Background

of the
book
"Po-on" is a historical novel
written by Filipino author F.
Sionil Jose. The book, also
known as "Dusk" in some
editions, is part of Sionil
Jose's Rosales Saga, a series
of five novels that explore the
social, economic, and political
history of the Philippines from
the late 19th century to the
mid-20th century.
Here's a brief background on "Po-on":

Title Meaning: "Po-on" is a Tagalog term that means

"seed." In the context of the novel, it signifies the roots
and beginnings of a family, embodying the continuity
of life and heritage.

Setting: The novel is set in the fictional town of

Rosales, which represents a composite of several
towns in the northern Philippines. The narrative
spans a significant period in Philippine history, from
the late 19th century through the American colonial
era and into World War II.
Themes: Sionil Jose's Rosales Saga, including
"Po-on," explores themes of social injustice, the
struggle for freedom, and the complexity of
Filipino identity. The characters in the novel
grapple with issues such as poverty,
colonialism, and the clash between tradition
and modernity.

Characterization: The novel follows the lives of

several generations of the Samson family,
providing a rich tapestry of characters and
experiences. The characters embody the
different facets of Filipino society and its
evolution over time.
Literary Significance: "Po-on" is considered a
landmark work in Philippine literature. F. Sionil Jose
is recognized for his commitment to addressing
social issues through his writing, and the Rosales
Saga is a monumental contribution to the literary
landscape of the Philippines.

"Po-on" serves not only as a captivating narrative

but also as a reflection on the collective history and
struggles of the Filipino people. It provides readers
with a deeper understanding of the complexities
and challenges faced by the nation as it transitioned
through various historical periods.
BACKGROUND
OF THE
AUTHOR
Francisco Sionil Jose,
commonly known as F. Sionil
Jose, is a highly acclaimed
Filipino writer born on
December 3, 1924 in Rosales,
Pangasinan, Philippines. He
is considered one of the most
important literary figures in
Philippine literature.
Here's some background information on
the author:

Early Life and Education: F. Sionil Jose grew up

in a rural setting in Pangasinan, which would
later serve as the inspiration for his fictionalized
town of Rosales in his Rosales Saga novels,
including "Po-on." He attended the University of
Santo Tomas in Manila but did not complete his
degree.
Founding Solidaridad: In 1965, Sionil Jose founded
the Solidaridad Bookshop in Manila, which
became a hub for Filipino intellectuals and writers.
It played a crucial role in fostering a sense of
community among Filipino writers and promoting
Philippine literature.

Literary Works: Sionil Jose is best known for his

Rosales Saga, a series of five novels that includes
"Po-on" (Dusk), "Tree," "My Brother, My
Executioner," "The Pretenders," and "Mass." The
saga explores the social, political, and economic
history of the Philippines from the late 19th
century to the mid-20th century.
Themes in His Works: Sionil Jose's works often
address social issues, historical injustices, and the
complexities of Filipino identity. His writing reflects
a deep concern for the plight of the poor and
marginalized, and he is known for his commitment
to social realism in literature.

Recognition and Awards: Throughout his career,

Sionil Jose has received numerous awards for his
contributions to literature. He was bestowed the
CCP Centennial Honors for the Arts in 1999; the
Outstanding Fulbrighters Award for Literature in
1988; and the Ramon Magsaysay Award for
Journalism, Literature, and Creative
Communication Arts in 1980.
International Impact: Sionil Jose's works have
been translated into various languages, gaining
international recognition. His writing has been
praised for its depth, honesty, and exploration of
the human condition.

Activism: Apart from his literary endeavors, Sionil

Jose has been involved in social and political
activism. He has been an outspoken advocate for
various causes, including human rights and social
justice.
F. Sionil Jose's legacy extends beyond his
novels; he is regarded as a cultural icon
and a voice for the Filipino people. His
body of work has left an indelible mark
on Philippine literature, making him a
revered figure both in the Philippines and
in the broader global literary community.
Content
________

Summary
In "Po-on" by F. Sionil Jose, several main characters play
significant roles, each characterized with depth and
complexity.

Eustaquio Salvador "Istak" : The protagonist in the narrative, was

from a poor Ilocano family of farmers. He is a central character, often
representing the common people. Istak's journey is a lens through
which the novel explores various aspects of Filipino society and history.

Mayang: mother of Istak

Ba-ac: father of Istak, who lost one arm due to false

accusation.

