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Batangas: My Sky and Earth
An Intimate Recollection and Reflection of My Childhood in the Philippines
When Bong Serrano learned that his older brother, Boying, had cancer, the notes he had jotted down about his childhood took on new meaning. Memories of his time with his family in the Philippines came rushing back. At the center of those memories were the precious moments he'd spent with his Kuya.
Faced with his brother's impending death, Bong asked "What if one day I lose my memories? Who will remember us?" Thus began Bong's yearslong journey of immortalizing not only his childhood but also his country's history and traditions.
Bong grew up in the southern province of Batangas, on Luzon Island. My Sky and Earth is a celebration of that childhood. This memoir takes you into a world made rich by the intricate descriptions of life in the Philippines in the 1970s and '80s, where the family unit is close, and many households are multigenerational. From family dynamics to church duties to delicious food and the inevitable annual typhoons, Bong invites you to experience his culture from the inside.
Throughout this memoir, Bong honors his childhood home and country and the memory of his beloved brother. The choice to interweave Tagalog throughout this book's pages helps to steep the story in Filipino culture further. A whole village raised this boy, and as Bong looks back on his childhood, the lessons he learned come to the clarity, forgiveness, tradition, and love.
When Bong Serrano learned that his older brother, Boying, had cancer, the notes he had jotted down about his childhood took on new meaning. Memories of his time with his family in the Philippines came rushing back. At the center of those memories were the precious moments he'd spent with his Kuya.
Faced with his brother's impending death, Bong asked "What if one day I lose my memories? Who will remember us?" Thus began Bong's yearslong journey of immortalizing not only his childhood but also his country's history and traditions.
Bong grew up in the southern province of Batangas, on Luzon Island. My Sky and Earth is a celebration of that childhood. This memoir takes you into a world made rich by the intricate descriptions of life in the Philippines in the 1970s and '80s, where the family unit is close, and many households are multigenerational. From family dynamics to church duties to delicious food and the inevitable annual typhoons, Bong invites you to experience his culture from the inside.
Throughout this memoir, Bong honors his childhood home and country and the memory of his beloved brother. The choice to interweave Tagalog throughout this book's pages helps to steep the story in Filipino culture further. A whole village raised this boy, and as Bong looks back on his childhood, the lessons he learned come to the clarity, forgiveness, tradition, and love.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
450 pages, Hardcover
Published September 27, 2023
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Bong Serrano
4 books1 followerBong Serrano is a proud Batangueño, hailing from the picturesque and historic province of Batangas, Philippines. His debut memoir, Batangas: My Sky and Earth, not only pays homage to his roots but also takes readers on a nostalgic journey into the heart of Filipino heritage.
Bong completed his undergraduate studies with an academic scholarship at Ateneo de Manila University and was subsequently awarded a student exchange scholarship at International Christian University in Tokyo. After dedicating several years as an international flight attendant and Japanese speaker for American Airlines, immersing himself in diverse cultures around the world, he transitioned to roles as Digital Marketing Director at both a digital marketing agency and a not-for-profit organization for men’s health in Vancouver, contributing his expertise to both organizations over a twenty-seven-year career in digital marketing.
Though Bong has called Canada home for many years, his heart remains deeply connected to Batangas, where he frequently returns to visit family and friends. He cherishes the bonds he holds dear and finds joy in sharing stories, listening to music, taking long walks along the seawall, mastering the art of cooking adobo, indulging in Asian dramas during his leisure hours, and, naturally, pursuing his passion for writing and storytelling. Bong resides in Vancouver with his life partner of over thirty years.
Bong is currently immersed in his next project, which involves writing a historical fiction. Connect with him and explore more of his work on his website at bongserrano.com.
Bong completed his undergraduate studies with an academic scholarship at Ateneo de Manila University and was subsequently awarded a student exchange scholarship at International Christian University in Tokyo. After dedicating several years as an international flight attendant and Japanese speaker for American Airlines, immersing himself in diverse cultures around the world, he transitioned to roles as Digital Marketing Director at both a digital marketing agency and a not-for-profit organization for men’s health in Vancouver, contributing his expertise to both organizations over a twenty-seven-year career in digital marketing.
Though Bong has called Canada home for many years, his heart remains deeply connected to Batangas, where he frequently returns to visit family and friends. He cherishes the bonds he holds dear and finds joy in sharing stories, listening to music, taking long walks along the seawall, mastering the art of cooking adobo, indulging in Asian dramas during his leisure hours, and, naturally, pursuing his passion for writing and storytelling. Bong resides in Vancouver with his life partner of over thirty years.
Bong is currently immersed in his next project, which involves writing a historical fiction. Connect with him and explore more of his work on his website at bongserrano.com.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 20, 2024
A heartwarming, beautiful love letter to Batangas. A lot of moments in the book reminded me of my childhood and of my 7 years there. It also helped in coaxing some more stories from my mom's childhood, especially since so many of the locations mentioned in the book my mom remembered. I even teared up a few times because much of my fondest memories come from my time there in what I consider my second home. The mention of Wanam made me yearn for their lumpiang Shanghai.
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July 21, 2024Serrano's book mirrors the rich cultural fiber of Batangueños having to boast its rich heritage. While reading, I feel like I am being brought back to the years I was not even born. The book encourages the community to continue fall in love with the story behind history. a must read!
July 22, 2024
Batangas: My Sky and Earth, is full of lavish descriptions that help place you in the action of the book. These descriptions showed the range of vistas and topography that were enjoyed by residents of the place.
Short and varied vignettes of everyday life scattered throughout the book made the accounts more personal and colorful, giving glimpses of a more innocent era, where everything is new and wondrous in a child's eyes; before mobile phones, computers and other electronic gadgets took away some of the simple pleasures like playing outside the house can bring.
A wonderful and emotional walk down memory lane.
Short and varied vignettes of everyday life scattered throughout the book made the accounts more personal and colorful, giving glimpses of a more innocent era, where everything is new and wondrous in a child's eyes; before mobile phones, computers and other electronic gadgets took away some of the simple pleasures like playing outside the house can bring.
A wonderful and emotional walk down memory lane.
August 3, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this memoir. It was very interesting to read about the culture and traditions of Batangas. I loved having the photos as well for reference, that really helps my brain get into the story and vibe. Definitely pick up this book if you want something moving and want to learn something new.
July 20, 2024
Bong Serrano was a childhood friend and the compiled recollection of his childhood experiences in his book, Batangas, My Earth and Sky, not only described his childhood but the also childhood of the Batanguenos of his generation.
It is a perfect depiction and a vivid illustration of how our contemporaries lived and experienced our childhood in our beloved hometown. His eloquent style in painting his childhood memories in words instantly brought me back to the Batangas of our youth. It made me recollect the bits and pieces of the memories of almost forgotten places and faces of my early life in Batangas.
Good job Bong! Will definitely share and give copies to my friends to let them know where I came from and let them imagine a snippet of how my early life was, back in Batangas.
It is a perfect depiction and a vivid illustration of how our contemporaries lived and experienced our childhood in our beloved hometown. His eloquent style in painting his childhood memories in words instantly brought me back to the Batangas of our youth. It made me recollect the bits and pieces of the memories of almost forgotten places and faces of my early life in Batangas.
Good job Bong! Will definitely share and give copies to my friends to let them know where I came from and let them imagine a snippet of how my early life was, back in Batangas.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews