Sa Tabi ng Bangin

Set against the bustling streets of early‑20th‑century Manila, this collection captures the pulse of a nation in transition. Its prose and verse blend social observation with lyrical imagination, offering snapshots of market life, labor, and the restless yearning of ordinary people. The language is vivid yet grounded, inviting listeners to hear the clatter of carts, the hum of conversation, and the quiet moments of introspection that define everyday Filipino experience.

At the heart of the book lies a tangled drama involving Ernesto, a celebrated poet‑actor whose fierce ambition burns like steel, Magdalena, a tender‑hearted woman caught between duty and desire, and Don Armando, a wealthy merchant whose greed sharpens the edges of his relationships. As Ernesto’s fame draws Magdalena’s admiration, the fragile balance of their lives teeters on the brink of betrayal, forcing each character to confront the echo of their own conscience.

Beyond the central story, the volume gathers a rich assortment of short tales and poems—“Dalawang Lilo,” “Tamis at Pakla,” “Luha ng Puso,” and more—each revealing another facet of love, loss, and the relentless quest for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Listeners will find a tapestry of voices that together paint a vivid portrait of hope, hardship, and the enduring human spirit.