Orosa-Nakpil, Malate

by Louie Mar A. Gangcuangco, Francis P. Gayon (Illustrator)

The information that Gangcuangco presents in this novel regarding the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) offers an entirely fresh approach to presenting factual, consistent and most recent scientific data, woven into a plot of romance, vengeance, mercy and forgiveness.

In his narrative, Gangcuangco reiterates relevant issues about HIV-AIDS, especially men having sex with men, sustaining the interest of the reader in an erotic yet amusing and witty manner.

Fallacies about the virus and advisories about safe sex are consistently reaffirmed amidst the compelling dialogues and discourses emanating from the many colorful and controversial characters of the novel.

Genres: LGBT, Gay, Sexuality

226 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Louie Mar Gangcuangco is the author of a Filipino novel Orosa-Nakpil, Malate. In 2008, Louie Mar Gangcuangco published his second book, Gee, My Grades Are Terrific: A Student’s Guide to Academic Excellence, a self-help book for students.

Louie Mar has served as a guest speaker in UP Manila, UP Diliman, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, San Beda, Philippine Normal University, and the American Chamber Foundation Philippines on various topics including homosexuality, HIV-AIDS, and gay literature in the Philippines.

Louie Mar passed the Straight Internal Medicine Internship in the Philippine General Hospital. He will be graduating from the UP College of Medicine in 2010.

(Learn more about him here.)

Reviews

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tagalog Version ang nabasa ko. Dati pa, mga 2010 pa. Sa pinsan kong libro. Nirekomenda lang ng pinsan (kapatid ng may-ari ng libro) kong kasing edaran lang noon (14).

Sabi niya, "Pao, basahin mo 'to. Tungkol sa mga bading. Nagsesex dito. Maganda." (pabulong pa niyang sabi sa akin, at patago pang inabot sa akin ang libro)

Nang gabi ring iyon ay sinimulan kong basahin nang nakalock ang pintuan ng kuwarto. Mga tatlong araw ko rin itong binasa.

Maganda. Para bagang lumawak ang pag-iisp ko para sa mga gay. Na hindi sila basta ganoon na lang. Na walang damdamin at maaaring kutsa-kutsain.

Malimit akong magulat sa mga nangyayari. Na may lalaki palang may pamilya't anak na ay naghahanap pa rin ng lalake, na gay pala, na nakikipagtalik pa rin sa kapwa lalake. Parehong lalake at walang itsurang babae sa kanila. Lalakeng-lalake tapos 'yun pala may relasyon.

Hindi ako nabored habang binabasa 'to.

May scene na nagtatalik si Dave at Ross. . . Wasak.

[Laie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read a gay love story that is just so universal. Actually, this is my first time to read a book about the pink community. I’ve seen some books of gay milieu but didn’t bother because I thought I won’t be able to relate… until I heard about this book from a friend. She said it’s beautiful so I went out to a bookstore and checked it out.

Orosa-Nakpil, Malate has an English version, a Tagalog version and an uncut Tagalog version. I ordered for the last one. =) Of course, who would want a book that’s already edited and cut down? I don’t want to miss a single word. Even minor details could add depth to the story, right?

I read. The book cover says, “UNCUT For Mature Readers Only”. Ehem. Am I going to read a pornographic material? I proceeded. Oh my, the words are very descriptive and loud, you could almost feel (and imagine) the movement of every expression. Take note, it’s written in Tagalog so I understood every word, felt the daring emotions and discovered the book’s sexuality.

Bold, daring and genuinely humane, “Orosa-Nakpil, Malate” is a novel that both educates and entertains. It’s very creative of the author on how he laid out scientific details about HIV-AIDS, its effect in one’s life and the simple ways to keep away from the disease, featuring them in between the heartbreaking story of Dave. Even if the use of words is bold and vulgar, it’s NOT delivered in a rude, erotic kind of way, rather on a sexy and informative manner. The book is well-written, it has good imagery and it made unique use of literary tools like the flashback and narration.

Let me enumerate the good things I found in this book:


Continue reading here.. >>
http://melaidoodles.wordpress.com/201...

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartbreaking work of staggering genius! Louie Mar Gangcuangco is the Philippines' answer to Edmund White.

[Arch Bala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orosa-Nakpil, Malate is a book of many things. It is funny, informative, heartbreaking and thought-provoking

Perhaps, the most moving part aside from the “rape chapter” was the last time Dave and Ross saw each other. I thought I’m about to have cardiac arrest reading that scene of the book because it was just totally heartbreaking. When I was just 20 pages away from the end, I told my big sis who have read the first five chapters and last one (IKR? She’s super weird that way) that I know what will happen next, that it is very predictable! I was totally proven wrong though because it’s totally not what I’ve expected!

I fell out of love of Ross due to that sex video tape and I was so enraged by his “betrayal” but again, I was wrong to even feel that way. When the reason came out why that actually transpired, I got really mad but was heartbroken at the same time.

Dave and Ross’s love for each other reminds me so much of Brokeback Mountain, the infamous love story of Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist. There’s always the underlying melancholy about their love affair.

