by
Lantaka is the story of a young Filipino boy - Danilo, and his brother Manuel. Danilo wants to build a bamboo cannon - or lantaka, to celebrate New Year’s. Unfortunately, bamboo cannons can be dangerous and require using a bolo (machete) to cut and shape the bamboo. Wanting to protect Danilo and thinking he is still too young, Danilo’s father tells him he must wait until he is older and more experienced. Danilo decides to go ahead and try to build one. He takes Manuel’s bolo without permission and recklessly heads into the jungle. Unfortunately, Danilo’s plan is ruined when he falls and hurts himself, returning home in tears. To gain experience, Danilo must now cut firewood with his brother each day after school. This makes Danilo stronger and teaches responsibility with the bolo. A year later, Danilo, wiser and more mature, is permitted to make his own cannon
