Bukambibig Volume 1, Issue 2: Resistance

About Bukambibig Bukambibig began as most things do - with a small group of people, and an idea.

The idea was that good literature deserved not only to be written, but to be read - and read by all. Our shared dream was to bring performance poetry to Filipinos everywhere, and to ensure that literature exposure remained a two-way street: writers would be able to reach a wider audience, and readers would be introduced to works of poetry that they might otherwise not have known. We wanted to push the limits of accessibility that exist between writer and reader, by providing an avenue where the poetry is excellent enough to lend a voice to itself, and where the audience, unhampered by geography, can listen.

Bukambibig is the country’s first multilingual and digital folio of performance poetry in Binisayå, Bikol, English, Hiligaynon & Kinaray-a, Ilokano, Pangasinan, and Tagalog written by Filipino poets residing in the country or in diaspora. We hope that with this folio, we will be able to bridge the performance to the page, one issue at a time.

Bukambibig Poetry Folio of Spoken Word Philippines Volume 01 / Issue 02 Copyright 2016-2017. Illustrations by Sofia Hurtado Bukambibig is the country’s first multilingual and digital folio of performance poetry in Binisaya, Bikol, English, Hiligaynon & Kinaray-a, Ilokano, Pangasinan, and Tagalog written by Filipino poets residing in the country or in diaspora.

Authors retain copyright of their work. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced in any means whatsoever without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Correspondence may be addressed to bukambibig.ph@gmail.com Creative Direction by Jose Chipeco Art Direction by Sofia Hurtado

Bukambibig poetry folio of spoken word philippines

volume

01 issue 02 : RESISTANCE

FOLIO IMPRESSUM

Alton Dapanas General Editor

Roy V Aragon Ilokano Editor

Charlie S Veric Issue Consultant

Mark Anthony B Austria Pangasinan Editor

Mark Angeles Vim Nadera Resident Consultants

April Mae M Berza English Editor

Chesca Hurtado Managing Director Jose Chipeco Creative Director Sofia Hurtado Art Director

Jose Jason L Chancoco Bikol Editor Jesus C Insilada Hiligaynon & Kinaray-a Editor Joel Donato C Jacob Tagalog Editor Cindy A Velasquez Binisaya Editor (Incoming)

O P E R AT I O N S C L U S T E R

Chesca Hurtado Operations Head Meivelyn Caliboso Deputy Head Alton Dapanas Folio Editor Jose Chipeco Sofia Hurtado Design Loretta Anna Ariaga Socials Chloe Francisco Marketing & Finance

“We are tribeless and all tribes are ours.

We are homeless and all homes are ours.

We are nameless and all names are ours.

To the fascists we are the faceless enemy who come like thieves in the night, angels of death: the ever moving, shining, secret eye of the storm.”

--from ‘An Open Letter to Filipino Artists’ Emmanuel F Lacaba

FOREWORD

Listening to Bukambibig: A Brief Inquiry into an Ongoing Project Whose Scale We Have Yet Fully to Know Charlie Samuya Veric, PhD Ateneo de Manila University What do we mark with the second issue of Bukambibig, the poetry folio of Spoken Word Philippines, which focuses on the theme of resistance? What do we witness? What gives?

In times like these, it is best to assume the role of an interpreter. And I would rather be an interpreter—a reader, if you will—than be a potentate out to make some pronouncements, heralding the arrival of new voices. Let me be that interpreter, then, whose task is to make sense of things that unfold as we speak.

So, what exactly are we seeing? The current issue contains poetry in eight languages— Binisayá, Bikol, Filipino, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Ilokano, Pangasinan, and English. Headed

by Alton Melvar M Dapanas, a young writer based in Cagayan de Oro, the editorial board consists of section editors, each coming from a different part of the archipelago and specializing in a regional language. Lastly, the folio is published online, freely accessible to anyone with as little as a Piso internet load.

Bukambibig is thus your multilingual, regional, and digital platform. To my mind, each of these deserves some preliminary elaboration.

First, the folio’s multilingual nature is laudable in its attempt to foster linguistic diversity, one that can lead to a better cultural literacy. The multilingual canon today, which includes Philippine languages as well as the appropriated tongues of former colonizers such as Spanish and English, is due largely to the efforts of critics in the late 20th century who made the literary tradition more robust and inclusive. These include Bienvenido Lumbera, Resil Mojares, Merlie Alunan, Rosario Cruz Lucero, Edna Zapanta Manlapaz, and Soledad Reyes, among others, who blasted the predominantly English and formalist canon of the early 20th century, a legacy of American colonization. Together, they introduced such critical idioms as the nation, region, gender, and popular into the study of Philippine literature, pluralizing the way we understand our country and our selves by diversifying the “languages,” broadly conceived, that constitute the Filipino canon.

Such linguistic and cultural diversity, as I have noted elsewhere, compels us to recognize our writing traditions not merely as national but, more properly, as planetary.1 As such, our multilingual tradition represents a different model for understanding the dynamics of world literature. Bukambibig is yet another testament to such a diverse literary 1 Charlie Samuya Veric, “Ang Dapat Mabatid ng Planetaryong Filipino,” Kritika Kultura 19 (2012): 297-310.

