A Manila Romance, 1941

By Jonathan Foe

This is a work of historical fiction, a gay romance between two Filipino college boys set in the time leading up to the Japanese invasion of this nation. The gay boy is a nationalist, who urges his countrymen to prepare to defend the nation from the Japanese. He is tolerated by his family and classmates. His lover, a nominally straight boy, has conflicts with being labelled as a homosexual. The background of the impending war interrupts their lives, and the gay boy volunteers to serve, inspite of overwhelming odds against an invading barbaric enemy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jonathan Foe
• Release date: Jun 21, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463709313

Jonathan Foe

I am a history teacher in Manila, having taught both in college and in High School. I moved here from the United States in 1993. I teach Philippine and World History, and recieved a PhD in 2014 from the University of Sto Tomas. I research my novels so that they are historically accurate, and try to present a gay positive theme.I am currently making my last two books into audio books, through Findaway Voices.If you have comments or concerns, negative or positive, please contact me at [e-mail]

Book preview

A Manila Romance, 1941

by Jonathan Foe

Philippine copyright 2019 by Jonathan Foe

This is a work entirely of fiction. Character names were randomly assigned, although the historical events described generally did occur.

This e book was published by Jonathan Foe, at Smashwords

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

About the Author

Jonathan Foe is a retired American history professor living and working in Manila.

Other books that he has written under the pen name of Frank Medina are

Confessions of a Call Boy in the Future

Captured!

Miguel, the Pirate of the Spanish Main, A Sexy Adventure Story of Long, Long Ago.

The Undercover Lover of Manila

All of these titles are available through Smashwords. This book, and the Undercover Lover are available as audio books, in Findaway Voices.

Foe has also published history textbooks through Bookmark publishing for the Philippine market.

for comments or concerns, the author can be reached at: [e-mail]

Preface

The Philippines had been a Spanish colony until the Americans conquered it in 1898. They imposed their system of government on the colony, and the economy prospered. Democracy was slowly allowed, culminating in the promise of independence in 1944. During the transition period, the Philippines was granted autonomy, but foreign policy, and defense was left in the hands of America. Security against Japan’s aggression became a major problem before World War II.

Although many Filipinos adopted an American lifestyle, some traditional beliefs continued, such as tolerance of homosexuals.

This novel is historical fiction, although of course the characters are the product of imagination.

Chapter 1

August 16, 1940

What Leo Alcoreza couldn’t understand was why the stupid American teacher was still making them play in the rain? Didn’t he know about pasma? Staying outside in the rain was sure to bring about a sickness. His classmates were too afraid to say anything. The grumpy old coach claimed he was trying to promote masculine values. Leo agreed that boys should be tough, especially nowadays, but what if everyone got sick? How manly would that be?

But regardless, here they were, playing in the monsoon rain of August in Manila. And it was American flag football. Nothing Filipino about this game. In fact, the only thing Filipino about this whole activity was that there were brown boys struggling to learn it. They should be learning Filipino games, after all, the nation was going to finally get its independence just a few more years.

On the other hand, the game was fun. If you did fall, at least it was in soft mud, not hard earth. And it wasn’t really cold either, the rain was like a warm shower. Nearly steamy in fact. Leo liked gripping his toes into the sticky mud, and feel the water drip down from your hair onto your face.

The rain penalized both sides equally; few could get a good hold on the field, and everyone slowed down. What had been full speed running was now more cautious. And everyone was slippery, it was so hard to grip anyone because their skin was wet, and they only had on shorts. Some of the boys got muddy backs or chests, but this eventually dripped off the wet bodies.

Leo was the center for team Allied, versus team Axis. The Allies wore a white headband, while Axis went without. Admittedly, Leo was not so good in sports, so he couldn’t be a quarterback or linebacker. But he enjoyed it, and his height made up for his lack of bulk. As the center, the only concentration he had to do was on offense, and that was to remember the number of hike.

He was no professional player either. He was getting an AB in Teaching Secondary Social Studies. So what would he know about sports? PE was a required subject for all college students, and that’s how he ended up in this field of mud. And it was only the fifth time that they had played football. But Leo was enjoying himself. At least, this was the last class he had, and they could wash off under the hose before they went home. And this was a Friday, and had no more classes till Monday.

