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Saul Hofileña Jr.
Saul Hofileña Jr. graduated from the Ateneo College of Law in 1985. He has taught various subjects at the San Beda College of Law in Manila and in Alabang and at the Centro Escolar University in Makati. He was also a former law dean and was a Pre- Bar Reviewer in San Beda University in Manila. He now lectures to lawyers in the MCLE Program.
Services
Counting Filipinos (2025)
Hardcover and Softcover, 458 pages.
“An enigmatic writer surrounded by books and ancient manuscripts, I sometimes say in jest that should he suddenly disappear, we must look for the highest pile of books under which we’ll find his body. Hofileña’s prose is far from cumbersome. His body of work, including law books, is riveting, even for non-academics. Hofileña is the only author I know who can make the census delightful reading.” — Dr. Bernardita Reyes Churchill, Ph.D.
“Saul Hofileña Jr. presents Philippine history beyond the information found in our history books. These chapters of the past provide us the inside stories that add color and texture to the words found in documents and books. It is history on a different level.” — Dr. Jose Victor Z. Torres, Ph.D.
“Lawyer and bibliophile, Hofileña is the right historian to give us a unique perspective of our past while also providing us with hitherto not so known narratives, as he had done so in the past. This book is bound to be a classic.” — Dr. Xiao Chua, Ph.D.
“In Hofileña is a driven and restless intelligence. That is what intelligence should be.” — National Artist Dr. Resil B. Mojares, Ph.D.
“In these days of tomfoolery, we need men who love to read books, documents, and resolve historical issues so we can learn more about the events that shaped us, the people who oppressed and betrayed us, defended and fought for us. We need historians to tell us about our heroes and villains, without fear or prejudice. Hofileña is one such person whose works deserve to be read and studied. Like Under the Stacks, his first history book, Counting Filipinos will surely be another bestseller.” — Gemma Cruz-Araneta
“Containing a compendium of his latest studies on various aspects of our history, Saul Hofileña Jr.’s book is truly a welcome development in Philippine historical scholarship. Indeed, his insights offer not only additional details but also major shifts in the narrative’s trajectory from a Filipino point of view.” — Dr. Danilo Gerona, Ph.D.
“In the war for our nation’s memories, Hofileña is winning.” — Dr. Francis M. Navarro, Ph.D.
“An enigmatic writer surrounded by books and ancient manuscripts, I sometimes say in jest that should he suddenly disappear, we must look for the highest pile of books under which we’ll find his body. Hofileña’s prose is far from cumbersome. His body of work, including law books, is riveting, even for non-academics. Hofileña is the only author I know who can make the census delightful reading.” — Dr. Bernardita Reyes Churchill, Ph.D.
“Saul Hofileña Jr. presents Philippine history beyond the information found in our history books. These chapters of the past provide us the inside stories that add color and texture to the words found in documents and books. It is history on a different level.” — Dr. Jose Victor Z. Torres, Ph.D.
“Lawyer and bibliophile, Hofileña is the right historian to give us a unique perspective of our past while also providing us with hitherto not so known narratives, as he had done so in the past. This book is bound to be a classic.” — Dr. Xiao Chua, Ph.D.
“In Hofileña is a driven and restless intelligence. That is what intelligence should be.” — National Artist Dr. Resil B. Mojares, Ph.D.
“In these days of tomfoolery, we need men who love to read books, documents, and resolve historical issues so we can learn more about the events that shaped us, the people who oppressed and betrayed us, defended and fought for us. We need historians to tell us about our heroes and villains, without fear or prejudice. Hofileña is one such person whose works deserve to be read and studied. Like Under the Stacks, his first history book, Counting Filipinos will surely be another bestseller.” — Gemma Cruz-Araneta
“Containing a compendium of his latest studies on various aspects of our history, Saul Hofileña Jr.’s book is truly a welcome development in Philippine historical scholarship. Indeed, his insights offer not only additional details but also major shifts in the narrative’s trajectory from a Filipino point of view.” — Dr. Danilo Gerona, Ph.D.
