BOOK REVIEW: Stainless Longganisa by Bob Ong

Date: June-July 2006

Publication: Current Magazine

Section and Page: Current Diversion, p.50

Publisher: Finserve Corporation, Meralco

A book on books.

Nothing beats a writing lesson direct from your favorite author. That is what is in store for you in Bob Ong’s latest release, Stainless Longganisa. In this non-fiction, Ong lets you in to the world of reading and writing ”the Bob Ong style” with the help of course of his “nagtataeng ballpen”.

After ABNKKBSNPLAKo?!, Bakit Baligtad Magbasa Ng Libro Ang Mga Pilipino?, Ang Paboritong Libro Ni Hudas, and Alamat Ng Gubat, Ong now shares to us the story behind how he wrote these first four sensational books. His adventure began with a detailed account of his writing tools, how he got his first Gift Gate pencil, down to having his very own Parker pen and Fisher Space pen.

Then Ong tells us the history of his writing career. With a knack in storytelling, and influenced by his favorite authors, he gave up his early jobs to pursue what he really wanted to become. For Ong, writing is his obligation.

The author’s trademark wit will definitely not be missed in this sure hit read. He mixes lessons with absurd imageries and expresses them as casual as possible. Ong still inserted different social issues in this book’s pages. But along the politics-ranting, local TV hosts pet peeves, and the Amazing Race realization on the Filipino mentality, the author ends his chapters with a hilarious Gawaing Pagsanay proving that one can learn so much while laughing your heads off.

Though boxed in the non-fiction genre, Ong proves to us his flexibility in writing. Coming from a fiction-shift in his last book Alamat ng Gubat, the author tried again his expertise where he was first known and loved by his readers telling his own story. This comeback relates to us Filipinos where the setting and vernacular used is our own, and the narration is humorous yet so real as if coming from a good ol’ friend. You’ll never get tired of listening and learning from this author’s depth expressed light and easy for his audience.

Now enter the world of Stainless Longganisa. Value books as your most priced possessions. Learn how to write based from the very experience of a reliable friend. This book will truly awaken the hidden writer in you, and will make you realize that things don’t instantly happen in a snap of your fingers. Not only for those who plan to produce the next best seller; this book is for anyone who has a dream.

A final advice, though. Don’t go flipping through the pages, and wondering where the title came from!