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Tragic Theater
In February 1999, a group of spirit communicators attempted to exorcise the then-abandoned Manila Film Center of ghosts. These supernatural beings were believed to be those of the victims from a fatal accident during its hasty construction. Unknown to them, something had long ago taken sanctuary inside the building, feeding on the anger and misery of the victims' souls. They learned this secret too late and walked into a horrifying encounter.
This book was adapted into a major motion picture in the Philippines.
This book was adapted into a major motion picture in the Philippines.
245 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2009
80 people are currently reading
959 people want to read
About the author
G.M. Coronel
3 books18 followersG. M. Coronel was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. His first book, TRAGIC THEATER, was published by Visprint in 2009. It is a horror novel set inside the haunted Manila Film Center. This was followed by its prequel & sequel, TOMB KEEPER, which came out in 2012. His third book, MYSTIC WARRIOR, is a psychological thriller set in the central Philippines and is now available for 2021. A husband and father of three, he professes a love of reading and a passion for writing.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 7, 2010
Something’s afoot in the Manila Film Center. First-time author G.M. Coronel’s Tragic Theater tells the story of a group of spirit communicators entering the supposedly haunted building to exorcise it of vengeful ghosts and demons, a task requested by its main character Anne Francisco, Special Projects Coordinator of the Department of Tourism, in order to allow the construction of an IMAX theater within its walls.
Set in 1999, the novel dares not tackle any political issues prevalent during that time and dives straight into the action—perhaps a little too quickly.
Too much already happens in the second chapter that the climactic events occurring in the succeeding ones seem lackluster and a bit unnecessary. In addition, one of the major problems surrounding the novel is the author’s treatment of his characters, merely using them as two-dimensional devices just to keep the uncomplicated plot moving. The large ensemble comprise mostly of the spirit communicators, all of whom with names, and all of whom without any likeable characteristics that can make the readers root for each one of them. Annie and Father Nilo, who are supposed to be the central characters, show a great deal of promise in terms of depth, but how unfortunate it is that the all-too-simple plot ultimately squashes them flat, thereby withholding any possible sympathy one would feel towards the duo.
There is no denying that the novel is well-researched, right from the Manila Film Center tragedy down to the fundamentals of exorcism. However, this specific trait of Tragic Theater has its drawbacks; there are parts wherein events seem to be climbing up a notch only to be interrupted by haphazardly inclusions of random information explaining in detail facts about the film center and exorcism, thus bogging down the potential thrill the scene would have presented.
It is clear that Coronel has acquired a mastery of his words; his fluent and effortless prose shows it, yet there are some parts of the text nitpickers would never fail to notice. Portions of the novel—specifically the parts wherein the spirit communicators talk to the ghosts—are written in Tagalog followed by English translations—something that ruptures consistency and appears pointless, considering how the majority of the dialogues are written in English. Furthermore, the final part of the book is crammed with long repetitive prayers, one of which taking up two precious pages, that the reader would surely feel obliged to skip.
There are also certain parts displaying the novel’s knack of stating the obvious, directly telling the feelings of characters instead of leaving the rest to the readers’ imaginations. Oftentimes the text forces its scares by using descriptive paragraphs ending with an obvious declaration followed by an exclamation mark:
“...she was seeing the spirits of the dead workers!”
“The dark hand had no physical body!”
“The candle was floating in mid-air!”
This is clearly not a thinking man’s novel, nor is it a scary one. The shock factor consistently lessens with each moment the prose spoonfeeds its descriptions to its readers. Even the solution to the main problem (the main villain’s identity) suddenly comes out of nowhere, devoid of any buildup, making it feel rushed and unimaginative.
To end this review, I sincerely congratulate G. M. Coronel for this first novel, and here’s hoping that its sequel will take things up a notch or two.
Set in 1999, the novel dares not tackle any political issues prevalent during that time and dives straight into the action—perhaps a little too quickly.
Too much already happens in the second chapter that the climactic events occurring in the succeeding ones seem lackluster and a bit unnecessary. In addition, one of the major problems surrounding the novel is the author’s treatment of his characters, merely using them as two-dimensional devices just to keep the uncomplicated plot moving. The large ensemble comprise mostly of the spirit communicators, all of whom with names, and all of whom without any likeable characteristics that can make the readers root for each one of them. Annie and Father Nilo, who are supposed to be the central characters, show a great deal of promise in terms of depth, but how unfortunate it is that the all-too-simple plot ultimately squashes them flat, thereby withholding any possible sympathy one would feel towards the duo.
