Love & Other Firsts: A review

CEBU, Philippines - Very Cebuano and yet very universal, Tilay Angbetic's Love and Other Firsts is definitely a good read.

Set in Cebu, Philippines in 1975, the book transports the reader to the Martial Law era and gives a peek at the life of Ligaya, a teenager, and her group of friends.

Having been born in 1975, I don't remember much of the life back then. But Love and Other Firsts gave me that opportunity – look back into old Cebu and see how Cebuanos lived back then. Local color will really give the reader the feeling of being in Cebu. The mention of Asilo de la Sagrada Familia church, the Country Club, Casino Español, the Revolving Restaurant (this no longer exists now but I heard a lot about it when I was small), White Gold House and even Everet Shoe Store will really give one a picture of Cebu. It was also a delight to read about Skyflakes as snacks, or Vicks (Vaporub) used to soothe skin irritations!

Though full of a lot of things Cebuano, such as expletives like "Holy pan de leche," or "Gi-ahak," Love and Other Firsts revolves on a universal plot that even non-Cebuanos and non-Filipinos can easily identify with – love and being a teenager.

I am over 30 now but I felt like a teenager reading the book. The feeling was akin to reading my favorite novels when I was a teenager – the excitement of seeing one's crush, of one's first kiss. Oh yes, I remembered the feeling of having butterflies in my stomach.

I hope Tilay Angbetic will make good a subtle promise she made at the end of the book and that is for Ligaya to take on the next chapter of her life. Can't wait for what will happen NEXT!

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Tilay Angbetic will hold a book signing at Casino Español on December 10, 2011, 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Merienda will be served. A customized cake will be the highlight, designed and baked by Caro & Marie.