The Two

Gumamelas
By: Marbin Gesher Jay B. Deniega
 PLOT
"The Two Gumamelas" revolves
around the life of the narrator,
Rosa, who returns to her family's
land in Sitio Tagamot. The story
explores Rosa's memories of her
grandfather, Lolo Melanio, and her
parents, Lolo Melanio and Lola
Beryang. The land, once a thriving
cornfield, has now been overtaken
by cogon grass. As Rosa and her
sister Budi revisit their family's
past, they uncover the tragic events
that led to the destruction of their
home and the loss of their parents.
 SETTINGS
The story is set in Sitio Tagamot,
Davao Oriental, a place that was
once covered in lush vegetation.
The transformation of the land
from a thicket of ipil-ipil trees to
cornfields reflects the changes over
the years. The present setting is a
desolate landscape, marked by the
absence of the cornfield and the
growth of cogon grass. The
narrative also briefly takes place in
Mati City, where the family
planned to go before the tragic
Rosa - The narrator of the story, who reflects on the past and the
changes that have occurred in Sitio Tagamot. CHARACTERS
Budi - Rosa's younger sister, who plays a significant role in the story.
She embodies innocence and resilience.
Lolo Melanio - Rosa's grandfather, who was one of the earliest
farmers in Sitio Tagamot. He fell in love with and married Lola
Beryang.
Lola Beryang - Lolo Melanio's wife, known for her unconventional
behavior in the countryside. She was gifted land by her father, which
Lolo Melanio turned into a cornfield.
Auntie Boging - Rosa and Budi's caretaker after their parents' death.
She is a strict and practical woman, a public elementary school
teacher.
Uncle Joel - Mother's older brother, mentioned briefly in the story.
 POINT OF VIEW
The story is narrated from the first-person
perspective of Rosa, providing readers with her
personal reflections, memories, and emotions. This
perspective allows for an intimate portrayal of
Rosa's experiences and the events that shaped her
life.
 CONFLICT
The main conflict centers around the tragic
events that led to the destruction of Rosa's
home and the loss of her parents. The arrival
of three strangers, one of whom is scarred and
armed with a rifle, sets off a chain of events
that result in a fateful night. The conflict
involves the family's struggle against unknown
threats and the aftermath of the tragedy,
which includes the displacement of Rosa and
Budi.
THEME

The story explores themes of loss, resilience, family

bonds, and the impact of external forces on the
lives of individuals. It also delves into the contrast
between the past and the present, depicting the
transformation of the once-thriving land into a
desolate place.
THANK YOU