Modern day Noli Me Tangere

 

Finally, I've finished the third and final book in the Filipino novels I bought at the MIBF last September 13. Even now, after completing it, I can’t really understand the logic behind the cover design. The yellow text on a bright pink background looks like a nightmare that my college professor would have in our graphic designs class. Maybe there’s a meaning to it, but good art should express itself without needing explanation from the artist.

Anyway, this is a book, not a piece of artwork, so I won’t dwell on the cover any further.

True to its classification, this book is for mature readers. There are sex scenes, but they aren’t as hardcore as something you might find in Hellraiser. However, the bullying and torture might be more than a normal person can handle, especially with that scat scene. The author writes with such detail that I could almost smell each scene he describes; yes, I have been to slum areas in Metro Manila, even the ones he mentions in the book. Although they may be fictional, I do remember a place like that in Lower Bicutan.

The story unveils various life situations of people living in the slums of Metro Manila—drugs, prostitution, murder for revenge, blackmail, and abuse of power. One complaint I have is about the slang words used by the author. These include deep Tagalog terms or slang that originated in the slums, like the word parak, which means police. I only know that word because I overheard our house help use it once. There are several other words used that are foreign to me; I have a talent for deducing meanings from context, but not everyone possesses that ability. The author should have included footnotes explaining these words for readers who may not understand them.

The book offers a glimpse into how many people in lower socioeconomic classes live. It reminded me of a Thai movie on Netflix called 4 Kings, which depicts a constant squabble over turf where the original reason for the conflict has long been forgotten, leading to senseless violence.

Overall, it is a compelling read that could be likened to a modern Noli Me Tangere or El Filibusterismo, as it poignantly captures the myriad struggles faced by marginalized individuals in society. The narrative serves as a powerful lens through which we witness the raw realities of oppression, highlighting the resilience and courage of those who dare to challenge the status quo. The book resonates deeply with the socio-political climate of our times, echoing the timeless themes of social injustice and the fight for dignity.

However, it is written in Tagalog, which may limit its appeal to most readers. It might attract students studying social economics or literature, or those within the Filipino literary community, but beyond that, I doubt it will reach its intended audience. If the author wants to convey his message to the "Power Above Us All," he should consider publishing it in English. I understand that some contexts are best expressed in Tagalog, but he could keep those Tagalog words and include footnotes for clarification, allowing for an English book without losing its Tagalog identity.

Honestly, I had conflicting emotions about this book. Did I like it? Did I not? I’m not sure. What became abundantly clear is that it offers a profound perspective on the lives of those living in poverty, shedding light on their daily struggles and the systemic barriers they face. It paints a stark picture of the desperation that drives individuals to make choices that no one should ever have to confront, forcing them into situations that compromise their dignity and humanity. This exploration of the human condition, while uncomfortable, is crucial for understanding the complexities of life in the margins. 

Will I buy his books 2 and 3? Maybe; I might at next year's MIBF.

Pranks gone wrong

 

This book is only 112 pages long, and it took me four days to finish it. Not because it was difficult for me to read in Tagalog, but because I wasn’t really enthusiastic about it. The only reason I bought it was that it came bundled with a book I was interested in at this year's MIBF on September 13. It was a good deal, and I saw it as my contribution to the Filipino literary community. Also, since it’s a Palanca awardee—a prestigious local literary award—I was curious to see the caliber of novels that win such an award.

After reading it, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit disappointed. If this won, how come Trese or any of Bob Ong’s works haven’t won any Palanca awards? Maybe their works didn’t qualify since the Palanca requires only unpublished stories to be submitted. That could be the case. But at least now I know one of the qualifications to be a Palanca awardee.

So, what’s the book about? It’s about a group of friends who love horror stories and go around chasing urban legends. When their searches fail, they take it upon themselves to make the urban legends come true. In short, they prank the people in their area based on these legends. Eventually, the pranks escalate into a disaster that breaks up the group of friends.

The flow of the story feels like a Filipinized version of Stranger Things or Stephen King’s IT—a group of friends enjoying adventure until they get a dose of their own medicine.

It’s also a story of typical Filipino youth growing up, which I can personally relate to. Back when I was a kid, my group of friends and I loved to check if urban legends were more than just stories. We even went as far as role-playing, pretending to be aswangs flying at night. Yes, even as a child, I was already delulu.

