Si Jhun-Jhun, Noong Bago Ideklara Ang Batas Militar

Title: Si Jhun-Jhun, Nooong Bago Ideklara Ang Batas Militar
Author: Augie Rivera
Illustratotr: Brian Vallesteros
Publication: 2010 Adarna House Inc. - Philippines
Reviewed By: Marianne Santos



A Book Review of "Si Jhun-Jhun, Nooong Bago Ideklara  Ang Batas Militar":  My Responsibility as a Filipino
                            By: Marianne Santos

    
          Augie Rivera's book, Si Jhun-Jhun, Noong Bago Ideklara Ang Batas Militar is unusual for a children's story. It takes up social and political issues, and uplifts the value of close family ties,  and the unified spirit of the Filipino people. The book revolves around the story of Jhun-jhun and his older brother, who usually bond together until Jaime started working in a shoe factory.
     The story itself is very timely as the nation commemorates the 40^th anniversary of Martial Law this year. The plot of the book is a good opportunity for the youth to have a sense of history of Martial Law. 
       The book is written in Filipino with English translation. Footnotes help to explain the terms further. 

        Based on the situations encountered by Jhun-jhun, readers are made aware of  how his rights as a child are protected and abused. It should be government’s responsibility to protect those rights, but children like Jhun-jhun find themselves abused by adults.
Jhun-jhun’s character is firm and determined.  Despite his youth, he decides to fight for justice for his older brother. 

The book cover is gloomy and mysterious. 

The book’s illustrations are mostly drawings of slippers. At least eight pages of the book have illustrations of the  ordinary flipflops of the Filipinos. They are called “tsinelas” in Filipino, the cheap, daily footwear of ordinary Filipinos. These are  used for playing tumbang preso by the children. In the story, it gains a significant value to Jhun-jhun because of Jaime’s unexpected disappearance. 

    Although the story talks of Jhun-jhun and his brother's experience, it brings to light the events of a particular period in our history.  I highly recommend the book to all Filipinos regardless of age. Si Jhun-jhun, Noong Bago Ideklara and Batas Militar reminds us of our duty  to be vigilant of our rights and freedoms as Filipinos.