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Vital Signs: Philippine Short Stories on Healing
These thirteen stories take us from the bustle of hospitals and clinics to the intimacy of patients' homes, whether in remote provinces or squalid urban areas, to reveal the impact of health concerns on Filipinos from all walks of life. Physicians and nurses deal with the anxieties that come with their profession, while patients and their loved ones face fear and suffer pain that goes beyond the physical. The drama that always accompanies such situations may be manifested flamboyantly or quietly, but never without poignance. Amidst these struggles, love and devotion, hope and determination— the most vital things— shine through.
264 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2025
8 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Ronnie E. Baticulon
3 books146 followersRonnie E. Baticulon is a pediatric neurosurgeon, teacher, and writer. He was a fellow of the 8th UST National Writers Workshop and the 58th UP National Writers Workshop. He won a Palanca for essay in 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 9, 2025
A beautiful representation of healing. It shows the struggles of Filipinos as healers and patients. The short stories stood out in their own ways but a few were notable and became favorites of mine. These are: The Reprieve by Susan S. Lara, Sandosenang Sapatos by Luis P. Gatmaitan, and Packing for the Moon by Dean Francis Alfar.
It was remarkable the way they were put together. In a way, it felt like I was reading a novel with interconnected characters. One message rang loudly as I read: Healing is not a linear process. There is not a step by step guide. You could be a healer one day and a patient the next. You could be mighty proud one day and in the next day cowering with fear at what sickness has brought to you or a loved one.
Definitely a must read not just for those in the medical field but anyone who is in need of a good read with a heart.
It was remarkable the way they were put together. In a way, it felt like I was reading a novel with interconnected characters. One message rang loudly as I read: Healing is not a linear process. There is not a step by step guide. You could be a healer one day and a patient the next. You could be mighty proud one day and in the next day cowering with fear at what sickness has brought to you or a loved one.
Definitely a must read not just for those in the medical field but anyone who is in need of a good read with a heart.
April 6, 2025
Last February, I was fortunate enough to find a copy of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥 by Arturo B. Rotor at a branch of Merriam Bookstore. The book has long been out of print from Ateneo de Manila University Press. Much of Rotor’s work offers a portrait of the Philippine healthcare system. First published in 1983, the stories continue to resonate today—some things have changed, but many remain the same.
Now in 2025, with the publication of 𝘝𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘴: 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, edited by Dr. Ronnie Baticulon and Ma’am Marjorie Evasco and released by Milflores Publishing, Inc., these shifts and continuities are once again documented—this time through the lens of a diverse literary collection. The book reflects both the progress and persistent struggles in Philippine healthcare, telling these stories through fiction rooted in lived experience.
Featured on the book’s cover is Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 (1953), which depicts a babaylan treating the sick. The painting unfolds in four panels, tracing the history of healing in the country—from Pre-colonial times, through the Spanish and American eras, to the present. Once displayed at the Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, the piece now resides at the National Museum of Fine Arts. Even the cover alone signals what lies ahead in the book: a reflection of the evolving yet uneven medical practice in the Philippines.
The anthology is divided into three sections: 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, and 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺. What I appreciated most is how the personal experiences of doctors, patients, and caregivers are used to portray the face of healthcare in a community, and, by extension, the nation as a whole.
In 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, the stories bring to life the quiet dilemmas physicians face. Though doctors are often expected to remain impersonal, the stories allow readers a glimpse into what they carry inside—the grief, the helplessness, the quiet sorrow they must suppress. How does one break the news that blindness is permanent? Or that nothing more can be done?
The 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 section shifts the focus to those receiving care. We encounter questions that dig deep: Are companies biased against women who go on maternity leave? How does a family cope with a cancer diagnosis? What emotional toll does death take on those left behind? Is belief in superstition harmful, or might it offer a form of comfort when nothing else does?
In 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺, the final section, we hear the stories of those who care for the sick. They are the ones beside us when illness strikes. The stories explore how society perceives those with mental health conditions, and how beliefs like faith healing still hold sway in some communities.
