The novel “Ang Titser” by Liwayway Arceo revolves around the life of Amelita, a public school teacher, and the tribulations that she has had to face in light of her profession. The story opens with Aling Rosa, Amelita’s somewhat narrow-minded mother, discussing with her husband, Mang Ambo, how she intends to have her daughter marry the affluent Osmundo. Despite this, Amelita insists against involving herself with Osmundo and instead marries Mauro, a fellow public school teacher. Not only does this go strongly against her parents’ wishes, but is also prompts Osmundo to hire a hitman to kill Mauro out of spite before leaving the country. Aling Rosa and Mang Ambo also leave Nayon for Manila, where their other, “more successful” children live and work.
The hitman decides not to follow through with killing Mauro due to the latter’s kindness. At this point, Amelita has given birth prematurely to their first child, Rosalida. Aling Rosa does exhibit her care for her child and grandchild by visiting them at the hospital, although she still uses the opportunity to once more criticize Amelita’s and Mauro’s lifestyles.
Years later, Rosalida has grown into a smart and obedient child. Osmundo also returns to Nayon for the first time in years and while the community celebrates his return, he notices that Mauro has not been killed. The two decide to make peace, however Amelita is not yet convinced that Osmundo has no ill intentions. Osmundo turns out to still have affections for Amelita but upon meeting Rosalida, he takes a liking to the child and even has a hand in her recovery from sickness later on. Meanwhile, Amelita and Mauro, with the help of their co-teachers and school principal, have managed to establish their own vocational school.
When Osmundo decides to take Rosalida on a trip around Nayon, Amelita hrows worried that this is part of Osmundo’s nefarious plan. Rosalida returns and eases her mother’s worries, describing how Osmundo has changed. It is only then that Amelita warms up to Osmundo, who decides to live permanently in the United States anyway, having moved on completely. Unfortunately, Aling Rosa falls ill and among her children, only Amelita cares enough to physically be there to care for her. Aling Rosa does get better and, because she stayed with her in her time of need at managed to earn other plaques and achievements, realizes that Amelita’s profession is no source of shame, but one of pride.
Titser's Table 