Answer:
Bj Patino or Bernard Julian is a master’s degree in literature graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University and also a faculty member of the English department of the same school. Some of his works include “Late Mourning” and “Ninth Day.” He is also a photojournalist of Mindanao News and Information Cooperative Center. He is currently working towards a master’s degree in anthropology.
Apo on the Wall was written by Bj Patino and talks about a child’s point of view about his strict father and a hanging photo on the wall. This advocates reasonably close to the realization of giving importance on looking back at our past, moving forward through our present and ensuring the success of our future.
Apo on the Wall by Bj Patino
There’s this man’s photo on the wall Of my father’s office at home, you Know, where father brings his work, Where he doesn’t look strange Still wearing his green uniform And colored breast plates, where, To prove that he works hard, he Also brought a photo of his boss Whom he calls Apo, so Apo could You know, hang around on the wall Behind him and look over his shoulders To make sure he’s snappy and all. Father snapped at me once, caught me Sneaking around his office at home Looking at the stuff on his wall- handguns, Plaques, a sword, medals a rifle- Told me that was no place for a boy Only men, when he didn’t really Have to tell me because, you know, That photo of Apo on the wall was already Looking at me around, His eyes following me like he was That scary Jesus in the hallway, saying I know what you’re doing
Guide Questions:
1. Who do you think is the author referring to as “Apo”? none
2. What do you think is the job of the author’s father? none
3. How was the father described in the poem? none What type of father do you think is he? none
4. How does the poem give you a glimpse of how Martial Law was like? How does that make you feel ? none