Walong Taong Gulang By Genoveva Edroza Matute Pdf
Rashida Stokes
Walong Taong Gulang: A Short Story by Genoveva Edroza Matute
Walong Taong Gulang is a short story written by Genoveva Edroza Matute, a Filipino writer and educator. The story was first published in 1951 and won the first prize in the Commonwealth Literary Contest. It is considered one of the best examples of Philippine literature in Filipino.
The story revolves around Leoncio Santos, an eight-year-old boy who attends a public school. He is different from his classmates because he does not like to play with them and prefers to be alone. He also has a dark complexion, a flat nose, and thick lips that make him look older than his age. His teacher, who narrates the story, tries to help him by encouraging other children to befriend him, but Leoncio remains aloof and distant.
One day, the teacher discovers that Leoncio has a secret: he works as a shoe-shiner after school to help his mother who is sick and his father who is unemployed. He also reveals that he wants to study hard and become a doctor someday. The teacher is moved by Leoncio's situation and admires his courage and determination. She decides to give him a pair of shoes as a gift, hoping that it will make him happy and more confident.
However, the gift backfires when Leoncio's classmates tease him for wearing new shoes that do not match his old clothes. They also accuse him of stealing the shoes from someone else. Leoncio runs away from them, feeling hurt and humiliated. He throws away the shoes and goes back to his old ones. The teacher finds him crying and tries to comfort him. She tells him that she is proud of him and that he should not mind what others say. She also promises to help him achieve his dreams.
The story ends with Leoncio smiling and thanking the teacher for her kindness. He also says that he will keep the shoes as a reminder of her generosity. The teacher feels happy and hopeful for Leoncio's future.
Walong Taong Gulang is a touching story that depicts the reality of poverty and inequality in the Philippines. It also shows the importance of education, compassion, and resilience in overcoming challenges and pursuing goals. The story appeals to readers of all ages because it portrays universal themes such as childhood, friendship, family, and dreams.
If you want to read the full story in Filipino, you can download it as a PDF file from Scribd[^1^] [^2^]. You can also find a review of the story in Filipino by El Cayaban[^2^].
Genoveva Edroza Matute was born on January 3, 1915 in Manila. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in education and became a teacher and a writer. She wrote several short stories, novels, essays, and poems in Filipino. Some of her notable works include Ang Kuwento ni Mabuti (The Story of Mabuti), Ang Bagong Paraiso (The New Paradise), and Ang Matanda at ang Dagat (The Old Man and the Sea).
She was also a pioneer in the development of Philippine literature in Filipino. She was one of the founders of the Kapisanang Panitikan (Literary Society) and the editor of Liwayway (Dawn), a popular magazine that published Filipino stories and poems. She also taught Filipino literature at the University of the Philippines and other schools. She received several awards and recognitions for her contributions to Philippine culture and education.
She died on March 21, 2009 at the age of 94. She left behind a legacy of inspiring and meaningful stories that reflect the Filipino spirit and values.
d8cbe59d7d