by Rose Cruz Churma
This book by Charlson Ong is called “a love letter to storied Quiapo and its Black Nazarene” by literary critic Caroline S. Hau.
This literary thriller that revolves around the Filipinos’ veneration of the Black Nazarene serves as a vehicle for the author to introduce an assorted mix of unique characters who define the contemporary Filipino.
There’s Chester Limhuatco and Jefferson Po—two Chinese Filipinos (sometimes called Chinoys by other social observers).
The former with the longer name that came about from his grandfather’s full name, is an accomplished surgeon while the former with the short monosyllable, is a savvy businessman.
Another interesting character is Jose Crenshaw, son of a Filipina bar girl who worked in Angeles City and an African American father who he never met—who pledged to reenact the crucifixion.
Others include Emily, the “white lady” in the title with eerie comparisons with the white lady that appears at Balete Drive—and urban legend that pops up periodically for residents of Metro Manila.
Then there’s Carmen, Chester’s daughter, a typical upper-middle-class millennial who is well-traveled and educated who renews her curiosity about Quiapo because of her attraction to a foreigner who somehow gets intrigued with the Black Nazarene.
When reading the novel, there’s that sense that somehow we’ve met these characters sometime in our lives, or felt the same way as they did when reacting to a situation—a testament to the skills of the author as a novelist.
He makes Quiapo alive and intriguing.
When I read a recent article on the move to make Quiapo a heritage site—in the same way as Vigan has been made one—this made me choose this literary thriller for a book review.
Perhaps with this novel, interest in Quiapo, in its preservation and revival as a historic, religious, and cultural site gains more traction.
The book’s author, Charlson Ong, is a multi-media creative who writes but also produces and directs films.
A multi-awarded author who has been recognized nationally for his short fiction and novels.
He has four short-story collections and four novels that include this book.
He wrote, co-produced and co-directed the film Tanabata’s Wife, which won best adapted screenplay at the FAMAS awards in 2019.
Jose Dalisay, author of Soledad’s Sister notes that “This book establishes Ong firmly as the most versatile and inventive Filipino novelist in English of his generation.”
He is able to weave history and social commentary with large doses of humor and absurdity.
This is one book to enjoy before visiting Quiapo, and better yet—before joining the crowd of penitents on January 9 when the Black Nazarene is paraded on the streets of this historic district of Manila.
ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established Kalamansi Books & Things three decades ago. It has evolved from a mail-order bookstore into an online advocacy with the intent of helping global Pinoys discover their heritage by promoting books of value from the Philippines and those written by Filipinos in the Diaspora. We can be reached at kalamansibooks@gmail.com.
About Author
+ There are no comments
Add yours