Ang Beterano

The story follows Bertha Carvel, a highly accomplished and prestigious American writer from an illustrious, historically rich military family. Bertha faces a bitter defeat in a public debate between the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois regarding whether the United States should grant independence to the Philippines

A Filipino student, Arcadio Polintan, argues passionately for Philippine freedom and defeats her team, leaving Bertha deeply resentful and wishing for his downfall. Polintan abruptly disappears from the United States shortly after his academic victories. 

Years later, Bertha travels to the Philippines to gather material for her book on the country's struggle for liberation. It is there that she crosses paths with Polintan once again. Instead of finding a defeated opponent, she learns that he has completely re-embraced his roots, shedding his foreign ties to make profound sacrifices and lay down his life for his true homeland.

Published by Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino in 2017

23 pages / Paperback