And who doesn’t hate Michael Pundasyon in this book? I would’ve kill him myself.

One of my favorite scenes was when Ross collected the pieces of flyers telling everyone in Malate that Dave was positive of HIV-AIDS. That says a lot about Ross. And when I found out that he sold his phone to buy a gift for Dave..awweee…. #tearjerker

I won’t discuss anything about the HIV-AIDS part of the books because I felt like I’m getting an overload of information, but I commend the author for doing this because I really learned so much about the virus.

Overall, it was a good book. This won’t just resonates with gay men but also with everyone. Louie Mar has showcased his ability to transform experiences thru writing and make it possible for readers to be possessed by Dave.

This was my favorite quote from the book delivered by Ross’s character –

“May mga bagay sa buhay natin na hindi natin kontrolado.May mga pagkakamaling hindi na natin maitatama pa gaano man nating gustuhin. Kaya minsan kailangang gamitin and utak kahit iba ang isinisigaw ng puso. Kahit pa maskit, kailangan nating magtiis.”

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

[Zai Zai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Foremost I appreciate the well-intentioned messaging of this novel. alot of the science-cy medical stuff are obviously outdated as it has been almost two decades since the OG release date so I hope no new reader would take these as the current state of affairs with stuff like prep... vaccines etc out now

Also wow this was such a timecapsule of the quintessential millennial laman ng malate experience lol. Plenty of the thinly veiled locations were instantly recognizable for better or for worse.

also i can't help but admire the author's advocacy yes the stuff about handling and treatment are outdated but the discussion on compassion towards those who contracted the virus doesn't expire...

with all these kind words why am I rating this book 2 stars? do I just wanna dunk on keyeh Louie? hell no I can only wish I could get a work about hiv out there

let me explain sis...

the first and perhaps the biggest red flag in this novel was written when the author was just a minor... like 16/17 I believe and the sheer graphicness of plenty of the scenes that involve SA and casual encounters my gawd a literal child wrote em ... concerning to say that least... what kinda material were they exposed to... one can hope it was not a lived first hand experience at such a young age they were drawing from.

the book was not well written at all... there were stretches wherein I felt I was reading a run of the mill sketchy korn blog with creepy reader submissions lol ... the creepy factor intensifies when I found out at the end that the 2nd person narrator was the mc's father like wtf. he watched his minor son get anal and blow randos in a cheap bar and then included that shhh on his story ... I mean ain't that hilarious

another huge ick here is the piss poor handling of Grooming like... it was viewed with rose colored glasses.... if you dont see anything wrong with a 16/17 yo hooking up with a 26 yo SEEK HELP! This central love story was just not it.... so many minors participate in sexual acts not knowing they were groomed is such a huge problem let's eliminate that from our community please and never glorify it. such a huge disservice

also the MCs very obvious sex addiction was not tackled... this is a huge issue within the community as well... I know people who can't sleep without hooking up with a rando... hookup culture I feel has been on a decline I feel like genz are more careful prudish compared to millennials so that's something good I guess... this can be viewed as a lesson learned from the previous generation... the cure to sex addiction on the book was falling in love as a minor with someone ten years older... mega yikes... id like to say that nothing wrong with having fun but know what you're getting into and take precaution... also check yourself if the act is already an addiction spiral ... sadly what comes next after sex addiction is drug use because they aren't satisfied anymore with a vanilla act... again this is a hard truth within the community

honestly the hiv /aids "trivia" on the book were so scattered that maybe an appendix or a glossary would have helped get the stuff across more effectively... maybe this was a budgetary constraint because the margins on this book were not it. maybe the author intended to save money on publishing costs.

ok back to the story Orosa Nakpil Malate the place not the book

this hasn't been a gay place for over a decade. can we talk about how we lack safe gay places as expansive as this rn. sad really . wala akong manok sa Laban na if these places should allow sex acts to happen by providing a venue... IMHO places like that will always exist I mean if not club bath then it would be a "spa" and there are tons of spas now that offer that sort of mini sexbnb service lol anyways what is problematic is that minors had access to these places before and it's not just the sex but also alcohol yikes quite lawless :( also some recreational stuff were peddled in the clubs before soo....

do I miss Orosa Nakpil Malate... yes... but the version i remember no longer exists... and it will never comeback... I dont know exactly killed it... i stopped going during its heyday knowing I could always return.... how wrong was I?

okay back to the book... alot of plot threads on the books were also handled poorly ill make a list

1. the relationship between David and Ross's dad did not warrant tears lol I mean they met like 5 times tops ... extent of relationship was not it
2. the abusive father trope was hastily abandoned due to a cross dressing scene? ... LET ME ADD the second hand misogyny within the gay community who doesn't get a boner for femmz like they have to butch it up to get laid... this should've been discussed more coz this is not it.
3. the virus revenge plot was not it and the attempt at revenge corn lol yikes. I wish the story took a different route instead it pitted Gheys vs gheys... yey for community unity... he plot was quite convoluted and at times really funny if you read this as a comedy which has been my go to coping mechanism when reading bad books lol
4. casual infidelity within the gay community and friends letting it happen


anyways there's more problematic subplots but I feel that straights should've been the main villains here...

alot of the scenes were also too convenient with an amateurish "Wild Things" pay off at the end :(

honestly this book has elements of magical realism apart from being a standard litfic..
I just find the tonal shifts distracting... also dont get me started on the cringe poetry and art to start each chapter.

well there sorry for rambling. I guess Louie would be in his early 40s to late 30s by now so he can handle this review. doctor please write a new novel. I would love to give feedback on the prerelease copy. more power to you

[Ivy Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orosa-Napkil Malate

Because I read the Tagalog version, I shall make my review in the Filipino language.

