Cover Photo: cottonbro / Pexels
Photo: cottonbro / Pexels
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From fiction to cookbooks, here's the latest Filipino titles you need to check out before the year ends
Following the successful run of the Manila International Book Fair, it's clear that the reading community in the country is alive and thriving. Many are looking for the next great read, be it fiction or non-fiction, and there is a slew of works waiting to be picked up from the shelf.
As the year comes to an end, be sure to stock up on compelling titles written by Filipino authors.
Here are our favourites:
"Mars, May Zombie" by Chuckberry J Pascual
Above Photo: Adarna House
Photo: Adarna House
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In Chuckberry J Pascual's young adult novel Mars, May Zombie, readers will enter a post-zombie apocalyptic world where they'll meet some of its survivors—a gay teen named Marcelo “Mars” Manapat, his grandmother, Vicky, and his sassy best friend, Billie.
"Even before the pandemic hit, namatayan ako ng mahal ko sa buhay, tapos doon na ako nag-turn sa zombie fiction (I lost a loved one and that's when I turned to zombie fiction)," says Pascual.
See also: 9 Fiction Books By Filipino Authors To Add To Your Bookshelf
He continues, "Tapos noong pandemic, nagkaroon ako ng time, so sinulat ko siya. Especially nung may tsismis noon na 'pag nagpavaccinate ka, magiging zombie ka!' (I had more time to write during the pandemic. Especially when there was a rumour going around about becoming a zombie when you get vaccinated!)"
The cover of the recently released novel was illustrated by a student of De La Salle University Manila, Alejandro Iñigo Fadul.
"How to Grieve" by Jade Mark Capiñanes
Above Photo: Goodreads
Photo: Goodreads
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Poignant, clever, and at times, humorous, Jade Mark Capiñanes' How to Grieve is a short story collection that touches on various points in life, be it philosophy or psychology.
Considering that the book revolves around this universal feeling and is written with brevity, many will find themselves easily drawn to the stories.
See also: CCP's 'Damay at Dangal' Seeks to Express Filipinos' 'Collective Grief' Amid COVID-19
"Holding On" by Sophia N Lee
Above Photo: Simon & Schuster
Photo: Simon & Schuster
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Renowned young adult author Sophia N Lee releases a new book titled Holding On. The novel, which is the first Filipino picture book published under Simon & Schuster, introduces readers to Filipino culture through a young girl in the Philippines and her lola, whose memory is slowly fading.
Connected through music, they listen to songs from Filipino singers including Nora Aunor and Basil Valdez.
"The Filipino Vegan" Cookbook by RG Enriquez-Diez
Above Photo: ASTIG Vegan
Photo: ASTIG Vegan
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The delectable recipes included in Astig Vegan's Chef RG Enriquez-Diez's The Filipino Vegan Cookbook might be enough to encourage more readers to switch to a plant-based diet.
As the vegan community continues to expand in the Philippines, Enriquez-Diez's cookbook from Anvil Publishing offers more healthy plant-based versions of Filipino dishes that will surely be a hit in the kitchen.
See also: Craving Vegan Street Food? Where to Buy Around Metro Manila
"Sapantahang Wika" by Virgilio S Almario
Above Photo: UST Publishing House
Photo: UST Publishing House
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National Artist for Literature Virgilio S Almario's newest book Sapantahang Wika highlights Philippine literature, culture, history, and the Filipino language. Published by the UST Publishing House, Almario's book was recently launched on October 5.
Read more: Everything We Know About The CCP Performance Literature Festival Online
"The Mountain That Grew" by Alfred 'Krip' Yuson
Above Photo: San Anselmo Publications, Inc
Photo: San Anselmo Publications, Inc
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A great read for both adults and kids, The Mountain That Grew by Alfred "Krip" Yuson is a tale about a mountain that continues to grow. Because of its astounding size, many are compelled to climb and unravel the mystery.
The book, which features wonderful illustrations by Ilana Antonio, will inspire this generation and the generation to come to become more attentive and kind to the world they inhabit.
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Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
