# The Boy with a Snake in His Schoolbag: A Memoir from Manila (or Something Like That) - Hardcover

by **Bob Ong** (Author), **Freely Abrigo** (Illustrator)

_A Fascinating and Funny Coming-of-Age Story set in the Philippines_

This humorous coming-of-age memoir follows the author from kindergarten through high school and college to his own experiences as a young teacher. Set in Manila, it explores universal themes of friendship, love, school life, depression, academic struggles and personal successes. A National Bestseller in the Philippines, the book also includes illustrations by award-winning cartoonist Freely Abrigo, a concept artist for Warner Brothers.

This collection of warm and humorous essays candidly chronicles Bob Ong's experiences growing up in the Marcos-era Manila of the 1980s. The author casts a satirical and nostalgic eye on the events of everyday life including:

-   Fighting for a seat in a classroom with limited chairs
-   Munching on _Nutribuns_ (UNICEF's nutrient-enriched bread sent to developing countries)
-   Having your sister discover a 20-inch rubber snake in your schoolbag
-   Taking part in a disastrous school production of _Star Wars_
-   Struggling to adapt to university life
-   Discovering a new perspective of the classroom when he becomes a teacher himself

  
Whether you're nostalgic for your own schooldays in the Philippines or simply want to enjoy an entertaining memoir set against the backdrop of a chaotic Asian city, this book is for you.

### Author Biography

**Bob Ong** is a contemporary Filipino author known for his humorous depictions of Philippine life. His name, a pseudonym, came about when the author was working as a web developer and a teacher, and he put up the _Bobong Pinoy_ (literally "dumb Filipino") website in his spare time. _The Boy with A Snake in his Schoolbag_ is the translation of Bob Ong's first book _ABNKKBSNPLAko?_ published in 2001. He has since published ten more books, two of which have been made into films, and six of which have sold more than a quarter of a million copies. _The Boy with the Snake in his Schoolbag_ is the first of his books to be translated into English.

**Freely Abrigo** is a Filipino-born artist who has been working as an editorial cartoonist for over a decade, currently contributing his cartoons to a leading newspaper in the Philippines. He has recently invaded the world of toys as a toy designer, and he also works as a concept artist for Warner Bros for whom he has designed some DC characters. Instagram.com/freelyabrigo Facebook.com/freely.abrigo

**Number of Pages:** 192

**Dimensions:** 0.9 x 8.1 x 5.3 IN

**Publication Date:** March 28, 2023

## Details

- **Price:** 15.99 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 15.99 USD | In stock |

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> Updated: 2026-07-21