Juvenile Innocence

In Its a Mens World, Bebang Siy introduces readers to a facetious and apparently

simple-minded young girl who eagerly wanted to have her menstruation after knowing that her

younger sister had it already. In that case, Bebang Siy brought us to the world of childhood

innocence that signified an underlying message behind the passage of the text. In addition the

author was able to depict the puberty stage which is the main theme of the story. (In addition, the

author was also able to depict an issue with regards to gender sexuality which is the feminism.)

At the beginning of the story, the change wrought by puberty was unveiled mentioning

the menstruation that happened to her younger sister.

Unang nag ka mens ang kapatid kong si Colay kesa sa akin. Ten years old siya noon at

ako mag tu-twelve. Sabi ng mga pinsan ko, nauna raw si Colay kasi mas mataba siya at mas

aktibo sa paggalaw-galaw kesa sa akin

According to Pickhardt (2010) it is innate to an adolescent to develop insecurity

especially to their physical aspect. He also added that for most young people, self-esteem is the

common enemy during puberty.

Nakaka inggit naman, naisip ko. Kailangang magka regla na rin ako.

For the sake of menstruation, the protagonist able to alter everything on her because

on the early adolescence stage this is the time that physical appearance is more important to the

youth for social acceptance and social standing.

Nilakasan ko ang kain ko at pagdating sa pagkikilos, tinigilan ko muna ang paglalaro

ng Word Factory and Scrabble

That is why Bebang eats heavily and plays actively. The impact that changes to her

sister provokes Bebangs perspective on becoming a lady.

 In todays Philippine culture, once a young girl has a menstruation already, she was

limited to vigorous activities such as climbing a tree, playing with boys and even activity play

that requires jumping, physical contact with opposite sex and many more. There was a suddenly

shift of attitude and manner for being a lady is expected to meet the norms of the society

therefore involve a great responsibility. (Bautista, 2012)

Magkilos dalaga ka na kasi maliligawan ka na.

Due to the standard and norms of the society, certain superstitious beliefs are mixed

upon to those that have scientific basis. Just like what Bebangs cousin uttered to Colay upon

knowing she had a menstruation.

Wag kang kakain ng magga. Maasim yon, sasakit puson mo

In terms of the authors style of writing, the wit and intelligence of the author on how

she manipulates her story was comically fantastic and amazing. It makes the reader hooked and

relatable to those lines that were presented in the story especially on todays generation. Despite

the fact that Feminism issue was also touched, chapter one of the book merely tackles puberty.

Since Filipinos are known to be humorous, it always gives us an astounding impact

and that is why we highly appreciate authors like Bebang Siy. The good thing is that their books

are not only entertaining but meant to portray a message through themes that was very inspiring

and eye-opening.

Works Cited
Bautista, L. F. (2012). A Woman's Wit and Prudence: Bebang Siy's "It's A Mens World" In
A Feminist View (Unpublished master's thesis). Los Banos, Laguna.
Pickhardt, C. E., Ph.D. (2010). Adolescence and the Problems of Puberty. PsychologyToday.
Retrieved August 24, 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/surviving
your-childs-adolescence/201004/adolescence-and-the-problems-puberty.
Siy, B. (2011). It's a Mens World. In It's a Mens World (Ser. 1, pp. 9-17). Anvil Publishing
Inc. doi:9789712725579