Beyond the quality of the stories themselves, another highlight of the anthology is its inclusion of works written in Filipino and Binisaya, with English translations provided. Some of these stories delve into superstition and belief systems, showing not just how they might be challenged, but also why they persist.
Overall, 𝘝𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘴 accomplishes what it sets out to do. While the country’s healthcare system has made strides, many old problems remain, especially in remote areas, but even in the cities: lack of access to medical care, the high cost of medicine, and the persistent inequalities in who gets to live with dignity and health. There is still so much left untold about our healthcare system. But this collection is a strong start. It encourages all of us—whether we’re in the medical field or not—to read, share, or write stories on this vital topic. It also challenges us to keep advocating for universal healthcare for all Filipinos.
𝗣.𝗦.
I chose not to name a favorite story because, frankly, it’s too hard to pick just one (the selection is that good). I just hope this short review is enough to convince you to grab a copy for yourself.
Now in 2025, with the publication of 𝘝𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘴: 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, edited by Dr. Ronnie Baticulon and Ma’am Marjorie Evasco and released by Milflores Publishing, Inc., these shifts and continuities are once again documented—this time through the lens of a diverse literary collection. The book reflects both the progress and persistent struggles in Philippine healthcare, telling these stories through fiction rooted in lived experience.
Featured on the book’s cover is Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 (1953), which depicts a babaylan treating the sick. The painting unfolds in four panels, tracing the history of healing in the country—from Pre-colonial times, through the Spanish and American eras, to the present. Once displayed at the Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, the piece now resides at the National Museum of Fine Arts. Even the cover alone signals what lies ahead in the book: a reflection of the evolving yet uneven medical practice in the Philippines.
The anthology is divided into three sections: 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, and 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺. What I appreciated most is how the personal experiences of doctors, patients, and caregivers are used to portray the face of healthcare in a community, and, by extension, the nation as a whole.
In 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, the stories bring to life the quiet dilemmas physicians face. Though doctors are often expected to remain impersonal, the stories allow readers a glimpse into what they carry inside—the grief, the helplessness, the quiet sorrow they must suppress. How does one break the news that blindness is permanent? Or that nothing more can be done?
The 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 section shifts the focus to those receiving care. We encounter questions that dig deep: Are companies biased against women who go on maternity leave? How does a family cope with a cancer diagnosis? What emotional toll does death take on those left behind? Is belief in superstition harmful, or might it offer a form of comfort when nothing else does?
In 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺, the final section, we hear the stories of those who care for the sick. They are the ones beside us when illness strikes. The stories explore how society perceives those with mental health conditions, and how beliefs like faith healing still hold sway in some communities.
Beyond the quality of the stories themselves, another highlight of the anthology is its inclusion of works written in Filipino and Binisaya, with English translations provided. Some of these stories delve into superstition and belief systems, showing not just how they might be challenged, but also why they persist.
Overall, 𝘝𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘴 accomplishes what it sets out to do. While the country’s healthcare system has made strides, many old problems remain, especially in remote areas, but even in the cities: lack of access to medical care, the high cost of medicine, and the persistent inequalities in who gets to live with dignity and health. There is still so much left untold about our healthcare system. But this collection is a strong start. It encourages all of us—whether we’re in the medical field or not—to read, share, or write stories on this vital topic. It also challenges us to keep advocating for universal healthcare for all Filipinos.
𝗣.𝗦.
I chose not to name a favorite story because, frankly, it’s too hard to pick just one (the selection is that good). I just hope this short review is enough to convince you to grab a copy for yourself.
March 30, 2025
A PBF2025 release from Dr. Ronnie Baticulon and Prof. Marjorie Evasco, Vital Signs is Milflores Publishing’s newest offering that compile thirteen stories that is centered on the theme of PH healthcare system and healing.
