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Bittersweetland
After years in exile, Aaron Guillermo returns to his hometown, Bacolod City. But home is no longer the place he once knew. As he steps back onto familiar soil, he faces the sugar cane crisis on the island of Negros, his father’s growing political ambitions, and an affair that threatens to unravel their family. Thrust into a world of power, corruption, and betrayal, Aaron must navigate the ghosts of his past and the truths of his present. In a foreign and familiar land, his homecoming will change everything he knows about himself, his family, and the life he thought he left behind.
373 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 31, 2026
A holy void. Those who live by the sea must possess a sense of life and death different from those crammed in the city. The sea magnified every fear and every hope. The ancients had guessed heaven as an aqueous substance and the life cycle confirmed their logic. Water evaporates to form an invisible part of the sky in a perpetual process, steam becomes water in completion. The sea and the sky are of the same atom, permeating all existence. The light trace of wind that whistled against his face was the same coarse wind his predecessor dusted off more than a century ago, this Guillermo seeking his fortune in the purple-caned vistas of an alien land. It is the same sea air that will grime the faces of the unborn inheritors of his family name, the same indestructible wind that will whip up the dust from their bones.
Bittersweetland by R. Torres Pandan, a Palanca Grand Prize Awardee in 2022, is set on Negros Island around the aftermath of Ninoy Aquino’s assassination where the political climate was steadily getting more charged ahead of the upcoming 1984 elections, the first one to be held upon the (technical) end of Marcos Sr.’s Martial Law. This was also around the time of the Negros Famine where the foreign capital-dependent, export-oriented monocrop industry of sugar in the island suffered because of a drop in global prices, causing widespread hunger, poverty, and death to the sugar workers. Despite this, the book opens to a world of parties, food, cars, excess, and ambition as we are introduced to the landed and proud haciendero Guillermo clan and the center of the novel, Aaron Guillermo, “rich and young and handsome and intelligent”, who went back to his hometown after years of exile at New York.
It took me around two weeks to finish the novel with its very character-centered progression. In the first chapters, it lingers on building the world and lifestyles of the Guillermos, down to the Spanish-influenced upper-class language, conversational cultural references, and rigid social conventions. Initially, points of view fluidly switch mainly among Aaron, his younger brother Adrian, their father Bill – whose mayoral candidacy sets the political direction of the book, and Baba Lizares, Bill's mistress -- an unassuming yet driving force throughout the story. As the book progresses, it steadily focuses on Aaron. By returning to the province, he gets drawn into the affairs of his family, with all of its mess. A lot of the book’s content is about Aaron’s internal musings on his novel-in-progress, his own ghosts intermingling with his family’s, his failed first marriage and hastily-set second one, and his struggle to decide and take control of his identity and destiny, with heavy influences and pressures around him.
Aaron’s longing to be connected to the land his name holds much power over is expressed by his jogs around the Bacolod city center, visits to their farms, and the coastal areas of the island. These parts I liked as it subtly showed the disconnect between his troubles to those of the people on the ground. The reader watches as the seemingly well-put balikbayan goes into a morally-questionable and at many times, downright head-scratching path that even the family mansion’s white paint that Aaron’s mother desperately checks, couldn’t hide. Even his dreams becoming more and more visceral as his indecision grows deeper, tensions prosper and he discovers that there are reasons why good intentions often fail in the world of politics.
I’d recommend Bittersweetland to those with long patience with studies of troubled characters and those who want to read about the affairs of the alta sociedad during an era of extreme political and economic unrest. My gratitude to the publisher for providing a review copy of a book I’ve been curious about.
There is a grimness in being rich and young and handsome and intelligent. There is no escape. One had to be grateful. Life had given Aaron Guillermo so much and had repaid the generosity with his loneliness, with his obsessive desire to want more.
May 29, 2026
BOOK REVIEW: Bittersweet Land: A Novel by R. Torres Pandan
“We must translate our anger into votes; we must use our tears to ink what we truly believe to be our mandate.”
First of all, thanks to my Bookclub, Talk Bookish To Me PH (@talkbookishtomeph) and Ateneo De Manila University Press (@atwneopress) for the opportunity of reviewing the copy of this novel.
