The Philippine Online Chronicles

Robberies, kidnappings, natural disasters… I think we could all agree that it’d be nice to have someone swoop in and save the day. It would be nice to have a superhero of our own… but who? That’s the question… and (with a bit of word play) in Bob Ong’s latest book, “Kapitan Sino”, that’s also the answer.

In the book, which came out in May 2009, Ong placed his observations and critique of Philippine society in a different container--yes, “Kapitan Sino” is a novel, of course one infused with Bob Ong's peculiar style of wit and sense of humor. Often called the Silver Book by Ong’s avid readers, the novel is the story of the titular superhero’s adventures and misadventures. Rogelio Manglicmot, the owner of an electronic repair shop, is discovered to possess an extraordinary power, and together with his friend Bok-bok, and Tessa (the indispensible love interest), they embark on a quest to right wrongs and explore Rogelio’s full potential.

In the process, the book also explores the true nature of heroism by addressing the issue within the context the society, the family and the individual himself. The novel seems to advance the position that a hero does not need fancy attire, nor to be a life form from another planet, but merely to be someone brave enough to do battle with giants, to fight even when the odds are against him—if there’s something worth fighting for. More importantly, the book also emphasizes that some of the most difficult battles a hero faces don’t involve physical confrontations. It is not easy being a superhero, balancing the desire to help other people, with the obligations to family and friends that are often neglected.

In casting a spotlight on the more mundane relationships of the hero, the author was able to depict different characters that Filipinos will find familiar, characters we encounter everyday: from the “gossip girls” in the neighborhood like Aling Precious and Aling Baby; to the loyal friends like Bok-bok and Tessa; to the children like Ging Ging, who in their innocence never fail to hope, no matter how dire the situation. Ong has a way of making the reader feel like he/she is actually listening in on a gossip sharing session, or standing in Rogelio’s store. This is also the first time (as far as I can remember) that the author has mixed some elements of romance in his writing, and I found the lines to be touching, striking, and not the usual corny fare.

Ong manages to fit in his observations on Philippine society between the laughs. There were several familiar elements of Filipino culture that were embedded in the story: the family of OFW’s who boast lavish home appliances; the home service manicure/pedicure; the local barangay official patrolling in bicycle; the extended family system; the type of cuisine Filipinos enjoy, and the like. Ong can take elements which are normal for us, things that we have grown so used to that most of us don’t notice them anymore, and in writing about them he makes us see them with new eyes.

But more than just being a description of the current state Philippine society, I think the book is also the author’s way of trying to tackle the problems that underlie our society, and represents Ong’s own desire not only for solutions but for someone, a hero, to implement those solutions. While the villains in the story are presented as real monsters (who eat people), it is clear that they stand in place of real life villains, those privileged few who victimize other people because of greed and a hunger for power and money.

One of my personal favorite parts of the book is the conversation between Rogelio and his father, where the latter says:

“Tungkulin mong tumulong sa kapwa dahil may kakayanan ka at gusto mong tumulong. Pero wag mong kakalimutan na hindi mo mababago ang mundo at hindi mo maililigtas lahat ng tao. Hindi ikaw ang unang nagtangka… hindi ikaw ang magiging huli… hindi ka solusyon. Pero hindi dahilan iyon para mawalan ka ng pag-asa at tumigil sa pagbibigay nito”.

The ending of the story--while hardly of the fairytale variety--suits the story and its message, and the reason why the book is entitled “Kapitan Sino”. Who can save us? The author’s answer is quite clear: that every one of us has a responsibility, that each of us ought to do something for ourselves, for our family, and for our country. We should not wait for someone to help us, but should instead start doing something to help ourselves. This is the legacy of Rogelio Manglicmot aka Kapitan Sino.

Though some readers did not really appreciate this book—finding it corny and not on par with Ong’s works--I certainly think that this is a very provocative book, and a must read for every Filipino, especially the youth. In an election year, we could all stand to take the book’s message to heart, and start acting and participating in the affairs of society if we truly want to change the system.

(Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapitan_Sino)