Additional Information about the Author

 “Literature is an affair of letters” –N.V.M. Gonzales

 A teacher, journalist, essayist and author.
 Started his career at the age of 19.
 First published essay appeared in the Philippines Graphic and first
poem in Poetry in 1934.
 Produced 14 books and accumulated many awards.
 As a teacher at the University of the Philippines for 18 years, Gonzales
was the only one in two to teach there without holding a degree.
 Passed away in November 28, 1999, due to kidney complications.
 Studied at National University in Manila, he never obtained a degree
 Born on September 28, 1915 in Romblon and moved to Mindoro at the
age of 5..
Elements of the Story
Characters
 Boy- main character of the story (name not mentioned)- protagonist
 Grandmother and Grandfather of Albert
 Aida- Object of the boys affection
 Pete Saez- the guys who invites Albert to join his band
 Other bandmates- preferably two guys
 Mr. Custudio
 Don Esteban- J and A’s father
 Josefina and Alicia- Aida’s cousin
 Aunt
Setting
When:
During the Spaniard time in the Philippines

Where:
The first setting of the story is in the bakeshop, next is in the
school until it went to Don Esteban's House for the party but in the
last part of the story it go back at the place where the story begun.
Plot
• Rising Action:
When 14 year old boy started to master and learn violin.

• Conflict:
When his aunt doesn’t support him to perform in public or parties
because the musicians are the last to eat during parties.

• Climax:
When Aida caught him packing some of the food in the party.

• Falling Action:
When the 14 year old throw away that he packed.

• Resolution:
The boy realizes that like pandesal he is still not yet ready to face
reality.
Resolution
Due to the boy's lack of support by his Aunt on becoming a
violinist, as well as the class difference between the boy and
Aida, whom he dreamed to marry were shattered right before
him. So in the end he realized that like a pandesal he is still not
yet ready to face reality.
Summary
The Bread of Salt by NVM Gonzales
It was his assigned duty to be up early in the morning and be on his way to
the baker’s to buy rolls and pan de sal for the breakfast table. He was fourteen and
he has already got used to his task. On his way he thought of the bread of salt –
pan de sal – and wondered how it was made, what gives its flavor and shape. He
looked around the landscape at daybreak and once again remembered how much
he adored Aida, the niece of the old Spaniard whom he thought he was destined to
serve, just like his late Grandfather. At times he thought it was his duty to stay in
the house in the service of the young maiden. He even dreamed that she likewise
keeps an intense emotion for him, which she will only dare manifest in the right
time.
He was a diligent student and violinist. It didn’t take long before he was
transferred from second to first violin and before long, he was invited to join Pete
Saez’ band and perform in one engagement after another. He was happy to earn
money through his own skill, although it was with utter bitterness that he had to
endure rehearsals despite the outward disapproval of his aunt against his chosen
field. She thought
Summary
disapproval of his aunt against his chosen field. She thought musicians are no
better than dogs scurrying to get their mouths on food scraps in trash bins. But he
didn’t mind, thinking that the money he’ll earn from playing the violin will allow
him the capacity to buy a brooch and beautiful stationery for his ardent love letters
to Aida.
Then he was invited, together with Saez’ band, to the asalto for Don
Esteban's daughters who were arriving from Manila. He was honored to be in a
sophisticated gathering and get a magnified look at Aida’s stunning beauty. He
was beside himself with immeasurable joy and pride but will later on be displaced
by an equally immeasurable embarrassment at the buffet table after Aida caught
him sneaking some sweets into the packet under his shirt. She nonetheless offered
him a big package of food after the party but due to his intense shame, he lost the
composure to react, along with the entire ardor he used to shower the maiden with.
After the party they led the guests home with their music. Then with Paez, he went
to the bakery to buy pan de sal with his own money. But the bread wasn’t ready
yet so they waited.
Members
Leader:
 Rojon Lowen Fabrigas
Asst. Leader:
 Ariane Mae Santiago

Members:
 Sheena Donessa Oli
 Allen Kurt Paet
 Hannah Joy Tabigne
 Tricia Anne Gerasol
 Ana Mae Rumias
 Ma. Therese Charity Tubon
 Ferdinand Labor