There is no denying that the novel is well-researched, right from the Manila Film Center tragedy down to the fundamentals of exorcism. However, this specific trait of Tragic Theater has its drawbacks; there are parts wherein events seem to be climbing up a notch only to be interrupted by haphazardly inclusions of random information explaining in detail facts about the film center and exorcism, thus bogging down the potential thrill the scene would have presented.
It is clear that Coronel has acquired a mastery of his words; his fluent and effortless prose shows it, yet there are some parts of the text nitpickers would never fail to notice. Portions of the novel—specifically the parts wherein the spirit communicators talk to the ghosts—are written in Tagalog followed by English translations—something that ruptures consistency and appears pointless, considering how the majority of the dialogues are written in English. Furthermore, the final part of the book is crammed with long repetitive prayers, one of which taking up two precious pages, that the reader would surely feel obliged to skip.
There are also certain parts displaying the novel’s knack of stating the obvious, directly telling the feelings of characters instead of leaving the rest to the readers’ imaginations. Oftentimes the text forces its scares by using descriptive paragraphs ending with an obvious declaration followed by an exclamation mark:
“...she was seeing the spirits of the dead workers!”
“The dark hand had no physical body!”
“The candle was floating in mid-air!”
This is clearly not a thinking man’s novel, nor is it a scary one. The shock factor consistently lessens with each moment the prose spoonfeeds its descriptions to its readers. Even the solution to the main problem (the main villain’s identity) suddenly comes out of nowhere, devoid of any buildup, making it feel rushed and unimaginative.
To end this review, I sincerely congratulate G. M. Coronel for this first novel, and here’s hoping that its sequel will take things up a notch or two.
November 4, 2010
I really did want to like this book but for some reasons - valid reasons, i think - it didn't scared me at all. What's the point of reading a horror book if you'll not be horrified even an inch? Maybe it just paled in comparison with the book I'm currently reading. Or maybe it's because of the two-dimensional cookie-cutter characters.
Sorry, Mr. Coronel. Sorry, world. :(
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If you're looking for good horror/suspense stories anchored in Filipino culture, read the short but engrossing stories at Filipino Scares.
Sorry, Mr. Coronel. Sorry, world. :(
-
If you're looking for good horror/suspense stories anchored in Filipino culture, read the short but engrossing stories at Filipino Scares.
June 3, 2017
Let's not even go to the grammatical errors. But wait, I can't help it. "The last grasp of air," "please to meet you," "their love ones," "went down in his knees grasping his breath," etc., etc. this book has serious issues with the past tense. It also obviously wrote a story filled with way too many things left to the readers so a sequel would materialize. There was some promise; the back story, the seeming metaphorical redemption, the nice facts about history and urban planning/architecture. But really. I don't even know how and why they'll make another film about the Film Center that would be original. Basing it on this book, there's really nothing new.
January 11, 2015
The real deal when I read a horror novel or story is if I get goosebumps while reading it. If it does not scare me, that means it's a fail. This book did scare me. Slight, but it did. I was actually surprised that it did. The reason this review of Aaron that was written four years ago that I even commented on (see the discussion thread under the review). I thought I would not have the motivation to buy and read this until I saw this movie-tie-in edition of the book. I made me wonder, if the movie moguls saw the beauty (translation: commercial value) of this book, why would I depend on one person's opinion? Well, during that time, I respected Aaron's taste on this kind of books. Or maybe, since this copy of mine has already been edited or rewritten? We don't know, right?
The story is about the Manila Film Center where during its construction, around 150 workers were said to be buried alive. There was an accident when the scaffolding fell and along with it were the workers. Since the building was being rushed in time for the Manila International Film Festival in 1982, the government decided to continue pouring cement to the half-buried workers. Now these workers are said to be hunting the place because they are seeing for justice from the government.
This book is a work of fiction. The building is abandoned not because it is haunted but because it is structurally-damaged because of the strong earthquake in 1991. The government has no money to repair it. Tsk tsk.
The writing is good just don't mind the lapses in grammar. G. M. Coronel has no writing degree and this was his first novel. I wonder why he did not pay for an editor. Even the long word-for-word exorcism prayers should have been shortened. I appreciate the procedure but the many pages of detailed prayers including would you believe, "Our Father?" Waste of paper, if I may be blunt.