ChatGPTs depiction of an Aswang

Given its status as a Palanca awardee, I anticipated a more profound and compelling narrative. However, the storytelling came across as somewhat straightforward and predictable, leaving me yearning for greater complexity and nuance. While I appreciate the nostalgia it evokes—reminding me of my own childhood experiences—it may be rooted in the familiar themes of everyday Filipino life. This familiarity, while relatable to me as a Filipino, could potentially resonate more deeply with foreign readers seeking to explore Filipino culture. It’s possible that the book’s ability to encapsulate the essence of growing up in the Philippines contributed to its recognition with a Palanca award, as it provides a window into our unique cultural landscape, even if it lacks the extraordinary elements I had hoped for.

Timey Wimey in Danmei

 

This is the first Meatbun novel I read, right after finishing all of MXTX’s books. I chose to start with this one because the title caught my attention—The Husky and His White Cat Shizun. In real life, huskies are often a threat to cats. Huskies have a high prey drive, and they are notorious for attacking smaller animals. While you can find videos on TikTok of huskies coexisting with cats, that's usually because they grew up together or are well-trained. Even then, I would never let my cats near a husky. Vets know this, too. I've been to clinics where they made us wait outside just because a husky was inside. Sometimes, they’ll even separate our cats into a closed room when a husky arrives.

That said, the novel's dynamic between Mo Ran (the husky) and Chu Wanning (the white cat, his Shizun) plays out similarly—the "husky" definitely attacks!

The novel begins with Mo Ran, now in his thirties, having claimed the title of emperor in the mortal realm after flooding the world with blood and gore, killing anyone who opposed him. Strangely, he ends his life by drinking poison and lying down in an open grave under a tree where he first met Chu Wanning. This is suspicious, considering Mo Ran supposedly hated Chu Wanning, yet even after his death (two years prior, when Chu Wanning sacrificed himself to save the remnants of the cultivation world), Mo Ran preserved his Shizun's body with spiritual power and continued to visit it. He even cried one day when he couldn’t wear his disciple robes anymore. For someone who claimed to despise Chu Wanning, Mo Ran’s actions scream otherwise. His motivation to live seemed tied to his Shizun’s death. Really sus!

After taking poison, Mo Ran wakes up back in his 16-year-old body, realizing he's been given a second chance. He believes this is his opportunity to save the person he loves, Shi Mei, and prevent his descent into becoming Emperor Taxian-Jun. However, things start to change. It seems someone else from his future was also reborn and is causing events to spiral out of control, leading to Chu Wanning’s death instead of Shi Mei's. This is when Mo Ran’s perspective shifts. As he embarks on a quest to collect the scattered pieces of Chu Wanning’s soul for Master Huaizui (Chu Wanning’s Shizun) to cast the forbidden Rebirth spell, Mo Ran realizes his entire life has been built on a misunderstanding. The cruelty he inflicted on Chu Wanning in his past life? Completely misplaced. And more than that, Mo Ran realizes he was never in love with Shi Mei—his heart belonged to Chu Wanning all along.

It takes Master Huaizui five years to revive Chu Wanning after Mo Ran collects his souls. When Chu Wanning returns, Mo Ran’s attitude toward him does a full 360. Eventually, after waiting out a calamity on an island, Mo Ran finds the courage to confess his feelings, though Chu Wanning remains skeptical, still believing Mo Ran’s heart belongs to Shi Mei.

By the time I reached volume two, I noticed how Erha (as The Husky and His White Cat Shizun is also known) blends elements of MXTX’s novels. For instance, the story features undead corpses controlled by demonic cultivation or forbidden arts, similar to Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation. Mo Ran’s reincarnation echoes The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System. Then there’s a scene where Mo Ran travels to the Underworld to retrieve Chu Wanning’s earth soul, which reminded me of Heaven's Official Blessing—even a demon lord shows up in Erha, trying to claim Chu Wanning for himself! But really, it’s not a big deal. Both authors are Chinese, and with their shared cultural influences and mythology, some overlap is expected.

That said, a word of caution: Meatbun’s novels are not for the faint of heart. Erha includes rape scenes and is packed with Mo Ran’s...let’s just say, "physical reactions." His constant arousal, especially when he’s near Chu Wanning, gets a bit annoying. I mean, really? A slight touch and he's hard again? Not to mention, I’ve seen this book in the teen section of my local bookstore, which is wild considering how explicit it is. But who am I to judge? As a teenager, I was sneaking into my mom’s bookshelves for her steamy novels, too! Also, it’s surprising to me that this book became a New York Times bestseller. Given the content, you’d think it would spark outrage in today’s cancel culture, but here we are—it tells you a lot about people’s hidden desires.

