DEAD STARS

By: Paz Marquez Benitez.

Author’s Background: Born in 1894 in Lucena, Tayabas (now Quezon). Marquez – Benítez authored the first Filipino modern English language short story, Dead Stars, published in the Philippine Herald in 1925. Born into the prominent Marquez family of Quezon province, she was among the first generation of Filipino people trained in the American education system which used English as the medium of instruction.

Vocabulary:

Immemorial - originating in the distant past; very old.

Mortgage - expose to future risk or constraint for the sake of immediate advantage.

Temperament - a person or animal's nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior.

Repose - a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility.

Indolence - avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness.

Incontrovertible - not able to be denied or disputed.

Exuberant - characterized by a vigorously imaginative artistic style.

Characters:

Alfredo Salazar – Son of Don Julian, over 30 years old and a bachelor. Engaged to Esperanza.

Esperanza – Alfredo’s wife. Self-conscious and well raised woman.

Julia Salas – Naïve, innocent, and young. Judge Del Valle’s sister-in-law.

Don Julian – Alfredo and Carmen’s father.

Carmen – Alfredo’s sister

Judge Del Valle – Julia’s brother-in-law.

Donna Adella – Julia’s sister

Calixta – Note carrier of Alfredo and Esperanza

Dionisio – Husband of Donna Adella

Vicente – Husband of Carmen

Brigida Samuy – The illusive woman who Alfredo was looking for in his business trip.

Setting:

·         House of Don Julian

·         House of Judge Del Valle

·         Church of Our Lady of Sorrow

·         Calle Real

·         Sta. Cruz, in Calle Luz, Julia’s hometown

Summary

This story talks about a man who had to choose between what he wanted to do and what he had to do. Alfredo, a man over his 30’s and a bachelor, lived happily for four years, engaged with his wife Esperanza. One day, Alfredo started to think back to his pas and wondered: “Is something missing?” He felt as if something was no longer the same, as if he was blinded by a curse. Esperanza started to notice something was off in their relation though she chose to keep silent about it. At some point, Alfredo met a man named Judge Del Valle and through him, he encountered a maiden named Julia Salas. They had a fruitful chat at the porch while the Judge was absorbed in a game of chess. They really enjoyed each other’s company. Esperanza was starting to get worried “why is Alfredo coming home so late these days?” she thought. She decided to drop the topic after he mentioned his reason. She did not want to indulge in unprovoked jealousies. Just before Holy Week, Don Julian invited the judge and his family to spend Sunday afternoon at Tanda where he had a coconut plantation and a house on the beach. Julia and Alfredo took a stroll by the beach, she told him about her return as requested by her parents back in their hometown. Alfredo happened to stumble upon Julia one last time before her departure. He secretly wanted to confess about his feelings but ‘twas too late as Julia found out about their upcoming wedding. At that moment, he knew that she turned cold and it was no longer possible to continue their relation. He returned home only to have a discussion with his wife where she broke out into tears and reveals to him that she knew something was wrong. Staying true to his words, the wedding happened to avoid further problems. A few years later, he was called to go to the town where Julia lives in. After being engaged to Esperanza for so long, he realized the distance between Julia and him.

Symbolism:

When a star dies, it leaves some remnant behind. There was something in Alfredo that convinced him how he had feelings for Julia. “She was his dead star” is what he realized after their final goodbye. Not all dreams are meant to be followed. 

Theme:

The Later years in Marriage

Lesson:

Every relationship needs a strong foundation, built with honesty and openness to each other. Walls are non-existent between lovers. Any doubt needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

FOOTNOTE TO YOUTH

By: Jose Garcia Villa

Author’s Background: Jose Garcia Villa (August 5, 1908 – February 7, 1997) was a Filipino poet, literary critic, short story writer, and painter. He was awarded the National Artist of the Philippines title for literature in 1973, as well as the Guggenheim Fellowship in creative writing by Conrad Aiken.

Vocabulary:

Virility - (in a man) the quality of having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive; manliness.

Cursory - hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed.

Clamor - a loud and confused noise, especially that of people shouting.

