Book Launch: The Patchwork City: Class, Space, and Politics in Metro Manila

On 19 October, Thursday, the Ateneo de Manila University Press held a book launch for the Philippine edition of "The Patchwork City: Class, Space, and Politics in Metro Manila" by Marco Z Garrido, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Chicago.

The book takes a look at how Metro Manila has been fragmented into slums and middle- and upper-class enclaves, with both existing right beside each other. Mr Garrido critically examines this fragmentation and how it affects class relations and politics. He argues that the proximity of these slums and enclaves has exacerbated class tensions.

More importantly, Mr Garrido explores how this divide has been politicized, taking a look at the example of former Philippine President Joseph Estrada – the outpouring of support for him by the lower classes during the "EDSA III" protests following the publication of his mugshot following his arrest in 2001 being one of the catalysts for Mr Garrido starting his research.

Mr Garrido – who shadowed the former President during his reelection campaign in 2010 – explored how Estrada's seeming genuineness made voters from the slums feel respected, explaining their support for him. Mr Garrido argues that it's this respect, or rather the perceived lack of it that people in the lower classes feel as their own living spaces continue to get boxed in by upper- and middle-class enclaves that leads to resentment, which in turn manifests in their political choices to this day.

Also at the book launch was Dr Mary Racelis, who wrote the foreword to the Philippine edition of "The Patchwork City" and who also made the opening remarks at the event. Dr Racelis called the book "academically significant" and lauded Mr Garrido for being able to "really talk to people and represent what they say."

Following the presentation by the author, a lively open forum took place where those present were able to ask questions and discuss topics related to the book. This was followed by a book signing session with Mr Garrido.

You may watch a recording of the event below or on the Ateneo University Press Facebook page.

"The Patchwork City: Class, Space, and Politics in Metro Manila" by Marco Z Garrido is now available for purchase for ₱550 at the Ateneo University Press website as well as its Lazada and Shopee pages.