The Boy with A Snake in his Schoolbag: A Memoir from Manila (Or Something Like That)

A Fascinating and Funny Coming-of-Age Story Set in the Philippines. This humorous coming-of-age memoir takes readers on a journey from kindergarten through college and beyond, capturing the experiences of a young teacher. Set in Manila, it explores universal themes of friendship, love, school life, academic struggles, and personal triumphs. A National Bestseller in the Philippines, the book includes lively illustrations by award-winning cartoonist Freely Abrigo, a concept artist for Warner Brothers. Through candid, warm, and humorous essays, Bob Ong recounts his upbringing in Marcos-era Manila of the 1980s, blending satire and nostalgia with everyday experiences such as: Fighting for a seat in a crowded classroom Enjoying Nutribuns (UNICEF's nutrient-enriched bread for developing countries) Discovering a 20-inch rubber snake in your schoolbag Participating in a disastrous school production of Star Wars Struggling to adapt to university life Gaining new insights as a teacher Whether you're reminiscing about schooldays in the Philippines or simply looking for an entertaining memoir set against the backdrop of a vibrant Asian city, this book offers humor, heart, and insight.