But what was really bothering Leo was the new quarterback, Mendoza. He didn’t know how he had transferred into the class so late in the sem., but there he was. Perhaps he was a PE major or something. The American teacher immediately placed him as quarterback for the Allied. And they won the last game, and now they seemed to be winning this game as well. But what was Mendoza’s hands doing on Leo’s butt?

A quarterback might use the butt of the center as sort of shelf, that seemed normal. And of course, there might be tips of fingers near his hole, but Mendoza seemed to be doing something else. He was moving his fingers over Leo’s eggs! This wasn’t going to be noticeable to others, Leo was sure, but there was something going on. And

then, in the last huddle, Mendoza smiled to him! Leo was so embarrassed! All he could do in response was look down and avoid eye contact.

Could Mendoza know that Leo liked boys? Maybe a real boy would have challenged Mendoza, or just ignored it. but Leo couldn’t. He got flustered. Did Mendoza know he was bakla? Leo had never hid that, but he also didn’t announce it to the whole college. Why would Mendoza keep doing it? And why would he now smile at him? Leo thought this was very strange. He had never encouraged boys before and had never had a boyfriend either. Leo hadn’t even had sex before. And he resented those moving fingers all over his private parts.

The worst thing was, this made Leo excited! Mendoza was like a light switch, he turned on something that Leo wanted kept in darkness. His penis started to get big, which felt nice, but Leo resented a boy having this sort of power over him. And he didn’t know what to do about it. So, he just tried to ignore it.

Mendoza was good looking. He had a nice, square jaw line, charming smile, broad wide shoulders, long, lean arms, nice hands, even if they were trying to explore Leo’s butt. Clean skin, even if it was moreno. His stomach was muscular, and with wavy hair, and armpit hair wiry.

Well, anyway, the game is about to thankfully end, thought Leo. He thought about rushing the opposing quarterback this time. He noticed a little bit of a gap between the center and the right guard. He hadn’t been too aggressive today, but now he was going to surprise them.

At the snap of the opposing center, Leo plunged into the gap. The center was a bit off-balance, and Leo went, hands together in a wedge to get past the line protection. He shoved his way through and rushed the quarterback, who was surprised. The quarterback attempted to throw the ball. But Leo deflected it, slowing it down. It came down near Mendoza, who managed to catch it before it hit the ground.

Surprised, the opposition swarmed Mendoza. But he ran around their defenses. Two linemen tried to catch up with him, but he outmaneuvered them. Their quarterback tried to get Mendoza, but was blocked again by Leo. He ran nearly half way down the football field to the goal line. Touchdown Allies! The boys jumped on each other, and the PE teacher applauded. Class dismissed!

The Allies were congratulating Mendoza, with some credit going to Leo. But Leo didn’t want to prolong his confusion, so he merely said thanks to his teammates. Then he heard his name called from afar.

Hey Alcoreza!

Leo looked around, and saw Mendoza waving him over with a big smile. Oh no! Leo looked down out of embarrassment, but not before he had made unexpected eye contact. Leo went over to the hose, rinsed off his feet, put on his sandals, got his bag and went home immediately.

Leo thought about Mendoza that weekend. Part of him dreaded the Friday PE class, which was unusual, since he usually liked playing sports, and enjoyed football up until that last time. Why couldn’t Mendoza just mind his own business? He resented Mendoza for gently rubbing his eggs. Yet he remembered Mendoza’s touch when he was masturbating and wished for more. This he tried to banish from thought but it wasn’t working out well. He wanted to be conservative, yet Mendoza was making him uncomfortable.

The problem for Leo was this: Boys usually take advantage of effeminate, homosexual boys. They were called bakla. The real boys wanted to be sexually serviced and get paid for it, and get the bakla to do their homework. The homosexual boys were sometimes allowed to court the boy, but it had to be discreet.