I love how the stories are written in different languages, including other PH mother tongues, and there are accompanied translated versions so it will still be accesible for all readers.
The theme of Philippine healthcare system includes both the medical hospital stories and diaries from traditional healers. When I read Doc Ronnie’s introduction, I realized how important it is for us a collection like this for us to know the impact of these healers in our lives.
Some of my favorites are: Faith, Love, Time and Dr. Lazaro by Gregorio Brillantes, and Sandosenang Sapatos by Luis Gatmaitan.
I love how the stories are written in different languages, including other PH mother tongues, and there are accompanied translated versions so it will still be accesible for all readers.
The theme of Philippine healthcare system includes both the medical hospital stories and diaries from traditional healers. When I read Doc Ronnie’s introduction, I realized how important it is for us a collection like this for us to know the impact of these healers in our lives.
Some of my favorites are: Faith, Love, Time and Dr. Lazaro by Gregorio Brillantes, and Sandosenang Sapatos by Luis Gatmaitan.
May 16, 2025
4.5/5
Wonderful collection. More thoughts to follow.
April 8
This collection of fictional short stories is absolutely and unapologetically Filipino. I love it and highly recommend it. I found each story captivating and I took the time to annotate, nevert mind my sloppy handwriting marking the crisp pages.
The compelling introduction by Dr. Baticulon promised an interesting lineup of Filipino stories on health and medicine. And it delivered. These are “stories that matter.” The collection presents a wide range of perspectives, family dynamics, cultural practices, and community life. The settings span from the bustling cities to remote areas. The diverse stories cover decades from the 1940s to 2023. The illnesses and health issues presented - some familiar and some are new – are made more interesting by elements of superstition and the supernatural.
I shed heavy tears, especially while reading my two favorites, Sandosenang Sapatos and We Won’t Cry About This. Packing for the Moon and Heartland also tugged at my heartstrings. Pikpik and Dr. Lazaro, along with the rest of the stories, fascinated me in different ways.
I am taking Dr. Evasco’s invitation in the closing chapter to heart: to close-read, delve deeper, and reflect more thoughtfully. She briefly discusses the interplay between health and literature, and indeed, these health-centered stories reveal layers of the human condition. They help us make sense of our lives through the lens of shared experiences.
I can only imagine how devastating it must be to receive news of a serious illness. It changes everything - the person who is sick, the people around them, and the way life moves forward. We all cope in our own ways. The ability to feel emotions is such a gift, fueling us to provide love and support when it’s needed most. And it can be a burden, as the pain can sometimes be unbearable. Yet, somehow, we find the strength to carry on.
These stories may be fiction. But as I read, I contemplated about my own experience- having had to go through 3 medical procedures in the last 7 years. I would also relate to it a neighbor’s medical battle that I knew of. Or I would be reminded of a colleague’s story about a friend of a friend.
I look at all these memories in a new light.
The stories strongly resonated with me as a daughter, a partner, a mother, and a friend.
They inspire love and courage. They ignite hope.
I am definitely up to read more from these authors and editors.
Wonderful collection. More thoughts to follow.
April 8
This collection of fictional short stories is absolutely and unapologetically Filipino. I love it and highly recommend it. I found each story captivating and I took the time to annotate, nevert mind my sloppy handwriting marking the crisp pages.
The compelling introduction by Dr. Baticulon promised an interesting lineup of Filipino stories on health and medicine. And it delivered. These are “stories that matter.” The collection presents a wide range of perspectives, family dynamics, cultural practices, and community life. The settings span from the bustling cities to remote areas. The diverse stories cover decades from the 1940s to 2023. The illnesses and health issues presented - some familiar and some are new – are made more interesting by elements of superstition and the supernatural.
I shed heavy tears, especially while reading my two favorites, Sandosenang Sapatos and We Won’t Cry About This. Packing for the Moon and Heartland also tugged at my heartstrings. Pikpik and Dr. Lazaro, along with the rest of the stories, fascinated me in different ways.