“In the war for our nation’s memories, Hofileña is winning.” — Dr. Francis M. Navarro, Ph.D.
Under The Stacks (2022)
Softcover, 9″ x 6″, 460 pages
An award-winning and best-selling book on Philippine history.
Now on its third edition.
“Some of the essays in this book are packed with historical dynamite . . . this is precisely what we need to rouse the dead souls among us from
their colonial stupor.” — Carmen Guerrero Nakpil
“These precious nuggets from our past . . . impart to us a better understanding of
ourselves and priceless insights in the creation of our nation.” — National Artist F. Sionil Jose
An award-winning and best-selling book on Philippine history.
Now on its third edition.
“Some of the essays in this book are packed with historical dynamite . . . this is precisely what we need to rouse the dead souls among us from
their colonial stupor.” — Carmen Guerrero Nakpil
“These precious nuggets from our past . . . impart to us a better understanding of
ourselves and priceless insights in the creation of our nation.” — National Artist F. Sionil Jose
Vestments of the Golden Leaf (2014)
Hardcover, Coffee table book, 11” x 10.5”, 293 pages
Cigarette wrappers as a serious historical body of research. “This
book is an invaluable source of information about manufacturing and
marketing in colonial Philippines, as well as the commercial use of our
exuberant art forms.” – Carmen Guerrero Nakpil.
“When I was a boy, my relatives—all of them tenant farmers—raised tobacco after the rice harvest in October. They were not the Virginia variety for cigarettes—they were big plants that grew to be as tall as I, with big wide leaves which were feasted on by small green worms that I was instructed to find and squeeze. The leaves were plucked when they started to yellow; they were then strung together on bamboo sticks and dried under the houses. When finally dry, they were carted off to the Tabacalera bodega at the edge of our town. My grandmother kept some of the dried tobacco which she handrolled into cigars that she and my grandfather smoked. She also kept some for chewing with the betel nut. My mother did not smoke cigars—she preferred the long La Yebana brand of cigarette—the lighted end inside her mouth. With us in the Ilokos region, tobacco is as much a part of our lives like rice. Later on, reading our history, I came to learn about the tobacco monopoly which the Spaniards controlled. Now comes the distinguished lawyer-historian, Saul Hofileña, Jr. with this elegantly printed book, Vestments of the Golden Leaf, which is a pleasure to read.
For history buffs, for instance, it narrates with precious attention to detail the entry of “the weed” into the country. Startling glimpses of the past, how the plant was tended, traded, are supplemented with statistics and photographs. And finally, it’s all here—the pictures in color of the labels, of the tobacco products as they were sold here and abroad, illustrating Philippine scenes, period calligraphy and types—it is simply amazing how author Hofileña gathered this exotica which is also a record of Filipino life of a bygone era.
I recommend this book to all collectors of important Philippine publications.” —National Artist F. Sionil Jose
Cigarette wrappers as a serious historical body of research. “This
book is an invaluable source of information about manufacturing and
marketing in colonial Philippines, as well as the commercial use of our
exuberant art forms.” – Carmen Guerrero Nakpil.
“When I was a boy, my relatives—all of them tenant farmers—raised tobacco after the rice harvest in October. They were not the Virginia variety for cigarettes—they were big plants that grew to be as tall as I, with big wide leaves which were feasted on by small green worms that I was instructed to find and squeeze. The leaves were plucked when they started to yellow; they were then strung together on bamboo sticks and dried under the houses. When finally dry, they were carted off to the Tabacalera bodega at the edge of our town. My grandmother kept some of the dried tobacco which she handrolled into cigars that she and my grandfather smoked. She also kept some for chewing with the betel nut. My mother did not smoke cigars—she preferred the long La Yebana brand of cigarette—the lighted end inside her mouth. With us in the Ilokos region, tobacco is as much a part of our lives like rice. Later on, reading our history, I came to learn about the tobacco monopoly which the Spaniards controlled. Now comes the distinguished lawyer-historian, Saul Hofileña, Jr. with this elegantly printed book, Vestments of the Golden Leaf, which is a pleasure to read.
For history buffs, for instance, it narrates with precious attention to detail the entry of “the weed” into the country. Startling glimpses of the past, how the plant was tended, traded, are supplemented with statistics and photographs. And finally, it’s all here—the pictures in color of the labels, of the tobacco products as they were sold here and abroad, illustrating Philippine scenes, period calligraphy and types—it is simply amazing how author Hofileña gathered this exotica which is also a record of Filipino life of a bygone era.
I recommend this book to all collectors of important Philippine publications.” —National Artist F. Sionil Jose
International Law (2016)
Hardcover, 9” x 6”, 618 pages
A textbook on International Law.
A textbook on International Law.
International Law A Pre-Bar Reviewer (2018)
Softcover, 9” x 6”, 178 pages
The most popular pre-bar reviewer on International Law.
The most popular pre-bar reviewer on International Law.
International Extradition (2020)
Hardcover, 9” X 6”, 176 pages
A book on International Extradition written by Saul and Daniel Soriano Hofileña.
A book on International Extradition written by Saul and Daniel Soriano Hofileña.
Turmoil at the South China Sea
Softcover, 9” x 6”, 90 pages
Philippines v. China is considered the most important case involving international law in this century, and probably in the next. We have tried to make the ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal understandable and simple even to non-lawyers, and that was the most difficult part of writing this book.
Philippines v. China is considered the most important case involving international law in this century, and probably in the next. We have tried to make the ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal understandable and simple even to non-lawyers, and that was the most difficult part of writing this book.
The Sanctity of Treaties (2018)
Softcover, 9” x 6”
Paper presented at the Asian Law and Economics Forum, Singapore Academy of Law, Republic of Singapore.
Paper presented at the Asian Law and Economics Forum, Singapore Academy of Law, Republic of Singapore.
Luna Arquitecto (2021)
Softcover, 9” x 6”, 222 pages
A biography of Andres Luna de San Pedro. “The only son of the great painter Juan Luna and Paz Pardo de Tavera of the renowned Pardo de
Tavera family… he carved out for himself a body of work that makes him a major figure in the history of Philippine architecture.” – National Artist Resil Mojares
A biography of Andres Luna de San Pedro. “The only son of the great painter Juan Luna and Paz Pardo de Tavera of the renowned Pardo de
Tavera family… he carved out for himself a body of work that makes him a major figure in the history of Philippine architecture.” – National Artist Resil Mojares
Hocus (2017)
Hardcover, Coffee table book,
11” x 10.5”, 63 pages
This book is about the Hofileña-Custodio paintings exhibited at the National Art Gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines from April 18, 2017 to October 29, 2017.
In fine, most of the paintings ae allegorical, using characters and events to unveil what has been hidden from us by religious fervor. I will say nothing further and let the HOCUS paintings speak for themselves. The paintings tell our story as a people—why we are who we are. We are the story that we tell.
Several paintings in this book are now on permanent display at the National Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of the Philippines.
11” x 10.5”, 63 pages
This book is about the Hofileña-Custodio paintings exhibited at the National Art Gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines from April 18, 2017 to October 29, 2017.
In fine, most of the paintings ae allegorical, using characters and events to unveil what has been hidden from us by religious fervor. I will say nothing further and let the HOCUS paintings speak for themselves. The paintings tell our story as a people—why we are who we are. We are the story that we tell.
Several paintings in this book are now on permanent display at the National Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of the Philippines.
