The Boy with a Snake in His Schoolbag: A Memoir from Manila (or Something Like That)

A Fascinating and Funny Coming-of-Age Story Set in the Philippines.

This humorous coming-of-age memoir takes readers on a journey from kindergarten through college and beyond, capturing the experiences of a young teacher. Set in Manila, it explores universal themes of friendship, love, school life, academic struggles, and personal triumphs.

A National Bestseller in the Philippines, the book includes lively illustrations by award-winning cartoonist Freely Abrigo, a concept artist for Warner Brothers.

Through candid, warm, and humorous essays, Bob Ong recounts his upbringing in Marcos-era Manila of the 1980s, blending satire and nostalgia with everyday experiences such as:

• Fighting for a seat in a crowded classroom
• Enjoying Nutribuns (UNICEF’s nutrient-enriched bread for developing countries)
• Discovering a 20-inch rubber snake in your schoolbag
• Participating in a disastrous school production of Star Wars
• Struggling to adapt to university life
• Gaining new insights as a teacher

Whether you’re reminiscing about schooldays in the Philippines or simply looking for an entertaining memoir set against the backdrop of a vibrant Asian city, this book offers humor, heart, and insight.

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 the Snake in his Schoolbag is the first of his books to be translated into English.

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. Instagram.com/freelyabrigo Facebook.com/freely.abrigo