Despite Mo Ran’s constant...distractions, the story is engaging. With all its twists, surprises, and emotional revelations, it keeps you hooked. The moral of the story? Communication is key. Mo Ran’s entire villainous life stemmed from a lack of understanding, leading him to destroy the one person he actually loved. The novel also delves into the survival of clans, politics, and betrayals, similar to other danmei works.

The Husky and His White Cat Shizun is set to have thirteen volumes, and we're currently on book six. Book seven is expected to release on December 3, 2024. Meatbun has already finished the story, and you can read it online, but as I’ve mentioned before, I prefer physical books. Plus, Seven Seas’ English translation is better written than the unofficial ones.

I can't wait for book seven!

#blessedbydabes

Honestly, the title of the book "Ang Nawawalang Barangay" (The Lost Neighborhood) is a bit misleading—or maybe it's just a language barrier for me. Even though I am Filipino and have lived in Manila for nearly two decades, Tagalog is not my first language. When I saw the title, I initially thought, "Could this be a fanfic about the mythical place in Leyte called Biringan?"

Turns out, it's not. It's not even about looking for a lost neighborhood. Instead, it's about finding the residents of a barangay who suddenly vanish into thin air. Our main character, Bree (real name Brigido), is at the center of it all. I didn’t notice any detailed description of Bree in the book. The only things mentioned are that she has long hair and is gay (something I only figured out after starting the book). Maybe a detailed description wasn’t necessary, since the book includes illustrations that depict Bree as the main character.

The story follows a barangay where its citizens begin disappearing one by one. Bree takes it upon herself to investigate because she feels the barangay officials and local police aren't doing anything about it. During her investigation, she meets Clyde, who becomes her partner in solving the mystery of their missing neighbors—and eventually, Bree's romantic interest (LOL, I accidentally picked up a BL book!).

Their investigation leads them to a local religious cult headed by a transgender person impersonating "Kinkee Balaj," who is described exactly like Nicki Minaj. This impersonator performs by rapping and dancing like Kinkee Balaj, and then gives a homily after the performance. Surprisingly, people fall for it. The cult gains such a large following that when they hold a "Swalla Big Night" (Swalla being the name of the cult), the crowd is as massive as the devotees of the Nazareno every January.

Bree and Clyde eventually discover that people are vanishing because of the heat. When a person reaches a certain temperature, they literally vanish into thin air. The symptoms include sweating, a cloud of smoke surrounding the person about to vanish, and an unexplained coldness felt by those nearby.

As for the ending—well, there isn’t one. It’s an open ending, with no clear resolution and many unanswered questions. But if you look deeper, the ending makes sense within the story’s context.

The novel is not just a mystery or a supernatural thriller; it is a reflection of the unresolved nature of many social and cultural issues that the book touches on. The disappearances in the barangay, for instance, could symbolize how people in society "vanish" or become invisible due to various reasons—whether it's because of economic disparities, the marginalization of minorities like the LGBT community, or the corruption in public offices that allows these injustices to persist. The lack of a clear resolution mirrors the way many of these societal problems remain unsolved, hanging in the air, much like the people in the story who vanished without a trace.

By leaving the story open-ended, the author seems to be emphasizing that not all mysteries in life are neatly tied up, and that some questions—like those Bree and Clyde grapple with—may never be answered. This ambiguity is what gives the novel its weight, making it not just about supernatural disappearances, but also about the many unresolved issues we face in real life. In a way, the story itself vanishes into thin air, leaving readers to ponder over the unexplained and the unresolved, just as Bree is left to wonder about the fate of her neighbors.

The novel is written in Tagalog. Although it's only 200+ pages, it took me five days to finish because reading in Tagalog was challenging for me. Some of the words were so deeply Tagalog that I had to reread entire sentences or paragraphs to fully understand. Honestly, I wish it were written in English so it could reach a global audience. However, the flow of the story fits the Tagalog language. There are certain words, sentences, or phrases that just sound better in Tagalog.

Would I recommend the book? Yes. It’s a good read. It reveals some of the uglier aspects of Filipino culture: how the LGBT community is viewed and treated, the body-shaming of fat people, the corruption of public officials clinging to the rich for power, and how the wealthy actually run the city. It also shows how deeply religion influences Filipino life.

