The image he portrayed in this short novel is as graphic as it can get. Mac Arthur is an unflinching depiction of life in the Philippine urban underworld, and the characters that move within it. In his first books, Bob Ong always spoke with his trademark wit and humor, but here, he takesa very serious tone. While this is not his first work of fiction, Alamat ng Gubat being his debut piece on the genre, Mac Arthur presents a totally different aspect of Bob Ong's writing. I suppose a lot of his avid fans would be surprised with this. What can I say? It's not like any of his previous books. It’s not a touching story but it is very heartbreaking. It takes up a really serious story about four friends and how life sucks because they don’t have enough money. This is, so far, the best Bob Ong book, for me.It’s not funny nor is it scary. Read the “ Red Book” by Bob Ong, and see if you are a “ MacArthur” yourself.I have bought a copy of Bob Ong's latest work, Mac Arthur last Tuesday, I finished it off in around four hours. i salute the author for creating a no holds-barred novel a book that refletcs the real “us” a book that is worth every penny. This almost-a-hundred-page-book bravely bares the truth and harsh realities of life, the daily hardships a lower-class family deals with and how they stick together as one. Though some might find some jokes and remarks quite offensive in nature, the crude (and rude) nature of these words actually capture the authenticity of everyday conversations usually heard in low socio-economic areas in our country. Of course, this book is not exempted from Bob Ong’s wit and humor. Kung alam lang yan ng mga kabataan, sa pananaw ko e walang gugustuhing umiwas sa eskwela.” Kung di mo pagtitiyagaan, anak, limang dekada ng kahirapan ang kapalit. It was very dramatic, even serious in some parts, which clearly shows the author’s diversity as a writer.

The whole experience is like being trapped inside a Maalaala Mo Kaya set. It might strike some readers that this piece is very, very different from your typical Bob Ong.

Dysfunctional families, broken dreams, and false hopes also plague our protagonists as they face everyday adversities. Released around May 2008, this modern day drama is set in the middle of an unnamed Metro Manila slum, surrounded by drugs, violence, poverty, and even death. Voltron star in Bob Ong’s sixth book, MacArthur. Jim, Noel, Cyrus, and Amadeus “Denver” Kantuyan a.k.a. Merong buo, merong durog At merong mga taong hindi basta-basta lumulubog.”įour friends define what friendship really is, despite all the grime and dirt of poverty… “Merong matigas, merong malambot Merong tuwid, merong kulot.

Bob ong macarthur summary