Early

Harvest
By: Bienvenido
Santos
About the Author
Bienvenido Santos
Born on March 22, 1911 in Tondo, Manila
A short story writer, poet, novelist and teacher.
He was conferred the title Doctor of Humane
Letters honoris causa by the University of the
Philippines, De La Salle University and the
University of Nueva Caceres.
 Lectured throughout the United States during
World War II and these travels gave him much
material for his short stories.
Most of his stories depicts the loneliness and
hurt of Filipinos in a strange and alien land.

The virtue of Santos poetry is that it can be

interpreted on many levels Manuel A. Viray
Characters
Selmo- He is a boy who is scared of the Japs
and often dream about chasing him. He dont
understand everything but he knows the truth
that Japanese soldiers were invading them and
taking away the smiles of the villagers that once
worn.
Selmos Father- He believes that there is still
hope and that they can live normally again.
Selmos Mother- A good mother who always
prepares food for her family and attend their
needs. She is one of those women who always
pray.
Characters
Cario- He is Selmos Brother. He has a wife and a
son but hes not always present because he is
the Leader of men. He needs to lead them to
fight against the beasts which made him a
strong person.
Japanese Soldiers- They were called Japs and
beasts in mens clothes because they not only
kill but they torture.
Nena- She is the wife of Cario who cries a lot,
weeping for her lost husband.
Maid- a happy person because she always
giggles to the point that Selmo thinks she is crazy.
Characters
Father Julian- He is an American priest who serves
as the peoples messenger of faith. He shares
them wisdom and encourage them in times of
difficulties.
Tiong Matias- He is the father of Marta and
Bundio and is a good friend of Selmos father.
Celo- A father who consults Father Julian
because his son is not feeling well.
Carlo- Son of Celo who sadly died and was
prayed by Father Julian.
Significant Episodes
When the Japanese soldiers came to Siniracan
Hills, the people were filled with fear and
sadness. Most of the young men in the village
disappeared to fight against the Japanese
soldiers and one of them is Selmos brother,
Cario.
Tiong Matias took Father Julian to the town so
that he would be safe. Father Julian always
held masses especially during Sundays and he
also baptized children.
 One night, Cario came to their house looking
very ill. He told them that they must fight on
because that is the only way, everything will be
alright so they should just keep on praying for
them.
Values
Faithin God
Perseverance
Hospitality
Patience
Message
In times of despair and situations when you
couldnt handle the problems, never lose hope
because God will never leave us. He is always
there to help us.
Faith is the greatest weapon- when theres
nothing left to do, prayer is powerful.
Great things come out of patience.
Faith in God includes Faith in His timing.
Good things happen to those who wait