Christmas 2025: 12 Exciting New Books by Filipino Authors for Your Holiday Reading
As the holiday rush continues across Metro Manila and the provinces, finding quiet moments to read becomes precious. This Christmas season brings an exceptional collection of new Filipino literature that captures our nation's diverse voices and stories.
Poetry and Personal Narratives
"A Chain is a House to Sleep In" by Deirdre Z. Camba presents a compelling collection of poems exploring themes from spiritual encounters to nostalgic memories. The poet shared her excitement about finally bringing this deeply personal work to readers.
"A View from the Ground" by Atom Araullo represents eight years of the Kapuso journalist's dedication to narrative journalism. The award-winning reporter explains his motivation: "Isa itong paraan para ma-capture 'yung napakaraming emotions na nararamdaman natin bilang mga mamamahayag habang gumagawa tayo ng mga kwento." The collection includes his own photography, amplifying voices from marginalized communities across our archipelago.
Literary Masters and Social Commentary
"Agaw-Tingin" by Ricky Lee compiles articles spanning from the Martial Law era of 1976 to 2009. The veteran screenwriter emphasizes reading's importance in our digital age: "Mahalaga ang pagbabasa, iba ang ginagawa ng pagbabasa sa panonood."
"Factory of Alleged Virtues" by Alfonso Manalastas offers poetry addressing survival amid colonialism, capitalism, and climate challenges. The Ateneo De Manila University Press describes it as both dreamlike and realistic, showing how we endure and remake ourselves.
Contemporary Fiction and Thrillers
"Ashura: A Filipino Reckoning" by Quintin Jose V. Pastrana combines political thriller with historical fiction, addressing human rights and state impunity. The narrative spans from Metro Manila to Mindanao, Washington DC, Barcelona, and The Hague, following characters seeking justice for extrajudicial killings.
"Kuwentong Butsero" by J.L. Chua presents challenging thriller stories exploring inequality and human limits. Chua explains: "Minsan nasa sukdulan na ang tao eh. What if you are in that position, that you are abused? Ano kaya magagawa mo?"
"Misericordia" by veteran journalist A.A. Patawaran debuts as a novel spanning from Manila Polo Club to Lake Caliraya, exploring revolution and loyalty in a country on edge.
Diverse Voices and Important Topics
"Daddy" by Chuckberry Pascual follows Ryan, a 44-year-old queer man navigating family, work, and relationships, beginning with an encounter at an MRT restroom that leads to self-reflection.
"Kwentoys" by Budjette Tan, creator of "Trese," presents eight whimsical stories featuring toys with extraordinary powers, illustrated by Brandie Tan.
"Lipad" by Mika Salamanca tells of diwata Mahika, who learns to embrace her unique wings. The "Pinoy Big Brother" winner hopes readers will celebrate their differences: "Mas malungkot kayo kung 'di kayo iba."
Addressing Contemporary Issues
"Son of a Dead '80s Bold Star" by Chuck D. Smith explores growing up believing he was Pepsi Paloma's son. Smith used writing to process this revelation: "That forced me or that compelled me to start writing the essays."
"Stigma: Mga Batang Poz 2" by Segundo Matias Jr. continues addressing HIV stigma, focusing on 15-year-old pregnant Melody. Matias drew inspiration from real encounters: "Mayroon akong na-encounter na 15 years old na magpapa-test ng baby niya kasi may HIV siya."
These twelve books represent the richness of Filipino literature today, offering stories that resonate from Luzon to Mindanao, addressing both local concerns and universal themes. Whether gifting to loved ones or treating yourself, these works promise meaningful reading during the holiday season.