‘Gates of hell? Pinoys know better’

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang expressed confidence yesterday that Filipinos and foreign tourists alike know the difference between fact and fiction regarding the real state of Manila.

Palace officials believe the public will see through the fabrication of author Dan Brown, who described Manila as the “gates of hell,” in his new book “Inferno.”

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said nobody knows Manila better than Filipinos themselves, even as Brown – author of the “Da Vinci Code” – had made inaccurate descriptions of the country’s capital.

She said foreign tourists who visited Manila have agreed with the Department of Tourism’s slogan that “it’s more fun in the Philippines.”

“We trust that ordinary readers will give more weight to the testimonials of real people who have enjoyed their stay here in our beautiful country over the experiences of a fictional character whose narrative is written for maximum effect,” she said.

Chairman Francis Tolentino of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority described as “inaccurate” Brown’s description of Manila and even wrote a letter informing the author that his depictions were disappointing even if part of fiction.

“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 with how you have used Manila as a venue and source of a character’s breakdown and trauma, much more her disillusionment in humanity,” he said. Tolentino defended Metro Manila as a “center 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 failed to acknowledge. Truly, our place is an entry to heaven,” he said. Tolentino, whose agency is in charge of cleaning and beautifying Manila as well as prevent floods and manage traffic, invited Brown to visit the Philippine capital. 

Yahoo News reported that cultural activist Carlos Celdran urged Filipinos to remain calm and get their act together amidst the controversy over Brown’s description of Manila.

“Considering the pagka-pikon ng mga Pinoy (sore-headedness of Filipinos), I can’t blame them also because the reason why they’re so pikon is because they’re helpless in changing our city,” said Celdran, a popular tour guide in Manila.

“Ang gulo talaga ng Maynila (Manila is really confusing). Kung may confidence ang mga Pilipino or Manileños in changing our city, I don’t think we’d be so pikon,” he said.

He, however, reminded Brown that the US had a lot to do with the current state of Manila since American forces bombed the city in 1945, leaving the Philippine capital the most devastated place after Warsaw during the second World War.

Celdran conceded that some parts of Manila are close to Dan Brown’s description: “Talagang gate of hell ang Tondo at Ermita compared to Fort Bonifacio and Makati.”

“I really think we should start concentrating in fixing Manila. ’Yun talaga ngayon ang big challenge ni Erap Estrada (newly elected Mayor Joseph Estrada),” he continued.

“The moment we fix Tondo, Manila, Ermita and Malate, gates of hell won’t happen anymore. Because the world will always judge us by the old Manila, not the newer parts of Manila.”