Quadricula (HOCUS II) (2018)
Softcover, Coffee table book,
11” x 10.5”, 150 pages
The Hofileña-Custodio paintings exhibited at the National Art Gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines from September 15, 2019 to March 15, 2020. Some of the paintings in this book are on permanent exhibit at the National Museum of Anthropology of the Republic of the Philippines. “Quadricula’s visually provocative images might deprive you of your peace of mind. The new collection is by the Anghel de Cuyacuy, that is, the HOfileña and CUStodio combine, a historical first in the world of art and history.” — Gemma Cruz Araneta
“Lending years of wisdom and skill, slowly revealing the dignity and strength still hidden in the roots of slavery. Academics would call this ‘a new narrative’ of indio history. I call it creating new history.” — Sylvia Mayuga
11” x 10.5”, 150 pages
The Hofileña-Custodio paintings exhibited at the National Art Gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines from September 15, 2019 to March 15, 2020. Some of the paintings in this book are on permanent exhibit at the National Museum of Anthropology of the Republic of the Philippines. “Quadricula’s visually provocative images might deprive you of your peace of mind. The new collection is by the Anghel de Cuyacuy, that is, the HOfileña and CUStodio combine, a historical first in the world of art and history.” — Gemma Cruz Araneta
“Lending years of wisdom and skill, slowly revealing the dignity and strength still hidden in the roots of slavery. Academics would call this ‘a new narrative’ of indio history. I call it creating new history.” — Sylvia Mayuga
Juicio Final: Final Judgment (HOCUS III) (2022)
Softcover, Coffee table book,
11” x 10.5”, 102 pages
“HOCUS are Hofileña’s visions of the religious, political, and socio economic consequences of Spanish rule and how the Filipino indios coped with it.” – National Museum of the Philippines
11” x 10.5”, 102 pages
“HOCUS are Hofileña’s visions of the religious, political, and socio economic consequences of Spanish rule and how the Filipino indios coped with it.” – National Museum of the Philippines
Elegy (2016)
Hardcover, 8” x 5”, 85 pages
Compilation of the poems of Saul G. Hofileña Sr., written more than 50 years ago.
Compilation of the poems of Saul G. Hofileña Sr., written more than 50 years ago.
Cartas Philippinensis (2016)
In deluxe and regular editions
From learned and lengthy footnotes to our history, to the varied and vivid labels of Philippine made cigars and cigarettes and now, this exotica—indigenized Tarot cards and their historical background. All these illustrate the wide reach of Saul Hofileña’s interests—this is scholarship made familiar and popular for seekers of knowledge. I expect next from this erudite lawyer and traveler a majestic and insightful volume on his
travels and expertise on international law.” — National Artist F. Sionil Jose.
“Saul Hofileña Jr’s opus, Cartas Philippinensis, with images by the artist Guy Custodio, is a set of Tarot cards that reflect an esoteric religiosity. The cards are glimpses of syncretism of the Catholic faith which when fused with the forces of nature, enrich and balance what is sacred to the Filipino people and bring to the fore a Spanish identity rooted in Christian tradition.” — Maria Cristina Barrón Soto, PhD, Universidad Iberóamericana, Ciudad de México
From learned and lengthy footnotes to our history, to the varied and vivid labels of Philippine made cigars and cigarettes and now, this exotica—indigenized Tarot cards and their historical background. All these illustrate the wide reach of Saul Hofileña’s interests—this is scholarship made familiar and popular for seekers of knowledge. I expect next from this erudite lawyer and traveler a majestic and insightful volume on his
travels and expertise on international law.” — National Artist F. Sionil Jose.
“Saul Hofileña Jr’s opus, Cartas Philippinensis, with images by the artist Guy Custodio, is a set of Tarot cards that reflect an esoteric religiosity. The cards are glimpses of syncretism of the Catholic faith which when fused with the forces of nature, enrich and balance what is sacred to the Filipino people and bring to the fore a Spanish identity rooted in Christian tradition.” — Maria Cristina Barrón Soto, PhD, Universidad Iberóamericana, Ciudad de México
The Last Bohemian (2013)
Hardcover, 11” x 8”, 126 pages
An art biography.
An art biography.
