There are two Zitas in this romantic coming of age story by Arturo B Rotor. The first is the woman who caused a broken-hearted young man to seek solace teaching on Anayat, an off-the-grid Philippine island of broken cliffs and coconut palms; the second, an adolescent Anayat schoolgirl who he agrees to teach how “to be a lady”. As sometimes happens, schoolgirl Zita develops a crush on the teacher. When he leaves in the hope of reconciling with his former love, she comes to understand something he once told her. Themes: unrequited love, alienation, depression, teenage infatuation. More…
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Dahong Palay
The Filipino term dahong palay has several meanings: a rice leaf, a single edged sword and, as in this story by Arturo B. Rotor, a deadly viper. A young man is the butt of constant jokes about his timid nature and slight build. An attempt to prove himself at a community rice-pounding gathering leads to further ridicule. Later, when bitten by a dahong palay to save his prospective girlfriend, he proves that resourcefulness, strength and courage aren’t dependent upon how well-built you are. Themes: community, body image, bullying, young love, courage. More…