Ian Rosales Casocot: Heartbreak & Magic

A writer who merely sits behind his desk or peers at his city through a tinted car window could not have written this.

The person who has written these stories is well-acquainted with the nooks and crannies of Dumaguete (or “Dumaguet” until it becomes “Dumaguete” again in page sixty), he has sought refuge under its acacia trees, he has gone to the market for puto maya and native cocoa, has frequented the chicken inasal places, he has walked its streets, he is burdened by its secrets, he is intimate with its ghosts and the living, and knows his city like a lover knows his beloved’s face.

Wasn’t this supposed to be a collection of fantasy and science fiction? Doesn’t Neil Gaiman’s blurb on the cover further suggest this? 

Yes, it is; and yes, it does. But I recognize in this book what I recognize in favorite writers like Khoury, Pamuk, and Mahfouz. Their works are celebrations of their cities. The love affair they have with their cities seep into their stories regardless of genre. And yes, it is a book of heartbreak and magic, horror and fantasy, but look deeper and see that it is a celebration of Dumaguete — it’s landscapes, seascapes, its food, and the loves lost and found on its soil.

Beirut has Elias Khoury, Cairo has Naguib Mahfouz, Istanbul has Orhan Pamuk, Dumaguete has Ian Casocot.

Someone give this guy multiple awards.

Oh, wait…

7 thoughts on “Ian Rosales Casocot: Heartbreak & Magic”

    1. My dad’s family is from Dumaguete, and my older brother was born there. It’s a quaint and lovely town. I live on a different island, one ferry ride away. 😊

      This collection would make a great introduction to Filipino voices! I’m not so sure about accessibility though. I’d mail this to you if it weren’t my bestfriend’s copy with a personal dedication from the author. He might kill me. 🤣

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      1. Lol definitely don’t go sending me friend’s signed copies! I value your friendship, I don’t want you dead! Lol. I just looked up and yes, hard to get. Is there any other perhaps more “popular” Filipino writers you can recommend? I think it’s time to read one at least in your honor!!! X

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      2. Thanks for valuing my life and friendship. 🤣

        And it’s sweet of you to want to read a Filipino author in my honor. I’ll take time to think of the right book to recommend. My favorite Filipino writers are mostly essayists, and even though I treasure their writings, I’m not so sure if a non-Filipino would find the topics as significant as a Filipino would. I’ll send you a message as soon as the perfect book comes to mind! ❤

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      3. Yes that’s the tricky thing with books from our own lands, as we don’t know the jargon, the local lingo, possibly the history etc. But I’m sure you’ll think of something! I just finished Parisian Days…. Gosh I love Banine!!! As for that Gulnar! Lol! What a wild one!

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      4. That’s so true! And also, I just want to give a good impression. 🤣 Some of our stories will make you think we’re weird. (Note: We are. But some highlight that too much. Hahahahaha)

        And oh, Gulnar! What a character! Hahaha! How I wish Banine wrote more stories!

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