 First edition | |
| Author | Bob Ong |
|---|---|
| Language | Filipino |
| Genre | Humor Autobiography |
| Publisher | Visprint Inc. |
Publication date | 2001 |
| Publication place | Philippines |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 135 |
| ISBN | 971-92342-0-2 |
| OCLC | 52268836 |
ABNKKBSNPLAko?! is a 2001 autobiography by Filipino author Bob Ong — his first and most popular work.[1] The title is meant to be read phonetically as "Aba, nakakabasa na pala ako?!", which can be roughly translated as "Wow, I can actually read now?!" The novel details what are supposedly the childhood memories of the author, from his earliest days as a student until his first few years at work.
The book was a surprise hit in 2001, quickly selling out its first run of 500 copies.[2] By 2013, it had sold over 240,000 copies, at which time a 12th anniversary edition was published.[2] The success of Bob Ong's book among Filipinos has been attributed to its conversational tone which uses humor to point out various absurdities inherent to Filipino culture.[3] The popularity of ABNKKBSNPLAko?! in particular is attributed to an element of nostalgia says University of the Philippines literary professor, Philippines Free Press literary editor, and award-winning poet Paolo Manalo about Bob Ong's work: "The materials he used in his books are those familiar to this generation of Filipinos. One might even call them urban culture lore...."[3]
An English translation was published and released internationally, titled "The Boy with a Snake in His Schoolbag: A Memoir from Manila (Or Something Like That)", by Tuttle Publishing in 2023.[4][5]
- ^ "The mystery begins with his name-Bob Ong (not his real name)". Sunday Inquirer Magazine. Archived from the original on February 2, 2008. Retrieved April 3, 2008.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
pastorwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Ruel S. De Vera (July 19, 2006). "The mystery begins with the name 'Bob Ong'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
- ^ "The Boy with A Snake in his Schoolbag (9780804855211)". Tuttle Publishing. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
- ^ "The Boy with a Snake in his Schoolbag (International Edition)". Avenida. Retrieved May 26, 2024.