Taong 2010 nang nabasa ko ito. Isa sa malapit na kamag-aral ko sa kolehiyo ang bumili ng libro, at ang kopya nya ay umikot na sa buong klase. Noong mga panahon yon, unti unti akong namulat sa mga bagay-bagay sa realidad, at maraming beses namin napag-uusapan ang iba't ibang paksa: relihiyon, karapatang pagkakabaihan, kahirapan, akademikong aralin, at homosekswalidad--kasama ng iba pang paksa tungkol sa buhay.

Ito ang unang aklat na nabasa ko tungkol sa homosekwalidad, partikular na sa mga tinatawag sa ating lipunan na mga "bakla". Marami akong mga kakilala na ganoon ang oryentasyon, at ang iba pa ay naging mga kaibigan ko. Samakatuwid, ang nagpahiram sa akin ng aklat na ito ay isa ring lalake na tipo ang kapwa lalake. Wala naman akong panghuhusga sa mga ganoon; at interesado din ako sa mga gantong tema.

Ang Orosa-Napkil, Malate ay isang nobela na tinatalakay ang mga kontemporaryong isyu: homosekwalidad, pakikipagtalik, buhay ng mag-aaral, STD, HIV/AIDS, at pag-ibig. Oo, tama--pag-ibig. Marahil marami sa atin ang nagtataas ng kilay tuwing naririnig ang mga kwento ng "pagmamahalan" ng mga tao na pareho ang kasarian; mapalalaki man sa lalake o babae sa babae. Ngunit totoo na umuusbong ang pag-ibig sa mga gantong tipo ng indibidwal, at ang Orosa-Napkil, Malate ang namulat sa akin sa realidad na ito.

May mga pahina kung saan sinasalaysay ang pagtatalik ng mga karakter, pero hindi naman ito ganoon kahalay. Sa akin ay sapat lang naman ito. Siguro kung ang mga mambabasa ay hindi sanay sa mga ganitong uri ng paksa, mahahalayan sila; pero dahil malawak naman ang aking pag-iisip ay hindi naman ako masyadong nasorpresa.

Impormatibo din ang nobela tungkol sa mga karamdamang maaring makuha sa hindi protektadong pagtatalik, katulad ng HIV at AIDS na higit na talamak sa mga homosekswal. Ngunit hindi lang mga lalakeng nakikipagtalik sa kapwa lalake ang pwedeng makakuha ng ganitong karamdaman; posible din ito sa pagtatalik sa pagitan ng lalake at babae, o kahit pa sa babae sa babae. Lalo't higit pa sa mga taong maraming nakakapareha. Pinabulaanan din ng libro ang mga maling akala tungkol sa mga ganitong uri ng karamdaman. Subali't sa aking palagay lang naman, hindi ganoon "kadulas" ang paglalagay ng gantong mga impormasyon sa kwento. Para bang basta lang siningit.

Ngunit masasabi ko rin na ang aklat na ito ay binuhay ang sari sari kong emosyon. At dahil nga ako rin ay isang emosyonal na indibidwal, maraming pagkakataon na napaiyak ako ng kwento, lalo na sa bandang dulo ng aklat.

Madaling basahin ang aklat at mabilis ang pagdaloy ng kwento, kaya't natapos ko agad itong basahin. Ang uri din ng lenggwahe na ginamit sa pagsasalaysay ng kwento ay kolokyal kaya't madali itong maintidihan, at tiyak na makaka-konekta sa istorya ang mga mambabasa--mapa-estudyante man; bata o matanda; estudyante o propesyunal o tambay; homosekswal o hindi; at kahit pa ang mga hindi ganoon kahilig magbasa.

Kudos sa mga gantong uri ng istorya! Sana'y mas marami pang Pilipinong manunulat ang lumikha ng mga kwento tungkol sa kontemporaryong isyu sa ating lipunan. At sana rin ay maraming pang tagapaglathala ang maglimbag ng mga aklat sa pinapakita ang talento ng mga Pilipino.