I am taking Dr. Evasco’s invitation in the closing chapter to heart: to close-read, delve deeper, and reflect more thoughtfully. She briefly discusses the interplay between health and literature, and indeed, these health-centered stories reveal layers of the human condition. They help us make sense of our lives through the lens of shared experiences.
I can only imagine how devastating it must be to receive news of a serious illness. It changes everything - the person who is sick, the people around them, and the way life moves forward. We all cope in our own ways. The ability to feel emotions is such a gift, fueling us to provide love and support when it’s needed most. And it can be a burden, as the pain can sometimes be unbearable. Yet, somehow, we find the strength to carry on.
These stories may be fiction. But as I read, I contemplated about my own experience- having had to go through 3 medical procedures in the last 7 years. I would also relate to it a neighbor’s medical battle that I knew of. Or I would be reminded of a colleague’s story about a friend of a friend.
I look at all these memories in a new light.
The stories strongly resonated with me as a daughter, a partner, a mother, and a friend.
They inspire love and courage. They ignite hope.
I am definitely up to read more from these authors and editors.
September 16, 2025
I just finished reading it now. Vital Signs is a masterpiece, the anthology having thought of not only in the standpoint of a doctor, but also that of a patient and his community or the "bantays".
At the afterword, Prof Marj encouraged us to select a favorite story from the thirteen stories in the anthology and do close re-readings. My top three favorites were: "We Won't Cry About This" by Socorro A. Villanueva, "Packing for the Moon" by Dean Francis Alfar, and "Sandosenang Sapatos" by Luis P. Gatmaitan.
These were the stories that really moved me to tears. "We Won't Cry About This"-- I know, contradictory to its title--, I think, made me cry, because it sounded like a dear friend, like I know her, the author, and that I recognized her voice, a friend I could just be getting coffee with at any time of the day. She's telling me her troubles, and putting a humorous spin on it, or masking it with a humorous facade-- the way she described her Ma, their house, the night she partied in Subic, etc. Her words-- they were not too intricate, no flowery descriptions-- but they sounded-- powerful! The rawness of it, the emotions seeping in syllables. It was like a humorous vent, with a sing-song rhythm to it, that can make you laugh or smile a bit. But it breaks my heart, that I wanted to hug her, that I just hugged the book and cried. It was only at the end of the book that I learned that this short story garnered first prize in short story in English last 2022 Palanca Awards and the Best Short Story of the Year in the 2002 NVM Gonzalez Awards. Rightfully so.
"Packing for the Moon" and "Sandosenang Sapatos" were short and sweet. The utter innocence and love these stories portray made me melt. And I could see them as other readers' favorites as well.
I have already read the "The Orchid Of Five Wounds" by Dr. Arturo Rotor and "The Reprieve" by Ma'am Susan Lara before, and I'm glad they're here in the anthology. They really offer a good perspective in our shoes as doctors. I enjoyed the other stories as well as they viewed medicine and healing in different timelines and different beliefs. I guess everyone has their own meaning of healing, and that vital signs can mean differently in the eyes of a healer, a patient and a community.
At the afterword, Prof Marj encouraged us to select a favorite story from the thirteen stories in the anthology and do close re-readings. My top three favorites were: "We Won't Cry About This" by Socorro A. Villanueva, "Packing for the Moon" by Dean Francis Alfar, and "Sandosenang Sapatos" by Luis P. Gatmaitan.
These were the stories that really moved me to tears. "We Won't Cry About This"-- I know, contradictory to its title--, I think, made me cry, because it sounded like a dear friend, like I know her, the author, and that I recognized her voice, a friend I could just be getting coffee with at any time of the day. She's telling me her troubles, and putting a humorous spin on it, or masking it with a humorous facade-- the way she described her Ma, their house, the night she partied in Subic, etc. Her words-- they were not too intricate, no flowery descriptions-- but they sounded-- powerful! The rawness of it, the emotions seeping in syllables. It was like a humorous vent, with a sing-song rhythm to it, that can make you laugh or smile a bit. But it breaks my heart, that I wanted to hug her, that I just hugged the book and cried. It was only at the end of the book that I learned that this short story garnered first prize in short story in English last 2022 Palanca Awards and the Best Short Story of the Year in the 2002 NVM Gonzalez Awards. Rightfully so.
