Summary
Highlights
Pepe's mother is worried as he goes missing while playing. His older brother finds him in the forest and brings him home. The mother gives Pepe a hug upon his return, relieved he is safe.
Pepe's family, including his grandfather, is getting ready for a Christmas party. His grandfather expresses reservations about attending the party, fearing mistreatment from the Spanish hosts, whom he views as arrogant rulers. He believes the Spanish are threatened by the rising status of native Filipinos like themselves.
Pepe refuses to wear fancy clothes for the party, finding them uncomfortable. He also expresses his dislike for singing, despite his family's encouragement. His older brother tries to convince him, but Pepe insists he doesn't want to perform.
Don Alberto speaks about Lolay, Pepe's aunt, a highly educated woman from Colegio de Santa Rosa in Manila. He highlights her success in business, owning farms and textile factories, and her active involvement in women's and church activities. He sees her as an exemplary figure among native Filipinos.
At the Christmas party, a singing competition is held. Bencito Monteverde performs first, singing in Spanish. Afterward, Pepe is called to the stage as the representative of Calamba. He initially refuses, but his family encourages him. He starts singing and gets emotional, causing some disarray.
Later, the children are startled by strange men entering the house. The adults explain that these are 'taong labas' (outsiders), rebels or bandits living in the mountains who are against the government. The children are instructed to go inside for safety.
Pepe's brother teases him about his singing, then shows Pepe a beautiful handcrafted fan. Pepe is impressed and wants to learn how to make one. Later, in school, Pepe and other children are punished for being late to class, receiving blows to their hands.
Pepe gets into a small conflict with other children over an object. A boy named Lucas introduces himself, and Pepe, seemingly inspired, introduces himself as Jose Mercado, which makes the other children laugh, perhaps in confusion about his new name.