Freedom is not an absence of restrictions, but the presence of capacities.
Miguel Syjuco – Ilustrado
Freedom’s Essence
F
Miguel Syjuco is a Filipino-Canadian author acclaimed for his debut novel “Ilustrado,” which won the 2008 Man Asian Literary Prize and garnered international recognition. Born in Manila, Syjuco studied at the Ateneo de Manila University and later pursued further studies in the United States and Canada. His writing often explores themes of identity, politics, and the complexities of Filipino history and culture. “Ilustrado” is a metafictional novel that follows the investigation into the mysterious death of Crispin Salvador, a brilliant Filipino writer and political activist. Through a blend of Salvador’s works, interviews, and personal narratives, Syjuco crafts a layered narrative that critiques Philippine society and explores the challenges faced by artists and intellectuals. Syjuco’s literary voice is marked by its wit, insight, and ability to tackle weighty social issues with both humor and depth.