Why Filipinos Should Read: The Anti-Development State by Walden Bello

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by Bryan Meniado While there are many good reasons to be proud of being Filipino, there remain deplorable realities happening in our society. Poverty, violence and politics, among others, continue to taint our nation and identity. Many have grown tired of the failed promises of elected officials saying they will make the country great. Some of us have even already given up, saying “wala nang pag-asa ang Pilipinas” with heavy sighs and downcast fists. We blame corruption, we blame our kababayans for their lack of discipline. But as hopeless as it may seem, losing hope is not an option. We should…

Where A ‘Promdi Heart’ Goes (Part 3): An Interview with Jay E. Tria and Georgette S. Gonzales

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by KB Meniado The start of April—which is tomorrow!—usually means vacation, and if you’re still looking for places to get away to, here’s Promdi Heart, a romance anthology set in different Philippine provinces. Did I say places? I meant, pages! Once you get your hands on this, you would definitely start planning your itinerary and looking at bus and plane schedules! (This book, by the way, is also good for #BookbedReadsPHLit!) In this interview, we talk to two of the authors, Jay E. Tria and Georgette S. Gonzales, about reconnecting with old friends and “ideal” dates! (Read Parts 2 and 3 here.) Hi Jay! One Certain Day…

Where A ‘Promdi Heart’ Goes (Part 2): An Interview with Chris Mariano and Agay Llanera

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by Kevin Dones Preparing your to-read pile for the next month? You might want to add Promdi Heart, a romance anthology set in different Philippine provinces that is sure to take you on adventures! (Also good for #BookbedReadsPHLit!) In this interview, we talk to two of the authors, Chris Mariano and Agay Llanera, about summer festivals, fishermen’s abs and how to write about love! (Read Parts 1 and 3 here.) Hi, Chris! I love that Drummer Boy’s central setting is in Kalibo, Aklan during the famous Ati-Atihan festival, and that it is about the titular character! What inspired you to write this story? Ati-Atihan…

Where A ‘Promdi Heart’ Goes (Part 1): An Interview with C.P. Santi and Ines Bautista-Yao

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by Inah Peralta Summer is almost here, and that means you’re probably already planning where to go or what to do this vacation. Good thing reading is always an option! Here is a recommendation: Promdi Heart, a romance anthology set in different Philippine provinces. (Also good for #BookbedReadsPHLit!) In this interview, we talk to two of the authors, C.P. Santi and Ines-Bautista-Yao, as they take us to Misamis and Negros Occidental for adventure, food and of course, love. Read on to get ideas for your summer getaways! (Read Parts 2 and 3 here.) Hi, C.P.! I have read your works, Dare To Love…

Bookbed reviews: ‘Found: Letters on Love, Life, and God’ by Isa Garcia

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by Lausanne Barlaan Letters are a lost form of art, now overtaken by the ease of text messages and the speed of emails. All these new forms of communication are quick and convenient, yes, but they are mostly devoid of personality. Emojis may be the closest substitution, but nothing beats words weaved together by a loved one pouring their hearts out. This may be why Found, written by Isa Garcia, is a welcome addition to our bookshelves—it brings back the wonder of receiving letters, addressed to your different needs and feelings. THE STORY Isa Garcia believes that everybody deserves love letters. She wrote…