The book also touches on how people cope with the loss of loved ones, exploring themes of mourning and grief. Various social issues are presented in the book, making it worth reading. I don't regret buying it, even though it wasn’t what I expected. Maybe the author left the open ending to make room for a sequel—but even if not, the ending still works as a powerful statement on the unresolved nature of many of the themes it presents.

I asked ChatGPT to draw Bree for me and this is what ChatGPT drew.

Once Upon a Time in China, Danmei Version

 

I came across Thousand Autumns while reading MXTX's books, but I only picked it up after finishing all of Meatbun's works. Before buying Meng Xi Shi's Thousand Autumns, I decided to watch its donghua (animated adaptation) to see if I would like the story.

Thousand Autumns is a martial arts-focused danmei that revolves around various martial arts sects fighting for dominance in the political arena. It reminded me a lot of the Once Upon a Time in China movies. Growing up, I watched many Chinese martial arts films and ancient Chinese dramas on TV5. Sometimes, I’d catch them on cable, even though I didn’t understand Mandarin. Because of that, Thousand Autumns felt nostalgic.

The story features two main characters: Yan Wushi, who practices demonic cultivation, and Shen Qiao, a Daoist priest. Yan Wushi, ranked as the second most powerful in the martial arts world, has a fearsome reputation, especially among disciples of demonic cultivation. He has a moody temperament and a rather egotistical, narcissistic personality.

Shen Qiao, on the other hand, is the leader of a sect who experiences a fall from grace after being defeated in a challenge. He cultivates his martial arts based on Daoist principles and is a devout practitioner.

Luckily for Shen Qiao, Yan Wushi happens to be at the foot of the mountain when Shen Qiao is defeated and falls. Yan Wushi saves him—not personally, but through his disciple. However, Wushi’s motives aren’t purely altruistic. He saves Shen Qiao because he wants to corrupt him. Yan Wushi believes that all humans have darkness within, and with enough betrayal, treachery, and disappointment, anyone can be pushed towards it. Interestingly, as you read through the novel, you find out that when Yan Wushi was younger (probably under 20), he made a promise to Shen Qiao's master that if one of his disciples ever needed help, he would offer assistance. This detail adds complexity to Wushi’s character, making you realize he isn’t entirely evil.

In fact, throughout the novel, Yan Wushi doesn’t come across as truly villainous. He’s just someone who doesn’t tolerate nonsense.

Shen Qiao endures a lot after his fall, but he never abandons his Daoist principles or turns to demonic cultivation. He remains pure and steadfast in his beliefs. Over time, he manages to regain both his martial arts skills and his reputation.

Since this is a danmei novel, despite all the teasing and bullying from Yan Wushi, the two eventually fall in love. It’s quite humorous, especially when Wushi’s disciples realize that their master has fallen for Shen Qiao.

The book is well-written, and many reviews praise Meng Xi Shi for her thorough research. The novel includes historical facts about territories, clans, and certain events in China, even mentioning the three tribes of what is now the Korean peninsula. It’s also refreshing that the book stays wholesome in its portrayal of the characters' relationship.

I hope they finish the donghua, even though it diverges slightly from the novel. Certain important events in the book had to be rewritten or toned down due to the "gay essence" in those scenes, as homosexuality is illegal in China. The donghua ended midway through the third volume, and I hope they continue adapting the rest of the story.

Books for a Kilo is a trend now?

 

Upon my return to the book scene, I stumbled upon a whole new trend in the book business: "Books by the Kilo." These are second-hand and bargain books, likely stock that didn’t sell, which stores pass on to second-hand sellers at a very low price. These sellers, in turn, sell the books by weight instead of per book. It's really an amazing business model.

One of these sellers, Nameless Books, held an anniversary sale on September 14, offering books at 200 pesos per kilo. They claimed to have two full containers of books for the event. I was excited, but the sale was in Filinvest, Alabang, which is a two-hour commute from where I live. I almost decided not to go, but a friend from the south offered to drive me home afterward, so I happily agreed!

When we arrived, it was a bit overwhelming. Most of the books seemed to be UK releases, and there were even some in Russian and German. I spotted a few titles by authors like Laurel K. Hamilton with UK covers. Though there were plenty of books to choose from, many were older titles. I didn’t see any recent releases, but I did find works by prominent authors like John Grisham, Terry Brooks (his Shannara series), Tom Clancy, the Fifty Shades series, Twilight, Marian Keyes, and Lauren Weisberger. There were also lots of classics, such as Grimm’s Fairy Tales and works by Oscar Wilde.