Also, the ending feels contrived. I thought that it would have been more interesting if the workers turned into devils themselves because of their decades of hate against the former First Lady. If I were to rewrite this book, I would make the ghost go after Imelda Marcos and hang her inverted on a cross until she bleeds to death. Well, this is just a work of fiction so maybe G. M. Coronel can do what he wants and makes sure that at least the dead workers get their vengeance at least in fiction. Had this been true, of course.
Overall, though, I liked this book and enjoyed reading it.
The story is about the Manila Film Center where during its construction, around 150 workers were said to be buried alive. There was an accident when the scaffolding fell and along with it were the workers. Since the building was being rushed in time for the Manila International Film Festival in 1982, the government decided to continue pouring cement to the half-buried workers. Now these workers are said to be hunting the place because they are seeing for justice from the government.
This book is a work of fiction. The building is abandoned not because it is haunted but because it is structurally-damaged because of the strong earthquake in 1991. The government has no money to repair it. Tsk tsk.
I remember watching "Isla" the soft porn movie starring Maria Isabel Lopez in this theatre. It might be in 1984 or 1985 when I was a newly grad and my stingy older brother treated me to that movie to the tune of P200. I could not believe it, my brother was a very frugal person and spending P400 for 2 tickets was unbelievable.About this book by G. M. Coronel...
The writing is good just don't mind the lapses in grammar. G. M. Coronel has no writing degree and this was his first novel. I wonder why he did not pay for an editor. Even the long word-for-word exorcism prayers should have been shortened. I appreciate the procedure but the many pages of detailed prayers including would you believe, "Our Father?" Waste of paper, if I may be blunt.
Also, the ending feels contrived. I thought that it would have been more interesting if the workers turned into devils themselves because of their decades of hate against the former First Lady. If I were to rewrite this book, I would make the ghost go after Imelda Marcos and hang her inverted on a cross until she bleeds to death. Well, this is just a work of fiction so maybe G. M. Coronel can do what he wants and makes sure that at least the dead workers get their vengeance at least in fiction. Had this been true, of course.
Overall, though, I liked this book and enjoyed reading it.
February 10, 2013
if you really want to get scared, this book will do it for you.
i love how he made a story from facts and fiction.
P.S. DON'T READ IT AT NIGHT.
i love how he made a story from facts and fiction.
P.S. DON'T READ IT AT NIGHT.
February 20, 2015
Wow. Imagine my surprised when one of my favorite childhood book become a big hit one day.
I searched why and I found out that they turned this into a movie. (Planning to watch it *Yay*) I'm proud to say that when they published this 5 years ago, I got a hand of a copy because the plot interests me and I never regretted that I bought it (well actually my mom did) but, the point is this is one of my childhood book.
I remember the fact that I told the story of this book to my mom and my cousins because I really love it. The fact that I love this book not because of it's spooky story but because of the side story of Annie, the protagonist, really get me, I remember that I used to read that part almost 30 times (no joke) because it's really one of my favorite scene when I was a kid (actually until now).
I must say that I'm planning to buy a copy again because I'm planning to re-read again before it hit the theater (oh the irony) and my book pages is already yellow-ish. This is truly one of a great work of the Filipino Literature.
UPDATE! RE-READ ON FEBRUARY 2015
Since it's been many years since I read this and I grew a lot and my ideas had changed. I decided to read this again and this is what I think. . .
I think the tagalog parts should be omitted, if it's written in English, it should stay that way because it looks like a Wattpad novel or something *no offense*. What I love about this is how it 'promotes' Philippine beauty because it stated different places from the Philippines except for the fact that this targeted Emelda Marcos which I have no care.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this AGAIN, but I'm pretty sure I will not watch the movie because all I heard about that is how crappy it is.
I searched why and I found out that they turned this into a movie. (Planning to watch it *Yay*) I'm proud to say that when they published this 5 years ago, I got a hand of a copy because the plot interests me and I never regretted that I bought it (well actually my mom did) but, the point is this is one of my childhood book.
I remember the fact that I told the story of this book to my mom and my cousins because I really love it. The fact that I love this book not because of it's spooky story but because of the side story of Annie, the protagonist, really get me, I remember that I used to read that part almost 30 times (no joke) because it's really one of my favorite scene when I was a kid (actually until now).