Quadricula (HOCUS II)
Softcover
By Sylvia Mayuga and Xiao Chua
By Sylvia Mayuga and Xiao Chua
Memories of My Grandfather, Fernando Hofileña Lopez (2025)
Softcover, 31 pages
“Robert Lopez Puckett was born in Iloilo, attended the Ateneo de Manila University and Santa Clara University in California. He also took up his M.B.A. degree from Santa Clara University. He was also the former President of the University of Iloilo. He was the president of Solar Electric Company Inc. (Solarco), one of the leading commercial providers of solar and wind systems in the Philippines. Saul Hofileña Jr. is a graduate of the Ateneo College of Law, a law professor, former law dean, and author of 17 books on law, art, and history. He is also the intellectual author of the Hocus Paintings, which are now on permanent display at the National Museum of Fine Arts and Anthropology. Both were born on September 9 and the direct descendants of Francisco Hofileña of Guimaras.”
“Robert Lopez Puckett was born in Iloilo, attended the Ateneo de Manila University and Santa Clara University in California. He also took up his M.B.A. degree from Santa Clara University. He was also the former President of the University of Iloilo. He was the president of Solar Electric Company Inc. (Solarco), one of the leading commercial providers of solar and wind systems in the Philippines. Saul Hofileña Jr. is a graduate of the Ateneo College of Law, a law professor, former law dean, and author of 17 books on law, art, and history. He is also the intellectual author of the Hocus Paintings, which are now on permanent display at the National Museum of Fine Arts and Anthropology. Both were born on September 9 and the direct descendants of Francisco Hofileña of Guimaras.”
Words and Phrases (2023)
Softcover, 9” x 6”, 310 pages
“An exceptionally energetic and expansive intellectual, Saul Hofileña Jr. ranges beyond his profession of law to explore subjects like history, philosophy, the arts, and more. I marvel at his avid appetite for learning, engaging in debate, and breaking fresh ground for inquiry. Unconfined by the conventions and habits of a specialization, a discipline, or, worse, membership in a party or group, he is a free intellectual, the kind needed in a time when facts and truth have been devalued.” —National Artist Resil B. Mojares
“Confused about the law? Interested in art, history, and literature? Let Saul Hofilena Jr. be your guide. In this collection, you’ll find his popular syndicated columns from the past years that tackle interesting topics with his trademark straightforward yet accessible writing style. As always, his pieces stand out for their clarity, timeliness, and wealth of information.” —Dr. Jenny Ortuoste, Ph.D., Manila Standard opinion columnist, Manila Critics Circle member, and National Book Award judge.
“An exceptionally energetic and expansive intellectual, Saul Hofileña Jr. ranges beyond his profession of law to explore subjects like history, philosophy, the arts, and more. I marvel at his avid appetite for learning, engaging in debate, and breaking fresh ground for inquiry. Unconfined by the conventions and habits of a specialization, a discipline, or, worse, membership in a party or group, he is a free intellectual, the kind needed in a time when facts and truth have been devalued.” —National Artist Resil B. Mojares
“Confused about the law? Interested in art, history, and literature? Let Saul Hofilena Jr. be your guide. In this collection, you’ll find his popular syndicated columns from the past years that tackle interesting topics with his trademark straightforward yet accessible writing style. As always, his pieces stand out for their clarity, timeliness, and wealth of information.” —Dr. Jenny Ortuoste, Ph.D., Manila Standard opinion columnist, Manila Critics Circle member, and National Book Award judge.
Doloricon (2026)
Softcover, 49 pages
“Companion volume to the ‘Gunita’ exhibit in Yuchengco Museum.”
“Companion volume to the ‘Gunita’ exhibit in Yuchengco Museum.”
TABAKO (2026)
Softcover, 84 pages
“A writer energetic, expansive, engaged. That’s Hofileña.” – Dr. Resil
B. Mojares, Ph.D.
“A writer energetic, expansive, engaged. That’s Hofileña.” – Dr. Resil
B. Mojares, Ph.D.
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