First time to write a review in Filipino, and I somewhat found it difficult! Haha! I'm more comfortable expressing myself in English. It feels nice, though, to present my thoughts in my mother language. :)

[Mirvan. Ereon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most favorite books on Earth is Orosa Nakpil Malate. Told in quirky and colloquial language, it is the story of Dave, a young bright gay boy. We see his life from childhood and how he grew up to be a smart promiscuous teenager. I can really relate to the story of Dave. Like him, I was extremely whorish. I have no qualms with mating with men. The only difference is that unlike Dave, I do not go to gay bars often. I also love getting cock inside me all the time while Dave is more on sucking and foreplay. While Dave was very careful when having sex, I was so reckless and rash. No wonder I contracted HIV.

The book follows Dave as he met guys who changed his life. He finally met Ross, a handsome Piolo Pascual look-alike whom he fell in love with. Their love story is worth a thousand words. It made me yearn to meet someone whom I can call Kuya (older brother) and who will call me Bunso (youngest sibling/child). Like what Dave and Kuya Ross shared, I want a love that will transcend everything, including disease and death. Being an HIV positive young man, I also want to find someone who will love me in spite of the virus inside me. I want someone who can love me truly and without expecting anything in return.

If I were only more educated about this virus and other STDs like Dave, I could have taken care of myself better. I could have been living a disease-free life. Although I have read this book when I was in college, years before my diagnosis, I never really internalized the story. Yes, I enjoyed it a lot, but my love for sex was a greater influence in my life. I am not saying that this book is ineffective in delivering its message regarding HIV/AIDS awareness and safe sex. It's just that I was unquestionably debauched and decadent. I only followed my own will. I did not take care of myself better because all I cared about was to get fucked and inseminated with loads of jizm.

I love the language, the color, the very interesting and lovable characters, the 'kilig' and the 'awwww' factor it gives me every time I read it. I must have read this like 5 times and I never get tired of it. I might read this book again soon and I think I will read this with a new perspective as someone living with HIV/AIDS. I laughed, I cried, I felt inspired all the time I read this book. And I know I will always continue to feel this way every time I read it.

Discovering this book is a life changing experience! This book made me want to be a writer. Although the English version seeks out to more people, the Filipino is by far superior to it. We are the lucky ones, mga pinoy! This book is a big help and inspiration to all us, especially to gay men and to the ones affected and inflicted by HIV/AIDS. Truly a revolutionary work of literature that must be cherished forever. I hope more HIV/AIDS related literature in the Philippines will follow and also I hope more gay men will have the courage to take their pens and just write.

Louie Mar made me write because I want to share what I feel. I am greatly indebted to him! I thank him so much and because of this unforgettable masterpiece, my life was forever changed. Because of the inspiration this book and dear Louie Mar gave me, I finally can call myself a writer.

[DC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, written in the second person, presents beautifully the life of a male who prefers sexual intimacy with those of his own sex (with some emphasis on his love and heartbreaks). It also is, somewhat, a primer on HIV & AIDS, although it's not really the main focus of the book. (The HIV & AIDS part may be looked at as a sort of consequential school of thought, a "shout out", if you will.)

I can almost say as well that the book is a mixture of romance and tragedy, although it has a very hopeful ending. The parts on forgiveness and reality were also played quite well.

---

This is a story about the life of Dave De Jesus. We see Dave (who had known early on in life that he had a "different" sexual orientation than the "norm") when he is still young, to when he progresses into an adult who has borne the brunt of heartache and love.

Not only does this book discuss the little details of being in love and in pain are, but it also gives especial care to inform the reader on sexually-transmitted diseases. Gangcuangco uses the setting of Orosa-Nakpil, a street once known for being the center of gay clubs and what not, in order to show how recklessness may lead to very serious consequences, particularly to one's health. (For my part, I was quite interested on the little snippets of info on HIV & AIDS that were presented here. While sometimes sounding as if it'd be something you'd read on a brochure, the info was presented little by little, so the reader wouldn't get too "bored" about it.)

Oh, and just for the record: not knowing the identity of the "narrator" up until the end was something so... mind-boggling and almost annoying for me. 'Twas quite a great show, the presentation of the identity of this mysterious person at the end of the book.

Also, I wish I had gotten the Tagalog version one. I feel that that would've had a more personal feel while reading... Not that I hadn't felt that while reading this English version. Maybe someday :D

[Walsh Tripon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I'd give it ten stars if i could. The story of actual accounts in a gay man's life. Truly an eye-opener for queer people. The dos and don'ts of a homosexual's life. Fate, tragedy and true love, in its truest sense. KUDOS TO LOUIE GANGCUANGCO!

[Dexter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hands down! The feels after reading this is overwhelming.

This is a daring take on coming of age, love, friendship, culture and an effective awareness campaign. This was a highly recommended book back when I read this in college. In times when intelligent discussions around and within the LGBTQ+ community was not as explicit as today, this has broken barriers.

In retrospect, I hid this from my parents and only read when I am alone. I was caught once and ended up explaining to my sister that it is required reading for research class. This has been an eye-opener. I knew I was gay for so long but reading through it introduced me to a lot of things I have not, in my wildest dreams, thought of. I was shy and introverted. I was not bullied for I know how to stand up for my own but this book made me braver. This is definitely a great read and I would recommend the uncut version.