The same issue contains an English translation of my commentary written originally in Filipino.

ecology, embodying local attempts at democratizing uneven languages while promoting the respectability of marginalized regional identities.

Second, the regional base of Bukambibig, Cagayan de Oro, is a good reminder of the diversification of literary production in the country, complementing the regional presses of Ateneo de Naga University, University of San Agustin, and the University of San Carlos, to name a few. The emergence of such alternative venues is a good counterweight to the long lamented cultural imperialism of Manila. It would be a mistake to think, however, that the local is parochial. For even if the movers of Bukambibig are based in the regions, the poems that the folio prints also come from writers in the diaspora. The cosmopolitanism of the local accordingly informs the literary production that the folio enables.

More important, Bukambibig provides an alternative venue that undoes the monopoly of literary connoisseurs and coteries in Manila—those who choose who gets to be rewarded. The economy of prestige, as James F English would put it, is consequently disturbed and challenged, reworked to suit the needs of local writers. But the local here may be far more complex in that Bukambibig serves as a site for the confluence of different languages and, correspondingly, cultures, styles, sensibilities, and politics that cross borders. This cosmopolitan confluence, which occurs in a local and peripheral site, can only bode well for the future of Filipino writing.

Third, the digital character of the folio is a historical watershed, exemplifying the single most significant technology that has altered the writing, circulation, and reading of the literary work. It bears repeating that Bukambibig appears exactly two decades after the term internet was coined in 1995. Twenty years into its existence, the internet has provided unprecedented space and accessibility to local writers and intellectuals. In 2002, for instance, just when Lulu introduced electronic self-publishing in the United States, the maiden issue of Kritika Kultura, the pioneering online journal of critical ideas founded by Maria Luisa Torres-Reyes and published by the Ateneo de Manila University, came out. Since then, other local online platforms such as High Chair and Plural have emerged. What is notable about these online platforms is their largely countercultural as well as countercanonical impulse. Bukambibig is part of this larger phenomenon in which technology enables the emergence of new practices and politics.

But where do we locate resistance, the theme for the current issue, in all this? The resistance—a term that the Oxford English Dictionary defines as the refusal to accept or comply, the use of force or violence to oppose, or a secret organization resisting authority—lies in the folio’s resistance to homogenization, an impulse rooted in the democratic idea that a good society can arise only if plurality exists. Indeed, the folio serves to pluralize the language, place, and platform for the creative act, creating a condition suited for unbounded transgression, innovation, and experimentation in the future.

Nothing can be more apt, then, than the idea itself of Bukambibig, of the word spoken, in that it returns us to the power of voice. The voice, a concept so central to human communities as well as to literature, is the bedrock of autonomy and freedom. Thus, to make many the voice is to make autonomy and freedom many. Let a million voices ring then. And we shall listen.

Philippine Constipation’s Preamble

by Junica Madrid

We, the sovereign Filipino people (na mag-aaral nang mabuti para maiwan ang soberanya), imploring the aid of Almighty God (na kapag bakla ka, ‘di ka Niya nilikha kaya dapat mamatay ka na), in order to build a just and humane society (pero basta adik o kahit napagkamalang adik, patayin niyo na lang) and establish a Government (na hindi korap sa pera pero okay lang kung korap sa kapangyarihan) that shall embody our ideals and aspirations (na wala nang diskriminasyon sa kababaihan pero pwede niyo silang sipulan), promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony (pero dahil mas opinionated tayong mas magaganda ang mga pangyayari noong batas militar thingy, kalimutan na natin ang mga biktima, ang kawalan ng boses, ang dahilan kung bakit tayo hikahos ngayon kasi mas mahalaga naman na 1 peso is equal to 1 dollar noon), and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy (pero hindi raw natin kailangan ng kalayaan... Disiplina lang daw [kamot-ulo]) under the rule of law (na hindi updated)

and a regime of truth (unless gago ka at ‘di mo matanggap ang pagkatalo mo sa eleksyon) justice (unless mahirap, katutubo o hindi ka sikat), freedom (unless kalaban ka ng gobyerno), love (unless masahol ka pa raw sa hayop), equality (unless ‘di ka kaibigan ng public officials), and peace (unless journalist ka na kinainisan kaya dapat rest in peace na lang), do ordain (O huwag na lang kasi mas cool maging talkshit), and promulgate (This Constipation! I mean...)

This Constitution!

CONTENTS

DENNIS AGUINALDO, Alin sa mga Kamay?

ELSIE ALBIS, Fa c e b o o k C o n v e r s a t i o n RENEA LEE ALCANTAR A, Gaano Kaalat ang Asin?

