A poetic novel set in Silay conveying the emotional landscape and memory of the historic town, The Holy Thread, has been published in a prestigious Japanese literary magazine.

The novel titled The Holy Thread, a reference to the Filipino Pina-Silk, takes place in Silay in the nineteenth century. The novel depicts the homecoming of a young Alonso from his studies in Europe, reuniting with his cousin Luise. They journey through the province to collect memories he had forgotten, his hometown, and his heritage. The novel’s setting has been inspired by various historical sites in Silay such as the old Silay pier, the Hofilena House and the Balay Negrense.

Tanya Lopez, Director of the Negros Museum, Negros Occidental, writes “"Poetically written, The Holy Thread brings me back to the days of my grandparents, and the intensity of emotions they went through."

The Japanese version of the novel was published in the Mori Ogai Memorial Journal, a prestigious literary society founded in memory of the late Japanese novelist Mori Ogai (1862-1922), considered to be one of the founders of modern Japanese literature. A contemporary of Jose Rizal, Mori Ogai was also a doctor and novelist.

The author Yoshikaze Kawakami is a journalist and studied classical Japanese literature in Tokyo. Upon visiting Silay, he was moved by the beauty of the city, which inspired him to work on the novel. His poem Ode to Silay is also published in the Journal of Classical Poets (New York).

The English translation of The Holy Thread is available globally through Amazon.com. Copies are also available for purchase at the Silay Art Space, and the Silay City Tourism Office, Silay City.