INTERVIEW BY CARLOS MALVAR
December 16, 2010
LINK: http://www.fhm.com.ph/entertainment/interviews/article/5555
You have a new book out, Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan, and it’s your 8th. We heard it’s the first ever locally published book in the Philippines to have a nationwide simultaneous book release—parang Harry Potter lang. How does that make you feel?
It feels good to have your book receive the same treatment book stores give imported books. To be treated as a ‘foreigner’ in the Philippines, it feels good. Usually our book stores revere local books in the same way they do used bus tickets.
Do you lurk around bookstores to see how many people would buy your books?
I do my book store rounds when there’s an opportunity. It’s both unnatural and unwise for any writer not to care where his/her books go and who reads them.
I was in the book stores in Mall of Asia last November 30 [when it was released].
Tell us more about Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan. Is it true that the character Mama Susan is based on Susan Enriquez?
My latest book is inspired by true events. Part of the book is written by the real “Galo,” entries were lifted from his journal. (I didn’t write the rap lyrics.)
Life is too short to be spent writing the same books. So I write in different genres, with the support of loyal readers who allow me creative freedom.
Each book I write is different from the last one, my latest being horror.
I believe I speak for most writers when I say ideas for a book could range from weeks old to decades. I can no longer remember how long I’ve been toying with the idea for Mama Susan.
You have this several ideas in your head and one would just step up and say “I’m most ready. It’s my turn. Write me now.”
Sa mga kaibigan ni Mama Susan, sino ang pinaka-sexy? Papayag bang magpose si Mama Susan at ang mga kaibigan nya for FHM?
Next to Reader’s Digest, FHM is Mama Susan’s favorite magazine. She’ll personally let you know of her answers one of these days.
Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan, as I understand it, is a horror novel. How was the experience of writing it different from when you were writing your other projects?
Writing horror is not a very pleasant experience. It’s not. I couldn’t work at night. Night time became a useless no-writing zone. If our ka-Visprint, Bart “Tragic Theater” Coronel had brushes with the supernatural, I’d want none of that.
I wouldn’t want to have anything to do with “them.” But writing horror is fun and challenging because it’s a good writing exercise. I’m not a fan of horror books, but I find it now funny to remember mentioning in Stainless Longganisa that one of the first novels I’ve read was The Exorcist. I’m also part of the majority who consider The Exorcist as the scariest movie of all time. The most recent ‘scary’ movie I’ve seen is that Al Gore documentary.
Of all the writers in the Philippines, you can be considered as the only bestselling author, being the only Filipino to break through National Bookstore’s (regularly released) top ten bestselling list in Fiction. Is that something you’ve dreamed of as a child? How do you feel about that?
I’ve dreamed of writing, seeing my works in book store shelves, and being read. It is by God’s grace that I am able to sell more books than what we all thought was possible for a local writer. But I don’t know about being a ‘bestselling author.’
Despite what most people in the industry say, I don’t remember any of my books hitting No.1, not even for a month. It’s unclear how book stores come up with their charts. I don’t mind being or not being on their Top Ten list.
But I do mind that nobody knows their basis. I’d easily concede to self-help, horror, humor, romance, or comic books, local or imported, but how many would believe that these popular genres would be outsold by recipes and coffee table books? It’s a vicious, dishonest, marketing ploy book stores use to sell books; they’re fooling people and it’s very disturbing.
Of course I could be wrong, in which case, I wish to be enlightened. But I already told my publisher of my intent to pull out from the stores if things don’t change. I wouldn’t mind losing my job, I just don’t want to be part of a corrupt system. It’s unfortunate that I’m learning now of the politics and bureaucracy that govern the book industry. It’s sad.
Next: Reading Programs, Critics, at ang huling gimik ni Bob Ong!
You single-handedly made it ‘cool’ to admit to reading. Care to suggest to the President a few programs that may encourage more people to read?
The president can’t do anything. More people would be encouraged to read if Rhian Ramos and Angel Locsin sit with them.
I myself wouldn’t mind reading El Fili again if Ann Curtis shares the bedside lamp with me.
But in all seriousness, I think the most effective and best reading program any government could have is the availability of more engaging books.
If readers like what they read, they would buy, borrow, or steal a book, and find time to enjoy literature on their own.
As kids acquire the habit, reading groups and book clubs can be established, whether school-, community-, or church-based.
These groups can then meet weekly to hang a critic or two. That is as a result of realization that critics actually scare readers away by showing them that reading may turn people into stuck-up literary buttheads.
Critics may only be saved if they recant beliefs like (1)they matter, (2)what they do makes young Filipinos choose books over TV, PSP, Ipad, and the Internet at least once in a while, and (3)they’re qualified for their job.
You’re not very fond of critics. Why?
I have yet to hear direct negative reviews from established critics. Right now there’s just bloggers and reviewers who need to boost their self-esteem by telling everyone that their taste is different and they’re reading books that only they read.
I think it’s counterproductive. They are not happy that more people are now reading. Instead of encouraging young Filipinos to enjoy books, they’re telling the new readers that they’re hopeless because they’re not reading the books that have their (‘critics’) seal of approval.
