Yes. My family of four are now here down under where kangaroos are the kings of the outback roads and the fact that koalas are not real bears is no longer unheard of.

Yet the Philippines is an inherent part of my being, too, in more ways than one. One would and should never forget one’s roots. In life, we take with us what’s good (as well as leave behind and learn from what’s not so).

For the first time in years, I’ve been able to search for and find the time to finally carry out my long-delayed plan to read noteworthy pieces written by Filipino authors. These works are not my childhood’s Florante at Laura or El Filibusterismo, but they are culturally valuable pieces nonetheless albeit on another plane.

Here’s the last but not the least one of my top picks so far:

This one’s something for when you really need it the most.

Break or Bounce: How to Get Out of Your Rock Bottom by Bo Sánchez

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What do you do when life takes its toll, when nothing is working right or when it seems like all the odds are against you? Do you give up, or do you get up? Do you break, or do you bounce?

Simple to understand, practical, inspirational, motivating, witty, and relatable, Brother Bo has done it again with this piece. It’s also quite revelational to note that we’ve got the same motto: Ora et labora. Pray and work. That’s just one among the multitude of wise quips and thoughts I got from his brilliant narrative.

I’ve just finished three Aussie works recently and would be posting my reviews for those soon, too. This was the very first Filipino book I’ve read in decades, and I should and would definitely say it’s quite a great choice and a timely blessing.

Note: This non-commercial micro-review also appears on other sites.