Bob Ong: The Phantom of Filipino Literature

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Bob Ong is one of the most popular and renowned authors in the Philippines. He is known for his humorous and insightful books that have captured the hearts of many readers. In this blog, we will explore the life of Bob Ong, his works, and the impact he has made on the literary scene in the Philippines.

Early Life and Education

Bob Ong is a pseudonym for a Filipino author whose real name is unknown to the public. He was born and raised in the Philippines and grew up in a middle-class family. He studied in a public school in the Philippines and went on to attend college, where he earned his degree in a field that has not been disclosed.

Career

Bob Ong's writing career started in 2001 with the release of his first book "ABNKKBSNPLAko?!" (translated as "Aba, Nakakabasa Na Pala Ako?!"), which became an instant hit among Filipino readers. The book is an autobiographical novel that tells the story of the author's experiences growing up in the Philippines. It was a humorous and witty take on the Filipino culture, education system, and the struggles of the middle class.

Following the success of his first book, Bob Ong went on to write several more novels, including "Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino?" (translated as "Why Do Filipinos Read Backwards?"), "Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas" (translated as "The Favorite Book of Judas"), and "Stainless Longganisa" (a collection of short stories).

Bob Ong's writing style is known for its humor, satire, and social commentary. He often uses colloquial Filipino language, which makes his books relatable to Filipino readers. His books are also known for their unconventional structure, which includes footnotes, illustrations, and non-linear storytelling.

Impact

Bob Ong's books have had a significant impact on the literary scene in the Philippines. His works have been translated into several languages, including English, Korean, and Indonesian, and have been sold in several countries. His books have also been adapted into films, which have further popularized his work.

Bob Ong's books have resonated with many Filipinos because of their humor and insight into the struggles of the middle class. His books have become a cultural phenomenon in the Philippines, with many people quoting his books and using them as a reference in their daily lives.

Bob Ong's books have also inspired a new generation of Filipino writers who are using their own experiences to tell their stories. His influence can be seen in the works of many Filipino writers, who are writing about their own experiences and using humor and satire to comment on the social and political issues of their time.

Bob Ong is a unique and talented author whose work has had a significant impact on the literary scene in the Philippines. His books are a testament to the power of humor and satire in literature and have helped to shape the way that Filipinos view their culture and society. His influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt for many years to come, as new generations of Filipino writers are inspired by his work.

ABNKKBSNPLAko?! (Aba, Nakakabasa Na Pala Ako?!)

ABNKKBSNPLAko?! is Bob Ong's first book, published in 2001. It is an autobiographical novel that recounts the author's experiences growing up in the Philippines. The book humorously and insightfully discusses the Philippine education system, including the different teaching methods, grading system, and the attitudes of the students towards learning. The book is written in Filipino and is a relatable read for Filipino readers.

Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino?

Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino? was published in 2002 and is Bob Ong's second book. The book is a collection of essays that discuss various topics, including the Filipino's reading habits, superstitions, culture, and politics. The book is written in a humorous and satirical style and uses colloquial Filipino language.

Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas

Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas, published in 2003, is Bob Ong's third book. The book is a novel that explores the concepts of good and evil, morality, and redemption. It tells the story of a group of characters who are looking for a book that holds the key to their personal salvation. The book is written in a non-linear style and features footnotes and illustrations.

Stainless Longganisa

Stainless Longganisa is Bob Ong's fourth book, published in 2005. It is a collection of short stories that explore various themes, including love, life, and death. The stories are written in a humorous and satirical style and reflect the author's observations of Filipino culture and society.

MacArthur

MacArthur, published in 2007, is a historical novel set during World War II. The book tells the story of a Filipino soldier who fights alongside American forces during the Battle of Bataan. The book explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the effects of war on individuals and society.

Kapitan Sino

Kapitan Sino, published in 2009, is a novel that tells the story of a man who gains superhuman powers and uses them to help his community. The book explores themes of power, responsibility, and the corrupting influence of authority.

Alamat ng Gubat

Alamat ng Gubat, published in 2003, is a satirical novel that uses animals as characters to reflect the various social issues and problems in Philippine society. The book explores themes of corruption, greed, and the struggle for power.

Ang mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan

Ang mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan, published in 2010, is a horror novel that tells the story of a teenage boy who goes to the province to live with his grandmother. While there, he uncovers dark secrets about his family and the people around him. The book explores themes of mental illness, family, and the supernatural.

Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin

Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin, published in 2011, is a novel that parodies the different genres of Philippine movies and television shows. The book humorously and satirically explores themes of love, revenge, and the entertainment industry.



Americanang Tanga

Americanang Tanga, published in 2012, is a travelogue that recounts the author's experiences during his trip to the United States. The book humorously and insightfully discusses the cultural differences between the Philippines and the United States, as well as the author's observations on American society.Si

Si, published in 2014, is a novel that explores the themes of love, family, and identity. The book tells the story of a man who goes on a journey to find his missing father and ends up discovering more about his own identity and family history.56

56, published in 2018, is a collection of essays that discuss various topics, including Philippine culture, politics, and social issues. The book is written in a humorous and satirical style and uses colloquial Filipino language.

Overall, Bob Ong's books are known for their humorous and satirical style, as well as their insightful commentary on Philippine society, culture, and politics. Through his writing, Bob Ong has become a voice for the Filipino people and has captured the hearts of many readers in the Philippines and beyond.

Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo

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Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are significant works of literature for Filipinos, both for their literary merit and their historical and cultural importance. These novels are considered the most important literary works in Philippine literature and have been studied and analyzed by scholars, writers, and students for over a century.

These novels were written by Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, during the late 19th century when the Philippines was a colony of Spain. Noli Me Tangere was published in 1887, while El Filibusterismo was published in 1891. These novels were written in the Spanish language, which was the official language of the Philippines during that time.

Rizal wrote these novels to expose the social, economic, and political injustices and oppression that the Filipinos were experiencing under the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church. The novels depict the lives of Filipinos under colonial rule, their sufferings, and struggles to attain freedom, justice, and equality. The novels criticized the Spanish colonial system, the abuses of the friars, and the complacency of the wealthy and educated Filipinos who collaborated with the Spanish colonizers.

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are significant for Filipinos as they have contributed to the awakening of national consciousness and the emergence of Philippine nationalism during the late 19th century. These novels inspired the Philippine Revolution in 1896, which eventually led to the country's independence from Spain in 1898.

Moreover, these novels have become symbols of Philippine identity and culture. They have been translated into several languages, and their themes and messages continue to resonate with Filipinos worldwide. The novels have become an important part of the Philippine curriculum, and students are required to study them to learn about their country's history and culture.

Noli me Tangere

Noli me Tangere was published in 1887. The novel is a critical commentary on the social and political issues of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. It is a story of the life of Crisostomo Ibarra, a young Filipino educated abroad who returns to his hometown to find out the truth about his father's death and to reform the social and political conditions in the Philippines.

The title of the novel, "Noli me Tangere," is a Latin phrase that means "Touch me not." The phrase is taken from the Gospel of St. John, where Jesus says to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father." The title is a metaphor for the Filipinos' struggle for freedom from the Spanish colonial rule.

The novel opens with a description of the town of San Diego, where the story takes place. It introduces the main character, Crisostomo Ibarra, who has just returned to the Philippines after studying in Europe. He is a young and idealistic man who wants to reform his country and make it a better place for its people.

Crisostomo's father was a wealthy landowner who was accused of being a rebel by the Spanish authorities and was imprisoned and tortured. He died in prison, and Crisostomo wants to find out the truth about his father's death. He believes that his father was innocent and that he was a victim of the corrupt and oppressive Spanish colonial system.

Crisostomo is not the only one who is suffering under the Spanish rule. The novel also portrays the plight of the common people who are exploited and oppressed by the Spanish authorities and the friars who wield tremendous power and influence over them. The novel exposes the corruption, hypocrisy, and abuses of the colonial government and the Church.

One of the central themes of the novel is the conflict between the colonizers and the colonized. The novel highlights the cultural and racial differences between the Filipinos and the Spanish colonizers and how these differences have led to a deep-rooted resentment and hostility between the two groups. The novel also emphasizes the importance of education in breaking down these barriers and promoting mutual understanding and respect.

The novel also deals with the theme of love and sacrifice. Crisostomo falls in love with Maria Clara, the daughter of the town's mayor and a devout Catholic. Their love is complicated by the fact that Maria Clara's mother is a former mistress of Crisostomo's father, and her father opposes their relationship. Maria Clara's character represents the traditional values and virtues of the Filipino society, and her tragic fate underscores the oppression and injustices that the Filipinos face under the Spanish colonial rule.

The novel ends with Crisostomo's failed attempt to reform the system and his flight to Europe. The novel's conclusion is a reminder of the harsh realities of the colonial system and the struggle for freedom and social justice.

In conclusion, Noli me Tangere is a significant work of literature that not only exposes the injustices and abuses of the Spanish colonial rule but also promotes the values of education, social justice, and national identity. The novel is a call to action for the Filipinos to fight for their freedom and to assert their cultural and national identity. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and influence the Filipino people to this day.

