COVER REVEAL: TRESE as Philosophy

Aletheia Publishing is thrilled to officially unveil the cover design of its forthcoming title, TRESE as Philosophy: Living Among the Creatures of the Night. This groundbreaking work marks the inaugural volume in our new series, Pinoy Pop Culture as Philosophy — the first of its kind in the Philippines to apply the “as philosophy” approach to local works of popular culture.

The cover features Alexandra Trese, the iconic protagonist of the acclaimed Trese komik series created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo. Inspired by Greek Orthodox icons, the design juxtaposes a radiant halo with Trese’s distinctive horn-shaped hairline, symbolizing the tension and harmony between good and evil, light and shadow, and Alexandra’s ongoing journey to navigate both realms.

Rendered in striking black and white (similar to Kajo Baldisimo’s distinct artistic style in the komiks), the visual captures the profound duality of good and evil at the heart of the Trese universe and philosophy itself. It invites reflection on one of humanity’s oldest questions: how do we discern right and wrong in a world where both often coexist in shades of gray?

“The Greek iconography makes sense in the context of the book,” said Trese co-creator and writer Budjette Tan.

Pinoy Pop Culture as Philosophy aims to make philosophy more accessible by philosophizing about Filipino popular culture. It supports the claim that numerous works in Filipino popular culture are philosophical and, thus, worthy of philosophical investigation. In this perspective, creators are "not only inspired by philosophy, or use ideas they learned in philosophy class, but they can convey philosophical points, raise philosophical questions, and even make philosophical arguments [thus] the works they produce can be philosophy, and as a result are worth philosophical examination," as noted in The Palgrave Handbook of Popular Culture as Philosophy (edited by David Kyle Johnson, 2023, xiii). 

TRESE as Philosophy is edited by Leander Marquez and has a foreword by Budjette Tan. It will be released in November 2025, and pre-orders will be announced soon.

(Special thanks to the creators Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, as well as 19th Avenida Publishing House, for their permission to use the Trese logo and the image of Alexandra Trese.)

Aletheia Publishing Turns 10!

This day marks a decade of thoughtful publishing and truth-seeking with Aletheia, sharing works in philosophy, theology, social sciences, and literature. For ten years, Aletheia Publishing has been dedicated to uplifting local voices, celebrating diverse perspectives, and nurturing Mindanao's rich intellectual and cultural landscape.

As a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported their publications over the years, Aletheia is offering a 10% discount on all listed items in their online store from Oct. 14 until Oct. 31. Visit their Shopee store here. 

Radical Sharing & Revolutionary Solidarity by Fr. Elton Viagedor, OFM Nominated as Finalist in 19th Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards

Aletheia Publishing proudly congratulates Fr. Elton L. Viagedor, OFM, on his book's nomination as a Finalist for the 19th Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards in the Theology Category.

In his book Radical Sharing and Revolutionary Solidarity: Economic Ethics in the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Viagedor explores how the Gospel of Luke presents the Kingdom of God as a radical alternative to the exploitative political and economic systems of the Roman Empire. Through careful analysis of Luke’s narratives and parables, the author emphasizes the theological message and socio-economic implications of the Kingdom of God, challenging entrenched structures of wealth and power and uncovering a consistent ethic of radical sharing, hospitality, and revolutionary solidarity. This economic ethics envisions a community where the hungry are fed, the poor are uplifted, and possessions are shared for the common good. Moving from the first century to the present, the book also engages contemporary realities, offering missiological and pastoral recommendations for the Church today, particularly within the Philippine context. In a world scarred by inequality and consumerism, this book hopes to inspire the Church and its people to embody God’s economy of grace.

In the book's foreword, Most Rev. Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle writes:

"This book prompts us to reflect on our own understanding of wealth, and challenges us to consider what Scriptures, specifically the Lukan accounts, reveal in terms of the ideal Christian attitude and disposition toward material resources. As Fr. Elton patiently delves into the Scriptural accounts and draws out insights, the reader is gently led to engage with questions that resonate deeply in our contemporary context, both personal and collective. Part of that context is the predominance today of the neo-liberal capitalist framework and, among Christians, the misappropriation of the Bible to justify a money-oriented ideology."

Radical Sharing and Revolutionary Solidarity: Economic Ethics in the Gospel of Luke is among two other finalists in the Theology Category, namely The Grace of Vocation in the Spiritual Exercises: A Theological Exploration of Its Dynamic as Call to Conversion, Commitment and Communion by Jose V.C. Quilongquilong, SJ, and The Great Catholic Tradition of Social Concern: An Introduction to Catholic Social Thought by Ferdinand Santos. Both books are published by Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.

This is the second time Aletheia Publishing has been nominated for the Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards, which is already a win for an independent publisher of philosophy and theology books.

The winners will be announced at the 19th CSCB Award Ceremonies on September 11, 2025, at 3:30 PM, at the Stage Area, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, during the Manila International Book Fair.

Read about the 19th Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards announcement of finalists here.

Click here to purchase Fr. Elton Viagedor's book in our Shopee store.

New Release: Upcoming Aletheia Theology Book Endorsed by Cardinal Tagle

Aletheia Publishing is proud to announce the upcoming release of its new title under the Aletheia Theology Series titled Radical Sharing and Revolutionary Solidarity: Economic Ethics in the Gospel of Luke by Fr. Elton L. Viagedor, OFM.

In the book's foreword, Most Rev. Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle writes:

"This book prompts us to reflect on our own understanding of wealth, and challenges us to consider what Scriptures, specifically the Lukan accounts, reveal in terms of the ideal Christian attitude and disposition toward material resources. As Fr. Elton patiently delves into the Scriptural accounts and draws out insights, the reader is gently led to engage with questions that resonate deeply in our contemporary context, both personal and collective. Part of that context is the predominance today of the neo-liberal capitalist framework and, among Christians, the misappropriation of the Bible to justify a money-oriented ideology."

Call for Book Chapters: TRESE as Philosophy

Calling all fans of TRESE and philosophy: here's the ultimate opportunity to merge your passions! This book project aims to explore the philosophical depths of TRESE, the acclaimed comic book series created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, and its subsequent Netflix anime adaptation. From its rich mythology and ethical dilemmas to its exploration of justice, family, and the supernatural, Trese offers a rich ground for philosophical examination. Whether you want to delve into existential themes, cultural identity, or metaphysical questions raised by the series, this is your chance to contribute. Scan the QR Code or click here for details and submission guidelines.

Special thanks to: Avenida Books, Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo for the use of the Trese logo.