⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Excellent memoir”

I really enjoyed reading this memoir. It was so interesting to learn about the culture and traditions of Batangas. The photos added so much to the experience, helping me dive deeper into the story and its vibe. Definitely pick this up if you want a moving read that teaches you something new.

—Amazon Customer, August 3, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Batangas: My Sky and Earth”

This memoir will always stay with me because it’s not just the author’s story—it’s also mine. The vivid descriptions of life in the province brought back so many memories. It’s amazing how Bong Serrano captured all these details, even from his school days. I can’t wait for his next book!

—Gladdy Evangelista, July 30, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I support this!”

I liked how the book talks about my home province.

—Jom, July 20, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Captured beautiful memories!”

Reading this memoir reminded me of my childhood in Batangas City. It’s packed with heartfelt memories and insights about our people. I’m so glad I bought this for my home library and got copies for my family too!

—Leia Smith, July 23, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fellow Batangueños”

As fellow Batangueños, we were thrilled to see our hometown come alive through Bong’s eloquent words. This book is the perfect introduction to the foods, traditions, and quirks that define Batangas. If you’ve never been, let this memoir show you what we love so much about home.

—Alex and Rowena, July 21, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Bringing the beauty of Batangas to focus”

This book is a love letter to Batangas. I teared up multiple times as it brought back my fondest memories of living there. It even inspired my mom to share stories of her own childhood. The mention of Wanam made me miss their lumpiang Shanghai!

—Amazon Customer, July 20, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Batangas”

The author has captured the essence of Batangas culture so vividly that it feels like you’re walking alongside him through the pages. I loved the historical references and the pictures, especially the ones that show traditional clothing. This book is a treasure for anyone interested in Batangas.

—Majella Venturanza, November 4, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A nostalgic and educational journey”

Bong Serrano’s Batangas: My Sky and Earth flawlessly narrates his childhood through vivid descriptions of people, places, and experiences. This book is a great read for generations ranging from Baby Boomers to Millennials, as it not only evokes a sense of nostalgia but also educates readers with glimpses of historical context, norms, and beliefs of growing up in a town in the Philippines. The timeless photos further enhance the author’s descriptive writing, capturing the reader’s imagination. If you want to be transported back to your homeland, walk down memory lane, and relive cherished moments from the past, this book is for you. If you know the true value of love and loyalty to family and heritage, grab a copy of this book!

—Ags Mc Mercado, October 16, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An ode to family values”

A must-read. Each chapter of Batangas: My Sky and Earth is so captivating that I felt transported back in time to a world both familiar and relatable. It’s phenomenal how vividly Bong Serrano chronicled his memories from childhood to adulthood. The “salagubang and patintero” stories evoked similar memories of my own childhood.

—Socorro Lantin, October 13, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Profoundly touching”

A gem like this book does not come out too often, but when it does it’s best to grab and enjoy it at once. Like an unexpected summer drizzle, the book brings fresh memories of a childhood long gone; when life was simpler, days were easy, and everything was slow and leisurely. Bong Serrano’s book is an insightful exploration of the rich and natural beauty of his home in Batangas, a small town south of Manila, Philippines. He delves into his experiences as a young man, weaving a tapestry of short stories while growing up with his family; his doting sisters, his ever-present brother, his devoted mother, and loving father.

Mr. Serrano’s poetic writing is informative; at the same time, tenderly evocative of his endearing love for the neighborhood of his youth… probably this being the reason for calling it his “sky and earth.” He narrates with a sense of nostalgia and pride, seemingly offering the reader an invitation to explore this wonderful paradise called Batangas.

Batangas: My Sky and Earth celebrates the heritage and beauty of the natural and cultural treasures of Batangas. The book is profoundly touching—an engaging read for anyone with an interest in Philippine culture, history, and the deep connection between the people and the land of their birth.

—V. George Briones, July 22, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A love letter to Batangas”

Bong Serrano has crafted a beautiful tribute to Batangas. His descriptions made me remember my childhood there, and it helped draw out more stories from my mom’s own experiences. A wonderful, emotional walk down memory lane.

—Ethni Allison, July 20, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Cherished memories”

This book is irreplaceable. It perfectly captures the childhood memories we long for but can never relive. Full of rich cultural details, it’s easy to see why Batangueños keep coming back home.

—Josephine Magsino, July 20, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A nostalgic journey”

Batangas: My Sky and Earth vividly recalls the childhood experiences of a generation. Bong’s storytelling transported me back to forgotten places and faces from our early years in Batangas. I’ll be sharing this book with friends to give them a window into where I come from.

