ROME, Italy — A memorable evening for Philippine literature unfolded Monday at the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy, where the Italian editions of two landmark Filipino works, Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and Nick Joaquin's Tropical Gothic, were formally launched.
The event was attended by representatives from the embassy, members of the Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista, members of the Philippine Chambers of Commerce in Italy (PCCI), several cultural associations, International Migrants School, students, and members of both the Filipino and Italian communities.
Neal Imperial, ambassador of the Philippines to Italy, opened the program, highlighted the significance of the two books in the nation's history and literary heritage.
He recalled Rizal's travels to Italy, emphasizing how the country was part of the national hero's journey before creating his seminal work, Noli Me Tangere, that played an instrumental role in inspiring the 1986 Philippine revolution against Spain.
"Rizal first visited Italy on June 11, 1882. He visited Naples, Turin, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome. It was in Madrid that Rizal wrote the first part of Noli Me Tangere. The book was first published in Berlin in 1887 in the Spanish language," Imperial said.
The Philippine ambassador also underscored the literary significance of Tropical Gothic, which blends mythology, history, culture, and mystery within a uniquely Filipino context. Both books, he added, confront themes of colonialism and history—making them vital cultural bridges between the Philippines and Italy.
"This book launching is not only a tribute to two great Filipino writers but also a deeper cultural link between the Filipino and Italian peoples," he stated.
Italians readers of Noli
For Guido del Duca, publisher of both titles under Landscape Books, the launch was particularly meaningful as it coincided with the publishing house's 10th anniversary.
He shared that it had been two years since they first "discovered" Rizal and recognized the importance of his literary contributions.
"Italian readers responded positively to the Italian edition of Noli Me Tangere. And this year, we were once again given the prestigious opportunity to publish a second Filipino masterpiece," he said.
Del Duca added that presenting the Philippines through these works is an honor—showcasing the era of Rizal in the late 19th century and the modern complexity of Filipino literature through Nick Joaquin.
Readings from both works
The program featured live readings from both books, with Rev. Fr. Albert Alejo delivering selected passages from the Noli Me Tangere Tagalog translation.
Consul LV De Guzman, meanwhile, read excerpts in English from Tropical Gothic.
Local translators also presented portions of their Italian translations of both Noli Me Tangere and Tropical Gothic.
Celebrating Filipino culture
The event concluded with a ceremonial presentation of the two books to Imperial, symbolizing the Embassy's continuing efforts to promote cultural and literary exchange between the Philippines and Italy.
Members of the Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista also expressed their joy at the availability of an Italian edition of Noli Me Tangere, which they believe will further spread appreciation for Rizal's role in awakening Filipino nationalism.
Publishing, translation initiatives
The Italian edition of Tropical Gothic was published by Landscape Books, a beneficiary of the Philippine government's translation subsidy program.
This initiative forms part of the national effort connected to the Philippines' role as guest of honor at the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse or the Frankfurt Book Fair, held in October 2025, a key milestone in elevating Philippine literature to the global stage.
READ: What's next after Philippines' guest of honor role at Frankfurt Book Fair?
With the continued translation and publication of Filipino works into various languages, advocates of Philippine literature expressed hope that more Italian readers will gain a deeper understanding of the country's history, struggles, and identity. — VDV, GMA Integrated News