Photo / Fully Booked
One Sunday afternoon—June 12, 1898—Filipino lawyer Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista waved the Philippine flag from a window of Emilio Aguinaldo’s house in Kawit, Cavite. On that same day, 98 Filipinos signed the Declaration of Philippine Independence, authored by Bautista himself, who was also a distant relative of both the Rizals and Bonifacios.
One hundred twenty-seven years later, we continue to mark this milestone with collective pride. It’s a time to honor the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom and to celebrate resilience in the face of adversity.
We may not all be able to wave the Philippine flag from our windows or balconies, but reading about Filipino heritage and its rich tapestry of stories is a more practical and transformative way to mark Independence Day, and even the time beyond.
With that said, here are seven books on Philippine history and Filipino culture that deserve a spot on your reading list.
On redefining what it means to be a Filipino during the Spanish Revolution: The Three Cornered Sun by Linda Ty Casper
Photo / Exploding Galaxies
“The beauty of this novel is in the discovery, and the enlightenment it offers,” says Philip Cu-Unjieng of the Manila Bulletin in his review of Lina Ty-Casper’s long-forgotten but worthy piece of literary fiction.
Drawing on recollections of her grandmother, the author paints a cinematic picture of the lives of the Viardos, whose members attempt to make sense of their identities amid the historical events of the 1896 Revolution. To readers’ delight, historical figures such as José Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and Emilio Aguinaldo make fascinating cameos.
By intimately engaging with history and providing emotional depth and nuance, The Three-Cornered Sun accomplishes what a history book cannot—making it a riveting read for every Filipino and history buff.
A creative biography of Rizal’s life and death: Rizal in Saga: A Life for Student Fans by Nick Joaquin
Photo / Milflores Publishing
“Each writes history according to his own conscience.” This quote, from a letter Rizal wrote to Blumentritt in 1888, graces the cover of Nick Joaquin’s Rizal in Saga: A Life for Student Fans. A rare gem from ‘one of our greatest writers’ about one of our greatest Filipinos, the book was commissioned in 1996 as a youth-oriented biography of Rizal. Instead of being sold commercially, however, it was distributed as a souvenir for the centennial of Rizal’s martyrdom on December 30, 1896. However, it never reached its intended audience and became a long-lost Rizal biography.
Thankfully, a new edition of the book has been released commercially, featuring historian Ambeth Ocampo’s introduction, annotations, and rare photos from his personal collection. Spanning 35 chapters that represent 35 years of Rizal’s life, the book reveals a young, flawed, yet fiercely determined Rizal—one whose legacy continues to inspire long after his death.
On understanding how we ended up wishing to become a nation: 1762 by Vin dela Serna Lopez
Photo / Ateneo de Manila University Press
What does one do when faced with a trilemma of enemies? In Vin dela Serna Lopez’s debut novel, a band of dockworkers plots to overthrow the Spanish government, only to be blindsided by another colonizer: the British. Thrust into chaos, they must muster their last reserves of courage to decide which enemy to confront first: the Spanish, the British, or their inner demons.
Why set a novel in Intramuros in 1762? For Dela Serna Lopez, it began as a challenge to counter the prevailing notion that Philippine history only became significant in 1872 with the martyrdom of the Gomburza priests (Fathers Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora). Choosing 1762 allowed him to explore a pivotal moment that, in his words, “captured the legacies of the past era while shaping the colony, its people, and its government for years to come.”
On the life and works of Joey Guerrero, an unexpected Filipino war heroine: At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom by Erin Entrada Kelly
Photo / Greenwillow Books
Who isn’t drawn to stories of unexpected heroes who boldly embody the triumph of the human spirit against overwhelming odds? Entrada-Kelly’s courageous and uplifting biography of Joey Guerrero is exactly that. Set during World War II in Japanese-occupied Philippines, it follows Guerrero—a Filipina diagnosed with leprosy—who joins the guerrilla movement to carry out covert missions for the Allies. Rarely searched by Japanese soldiers due to her illness, she smuggled secret messages, including a vital minefield map taped to her back.
Weaving together themes of war, espionage, immigration, illness, racism, resilience, faith, and ultimately, hope, At Last She Stood tells the powerful story of an unlikely hero who helped change the course of history.
On rediscovering our nation’s heroes as real people who dreamed, struggled, and helped shape the Filipino soul: Xiao Time: Mga Dakilang Pilipino (1 & 2) by Xiao Chua
Photo / Amlat Book Publishing House
Filipino historian and academic Xiao Chua serves up bite-sized, snackable pieces on some of our most valiant Filipino heroes in Xiao Time: Mga Dakilang Pilipino, a two-volume set. Highlighting the lives and deeds of Antonio Luna, Marcelo Del Pilar, Gregorio Del Pilar, Juan Luna, and more, Chua invites today’s younger generation to discover the great Filipinos who came before us—their struggles, ideals, and deep love for the motherland. Described as “the purest gift that honors the bravery and memory of our heroes,” this set is a must-read for all, especially the youth.
Charting the chapters of the country’s prehistory to present day: An Illustrated History of the Philippines by Ray Canoy
Photo / John Beaufoy Publishing
If you’re the kind of reader drawn to illustrations and visual storytelling—and want to brush up on Philippine history—Ray Canoy’s book might just be what you’re looking for. In this illustrative guide, Canoy unpacks why Filipinos don’t speak Spanish, reveals how the brief British occupation weakened Spain’s grip on the islands, and traces the rise of the trapo (traditional politician).
Described by Medium as a beginner’s guide to the country, the book spans from ancient Sundaland to modern times, including the Nine-Dash Line conflict. Though written in accessible language, it still invites deep reflection. It concludes with a sobering examination of systemic flaws and national vulnerabilities, while also celebrating the enduring resilience of the Filipino spirit.
Do the country a solid this June—grab these reads from a Fully Booked branch nearest you or visit Fully Booked for the full collection.
Disclaimer: Article used with permission from Fully Booked
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