—Roberto David Loyola, July 20, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Ala Eh pride”

As a fellow Batangueño, I couldn’t be more thrilled that Bong captured the joys of growing up in our hometown and why Batangas is so close to our hearts.

—Rowena Geron, July 20, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A vivid memoir”

The descriptions in this book are so vivid that you feel like you’re there. The short vignettes give a personal glimpse into the author’s life and the simple pleasures of childhood, before the digital age took over. It’s a touching and emotional journey.

—Marlene Gutierrez, July 20, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A wonderful revelation”

This memoir is a revelation! The author’s detailed descriptions make you feel like you’re right there with him. It’s engaging from start to finish, with no dull moments. A great read!

—Maria Cecilia Lantin, July 20, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Vivid descriptions of Batangas”

Batangas: My Sky and Earth is full of lavish descriptions that help place you in the action of the book. These descriptions showed the range of vistas and topography that were enjoyed by residents of the place. Short and varied vignettes of everyday life scattered throughout the book made the accounts more personal and colorful, giving glimpses of a more innocent era, where everything is new and wondrous in a child’s eyes; before mobile phones, computers and other electronic gadgets.

—MG, July 22, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A rich cultural experience”

Serrano’s book mirrors the rich cultural fiber of Batangueños having to boast its rich heritage. While reading, I feel like I am being brought back to the years I was not even born. The book encourages the community to continue to fall in love with the story behind history. A must-read!

—Carl Ivan, July 21, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Nostalgic and eloquent storytelling”

Bong Serrano was a childhood friend and the compiled recollection of his childhood experiences in his book, Batangas: My Sky and Earth, not only described his childhood but also the childhood of the Batangueños of his generation. It is a perfect depiction and a vivid illustration of how our contemporaries lived and experienced our childhood in our beloved hometown. His eloquent style in painting his childhood memories in words instantly brought me back to the Batangas of our youth.

—Roberto Loyola, July 20, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A very good read!”

B. Serrano was a childhood friend, and his book, Batangas: My Sky and Earth, offers a rich recollection of his childhood experiences. This compilation not only chronicles his own youth but also captures the essence of growing up for the Batangueños of our generation. His vivid and eloquent storytelling perfectly depicts how we, his contemporaries, lived and experienced our formative years in our beloved hometown. Through his words, I was instantly transported back to the Batangas of our youth, recalling nearly forgotten places and faces from my early life. Well done, B! I will definitely share this book and give copies to my friends, so they can understand where I come from and imagine what my early life in Batangas was like.

—RLoyola, July 20, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A vivid portrayal of life in a Filipino household… A true treasure and an enriching, educational read.”

Batangas is a memoir by author Bong Serrano. The author includes early memories of loving grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and siblings. Serrano describes how his parents met and the deep bond he had with his gifted mother, Inay, a coloratura soprano. Their family home expanded when seven children from his mother’s uncle came to live with them. This created an atmosphere of warm hospitality, reflective of multigenerational Filipino culture. The book also delves into spirituality, including the daily observance of the Angelus, the Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi, and people’s unwavering devotion. Throughout the memoir, the author recounts significant milestones, including his time in the college glee club, heartwarming anecdotes from his sisters, and especially the fraternal bond between him and his brother Kuya Boying. The story is not without struggles and Bong writes about the devastating moment when he learned of his brother’s health diagnosis. Love, faith, and resilience are strong themes. The memoir is also enhanced by stunning black-and-white photos from the 1940s and onward, accompanied by a glossary of Filipino words, dishes, and traditions.

Batangas: My Sky and Earth offers a vivid portrayal of life in a Filipino household, highlighting the importance of faith, family, and tradition. Bong Serrano’s childhood home on P. Pelaez Street was a hub of warmth and hospitality, mirroring the country’s values, treasures, and traditions. As a fellow Filipino, I found this book to be a heartfelt tribute to Filipino culture, faith, and family life. It reminds me of my own Kuya and it brought me to tears. I particularly loved how the author’s rich storytelling brings the customs and values of the Philippines to life, making it easy to connect with the characters and their experiences. The author’s childhood and fraternal bond with his brother is alive on each page. The inclusion of personal photos adds a touching authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to step into the author’s world. It’s a true treasure and a delightful, educational read!

—Cherubimaris Casino for Readers’ Favorite, September 22, 2024