MARIEL ALONZO, Buto J H O N J A S P E R A PA N , Seven Colors GENEVIEVE MAE AQUINO, Pyrrophyta J AY B L A N C A F L O R , Pag-alinlangan JAIME JESUS BORL AGDAN, Pabutog R I C K J AY C A B I L L O , Ku n g P a a n o P a L a l a y a a n g Sarili D E X T E R C AYA N E S , A n g P a n a t a n i P a d r e Ta d e n a

A D E VA J A N E E S PA R R A G O , To m y f r i e n d M y B o d y i s a Te m p l e ROMA ESTR ADA, Sa mga Hapong Tulad Nito J O H N C A R L O S E VA N G E L I S T A , Ang Titser Kong Aktibista ARNOLD JOHN GALICIA, Paghahanap Kaiju: Almost a Love Story RHEA GULIN, Guwang VA L E N E A N N E L A G U N Z A D , Khmer Rouge ARNOLD LAPUZ, Berde JOHN LEUVEN LASAN, Kshatriya K A B E L M I S H K A L I G O T, letter to blumentritt

HAZEL ANN CESA, The King of the Jungle

J AY G A L L E R A M A L A G A , howl Kay kita tanan manogpangayaw Gamay nga bata

ROEHL JOSEPH DAZO, Suicide Note Ilawum sa Karaang Brip

NINO MANAOG, Medyo Evil These Things Called Love

C H I N A P E A R L PA T R I A D E V E R A , Hinggil sa iyong kamatayan

FR ANCISCO MONTESENA, Panukat Sukol

M A R I E D O M I N I Q U E D E L A PA Z , Corazon, my first kiss D E N N I S E S PA D A , Ta n a g a s a H a l a l a n

ANGELITO NAMBATAC JR, M a r c h o f t h e Vo l u n t e e r s

DANIEL NESPEROS, Maysaak a mannalon, mamirmiraut Ku a r e n t a a t a w e n i t a n a birbirokenka ALL AN LENARD OCAMPO, L u k s o n g -T i n i k MELCHOR ORPILL A, Iyaliwagwag E L S I E PA D E R N A L , Uwanggit, Uwanggit C H R I S T I A N PA T R I C I O , Pag-ulan ng Bala, Pagdilig ng Dugo /kan-ni-gid/ ROMANO REDUBLO, Kapatid DAN KEVIN ROQUE, Sum Quod Sum JULES RUZ, #684 J O S E P H A L E E N S A LVA D O R , The first one FIDEL SAMBAOA, Ku l a t a CHARLIE SEBASTIAN, Leviticus 18:22 JOSE CARLOS SIA, Salamism ARIEL S TABAG, Atang Baribari Umaykan, Nakkong, Dika Agbatbati

RODA TA JON, Dagiti Umili Palagip DERICK TONG-AL AN, Nangisit a Darat JOSHUA REI UBALDO, That Martial Law Thingy N M E VA L D E Z , Ngayemngem iti Dalan O S WA L D VA L E N T E , Daniw-Dallot-Dallang A N G E L I C A YA N G , Disconnect

resistance

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Alin sa mga Kamay Dennis Andrew S Aguinaldo Makulay at balani ang mga letra Sa kaha de lamig.

Dalawang kamay ang inaasahan, At dalawang regalo.

“Ang mga mata,” sabi mo, “pakipikit.”

Huwag ka sanang magugulat Kung nag-iisa ang kamao.

Namimili lamang tayo sa espasyo o sigasig.

Nasa likod ang isa pang kamay, Baka sakaling may hawak, nakatago.

Alam na nating walang lobong pumutok, Walang amoy ng paboreal, walang pintig.

“Heto na ang ipinangako.”

Higit na namamahay ang kislap Sa mga matang nakapinid.

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Dennis Andrew S Aguinaldo • 2

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Facebook Conversations Elsie C Albis I. There’s nothing to worry about for his Facebook ‘status’ saying “Showing her sex video is illegal, inhumane, and indeed misogynistic...” seemed grounded.

But then, an unexpected comment came, “Let her suffer from her sins. It’s not misogynistic. It’s about her immorality.”

Exasperated, he replied, “Even if it’s true, the video has no room in the honorable chamber of the House.”

She said in return, “That’s her karma. She humiliated and damaged our Father with her lies.”

Confused, he closed the conversation, opened new sites, yet the comment struck him hard; then he commented, “Is the video event relevant to the case?”

In a span of few seconds, she replied, “...Either you are a YELLOWMONGER or a DRUG ADDICT? Why are you supporting her? She supports those criminals. They must all be killed.”

He typed some words for reply, deleted them, typed again, then deleted them.

Unfriending her came to his mind, but they’re schoolmates. He has known her since high school.

So he commented, “Neither. You know me. Stop labelling me. I’m just saying that—,” he deleted his comments.

He opened her account, saw her gentle face and her post that shouts, “...you are a YELLOWMONGER or a DRUG ADDICT?” Then he replied, “Neither. Again, even if the accusations are true, it is still humane to give her respect.”

A notification came revealing her reply, “Why backing a dirty politician? Why can’t she just admit all accusations? I wonder, are you a DRUG ADDICT or a YELLOWMONGER?” Weary. He closed the app.

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He looked at his status to respond, but when he searched for her account, a saw sudden lightning flashing before his eyes: “Add friend.”

“Batch, wouldn’t you want to listen to me first?”

II. There’s nothing to worry about for her Facebook reply saying “Let her suffer from her sins. It’s not misogynistic. It’s about her immorality” seemed sensible and kind.

As expected, her friend replied, “Even if it’s true, the video has no room in the honorable chamber of the House.”

Agitated, she commented, “That’s her karma. She humiliated and damaged our Father with her lies.”

Bothered, she closed the conversation, opened new sites, then she received a reply, “Is the video event relevant to the case?”

In a span of few seconds, she replied, “Yes, it will prove her connection to the criminals. And if not, why is she so hysterical about exposing it? Why is she so defensive? It’s an evidence for the accusations against her. I know, you are either a YELLOWMONGER or a DRUG ADDICT. Why are you supporting her? She supports those criminals. They must all be killed.”

Unfriending him came to her mind despite being batchmates. She has known him since high school.

Without a doubt, she does not want to see hate posts about her beloved leader.

Thus, she decided to unfollow him.

She opened his account, saw the sunflowers in his cover photo, and his reply that shouts, “Neither. Again, even if the accusations are true, it is still humane to give her respect.”

Angered, she replied, “Why backing a dirty politician? Why can’t she just admit all accusations? I wonder, are you a DRUG ADDICT or a YELOWMONGER?” Realizing that her friend does not know anything of the ill doings of the immoral woman made her decide to unfriend him. Thus, looking at his profile, she saw an enticing lightning flashing in her eyes: “Unfriend.”

“Batch, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Elsie C Albis • 4

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Gaano Kaalat ang Asin Renea Lee Alcantara Nabuhay ang diwa ng lalaking matagal nawalan ng malay sa masikip, mainit at madilim na sulok nang maramdaman niya ang malamig na bagay na dumampi sa kaniyang pisngi; “tangina patay na ba ‘ko?”

Bahagya niyang isinandal sa malamig na pader ang katawan; at sa taimtim na paghalik ng kanyang mga daliri sa bakal, ramdam niyang mas didilim, lalalim at magtatagal pa ang mga gabing nakabibingi, ang pagkawala ng katahimikan sa kaniyang isipan.

May silbi pa ba ang pag-apuhap ng liwanag sa mga matang tuluyan nang nilamon ng kadiliman?

Kadiliman na lamang ba ang tanging sagot sa mga tanong na ipinupukol at ipinupukpok nang makailang beses sa sarili?

Sarili— may natitira pa ba nito sa kaniya matapos yurakan at duraan ang pagkatao ng mga naghahari-harian?

Lalong humigpit ang pagkapit ng lalaki sa malamig na bakal nang isa-isang magdatingan ang mga bangungot na dahan-dahang pumapatay sa kaniyang kaluluwa— sigaw hustisya pangako parang-awa bala palo tubig dugo bato dugo gutom awa bigas bala bigas bala bigas bala linda junjun maimai linda junjun maimai

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Dumilat ang lalaki na nagpepenitensiya sa kalagitnaan ng tuyo at bitak na lupa habang nakasukob sa alab ng Haring-araw.

Tanging ang nakabibinging pagpatak ng dugo mula sa kaniyang kamao ang maririnig sa gabing pinagkaitan na ng katahimikan “putangina!”

Mabilis ang pagdaloy ng pawis sa kaniyang mukha, na para bang nag-uunahang makatakas mula sa sumpa ng tuluyang pagkakakulong.

Nanumbalik ang lalaki sa kaniyang kamalayan nang matikman ang patak na taglay ang alat na kakaiba; alat na sa buong buhay niya’y ngayon lamang niya nalasahan.

Renea Lee Alcantara • 6

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Buto Mariel Alonzo n. bone, seed, vagina, explosion There is no name for all the things I could fit beneath an altar. That in those tendons of night, when no mouth in the world fills with prayer, I could do miracles. Believe I could curl, taste my own boy-clit, my boy-cot. Nutrition staining the back of my throat like the first shyly kept menstrual blood.

Let it stay there and harden, as if waiting for permission. I confess, once, when a durian fruit fell from our tree, I ripped open its armor held a whole-fleshed seed, and kissed it as if injured. Pus glossed my lips, lipstick of knees and mecca, as I moved down the village’s spine, letting every nostril heal my wound. Seed freefalling, about to jam my drainage, shut my manhole. As if by choking, Adam would be forgiven for his final bite.

If only I could remove my cunt like you father, let me bear fruit, without light and flower.

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Mariel Alonzo • 8

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Seven Colors Jhon Jaspar Apan There were cheers and marching bands and waving flags with rainbow colors.

There were crowds on every street corner, raising slogans that were praising queers.

There were shouts of love as they rejoiced when two men kissed under the setting sun.

