Five Modern Classic Filipino Books You Should Read

In the context of literature, what constitutes as a modern classic?

Seemingly an oxymoron, the title modern classic is bestowed upon books that are both relatable and have stood the test of time. In terms of publication date, books that have hit the shelves post-World War I and II are qualified for the title.

Locally, a lot of books have reached such status and if you need a list to help you begin, then here are five recommendations.

Being the first Filipino contemporary crime detective novel set in the Philippines, this book follows two priests who immerse themselves in the work of solving the mysterious murders of young boys in Payatas. Smaller and Smaller Circles won several awards and was adapted into a film of the same name in 2017.

This modern classic tells the story of Amanda Bartolome, who belongs to the middle class. The conflict lies within performing her responsibilities for her five children while dealing with the law and political climate in the seventies. It was adapted into a film in 2002 and a musical in 2018.  

With love as its unifying theme, Para Kay B weaves complex stories of happiness and heartbreak through its five women characters—Bessie, Erica, Ester, Irene, and Sandra. Its stage adaptation happened earlier this 2025. 

At the center of Filipino National Artist Nick Joaquín's The Woman Who Had Two Navels is an elite Filipina who is undergoing hallucinations. Wanting special treatment and longing to be seen as extraordinary, she is convinced that she has two navels.

Read phonetically as "Aba, nakakabasa na pala ako?!", this autobiographical work details the author's childhood, student, and early working life. It was made into a movie in 2014, and there is even a board game inspired by the book.