Freedom is not an absence of restrictions, but the presence of capacities.
Miguel Syjuco – Ilustrado
Freedom’s Essence
F
“Ilustrado” by Miguel Syjuco is a complex and innovative novel that unfolds as a literary mystery and exploration of Filipino identity and history. The story centers on the death of Crispin Salvador, a renowned Filipino writer and intellectual, whose life and works serve as a lens through which the protagonist, Miguel Syjuco (a fictionalized version of the author), investigates the truth behind Salvador’s demise. Through a collage of narratives, including excerpts from Salvador’s writings, interviews, and Syjuco’s own reflections, the novel weaves together multiple layers of storytelling and historical critique. Syjuco skillfully blends satire, humor, and introspection to illuminate the contradictions and challenges faced by contemporary Philippines, while also probing the complexities of art, ambition, and personal legacy.