I am proud that this is one of the books that tried to defy the commonplace conservative literature in the Philippines and I can dare say that it was a success. In its storytelling we get to debunk the myths around HIV and AIDS in a very empathetic POV. The upshots of this growing awareness, the (when social media is not yet dominating our lives), was undeniably valuable.

I enjoyed the "kilig" sequences with the two main gay characters and overall, the love that was shared between them and there's no denying it, the steaming hot intimate scenes (It was in-your-face mind you!). There is also a "teleserye" spin on revenge and vindication which I think is very relatable. On the one side, there was not much family dynamics shown in the book, probably, in an attempt not to obscure the message that the author wanted to point across. However, the portrayal of night-life in the streets of Malate was captured in the vivid and crisp depictions. The culture was drawn with a magnifying lens and will definitely immerse the reader.

Although the writing is not entirely flawless, the prose was easy to read and really entertaining. I liked that it was delivered in a colloquial, witty-quirky and humorous pallet and I personally liked the poems that precede every chapter. The last few chapters were so heavy and heartbreaking that I cried and cried buckets. It's very easy to get into Gangcuangco's head and I felt at that time, that we can be best of friends.

Laugh, love and cry. Most especially, be GAY!

[Cheska Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

gusto ko din to. hindi dahil ang vivid ng pagkakasabi sa mga ginagawang pagmamahalan ng dalawang bakla, kundi dahil it's about HIV awareness na obvious naman and yung pinaka gusto ko yung thought nung isang gay about giving pleasure, satisfaction(?) happiness(?) basta ayun. basta gusto ko to ahahaha. being in a homosexual relationship doesn't end fucking each other all the time. sometimes when you fuck loves comes out naturally, or there is an intention or whatever my mind couldn't process at this point in time. there's a huge difference between fucking and making love. and you should know it. hardcore. and I want it for you to be clear. clear?

maybe I should write my further reviews about this book someday.
my mind is in a rush. XDD

[Kjade Quilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was 14 when Ive read this book. I really cant imagine the story but this novel amaze me so much. I love the roller coaster ride of this noverl. Wanna let you know, ive never read any novel books and know what this is my very first time that i have read a Whole novel. :)

[Rafael]

its a novel of two same sex

[El_divo06]

Hi. How come i cannot find the book? I cant start reading it... Please help. Thanks

[francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

parang mahabang version ng kwentongkalibugan.blogspot.com sa dami ng bakbakan & twists -- & it's a beautiful book that way. hard pass lang sa pag-romanticize sa grooming

[Gerald The Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unputdownable!

Naenjoy ko 'yung storytelling na nasa 2nd person's point of view. Bihira akong makabasa ng ganun and it was done well in this book.

Dave was such a fun character to follow. Sobrang kulay at buhay na buhay ang Orosa-Nakpil, Malate sa bawat pahina ng librong ito at dahil doon, ginusto ko ring maexperience ang lugar na iyon. Nakakalungkot lang na tho may mga ganoon pa rin, parang hindi na siya ganoon kalively katulad ng sa librong 'to. Napadaan kasi kami doon nung minsang manood kami ng gig.

Good job din ang librong ito sa pag-eeducate about HIV/AIDS. Hindi ibinigay ang impormasyon na para bang nagbabasa ng brochure from an HIV company. Instead, the information was given in a conversational and easy to understand way.

Dave's adventure in exploring his sexuality, love, buhay-estudyante, and forgiveness is so sooo good. This book made me want to experience the love between Dave and Ross, friendship like Dana, and a community and kalandian like The Barn.

May mga desisyon lang ang isang karakter sa librong ito na hindi ako sang-ayon kahit na sabihin pa nating fiction siya kaya I deduct a 0.5 star, pero all in all, I enjoyed this and I am so happy na napa-feel nito sa akin na I am reading for pleasure. This book kept me up at night! I started at 1AM and finished this ng 6:45 AM!

Unputdownable!

[Emmzxiee · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 | 𝗢𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗮-𝗡𝗮𝗸𝗽𝗶𝗹, 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗰. 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿 𝗔. 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗰𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗰𝗼

𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗜𝗦:

The information that Gangcuangco presents in this novel regarding the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) offers an entirely fresh approach to presenting factual, consistent and most recent scientific data, woven into a plot of romance, vengeance, mercy and forgiveness.

In his narrative, Gangcuangco reiterates relevant issues about HIV-AIDS, especially men having sex with men, sustaining the interest of the reader in an erotic yet amusing and witty manner.

Fallacies about the virus and advisories about safe sex are consistently reaffirmed amidst the compelling dialogues and discourses emanating from the many colorful and controversial characters of the novel.

𝗥𝗘𝗕𝗬𝗨:

Isa ito sa mga libro na akdang Pilipino na natapos ko ngayong taon at masasabing isa na sa mga paborito ko. Napaka buo ng pagkakasulat ni Doc, Louie Mar sa nobelang ito.

