page 4: "Matatawa kayo, pero huwag. Kailangan pa rin nating maintindihan na nabubuhay sa pag-ibig ang Filipino." 

The stories also incorporate socially and environmentally significant themes, such as climate change and the crucial role of mangroves in maintaining the natural vitality of islands like Boracay. 

Writing Style 

Asenjo’s narrative style combines traditional and experimental using a language that is accessible to readers. 

The collection features a diverse range of forms and styles, highlighting the author's versatility in storytelling. Asenjo's bold experimentation has yielded a unique collection that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling, offering fresh avenues for fiction writing. 

She narrates the story in the form of a blog entry, directly addressing readers and creating a more personal connection. Additionally, there is a story where the author intentionally breaks the illusion of reality within the narrative, blurring the lines between fiction and reality (metafiction). Another technique employed is the "story within a story" (framed narrative), commonly used to explore different perspectives within the main narrative. 

The book is enriched with a plethora of pop culture references, including literature, music, movies, and notable figures/celebrities. The narrative transports the reader to South Korea, providing a sense of being there without physically setting foot in the country, thanks to the numerous places mentioned. Additionally, the author highlights distinct Korean habits and nuances, such as the "Palli, palli culture" or the fast-paced approach to tasks, the communal tradition of the "Jimjilbang" or public bathhouse, and the relatable "Norebang" which Filipino readers can easily connect with as a popular form of entertainment and relaxation.

Overall, Asenjo’s book effortlessly combines Filipino lyrical prose with elements of pop culture, creating a captivating and insightful reading experience.

Ang Itim na Orkidyas ng Isla Boracay: Mga Kuwento (University of the Philippines Press, 2021) by Genevieve L. Asenjo is available on Lazada and Shopee for P420.

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Rita T. dela Cruz is a science writer and editor at a government research institute. She finished BS Development Communication from UPLB and MA Filipino (Malikhaing Pagsulat) from UP Diliman. Her first book, Solo Flight: Mga Kuwento (Balangay Books,  2021) is available on Lazada for P556.

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