In Depoe’s novel Robinson Crusoe, the main character found a handy helper in the island-domain in the person of Man Friday. A handy helper was an individual who could perform so many jobs at any time either on his own volition, as directed or requested. Such a type of a young man was found in the quiet barrio… Read More »
In one of those narrow unpaved streets of Tondo not far from the railroad tracks, a young player emerged whose skills in ping-pong (table tennis) was extraordinary. His name was Erning Pingol. During those years before the Pacific War, Erning lived in a place where ping-pong was a common sport and past time among the males. After school… Read More »
“Hey Suseng, you look spic and span in your military uniform” observed Raul, a barrio friend when he saw the uniformed barrio lad alighted from the bus on its last trip. “I’m now taking PMT or Preparatory Military Training course in high school, it is compulsory for all male seniors, replied Suseng as his khaki uniform had insignia… Read More »
To be over six feet tall during those years in the barrio was indeed rare. Probably due to an over active pituitary gland, Bonifacio Alcon, the eldest in a family of six, grew to be above six foot while his parents, brothers and sisters were of normal stature. Many in the barrio believed that when his mother was… Read More »
This unpretentious barrio like the others had its share of a man of wit and wisdom. He was the only known scholar and probably a man of all seasons. Like other men of letters and academic excellence, his life had colour, pathos, and tragedy. He was Ka Tano. During Ka Tano’s time many in the barrio and other… Read More »
To be over six feet tall during those years in the barrio was indeed rare. Probably due to an over active pituitary gland, Bonifacio Alcon, the eldest in a family of six, grew to be above six foot while his parents, brothers and sisters were of normal stature. Many in the barrio believed that when his mother was… Read More »
“Badong, I am promoting you to Supervising Inspector,” the Transportation General Manager told him when the driver was stationed in the city waiting for passengers. “You will be on your own, and you can travel at your own desire. This will also mean increase in your salary,” concluded the General Manager. Mang Badong could not say a word,… Read More »
The most outstanding and popular driver of the barrio was Mang Badong. He was considered outstanding for he worked for a prestigious bus company that plied between the towns where the barrio was located and the city. During those years, to be a driver for a big bus company was the ambition of many young men in the… Read More »
Every year Christmas comes to Christendom in unerring certainty. Symbolized by Christ child, Christmas is for children. However, this red letters day is likewise shared by the elders, for amongst them, there would always be the feeling and thoughts of childhood and the children in them. Christmas, to many of us, is the storehouse of our memories in… Read More »
Tahimik si Carlos dela Riva nakahimlay sa sofa ng kanilang balkonahi at dinadama niya ang malamig na hagin na nagbubuhat sa bulubundukin ng Daly City, California. Sa kanyang pag-iisa ay laging sumasagi sa kanyang ala-ala ang kanyang buhay na sinasapit noong mga nakaraang panahon sa Maynila na siya kung tawagin ay “smart business tycoon” na owner ang manufacturer… Read More »