Spot Shelf: Isang Dekadang Resty Is a Relatable Novel About the Child of an OFW
It recounts the 10-year journey of Restituto Dimaculangan.
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(SPOT.ph) Jov Ortua Almero's Isang Dekadang Resty does not make grand promises, deliver mind-bending twists, or introduce extraordinary characters that will leave readers in awe. Instead, it offers a lighthearted portrayal of everyday people, as seen through the eyes of a maturing child.
What to know about the Filipino novel Isang Dekadang Resty by Jov Ortua Almero:
The Filipino novel recounts the 10-year journey of Restituto Dimaculangan, or Resty, from the age of six to 16—a period of formative years marked by significant physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
It tells the coming-of-age story of a boy who lived and grew up in a poverty-stricken community, constantly forced to relocate due to his parents' circumstances. It is firmly rooted in the everyday experiences of individuals, reflecting the intricacies and nuances of life as we understand it.
The book is narrated in the third person point of view. It is a character-driven novel that delves deeply into the protagonist's daily life and routines. While the story is divided into ten chapters, each chapter can stand alone as an independent narrative. This Filipino novel has earned the distinction of being a finalist at the 40th National Book Awards.
Social Class, Belongingness, and Dreaming Big
An important theme in the novel is constant movement. Resty frequently relocates due to his father's job and, eventually, his mother's decision to work abroad. This perpetual movement prevents him from building enduring relationships with those around him and a persistent feeling of not belonging. Consequently, he must constantly adapt and rebuild connections.
The book also advocates for the idea of dreaming big and not limiting oneself due to social status. Resty's mother imparts an inspiring one-liner: "Kung titipirin mo rin lang, ba't nangarap ka pa?" This encourages readers to pursue their aspirations, set high goals, and refuse to be constrained by self-imposed limitations. These themes also encompass concepts of perseverance, self-belief, and the pursuit of one's passions and aspirations despite obstacles and challenges.
The themes of constant movement and aspiring to greater heights are deeply intertwined with the social class and economic landscape that form the backdrop of Resty's story. Their constant relocations are a consequence of their poverty, and their limited dreams result from their inability to see beyond their immediate circumstances.
Filipino Culture
The book is rich with Filipino culture, traditions, and beliefs. In "Di Umano’y May Aswang sa Baryo," gossip (tsismis) serves as a means for townsfolk to disseminate rumors and tarnish people's characters. One highly effective way to damage someone's reputation is by spreading the rumor that they are an "aswang" (monsters who prey on innocent people).
The "balikbayan box" carries profound significance in Filipino culture, symbolizing the essence of the Filipino diaspora experience. In "Japan, Japan, Sagot sa Kahirapan," Resty's mother, working in Japan, sends a "balikbayan box" filled with goods for him and the family. This gesture underscores themes of love, unity, generosity, and the paramount importance of family and community in Filipino culture.
Another distinctly Filipino trait is the tendency to celebrate lavishly, even in the absence of substantial financial resources. Resty's mother desired an extravagant celebration for her son's graduation despite their limited budget. This trait harkens back to the "fiesta culture." Filipinos have a deep affection for hosting celebrations and fiestas, often going to great lengths, including borrowing money, to ensure the festivities are grand.
Isang Dekadang Resty (University of the Philippines Press, 2021) by Jov Ortua Almero is available on Shopee and Lazada for P420.
Rita T. dela Cruz is a science writer and editor at a government research institute. She finished BS Development Communication from UPLB and MA Filipino (Malikhaing Pagsulat) from UP Diliman. Her first book, Solo Flight: Mga Kuwento (Balangay Books, 2021), is available on Lazada for P617.
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