Una itong nirekomenda ng isa kong kaibigan at nagsabi sakin na basahin ko daw ito. Dala lamang ang limitadong impormasyon patungkol dito, ay walang takot na sinuong ko ang nasabing nobela. Sa una ay medyo nakaka-curious ang pabalat (book cover). Sino ba namang makakaisip na gawing “aesthetic”ang iba’t- ibang kulay ng “condom”?. Nagmistulang bahaghari at kapuna-puna ang pabalat. Napaka iskandaloso lalo na kung ito’y babasahin sa pampublikong lugar. Ngunit bagamat ganito ang kanyang itsura, hindi to pumigil sakin upang basahin ito sa pampublikong sasakyan na raw- araw kong aktibidad patungo sa aking trabaho.

Aaminin ko na pagdating sa pagbabasa, mabagal ako lalo na’t walang “audiobook” na kasabay. Marahil ay ninanamnam ko ang bawat kataga at sambit ng mga tao na nakapaloob dito. Sinimulan ko itong basahin nuong Oktubre ng nakaraang taon. “Casual reading lamang” – yung tipong kapag nabobored ako, may libro akong huhugutin at babasahin. Ngunit nag-iba ang lahat nung marating ko ang tumbok at ang mga kapana-panabik na pangyayari dito.

Dinala ako ni Doc. Gangcuangco sa daigdig na naiintindihan ko ang mga kaganapan ng karakter. Mistulang inugoy ako sa duyan at hinele ako ng mga salita at pangungusap na kanyang kinatha. Masasabi kong pinagtuunan ng maigi ang pagsasabuhay ng isang karakter ng miyembro ng LGBTQIA+. Ibinoses nito at isinigaw ang mga bagay na danas ng isang bakla. Mga bagay na hindi naiintindihan ng karamihan ngunit magbibigay linaw at kabatiran sa mga walang kaalaman. Hinitik ni Doc Ganguanco ang akdang ito ng impormasyon patungkol kung paano nakukuha at maiiwasan ang HIIV-AIDS na hindi tunog nakakalunod sa madla. Sinigurado nyang lapat ang mga ito hindi lamang limitado sa mga tao na nasa komunidad kundi pati sa mga mambabasa na nais matuto at malaman pa ng buo ang LGBTQIA+ community.

Dumaong ako sa isang islang may malawak na teatro at pinapanuod mula sa itaas ang galaw ng mga karakter. Napaka talino ni Doc na gamitin ang 2nd point-of-view ( POV) sa paglalahad ng istorya ni Dave (bida). Para akong kasama ng nagkukuwento habang sinusubaybayan sila. Astig!

Sinundan ko ang paglalakbay ni Dave De Jesus – isang bakla. Bata pa lamang sya ay hindi na maitatago ang pitik sa kanyang mga kamay at batid din ito ng kanyang pamilya na napaka supportive. Alam na nya sa sarili nya na bata pa lamang sya ay isa na syang dyosa. Ngunit hindi lamang iyon, si Dave ay isang napakatalinong karakter ngunit masasabi kong tanga sa ibang aspeto ng buhay lalo na sa pag-ibig. Walang duda kung paano hinubog ng awtor ang ating bida na puno ng kaalaman pero marahil totoo ang mga kataga na hindi lahat ibinibigay ng Maykapal sa isang tao. Kung gaanong batid at tiyak ang talino ni Dave, ay sya namang palyado nya sa pag-ibig.

Dumarating minsan sa punto ng aking pagbabasa na may mga pagkakataong gusto kong kutusan si Dave. Kuhang-kuha nya kasi yung pagka-inis ko. Rason kung bakit mga bandang 1/4 ng libro ay hindi ko na ito mabitawan. Na halos araw-araw pagpasok at pag-uwi ko galing trabaho eh eto agad ang nais kong damputin. Sobrang invested ako kay Dave, kay Ross at sa mga tao na nakapaligid sa kanya.

Tila ba tinupok ako ng apoy, nilamon, sinilaban at pinag-igting ang pagpapalaot sa pagbabasa. Katulad ng nasabi ko sa pauna kong mini-review sa aking Social Media, eto yung librong nagparamdam muli sa akin ng apoy sa aking puso kung bakit ko mahal ang pagbabasa. Minahal ko si Dave at si Ross at ang mga karakter dito.

Ginulat ako sa bandang huli na tila ba kabi-kabilang sampal na sunod sunod. Binugbog ako ni Doc Gangcuangco ng sandamakmak na “plot twist”. Nabalewala yung mga trust issues ko sa mga bagay-bagay. Sinigurado nya na lahat ng katanungan ko simula’t gitna at hanggang sa huli ay masasagot na akala ko ay lulutang lang sa kawalan.Pero hindi, hindi nya hinayaan iyon. Simo’t Sarap. “No Crumbs Left” ika nga nila. Napakagaling! Walang duda na ito ay 2007 National Best Seller.

Marami pa akong gustong sabihin ngunit iniiwan ko ang ibang saloobin patungkol sa aking sarili sapagkat nais kong maranasan mo rin ang bagay na aking naranasan habang binabasa ito.

