10 Must-Read Books By Filipino Authors

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(SPOT.ph) Filipinos are natural-born storytellers. Whether it's spinning convoluted lies— er, tales to the friendly-neighborhood marites or creating outrageous narratives for telenovelas, we will never be accused of lacking creativity. But kidding aside, Filipinos know how to tell a story—with a ton of heart, wit, and humor.

So whether you're into epic sagas, searing social commentaries, or just a good ol' kilig-laden rom-com, know there's a Filipino author out there who gets you. Still skeptical about our creativity? Check out these 10 books that'll make you believe in our knack for telling stories, fiction or not.

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Here are 10 books by Filipino authors that show we are brilliant storytellers:

Makina by Katrina Olan and Ian Sta. Maria

Genre: Graphic Novel/ Sci-fi Anthology
Where to order: Lazada, Shopee, National Book Store, Fully Booked, and major bookstores nationwide.

Makina is a beautifully illustrated science fiction graphic novel that posits the interconnectedness of man and machine. In a post-apocalyptic future, myth meets mecha when a memory-challenged machine tasked with recording events meets a human hoping to find the missing links in its past life. Join them on their journey to piece together memories and watch as they unravel the world of Makina.

Trust us: even if you don't like science fiction, you'd want a copy of this book if only for the  59 jaw-dropping illustrations which combine Filipino mythology, folklore, and pop culture with cyberpunk aesthetic.

Tikim: Essays on Philippine Food and Culture by Doreen Fernandez

Genre:  Non-fiction
Where to order: Lazada, Shopee, National Bookstore online and in branches nationwide.

If you love Filipino cuisine and want to go beyond following recipes or learning by watching, then this is the book for you. Doreen Fernandez was dubbed by the New York Times as “Filipino food’s greatest champion,” so there's no better tour guide into the wondrous realm of Filipino food than Fernandez herself. Let her take you on a discussion on the origins of pancit lucban and see Philippine street food from the lens of a keenly observant gourmand. The critically acclaimed writer, professor, and historian may have since passed, but her legacy is permanently etched in ink through Tikim, this 1994 anthology of essays on Filipino food and its ties with our history.

Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan

Genre: Crime and Thriller
Where to order: National Bookstore, Fully Booked, and major bookstores nationwide.

Written in 1999, Felisa Batacan's Smaller and Smaller Circles is considered to be one of the first crime novels in the country. It follows two Jesuit priests who also perform sleuthing and forensic work. They try to unravel the truth behind the deaths of young boys in Payatas while dealing with bureaucratic inefficiencies and systematic corruption in government, the church, and the elite.

But what's great about this novel is that it twists the typical rules of the genre by informing readers about the killer's identity early on. Instead of getting a big shock about who the killer is, the thrill comes from our protagonists overcoming the systemic barriers that slow down the capture of the killer. It's a must-read for crime junkies everywhere but also for anyone who longs for a justice system that actually works.

Even Ducks Get Liver Cancer by Wilfredo Liangco

Genre: Non-fiction
Where to order: Shopee and Lazada

Even Ducks Get Liver Cancer consists of 49 essays from Dr. Wilfredo Liangco about his "misadventures" during his years of training as a medical intern and oncology fellow at the Philippine General Hospital. While being a doctor is no joke, Dr. Liangco's essays on his experiences in the hospital have a distinct comedic tone, one similar to that of someone who uses humor as coping mechanism. Jokes aside, Even Ducks Get Liver Cancer is a great read in that it humanizes the struggles and experiences of doctors in the Philippines while at the same time celebrating the little miracles and wins in healthcare. Not everything in ER or Grey's Anatomy is realistic (duh), but sometimes reality is just as epic. 

TLDR: Doctors are modern heroes. This is their story.

Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay

Genre: Fiction
Where to order: Fully Booked online and in branches nationwide

Everything We Never Had is a gripping, heart-wrenching read for anyone wanting to understand the intricate dance of tradition, personal growth, and the ties that bind generations. It follows the lives of the Maghabol family—a lineage of Filipino American boys navigating the complex terrain of identity, masculinity, and turbulent father-son dynamics. For all the Filipino boys, men, and fathers out there, this book sees you and your struggles.

The Quiet Ones: A Novel by Glenn Diaz

Genre: General Fiction
Where to order: Lazada

Call center agents often get a lot of unnecessary flak. Imagine working long, grueling hours during which irate customers scream at you for something you have no control over. And, as if rubbing salt on a wound, you're forced to give scripted apologies with a positive attitude. This is the world of The Quiet Ones. It's a workplace novel and a reflection on the soul-sapping multi-billion-dollar BPO industry told in interweaving narratives. This novel isn't sappy nor does it wallow on grim realities. It's laced with dark humor and is a cautionary tale about what will happen if call center agents fight back.

When the Hibiscus Falls by M. Evelina Galang

Genre: General Fiction
Where to order: Fully Booked Online and Fully Booked Branches nationwide

When the Hibiscus Falls is a collection of 17 stories celebrating the triumphs and sorrows that connect generations of women from small Philippine villages. It's the story of the women in our lives and the different versions of a woman we become. Featuring figures familiar from M. Evelina Galang’s other acclaimed novels and stories, When the Hibiscus Falls dwells within the complexity of family, community, and Filipino American identity. 

Trese by Budjette Tan

Genre: Graphic Novel
Where to order: Fully Booked online and in store, National Bookstore branches nationwide

Trese is a Filipino komik series written by Budjette Tan and illustrated by Kajo Baldisimo. It tells the story of Alexandra Trese, a detective who deals with crimes of supernatural origin. A lot of Filipino mythical characters take on a new light in this komiks series, which makes it a great way to introduce these characters and their stories to a younger audience. 

A Professional Lola by E.P. Tuazon

Genre: Fiction Anthology
Where to order: Fully Booked Online and in branches nationwide

A Professional Lola is an anthology of tales that's as crazy as the stories our grandparents tell us. From a couple craving Filipino food robbing a panaderya to a coven casting a spell on their husbands, this book is teeming with stories filled with surreal imagery. And as its own writeup says, it is "beautifully grounded in culture and vividly and meticulously painted to make the absurd seem mundane and the commonplace, sinister." The stories in A Professional Lola are tied together by the universal themes of love, family, and identity.

You're That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself by Bretman Rock

Genre: Autobiography/ Memoir
Where to order: Lazada, Shopee, Fully Booked, National Bookstore, and other major bookstores nationwide

Bretman Rock and his brand of confidence and humor is iconic, so much so that it needs an origin story. In his first published memoir, Bretman dives deep into his life's story with his signature "bitch" and humor. But if you think this is going to be all about him, you're wrong. As a girl's girl, Bretman also shares tips on becoming the best version of yourself through the lessons he learned along the way. This book will take you on a rollercoaster ride to Bretman's youth, migration to Hawaii, and his first foray into celebrity life.

P.S.: If you want to be extra, get the audio book. It'll be like Bretman himself talking to you.

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