Bittersweet Land is a novel that showcases the beauty of Bacolod City. The author brought me back to a land that I once visited. Negros plays a vital role in my life, as my mother was born and raised there. This is also the reason why I joined the tour.
What I liked most about the book is how it showed me the wonders of this place through its characters. It beautifully portrayed how vibrant Bacolod City is by incorporating Negrense traditions, culture, and heritage through food and local activities, which I think are integral elements of the novel.
Aside from that, the author’s way of weaving words and describing the characters and narratives kept me hooked. Though I must admit that I found the first half of the novel difficult to get through, but when I reached the heart of the plot, I could not help but consume the book voraciously.
The novel also tackles important events that added depth to the setting, especially in relation to the current economic condition of the Philippines (in the aftermath of Ninoy Aquino’s Assassination)
Knowing that Filipinos love family drama, Pandan truly captured my attention through the plot twists embedded in the story. It is an eye-catching topic and something genuinely worth reading.
The political ideologies of the characters also added depth and clarity to what the book aims to portray. The clashes between the characters’ differing beliefs created a strong impact on me as a reader, while also giving me insights into what is happening in our country during the era chosen by the author.
Beyond its depiction of the political climate, culture, and traditions of Bacolod City, the novel also presents a compelling look into the life and dynamics of a local family, especially those who have the means. It highlights how family feuds can spiral into chaos, especially when abuse of power, greed, and envy come into play.
Overall, this book is a must-try novel. The themes and stories written here are truly worth showcasing. As someone who is a fan of Filipino literature that champions our culture and heritage, this is definitely a book that readers should pick up.
Oversll Rating: 3.5
#BittersweetlandBookTour #TBTMPHxADMUPressCollab #TBTMPHBookTour
“We must translate our anger into votes; we must use our tears to ink what we truly believe to be our mandate.”
First of all, thanks to my Bookclub, Talk Bookish To Me PH (@talkbookishtomeph) and Ateneo De Manila University Press (@atwneopress) for the opportunity of reviewing the copy of this novel.
Bittersweet Land is a novel that showcases the beauty of Bacolod City. The author brought me back to a land that I once visited. Negros plays a vital role in my life, as my mother was born and raised there. This is also the reason why I joined the tour.
What I liked most about the book is how it showed me the wonders of this place through its characters. It beautifully portrayed how vibrant Bacolod City is by incorporating Negrense traditions, culture, and heritage through food and local activities, which I think are integral elements of the novel.
Aside from that, the author’s way of weaving words and describing the characters and narratives kept me hooked. Though I must admit that I found the first half of the novel difficult to get through, but when I reached the heart of the plot, I could not help but consume the book voraciously.
The novel also tackles important events that added depth to the setting, especially in relation to the current economic condition of the Philippines (in the aftermath of Ninoy Aquino’s Assassination)
Knowing that Filipinos love family drama, Pandan truly captured my attention through the plot twists embedded in the story. It is an eye-catching topic and something genuinely worth reading.
The political ideologies of the characters also added depth and clarity to what the book aims to portray. The clashes between the characters’ differing beliefs created a strong impact on me as a reader, while also giving me insights into what is happening in our country during the era chosen by the author.
Beyond its depiction of the political climate, culture, and traditions of Bacolod City, the novel also presents a compelling look into the life and dynamics of a local family, especially those who have the means. It highlights how family feuds can spiral into chaos, especially when abuse of power, greed, and envy come into play.
Overall, this book is a must-try novel. The themes and stories written here are truly worth showcasing. As someone who is a fan of Filipino literature that champions our culture and heritage, this is definitely a book that readers should pick up.
Oversll Rating: 3.5
#BittersweetlandBookTour #TBTMPHxADMUPressCollab #TBTMPHBookTour
May 23, 2026
Bittersweetland focuses on Aaron, who has just returned to his homeland, Bacolod City. Set in the era following the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, the land of Negros faces the sugar cane crisis. After a tragic accident in their family, he steps up to fill the shoes of his father, entering the political world and even uncovering those hidden behind the shadows.