Impassioned - filled with or showing great emotion.

Assert - state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.

Characters:

Dodong - Started as a teenager in love.

Teang – The girl Dodong fell for.

Father – Regretful of his youth, hesitant to give advices.

Mother – caring mother, she relates to Teang’s pain.

Blas – One of Dodong’s children.

Tona – The girl Blas wants to marry.

Setting:

Farmland - Agricultural land is typically land devoted to agriculture, the systematic and controlled use of other forms of life—particularly the rearing of livestock and production of crops—to produce food for humans.

Summary

One day, Dodong was waiting for his father to tell him about his intentions with Teang. He was hesitant at first but was determined to tell him. His father was always a silent hard working farmer. Dodong mustered up the courage and started heading homeward while thinking about how to tell him. Though he may be 17, Dodong believes that he is ready to marry Teang. He arrived home, and then they all had supper. Afterwards, Dodong went upstairs to talk to his father. He wanted to tell him quickly before his mother returns. Finally, he told his father about his intention, eagerly expecting his consent. The father looked at him with cold eyes and said nothing; it is as if it reminded him of his younger days. The father had no choice but to agree to his son’s proposal. Later on, Teang got pregnant, Dodong was waiting outside, too ashamed to face his parents. After Teang gave birth, they called Dodong to come over and held his hands to give him the strength to face this moment. Years went by as Dodong had more children. Dodong realized that he threw away his youth and went through such difficult times. He wondered what would have happened if he had not married so early. Blas, the first child, being 18…One night, he came home happy and flustered it was late and his family was asleep. Dodong saw Blas as he couldn’t sleep. Blas softly muttered: “Itay, I am going to marry Tona”. Dodong told Blas to follow him outside to talk. Dodong rememebered his father’s words and said the same to Blas. Dodong saw himself in Blas when he was younger. Dodong could not help but give his consent. He felt sad about what will Blas go through.

Symbolism:

Youth is the period between childhood and adult age. In this stage, they are yet to know the true meaning of responsibility. It is a light subject to them as they only see things on one side. They mainly focus on the fun in life, may it be good or bad.

Theme:

Early Marriage

Lesson:

Marriage is a very heavy decision as it can result into problematic situations. Especially when one is barely in his/her 20’s or has not finished his/her studies. It is difficult to thrive without the proper preparations. You have to find a way to provide for your family as well.

THE VISITATION OF THE GODS

By: Gilda Cordero-Fernando

Author’s Background: Gilda Cordero-Fernando is a writer and publisher from the Philippines. She was born on June 4, 1932 in Manila. Cordero-Fernando has two collections of short stories: The Butcher, The Baker and The Candlestick Maker (1962) and A Wilderness of Sweets (1973). These books have been compiled and reissued as the Story Collection (1994).

Vocabulary:

Ravish - seize and carry off (someone) by force.

Gorge - a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it.

Jagged - with rough, sharp points protruding.
Tangible - perceptible by touch.

Rigmarole - a lengthy and complicated procedure.

Characters:

Mr. Olbes - School's principal

Mrs. Olbes - Principal's wife

Mr. Alava - Superintendent

Mr. Del Rosario - Military tactics

Ms. Santos – P.E Instructor

Mr. Baz - National language Instructor

Mr. de dios - Physics Instructor

Mr. Buenaflor - Industrial Arts Instructor

Mrs. Divinagracia – H.E Instructor

Ms. Noel - English Instructor

Mr. Sawit - English supervisor

Leon - Student

Setting:

School - an organization that provides instruction: Such as an institution for the teaching of children.

