Manila: Descent into ‘Inferno’ or entrance to heaven?

Manila: Metro Manila Chairman Francis Tolentino has aired his objection to a depiction made by novelist Dan Brown on the country’s key city, saying that the description was “innacurate.”

Tolentino, in a letter to Brown, said the novelist’s description of Manila in his latest novel, ‘Inferno’ was disappointing.

“While we are aware that yours is a work of fiction, we are greatly disappointed by your inaccurate portrayal of our beloved metropolis. We are displeased of how you have used Manila as a venue and source of character’s breakdown and trauma, much more her disillusionment in humanity,” Tolentino said in the letter dated May 23.

In his novel, Brown, who authored other best sellers touching the subject of religion such as the ‘Da Vinci Code’ and ‘Angels and Demons,’ had described Metro Manila as the “Gates of Hell.”

“We write to you with much concern regarding your recently published novel ‘Inferno’ and its mention of Manila being defined by a number of terrible descriptions of poverty, and pollution, among others, having suffocating pollution, and a horrifying sex trade and worse, being alluded as ‘gates of hell,’” Tolentino said.

Reports said that in the latest Brown novel, the lead character, Sienna Brooks had taken part in a humanitarian mission to Manila and was shocked by the scope of poverty he had witnessed.

The novel also mentions the city’s monumental traffic jams, urban blight among others.

Stung by Brown’s depiction in the fictional work, Tolentino, in his letter defended that contrary to being the “Gates of Hell” Metro Manila, he said, is the “centre of Filipino spirit, faith and hope.”

“Our faith in God binds us as a nation and we believe that Manila citizens are more than capable of exemplifying good character and compassion towards each other, something that your novel has failed to acknowledge. Truly, our place is an entry to heaven,” according to Tolentino.

“We hope that this letter enlightens you and may guide you the next time you cite Manila in any of your works,” he added.

Observers said that Tolentino should not take offence of a description from a novel, after all it is a work of “fiction.”

Metro Manila residents on the other hand said that Brown is merely stating the obvious with his literary opus.

“Six-hour traffic jams in Metro Manila may be an overstatement. Four hours would be more realistic,” said an office worker who commutes daily.