Leo had agreed to do the homework of this one cute boy last year. The boy was very sweet to him and held him close by his side when he said thank you. But afterwards, the boy was so rude! The next day, with a group of his friends, they made fun of Leo! A two-faced, fake friend! And Leo wasn’t even interested in him either, the boy just seemed nice, that’s all. So, through bad experiences such as this, Leo ignored his male classmates.

That following week, the Mendoza problem reappeared in an unexpected encounter. Ernie, another bakla and Leo ate together inside the canteen at Philippine Normal College. They always bought coconut juice from a Japanese vendor inside the school. They went up to her stall.

Konichiwa, Mrs. Nakamura, said Ernie, Good afternoon ma’am!"

Mrs. Nakamura just bowed, and then averted her eyes from the two boys.

Hey, what’s the matter Mrs. Nakamura? Hey why are you crying?

Me tell to leave. Immigration. Me illegal here!

You are being sent back to Japan? Why? asked Ernie.

Yes, Philippines do not want import Japan people! replied the vendor.

Oh no, we like your fruit juice! That is wrong ma’am.

You two are nice, but immigration bad people. They say, only 50 Japan can come in a year. Too many Japan people come here every day. Must leave now!

Oh I am sorry to hear that, said Ernie. We will miss you. When are you forced to leave?

October they say.

I’m sorry, I wish there was something we could do to help, added Leo.

It’s ok. Too bad. Here, me like, but go back home.

Ok, will still see you dear! Thank you! Ernie gave a little wave goodbye.

As they walked back to their favorite table, Ernie remarked, Too bad, she was always nice, and her juice is good too.

Yes, I thought that the anti-immigration thing against the Chinese and Japanese was racist, but on the other hand, some of those Japanese have been caught taking pictures in areas they should not be in, said Leo.

You mean you think Mrs. Nakamura was spying?

Oh no, not her. No. It’s just that some, probably like five percent, are probably spying, and that was the idea of President Quezon to restrict immigration. And get some anti-Chinese votes too!

You still don’t like him?

Quezon does not understand how a democracy works. Nor national defense. Look, the Japanese are so big, so near, and we do nothing, except kick out people selling coconut juice.

Well, you can blame his Field Marshall Douglas MacArthur for that!

Yes, I will!

But Leo, I have a confession! It’s juicy! I had sex with an American soldier.

With an American! Oh my god Ernie, how could you?

Why not? We both wanted to!

I just never would. I guess. How did it happen? And this was in English? My goodness!

Not English, we used the language of love! Aha!

You know what I mean!

He was sweet to me too!

Tell me the story.

"Well, my friend Jorge was supposed to meet me at this resto in Ermita. Rosie’s Diner. I was hesitant, because it’s full of Kano, but I thought well, I could wait at least for him there. Our date was 8pm. So I got there and ordered a coke. And waited and waited. Nothing! No Jorge. But this guy, Frank, came by about 9pm, and sat down beside me. I know I’m not that good in English, not like you, but I struck up a conversation with him."

Ernie, you are good in English. I’m just kidding you.

I was embarrassed because all I had for money was to buy one coke. So he bought me a hamburger.

Becoming an American! We are what we eat!

And it came with French fries! And we talked, we talk easily. He is stationed on this destroyer, and they had 48-hour leave.

Ah, a sailor. Seafood, I think it’s called. But what was he like?

He was from San Francisco and knew some Filipinos there.

Describe him Ernie.

Well, about 5’8, brown hair, brown eyes, part Italian, broad shoulder, nice chest, about 19 years old. And it looked like a German sausage, uncut!"

You had sex with him in the bathroom?

Oh, of course not! He had a hotel room, in this cheap hotel on Vermont. He said he didn’t have much money for a bar, but we could buy some beer, and drink in his room. And I drank him in his room!

Oh, my goodness! What’s it like having sex with an American?

Oh, really the same as a Filipino. The language gets awkward sometimes.

Was he smelly?

No, because before we did it, we took a bath together!

Oh, my friend is so clever! Was he good to you?

You mean money? I didn’t even ask. I didn’t want him to think I was some kind of prostitute. But I did thank him for the liquor and the hamburger.

Good for you Ernie. I just think for myself; I wouldn’t have sex with an American, especially a soldier.

Why not? You see it as some sort of politics or something?