Besides fiction for adults and teens, there were reference books and children's books as well. Honestly, I was slightly disappointed, as I didn’t find the books I was hoping for. Then again, I wasn’t sure what exactly I expected. So, I browsed through the piles, checking out covers that looks interesting or authors I recognized. If a synopsis intrigued me, I added the book to my pile. I mostly picked books that caught my eye, without focusing too much on the author.

In the end, I bought five books that weighed a total of 1.6 kilos, and I only paid 320 pesos. Now that is a bargain—320 pesos for five books!

Of the five books I bought, I was only familiar with one author, Kelley Armstrong. I have a few of her older books, including her vampire series from the early 2000s (I’m not sure if it’s still ongoing). The book I picked up, Dime Store Magic, is about a witch, and it seemed interesting.

Another book that intrigued me was Alice, about a mental patient who suddenly exhibits symptoms of "Alice Syndrome" (like in Alice in Wonderland), with a murder mystery twist. I’ve always been drawn to dark fairy tales, so I couldn’t resist this one.

Kiss and Die is about a female serial killer who targets wealthy men that cheat on their wives. The premise was too interesting to pass up.

No Logo caught my attention, seeming to be set in a dystopian society.

Lastly, Relentless is about betrayal between close friends and a web of lies. It sounded fascinating.

There were plenty more books in my shopping bag initially, but I had to cut down on my budget, especially since there were toys available at the event, too. In addition to the 200 pesos per kilo book sale, there were toys being sold at 450 pesos per kilo as well.

Nameless Books had collaborated with Toyzoona Importer for this event. Not only were books being sold by weight, but second-hand toys and even board games were too!

There were so many board games, and I love board games! I went through them like I was shopping in an ukay-ukay store. In the end, I spent more on toys than on books, which was the main reason I went to the event in the first place.

Overall, I spent 1,130 pesos—320 pesos on books and 810 pesos on toys.

As soon as I saw a Jenga set, I grabbed it immediately. I’ve wanted one ever since I heard about it, but I never bought one because I always found it too expensive (over a thousand pesos for some wooden blocks!). Another favorite of mine was a crocodile figurine that doubles as a game—you lift its mouth and take turns pushing down teeth with your friends. If you push the wrong one, the mouth snaps shut.

The other four toys were more of an impulsive buy. I initially picked up a miniature shopping basket to store onions and garlic in the kitchen, but it ended up on my bedside table holding trinkets instead. I also bought some cat figurines and a gray rabbit, which I didn’t plan on purchasing but couldn’t bring myself to put back.

I really hope they hold a similar event up north next time so I don’t have to travel 2-3 hours again. I had a lot of fun sifting through all the books and toys, and I hope I have a bigger budget next time!

15 years after... I am back MIBF ^_^

 

The last time I attended the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) was 15 years ago, in 2009. I guess that year also marked the time I stopped collecting books. Life got busy, and I no longer had time to read. Those were also the years when I found myself watching series and K-dramas instead of reading.

But anyway, after a decade and a half, I've found my way back to books. So this year, I decided to visit MIBF again. I was curious to see how things had changed, especially after the pandemic (2020-2021).

I went on September 13, a Friday. I figured that if I went on Saturday or Sunday, there would be too many people, and I’m not a fan of crowded spaces. I expected quite a lot of people on Friday too, considering it was just before payday. But to my surprise, the crowd was manageable—probably because I arrived at 10 a.m.

The most prominent booths at this year's MIBF were National Book Store (NBS) and Fully Booked. I heard this was the first year NBS rejoined MIBF since the pandemic. They hadn’t participated right after the event restarted.

NBS offered a lot of bargains this year, with prices as low as Php 99, and promotions like “Buy 2, Get 2 Free.” However, while that might sound like a great deal, the books in that category ranged from Php 400-1000, which still seemed too expensive for me, as I’d end up spending around Php 800-2000. Most of the titles were classics I’ve already read, so I wasn’t that interested.

However, something under the Php 199 section did catch my eye.

One of my favorite authors’ newest series was priced at Php 199. Without a second thought, I grabbed it, knowing it usually costs around Php 300-400. I didn’t technically need to buy it since I already had the audiobook version, but there's just something about having a physical book. I’m also not a fan of ebooks.

Fully Booked, on the other hand, is still as expensive as ever. They only offered a 20% discount, which is pretty standard for them. Though they do have a wide selection of titles, especially for big book fandoms like manga, manhwa, and danmei, their prices are quite steep, in my opinion.

