The Students Who Fought Marcos

By Jonathan Foe

Students revolted worldwide in the 1960s and 70s. Filipinos were no different. This is a story about a group of students, who defied the dictatorship of President Marcos. This is a novel, narrated by Alex, a gay boy, describing the group's adventures, fun and setbacks in the early days of the martial law. This is historical fiction, the characters themselves are fictious, but the events are real. The book pays tribute to those who sacficed much for freedom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jonathan Foe
• Release date: Feb 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005481896

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]

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The Students Who Fought Marcos

As told by Frank Medina, written by Jonathan Foe

Published by Smashwords

copyright 2021 Philippines

Author, Jonathan Foe

Miguel, Pirate of the Spanish Main, a sexy adventure story of long, long ago

Captured, an adventure story of Ancient Egypt

A Manila Romance, 1941

Undercover Lover of Manila

Confessions of a Call Boy in. the Future

He can be contacted through [e-mail].

Authors note: All the characters depicted in this work of fiction are 18 years of age or older.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes:

Thank you for downloading this e-book. You are welcome to share it with your friends. This book may be reproduced, copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided you credit the author and Smashwords.

The book remains in its complete original form. If you enjoyed this book, please return to your favorite e-book retailer to discover other works by this author. Thank you.

This is a work of historical fiction. All the historical events though mentioned in the book did happen. I tried to imagine myself as a gay Filipino of the time, for I am the same age as the narrator, Alex Rivera.

Currently many Filipinos romanticize the Marcos era. This book is an effort to salute those who gave sacrificed their careers or their lives to fight the dictatorship. These people, the best and brightest of their generation, are often forgotten about today.

Cover image taken from internet, original source unknown. I believe it is from the so called First Quarter Storm during the siege of Malacañang Palace, January 1970.

Chapter 1 Meeting the Guys

My family was sitting around the dinner table. We had just eaten, and I was showing them the letter addressed to me, Alex Rivera. I had just gotten accepted at Far Eastern University (FEU) on a scholarship. For me, it was a special event. Since my family lived in Iloilo, and that’s where I had grown up, it was a big deal. But my dad had many questions.

Alex, are you sure you want to do this? You might be able to get a scholarship here in Iloilo, and there are good schools here. And you can live here too! It would be easier.

But dad, I really want to try Manila. They say the standards are higher there. If it doesn’t work out, I can always come back, I replied, adding With this scholarship, all you would need to pay for is the boarding costs, and the school pays for everything else, even the textbooks. I will live cheap there dad, I promise.

But both your kuya (older brother) have gone to schools here.

"Yes, I know. But I have high grades, no offense to them dad. And it would be the same costs for you ‘tay (dad), maybe cheaper if I went on a scholarship to Manila. Maybe afterwards, I could get a better job, and help out our family."

You know, Alex, we don’t have close relatives there.

But Aunt Susan is there, and I can see her every week. I can live in a cheap boarding house or something like that.

"Look, you might get into trouble again, like you did with the boy in the cinehan (movie theater)."

I knew this issue would come up, and I wanted to assure my dad I wouldn’t repeat my mistake. No sir, I promise it won’t happen again. That’s another reason why I want to go there, to put the past behind me.

Can you really? Because if you live in Manila, there will be so much freedom, and no one to watch over you. You might get into big trouble.

But dad, I learned from my mistakes. I wouldn’t do something like that again, I promise you.

Alex, there is another thing. You know, if for whatever reason, you lose your scholarship, I can’t afford to pay for tuition. All I could do is send you a one-way ticket back here. This is your only chance.

It’s ok ‘tay, I can do it.

I do want to say though, I am proud of you. Graduated salutatorian from high school, and now a scholarship. Just don’t lose your study habits son.

I promise ‘tay.

You got a place to stay lined up? I don’t want to ask your aunt.

"I’m still not sure yet. But I do know a couple of guys going there to study in June. Kuya (older brother) Luis said he had a friend."

Who is this friend?

Ivan Prieto, dad, replied my kuya. He was my classmate. He will be starting engineering at Feati, and he might be able to help us keep an eye on Alex. He was the class president in fourth year, and got in on a partial academic scholarship there. He wanted to study there two years ago, but the family had financial problems.

Ok a class president, but is he responsible enough? Would he be willing to watch over Alex?

I think so, but Ivan and Alex would have to discuss things first. I can make sure it’s ok dad.

You two have got this all worked out! my dad said, with a wry smile.

Dad, it would be a good chance for Alex to study in Manila. He would be safe with Ivan dad. Gosh, my kuya Luis was really great!

He was the one with curly hair?

Yes dad, that’s him.