Well, yeah Ernie. They are the occupation army! Look, it’s now 1940, and until now, no sign of them leaving!

Oh Leo, don’t get so pure on me. He was just a kid like us, 19 years old. He was not responsible for the invasion.

Still he was an American! Part of the American occupation!

And he was sweet and believed in our independence. Besides, which would be better, a Japanese occupation, or an American?

Oh not this again. Of course American.

And you are confusing the nation, America with Americans. Some Americans are sweet. After all, Frank didn’t invade us, he only penetrated me! Ouch!

In the midst of this discussion, Leo didn’t notice who had arrived from behind until it was too late. Suddenly Mendoza appeared, to give him a light slap on the shoulder. Leo jumped.

Hey, Alcoreza, you did a great block last Friday! Great intercept!

With wide eyes and open mouth, he looked at Mendoza with his group of tall boys. He did manage a smile, and softly said Thanks! And then looked down at his rice and remaining chicken.

I’m looking forward to see you play again! said Mendoza, in what Leo thought was a loud voice.

With this, Leo did look up to Mendoza, and make a weak nod of his head. In response, Mendoza gave him a wide smile, raised his eyebrows, and walked off. Leo could tell his other friends were asking him questions. For Leo, it felt like everyone’s eyes were on him.

Bakla! Who is that? asked his Ernie.

Mendoza, he is on my football team.

Your football team! You are such a boy!

It’s PE class, mandatory.

And he likes you! And you are shy! And you my dear, are blushing!

Shhhhh! Don’t make a scene Ernie!

Me, make a scene. I didn’t say anything. It’s you and Mendoza who are causing the sensation!

Don’t start! Please Ernie, don’t start on me, please!

Oh my, mister clean has a crush! The virgin at 19!

Ernie, if you say one word more, I will leave this table.

You look like a stoplight. Bright red.

Ok, bye!

Ernie got Leo’s hand away from his tray. Ok, ok, no more talk!

Thank you.

They sat quietly, while thoughts raced through Leo’s mind. After two minutes of silence, Ernie could not stand it anymore.

Bakla, please hear me out for just a second. Mendoza, whoever he is, likes you, and is willing to greet you in front of his friends. Just for that, he is a boy worth considering. I don’t know anything more, but at least he’s got guts, is a gentleman. And good looking.

Leo just sat there looking at the ceiling.

My goodness, at nineteen and never been kissed. The world’s last virgin. Ok, come on Leo, let’s go to class now, we are late!

Chapter 2

August 23, 1940

Mendoza was taking over his brain. Leo had to admit, that Ernie was at least partially correct. Mendoza was interested in him. And to some degree he was willing to risk the respect of his friends to greet a bakla. On the other hand, Ernie might have been wrong, perhaps Mendoza was only interested in his sports abilities. And if that was the case, this attraction was going to go nowhere. Leo might enjoy some sports, but he wasn’t good at psycho-motor skills.

On Friday, Mendoza arrived at PE, and he immediately smiled at Leo and gave him a friendly squeeze on the shoulder. So Leo immediately looked down again. He was worried that other boys would start to suspect the two, so he again avoided eye contact. But the problem was the football huddle.

As the quarterback, Mendoza was the leader. In the huddle, he told Leo, as the center, he should always stand beside the quarterback so he could hear the number of the hike, as well as know the play. So Leo moved next to him. But in the huddle, Mendoza often caressed Leo’s butt, if no one else could observe the move.

Leo didn’t know what to do. He wanted to push away the unwanted hand, but it might make a scene. And he didn’t want to tell Mendoza to stop it, for it might insult him. Besides, it felt nice.

During a particularly long huddle, Leo was feeling like a cat being stroked. Mendoza hand was right beside the anus, in the soft part of the butt. This drove Leo to distraction; he couldn’t remember which number he was supposed to hike the ball on. At the line, he had to turn around and ask Mendoza the number again. As he turned around to hike the ball, he could feel his erection painfully compressed against the tight loincloth.

But the worst thing happened, upon hiking the ball, he was rushed by two guys. As they pushed him backwards, he lost his balance, and fell backwards. This caused his opponent to fall on to him, and the boys knee went directly into Leo’s erection, bending it backwards The pain was excruciating, never had Leo experienced anything like it.

Leo was down, with his hands over his rapidly softening up erection. He felt like throwing up. Of course, it looked to everyone that he had been hit in the testicles. Nevertheless, he couldn’t move, so the game was halted. Mendoza and another boy supported his shoulders as he limped off the field. Mendoza asked him how he was, and Leo just looked away. He was angry and embarrassed with tears of pain in his eyes.

Axis soon gained control of the ball, and the Allied team had to now play defense. Mendoza raised his hands in an X, and the coach sent in a sub so he could take a break. Mendoza went off the field and sat down beside Leo.

Alcoreza, you still in pain? Are your eggs ok?

This comment made Leo angry. My eggs are fine. It was my erection that got bent in two!

Your erection! Oh shit! Oh no! That’s funny!

Go to hell Mendoza. It hurts!

And I caused it!

Who else? It really hurts! It might be damaged!

Oh my goodness! Amazing! Mendoza was laughing.

Just then Mendoza was called back to play. Now angry, Leo announced with a raised index finger, Don’t ever touch me ever again!

Mendoza’s mouth dropped, and tried to say something, but the teacher yelled out, Hurry! So off he went.

Leo didn’t play for the rest of the day. His teacher asked how he was feeling, and he said it still hurt. He hoped this would not affect his grade. And, the only good thing about an injury to the sex organ was that you didn’t need to show it to anyone, just say that it hurt. He waited until 5pm on the bench when the coach said that class was dismissed.

But as he was leaving, Mendoza ran up to him, with palms together and short bow said, Hey, it’s my fault that you got injured. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have laughed. Can I make it up to you? Can I buy you a Coke?

Leo looked Mendoza suspiciously in the eye and slowly said, Buy me a Coke?

Yes, a Coke? Can I? Just you and I?

I have to get home for dinner.

Where do you live?

Calle Azcarraga.

It’s ok, they got a little canteen across from City Hall on Calle Arroceros. It’s on your way.

Ahh, maybe next time!

It’s close by. Come on Alcoreza, it’s just a Coke! I have to make it up to you!

Are you going to make fun of me?

No, of course not. It’s my fault. It was wrong of me, I apologize.

Leo was silent, thinking, so Mendoza pressed again. Can I please?

Ok, but not a long time.

So off they went, and Leo, was still a bit suspicious of what Mendoza wanted.

Alcoreza, what’s your first name? Or name you want me to call you?

Leo, that’s short for Leonardo, but you just call me Leo. Everyone else does.

‘Ok Leo!"

And you, what do you want me to call you?

Honey!

Leo smiled, Now that was funny.

I’m joking. My first name is Manuel, but it’s so old fashioned. My family calls me Man. But for you, Mendoza, even if there are hundreds out there.

Mendoza it is then.

And again, I’m sorry that your organ got hurt. I won’t touch you that way at football ever again.

Thanks. I didn’t realize how much something like that could hurt!

Yes, it happened to me once, but not as bad. It’s strange, a part of your body that can bring so much pleasure, can also bring so much pain.

Exactly!

Is it ok now?

I think so. I looked at it in the bathroom before the end of class, and it seemed ok.

Not black and blue?

No, still brown, but it’s tender.

Yeah, and even if it was broken, you can’t put it in a cast!

Ha, ha. Just don’t humiliate me for being who I am.

No, that I will not do that Leo. Promise.

But tell me Mendoza, why you do you like me?

Nice personality? Sweet?

But I don’t have those things you want.

Yes you do Leo.

Girls are what you want!

Oh, of course!

But then, why were you touching me a while ago?

Oh, I don’t know, you seem like a friendly guy!

In an exasperated tone, Leo replied, But I like boys, and my everyone knows this.

I know that, it’s kind of obvious. But it’s not a problem for me.

Ok, I just wanted to make sure you knew.

Mendoza directed him rightwards. Now we go in here, inside the parking area in the back. Here is the canteen. Sort of out of the way.

Yeah, I didn’t even know it was back here. And now, few customers!

"You want a coke, or