Kung May Sining Sa Pagkabulok is a collection of stories exploring the social cancers plaguing Filipinos. Alongside other featured authors, Erik Guzman Pingol gathered five unique stories, each illustrated and told in a compact yet rich style. From normalized killing to never-ending cycles, the collection leaves us pondering the state of our nation while inspiring us to take initiative and lead our country towards a brighter tomorrow.

Mga Abel, Mga Cain

Written by Pingol, Mga Abel, Mga Cain references the Biblical figures of the same name—and their story. It is a chilling tale centered around unchecked murder—of young and old men and women, for ambitious purposes, for monetary compensation, or mere sport and show of power. The art style amplifies it to an unnerving degree, using black-and-white illustrations and symbolism to highlight the normalization of killings in Philippine society. In the addendum, Pingol mentions a particular case of police brutality and former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s extrajudicial killings that inspired him to write the story, citing the indifference of some social media users to have disturbed him.

Mga Abel, Mga Cain underscores the reality of uncontrolled killings amongst Filipinos—and the apathy and ignorance held by some countrymen on the spilled blood of their own. It is an interesting first read, setting the solemn tone for the rest of the collection.

Mula kay Tandang Iskong Basahan: Mga Tagpi-Tagping Alaala

Originally written by Jun Cruz Reyes then reinterpreted and illustrated by Pingol, Mula Kay Tandang Iskong Basahan: Mga Tagpi-tagping Alaala tells the story of an impoverished rag vendor. Depressingly gritty, it captures the stresses and fears of poverty and the pain and injustice that loom over the poor, following them like a shadow. Tandang Iskong Basahan’s character is tragic, tugging at the reader’s heartstrings while inviting them to contemplate the burdens of the needy. In a few pages, the monotone illustrations succinctly convey the hardships and woe of Tandang Iskong Basahan, a tale that may be all too familiar for some. 

Mula Kay Tandang Iskong Basahan: Mga Tagpi-tagping Alaala is a tearful short story that shows the struggles of poverty through the tragic experiences of a rag seller and is a worthy addition to the collection.

Impeng Negro

Originally written by Rogelio Sikat and adapted and illustrated by Pingol, Impeng Negro follows Impen, a young boy who is bullied for his dark complexion. While this adaptation by Pingol is shortened, it still retains its message of resistance against oppression and adversity. 

Unlike some of the stories in this collection, Impeng Negro is an optimistic tale where the downtrodden find the strength not only to resist but to break the cycle and the system that cripples them. Its illustrations enhance the story's atmosphere, showing the grand rise of Impen as he discovers might within him.

Impeng Negro is another excellent read. It sets a more hopeful view amidst suppression and difficult circumstances, encouraging the reader to be like Impen, to exchange blood for honor.

Isang Di Nakikitang Kaingin

Written by Pingol, Isang Di Nakikitang Kaingin is dedicated to all Filipinos whose voices have been ignored and forgotten, whose testimonies have been erased, and whose faces blurred until unrecognizable. The story follows a fast food worker and her horrifyingly strange encounter, which scars her, but her worries only reach uninterested ears. Its drawings are standard for the collection, save for a scene that can be shocking at first view.

Isang Di Nakikitang Kaingin is the fourth entry and, like the previous stories, speaks of a social cancer in Philippine society. It invites readers to reflect on the importance of their voice, and the voices of others.

Hinagpis

The last and the longest in the collection, Hinagpis, written also by Pingol, is primarily about cycles, with supporting themes of social inequality and the damages left by our history. Our society is plagued by rotten systems, where we repeat and fall into routine, never-changing and static. And yet, there is hope for us, even if it takes multiple lifetimes. Its illustrations are unique for the collection, using fantastical elements and symbolisms, contrasting the horror-like or realistic designs of the previous stories.

Hinagpis calls on us to fill the holes of our nation using our very selves and to reclaim what rot has taken from our lands.

Kung May Sining Sa Pagkabulok: Hinagpis at Iba Pang Kuwento is available in online shops such as Lazada and Shopee and local bookstores like Solidaridad.