'Ilustrado' plunges into both a literary mystery and a vibrant family saga. After Crispin Salvador, a lionized Philippine writer, is found dead in the Hudson River, his protg Miguel sets off to Manila to unravel the story behind his mentor's demise. As Miguel delves into Crispin's poetry, interviews, novels, and memoirs, he reconstructs a dramatic tapestry that spans four generations and 150 years of Philippine history. From Spanish colonialization to Filipino self-governance, the narrative reveals the complex intertwining of personal journeys and national identity. As revelations mount, it becomes clear that young Miguel's destiny is deeply entangled with the legacy of his mentor. 'Ilustrado' is a profound exploration of heritage, the bonds of family, and the scars of history, narrated with wit, humor, and a keen sense of societal fluctuations.