Kapeng Arabo, A Review

I’ve been hearing about it, but only until I got a copy from National Bookstore and read about it that I believe. Yes, my friends. Mr. Manny Garcia, the author of the book Kapeng Arabo, has dedicated a whole chapter entirely about this blog, and recent successes (notoriety?) of my journal stints in another site.

I must admit I am honored by the deed of this man. For who would have thought the subjects of my posts would land on a book with international release for all Filipinos abroad to read, at that (I was told).

I must admit as well, as he wrote in his book, that I snubbed his correspondences. Had I known that this man was serious in coming up with the book, I could have entertained his queries and he could have written a more explorative thrusts on the topic.

Lesson learned: don’t be such a snob, or you don’t get to share of fame.

Going back to the book, I simply put Kapeng Arabo as a story of personal experiences of the author and of different Pinoys whom he had exchanged ideas during coffee hang-outs.

Garcia’s approach is much like our modern local authors on the shelves such as Eros Atalia or Carlo Vergara as he managed to come up with light and funny anecdotes but mostly about Filipino’s lives in Saudi. In addition, he was able to integrate well his personal stands on subjects he discussed much to the style of Bob Ong, very candid.

People in the Middle East may have taken me as slut due to stories I discussed on this blog and posts to other sites, but the truth is I have been especially interested in stories of Pinoys abroad: the diasphora, the brain drain phenomenon, the job mismatch, etc. I believe these topics deserve a closer look for they give insights as to how we are going to survive the seemingly degradation of values brought about by what we called “globalization.”

Little did I know, however, that there exist issues among Filipinos abroad, entirely distinct and separate, yet form as inescapable obstruction against one’s personality and distress towards the country, and Kapeng Arabo is such a treat to these “seemingly formed” realities.

I suggest, before you start reading the book, open yourself to possibilities and look deeper into the different behaviors Garcia is trying impart. Whether you’re an OFW or not, you may unexpectedly find yourself in the same situation.

I am especially awestrucked by the premise offered by Garcia that “ang pananaw ng mga taga-Saudi ay hinuhulma ng mga pagkakataon at bunga ng pagnanasang mapunan yung certain feeling of emptiness” (Btw, the book is written in Taglish which I consider extra-treat for easy reading.). This line has probably one of the most powerful statements Garcia said in the book, a line that is explanation enough why OFWs lose focus on their goal and forgo of values while working abroad.

Before I wrote this simple review, I got to read the book more than 3 times, trying to figure the solid story line behind the chapters. But then I failed. Instead, I found out that the book is a collection of solid issues that should be the concern of OFWs themselves. I also found out instead a candid manifestation of the way of life of our kababayans abroad that should also be the concern of our institutions if only for self-preservation.

Much to the anticipation of many whose excitement is usually roused by scandals or tittle-tattle of some sort, I’d like to think that the chapter to which this blog has been discussed in the book in its entirety is intently situated to capitalize on giggles on specific demographics. But for those who expect this to be a full-blown revelation, I am afraid you cannot laugh your heart out, for all the things you can possibly imagine were merely discussed in passing. Nevertheless, I must say he is able to point out the real issues behind sordid details of sex, lies and rock & roll. And I must admit, I never really imagined how deep my topics had impact on the lives of Pinoy in Saudi until I read Garcia’s discussion.

There is simply an ample of significant issues compacted behind the 17 chapters of 158 pages of the book. They range from basic gesture of conducting oneself to work area to earnest yearning of maintaining the status quo. They have one common denominator though, and that is, they all sprung from the simple desire to ease loneliness. And this I feel is the real wake up deal to the reality Garcia claims as personal challenges left uchecked as “higit na mapanganib at nakapipinsala.”

On the over-all, Kapeng Arabo is a serious topic with serious concepts that should be taken with a grain of salt. It is probably to the credit of the author, how this seriousness has shaped into a light reading with wisdom-filled analyses material. Because while he is able to maintain an entertaining mode all throughout the book, he is able to sustain provocative thoughts as he speaks the issues of our time.

I give Kapeng Arabo two thumbs up for its value and style.

(You may find similar entry at www.pic-link.com)