Bob Ong is a pseudonym of a very popular Filipino contemporary writer, whose real name according to speculation is Roberto Ong. Although there were some allegations linking to some various names to be the so-called real Bob Ong but all these were not confirmed even his publisher won’t comment on the issue of his true identity. To this date, Bob Ong’s identity remains a mystery to his millions of fans.
The author was known for using conversational Filipino (use of Tagalog language) to create humorous and reflective depictions of life as a Filipino. The use of vulgar yet witty and funny lines that sounded like hardcore and naughty but in the end you realized that it actually the best words to describe his favorite subject, the Filipino people. He presented the new way of storytelling in a manner everybody can understand, regardless of social status. In his books he always reminds us (Filipino) of our weaknesses and the importance of accepting our flaws to give us the courage to making it right.
In his first book, ABNKKBSNPLAko? (read: Aba Nakakabasa Na Pala Ako? – Wow, I can really read now?), he gave us the importance of education and how it is important for nation building. In Bakit Baligtad Magbasa Ang Mga Pilipino (Why do Filipinos read books in reverse?), he tackles politics and on the issues of our instinct of choosing our leaders (Why, we prefer ERAP to be our President?). In his third, he attempted to be more daring by entering the sensitive world of religion through his Ang Paboritong Libro Ni Hudas (Judas’ favorite book). His fourth though he claimed was a fiction, for me Alamat ng Gubat (Legend of the Forest) is a satirical work that talks of the truth behind our dysfunctional government and the society as well.
And the fifth, the Stainless Longganisa (Stainless Sausages) is all about the dehydrated ball-points. His life as a writer, the ups and downs in competing with deadlines, the lessons he learned from writing and on how he can use this medium to inspire and influence his readers on how to become a better Filipino.
Though, I must say that my favorite so far is MACARTHUR, the book talks about the perennial problem of our society (drug addictions) ofcourse presented in different colors. Why it became a serious problem for most of our youth today.
In his 7th book Kapitan Sino (Captain Who), he simply wants to convey the message, that we can be a hero in our own way, even in our own little way. We do not need to wear spandex, equipped with the power of super strength and flight in order to help others.
has its own story to tell, ikaw ano ang kwentong alamat mo?