There were people waving seven colors, and all of them were shouting pride: red, it was the color of all the lips that touched when they defied the views of the world they had— orange, it was the color of the setting skies that witnessed how they dared society’s eyes— yellow, it was the hue of the falling confetti when they chose to ignore the people, irrelevant, who told they were wrong and not normal, who told them that their love was immoral, not immortal— green, the color of nature around these lovers as they sealed their lips with their uniting kisses that sparked a hundred thousand words and braved a hundred million storms— blue, the color of the flannel of his guy lover that he tore away while they were making love, in front of the eyes that judged their love affair, in front of the people that condemned their romance— indigo was your love for him—a great devotion that no matter how rough the road might had gotten and no matter how dark the path had become you still held his hand until that day in time— violet, the color of the night sky when the sun did set and they laid together by each other—these children of kismet side by side they laid, like when they all told the world that they were lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans.

Seven continents, seven billion people, seven thousand islands, seven colors— They chose the one they truly love.

They became who they truly were.

They waved the rainbow flag and told the world with pride.

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Pyrrophyta Genevieve Mae Aquino This is karma. This is your due.

You, oppressors who hid behind sunny yellow smiles and sanctimonious halos.

You had it coming.

We were small and simple.

We lived quietly in the sun, microscopic and insignificant.

At night, we were self-sufficient, lit by our inner luminescence.

But you disrupted our homes.

You bribed us with commerce and overwhelmed our objections with your callous disregard for the environment.

You, with your oligarchic sense of entitlement.

You wanted more industry, more factories, more fertile fields.

Helpless, we bowed to your whims.

But time has made us stronger.

While you ignored us, we were quietly increasing in number, with our desperation and suppressed desires.

Silently we stored all our hatred, building it up, accumulating our collective furies by the millions.

We are ready to return all your toxicity with the turning of the tide.

Watch us set the rivers and oceans on fire with our rage.

See the seas turn red as the blood you had secretly washed from your hands.

Genevieve Mae Aquino • 10

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Pag-alinlangan Jay Blancaflor Makulay.

Salitang naikintal sa aking isipan Nang makita ko ang mga prutas Na nakahanda sa ibabaw ng mesa.

Masyadong nawili ang aking mga mata Sa kulay na inihandog sa akin, Ngunit alam kong hanggang tingin lang ang lahat ng ito Sapagkat di man lang alam kung sino Ang tunay na nagmamay-ari.

Katulad natin.

Hindi ko alam Kung saan ako lulugar.

Hindi ko alam Kung ipagpapatuloy pa ba ang nararamdamang ito.

Hindi ko alam Kung ako lang ba sa buhay mo.

Hindi ko alam Kung hanggang kailan ang sayang idinudulot mo.

Hindi ko alam Kung saan ako dadalhin ng pag-ibig na ito.

Hindi ko alam Kung pag-ibig na nga ba ito.

Hindi ko alam Kung mahal mo rin ba ako.

Mahal mo ba ako?

‘Yan ang katanungang paulit-ulit na lang Sa pagsagi sa aking isipan.

Mahal mo ba ko?

‘Yan ang katanungan Na nais kong isambit sa iyo.

Ibig kong malaman.

Nais kong malaman.

Mula mismo sa iyong mga bibig Nais kong marinig.

At nang matahimik na rin itong aking puso.

At nang magkaroon na ng kasagutan Ang katanungang pauli-ulit na lang Sa pagsagi sa aking isipan, 11 •

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Mahal mo ba ako?

Huli na.

Oo. Alam ko.

Masakit.

Iniwan kita, Hindi para palayain ka, Kundi para palayain ang aking sarili.

Walang nang pag-asa.

Walang pinaasa.

At wala nang aasa.

Huwag mong isumbat sa akin Ang katagang pag-asa.

Huwag mog itanong sa akin Kung may pag-asa pa ba.

Dahil wala.

Wala na.

Napagod na rin siguro Ang aking puso sa pagtibok Napagod na rin siguro Ang aking mga tenga sa ingay.

Napagod na rin siguro Ang aking mga mata sa nakikita.

Napagod na rin siguro ako.

Pagod na pagod na, Hindi man naging tayo.

Wala mang naging pagkakataon na naging tayo.

Wala man ang pagkakataon na maging tayo.

Tandaan, minahal pa rin kita.

Minahal kita.

Darating ang panahon‌ Darating ang panahon‌ Na muling magkakaroon ng kulay ang ating buhay.

Na muling magkakaroon ng kulay ang aking buhay!

Jay Blancaflor • 12

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Pabutog Jaime Jesus Uy Borlagdan Inatang mo an hangos sa sarong lobong lupos.

Pinabutog sa kawatan.

Pinabutog sa adalan.

Pinabutog sa saod buda sa harampangan.

Pinabutog kan mga hagyan mga medalyang bulawan.

Pinabutog kan mga titulo sa hampang kan pintuan.

Butog sa palakpak.

Butog sa pagti’mak Butog sa pakigdulak.

Butog sa rarom kan banggi sa pag-isip ki paagi.

Butog sa irarom kan aldaw sa dulo pang pag-palabaw.

Kun dai pumutok sa hudyan dai lamang marurumduman na an lobong naging bilog na kinaban an laog paros palan.

