Critique on Puppy Love by Francisco Sionil Jose

Puppy Love

Francisco Sionil Jose

Jacobo’s conversation with an English associate brings back all the memories of his childhood, especially his first love. He begins with an introduction of himself, his present and past situation, and the love of her life –Gina. He also included his childhood friend –Lito (Gina’s older brother), who though not literally but technically bridged him to Gina and feel this what he called “puppy love”. Jacobo’s almost destiny love story could bring tears in the eyes of someone who couldn’t forget their first love, and those who are still hoping that their childhood sweetheart could be their lifetime partner. I liked how the author used flashback in the beginning as Jacobo stated his childhood.

The text used first person in point of view because it is Jacobo who narrated the story. From childhood, Jacobo Salcedo, who came from a simple family of the poorest village of San Jacinto, and Lito Garcia who came from the riches family in town were good friends. They liked to play a lot together in spite of their different social status. But obviously, Jacobo’s favorite play ground was in Garcia’s house where he could see Gina, Lito’s younger sister and the girl who captures his heart. She was beautiful and talented in dancing. She love reading books especially novels. One of the novels she read was Wuthering Heights, a love story and it greatly affects her. Until that moment came where they were alone in the ‘bodega’ and having an unusual conversation at their age. The romance they had that moment I think was hard to believe. It is hard for me to imagine that a 5^th and 6^th grader student felt and almost experience a grown up thing. However, that was the most exciting part of the story because they felt the same way, and I believe that was the starting point of their puppy love. I liked how the author chose the characters and their different social status. It is something that is very unbelievable nowadays.

During the war, tragedies and sadness came to both parties. Jacobo’s mother died, Gina’s house were burned and some of their properties were sold, and the most heartbreaking part of this story was they separate ways. Jacobo lived with his uncle, a janitor in Ateneo, and Gina lived somewhere in Manila. I liked how these happenings enter little by little to the characters’ lives. It’s the beginning of their new life as new persons.

After the war, they both lived their new lives. Jacobo studied law where he met Carlos Cobello, heir to the Cobello fortune. Jacobo was taken to Carlos’ firm after he topped the bar. He also became a trusted person of Don Carlos. Jacobo was blessed for having rich friends since childhood, and how ironic that these two rich friends always lead him to Gina. Their world was turned upside down. Jacobo became on the top, while Gina on the opposite side. They mysteriously met at a club at Bayside. Both have new names, but both are hoping to see each other. However, Jacobo knew it was Gina, but he controlled his excitement and introduce himself as Jake, his Manila name. They became at ease with each other every time they were together at the club, until that regretful moment came. They plan to see each other outside the club and they are ready to reveal something about themselves. Sadly, no meeting happened that day. An urgent appointment to Frankfurt ruined that special moment. His appointment became her disappointment.

When Jacobo came back to Manila, he lose Gina once again. He cannot find her anywhere. And the saddest part was, he doesn’t have any idea if they will ever meet again. Until he turns forty and met a girl half of his age that looks like Gina. Her name was Jenny. He married and made love with her. But for me, it was unfair for Jenny because Jacobo cannot let go of his feelings for Gina even though he is already married. However, as time goes by, he learned to love Jenny.

As they are getting older, they already have kids as the product of their love for each other, and suddenly a shocking news came. It made Jacobo’s hope for meeting Gina alive. He met Gina at the prison with the help of Don Carlos’ connection. The words that was intended to be spoken way back on that ruined meeting was uttered. I believe that regret on that moment was very strong and tears keep falling from their eyes, and the only thing I could say was, hopeless. This story reveals that puppy love can last even until adulthood. The saying “first love never dies” can be somehow true based on this story.

Jacobo’s passion for Gina was not only a puppy love. It could be a product of love at first sight (if you believe in love at first sight), or he could probably developed that kind of love because they were playmates, dance partner and that unusual conversation. Puppy love disappears, because Jacobo was able to find someone that he can be with for lifetime.

Reflection

Young love will teach us that childhood is one of the most unforgettable moments of our lives. Some things don't really last forever.  Believing in love will make you realize things that hinder you to discover a better one.