Overview
This humorous coming-of-age memoir takes readers on a journey from kindergarten through college and beyond, capturing the experiences of a young teacher. Set in Manila, it explores universal themes of friendship, love, school life, academic struggles, and personal triumphs.
A National Bestseller in the Philippines, the book includes lively illustrations by award-winning cartoonist Freely Abrigo, a concept artist for Warner Brothers.
Through candid, warm, and humorous essays, Bob Ong recounts his upbringing in Marcos-era Manila of the 1980s, blending satire and nostalgia with everyday experiences such as:
- Fighting for a seat in a crowded classroom
- Enjoying Nutribuns (UNICEF's nutrient-enriched bread for developing countries)
- Discovering a 20-inch rubber snake in your schoolbag
- Participating in a disastrous school production of Star Wars
- Struggling to adapt to university life
- Gaining new insights as a teacher
Whether you're reminiscing about schooldays in the Philippines or simply looking for an entertaining memoir set against the backdrop of a vibrant Asian city, this book offers humor, heart, and insight.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry The Boy with A Snake in his Schoolbag (A Memoir from Manila (Or Something Like That)), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of The Boy with A Snake in his Schoolbag (A Memoir from Manila (Or Something Like That)).