Most of the other booths on the first floor were either children's books or academic textbooks. Honestly, MIBF seems more beneficial for students and teachers. They offered textbooks and reference books for as low as Php 100-500, which typically cost over a thousand pesos. It made me wonder if these were new and current editions or if they were older ones.

There were also local authors holding book signings.

Back in 2009, MIBF only occupied the first floor of the SMX Convention Center at Mall of Asia, but this year, they also rented the second floor. Although I noticed some publishers and book distributors were absent this year, there were also new faces for me.

Take Tankobonbon, for instance. I didn’t see them back in 2009, probably because manga was so rare back then. But with the rise in popularity of manga, manhwa, and danmei, it’s no surprise stores like Tankobonbon have emerged. Aside from NBS and Fully Booked, they carry legit, original copies of these genres.

This brings me to a side topic. Back when I collected books (circa 2004-2009), I didn’t know pirated books existed. Recently, I discovered that they do, and they can look pretty convincing. The price and print quality are usually the giveaways, but even then, the quality is still decent.

On the second floor, a local publisher caught my attention: the publisher of Trese.

When Trese first came out, it caught my eye because its theme centers around Filipino mythology and supernatural beings. Plus, it reminded me of my favorite author’s NY Times bestselling series. I think I have all five volumes, but I’m not entirely sure. I’ll have to check my collection because I don’t want to accidentally buy something I already own.

19th Avenida Publishing seems to specialize in supernatural stories by local authors, and one book really stood out to me. I hadn’t planned to buy it because it was expensive, especially for something so thin. It took me a while to decide, but I justified the purchase by telling myself the synopsis was intriguing, let this be my contrition to the Filipino Literary Community. 

The book that caught my attention was titled Ang Nawawalang Barangay. I initially thought it was a fictional story based on the Biringan myth from Leyte, but after flipping through a few pages, it seemed like it wasn’t. Still, it piqued my curiosity.

It came as part of a bundle. I could have just bought this one book for Php 450 (it's priced at Php 500 in bookstores), but the bundle was Php 975 for three books, with a 25% discount. However, the discount was based on the publisher's price, so I got more than 25% off. The other two books in the bundle also seemed interesting.

The blue book, titled Agaw Anino, caught my eye, but it’s so thin that the Php 315 price seemed ridiculous. It’s a first-prize winner of the Palanca Awards, which is the Philippines' longest-running literary competition—somewhat like the Nobel Prize in Literature here. I was curious about what kind of work qualifies as a Palanca Award winner.

The third book, Ang Kapangyarihan Higit Sa Ating Lahat, is tagged for mature readers. I’m not sure if it’s full of gory murders, corruption, suicide, or something more explicit. The book’s design, though, is an eyesore, with bright pink and yellow fonts. I still wonder how that cover got approved!

Another book that caught my attention was Mga Walang Pangalan Pero Andyan. Just looking at it tugged at my heart. It’s an illustrated book about stray cats, highlighting their struggles to survive on the streets. It’s a perfect coffee table book, especially for cat cafes or communities with lots of cats. It also promotes “Adopt, don’t shop.” However, it’s priced at Php 1,200, which is steep, and there’s no mention of proceeds going to help stray cats. Maybe I’ll pick it up next time.

In the end, my trip to MIBF 2024 was quite satisfying. I hope next year I’ll have a bigger budget to spend on more books. I might drop by 19th Avenida again to pick up the Trese volumes I missed. I might even explore more titles by local authors. Hopefully, NBS will offer more interesting books in the Php 99 and Php 199 bargain sections next year.

Another traitor but not a war hero

 

Ballad of Sword and Wine feels like watching a Korean period drama where the Queen Dowager is the one who truly rules the kingdom rather than the king. I’ve seen too many period dramas to conclude that kings and emperors are merely figureheads on display while queens and empresses hold the real power behind the throne.

Ballad of Sword and Wine starts with a massacre, leaving only one survivor who is tortured for information. However, he receives aid from the Queen Dowager, who wields the real power in the kingdom, and from former military men loyal to his adopted father. This survivor is Shen Zechuan, the eighth son of the traitorous Prince of Jianxing. From being imprisoned and later placed under house arrest at the former residence of a fallen crown prince, Zechuan eventually gains his freedom when the emperor dies.

Although Zechuan is no longer imprisoned, he is given a post with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, essentially the emperor's royal guards.

Meanwhile, the Emperor grows anxious about the rising power of the Xiao Clan of Libei. To keep them in check, he appoints the second son of the Prince of Libei as the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army.