I personally picked this book because Negros is the province of my father. The scenes described in the book feel like visiting the vast lands of sugarcane, mountains, and the sea, along with hearing that malambing accent. Some points in the book also seem to reflect the reality of some Negrenses. It highlights the richness of the province’s culture, showing that it is more than just the “City of Smiles.”
The novel allows readers to peep through the world of the elite, where their problems primarily revolve around business stature, political ambition, and influence. Negrense families are closely tied as one huge unit, much like how they are depicted in the book. This allows Aaron’s character to fall into the traps of his own actions as he tries to fill the shoes of his father.
The book might be challenging and unpredictable to read, in the sense that I often questioned the characters’ decisions and wondered whether I had missed something during my reading journey. I even created a family tree to fully immerse myself in the flow of the family interactions. However, the cycle of lives among Bill, Aaron, Baba, Gina, and the rest of the Guillermo and Javellana families is quite intriguing. The way the issue of fidelity is portrayed makes it interesting to question the behavior and motivations of the characters.
I believe that this book focuses on how the unresolved ghosts of the past unconsciously haunt the present. It enables the characters to think beyond reality and confront the consequences of their actions, much like Aaron’s situation.
Negros may be a vast land of sweet tubo, yet it is not exempt from experiencing the bitterness of choices; hence, it is a Bittersweetland.
Rate 3.5
I personally picked this book because Negros is the province of my father. The scenes described in the book feel like visiting the vast lands of sugarcane, mountains, and the sea, along with hearing that malambing accent. Some points in the book also seem to reflect the reality of some Negrenses. It highlights the richness of the province’s culture, showing that it is more than just the “City of Smiles.”
The novel allows readers to peep through the world of the elite, where their problems primarily revolve around business stature, political ambition, and influence. Negrense families are closely tied as one huge unit, much like how they are depicted in the book. This allows Aaron’s character to fall into the traps of his own actions as he tries to fill the shoes of his father.
The book might be challenging and unpredictable to read, in the sense that I often questioned the characters’ decisions and wondered whether I had missed something during my reading journey. I even created a family tree to fully immerse myself in the flow of the family interactions. However, the cycle of lives among Bill, Aaron, Baba, Gina, and the rest of the Guillermo and Javellana families is quite intriguing. The way the issue of fidelity is portrayed makes it interesting to question the behavior and motivations of the characters.
I believe that this book focuses on how the unresolved ghosts of the past unconsciously haunt the present. It enables the characters to think beyond reality and confront the consequences of their actions, much like Aaron’s situation.
Negros may be a vast land of sweet tubo, yet it is not exempt from experiencing the bitterness of choices; hence, it is a Bittersweetland.
Rate 3.5
May 31, 2026
Bittersweetland is a layered work that offers a fascinating look into family, power, and grief within a distinct Filipino setting (a political family in Bacolod).
At first, I found the novel somewhat intimidating. The words used are sometimes foreign and at times almost legalistic? Even as a lawyer myself, there were moments when it felt like I was reading through a particularly complex estate case. But as I got into the story, I began to accept the writing style. At least I got to expand my vocabulary. hehe
What really got to me was how the story slowly unfolds and builds its emotional weight. Without giving too much away, there are key moments that deepen the story and highlight the tensions within the family and their legacy. From there, it becomes more engaging, with a quiet intensity that stays with you.
Having recently visited Bacolod a few months ago and growing up near sugarcane fields, I really appreciated how the setting was described. Pandan captures Negros in a way that feels real and easy to picture. It felt familiar to me, which made the story even more engaging.
One of the things I liked most about the book is its perspective. It was interesting to read about the lives of the privileged class in Bacolod. The novel did not glorify wealth but you just know they were rich-rich and that was not a problem.
What I took from Bittersweetland is that it is, at its core, a story about family, politics, and grief, and how these forces come together to shape the lives of the Guillermo family. As one powerful line in the book says, “You don’t have to be poor to be unhappy,” reminding us that privilege does not protect anyone from pain or loss.
All in all, while the book may require some patience at the beginning, it rewards readers with a thoughtful and deeply reflective experience.
I can’t wait to visit Bacolod again!
