Reviews

Halina Filipina by Arnold Arre

bookbuyingwithkatie's review

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

krissyfied's review

4.0

Halina Filipina is a simple story that tugs at the heartstrings, brought to life by well-drawn and well-thought-out frames. I enjoyed reading this.

iphios's review

4.0

I have been following Arnold Arre's work since I was a teenager many years ago. Halina Filipina, while not about fantastical picture carries questions about our Culture and how we view it. It holds in it questions of identity, love and connection. It is fascinating to see how deep connections challenge our sense of self and allows us to grow.

tugboat56's review

funny hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

courtonthecob's review

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

The perfect example of slice of life. Simple but complicated and left me wanting even more of Halina and Cris. 

helliepad's review

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The amount of kilig and nostalgia I am feeling right now is absolutely crazy considering how quickly I finished this graphic novel. It is sweet, it is incredibly nice, and yes for all that matters incredibly Pinoy despite the (deliberate) lack of details in the background. I loved the part where Cris translates Torpedo (how fitting) when he's in the middle of a crowd during a heavy rainstorm and flood while Halina is just sitting untouched and comfortable in a concert near her apartment. It's nice.

earldizon's review

4.0

 I enjoyed this Filipino rom-com graphic novel. It may seem like a light fluffy read but the story will stay with you.

And, while some may argue that it's a bit predictable, it's still an enjoyable read.

Halina is a Fil-Am visiting the Philippines trying to connect with her roots. She runs into down-on-his-luck and disillusioned writer Cris. Together, they form a friendship neither of them were anticipating.

A sweet story of finding one's identity and finding love when you least expect it. 

andreareyes's review

4.0

a really fun graphic novel, especially for a fil-am woman like myself. I got annoyed with Cris, but I suspect that has more to do about me than it does with him. Also, beautiful graphics

clauis_lib's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

deirdreanais's review

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0