Nang Bata Pa Kami

A tender voice from the past unfolds through a series of letters that capture the flutter of first love between two young Filipinos. The narrator, Edeng, recalls the shy glances, whispered questions about what love truly means, and the ache of separation when a family move pulls her away from Manuel. Her memories are vivid, painting moments of shared smiles at a windowsill and the lingering sting of longing that follows every goodbye.

Set against the early‑twentieth‑century backdrop of Manila and its surrounding provinces, the story blends personal reminiscence with the rhythms of everyday life—schoolrooms, family meals, and the sea‑kissed breezes of a coastal town. The prose carries the cadence of a bygone era, yet its emotions feel immediate and relatable, inviting listeners to feel the innocence, hope, and quiet heartache of youthful romance.

Through its lyrical reflections, the work offers a glimpse into a world where love is both a simple secret exchanged in a glance and a profound force that shapes the narrator’s growing sense of self.