I must say that I'm planning to buy a copy again because I'm planning to re-read again before it hit the theater (oh the irony) and my book pages is already yellow-ish. This is truly one of a great work of the Filipino Literature.
UPDATE! RE-READ ON FEBRUARY 2015
Since it's been many years since I read this and I grew a lot and my ideas had changed. I decided to read this again and this is what I think. . .
I think the tagalog parts should be omitted, if it's written in English, it should stay that way because it looks like a Wattpad novel or something *no offense*. What I love about this is how it 'promotes' Philippine beauty because it stated different places from the Philippines except for the fact that this targeted Emelda Marcos which I have no care.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this AGAIN, but I'm pretty sure I will not watch the movie because all I heard about that is how crappy it is.
August 25, 2011
Tragic Theater is the first and only novel by Gilbert M. Coronel. According to his brief biography found at the back of the book, he is an author with no literary background to speak of other than a genuine love of reading and a passion for writing. It was evident on this novel. It had some flaws and the last part was a little bit confusing. For me, the story was rushed and the ending was unimaginative. The Tagalog dialogue with English translation in some pages definitely just ate up some spaces from the book with oversize fonts.
I admit, this is not what I was expecting from this novel. I thought it was more of an investigation on how the Manila Film Center became a haunted building and what was the mystery behind it, aside from the exorcism of some supernatural beings that were believed to be those of the victims from the fatal accident during its construction. But all throughout, almost 90 percent of the novel was merely about exorcism. Also, it seems like it was sort of "bitin".
I cannot rate this book with one star because I can't say that I didn't liked it. In fact, I feel paralyzed after reading the end of almost every chapter because there were some twists and revelations. Actually, I always feel paralyzed when reading a horror/suspense novel. For that, I would rate this book with two stars - it was okay, but was not the type of horror book that would excite you the next time you read it again.
I admit, this is not what I was expecting from this novel. I thought it was more of an investigation on how the Manila Film Center became a haunted building and what was the mystery behind it, aside from the exorcism of some supernatural beings that were believed to be those of the victims from the fatal accident during its construction. But all throughout, almost 90 percent of the novel was merely about exorcism. Also, it seems like it was sort of "bitin".
I cannot rate this book with one star because I can't say that I didn't liked it. In fact, I feel paralyzed after reading the end of almost every chapter because there were some twists and revelations. Actually, I always feel paralyzed when reading a horror/suspense novel. For that, I would rate this book with two stars - it was okay, but was not the type of horror book that would excite you the next time you read it again.
April 5, 2013
I don't want to think about it
I'm not a fan and I don't read horror stories, nor watch horror movies.
I'm easily get scared, so if you ask me if this one scared me, maybe a little but it didn't made me shut it, dig a hole and bury it... I survived it! However after reading it, I don't want to think about it... I don't want to remember what happened to Anne, and their experience inside the Haunted Manila Film Center and so on.
It is a fast horror read. You can finish it in one sitting.
I'm not a fan and I don't read horror stories, nor watch horror movies.
I'm easily get scared, so if you ask me if this one scared me, maybe a little but it didn't made me shut it, dig a hole and bury it... I survived it! However after reading it, I don't want to think about it... I don't want to remember what happened to Anne, and their experience inside the Haunted Manila Film Center and so on.
It is a fast horror read. You can finish it in one sitting.
November 23, 2011
well this is a good book i have read it once for 4 and a half hours. it makes you focus on the book thinking on what will happened next. it makes your mind think on what is actually happening inside the theater. the exorcism, the seance, and even Annie's hated experience. great story. simple one of the best.
December 30, 2010
Annie is an official in the Tourism Department. They planned to reconstruct the haunted Manila Film Center, so they can build an IMAX theater in it. First, they need to drive out all of its inhabitance before proceeding to its construction. He seeks for the help of Father Nilo, a close friend of her, to exorcise the building. But during their procedures, the unexpected happened.
The action started in the first few chapters, enough to say that the book is fast paced. One thing I don't like in the book is its unnecessary explanation of historical background of some places. One example is a lengthy description of a chapel which was not necessary. The chapel in the first place is not a major setting, it was just mentioned then the description comes. It shows that the author researched well but he put in the wrong place.
In the first few chapters, Annie is very unlikable. She is very irritating when it comes to her decisions. But you will understand why as the story go on. For me, it seems that Annie and Fr. Nilo have a mutual understand between them. Which is very unlikely with a priest. The author wrote their actions like a couple rather than close friends. Annie came to the point where she will be a round character but the plot took over pushing her back as a flat character.