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Jaime Jesus Uy Borlagdan • 14

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Kung Paano Pa Lalaya ang Sarili Rick Jay Cabillo Ibon mang may layang lumipad/ Kulungin mo at umiiyak Paglaya!

Nagsisimula sa tanong: Masaya ka ba?

Kung nasaan ka ngayon, kung pakiramdam mong ika’y nakakulong, Kahabag-habag, hibang, basag, timang, wasak, Parang payasong nakapiit sa loob ng salamin, kumakapal ang maskara, Tapyas ang mga labi, nakasabit ang punit na ngiti.

Naghihintay na lamang ng sandali bago palitadahan Ang konkretong pagdidikitan ng lapida na palatandaan Ng kamangmangan sa kumpaano palalayain ang sarili— Palayo sa mga kaalamang pilit ipinapasok sa iyong bungo, subalit ayaw mong tanggapin; Palayo sa mga kung anong sumusugat sa damdamin.

Ang taong may damdamin ay hindi alipin.

‘Di ka duwag, ninuno mo si Luna.

Sadyang minsan, hindi naman talaga tayo dapat lumaban, Lalo na kung tayo ay nasa digmaang hindi naman talaga tayo dapat kabilang, Hindi krimen ang pagpikit. Kaya binigyan tayo ng mga talukap sa mata, Upang mayroon tayong paraan upang pumikit.

Hindi tingnan ang ayaw makita. Hindi natin lahat kailangang makita.

May labing sumasara upang pigilin ang bukambibig.

Hindi lahat ng dahilan ay kailangang masabi.

Kung ‘di makapikit, ‘wag mong labanan ang pagdilat.

‘Wag mong labanan ang ‘di pagdapo ng antok.

Tunghayan ang tikatik ng tintang mistulang may hinahabol Para kang parating, may minamadali. Sadyang hindi ka talaga mapakali.

Ang paningin, sinasapot; Lalamunan, sinasabaw; Hinihipan ng hangin ang pagkakakilanlan; Naiidlip sa duyan ng kabalintunaan.

Sa bawat nakapamimilipit na araw, Bawat sandali mo ring iwinawaksi Ang kung anong nagpapamanhid sa iyong ulo.

Itinataboy ang lamig na naghahatid ng kaba, Ang ginaw na nagpapalala ng kabang Nagpupumilit na pumilipit sa buo mong katawan Habang tumatadyak sa lahat ng kanto ng bawat tadyang.

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RESISTANCE

Nangangambang paslangin ang mga alaala; nangangambang paslangin ng mga alaala.

Iniinda ang paralisadong katawan, Ang ginugupong dibdib, ang ginugulping kamalayan, ang nakangangang isip.

Walang-salag, walang-palag sa pagsalakay ng mga gunitang walampatid sa panunumbalik, Silang kaytagal mo nang nililimot pilit, kahit man labag sa bait.

May bubog ka sa paa na hindi mo makapa. Malulunasan lamang sa pagmumura.

Saka mo maipapahayag ang mga hindi mo masabi.

Sabi ng kaopisina ko, “Alam mo, p’re, pa’no matitigil ang pag-uulit-ulit ng mga araw?”

Sabi niya, “‘Pakamatay ka.”

Sabi ko, “I disagree. Live! Mabuhay!”

Mabuhay para sa mga pangarap!

Habang nagla-log-in ako sa isang account ko, lumabas ang isang captcha.

Ang nakasulat, “Hindi ako robot.”

Connecting…

Connecting…

Connecting…

No response!

Webpage na dinosaur.

Nasayang ang oras sa pagtitig sa tumatalun-talon at kumikindat-kindat Na mga aninag ng nagdidiktang mga guniguni’t ulirat.

Okupado ang kukote. Animo’y usok na tumatagos sa lamig ng bakal ang kalansay.

Animo’y sanggol na sumisinghap-singhap.

[Singhap] Walang sinuman ang sasaklolo maliban sa sarili.

Walang sinuman ang sasaklolo maliban sa sarili.

Ano pang hinihintay mo?

Bulatlatin ang iyong tiyan; Dukutin, Pakawalan nang wagas ang nakapagpapabagabag na mga paruparo.

Nang maitatwa mong hindi ka talaw. Hindi ka talaw!

Walang sinuman ang sasaklolo maliban sa sarili.

Hintayin mo ang Sabado at Linggo, magngatngat ka ng mga kuko, Pamutiktikan mo ng mga graffiti ang bawat pader ng iyong ulo, Ma-stress ka at maging bayolente, ‘Wag mo lang sisihin ang mga nilaklak na baso ng kape, Rick Jay Cabillo • 16

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Gawin mong themesong ang ungol ng bentilador, Mapraning ka sa angil ng motorsiklo At ma-high sa angal ng mga naghuhuramentado Sasapit din ang eklipse at magsisilbi itong kisame.

Dinggin mo ang hatid na panis na mga tinig at delubyong pagpintig ng iyong puso, Singaw ng samu’t saring alingawngaw ng kuweba ng iyong bungo, Pagliyabin ang katawan kahit nasa sisidlan pa ang iyong kaluluwa.

