In The Typhoon’s Eye brings to mind Stevan Javellana’s Without Seeing the Dawn. Anyone who has read the Stevan Javellana novel would know how vividly he describes the places in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo particularly Brgy. Manhayang and Brgy. Lacadon. Bles Chavez-Bernstein’s “In The Typhoon’s Eye” brings us to Sandig, Pili, San Jose, and Ocampo. These are places of her youth, witnesses to the tumultuous life she quietly endured.
Bles shows us the rawness of rural life, as well as the painfully raw emotions that came with it. Her memory leads us to the hills and the fields of the barrios and the towns in Bicol. And as she courageously looks back, we can feel every suppressed pain, shame, and the silent determination to rise above the limitations of her family’s circumstances.
The setting of Stevan Javellana happened during World War II. Bles’ story rages with the war within her father’s emotional instability and the various battles she had to win. Having known her personally as somebody who effortlessly becomes the center of attention, the memoir comes as a surprise. While financial struggles are a normal part of an ordinary Filipino family’s day to day, the harsh upbringing was something you only read about. It is not somebody you know’s reality. And yet, Bles confronted her past with honesty. No wonder, she had to grip herself as tears freely flowed while she was writing her memoir.
Bles’ memoir challenges us to rise above our personal difficulties and answer our silently screaming dreams, as she who has spent a lifetime chasing her dreams made it happen. Reading the book makes you wonder how much grit and determination such a petite body possesses considering all the mental and physical challenges she went through.
Calls for a Sequel
We know there’s more to her story especially in the land she has come to call her home. There’s more to tell and an even bigger inspiration to share. I am looking forward to that immigrant’s story of pursuing her passion and living the life she has always craved for.
In the meantime, know more about Bles in this interview:
In The Typhoon’s Eye is available in Amazon: In The Typhoon’s Eye
Thankyou po sa pag Share Dito.. Sobrang ganda po talaga ng storya ni ms bles . Talaga namang pong nakaka inspired ang kwento nya.
Ms Bles’ life is full of challenges and it is very inspiring as well. There’s so much inspiration, motivation, dedication, and hardwork in her story. I love how she respected her father’s decisions and how she excelled in that profession even though it was against her will. I also admire how brave she is in giving up her career in nursing to pursue her through passion. What I have learn from her is that never give up of what you truly love. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Napaka ganda at nkaka inspire amg story ni ms. Bless lalo na ung mga bagay na , hindi pa man ntin mkuha ang mga gusto natin soon makakaya din natin na maabot ang mga pangarap ntin 🤗❤️ pati sa pagging nanay ni ms. Bless super inspire ako . 😍❤️
Her story is inspiring. I love how she was able to overcome the challenges she had since she was a child. Her character is admirable specially her grit.
What a nice story plot .
Scenario are inevitably so relatable for most of us grew up in this place.I really need to find a way to read it .Thanks for this wonderful sneak peek.