April marks Buwan ng Panitikang Filipino or National Literature Month in the Philippines—a time to honor and celebrate the rich literary heritage of our country. From sweeping historical novels to colorful tales of Filipino mythology, Philippine literature is vibrant and deeply layered. Some of these books have even leapt from page to screen, transformed into must-watch films and series that bring their powerful stories to life.
To celebrate National Literature Month, curl up on the couch to read a good book then press play on its screen adaptation.Here are five Filipino books that made the successful leap from print to film or TV:
1. Smaller and Smaller Circles by F. H. Batacan
Winner of the National Book Award in 2002, Smaller and Smaller Circles is often hailed as the first Filipino crime novel. It follows two Jesuit priests as they investigate the mysterious deaths of young boys in Payatas. The 2017 film adaptation, directed by Raya Martin, features powerful performances by Nonie Buencamino and Sid Lucero and dives deep into the dark undercurrents of Manila society.
2. Dekada ’70 by Lualhati Bautista
Lualhati Bautista’s 1983 novel Dekada ’70 capture the struggles of a family living under Martial Law. Its powerful themes of political resistance were brought to life on screen by Director Chito S. Roño in te critically-acclaimed and award-winning film adaptation starring screen legends Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon.
3. Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan by Bob Ong
Bob Ong is best known for his humorous and satirical novels, but one that stands out from his oeuvre is Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan, his first foray into horror-suspense. It novel unfolds through the creepy journal ntries of a college student. The 2023 film adaptation stars Joshua Garcia as Galo, the young man at the heart of the eerie mystery.
4. Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag by Edgardo M. Reyes
Lino Brocka’s groundbreaking social realist film Manila in the Claws of Light is widely considered one of the greatest Filipino films ever made both locally and abroad, even being screened as part of the Cannes Film Festival. It is based on Edgardo M. Reyes’ classic novel Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag which tells the story of a young provincial fisherman who ventures to Manila in search of his lost love, only to confront the harsh realities of urban life.
5. Trese by Budjette Tan
If graphic novels or comics are more your style, Budjette Tan’s Trese is a great place to start. The series follows Alexandra Trese, a detective who investigates supernatural crimes in modern-day Manila. Trese is a multi-awarded graphic novel adapted by Netflix into an animated series, available both in English (voiced by Shay Mitchell) and Tagalog (voiced by Liza Soberano).
Whether you’re in the mood for tales of disturbing Filipino monsters, a dark crime drama that also acts a social critique, or a heartbreaking piece that digs deep into the country’s history, there are many great novels by Filipino authors that are worth picking up. Alongside them are must-see film and TV adaptations that bring the words to life. Happy National Literature Month!