Ilibing mo ang sarili sa dilim Alugin ang iyong utak nang ganap na maitaktak ang mga latak at latay ng isipan, Ipahid ang sakit sa papel, lunasan ang pagduruwal At ilusyong pagkalubog sa gangbewang na baha.

Huminto.

Tukuyin ang narating na. Kung hindi ka pa masaya, pumihit at bumalik sa simula.

Mas maganda nang bumalik sa simula at magsimula ulit Kaysa magpumilit magpatuloy at mauwi ang lahat sa wala.

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Resistance

RESISTANCE

Dayalogo ng mga Damdamin Rick Jay Cabillo [Halakhak] Lahat ay nasa isip lamang Kaya kinalimutan ko silang lahat Ang natira lamang, ako, akong nahihibang Kinalimutan ko ang trabahong pumapatay sa aking kaluluwa, kinalimutan ko ang babaeng lumalapastangan sa aking puso, kinalimutan ko ang pamilyang arawaraw kong pasanin, kinalimutan ko ang mga kaibigang may silbi lamang kapag ika’y kakailanganin [Hinga nang malalim] Ha! Hinga nang malalim Tara’t isawsaw sa kape ang kaluluwa upang mahimasmasan Ipagdiwang natin ang tugatog ng kasiyahan Napakasarap sa pakiramdam kasiping ang kalawakan, wala na sila!

Magsasayaw ako nang magsasayaw hangga’t gusto kong sumayaw Magsasawa akong kumanta lumawit man ang dila ko: Lala-lalala-lalalala [The hills are alive with the sound of music] lalamasin ko ang sarili’t huhubuin ang salawal at magsasalsalasalabad ang salansan ng mga ibig kong gawin ngayo’t kapiling ko na lamang ang sarili Walang kahalili Walang kahulilip, walang kapalit ang pagkakataong matagpuan ang sariling walang mapagsidlan ng tuwa Iisa ang mukha ng taong masaya, ang mukha ng buhay, ang mukha ng kawalan ng pakialam sa lahat Hayaan na natin sila, ang mahalaga masaya ka!

Magshower na lang tayo sa dilim [Hush-hush-hush] [Singhot, hagulhol] O, bakit ka sumisinghot?

Wala, nalungkot lang ako bigla. Kasi kung iisipin mong lahat ng bagay pansamantala, hindi ka na sasaya [Hikbi] Hindi masaya ang aking pag-amin sa katotohanang hindi talaga ako masaya. At wala naman ding ibang nag-iisip na sila’y talagang masaya Pumipitik-pitik ang mga hinanakit na nagpapasakit sa aking tikas Habang nahuhulog at nagmumumog ng mga gamugamong binabangungot Bawat hulas ng bawat taludtod pagpingol sa dibdib ang kapalit Hindi naman kami naglalaro ng pitik-bulag Hindi ako bulag. Sadyang malabo lang ang aking paningin Para sa kanya ang bulaklak na nalanta at hindi sa bintana ko Ang mga alaala sa paglipas ng panahon, nagiging mga panaginip. At sa paggising malilimutan na rin Rick Jay Cabillo • 18

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Malungkot ako dahil ayokong lumimot Malungkot ako dahil hindi ako makalimot Malungkot ako dahil hindi mo ako naririnig Malungkot ako dahil ayaw mo akong marinig Malungkot ako dahil masaya ka Malungkot ako dahil hindi ako ang dahilan Malungkot ako kasi walang internet Malungkot ako kasi hindi ko magoogle kung paano sumaya Malungkot ako kasi umuulan Umaampiyas sa pader ang mga larawan ng mga naunsyaming hangarin at mga nitsong walang pangalan Malungkot ako kasi hindi ko maintindihan ang kalungkutan At sa likod ng bakod ng lungkot nananahan ang kaba, nag-aabang ang takot.

Pakinggan mo. [Bug-bug-bug-bug-bug-bug] Ang mga sandaling maladelubyong pumipintig ang puso, kumakapit, pumupulupot sa kalansay Mangingisay ka bagama’t nakalutang ang bungo, mamamangkang nakatingala, nakangangang magliliwaliw sa pamimingwit ng mga kahulugan, ang takot, maraming mukha Halintulad ng kalsada, sanlibong hitsura’t hilatsa, gusut-gusot, gula-gulanit, bukbukin, aspaltado Mga yabag at bagabag ng mga pangitaing umaahon mula sa mga bangungot Walang-katiyakang pagtakas Buntung-hininga ng awit ang tangi kong pahinga Sa’ng sulok ka nagsususuot, tapang ko?

Hindi pa lubusang lumalantad ang mga balintataw. Sapagkat nakalambitin pa sa bingit ng mga talukap Kasalukuyang natatakot bumitiw nang ganap ‘Pag ‘di mo nakikita ang kanilang mga mata, hindi ka rin nila nakikita Nagmamatiyag beinte kuwatro oras ang mga mata ng mga makata Mga pira-pirasong kuko ng anino. Mga lubak na parang mga peklat ng kalsada.

