Orosa-Nakpil, Malate is a book of many things. It is funny, informative, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking.
Perhaps, the most moving part aside from the “rape chapter” was the last time Dave and Ross saw each other. I thought I was about to have a cardiac arrest reading that book scene because it was just heartbreaking. When I was just 20 pages away from the end, I told my big sister, who has read the first five chapters and the last one (IKR? She’s super weird that way) that I know what will happen next, that it is very predictable! I got it all wrong, though. God, that twist!
Dave and Ross’s love for each other reminds me so much of Brokeback Mountain, the infamous love story of Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist. There’s always the underlying melancholy about their love affair.
And who doesn’t hate Michael Pundasyon in this book? I would’ve killed him myself.
One of my favorite scenes was when Ross collected the flyers telling everyone in Malate that Dave has HIV. That says a lot about Ross. And when I found out that he sold his phone to buy a gift for Dave. Ugh. Waterworks alert!
I immensely enjoyed this book. Louie Mar has showcased his ability to transform experiences thru writing and make it possible for readers to feel his characters.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Published 2006 by Louie Mar's Publications