He seemed nice to me. Ok, you two talk to your friend Ivan, to see if he is willing to share a boarding house with Alex. And, if he can sort of watch over the boy. And you Alex, no more scandals! If you get into another thing like you did in the cinehan, I will put you to work on our farm. And you can look at the rear end of a carabao for the rest of your life!

That’s how it ended. At least dad finally agreed. How could I ever erase that incident? When I was busted sucking that boy’s thing. It was four months ago, and it was still embarrassing. But at least, my dad agreed with the plan.

A couple of days later, Kuya Luis invited Ivan over to talk to me. I’d seen him before visiting Luis. He seemed nice, not a bully, but I never really talked to him before.

You two know each other, right?

Yes, I’ve seen him before when I visited. And of course, I’ve heard of the famous extra of the cinehan.

Around here, we try to forget that incident Ivan, my kuya said with a grimace. But that is one reason why I wanted to ask you a favor. Could you be a kuya to Alex in Manila? Could you be a roommate with him in Manila?

Oh, like a romance!

No, idiot! You could share a room with him and maybe others, at least for his first year.

I was joking. But I too need to find possible roommates, so maybe it could work out.

But Ivan, as a kuya, could you? Watch out for him, give him advice, give him rules, that sort of thing?

Maybe, but Alex, do you actually want me to be a kuya? demanded Ivan.

Yes Ivan. I need someone to watch over me.

No, you didn’t answer the question Alex. Do you personally want me to watch over you, to follow my commands, or is this something to get your dad’s approval to move up there?

Sir, I need a kuya. For guidance. Sometimes I do stupid things.

Don’t sir me Alex. I’m not going to order you around; I will just give you advice. You want this?

Ok, that’s better kuya, I said softly.

Look, you two, I’ve got to meet my girlfriend an hour ago. I’ll be back in an hour, promise. You two can talk ok without me, right?

Yeah that’s fine bro. Me and Alex will talk. But you got a girlfriend now?

I’m working on it! my brother said with a smile.

Who is she?

Teresa Soriano. You know, the sister of Jeffrey?

My goodness, she’s good looking bro! Good luck, you can do it!

"Hey, thanks.

And Alex, don’t give any shit to my friend Ivan. You have to be honest with him, or it’s not going to work.

Yes, kuya. I promise.

See you both later! With that my older brother left. I felt I should be a host, but we didn’t have any Coke in the house, I offered to buy outside for the both of us. Ivan agreed, and we continued talking underneath a tree.

I didn’t know Luis had a girlfriend. Did you?

No, I didn’t. But you know, brothers don’t share much about things like that.

Yeah, I guess so.

Ivan, kuya, your little brother is George?

"George, the agi (Ilonggo term for homosexual), he said with a laugh. Yes, that’s him. You two have something in common!"

Maybe!

Alex, honestly I’m not so sure this thing will work out. George, or Georgia is so sensitive, so girlish, and so hard to live with. He, or she, thinks of herself as a beauty queen.

Kuya, I’m not like that. You can ask my brother Luis. I really think of myself as a boy, and most of my friends are boys.

But you are agi.

Yes, and after the scandal at the movie house, well everyone knows I am. But even before that, a guy could look at me, hear me talk, and know I was an agi. But I try to be decent, and not fussy, honestly. I’m not like your brother. I’m more like a boy.

Ok, let me ask you questions then, possible problems.

Ok, go ahead.

Would you get a crush on a roommate?

No.

How can you know that for sure?

If I got a crush, the other guys would tease me for it. And I don’t like to be teased. Also, I can follow your orders.

A boarding house has little privacy. Would you get embarrassed if you had to undress naked in front of a roommate?

I don’t think so, my brothers and I already do. We bathe naked in the river near our farm.

But roommates are different than brothers.

Yeah, but I could.

Sure?

Yes kuya.

You would drink alcohol if the roommates were drinking?

I’ve drunk before, but I don’t want to do it on a school night.

So, studies first before relaxation?

I don’t have any other option. My dad has little extra money, and said I would become a farmer if I failed.

Ok, that’s the situation for me too.

But kuya, I don’t want to get teased for being agi by my roommates.

Well Alex, come on! With your cinehan scandal, you will be teased for being agi. Others might get teased because their food tasted bad, or they snore. You can’t be a sensitive agi.

Like cruel teasing. Bullying.

Ok, no harsh teasing, replied Ivan. That’s reasonable. And you will act like a boy in the boarding house? Not make the other guys uncomfortable, you be like a boy? Be discreet?

I think I should admit being an agi, but I will try to fit in.

Ok, I like that. And you will follow my advice? I’m not making you my slave, but you will follow my advice? Perhaps sometimes even my orders?

Yes kuya, I will follow your advice. And even your orders.

Ok, buy me another coke.

Alright kuya. I stood to go back to the store.

Ivan grabbed my leg. No I’m joking. Relax. My goodness, Alex. |

It’s ok kuya.

Hey, I’m just messing with you boy!

Ok, but I will follow you kuya.

So, you don’t have problems living with a bunch of other guys? Males?

No, it’s ok.

Ok, move forward! Toast to that! offered Ivan. They clinked their coke bottles. Ok, so Alex, do you know anyone planning to move to Manila to study? Me, I know one boy, Jaycar from Central Philippine U High School. Maybe he has a friend who is interested, I don’t know.

I don’t know Jaycar, but I do know some guys from my batch at school. I’m not close to them, but they seem to be nice, serious students. I haven’t talked to them yet. They are Carlo, Gabriel and Troy.

Ok, this is already late April, and we have to move fast, since we got to have a room before school starts in June. Can we meet next week? You tell your guys, I tell Jaycar? Like on Saturday, lunch time?

Ok, we can meet at my house, kuya.

And these are serious students? I don’t want a party house, only celebrations once in a while.

Yes, they are near the top of the graduating class, don’t worry.

And do these guys know about you being agi?

Oh, the whole school knows. If they didn’t know before the scandal, they do now.

Tell me what happened.

It’s embarrassing. No need to know.

Remember I’m your kuya! And you can’t hide things from me. I will need honesty in everything from you. No secrets!

Yes, kuya, I will trust you.

I won’t betray you. Trust me.

"It’s ok. It’s just embarrassing that’s all. But ok. Just, please don’t tell the others. Well, I was downtown at the Regent movie house, last full show. I was by myself; I couldn't find a companion. But I really wanted to watch the movie, Romeo and Juliet.

"Anyway, I noticed this guy, about three seats away, wearing a baseball cap. He motioned me over to sit beside him. So I did. He put his hand on my leg. I had never done something like this before, but I figured out what he wanted. He seemed nice, and gave me a candy. So I touched him too.

"Well, one thing led to another. He pulled down his pants, and pushed my head over to his thing. So, I squatted down, and sucked it. It was so dark in that place; you couldn't see anything anyway. But, suddenly in the middle of a scene, the movie stopped, and the lights went on! And this guy was just beginning to pump out. He put his hand over my head so I’d continue. Right when he was finished, he pulled up his pants. For me, squished down, it took me another second to get up.

Well, it was right then that I heard screams. A class at the national high school were required to watch the movie. I had no idea. They recognized me, and laughed at me, real loud. The guy I sucked just fled out the door, and I followed him out, to the sound of screaming and teasing.

Did you get into trouble at school for it?

No, not officially. I was called in to see the vice principal, angry. They wanted to expel me or something, but they couldn't find a rule about it, since it was outside of class time and I wasn’t wearing a uniform. They only denied me the chance to address the graduating class, since I should have been given the honor because I was the salutatorian.

Well, you were lucky.

Yeah, I was in that sense. But the school informed my dad, and the entire student body knew the whole story.

A sort of blow by blow.

Ha. Very funny. That's the other reason why I want to leave.

But the story might get spread to Manila. From the roommates, or from other students.

Yeah, I know. But at least fewer will know about it I hope.

Ok, Alex, but I bet they have those kind of cinehan in Manila too. Would you go there as well?

Oh gosh, I don’t think so. I fear those places now. Also, I am under your orders. I looked down.

Maybe that kind of place is ok for you to go to, far away from other students, who knows? But we talk first. I will demand honesty from you. Ok?

Yes, kuya.

Ivan then held me by the shoulder, a sort of hug, and said he would see me next Saturday.

I felt that he was going to be good for me to have. I didn’t want to cause him to get upset at me or anything. I know sometimes I could be stupid, but as long as he respected me, it would be ok. I was just worried about the other guys. With six other guys, I hoped it wasn’t really going to be an issue.

Hello guys! Let's introduce ourselves first, huh?

This was the meeting on Saturday planned by me and Ivan. We met in our sala, and fortunately we had the place to ourselves. I lacked the money for soft drinks, so I was only able to offer ice water on the hot day.

Ivan sort of directed things, since at 18, he was the oldest in the group. The rest of us were 16. There was Jaycar, from Central Philippine University High School, with his friend also from the same school named Carlo. From the national high school came me, Gabriel and Albert. Ivan had graduated from this school two years ahead of them.

My kuya suggested that they say which school they were planning to enroll in, and what course. Ivan said Feati, civil engineering, I said Far Eastern University, or FEU education, and Carlo FEU accountancy. Gabriel and Albert chose accountancy at University of the East, or UE. Jaycar said UE electronics communication. All these schools were located within blocks of each other in Manila.

Then Ivan asked them what each of them wanted out of a boarding house. Jaycar said to help him study and the others agreed.

Well, I was talking to Alex last week, and he said that he would lose his scholarship if he got low grades. And his dad would make him become a farmer in the province. My dad didn’t say it quit like that but I would also get sent back. And your guys’ courses are hard. So, we want to study hard, and not hardly study?

Yes! Yes! the boys replied.

We owe it to ourselves, and to our families to study hard. We try our best, and encourage each other to do good?

Yes! Yes!

And we will not be a bad influence on each other, we will watch out for ourselves and focus on our studies?

Yes, yes! we exclaimed.

Ok, then, is it ok, once in a while, to drink if we have no classes, to do some bonding?

Yes!

But it’s easy to say, ‘I am going to study hard.’ Every student says this at the start of the school year. But I mean it for myself, and I hope you mean it as seriously as I do. So, what I’m saying is that we will encourage each other to study, and we might even help each other out in studies. As in, if one of us is weak in math, we might ask someone good in math for occasional help? We might even look over each other’s report cards, added Ivan, Not to tease each other, but to encourage each other to do good. OK? So, we are serious?

Yes, we can do this kuya.

I said that I can do this, I can be serious about studies, but I’m on a tight budget. I might not have enough money for alcohol sometimes.

That is ok. This would be a sometimes only expense, replied Ivan.

Just curious, Alex, Albert asked, how much will be your allowance?

Eighty pesos per month my dad said. FEU will pay for textbooks supposedly.

I think that’s ok Alex, said Albert. Coleen, remember her from 4-42, her older sister gets 100 pesos, and that covers textbooks. She gets by, supposedly.

Maybe it’s ok then. I was just worried Albert, because my dad is being kind of stingy, I replied.

But Alex, it does cost money to live in Manila, and your father will be have to help you out. So just be thankful, bro, answered Albert.

Ivan nodded his head. Alex and I can leave for Manila soon. So, we will look for a large room or something, in a boarding house, six to our room? That should be about as cheap as we can get. If we get one near the schools, so we can just walk to school, and save on transportation costs. And Quiapo has a big market, and the food is cheap there, at least for Manila.

The boys agreed.

And we might be cooking, maybe on rotation. So I suggest that you guys, if you don’t know how to cook yet, ask your mom to teach you between now and the time you leave. Ok?

The boys answered with an upraised thumb.

The cooking will have to be cheap food, not necessarily delicious, but protein and vegetables.

That’s ok, replied Albert.

"I was thinking of another thing. When Alex and I find a place, can we buy a few things and you guys pay us back? Like if the house doesn’t have, a dustpan, broom, pail for shower and toilet, that kind of stuff?

Of course, they said.

There is one more thing, announced Ivan. You guys know that Alex is an agi? Is that ok with you guys? Is anybody uncomfortable with that?

The boys shook their heads, muttering that was ok. Gabriel rubbed my leg, and asked Bedtime service is ok? I glared at him, and pushed his hand away.

Alex promised me he is was not fussy, not girlish, and in the boarding house he can act like a boy. We just ignore the fact he is agi. No maliciousness allowed. Is this an issue with anyone?

I looked around again, and the boys nodded their heads again, smiling a bit perhaps from nervousness. Gabriel looked around for support in teasing me, but finding none, kept quiet. But at least they had been warned. Hopefully, they would not bully me.

Ok, now Alex and I will go to Manila on the boat the second Saturday of May, and stay with Alex’s aunt’s house for a few days. Can anyone come with us and look for a place? If you can’t, that’s ok, but that means you trust us to get a place that is close to your school that is cheap. All right?

Just as long as it’s got a clean bathroom and kitchen!

We will do our best Gabriel. Then when we find one, we will call right away to Alex’s home, and you can get the address from his family. Ok?

How much do you think it will be?

Cheap, in Quiapo, eighty pesos a month? Maybe, I don’t know. Don’t worry, we will look around carefully. Just remember, rents in Manila are high.

Just don’t get the first one you see, look carefully for the best deal! added Jaycar.

Hey, both Alex and I got limited budgets. We will be as cheap as we can. Ivan warned them though, The landlord, wherever the place is, one month down, one month deposit. So, we might need additional money from you guys right away. So, you promise to pay us back when you arrive there?

They all agreed. So we shook hands, and they joked around a little bit about sleeping next to an agi. One thing about being a homo, is that boys think they have the right to tease you, and to give you playful slaps.

I ignored this, because that is the way life was. Back then, I felt it wasn’t really my fault for being born this way. The boys knew I couldn’t change me being an agi, but that didn’t mean they accepted me. I was treated as a guy born with a defect, a lesser boy. But I felt grateful, at least, these boys were willing to ignore the agi issue.

The other issue, that of money seemed a bit up in the air, but that was to be