El Filibusterismo


El Filibusterismo was published in 1891. The novel is a continuation of Rizal's earlier work, Noli me Tangere, and is also a critical commentary on the social and political issues of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.

The title "El Filibusterismo" is a Spanish word that means "The Reign of Greed" or "The Subversive." The title reflects the novel's theme, which is a critique of the Spanish colonial system and its exploitation of the Philippine people.

The novel tells the story of Simoun, a wealthy and mysterious jeweler who is secretly plotting a revolution against the Spanish government. Simoun is actually Crisostomo Ibarra, the main character in Noli me Tangere, who has returned to the Philippines under a new identity to seek revenge against those who wronged him and to fight for his country's freedom.

El Filibusterismo continues the theme of colonial oppression and corruption introduced in Noli me Tangere. The novel exposes the greed, abuse of power, and moral decay of the colonial government, the Church, and the wealthy landowners who benefit from the system at the expense of the common people.

One of the central themes of the novel is the struggle of the Philippine people for their freedom and dignity. The novel portrays the different ways that Filipinos cope with the oppression and exploitation of the colonial system. Some choose to accept their fate and suffer in silence, while others seek to resist and fight back against the system.

The novel also explores the theme of identity and cultural heritage. Simoun's character represents the conflict between his Spanish heritage and his love for his country and its people. He struggles with his identity and his sense of duty to his nation, and ultimately, he chooses to fight for the Philippines.

Another important theme in the novel is the role of education in promoting social change and national identity. The novel highlights the importance of education in developing critical thinking and fostering a sense of patriotism and social responsibility among the Filipino people.

El Filibusterismo is not only a literary masterpiece but also a historical document that reflects the Philippine society and culture during the Spanish colonial period. The novel played a significant role in the Philippine revolution against the Spanish colonial rule, inspiring the people to fight for their freedom and national identity.

In conclusion, El Filibusterismo is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that continues to inspire and influence generations of Filipinos. The novel's themes of colonial oppression, national identity, and the struggle for freedom are timeless and universal. The novel's legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Filipino people.


In summary, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are significant works of literature for Filipinos because they have exposed the social and political injustices that Filipinos experienced under the Spanish colonial rule. These novels have inspired the awakening of national consciousness and the emergence of Philippine nationalism, leading to the country's independence from Spain. The novels have also become symbols of Philippine identity and culture, and their themes and messages continue to inspire and influence Filipinos to this day.

Malacanang holds media briefing on plans for El Niño

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Malacanang held a media briefing on how the government plans to address El Niño.

OCD Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno says they, along with other agencies were instructed by Pres. Bongbong Marcos to prepare even further for El Niño, including measures to conserve water and health preparations.

DOST-PAGASA Deputy Administrator Esperanza Cayanan says the country is on watch advisory now, meaning there is a 55% chance of El Niño in the next six months.

Cayanan says this means some areas of the country could experience a dry spell or drought: But this will be felt towards the last quarter.

He also said that a new forecast released yesterday says the probability of El Niño's occurrence is at 80% in June, July, August.

So from El Niño Watch in May, we will be issuing the next level which is El Niño Alert kung saan meron tayong above 70% of probability of El Niño occurrence for the next two months.

"Bago natin maramdaman yung effect ng El Niño which is less amount of rainfall, meron pa tayong tag-ulan.

For the month of May, wala tayong nakikitang below normal conditions.

Generally, until September may mga ulan tayong inaasahan — malalakas na pag-uulan over the western sections. Kung tatanungin niyo, yung peak na maraming ulan sa El Niño events ay nangyayari during the month of July."

Cayanan says they forecasted temperatures rising in May, adds one storm could arrive during the month.

NIA Acting Administrator Eduardo Guillen says the agency has been preparing for medium- and long-term solutions when it comes to El Niño.

NIA says when it comes to long-term solutions, the problem is managing water resources: Ang gusto ng pangulo ay convergence po ito.

Cayanan says the early release of the El Niño watch is meant to help prepare for the effects of the phenomenon: Ang pinaka epekto or impacts would be towards the last quarter (of 2023) and yung mas magiging impact nito ay yung first quarter hanggang papasok ng tag-init next year.

DOST-PAGASA: No two El Niño events are similar. Pero kung titignan natin ang nakikita ng climatologists natin as of now it's going to be a weak to moderate El Niño.

NIA says around 1.2 million hectares of farmland still lack irrigation.