This is where Zechuan and Xiao Chiye, the youngest son of the powerful Prince of Libei, first meet. Their first encounter is brutal, their second meeting ends in a fistfight, but five years later, the two have grown close.

The political turmoil and clan clashes in this novel resemble a K-drama, with major clans battling politically to assert control over the throne, while minor clans sway to whichever major clan wields more power. And, of course, power struggles in the political arena wouldn’t be complete without murder and corruption.

Amidst all this political drama, you might wonder how Chiye and Zechuan still find time to flirt with each other. Yes, flirt. In every encounter, there seems to be an underlying tension between them.

Like in many danmei novels, the bottom character is often described with feminine features—small waist, fair skin like jade—and in Zechuan's case, as the Prince of Chu puts it, “Why wasn’t he born a woman?” You can’t blame the Prince of Chu for saying that, as several men inquire about Zechuan's price.

Then there's Xiao Chiye, the top character, who fits the trope—taller, buffer, rougher, and more masculine.

The story is quite engaging, but some moments can be slow, which is why it took me four days to finish the book. The political power play keeps you hooked as you try to figure out who’s pulling the strings, who the real traitor is, and who will emerge victorious. You also can’t help but wonder how Chiye’s older brother and father will react when they find out Chiye has bedded both a traitor and a man. I haven’t read a danmei where male-to-male relationships face prejudice, so I’m curious to see how this one handles it.

Your morals will be safe with this novel, unlike most top danmei titles. But be prepared to be serious and focused while reading. There are moments where you might wonder how events unfolded or feel compelled to backtrack, thinking you missed something.

Ballad of Sword and Wine is planned to have eight volumes, with only the first volume currently available. The second volume will be released on September 24, 2024, and the third on January 7, 2025.

i was flabbergasted, LOL not really

" While waiting for Meatbun’s new volumes of "Erha" and "Yuwu," I decided to pick up her third novel, "Case File Compendium."

(I prefer reading the official English translations of danmeis, and I’m not a fan of reading online.)

As with Meatbun’s other works, there are some things to keep in mind. Her stories are not for the faint of heart or those easily triggered. If you have a strict moral compass, don’t even attempt to pick up "Case File Compendium." As for me, I’m intrigued by the morally complex—books like these don't bother me; they fascinate me. Now, let’s dive into the book.

The story follows He Yu, who suffers from a fictional mental illness called Psychological Ebola. Although it doesn’t exist in reality, it appears to be a blend of several mental illnesses, including anger issues, abandonment issues, and delusions. Actually, the way Meatbun describes Psychological Ebola is like how criminal psychologist describe serial killers. Then there’s Xie Qingchen, a medical psychologist who was once hired by He Yu’s parents to treat He Yu. However, Qingchen quit the job four years ago for unknown reasons.

Fast forward to the present, He Yu enrolls in a university where his childhood crush, Xie Xue teaches. Xie Xue happens to be Qingchen’s younger sister. At 19, He Yu seems to have his mental illness somewhat under control until he discovers Xue Xie is in love with someone else. To distract himself, although He Yu is a screenwriting and directing student, accepted an acting role in his school’s drama department. However, Qingchen finds him barely keeping his sanity in a hotel room, leading to an unexpected and mistaken kiss from He Yu, who confuses Qingchen for his sister.

Subsequent scenes reveal how secure Qingchen is with his masculinity; despite being disgusted by the kiss, he doesn’t hold it against He Yu. Perhaps it’s his professional detachment as a psychologist or his indifferent temperament. The novel doesn’t just focus on the growing relationship between He Yu and Qingchen. It also delves into criminal activities involving an underground organization, which indirectly leads He Yu to discover why Qingchen quit as his physician four years ago. Feeling betrayed, He Yu’s mental state deteriorates further, especially when compared to how he handled his feelings toward Xie Xu.

In a moment of rage, He Yu accidentally gives Qingchen an aphrodisiac, leading to a prolonged and intense encounter that spans several chapters (To be blunt, He Yu rapes Qingchen) . Volume 2 ends with Qingchen being rushed to the ER by his police friend, Man Chen, (after Qingchen held on his cold proper pose for a day to deal with family issues. Hiding the fact that he has been raped the night before repeatedly.) He Yu, disguised in a black cap and mask, follows them, stealing Qingchen’s lab test results out of curiosity. While Qingchen’s condition isn’t life-threatening He Yu is puzzled why Man Chen lookesd like the world is about to end. Man Chen was actually devastated, upon learning Qingchen slept with someone or is in a relationship, here we learned that Man Chen harbors feelings for Qingchen.

