Documentary: Pinoy Graffiti

My research on local graffiti crews of the Philippines. Minor error though, most of these bombings were done by skilled graffiti artists, not just gangs and fraternities. For comments click the following link: GRAFFITI IN PINAS

Music by Mike Kosa and MIMS

Book Reflection: Kerima Polotan's Novel

I've read and finished the novel "The Hand of the Enemy" in just one sitting. At first, I thought the book would be just as uninteresting like those required literary novels I've read in school. But surprisingly, I liked the story and would definitely recommend it. The moment I reached the climax, I was absolutely hooked in it. The surprise ending saddened me for a moment and got me thinking how unfair life is. But overall, I loved the story. And in all honesty, most of the literary pieces I've enjoyed reading were those with a touch of oldness  in them. In the novel, the setting was Manila and Pangasinan in the 1950's but the kind of society was very much like that of the present.

Setting of the novel: Tayug, Pangasinan

The novel not just entertained me, but it also enlightened me about the different kinds of relationships: the father-daughter relationships of Emma Gorrez and Norma Rividad, the marriages between the Gorrez's, Rividad's, and the Cosio's, as well as those between business partners, Emma Gorrez and Nora Cosio. But the scene I was deeply touched was the landlord-tenant relationship of Amang to the greedy land owner. I pitied those people, such as Amang, who slaved themselves just to pay their debts. He died poor and was not able to experience any kind of comfort in his life. In the novel, Amang started an uprising which was  really a true story that happened in Tayug. According to history, it was the Colorum uprising started by Pedro Calosa.

Tayug Plaza

It was easy connecting with the story because the characters involved were represented in a way that was accurate and true to life. Even though a feeling of despair was in the air, there was still a bit of hope for each character. I can very much relate to the main character Emma Gorrez because I also lived in the city but would rather have the rural form of living. I liked the thrill and pleasures given by the urban life, but I don't think I would want to stay that way for the rest of my existence. I prefer to stay in the province wherein I discovered true satisfaction.