Love in the Cornhusks

I read Love in the Cornhusks by Aida Rivera-Ford for my Literature critical paper. I liked the story for the author presented it simply and did not become poetic or lyrical so I didn’t need to think much or read between the lines to understand the story. I also liked it because the barrio setting provided me with a quiet sense of familiarity and I did not need to acquaint myself with the surroundings anymore since barrios and barangays are ever present here in our country. Another reason why I liked the story was because of the Filipino characters. Being a Filipino, I know the culture more or less so I did not have to adjust that much to the characters because I am already familiar in a way with them. In short, I liked the story for I could easily picture the events and characters in my head and I was comfortable with reading the story for it was told without using too much flowery words and the narration of events were clear, solid, and simple. It was also easy to read and understand for I was “at home†with the story and I felt that I could easily relate to the characters and I felt as though I could understand them better than most of the characters in other stories.
The story was about this girl, Tinang, who visits

I too am like Tinang in the sense that I let too much of myself wander off and thinking that things will fall into place. Sometimes, when I’m having too much fun from all the freedom college life is giving me, I tend to forget my responsibilities and my duties. I neglect school work and instead of studying, I go out and party thinking that I could always catch up. In the end, I get caught up in all the schoolwork I neglected and I end up having such a hard time sorting out the mess I started. If I would have just thought and prioritized my responsibilities first, then I would not be flunking right now. I should be more aware of my surroundings and not let my mind drift away to my personal happy place. I should start making the right choices and if ever I do make a wrong turn, I should be man enough to accept the consequences of my action just like Tinang did with her baby but more importantly; I should have the right state of mind to retrace my steps and turn the right way.

In the story, Tinang was described as beautiful and she had lots of suitors. She was eyed by most men, whether they be workers or land owners, they like Tinang and tell her flattering words, and some even proposed to her. Tinang also got to study until the sixth grade thus she could converse quite well. Now despite all the attention from men, Tinang would be unfazed and she would just laugh off all the attention. That is of course, until she met Amando. Amando was a driver who also worked for Tinang’s employer and even though he wore the filthiest of clothes during workdays, Tinang was attracted to this man. Amando is ambitious and he told Tinang of his dreams of studying Mechanical Engineering in the city and then of course, it was revealed in the letter that Amando also dreamed of being with Tinang forever. Tinang was madly inlove with this man but out of a sudden need to be with his mother, Amando left and did not return for some time. Unfo