Bilang paglalahat, ang akdang ito ay isang “obra”. Tinahak nito ang daang nagpapalaganap ng bagay patungkol sa mga bagay na takot ang karamihan na pag-usapan. Mga aspeto at bagay na magpapamulat at magbibigay ng impormasyon na makatulong sa lahat. Ipinakita din nito na hindi perpekto ang tao. Na lahat tayo ay nakakagawa ng mga maling desisyon ngunit may pagkakataon pa na itama ang lahat. Bagay na hindi dapat ipagmukmok bagkus gawing isang apakan para magpatuloy. Na hindi pa katapusan ng mundo at huli ang lahat. Itunuro din nito sa akin kung paano umibig ng walang hinahantay na kapalit . Kung ano ba ang tunay na pagmamahal at kung ano ang isa sa mga bagay na mahalaga pagdating sa usapang pagi-ibig. Ang Pagtitiwala. Na kung paano maging malapit sa Maykapal sa kabila ng panlilibak sa miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ community ng ibang nasa pananampalalaya. Na isa ang Diyos na madadaingan, makakausap at masasandalan mo kapag ikaw ay nakakaranas ng hirap at maging ang tagumpay. Na nariyan sya para sa lahat ng hindi nanghuhusga kung ano ka man at kung sino ka man.

P.S. Nawa’y marami pang akdang Pinoy ang malathala katulad ng ganito. Umaasa ako na sa mga susunod na panahon ay makadaupang palad ko ang awtor ng librong ito at personal na magpasalamat sa kanya kung paano ito nagbigay liwanag sa akin at kung paano muling ipinaalala sakin kung bakit ba ako nagbabasa.

𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗚𝗞𝗢𝗟 𝗦𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗔𝗞𝗗𝗔

Louie Mar Gangcuangco is the author of a Filipino novel Orosa-Nakpil, Malate. In 2008, Louie Mar Gangcuangco published his second book, Gee, My Grades Are Terrific: A Student’s Guide to Academic Excellence, a self-help book for students.

Louie Mar has served as a guest speaker in UP Manila, UP Diliman, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, San Beda, Philippine Normal University, and the American Chamber Foundation Philippines on various topics including homosexuality, HIV-AIDS, and gay literature in the Philippines.

Louie Mar passed the Straight Internal Medicine Internship in the Philippine General Hospital. He will be graduating from the UP College of Medicine in 2010.

Check my Blog post here:
https://emmzxieewiggzzybooks.wordpres...

[Edd Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this love story in 2006 while I was still a college freshman. The story seems fuzzy a decade later but I know this book had a profound effect on me because I remember going to the Orosa-Nakpil intersection on a Monday afternoon with the intention to scope the setting and build an accurate image in my head: the vibrant, bare, and lonely underground of gay men in the 2000s. Now that story has become something a little too familiar, Louie Mar's story has haunted me more than ever. From Dave's first night out at the dark holes-in-the-wall of Malate, to the unintentionally arousing rape in the rest room, the return of a lost first love, the selfless break-up. All the thrills are still alive in me.

HIV was the glue that held the story to a tearful ending, interwoven with social and filial aspects of homosexuality in a Catholic third-world country, intriguingly vague sex scenes, and bookended with a mystery reveal about the narrator.

[Mia Pilola · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't just a romance novel, it's also a wealth of information about HIV-AIDS. This novel made me cry, swoon, angry and anticipate what every page will bring. Even at the end, there was still a twist—the narrator was actually the protagonist's biological father who died in a sunken boat and whom he never met. This novel not only made me realize that love is not a thought, it's an emotion, so it knows no gender. It also made me get a glipse into the life of the LGBT community, specifically the gays, back when they weren't still that accepted. It also made me wish for a Ross. S/o to my brother, @LoveLouisP, who made me read the book! :))

[Pizza Lasagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine suggested me to read this book when I was in college. It's the typical gay story where one goes clubbing and is in search for some love making. But what makes it very interesting is that it highlights the scenes commonly done by homosexuals and adds details on how it can affect one's life. It educates readers on the transmission of HIV and how can it be easily acquired. It is somehow an eye-opener to the real problem of the society but by adding twist in the story, made it less boring to the readers.

[Kristiane Polido · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book made me experience a lot of emotions. oftentimes, those emotions are mixed but they are distinct. [i don't know if that makes sense. :)) ] the only thing that i wanted more from this book is for it to be a little longer. maybe it would have been more than mind-blowing if the author lingered more into the story. but nevertheless, this is an easy favorite. if i would one day see a tagalog version of this, i will not hesitate to buy it.

[Ms. Elarine · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok ung kwento.
may mga part lang na medyo nahalatang amateur pa ung writer.
may mga pagkakataong childish hng dating ng ibang scene at minsan nagiging o.a.
pero may dating at may KONTING mapupulot na aral.

binasa ko ung english version,at some point ang O.A. nung tanslation.
ung tipong pwede namang sabihing in a "very understandable english way" kaya lang eh sasabihin pa sa paraang mauubliga kang maghanap ng english dictionary.

all in all ayos pero hindi super.

