In fact, I suspect that in writing me you may have hoped that I could communicate with his American teacher, Father Ryan, as he had formerly served as a chaplain here in Forbes Park. I will try, yet as I have no other connections in Los Angeles, I am not hopeful in this regard. I can only advise you to attempt to gain admission for Tomas into another Catholic school, a stricter one if that is possible in a place like California.

Also, you must be careful whom you let him befriend. I find it particularly puzzling that a Filipino boy such as Tomas should choose to spend his time with poor Mexican children when there certainly must be nice American and Asian children of successful people in Los Angeles.

May I suggest that you consider bringing Tomas and Gabe here to Forbes Park for a visit? I know that you do not like to take my money for plane tickets you cannot afford, but we would be most pleased if you were to change your mind.

We will be praying for you and your sons always.

Love,
Your brother Betino

Balikbayan

South Santa Monica,
California
April 1993

Chapter One

I

Tomas is the son who helps pay the mortgage by selling attack dogs to rich people and celebrities. He is the son who keeps our mother up late with worry. He is the son who causes her embarrassment by showing up at family parties with his muscles covered in gangster tattoos and his head shaved down to stubble and his eyes bloodshot from pot. He is really half white, half Filipino but dresses like a Mexican, and it troubles our mother that he does this. She cannot understand why if he wants to be something he is not he does not at least try to look white. He is also the son who says that if any girlfriend criticized our mother or treated her wrong he would knock the bitch across the house.

I am the son who is quiet and no trouble, and I help our mother with chores around the house.