Orosa-Nakpil Malate by Louie Mar Gangcuangco

Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada, a holiday not just for Canadians, but also for someone like me working in a Canadian account. I intentionally kept my day free of hangouts and meet-ups, reserving it entirely to rest and recharge. That’s when my roommate lent me a book that blends both art and science. I’ve always been a fan of Philippine literature, and several remarkable writers have left a special mark on me, Dr. Louie Mar Guangcangco is one of them. Even if this review is a bit late, I don’t mind.

Orosa-Nakpil Malate offers a modern perspective on how people of the third sex express themselves today through their orientations, emotions, social acceptance, and personal identities. It also tackles social issues such as HIV, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases in a thorough and thoughtful way.

I loved how themes of love, friendship, and betrayal are woven into the story. The author skillfully crafts twists and unpredictable sequences that make the events feel realistic, almost as if they were drawn from true experiences. The failed relationship of Celso and Dave reflects the fast-paced love affairs common in the LGBT community.

One of my favorite parts is when Dave realizes that his true love, Ross, did not betray him. Instead, Ross carefully sought justice for what Celso and Vincent did. Vincent raped Dave, and Celso publicly humiliated him by spreading false news about his HIV status. While at some point one might question the morality of retaliating with infectious diseases, the story explores the complexity of fairness and justice.

I am especially proud of Dr. Guangcangco for elevating the portrayal of gay men in the story. Despite social intimidation surrounding his gender and sexuality, Dave perseveres, reaches his goals, and ultimately succeeds. His family and community celebrate him when he graduates Magna Cum Laude from UP College of Medicine and ranks in the top two in the physician licensure exam.

After reading this, I was reminded that love often appears in the most unexpected ways. I hope to find my own Ross someday, but I am grateful to have Dana and Malou in my life. :D I highly recommend this novel. I hope you get a chance to read it too.