An-no: younger brother of Istak, who was taller and bigger

than him.

Bitik: the youngest brother of Istak

Father Jose: parish priest, who taught
Istak foreign languages such as Spanish
and Latin and other significant
knowledge about nature.

Padre Zarraga : new patish priest ordered

Istak to go home to Po-on as his services
was no longer needed.

Carmencita: the older daughter of

Kapitan Berong

Dalin: was a beautiful stranger turned

friend, whose old husband just died and
become a source of rivalry between Istak
and Anno.
 Capitan Gualbeto: The leader of guardia

Orang : Istak cousin and raped by Capitan Gualbeto

Don Jacinto : a generous man of wealth.

F. Sionil Jose skillfully develops these characters,

using them to weave a narrative that reflects the
complexities of Philippine history, culture, and
society. Each character serves as a vehicle for
exploring broader themes within the novel.
Plot Summary:
Part 1

Istak (Eustaquio Salvador), arguably the protagonist in the narrative,

was from a poor llocano family of farmers. His mother was Mayang
and his father was Ba- ac, who lost one arm due to a false
accusation of theft. Istak had two younger brother, An-no, who was
taller and bigger than him, and Bit-tik, who was much younger. They
lived in a small village called Po-on in the town of Cabugaw. At ten,
Istak became an acolyte to Father Jose, the parish priest, who taught
him foreign languages such as Spanish and Latin and other
significant knowledge about nature. When Father Jose was
transferred to a new parish due to old age, Padre Zarraga, the new
parish priest ordered Istak to go home to Po-on as his services was
no longer needed. However, this was only a pretext because Padre
Zarraga wanted Kapitan Berong's two beautiful daughters to
himself. They were Istak's students.
One late afternoon, Istak happened to see Padre Zarraga and
Carmencita, the older daughter, making love behind a cabinet. When
Istak was back in Po-on, his father decided to go talk to Padre Zarraga
to take Istak back so that the order for them to abandon Po-on would
be rescinded. But the arrogant and evil priest would not have what
Ba-ac wished. Upon recognizing the priest as the one that caused the
loss of his arm, Ba-ac killed him in a fit of rage with a heavy crucifix.
This criminal revenge was the start of the series of misfortunes of the
Salvador family. Together with their relatives, who were equally in
grave danger with the mere fact that they were Baac's relatives, had
to leave Po-on in such a hurry that they forgot to bring many
important things. Together with them was a beautiful stranger-
turned-friend, Dalin, whose old husband had just died. Dalin became
a source of rivalry between Istak and Anno; the latter being the one
who found her on the road and decided to help her and her sick
husband. Together they decided to abandon Po-on, escape for their
lives, and search for a better and safer place they could call home.
The journey of the clan was full of perils. "The forest was
hostile, with unseen threats... (p.17). Istak, who decided to
tarry in Po-on to beg mercy from the persecuting
authorities was shot on the chest. Dalin, who decided to
return,found him and saved him. For the longest part of
the journey, he was ailing and weak. The family thought he
would die. Miraculously, he survived! Without full
consciousness, he told them what to do to save him from
death. During the journey, Dalin narrated to Istak her true
story. It was pitiful!
When their journey had brought them close to the
Spanish road, they decided to do a strategy: they would
cross singly. They were able to cross the Spanish road
safely. When they reached the town of Candon, they
decided to visit their relatives who lived there. But, to
their surprise, they were all gone! "The houses are there,
but they are empty...they must have left...," Ba-ac
reported. Surprisingly, the next morning they met their
relatives. The relatives decided to come with the traveling
group to wherever they planned to go. While resting, they
were attacked by Bagos, a fierce tribe in the mountain.
They set fire around the caravan and showered them with
fatal arrows. The clan ran for their lives and was able to
escape sheer death narrowly save the youngest boy of
Istak's Aunt Sinang who was pierced with a spear through
the neck. They buried him.
Istak, who was now finally well, recommended to his father
that they change surname from Salvador to Samson and
burn their cedulas. They now traveled safer in the daytime
like other carts. They were now in a place where there were
more towns, which they had to skirt. But one morning, the
Guardia came upon them led by Capitan Gualbeto, who saw
Orang, Istak's cousin, and raped her. The men were not able
to resist because guns were leveled at them. Orang's shame
made her run away but An-no found her and comforted her.
They continued on their journey. Suddenly, Dalin noticed
that Ba-ac was missing. Istak looked for his father and
found him in a coiling body of a large python hanging from
a tree. Istak was able to slay the serpent but his father was
already lifeless. They buried him at the edge of the forest,
and resumed their journey. They were now near the plains
of Pangasinan, their destination.
One day they were roused by two merchants
from Abra, who informed them of the
Guardia who was checking all caravans in
search of a one-armed man. This made them
hasten their travel despite the torrential rain
till they reached the river Agno, which was
swollen. They decided to cross it by using a
submerged bridge made of coconut trunk.
They were just halfway when a large
uprooted tree came rushing down to them
and hit the cart where Istak and his mother
rode. His mother was killed!
They reached Carmay, where the farmers
advised them to proceed to Rosales and to
approach Don Jacinto, a generous man of
wealth and land,which they did. Don Jacinto
indeed helped them and led them to a forest
that nobody owned, which they could clear
and farm for themselves. Their perilous and
exhausting journey has ended at last!
Part 2