It’s basically immaturity and childishness enjoying group sex with arrogance and ignorance. I wish somebody soon would produce the great Filipino novel worthy of critics praise and wide readership, I wish for that infallible book—no, books—to come soon. But while we’re waiting, I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to just keep our youths comfortable with reading and acquainted with books—any book. Don’t you agree?
How is the typical day for “Bob Ong” like? Are you working on your book projects full time now?
I work full time every single day of my life. (See Stainless Longganisa, page 87.)
Now, you are known for being extremely reclusive. But just for fun, when were you last out in public?
The extremely reclusive part is a myth. I’ve met a lot of my readers around the time of my first book. I think we’ve got that covered in Ruel de Vera’s interview (PDI), but I’m not sure. I don’t attend such occasions.
But I was in one Visprint event, and I visited the Visprint booth during last year’s book fair. Also, a couple of weeks ago I was in Mercury Drug and the cashier made me wait for some time because she was busy reading my (2nd) book.
Has anyone close to you read your books and went “Hey, I know this guy! I used to work with this guy/ he is my cousin / that sounds like he’s my grade school classmate!” or anything?
No, no such thing. I’ve learned that people who knew me have very bad memories. I feel lucky and very insignificant at the same time.
In your new book, do you have any characters which closely resembles you (in terms of personality, situation, etc)? Who and how can you say so?
At least in small part, Galo and I share some traits. My editor couldn’t tell which parts of the manuscript were mine and which were lifted from the journal.
With 8th book now out in the market, any hints on what your 9th book/project going to be like?
This is the first time that I’m having a hard time choosing which of the books lined up in my head should be written next. But I’m currently in talks in writing a movie that is not about my previous works, and my return to non-fiction is just around the corner. Of course, these are all just plans and nothing is sure until I’ve finished a manuscript.
What did you first buy with your first every royalty check? Do you still write longhand?
I enrolled in a crash course on electronics and bought a cheap inkjet printer to replace my dot matrix. Do you mean longhand as a noun or an adjective? I stopped writing longhand in Grade 6. My drafts are 25% in longhand (pen-paper) and 81% typewritten (word processor). Sorry, I don’t know how to use a calculator.
Thank you so much! Any message to our readers?
(To my readers:) I didn’t write “those” quotes. I am just one person. I am not yet dead. Buy my books. Buy other Filipino books. Read them all. (To Filipino book readers:) Buy Filipino, read Filipino. No matter how highly you think of international writers, you still owe local authors support because you are a Filipino. Don’t take pride in the quantity and quality of books you read, take pride in what those books have made you. And regardless of your beliefs, no self-respecting book lover should pass up on the experience of reading the Bible from cover to cover at least once. Thanks. Happy New Year!
It feels good to have your book receive the same treatment book stores give imported books. To be treated as a ‘foreigner’ in the Philippines, it feels good. Usually our book stores revere local books in the same way they do used bus tickets.
Do you lurk around bookstores to see how many people would buy your books?
I do my book store rounds when there’s an opportunity. It’s both unnatural and unwise for any writer not to care where his/her books go and who reads them.
I was in the book stores in Mall of Asia last November 30 [when it was released].
Tell us more about Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan. Is it true that the character Mama Susan is based on Susan Enriquez?
My latest book is inspired by true events. Part of the book is written by the real “Galo,” entries were lifted from his journal. (I didn’t write the rap lyrics.)
Life is too short to be spent writing the same books. So I write in different genres, with the support of loyal readers who allow me creative freedom.
Each book I write is different from the last one, my latest being horror.
I believe I speak for most writers when I say ideas for a book could range from weeks old to decades. I can no longer remember how long I’ve been toying with the idea for Mama Susan.
You have this several ideas in your head and one would just step up and say “I’m most ready. It’s my turn. Write me now.”
Sa mga kaibigan ni Mama Susan, sino ang pinaka-sexy? Papayag bang magpose si Mama Susan at ang mga kaibigan nya for FHM?
Next to Reader’s Digest, FHM is Mama Susan’s favorite magazine. She’ll personally let you know of her answers one of these days.
Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan, as I understand it, is a horror novel. How was the experience of writing it different from when you were writing your other projects?
Writing horror is not a very pleasant experience. It’s not. I couldn’t work at night. Night time became a useless no-writing zone. If our ka-Visprint, Bart “Tragic Theater” Coronel had brushes with the supernatural, I’d want none of that.
I wouldn’t want to have anything to do with “them.” But writing horror is fun and challenging because it’s a good writing exercise. I’m not a fan of horror books, but I find it now funny to remember mentioning in Stainless Longganisa that one of the first novels I’ve read was The Exorcist. I’m also part of the majority who consider The Exorcist as the scariest movie of all time. The most recent ‘scary’ movie I’ve seen is that Al Gore documentary.
Of all the writers in the Philippines, you can be considered as the only bestselling author, being the only Filipino to break through National Bookstore’s (regularly released) top ten bestselling list in Fiction. Is that something you’ve dreamed of as a child? How do you feel about that?