Summary

A letter was sent across all the schools announcing that the officials will arrive after a month for the purpose of inspection and evaluation. Right after the first period, classes were dismissed to hold a meeting with all the school officials. They held a general cleaning throughout the whole school. Afterwards, the teaching a staff and student body was divided into four working groups. The first group consisting of Mrs. Divinagracia, and some of the less attractive teachers were banished to the kitchen to prepare the menu for the upcoming visitors. The second group had been assigned to arrange the utensils to be used for supper. The third group’s duty was to structure the rooms in accordance to the classroom decorations. Finally, the fourth group’s task was to remove all unsightly objects from the landscape. The rest of the staff were given tasks of their own as well. The day of the inspection came, at around 1:30pm the superintendent’s car drove through town, heading towards Pugad Lawin. All the officials prepared to welcome their arrival. Dressed elegantly with barong for males while the females wore red, white, or blue dresses in obedience to the principal’s circular. Ms. Noel met up with the new English instructor. He told her about how Mr. Ampil passed away. The celebration began with a concert from the schoolboys playing an animated rendition of “Merry Widow” Afterwards, the principal pushed a dance party between the guests and instructors where he made use of pretty faces to encourage the guests. The visitation turns out well and the guests left to join a fiesta along with the lovely female teachers. Mr. Sawit follows Ms. Noel to the kitchen to ask her about what she thinks of the visitation. She was blunt and honest, and asked what the point was if it was all scripted. She said, if the visitation was announced a month in advance, it defeats the purpose of the activity and gives the school an opportunity to cover up their mistakes. Mr. Sawit says that it can’t be helped and that it is just how things works, even if it may be unfair. Ms. Noel chooses not to give up and stays determined to teach students because she knows that their future depends on it. In the end, they took a group picture as a memoir, Ms. Noel though late but ran to take her place with pride and humility on the lowest part of the school’s hierarchy.

Symbolism:

Gods are to be treated well and welcomed with everything pleasurable; it is shown in this story how they portrayed the guests as Gods since “99% of the results comes from impression” It’s as if this activity was only made to give out sacrifices to the Gods. Everything should be treated fairly and without being biased.

Theme:

School Inspection

Lesson:

Even when life is unfair, keep your mentality strong to achieve your dreams. No matter what anyone says, at the end of the day, it is all about you. Stay true to what you feel and pursue your passion.

HOW MY BROTHER LEON BROUGHT HOME A WIFE

By: Manuel E. Arguilla

Author’s Background: Manuel E. Arguilla (1911 – 1944) an Ilocano writer in English, patriot, and martyr, from Nagrebcan, Bauang, La Union, who used the local color in his writings. Because he spent much of his childhood in the province, his portrayal of Ilocano life is unsurpassed.

Vocabulary:

Cud - partly digested food returned from the first stomach of ruminants to the mouth for further chewing.

Gorge - a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it.

Ragged - having a rough or irregular surface or edge. - lacking physical strength, especially because of age or illness.
Jolt - push or shake (someone or something) abruptly and roughly.

Surmise - suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it.

Characters:

Leon – Baldo’s older brother, Maria’s lover, eldest son.

Maria – Leon’s lover, a woman that is different in terms of culture.

Labang – The loyal and hardworking bull, they travel using it.

Baldo – Leon’s younger brother, narrated their story

Leon’s Mother – Supportive mother that wishes the best for Leon

Leon’s Father – Instructed Baldo to bring the husband and wife to find out if Maria is worthy.

Setting:

Farmland - Agricultural land is typically land devoted to agriculture, the systematic and controlled use of other forms of life—particularly the rearing of livestock and production of crops—to produce food for humans.

Summary

Baldo waits for Maria and Leon to arrive at the station to bring both of them to Leon’s family. Maria meets Baldo and Labang for the first time and got familiar with them. Leon and Maria spend some time together, making jokes, and talking about Labang’s uniqueness. Leon then asks his younger brother Baldo to fetch the cart in preparation for their journey. Leon helped Maria get on the cart as Baldo describes how lovely she smells. Leon led the cart while both Maria and Baldo take in the fresh air of the farm. After a while, he handed the rope to Baldo and he suddenly started to turn the other way around. “What is it to you have forgotten now, Baldo?” Leon said. Baldo did not reply and continues along on the route. Leon laid his hand on Baldo’s shoulder and asked: “Who told you to drive through the fields tonight?” Baldo replied with: “Father, he told me to follow the Waig tonight, Manong.”Leon then turns to Maria and questions his father’s intention. Maria noticed a certain special star of their very own. They talk about the star’s origin and started laughing after a while. It was getting dark, Maria asked Baldo if they’ll arrive soon. Baldo being clueless on what to reply simple said “Almost there” So Leon decides to loosen up the atmosphere by singing a familiar song between him and Maria. Worried, Maria starts to lose confidence if Leon’s father was to accept her. Leon reassures her that his father is nothing but a gentleman. They arrive at Leon’s home, greeting everyone inside and finally heading upstairs to meet the father. Leon expressed his feeling for her, convincing his father that she is worthy.

