For over two decades, Visprint Inc. was the publishing house behind Bob Ong. However, in 2019, Visprint announced it was ceasing operations. This sent shockwaves through the local book industry. While Avenida Books and other publishers have since reprinted Bob Ong’s major titles (like ABNKKBSNPLAko?! and Stainless Longganisa ), the rights for MacArthur have remained in a legal gray area for an extended period. Out of print means no new physical copies are being made, leading to a digital scramble.
Facebook Marketplace, Carousell, and "Books for Sale" groups are overflowing with used Bob Ong books. You can buy MacArthur for as low as ₱100 ($2 USD). For the price of one milk tea, you can own the physical copy. Read it, then sell it again for ₱100. That is essentially free. bob ong macarthur pdf free
:
Scribd (now called Everand) is a subscription service. They offer a 30-day free trial. Guess what is often available in their Filipino literature section? Bob Ong titles. Sign up for the free trial, read MacArthur in two days, cancel the subscription. That is 100% legal, zero viruses, and the author gets a micro-payment. For over two decades, Visprint Inc
Writing a book requires immense time, research, and emotional labor. Downloading pirated copies violates copyright laws and denies the author and the publisher their rightful earnings. 3. Harming the Filipino Publishing Industry This sent shockwaves through the local book industry