Questioning the light in the enlightened
by Angie V. Garcia on July 2, 2010
When an unpublished manuscript gains widespread recognition, it is considered a remarkable feat. For Miguel Syjuco, an expat Filipino in Montreal, this was accomplished in his debut novel entitled Ilustrado, a piece that garnered him a Palanca Award and a Man Asian Literary Award.
Ilustrado or “the enlightened” in Spanish, often refers to the intelligentsia – Filipinos who were educated abroad during the Spanish colonization.
While history regards them as the central figures in the development of Filipino nationalism, this novel challenges the notion by addressing its aftereffects, spawning a myriad of complex and dysfunctional cultural aspects.
The prologue’s focal point is Crispin Salvador, an eccentric literary figure and a driving force in the story. From being a son of a sugar plantation worker to a professor in Columbia with literary works comparable to Paz Marquez-Benitez and Nick Joaquin, he is a clear example of a modern-day intelligentsia.
A deserved recognition in his hometown is overshadowed by his honestly brash attacks on the elite and tight-knit community in the Philippines. ‘When life gives you lemons, have your maid make you lemonade’ is a trademark line in his newspaper column, ‘War and Piss’.
His flamboyant lifestyle has also been the topic of mockery amongst the elite and other literary figures in the country. Past ones include being a womanizer, involving himself in a duel with one of Manila’s top critics, and starring in a Silver Swan Soy Sauce commercial.
The story starts off with the body of Salvador being found along the shores of Hudson River. The protagonist, also named Miguel Syjuco, and a former student of Salvador, is devastated but skeptical when his death is ruled as an alleged suicide.
He suspects that Salvador was murdered. Working as an editorial assistant in New York, he decides to return to his hometown Manila to investigate on his mentor’s death, writing a biography in the process.
The plot of Ilustrado may seem to be a conventional mystery novel, but there is definitely more to it. The author weaves it with real-life historic Philippine events and addresses the socio-political issues it spews out.
Syjuco, the protagonist’s personal life is a crucial issue in Ilustrado. His cross-cultural experiences from growing up in United States and the Philippines exposed him in a constant crusade for cultural identity, a journey that is powerful to unravel.
His estranged relationship with Grapes, his grandfather, showcases a battle between passion and legacy. A former political figure, he is disgruntled when he discovers Syjuco pursues a career in writing.
One thing to take note of Ilustrado is that it’s told in various narrative forms and time arrangements. It may get confusing for readers to constantly shift from travelogue, emails, blog entries and Salvador’s past written works to another.
Yet again, the narrative’s chaotic flow somehow corresponds to the representation of what Philippine history really is – fragmented and disillusioned.
Nevertheless, it showcases how talented and versatile Miguel Syjuco is. He is able to adapt and intertwine different points of view into an exciting and thought-provoking read.
With a touch of Pinoy humor, witty anecdotes and pop culture references in the midst of a dark plot, it is sure to leave a daunting aftertaste to its readers.
Definitely recommended for a stimulating read, especially for those seeking a contemporary outlook of what contemporary Philippines really is.
