Hagedorn, Uriza-Holthe, Bautista

Admittedly I have only started reading Pinoy authors as they are rather difficult to come by over here. I am curious what you all thought of the following:
The Dogeaters
When the Elephants Dance
Bata Bata Paano Ka Ba Ginawa
I thought the above were really good.

Where is "here," if I may ask? You know, I've long had a copy of Jessica Hagedorn's The Dogeaters, but I've yet to actually read it.

Tell us about them. I've seen the movie adaptation of Bata, and I've been tempted on occasion to buy Hagedorn's books, but for some reason I've never really gone for it.

In what sense is the Dogeaters a good book, in your opinion? Please explain, if only to give me a reason to read her. Thanks!

you try booksale... sometimes they do have some pinoy lit..

got my gangster of love (hagedorn) for P70
and the Caprices (sabina murray) for P140

I liked Dogeaters coz I related to it. The characters were drawn very well, their impressions (the description of the air-conditioned room) were like something from my own memories. The themes were also well explored. I saw the different stories of the seemingly unrelated characters as a microcosm of the Philippines with its problems of prostitution, hopelessness, and cultural inferiority complex. I thought the novel was well developed and smart. However, when I got my book club to read this, they did not enjoy it as much. I still recommend it.