Note: May contain spoilers.

Here is my review for Binibining Mia’s “I Love You Since 1892.” If you are looking for a Noli Me Tangere or El Filibusterismo in this book, then this book is not for you. If you are looking for realistic geographical accuracy, then this book is not for you. If you intend to learn about our history, then this book is not for you.

The story starts interestingly with the main character (Carmela Isabella) finding herself back in 1892 and meeting her future love, Juanito Alfonso. The problem is, the two are from different era: 2016 and 1892. There seems to be a touch of Christopher Reeve’s “Somewhere in Time” here except that the love story’s backdrop is the impending rebellion against the Castillian conquistadores. The middle part of the book is dragging and forced as the author probably wants more Carmela and Juanito romantic moments. The latter part is okay starting from the revelation about Olivia’s real nature. The disappointing part is Carmelita’s return and the twist about what Juanito dislikes in her.

The loophole in the story is the Carmelita to Carmela to Carmelita transition itself. Carmelita from 2016’s mission is to save Juanito’s life that is abruptly ended in 1892 by an unknown assailant. There is no logical explanation why Juanito has to live and why Carmelita has to die and her death is even suggested by a supposed divine creature. If the original flow is a reunion between Carmelita and Juanito, you’ll be disappointed because the story is made for Carmela and Juanito. And if we will follow this logic about two lovers from two different times, then the real color of the story portrays disobedience, manipulation, jealousy, love quadrangle (Helena-Carmelita-Carmela-Alfonso and Carmelita-Carmela-Leandro-Alfonso).

I tend to assume that Binibining Mia wants to have a hopeful ending, with the descendants of the Monteclaro and Alfonso clan finally ending up with each other. I assume that she is an amateur author and for a newcomer, she is above average and has big potential to make it big someday.

Would I recommend her book? If you just want to have a good time and you are young at heart, then this book is right for you. 🙂

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