Questions about Voice Tape

THE VOICE TAPE

Can we say that the story ‘Voice Tape’ is a realistic story?” What details would you give to support your answer?

-This thoughtful short story by Ariel Tabag is a realistic story to me because her scenes take place in real life. The part where Magdalena, Ato’s wife, went to Abu Dhabi to work as a domestic worker, serves as a representation of the many OFW who sacrifice to work in another country to help their families in the Philippines. In fact, many reports of abusive acts by 4,444 employers in Saudi Arabia have been one of the reasons OFWs commit suicide, which is what happened to Magdalena. Angkel Ato’s death may also be one of the reasons why this is a true story. Ato died due to his sadness and depression over the death of his beloved wife, which in some cases can and can be true when a person truly and wholeheartedly loves someone they follow their love ones on their deathbed. This story is not just a story. It is a story that everyone, especially Filipinos, should read and love as this story describes the life of every Filipino and OFW family in our country. A realistic story such as the voice tape can be a believable story because the scenes, plot, and nature of the character happen or are actually in real life. They just add to the idea that the story of the voice tape is a credible story. The story is realistic enough that it reflects our reality today, that one parent goes abroad to apply to be an OFW and to find a job, be paid by doing their jobs, and gives their salary to their family just to eat and buy something. They are risking their lives for the health and improvement of their family. They are the hard workers that care for their family, the light that shines even in the darkest time, and the one that loves you even they are far away from you. My supporting evidence is that Ato and Magdalena are both risking their lives just to feed their children, making them a bright future even if they are struggling, and letting their children bloom and grow in peace.

Does the story have to be realistic for it to be able to present a believable human experience?

-For us, yes of course, because the more realistic it is the more it will present believable human experience and relatable. It brings more intrigue and emotions. People, including us, can easily relate especially when it is more about on sensitive and current societal issues. In other words, it is more believable because it touches our heart. For example, the Voice Tape is giving us a view about the life of an OFW and letting all Filipinos who are yet planning to work abroad and as well as to the family of the concern that an “OFW life” is not that easy as it looks. What made it more interesting is the craftsmanship of the author in making the story. The art in writing the story brings more life of each character’s feelings. The legitimacy of the story can like left an arrow pierce through a reader’s heart. In general, the authenticity of the story will make it more interesting and moving. Hence, it will be able to present believable human experience in which “The Voice Tape” is a great example of this. It revealed a lot of life lessons the reader even the author can take with for the rest of their lives.

Group Members:

Jikiri, Amir Ashraf

Suarez, Aldrikz

Suarez, Aldwin

Arseña, Jan Christian

Atilano, Eubert

Mauludani, Winmher Khan

Saladain, Sharif Amonhamil