'Mga Ibong Mandaragit' by Amado V. Hernandez released in English by Penguin Books

“Mga Ibong Mandaragit,” the classic 1969 novel by Amado V. Hernandez, was the latest book to be translated into English and released by publishing company Penguin Books.

According to an announcement by Penguin SEA on Facebook, the official translation “The Preying Birds” by Danton Remoto was authorized by Hernandez’s family and estate.

Recognized as Hernandez's masterpiece, the novel follows Mando Plaridel who starts out as Andoy, a houseboy of the powerful and wealthy Montero family. A hard worker who gets himself a good education, he later becomes known as the brave editor of the Kampilan newspaper after the war. Mando soon becomes involved with the farmers and their problems from the abusive Monteros.

“Told from an omniscient point of view, Hernandez is able to enter the consciousness of the wealthy characters. He shows how the ruling classes—the politicians, landowners, judges, deputies and the bishops—only protect their own interests, that is why they do not want to change the status quo,” the announcement said. “The novel implies that change can only begin when the eyes of society have finally been opened.”

Other Filipino novels released by Penguin are “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” by Jose Rizal, “The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic” by Nick Joaquin, “Doveglion” by Jose Garcia Villa, and “Banaag at Sikat” by Lope K. Santos. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News