I’ve dreamed of writing, seeing my works in book store shelves, and being read. It is by God’s grace that I am able to sell more books than what we all thought was possible for a local writer. But I don’t know about being a ‘bestselling author.’
Despite what most people in the industry say, I don’t remember any of my books hitting No.1, not even for a month. It’s unclear how book stores come up with their charts. I don’t mind being or not being on their Top Ten list.
But I do mind that nobody knows their basis. I’d easily concede to self-help, horror, humor, romance, or comic books, local or imported, but how many would believe that these popular genres would be outsold by recipes and coffee table books? It’s a vicious, dishonest, marketing ploy book stores use to sell books; they’re fooling people and it’s very disturbing.
Of course I could be wrong, in which case, I wish to be enlightened. But I already told my publisher of my intent to pull out from the stores if things don’t change. I wouldn’t mind losing my job, I just don’t want to be part of a corrupt system. It’s unfortunate that I’m learning now of the politics and bureaucracy that govern the book industry. It’s sad.
Next: Reading Programs, Critics, at ang huling gimik ni Bob Ong!
You single-handedly made it ‘cool’ to admit to reading. Care to suggest to the President a few programs that may encourage more people to read?
The president can’t do anything. More people would be encouraged to read if Rhian Ramos and Angel Locsin sit with them.
I myself wouldn’t mind reading El Fili again if Ann Curtis shares the bedside lamp with me.
But in all seriousness, I think the most effective and best reading program any government could have is the availability of more engaging books.
If readers like what they read, they would buy, borrow, or steal a book, and find time to enjoy literature on their own.
As kids acquire the habit, reading groups and book clubs can be established, whether school-, community-, or church-based.
These groups can then meet weekly to hang a critic or two. That is as a result of realization that critics actually scare readers away by showing them that reading may turn people into stuck-up literary buttheads.
Critics may only be saved if they recant beliefs like (1)they matter, (2)what they do makes young Filipinos choose books over TV, PSP, Ipad, and the Internet at least once in a while, and (3)they’re qualified for their job.
You’re not very fond of critics. Why?
I have yet to hear direct negative reviews from established critics. Right now there’s just bloggers and reviewers who need to boost their self-esteem by telling everyone that their taste is different and they’re reading books that only they read.
I think it’s counterproductive. They are not happy that more people are now reading. Instead of encouraging young Filipinos to enjoy books, they’re telling the new readers that they’re hopeless because they’re not reading the books that have their (‘critics’) seal of approval.
It’s basically immaturity and childishness enjoying group sex with arrogance and ignorance. I wish somebody soon would produce the great Filipino novel worthy of critics praise and wide readership, I wish for that infallible book—no, books—to come soon. But while we’re waiting, I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to just keep our youths comfortable with reading and acquainted with books—any book. Don’t you agree?
How is the typical day for “Bob Ong” like? Are you working on your book projects full time now?
I work full time every single day of my life. (See Stainless Longganisa, page 87.)
Now, you are known for being extremely reclusive. But just for fun, when were you last out in public?
The extremely reclusive part is a myth. I’ve met a lot of my readers around the time of my first book. I think we’ve got that covered in Ruel de Vera’s interview (PDI), but I’m not sure. I don’t attend such occasions.
But I was in one Visprint event, and I visited the Visprint booth during last year’s book fair. Also, a couple of weeks ago I was in Mercury Drug and the cashier made me wait for some time because she was busy reading my (2nd) book.
Has anyone close to you read your books and went “Hey, I know this guy! I used to work with this guy/ he is my cousin / that sounds like he’s my grade school classmate!” or anything?
No, no such thing. I’ve learned that people who knew me have very bad memories. I feel lucky and very insignificant at the same time.
In your new book, do you have any characters which closely resembles you (in terms of personality, situation, etc)? Who and how can you say so?
At least in small part, Galo and I share some traits. My editor couldn’t tell which parts of the manuscript were mine and which were lifted from the journal.
With 8th book now out in the market, any hints on what your 9th book/project going to be like?
This is the first time that I’m having a hard time choosing which of the books lined up in my head should be written next. But I’m currently in talks in writing a movie that is not about my previous works, and my return to non-fiction is just around the corner. Of course, these are all just plans and nothing is sure until I’ve finished a manuscript.
What did you first buy with your first every royalty check? Do you still write longhand?
I enrolled in a crash course on electronics and bought a cheap inkjet printer to replace my dot matrix. Do you mean longhand as a noun or an adjective? I stopped writing longhand in Grade 6. My drafts are 25% in longhand (pen-paper) and 81% typewritten (word processor). Sorry, I don’t know how to use a calculator.
Thank you so much! Any message to our readers?
(To my readers:) I didn’t write “those” quotes. I am just one person. I am not yet dead. Buy my books. Buy other Filipino books. Read them all. (To Filipino book readers:) Buy Filipino, read Filipino. No matter how highly you think of international writers, you still owe local authors support because you are a Filipino. Don’t take pride in the quantity and quality of books you read, take pride in what those books have made you. And regardless of your beliefs, no self-respecting book lover should pass up on the experience of reading the Bible from cover to cover at least once. Thanks. Happy New Year!
