"Ballesteros is a coastal town in the province of Cagayan in the Philippines. Life in the early sixties was slow but exciting for a growing child. The sea played a major part in the life of the town, being the source of bountiful food and many enchanting stories. Special occasions were marked with the town's customs and traditions. When an important building burned to the ground, the town's unity and strong determination enabled it to rise again. Rey E. de la Cruz's lively recounting of his childhood days in his hometown makes clear why Ballesteros is on his mind" --