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jenniferdeguzman's review against another edition
4.0
This is so charming! As a mixed Filipina, I related a lot to Halina’s desire to know more about her culture. The sense of discovery as she explores Manila with Cris made me envious!Cris seems like a somewhat typical early-aughties schlub-with-opinions at first, but Arre develops his character wonderfully. His disputes with Halina don’t feel condescending, and he learns as much as she does. Arre’s cartooning is expressive. He gives everyone life and personality and draws slapstick comedy just as well as quiet romance.
saidtheraina's review
3.0
A jaded film critic and a visiting Fil Am connect in Manila. Lots of integrated Tagalog.
The summary and subtitle "A New Yorker in Manila" gave me the impression that this would center on the titular character. But this is very much from the Cris character's perspective. To the point where it felt very male-gaze/manic pixie dream girly. I liked some of the flaxhback/flashforward business, and the art was great, for the most part. But Halina was objectified in a way that felt out-of-date.
That said, I liked the glimpse into and underrepresented country/city/culture.
The summary and subtitle "A New Yorker in Manila" gave me the impression that this would center on the titular character. But this is very much from the Cris character's perspective. To the point where it felt very male-gaze/manic pixie dream girly. I liked some of the flaxhback/flashforward business, and the art was great, for the most part. But Halina was objectified in a way that felt out-of-date.
That said, I liked the glimpse into and underrepresented country/city/culture.
yannareads's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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? No
3.5
earlapvaldez's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
5.0
shelfcheckout's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
fareehareads's review
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
danicashelflove's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
ganesteh's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I would've liked the story to be less about romance and more about learning about one's own culture and finding one's place in another less familiar place. I also think Cris had some big character flaws that were just brushed off and ignored.