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

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