The writing is also not that good. I like how the author pick his words when writing. The Tagalog dialog, for me, added an emotion to their conversation. But what I don't like is the English translation after the Tagalog sentences. He should have written the book in purely Tagalog or English instead.
The ending is a huge cliff hanger. It is very obvious that there will be a second book. It should be okay but the ending was full of questions that should be answered, which I think is not that good. But personally I want the answers to the questions, making me wait for the second book.
ivanbookworm.blogspot.com
The action started in the first few chapters, enough to say that the book is fast paced. One thing I don't like in the book is its unnecessary explanation of historical background of some places. One example is a lengthy description of a chapel which was not necessary. The chapel in the first place is not a major setting, it was just mentioned then the description comes. It shows that the author researched well but he put in the wrong place.
In the first few chapters, Annie is very unlikable. She is very irritating when it comes to her decisions. But you will understand why as the story go on. For me, it seems that Annie and Fr. Nilo have a mutual understand between them. Which is very unlikely with a priest. The author wrote their actions like a couple rather than close friends. Annie came to the point where she will be a round character but the plot took over pushing her back as a flat character.
The writing is also not that good. I like how the author pick his words when writing. The Tagalog dialog, for me, added an emotion to their conversation. But what I don't like is the English translation after the Tagalog sentences. He should have written the book in purely Tagalog or English instead.
The ending is a huge cliff hanger. It is very obvious that there will be a second book. It should be okay but the ending was full of questions that should be answered, which I think is not that good. But personally I want the answers to the questions, making me wait for the second book.
ivanbookworm.blogspot.com
May 15, 2014
the story was fascinating, though some parts were dragging. hence, the concept of the story which was based on facts and true events after the tragic incident of the now CCP, got me goosebumps. a worth reading when you want to scare yourself. :)
March 12, 2010
"relentless suspense until the very last page!"
July 21, 2012
Its a very good read, what i like about it is that it is set in a real place. which makes it more easier to imagine and feel the story.. I love it.
April 25, 2013
Exhilarating.Hair-raising tale.
March 15, 2017
As someone who was born in the 90s, this book introduced me to the tragedy that happened in the Manila Film Theater during the reign of the Marcoses.
I always liked Filipino horror stories ever since elementary and this is by far one of the best I've read. If the author keeps on writing stories like this, I'll definitely be one of the first ones to read it.
I always liked Filipino horror stories ever since elementary and this is by far one of the best I've read. If the author keeps on writing stories like this, I'll definitely be one of the first ones to read it.
July 23, 2018
Creepy read (because I get scared easily). I liked the story, but I found the prose flat. It would have been creepier if it did more "showing than telling". I guess I was expecting more fleshing out of what happened at the theater, of the Spirit Questors and their relationship with each other, and even the relationship between Fr. Marcelo and Annie. It was like reading a crash course on exorcism. The minor characters were also just there. Also, although I knew that there's a second book, the way the story ended left me more clueless. Still an okay read.
March 19, 2013
think the purpose of the author is not to scare us but to open our eyes to certain facts, and Possibilities.... There is a great chance that this could happen in real life... Or could be happenning. I therefore conclude that this book Be turned into a movie Someday well-written thumbs up to the Author...
January 11, 2015
This book satisfied my craviness over a horror-suspense story. This brought shivers in every hair strand I have. Rated it with four stars, though amazingly narrated, i found myself saying "is that it?" I wanted more. Is there a book 2? I should have it :)
Thumbs up for this Filipino Author. I salute you ^^]
Thumbs up for this Filipino Author. I salute you ^^]
January 8, 2015
When it's about Horror books, this is so on top of my list. I was drawn to this when I was at a bookstore. The moment I read this I could not stop myself to stop reading so I was able to finish it in one setting
I dash to the bookstore for the second book...
I dash to the bookstore for the second book...
Want to read
February 3, 2013project :)
December 16, 2014
dasdasdsadas
December 17, 2014
How can i read this?
Read
January 10, 2015This story made me more interested!
January 23, 2015
I had no time to be scared as I was busy correcting the book's grammar and mentally slashing out unnecessary words. Great story-telling effort though.
Read
December 28, 2014Good
January 8, 2015
so creepy and woah..
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews