Ang Dyip ni Mang Tomas (Mang Tomas and His Jeep) by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz

Ang Dyip ni Mang Tomas (Mang Tomas and His Jeep) Reviews

• 
  Joanne

  I'm a sucker for family-themed stories. Plus I love stories revolving around objects. This one revolves around the story of one family jeep -- it's nice to just see whats and whys of its existence. The colors used are warm and reminiscent of childhood forays into the unknown and simple dreams of helping other people.
  
  Towards the end (or was it the middle) you get that hunch. "Oh I know what this is about!" And you think you are ready to read about that heartbreaking fact but then the author made use of a powerful combination of words and your heart catches in your throat:
  
  "Kaya pala ganoon na lang ang pag-aalaga ni Tatay sa lumang dyip. Sa bawat pagpasada ni
  Tatay, sumasarap lagi ang aming ulam, nakapag-aaral kaming magkakapatid, nabibili nina Ate
  Perla at Kuya Nonon ang mga librong kailangan nila at tuwing may kaarawan sa amin, ‘di rin
  nawawala ang munting handa. Kaya pala hitik kung mamunga ang kanyang mga tanim. Kaya
  pala maaamo’t napakiki-nabangan ang mga alaga niyang hayop. Kaya pala hinding-hindi ko
  naramdamang wala na akong Nanay dahil inalagaan kaming mabuti ni Tatay."
  
  "Kaya pala hinding-hindi ko
  naramdamang wala na akong Nanay dahil inalagaan kaming mabuti ni Tatay."
  
  Yes, I am a sucker for these things. I also think kids (even those who still have both parents) would relate a lot to the story.