38 renowned Filipino authors converge in an anthology of modern Philippine short stories published in Europe

Europe is synonymous to culture. The continent has been at the helm of cultural influence for so long, even now, as reflected in the cultural influence rankings, a survey conducted by BAV Group and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Everything European has a certain “je ne sais quoi,” which makes its music, shows, architecture, economics, literature, and art, absorbed by all other cultures. European culture is rich because it is rooted in what we refer to as “common cultural heritage.” K. Bochmann listed down core elements in forming the cultural foundation of modern Europe, and among them is: the respect for peoples, states, and nations outside of the continent. The Europeans have high regards to culture, not only of their own, but in general.

In the Czech Republic, for instance, in the very heart of the European continent, an anthology of modern Philippine short stories called the Kuřata v hadí kleci named after a story "Chicks in the Snake's Cage" by the late Ilonggo writer Leoncio Deriada,

had just been published. The book, produced by Argo publishing house, contains 38 translated stories from the same number of highly respected Filipino authors.

“Together with Silvie Mitlenerová,

we selected 38 stories that represent all the corners of the country from Manila to Mindanao, by authors writing not only in English, but also Hiligaynon, Bikolano, or Chinese,” said former Czech ambassador to the Philippines, Jaroslav Olsa Jr., on the conception of the book. “The genres vary from historical fiction to science fiction, from romance to social realism—a real A(lfar) to Z(afra) of PH literature.”

This 400-page compendium took five years in the making, and serves as a diplomatic treasure between the European country and the Asian country. Inside is a 40-page-long introduction to the history of Philippine literature by Jaroslav.

It was released last week in Central Europe through the local distribution network Kosmasa. Meanwhile, its physical launch, originally slated in mid-May during the largest Czech book fair “Svět knihy,” has been indefinitely postponed.

Here is the complete lineup of the stories and authors.

“Poor, Poor Luisa” by Dean Francis Alfar

“Ember Wild” by Nikki Alfar

“Keeping Time” by F. H. Batacan

“Apollo Centenial” by Gregorio C. Brillantes

“Phaleonopsis” by Luis Cabalquinto

“Enough of This Is True” by

Rosales Casocot

“Kitchen Secrets” by

Mamaril Choe

“Father Solo” by Isagani Cruz “The Woman in the Box” by Butch Dalisay

“Chicks in the Snake’s Cage” by Leoncio P. Deriada

“Ang Besita/The Visit (A Christmas Story)” by Lina Espina Moore

“The Problem with Enteng” by

Lily C. Fen

Ian

Shirlie Mae

“Bread” by Mia Gonzalez (Ma. Romina M. Gonzalez)

“Blind” by Asterio Enrico N. Gutiérrez

“The Day the Sexbomb Dancers Invaded Our Brains” by Carljoe Javier “Gangrene” by F. Sionil Jose “Afterlife with Astrid” by

Katigbak

“Coral Cove” by Sarge Lacuesta “Son” by Jaime An Lim

“Sunday Dinner” by Gad S. Lim

“(Qiang)” by (Lin Nishui)

“The Autumn Sun” by

Macansantos

“A Study in Bliss” by

Millado

“B is for Body” by

Muslim

“Logovore” by Joseph Nacino “Mismanagement of Grief” by

Charlson Ong

“Missing People” by

“Escort” by Jr.

“The Ampasit” by Ras Pitlongay “The Little Boy Who Fell in the Puka” by Edgar Poma

“A party for Mrs. MacArthur” by

Ninotchka Rosca

“Shut Up and Live” by Lakambini Sitoy

“Leaves in the Rain: Redux”

Miguel Syjuco

“Sidhi” by Yvette Tan

“Tsuru” by Macario D. Tiu “Stories from the City” by

Victoria

“We Won’t Cry About This” by

Migs Villanueva (Socorro A. Villanueva)

“Portents” by Jessica Zafra

Luis

Monica

Gabriel

Kristine Ong

AA Patawaran

H. Francisco V. Peñones by

Eliza