[Mulogztamayo]

a real story that reccuring in society,which will gives us lesson to value the life that God gave to us, information on how to acquired HIV and on how to prevent this virus. The heartwarming story which will make us realize that life is too short to be wasted in just one careless mistakes.

[Issey · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think this story is so amazing because a lot of my friends want me to read this then now i actually think that this story will be so awsome.

[Mario Mortel · Rating 4 out of 5]

i wanna read read this

[isakyaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nakakatawa. Nakakawasak ng puso. Hitik sa impormasyon.

Halos dalawang dekada na mula nung unang inilathala itong Orosa-Nakpil, Malate pero napaka-timely pa rin. Hanggang ngayon, pataas nang pataas ang kaso ng HIV. Pero hindi gaya noong panahon nina Dave at Ross, dahan-dahan, unti-unti, nagiging better ang danas ng mga may HIV. Marami na ang may akses sa impormasyon, marami na ang nakakaintindi, at marami ang tumitindig para sa mga PLHIV. Marami nang nagbago at nakakatuwa 'yun!

Interesante para sa akin na nasa 2nd POV ang kuwento. Mas may tarak tuloy sa puso 'yung mga naunang passage tungkol sa kabataan ni Dave. Parang ako ang kausap ng narrator.

Habang lumalaki si Dave, naipakita sa atin ang kompleksidad ng buhay bakla. Napaka-kontemporanyo pa rin ng kuwento kung babasahin ito ngayong 2025. Kung parati ka rin sa mga inuman, pamilyar sa iyo ang ilang mga eksena. Pero syempre, hindi na sa Malate. Maganda ang naging character development ni Dave. Nakahanap siya ng purpose. Nakakaantig sa puso 'yung muling pagkikita nila ni Ross. Para sa akin, anuman ang kinahinatnan nila, happy ending ang kuwentong ito. Nagtapos ang kuwento sa akto ng pagmamahal.

May mga hindi lang ako nagustuhan na sa tingin ko ay unnecessary naman na sa kuwento. Lalo na sa mga padulong bahagi ng nobela. 'Yung mga bagay tungkol kay Ross. Parang ang pangit tuloy ng resolution sa kaniya kasi binagsak lahat 'yun sa dulo.

Sa huli, masaya ako na ito ang aking Pride Read ngayong 2025!

[Denise Nayve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with a twist that hurt me more than I felt it would have.

First, this is the first book I have ever read with LGBTQIA+ characters involved. The book gave me a glimpse into the real struggles they face in their lives beyond the smiles and light-heartedness that they bring us. The book was great at being real and showing what was really happening around us.

A few months back, I just watched a play our company produced with HIV as it's focus an it felt somewhat similar to me.

I was surprised to see it written with "you" or "ikaw" with the narrator always talking as if he was speaking with the main character of the story.

It was a great avenue of educating people about HIV and how we can prevent it and how we should end the stigma. It is a heart-wrenching story of love with a twist that made me shed a tear at the end of the book.

[Christian Joshua Cacatian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orosa-Nakpil, Malate by Dr. Louie Mar A. Gangcuangco. A novel illustrating the different forms of love and acceptance. It will make anyone, in my opinion, empathetic just because of the grim realities that the characters face. The subtle overtones of religiosity, poor healthcare, discrimination, and the inevitability of death will hit the reader. Dr. Gangcuangco throws the reader into the niche of gay culture in Malate while educating them about HIV. Some characters were not given the plot/character development that they deserved (i.e. Dana, Michael, and Jose). The storytelling was jumpy at times but overall readable. The first two-thirds of the plot were sporadically intense and dragged out. The ending was thoughtful yet too soon. Enjoyed reading it for all its twists, turns and heartfelt words.

[Julianne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an important piece of literature especially on the topic of HIV-AIDS and the plight of HIV+ individuals and the people around them.

This was published way back in 2007, and it is evident that a lot has changed since then. Now, an HIV diagnosis is not a death sentence anymore since the advancement of medicine has led to stronger ARV drugs and treatments that render the virus U=U (undetectable = untransmittable), so much so that HIV+ individuals with an undetectable viral load count cannot pass it on to their biological children or uninfected individuals.

While this book is a very emotional read especially towards the end, it is also a useful tool we can use to look back at the struggles of HIV+ individuals prior to the progress we have made as this serves as a reminder of what we have achieved in terms of battling this disease and rendering it virtually harmless.

[omigiwi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read Orosa-Nakpil, Malate back in college, almost a decade ago. I still remember borrowing it from our school library and feeling so curious, not knowing it would become one of those books that would stick with me forever. This was my very first encounter with an LGBT book, and more than that, one that openly talked about HIV awareness. It was raw, real, and unapologetic (something I definitely wasn’t used to reading at that age). I remember feeling both fascinated and heartbroken, like I was being let into a world I didn’t know much about but needed to understand. It’s one of those books that stays with you, not just because of its story, but because of how it made you see things differently. A true Filipino queer classic. Wish I could get my own copy, I'd love to read it again.