Kapitan Sino
Bob Ong's new book, Kapitan Sino
I saw this book yesterday as I was going around Powerbooks TriNoma. I didn't even see the author right away. I just found the cover pretty, picked it up, and began reading the first few paragraphs. Bob Ong has a distinct style (if you've read him, I'm pretty sure you'd agree), so when I got reading, I flipped the book and confirmed that it was indeed Bob Ong's work. I bought it without hesitation.
Kapitan Sino is Bob Ong's third work of fiction. It tells the story of a young mechanic living in a small, poor barangay in the province, who suddenly discovers he has superpowers. Complete with a costume, he begins using his powers to help the people around him. Typical superhero stuff - saving people from burning buildings, stopping bank robberies, etc.
Like with most (if not all) of Bob Ong's material, everything is a reflection of Philippine society. He injects his funny stuff, in the right doses, in the right parts. His mix of seriousness and humor is there, evident and appealling. But more than the style, it's his content that draws me to him. Just like this book, for instance.
I don't know how to describe the story's theme in my own words, because Bob Ong does it soooo much better, so allow me to lift some quotes from him.
"Walang pag-asa ang mga taong naghahanap ng mga kakaibang nilalang na magliligtas sa kanila."
"Sa pagiging Kapitan Sino ko lang naisip na ang tanong ay hindi kung bakit magulo ang mundo, kundi kung ano ang magagawa ko."
If you have a few bucks to spare, I strongly suggest you go out and grab a copy of this book. The season being near Independence Day adds to the entire feel of the book. :)