As I read, the main characters and their dynamics reminded me a lot of Meatbun’s "Erha." Xie Qingchen resembles a cold, reserved Shizun, while He Yu’s dark, unstable nature mirrors Mo Ran. Xie Xu has the friendly demeanor of Shi Mei, and Man Chen shares similarities with the conflicted Xue Meng.

However, the rape content in "Case File Compendium" is far more detailed than in "Erha." It almost seems like Meatbun has a penchant for rape fantasies though "Yuwu" doesn’t feature this kind of rape content—at least from what I’ve read so far. I haven’t finished "Yuwu" yet because, as mentioned, I prefer holding physical books over reading online or on digital platforms.

"Case File Compendium" is a fascinating read. It delves into various mental health issues, some of which are handled with surprisingly insightful approaches. Despite being fictional, the narrative feels well-researched, adding depth to the modern-day setting. I appreciate when authors take the time to research and ground their stories, rather than relying on unrealistic setups. I’d definitely recommend this to friends interested in psychology; it’s quite engaging.

I can’t yet determine the overall moral of the story, having only read up to Volume 2. I attempted to read some unofficial translations online, but they were poorly translated—too literal, with grammar issues that made some parts confusing. I’m eagerly waiting for Seven Seas Entertainment to finish their official translations.

The official English translation is expected to have seven volumes. So far, Volumes 1 and 2 have been released, with Volume 3 scheduled for October 2024. The release dates for the remaining volumes are still unknown.

As a preview for Vol 3, it looks like He Yu is going to go after Qingchen even though he declares himself not gay. Can't wait for October.

Gossip Men (18th Century ver.)

Finally picked up The Picture of Dorian Gray, although I prefer it to be titled as “The Portrait of Dorian Gray”. Portrait, instead of picture, it sounds more classical or high end if the word portrait was used. Anyway, I have always been fascinated by Dorian Gray whenever he appears in supernatural/paranormal/horror stories, movies or series. A handsome young immortal that can be killed only by burning his portrait. But as I read the book, it seems like the Dorian Gray fanfics are far from the original. I was expecting a horror the likes of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde or monstrous like Frankenstein. But instead, I have met with three English men gossiping about life. One is an inspired artist who puts his soul into his work. The other a cynical aristocrat going around blocking everyone’s positivity about life and then there is our Dorian Gray, the artist’s inspiration. The way he describes Dorian makes me feel like I am reading a BL novel ^^j.

Basil Hallward is the artist, The one who is inspired by Dorian Gray’s innocent and youthful beauty. Who painted the infamous portrait of Dorian Gray. Who introduced Dorian to Lord Henry Wotton, the cynical Lord Henry. Although how cynical Lord Henry was, some of the things he said do make sense in reality. He quickly extinguished Basil’s artistic delusions and I think he is also the reason for Dorian’s corruption.

The story of how Dorian’s portrait grows old and him the person does not, is not a horrific story. It was simply out of the blue. When Dorian looked at the finished portrait that Basil drew of himself, he was fascinated and admittedly fallen in love with this portrait. Lord Henry commented that portraits remind us of our youth when we grow old. Where Dorian right there and then as he stared at his own portrait wished that wouldn’t it be great that he will retain his naïve, innocent youthful handsome face and that the portrait should be the one to grow old and wrinkle, that he will trade his soul for that wish to come true. Little did he know that his wish has come true.

All throughout the book, as years passed by, he has indulged himself in all kinds of illegal acts as well as starting a collection of whatever he fancies. Until when people started to talk behind his back and old friends started to avoid him. Basil confronted him which led to Dorian murdering him on impulse. That was the start of Dorian’s downfall. There are times that he was fine and then there are times that his conscience is eating him from the inside.

Dorian Gray never lived past one lifetime in his creator’s story. In the brink of going mad because of the sins he has committed even though he has gotten away from it, he took upon himself to destroy his portrait as he blamed it for his corruption. But upon slashing and stabbing the portrait, when Dorian was found, he was the one stabbed in the heart. His portrait was back to its original naïve innocent youth and the real Dorian Gray aged as he should lay on the ground dead.

Although the novel of the portrait of Dorian Gray disappointed me because it didn’t meet my horror expectation. However, I still can say it’s a good read.

The social issues that the book tackles maybe a century late but it has some remnants of it in our society.

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