Tropical Baroque: Four Manileño Theatricals

by Nick Joaquín

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Nicomedes Márquez Joaquín (1917–2004) was a Filipino writer and journalist best known for his short stories and novels in the English language. He also wrote using the pen name Quijano de Manila. In 1976, Joaquin was conferred the rank and title of National Artist of the Philippines for Literature. He has been considered one of the most important Filipino writers, along with José Rizal and Claro M. Recto. Unlike Rizal and Recto, whose works were written in Spanish, Joaquin's major works were written in English despite being a native Spanish speaker.

Before becoming one of the leading practitioners of Philippine literature in English, he was a seminarian in Hong Kong – who later realized that he could better serve God and humanity by being a writer. This is reflected in the content and style of his works, as he emphasizes the need to restore national consciousness through important elements of Catholic Spanish Heritage.

In his self-confessed mission as a writer, he is a sort of "cultural apostle" whose purpose is to revive interest in Philippine national life through literature – and provide the necessary drive and inspiration for a fuller comprehension of their cultural background. His awareness of the significance of the past to the present is part of a concerted effort to preserve the spiritual tradition and the orthodox faith of the Catholic past – which he perceives as the only solution to our modern ills.

Reviews

[Maria Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I cannot locate my old book that contained the Short story titled Summer Solstice. In preparation for the PRPB Book Talakayan with Nick Joaquin, this collection of plays titled Tropical Baroque has the play named "Tatarin", and I was tasked to read an excerpt of Lupe and Guido's moments.

What struck me in these four plays are the portayal of women and how they were genuine and empowered in their time, and how significant the transformation of the realities around them. Set in old Manila, “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” revolves around two spinster sisters, Paula and Candida Marasigan, as they struggle but remain determined to fight for all the things precious to their family. In “Tatarin,” Doña Lupe's participation in the ritual gives her the opportunity to dominate her man, Don Paeng. In “Fathers and Sons,” Bessie fights back against the shadows cast by her past as an abandoned child sold and bought into the life of a prostitute. And finally, “The Beatas” illustrates the leadership of modern views and actions of Antonia Ezguerra and Sebastiana de Santa Maria, and how the hermanas fought the challenge of shutting down the first beaterio in Manila.

Plot-wise, I liked the Fathers and Sons the most. One quote has struck me in awe:

"Character is not something we inherit, it is something we create."

This play uncovers a traumatic history and how it has shaped the characters and how they were unconsciously caught in the loop that seemingly cannot get out of. When Bessie came into the frame, she became the sign of change and a sign of freedom; a figure that sometimes misinterpreted as a wrong item, but truly the right thing all along.

Of couse the most sensual play was Tatarin, because of the idea of its rituals and the opportunity to dominate men, nevermind that last scene when Paeng kneels and crawls across the yard!!! Haha, made me want to want the movie adaptation again.

Other two plays are runner-ups for me for it has a clear landscape of its setting from the old days. Maybe I was too contemporary to appreciate its storylines but these do not discount the overall collective tone of feminism in this collection.

Dahling Nick, thank you again for letting my spirits soar with all these plays. You do weave the stories and its narratives so clearly and so beautifully.

[ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women throughout history have been fighting tooth and nail for the rights that we have today; and still we continue to fight. ‘Tropical Baroque’ introduces Manila, rife with history through the eyes and stories of these women who navigate the post-colonial world ruled by men and their nonsensical rules. And in this post-colonial world, we realize that we are yet to be free from society and its lack of justice and equality.

Nick Joaquin writes with such a committed love for the Philippines and its history, so much so that reading this felt like reading a love letter to Manila. Each word had its purpose and each page was as immersive as the next. At the beating heart of each story is a truth that isn’t blinding or staggering in its quality, but creepingly quiet with its clarity.

My personal ranking of each story is suceptible to change. Each time I think about committing to a ranking, I am forced to rearrange it again due to my admiration for what each story brings to the table. I can’t wait to revisit this book again and take a peek at the heart of it once more.

[Yumi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if this book was written in 1979, the theme of the four plays is timeless. They all focus on women's wishes to be treated like equals and to be part of society.

[Bay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropical Baroque does not disappoint a reader. The four plays were well written, and fun for a relatively low price.

Nick Joaquin has had a central theme in these four plays, that is women empowerment. Women have been a central role from Candida and Paula of The Portrait of the Artist as Filipino to the Beatas, and even Tatarin. Truly, the theme resonates to this day, where they move and act freely.

[Luisa Maula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fathers and Sons > The Portrait of the Artist as Filipino > Tatarin > Beatas

Spanish colonialism is clearly present from all plays such as traits that Filipinos still upheld to their households today, to religious devotees, and some expressions uttered by our elders from time to time.

The first two plays remains to resonate within my memory as this reminds me of how family upbringing, greed, and standing up to yourselves can greatly affect someone in the long run. It’s saddening to realize that this remains evident even in the modern society as there are still peers who remain adamant on what they’re used to.

As for empowerment, I have nothing to say but praise to these powerful figures who are brave enough and be part of the cause behind the privileges we women have today.

[Ij · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beatas was incredible. It was a movement of women making known to the public their purpose for the first time, outside men's voice. Men after men tried to harass them with words and the law, but in the end, they survived and thrived. This theatrical made me think of the first set of women who fought for their rights to be recognized as first class citizens, and in the process, gave me the freedom I thoroughly enjoy now. All those emotional turmoils and warfare against powerful men, when all you ever wanted to be, is to make them understand that a woman is beyond being caged by men's fear, that they are able to carry on a wonderful purpose of existence instead of merely being supporters, wives and mothers.

[Michael Caesar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me three weeks to read this book. Distractions from social media made me slower than usual. Of the four plays here, I already read Summer Solstice (Tatarin) in its original short story form; have encountered The Portrait of an Artrist as Filipino but never read it completely until this book; and the other two, Fathers and Sons - which is very emotional and disturbing for me - and The Beatas - the dragging of the four - were entirely new to me.
Eminent in each of these four plays is the strong presence of women, somewhat progressive during the time it was written and published that many say Joaquin is a feminist ally.

[frnk · Rating 4 out of 5]

if i were to rank the stories, it would be:

(1) Tatarin
(2) A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino
(3) The Beatas
(4) Fathers and Sons

this ranking might be due to personal preference. rating it 4/5 stars upon first read because undeniably, the author writes beautifully. the themes were sensitive subjects and his writing boldly answered it. didn't give it 5 stars only because there were parts in each story that i didn't like how they were done.

this is the first book of nick joaquin that i picked up and i'll be more than happy to browse through more of his works. overall, it was a wonderful read!

[Inna Caps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joaquin is a National Artist for Philippine Literature, you would think these would be boring reads but they are quite entertaining. The plays are not difficult to read, and dwell on Filipino cultural issues but with a more modern outlook to it. I do hope these also become required reading for students, aside from the usual Noli, etc. Favorite quote “Character is not something we inherit, it is something we create.”

[guiltlessreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among Joaquin’s stronger collections, Tropical Baroque feels finished and polished and oh-so-richly detailed. I read his prose version of Tatarin in The Summer Solstice and Other Stories and felt that the story seemed unpolished ... who would’ve thought it would read better as a play? Definitely a favorite for now. More thoughts to follow.

[Johnny Altomonte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed all four, though the latter two did tend to be quite sanctimonious which was off-putting