At first, I found the novel somewhat intimidating. The words used are sometimes foreign and at times almost legalistic? Even as a lawyer myself, there were moments when it felt like I was reading through a particularly complex estate case. But as I got into the story, I began to accept the writing style. At least I got to expand my vocabulary. hehe
What really got to me was how the story slowly unfolds and builds its emotional weight. Without giving too much away, there are key moments that deepen the story and highlight the tensions within the family and their legacy. From there, it becomes more engaging, with a quiet intensity that stays with you.
Having recently visited Bacolod a few months ago and growing up near sugarcane fields, I really appreciated how the setting was described. Pandan captures Negros in a way that feels real and easy to picture. It felt familiar to me, which made the story even more engaging.
One of the things I liked most about the book is its perspective. It was interesting to read about the lives of the privileged class in Bacolod. The novel did not glorify wealth but you just know they were rich-rich and that was not a problem.
What I took from Bittersweetland is that it is, at its core, a story about family, politics, and grief, and how these forces come together to shape the lives of the Guillermo family. As one powerful line in the book says, “You don’t have to be poor to be unhappy,” reminding us that privilege does not protect anyone from pain or loss.
All in all, while the book may require some patience at the beginning, it rewards readers with a thoughtful and deeply reflective experience.
I can’t wait to visit Bacolod again!
October 20, 2025
I've only been to Bacolod once, and I miss it there. This book made me feel more connected to Bacolod and another version of it would live in my mind. The next time I'm there, this is all I'll ever think about. Such a beautiful book. I'll have Bacolod inasal for dinner tomorrow, thank you tatay ko for sending some over here in Luzon while you're at your month long work trip.
Baba wherever you are, I love you girlie and I feel for you.
I am yet to re-read the last two chapters. As someone who's from the lower middle class, my brain had some sort of stroke trying to understand what (golf) was happening.
Baba wherever you are, I love you girlie and I feel for you.
I am yet to re-read the last two chapters. As someone who's from the lower middle class, my brain had some sort of stroke trying to understand what (golf) was happening.
October 5, 2025
Sweeping, dramatic, a novel to lose yourself in. With complex (and at times infuriating) characters and writing that seeps into your bones, this book made me homesick for Bacolod, my Bittersweetland.
December 25, 2025
Very slowburn. Lowkey reminded me of Ian McEwan for some reason. A lot of parties, politicking, fancy family gatherings, and balls before it reached the story’s many turning points. The number of characters introduced immediately in the early pages were quite overwhelming … although tolerable. The prose was exquisite, had to consult the dictionary from here and then because the language is just expensive, which I guess mirrors the setting, high-society vibe, and narrative that the author was intentionally trying to build.
The banters and dialogues were very smooth and enjoying to read. I would say the book was more character-driven, and the plot, although was there, did not matter as much as the development — or should I say regress — of the main character throughout the story. The novel was able to present a clear external conflict, but instead focused on an internal one. Quite a missed opportunity???
It was equally exhausting and fascinating to follow the story and character who was so unpredictable, tender in some moments and creepily violent in the others. Haunted by ghosts and nightmares, the novel explored how a person confronts moral, personal, and spiritual scruples, negotiating his position on matters that may or may not matter to him.
In the latter pages of the novel, it felt like I was following a man slowly crashing out, fighting his own moral and mental decay. Ultimately, the ending tied everything together and I’m glad that this also turned out to be a bittersweet read.
Too bad I got to visit Bacolod months after reading this.
The banters and dialogues were very smooth and enjoying to read. I would say the book was more character-driven, and the plot, although was there, did not matter as much as the development — or should I say regress — of the main character throughout the story. The novel was able to present a clear external conflict, but instead focused on an internal one. Quite a missed opportunity???
It was equally exhausting and fascinating to follow the story and character who was so unpredictable, tender in some moments and creepily violent in the others. Haunted by ghosts and nightmares, the novel explored how a person confronts moral, personal, and spiritual scruples, negotiating his position on matters that may or may not matter to him.
In the latter pages of the novel, it felt like I was following a man slowly crashing out, fighting his own moral and mental decay. Ultimately, the ending tied everything together and I’m glad that this also turned out to be a bittersweet read.
Too bad I got to visit Bacolod months after reading this.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews