The Woman Who Had Two Navels and the Tales of the Tropical Gothic by Nick Joaquin — 3/5

I might revisit this book when I’m in the mood for a powerful Gothic novel, as I feel like I read it at the wrong time.

It took me a weekend to finish this wonderful prose. Each story is beautifully written and has its own unique charm. The book skillfully combines Gothic elements, the uncanny, the bizarre, and the absurdity of the events that unfold.

It’s a great Filipino literary classic to explore if you’re curious about how a Gothic literary work can authentically reflect Filipino culture. However, for now, it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me because I wasn’t really in the mood for it.

Para kay B ni Ricky Lee — 4/5

“May quota ang pag-ibig. Sa bawat limang umiibig ay isa lang ang magiging masaya.”

Kasing-komplikado ng konsepto ng pag-ibig yung gusto kong sabihin tungkol sa librong ito na hindi ko masabi sa kadahilanang hindi ko rin maintindihan.

Sa teknikal na pananaw, napaka-ganda ng pagkakasulat. Banayad ang pagkaka-kwento. Pinag-isipan at ramdam mong maraming ibinuhos sa kwentong ito.

Basta, basahin niyo na lang kung interesado kayo. Hinding-hinid kayo magsisisi. :)

Infinite Lives, Infinite Deaths by Douglas Candano — 4/5

A collection of short stories set in a nightmare-fueled Manila, centered around the Chinese-Filipino experience.

At the first three stories, I thought that this will just be a collection of urban myths that is catered towards the Chinoy culture but upon finishing the third story, I see the vision.

The author skillfully blended occult horror, urban mythology, dystopian storytelling, and psychological torment, creating an exhilarating and terrifying journey.

I usually find paranormal horror cheesy, but this one strikes the right balance. Instead of relying on superficiality and grotesque imagery to portray evil, it delves into mysticism and explores various possibilities before the horror truly takes hold.

If you want to read a good Filipino horror, this for me is a must-read.