This humorous coming-of-age memoir follows the author from kindergarten through high school and college to his own experiences as a young teacher. Set in Manila, it explores universal themes of friendship, love, school life, depression, academic struggles and personal successes. A National Bestseller in the Philippines, the book also includes illustrations by award-winning cartoonist Freely Abrigo, a concept artist for Warner Brothers.

This collection of warm and humorous essays candidly chronicles Bob Ong s experiences growing up in the Marcos-era Manila of the 1980s. The author casts a satirical and nostalgic eye on the events of everyday life including:

• Fighting for a seat in a classroom with limited chairs 
• Munching on Nutribuns (UNICEF s nutrient-enriched bread sent to developing countries)
• Having your sister discover a 20-inch rubber snake in your schoolbag
• Taking part in a disastrous school production of Star Wars
• Struggling to adapt to university life
• Discovering a new perspective of the classroom when he becomes a teacher himself

• Whether you re nostalgic for your own schooldays in the Philippines or simply want to enjoy an entertaining memoir set against the backdrop of a chaotic Asian city, this book is for you.

  About the Author

  Bob Ong is a contemporary Filipino author known for his humorous depictions of Philippine life. His name, a pseudonym, came about when the author was working as a web developer and a teacher, and he put up the Bobong Pinoy (literally dumb Filipino ) website in his spare time. The Boy with a Snake in His Schoolbag is the translation of Bob Ong s first book ABNKKBSNPLAko? published in 2001. He has since published ten more books, two of which have been made into films, and six of which have sold more than a quarter of a million copies. The Boy with a Snake in His Schoolbag is the first of his books to be translated into English.

  About the Illustrator

  Freely Abrigo is a Filipino-born artist who has been working as an editorial cartoonist for over a decade, currently contributing his cartoons to a leading newspaper in the Philippines. He has recently invaded the world of toys as a toy designer, and he also works as a concept artist for Warner Bros for whom he has designed some DC characters.

  Dimensions: 13.97 x 1.91 x 20.96 cm