Ang Piping Balalaika (Ba Jin) salin ni Joaquin Sy

   I recently purchased, "Ang Piping Balalaika," (I am unsure of the exact English translation of this title, 'pipi' means mute, and 'balalaika' is a Russian musical instrument) this is another translation by Chinese studies scholar, and multi-awarded Chinese-Filipino translator Joaquin Sy. This book is not available in major bookstores. I got my copies from a specialty bookstore in Manila, called Solidaridad. I heard it was a store owned by Filipino writer F. Sionil Jose, National Artist for Literature awardee. This book is priced at 300 Philippine Pesos, and published by Pambansang Komisyon Para sa Kultura at Sining. The book is soft-bound, and the opening page has some info about the writer, and also about the translator of the book. The book contents was written in Chinese (traditional characters), and Filipino. It has 8 short stories including the main story which was the title of the book.

This is a collection of stories written by Li Yaotang also known as Ba Jin. I have no clue who Ba Jin was. According to someone I know who is a Filipino-Chinese, and is a wide-reader, Ba Jin is one of the famous authors that influenced the May 4th Movement back especially his famous novel "Family". According to him it's a good book that laments about the staunch conservatism of Chinese society way back during the Republican era.

He further added that the May 4th movement in a nutshell was a student uprising that rebelled against the continued occupation of the colonial powers of certain areas in China under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. It was through the movement that the activist spirits of future Chinese leaders such as Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi and Zhou Enlai were kindled.

I have already read the first story in the book. "Ang Piping Balalaika." I was right the Balalaika mentioned is a musical instrument from Russia. At first, I thought it was an archaic Filipino word. The first story was a sad story, about memories, prison/prisoners, Russia, and a musical instrument. This collection of short stories is an easy-read, simple but the stories will remain in you. It will compel you to think, and ponder upon the stories. It will also open your eyes to the realties of the world...and yes! Oftentimes, its a harsh reality.

This is another gem of a book. Kudos to Mr. Joaquin Sy for translating the classic works of Ba Jin. Because of his translation we are able to enjoy a classic Chinese work. I recommend this book for every book lovers, and Chinese literary, and culture enthusiast.