Midsummer by Manuel Arguilla

Midsummer by Manuel Arguilla

Midsummer is written by an Ilokano martyr, Manual Arguilla. According to my research, he was killed by the Japanese in Fort Santiago back in 1944. This interests me because I have not read a Filipino short story in quite a while.

 Midsummer seems to be a love story between Manong and Ading. While Manong works as maybe a magsasaka, he spots Ading, a beautiful lady frolicking about the fields. Soon enough, they meet for a short while  while Manong eats. 

The way it was written was quite dragging. There were so many adjectives to describe such a short event. Maybe, though, that was Manuel's point - to prolong a short love story. The interest of the love story, on the other hand, flows from Manong to Ading. In the beginning of the story, before they sit down to chat, it seems as if the story is written through Manong's eyes as the author describes the beauty of Ading. He describes her in such a detailed way, from her head to her toes. At the latter part of the story, after they sit down to chat, it seems as if the story is written through Ading's eyes. She seems to be quite interested in Manong and even invites him over. 

This story is one of many stories of young and fearless love, a love which every one dreams of. Even though it was written in a dragging manner, I sort of enjoyed it because I personally like these kinds of stories. Overall, the story was a surprise to me. Only in the end of reading it did I fully understand why the title is "Midsummer". Young love is truly meant for the midsummer.