Abe : a Frank sketch of E. Aguilar Cruz / Nick Joaquin ; with an introduction by Larry J. Cruz.

Narrates the biography of Emilio "Abe" Aguilar Cruz: cynical, romantic, intellectual, sensual, earthy and epicurean. Traces his life from growing up during the formative period of Philippine modern history-his family's migration to Manila from Central Luzon province of Pampanga during frenetic period of peace between the world wars-he plunged exuberantly into the primate city's intellectual life, and after its holocausts in the Pacific War. Features his life as a free-lance writer, gate-keeper at Manila mental hospital, journalist and Sunday painter, Editor of the country's largest newspaper-chain, and Ambassador to UNESCO. Includes his retirement activities as a professional painter, social critic and as a promoter of Kapampangan cooking, history and culture. After a lingering heart illness, he expired on December 19, 1991.