Although set in pre-World War 2 Philippines, this story by Manuel E. Arguilla illustrates the plight of unprotected tenant farmers throughout the world. Storms have destroyed half the rice crop. The landlord has taken her full due, and there is insufficient left for farming families. The landlord offers to lend them rice until the next harvest, but on exorbitant terms. Desperate farmers must choose between accepting the offer, seeing their families starve, or taking action that could leave them dead or in jail. Themes include poverty, the unpredictability of nature, feudal oppression and exploitation, greed, despair, activism. More…
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Midsummer
This story by Manuel E. Arguilla describes an innocent but sexually charged encounter between a Filipino man and woman on a hot midsummer day. The man, who is driving a bullock cart along an isolated stretch of road, notices a young, surprisingly sweet and fresh woman on her way to collect water. He stops and follows her up a dry gorge to a well, where he watches her draw water. After she leaves and later returns for more water, they strike up a conversation. Themes include sexuality, physical attraction, shyness and respect. More…
How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife
In this popular Filipino story from Manuel E. Arguilla, a son brings his city-based bride home to the countryside to “meet the family”, only to have the poor woman tested by his father before she even arrives. The father has his younger son meet them with a bullock cart rather than horse and carriage, and bring them home via a stony “short-cut” along a dry creek bed rather than the smoother main road. The apprehensive but charming girl (in high heels no less!) passes the tests with flying colors. Themes: love, fear, perseverance, patriarchy, reputation. More…