Cargasus, The Flying Carabao by Fr. Edgardo D. Alaurin, O.P., SThD

"BLURBS
1. Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, OP, SThD
Rector, University of Santo Tomas, Manila (1990-1998; 2007-2012)
Cargasus, the Flying Carabao is a good read! It plunges you immediately into a colorful and exciting world of fantasy inhabited by characters that are easy to relate with because they seem to have been retrieved from the author’s childhood memory. The book contains familiar characters in foreign fairy tales and stories, but through the author’s use of his creative imagination, these characters become strangely unfamiliar, hybrids of alien and indigenous descent, baptized with local names and imbued with native qualities. It is mythical, fantastic, but very human! The plots, and subplots, and unexpected developments and lessons, are so interesting you are seduced to read more and more, although in the end, you feel tantalized and satisfied. I congratulate Fr. Edgardo D. Alaurin, OP for this original opus, an epic fantasy that succeeds in stepping out of the beaten path. A work like this is not likely to overstay its welcome.
2. Fr. Napoleon B. Sipalay, Jr., OP
Prior Provincial
Dominican Province of the Philippines (2016-2020)
At first reading this is a story for children, but reading through the content of the story this speaks of a deeper value a father can impart to his child. This is a good novel for adult. The story has an important aspect of how forgiveness is central not only as a gift to the person forgiven but because this person, who was given a second chance, has a family to live for. This is indeed a “kuwento na may kuwenta,” I look forward that “Cargasus: The Flying Carabao” is read by young and old as well.
3. Willy Tadeo Layug
Sculptor Awardee, Pro Pontifice et Ecclesia
This fantasy adventure book, Cargasus, the Flying Carabao is so imaginative and ingenious! While going through the novel, the reader will surely play with images that are familiar and folkloric; mythological and fantastic, but at the same time down-to-earth and entertaining. It is a wonder how the author came up with such a simple plot that developed into an interesting story that is marked by fast-track actions, twists or turn of events. In the end, you will look for more! 4. Dean Jaime D. de los Santos,
University of Santo Tomas,
Dean College of Fine Arts and Design (2001-2009)
I have been fascinated and enthralled by stories and adventures about man and animals notably, Cargasus, the flying carabao and his amiable and angelic boy-master Pikoy. It charmed and kindled my interest because, for the first time, there is a story about lowly “Kalakian” the beast of burden in the Philippines. The author has a luxuriant and expansive imagination to create such an appealing and compelling story. For a carabao to be given an opportunity for a favorable circumstance living in a world of fantasy is something unique and extraordinary. The adventures of the characters with Cargasus transported me all over the beautiful places in our archipelago and disclosed the life of creatures under the sea, on the ground and up on the air. What a stimulating and animated experience this flying carabao’s story? I am more than happy being part of this opus doing some of the illustrations.
5. Asst. Professor Augustus “Tots” Aguila, PhD
University of Santo Tomas, Manila
Editor Readers will surely delight in this fantasy adventure because it has all the elements of an interesting and entertaining novel: love, romance, drama, action, suspense, conflict, humor, and of course a happy ending that gives a hind that there might be a continuation to look forward to. The author’s voice as a fictionist is distinct; his language spare and crisp; his storytelling fast-paced and engaging; his philosophy of fiction value-laden and ethically sound. Cargasus, the Flying Carabao is a page-turner and hard to put down. It is unforgettable not only because the novel is a good read and appeals to readers of all ages, but also because it reminds us of who we are as a people and what we should aspire for as human beings. "