MMDA letter to Dan Brown: 'Manila is entry to heaven'

Dear Mr. Brown:

We write to you with much concern regarding your recently published novel "Inferno" and its mention of Manila being defined by a number of terrible descriptions of poverty and pollution, among others having "suffocating pollution, and a horrifying sex trade" and worse, being alluded to as "gates of hell"
 

While we are aware that yours is a work of fiction, we are greatly disappointed by your inaccurate portrayal of our beloved metropolis. We are displeased by how you have used Manila as a venue and source of a character's breakdown and trauma, much more her disillusionment in humanity.
 

More than your portrayal of it, Metro Manila is the center of Filipino spirit, faith and hope. Our faith in God binds us as a nation and we believe that Manila citizens are more than capable of exemplifying good character and compassion towards each other, something that your novel has failed to acknowledge. Truly, our place is an "entry to heaven".
 

We hope that this letter enlightens you and may it guide you the next time you cite Manila in any of your works.
 

Thank you very much and warm regards.
 

Sincerely,
 

ATTY. FRANCIS N. TOLENTINO