Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin in a nutshell is one big, delicious, satire of Philippine media.

It covers everything
from action movies to billboards, TV reality contests to telenovelas (aka teleserye, sinserye, fantaserye,
etc.), literature to OPM to Facebook statuses.

Is it a Screenplay?

Bob Ong just never seems to run out of creative ideas when it comes to book formats. While his earlier
works are a collection of interesting and humorous short stories from his own point of view, his portfolio
has widened through the years to include a graphic art novel (thats almost like a childrens storybook), a
surprisingly horror-themed piece, and now, a screenplay.

And its no ordinary screenplay because its done a la Shake Rattle n Roll style with 3 short stories that
are part of one big, very-Pinoy movie.

Part 1: Bala sa Bala Kamao sa Kamao Satsat sa Satsat A stereotypical action movie

Part 2: Skake Shaker Shakest A plot-less horror movie

Part 3: Asawa ni Marie A very familiar drama

Personally, I appreciate this screenplay format because Im a Communication Arts graduate and I have
been taught to read and write scripts and screenplays during my college years. However, Im not sure if
this style will be very popular among all of Bob Ongs readers. But I dont think that its a problem
because basing on the content of this book, it really was intended for the eyes of people who are
somehow linked with Philippine media. It was meant to be read by the people whose very works were
tackled, criticized, and osterized in all three chapters. It was written in the hopes of affecting change.

And besides, its simple enough to read and understand even without a Liberal Arts degree. So dont you
worry!

Is it easy to relate to?

MOST DEFINITELY. If youre a true-blue Filipino then you will surely find a lot of things eerily (and
hilariously) familiar in this book:
Noontime variety shows

Weekend variety shows (alam mong, magkaiba yan!)

Action stars turned politicians

A fiesta of billboards along major highways

Annoying Facebook and Twitter status updates

Biased and nonsense journalism

Sensationalized news

Recurring (walang-kamatayang) plots in drama shows/movies

Pretty faces trying so much to convince us with mediocre hosting/acting/singing/dancing

Recycled music from creativity-malnourished artists

Sappy movie titles taken from love songs

And the list goes on

Is it entertaining?

Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin gave me numerous hearty laughs and a lot of mischievous sniggers. So YES, its a
VERY ENTERTAINING piece of literature.

And I do mean a significant literary piece. You shouldnt consider something as trash or a joke just
because its funny. I think that was one of the points Bob Ong made in chapter 2. Literary critics like
praising themselves and only give credit to things that they think are at par with their own personal
standards. I think Ive heard (before) that some Pinoy critics hate Bob Ong because he writes in Tag-Lish
and mostly about funny, mundane stuff. But hey, it was Bob Ongs first few books that got my high school
friends to start reading BOOKS. And mind you, they were the rowdiest of boys too. I never expected
them to read books of any kind back then. Thanks to his witty approach, Bob Ong was able to hook a lot
of young people into reading.

Back to Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin

Packed with sharp commentary and witty criticisms here and there, Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin is a must-
read for people who are tired of the same old things in media today. Its perfect for anybody whos
interested in pop culture, and frankly, its perfect for just about anyone whos looking for a smart and
funny read.

I highly recommend it!

PS: Selling price is just PHP175.00. Cover design and illustrations by Manix Abrera and Kitt Lapena.
Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin is by Bob Ong, published by Visprint, Inc.

Background of the author