Books & Literature

Poor Basilio. After everything he’d been through in the Noli and after that, I wish he’d been given a happier fate, but alas, his approaching end is looking pale and dolorous.   Chapter 26: Pasquinades[1] Basilio sets out early to inquire at the university about his license and to ask Makaraig for help with the costs, having spent most of his money in ransoming … [Read more...] about El Filibusterismo Chapter Summaries 26-30

It takes a unique combination of a person’s life experience and a writer’s style and perspective to make passages personally moving. Here, I found my heart strings tremble, first, at the moving sendoff to the ethereal Maria Clara, second, at Isagani’s affectionate remembrance of the beauty and serenity of a beloved home, an echo of my own distant memories. So if you have … [Read more...] about El Filibusterismo Chapter Summaries 21-25

So, more than a hundred years ago, Filipino fairs had friar figurines and talking heads. Hardly an ideal paring, but would certainly have been quite the amusement, if only they had some popcorn and soda.   Chapter 16: The Tribulations of a Chinese The Chinese Quiroga, who hopes to open a consulate for his nation, hosts a dinner for important people from the church, … [Read more...] about El Filibusterismo Chapter Summaries 16-20

Oh, to be young and tormented by school again. Although for entirely different reasons, I must have been Placido at one time or another, more despondent than jubilant in the hallowed halls of the academe. Chapter 11: Los Baños The Captain-General is on a working vacation in Los Baños. With him are some friars,  Don Custodio, Ben Zayb and Simoun. Among matters … [Read more...] about El Filibusterismo Chapter Summaries 11-15

So much of the past comes to the fore here, and it isn’t always pleasant for the living, especially when specters begin to loom over earthly affairs.   Chapter 6: Basilio Basilio steals out of the house at midnight and heads to the old wood previously owned by the Ibarras, and now belonging to Capitan Tiago. He visits his mother’s grave by the balete[1] tree … [Read more...] about El Filibusterismo Chapter Summaries 6-10