Voice tape

By Ariel S Tabag
As I read Ariel S. Tabag's short story "Voice Tape," I concluded that it is realistic or non-
fictional. I believe that this story is based on true events, or that the author wanted to
present a believable human experience, such as Angkel Ato's deep sadness when his
wife went to Abu Dhabi to work as an OFW, and depression due to a voice tape that his
wife sent to him with the topic that his wife in Abu Dhabi was mistreated by her
employer. The presence of Filipinos in other countries to work is one culture that may be
seen in the story. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are what they're called. Going
abroad to work is relatively easy for Filipinos, but being separated from their loved ones
is extremely difficult. In reality, OFWs are sent to work in various countries in order to
support their own families. Their family members who remain in this county may feel as
though they are "losing a piece of their family." I believe that every Filipino experience
this kind of story, which is why the author created this amazing novel to depict the
difficult existence of a family with an OFW in their midst.

Culture and traditions are depicted in this short story, such as the Filipino practice of
holding wakes. The body is placed in a casket and displayed for relatives and friends
over the course of three to seven days. Filipinos grieve to remember people who have
died because they believe in an afterlife. Superstitions are also observed at funerals, as
evidenced by a story in which an elderly widow forbade sweeping during funerals
because the person who disobeys will have a lot of lice. Another suggestion is that
households should cut a chicken's head off to prevent future fatalities. They also move
the casket using the front-row person's feet. Another culture that is reflected is the
Philippines' work promotion method, which justifies that a person can be promoted just
by displaying awards, achievements, and experiences. Another culture that is evident in
Santa Teresita, Cagayan is the style of life. As previously stated, only a few jeeps and
tricycles are commonly used, but vehicles can now be seen all across town, and
residences from those times are considerably different from those of today. Essentially,
life in that period shifted from a country lifestyle to an urban lifestyle over time.
In terms of literary techniques, the author used quotations, which is perhaps the most
common way to make us readers feel the actual scenario in a short narrative. A
narrative with no dialogues may not be as engaging to read. Another strategy is the
utilization of a variety of emotions, with some portions being sorrowful, others fluttering,
and others intense. Another approach utilized was flashback, in which Dante
remembered events from his Uncle's early childhood until the day he was allowed to
listen to the voice cassette. Foreshadowing is another strategy employed by the author
at the start of the story to assist the reader generate expectations about what will
happen later. The author has said something about the voice cassette that will trigger
the readers' interest in what's on it. This has captured the readers' interest and kept
them hooked till the finish of the article.

Although the Voice Tape may not be real, it may depict common occurrences among
our OFWs. We conclude that this story is plausible not only because it depicts real
human experiences, but also because it is relevant and approachable. The article
brought attention to the issue of OFWs. I discovered how difficult it is to be separated
from those we love. I respect OFWs who make sacrifices, including their own lives, in
order to provide their families with the life they desire. The story was intriguing in
general. Despite the fact that there were times when I couldn't grasp information, the
author's skills kept me engaged and I enjoyed my reading. I encourage that Filipinos,
particularly adolescents, read the literature so that they are aware of the challenges that
they may face in life.