Symbolism:

Love comes in many forms, and it can either be experienced in a positive or negative way, ranging from the deepest interpersonal affection to the simplest pleasure.

Theme:

Family Acceptance (Proposal) and Love

Lesson:

A journey through love can be the best experience in your life or can able be the most painful one. With that in mind, you need remember that sacrifices will always be part of it if you are planning to maintain it. At the end of the day, it always begins with respect. Respect for one another, and understanding each other’s feelings.

MY FATHER GOES TO COURT

By: Carlos Bulusan

Author’s Background: Carlos Bulusan (1911-1956) was a prolific writer and poet, best remembered as the author of America Is in the Heart, a landmark semi-autobiographical story about the Filipino immigrant experience.

Vocabulary:

Waft - pass or cause to pass gently through the air.

Contagious - spread from one person or organism to another, typically by direct contact.

Condemning - express complete disapproval of; censure.

Feeble - lacking physical strength, especially because of age or illness.

Morose - sullen and ill tempered.

Strut - walk with a stiff, erect, and apparently arrogant or conceited gait.

Characters:

Poor Family – Accused of stealing the spirit of certain things from their neighboring Rich family.

Rich Family – Victims of the stolen spirits by their neighboring counterpart.

Rich Father’s Lawyer – Defended the Rich man and mentioned the claims against the poor family.

Judge – Authority that is in charge of deciding the case in the law court.

Police officer – Announced to the poor family that they have a case against them.

Setting:

Court - a duly instituted organ of the government that administers justice, whether based on legislation, previous court decisions, or other authoritative services.

Summary

The poor family was struck with an unfortunate tragedy, which ended up destroying their farm. However, they remained positive and continued on with their normal everyday routine. One day, the rich family noticed something was missing in their lives ever since they started watching the poor family go on about with their family bonding. There came a time when the rich family had their chefs prepare delicious food. As a result, it happened to attract the noses of the poor family. The poor family then decided to hang out in front of their neighbor’s house to take in the irresistible scent. There were also days where the rich family continued to observe from above as if they were envious of something, though still clueless about so. The rich man realized something; he then started to close off everything to the point that no sunlight reaches them. The next day, the police officer knocked on the poor family’s door to announce that someone filed a complaint against them. Curious, the father of the poor family then went to the town’s clerk with his son to ask about it. Given the answer “He told Father the man claimed that for years we had been stealing the spirit of his wealth and food”, the father had a plan in mind for when the day in the court arrives. When the day came for them to appear in court, and after everyone was present, the rich family’s lawyer then started to mention the charges against the poor family. The father then asked to bring out the children of complaint. Afterwards, he questioned the children in regards to the case. Convinced, the father stated that he‘d pay them right away. He took off his hat and began to walk around the room, collecting coins from his family. He then started to shake his hat that is filled with coins at the back of the court. The father stood in front of the complaint and asked, “Did you hear the spirit of the money when I shook this hat?” The rich man replied with “Yes.” “And so you are paid”, the father said. The rich man opened his mouth to speak and fell to the floor without a sound. The judge dismissed the case, and they all started to laugh. 

Symbolism:

A familial bond is a strong connection between family members may it be by blood or relation. It shows that no matter how tough things may get, your family will always be there by your side. They are one of the treasure in life that makes it worthwhile.

Theme:

Family and Optimism

Lesson:

Don’t blame other people for your own mistake. As silly as the accusation may sound, the Rich father dug his own grave; he took it out on an innocent family because he lacked the said qualities they had. Instead of filing a case, it would have been better if he was to reflect upon himself, to start taking action and fixing it.