"Packing for the Moon" and "Sandosenang Sapatos" were short and sweet. The utter innocence and love these stories portray made me melt. And I could see them as other readers' favorites as well.
I have already read the "The Orchid Of Five Wounds" by Dr. Arturo Rotor and "The Reprieve" by Ma'am Susan Lara before, and I'm glad they're here in the anthology. They really offer a good perspective in our shoes as doctors. I enjoyed the other stories as well as they viewed medicine and healing in different timelines and different beliefs. I guess everyone has their own meaning of healing, and that vital signs can mean differently in the eyes of a healer, a patient and a community.
June 24, 2025
vital signs is a collection of 13 short stories on healing. told in the context of doctors, patients, and caregivers - it shares with us what experiences are like outside our own, and allows for a greater understanding of the wider conversation surrounding healthcare.
the selected stories span from the years 1940 to 2024 - some even printed with and translated from local Philippine dialects (Tagalog & Bisaya).
a few reading prompts to get you interested:
when you want to curse the world's unfairness, read: packing for the moon by dean francis alfar
when you want to feel familial love, read: sandosenang sapatos by luis p. gatmaitan
when you find yourself doubting age-old traditions and folklore, read: balyan by macario d. tiu
the selected stories span from the years 1940 to 2024 - some even printed with and translated from local Philippine dialects (Tagalog & Bisaya).
a few reading prompts to get you interested:
when you want to curse the world's unfairness, read: packing for the moon by dean francis alfar
when you want to feel familial love, read: sandosenang sapatos by luis p. gatmaitan
when you find yourself doubting age-old traditions and folklore, read: balyan by macario d. tiu
June 26, 2025
This is one of the most impeccably curated anthologies I have ever had the pleasure to read. Granted, I was already a fan of three of the stories, which were first featured, and among my emotionally-charged favorites in The Best Philippine Short Stories of the Twentieth Century, edited by Isagani Cruz: Touch by Lakambini Sitoy, The Reprieve by Susan Lara, and Faith, Love, Time and Dr Lazaro by Gregorio Brilliantes--three formidable yardsticks to go by.
Happily, and I credit the editors Marjorie Evasco and Dr Ronnie Baticulon for this, the other ten selections pack the same emotional, literary punch. Be it about a duwende with a reluctant gift for healing, the sinister but fascinating repercussions of a random pikpik, or the beatific metamorphosis of a young cancer patient's prognosis, each story is written with just the right candor, gravitas, and disarming familiarity, I couldn't help but dispense with disbelief, empathize with the characters, and get caught up in the unfolding of their literary narratives.
Happily, and I credit the editors Marjorie Evasco and Dr Ronnie Baticulon for this, the other ten selections pack the same emotional, literary punch. Be it about a duwende with a reluctant gift for healing, the sinister but fascinating repercussions of a random pikpik, or the beatific metamorphosis of a young cancer patient's prognosis, each story is written with just the right candor, gravitas, and disarming familiarity, I couldn't help but dispense with disbelief, empathize with the characters, and get caught up in the unfolding of their literary narratives.
August 18, 2025
Love the inclusion of Bisaya stories.
May 25, 2025
A truly inspiring collection, these stories offer a beautiful perspective on humanity, blending insights from both science and faith. I especially loved 'Doc Duwende' and 'Sandosenang Sapatos.'
July 28, 2025
Si Yobab Marley is one of my favorite stories in this book. It shows how easily we abandon people when they become a burden to us. The backstory of Yobab Marley really got to me. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews