PATINTERO

by: Valentine Dula (2017)

21st CENTURY PERIOD
Writers have drawn inspiration and ideas from the past authors to introduce new trends
have been used to meet the needs and tastes of today’s generation. Since, we are
already living in the generation where everything is powered by technology, 21st
Century learners are demanded to be technologically inclined to compete with the style
and format of writing as well. New codes or lingos are used to add flavor in the literary
pieces produced nowadays that would draw attention of the readers.
GEOGRAPHIC DIMENSION:
The short story entitled, “Patintero”, is a literature that originated from Luzon Region,
specifically, Metro Manila. The author used a place like Puregold, a store, which will
give a clue to the readers that the story took place in an urbanized area.
LINGUISTIC DIMENSION:
The story used “balbal” words and the story was narrated in Filipino all throughout.
Based on the book, linguistic dimension depends on the origin of the literature. It was
revealed that the story took place somewhere in Metro Manila. Mostly, people who
came from Manila usually speak Filipino language. As we can see as the story
progresses, it does not include any colloquial words or clues that will serve as a proof
that this particular story is indeed a literature of other region.
ETHNIC DIMENSION:
As what the book shows, ethnic dimension depends on the literature’s geographic and
linguistic dimension. Since, the story did not originate from a culture-based community,
it does not show any cultural proofs. However, the story does show the values and
beliefs of the Filipinos to their family.
HOW THE STORY REFLECTS THE SOCIETY:
The story coveys how chaotic a human mind is. People being so desperate to
meet their needs and goals. It also shows that our society mostly revolve around money
and how to survive. Just like the filipino game, “patintero”. Other things do not matter,
what matters is that crossing the line without being the “it” of the game while bearing the
goal in the players’ minds. Some would look at it positively, however, being so
desperate that nothing can stop you is also a bad thing. People today do not care of the
process anymore and just on the goal when in fact, the process is as important as the
goal itself. This story may serve as a wake-up call to the society to not waste all their
time being so eager to survive. Money really do corrupt our minds. This story will serve
a reminder for everyone that money can buy material things but not your true
happiness.