They started anew in their new land. One day in

town, An-no befriended two men, who took him to
their land where lived an old who claimed the spirit
of the departed hero Diego Silang lived in him. One
day An-no got sick but Istak was able to cure him
when he was at the verge of death. Istak discovered
he could heal the sick! People brought him patients
when the plague came. Istak himself was afflicted
with it and he almost died. But Dalin did her best to
cure him, and after one month, he finally got rid of
the disease. While he was bedridden, Kapitan
Gualberto came, took An-no and killed him.
Later, the Americans came and tried to subdue
the Filipinos. Running away from the
Americans, Mabini visited Don Jacinto and hid
in his house. He was sick so Don Jacinto
invited Istak to come with him to cure Mabini.
Istak did his best to help cure Mabini.
The novel provides a panoramic view of
Philippine history, portraying the aspirations,
hardships, and resilience of the Filipino
people. Through the Samson family's
experiences, F. Sionil Jose weaves a narrative
that not only captures the individual
struggles of its characters but also reflects
the broader socio-political landscape of the
Philippines during a crucial period of its
history.
"Po-on" serves as an introduction to the
themes and issues explored in the
subsequent novels of the Rosales Saga. It
is a poignant exploration of the human
condition, social injustice, and the
enduring spirit of the Filipino people in the
face of historical challenges.
Message
Of the
Novel
F. Sionil Jose, in his novel "Po-on," conveys a
multi-layered message that addresses various
themes and issues significant to the Philippines.
Some of the key messages include:

Historical Reflection: Through the portrayal of the

Samson family across generations, Sionil Jose aims
to reflect on the complex historical journey of the
Philippines. The novel captures the impact of
Spanish colonization, the Philippine Revolution,
American occupation, and World War II, illustrating
how these historical events shaped the nation and
its people.
Social Injustice: The novel explores the pervasive
social injustices faced by the Filipino people,
particularly the rural poor. It delves into issues of
poverty, exploitation, and the stark disparities
between the wealthy elite and the impoverished
masses. Sionil Jose uses the characters'
experiences to shed light on the systemic
inequalities ingrained in Philippine society.
National Identity: "Po-on" delves into
questions of Filipino identity and the struggle
for self-determination. The characters
grapple with the impact of colonial rule on
their cultural identity, and the narrative
underscores the importance of preserving
and asserting Filipino heritage in the face of
external influences.
Family and Tradition: Family plays a central
role in "Po-on," serving as a microcosm of the
larger societal struggles. The Samson family's
experiences highlight the tensions between
tradition and modernity, and the challenges of
navigating societal expectations while
preserving familial bonds.
Call for Social Change: Sionil Jose's works,
including "Po-on," often carry a call for social
change and activism. By presenting the harsh
realities faced by the characters, the author
encourages readers to reflect on the need for
societal transformation and to address the root
causes of poverty and inequality.
In essence, "Po-on" serves as a literary
exploration of the Filipino experience, offering a
nuanced and critical perspective on the nation's
history, socio-economic challenges, and the
ongoing quest for identity and justice. Sionil
Jose's messages are deeply rooted in a
commitment to social realism and a desire to
inspire reflection and action.
 The end.
Prepared by:

END
Alcoriza
Cambiel
De la torre
Moreño
Robite
 Report reference:

https://www.scribd.com/document/421806542/Po-on-Summary