Hinati ng matatalim at malulutong na ugat ang langit Saan maaaring makahinga gayong giriwiri ang lahat ng nakikita?

Ngatngat-kuko, balisa, bagama’t nakatitig walang makita Walang makikita kung bibig ang ipanghahanap Walang maipababatid kung iaasa lamang sa tingin

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Ang mga nais mong sabihin na hindi mailalahad ng mga bulong o mga dasal kundi sigaw! [Hah!] Katumbas ng sigaw ang pagsisiwalat!

Kailangan mong isabog sa hangin ang galit na kuyum-kuyom ng dibdib!

Pumapatak ang oras, nababawasan ng halaga ang buhay mo, walang makakatha ni isang hibla ng kuwento Ilang oras ang nagugol sa mga bagay na walang hilagyo ng kahit anong kapirasong anino ng talino. Katumbas din ng sigaw ang aksyon. Kulo ng dugo. Bilis. Ngitngit ng kalikasan, pananalasa ng mga bagyo Sigaw ang sasakyan ng galit!

Mula sa mga krimeng nakunan ng CCTV, buhat sa mga balitang pamamasaker sa mga tagapagbalita, sa pamumugot ng mga rebelde sa mga sibilyan, paghahanda sa zombie apocalypse, sa gore porn, sa conflagration gawa ng napabayaang kandila, magkakambal na galit ng sunog at dalita, digmaan sa comment section, outrage sa mabagal na pagbabago, outrage sa load na kinain ng network, girian sa pagitan ng mga taga-Senado at mahinang resepsyon ng telebisyon animo’y nagdidribble ang mga palabas at patalastas. At pagkatapos ng pagsabog ay malalim na katahimikan, walang kaluskos, walang kilos. Kapayapaan. Patlang.

Pag-ibig. Kumakabog na dibdib [Dug-dug-dug-dug] Nagkukumahog sulitin ang araw Dahil mahal kita sasabayan kita Huminto Bagama’t ayaw ko rin ng ganito. Pareho tayong walang magawa kundi tumigil pansamantala. At sariwain ang mga kapalpakan at katimangang nagawa nating dalawa Magmahalan. Awitan natin ang buwan tungkol sa init na hatid ng ating mga katawan. Sinta.

Ikaw ang parati kong kasama. Kung hindi man, mawala ka lang saglit, kaagad akong nananabik. Sa iyong mga mahiyaing halik. Sa iyong tinig t’wing tinatawag mo ang pangalan ko.

Natutunaw akong parang ice cream kasama cone kapag hawak mo ang palad ko. Nakakakilig. Walang kasintamis. Sa higpit ng yakap mo. Sa yumi mo ‘pag nakaponytail ka. ‘Yung madilaw mong ngipin na may pangil sa magkabilang-gilid.

Rick Jay Cabillo • 20

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

‘Yung pino ng mga hibla ng buhok mo pati ng munti mong mga balahibo sa braso.

‘Yung mga mata mong mistulang parating bagong hilamos. ‘Yung mahinhin mong boses na parang ibon na parang violin na parang ebanghelyo na parang tubig na parang tinig ng pastor – maselan, babasagin.

Pinagtagpo tayo ng salansan ng mga pagkakataon at samu’t saring mga paraan at mga pinagpiliang daan sa buhay. Matagal na tayong buhay, humihinga. Pero dama ng kaluluwa ko na bago pa tayo ‘sinilang, magkakilala na tayo. ‘Pag nasa tabi kita, parang langit ‘yung hangganan ng pumapalibot sa’tin. Parang pangarap na nagkaroon ng kaganapan Mahal kita. Higit kitang mahal kaysa sa mga salita. Higit sa dilim. Higit sa madaling-araw.

Higit sa alaga kong aso. Higit sa karne. Higit sa nanay ko. Higit sa Diyos. Higit sa sarili.

Higit sa saya, higit sa lungkot, higit sa takot, higit sa galit.

Pag-ibig, ikaw ang pinakapaborito kong damdamin.

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Resistance

RESISTANCE

Rick Jay Cabillo • 22

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Ang Panata Ni Padre Tadena Dexter Cayanes Nasa pagitan ng aming himagsik at pananampalataya Ang iyong panata, Padre Tadena.

Ang iyong panata, Padre Tadena, Ay pumapanig sa aming karukhaan.

Pumapanig sa aming pagkadusta ang iyong mga dalangin: Kalayaan mula sa gapos sa amin ng hasyenda; Kalayaan mula sa bagsik ng azucarerang mapagsamantala; Kalayaan mula sa huwad at tigang na kasunduan; Kalayaan mula sa patibong at punglo ng kaaway; Kalayaan mula sa kaaway ng aming pagkakaisa.

Kalayaan at lupa, sa pagitan ng aming himagsik At pananampalataya; Ang iyong panata, Padre Tadena, Ay pumapanig sa aming karukhaan.

Binasbasan mo kami sa ngalan ng Lumikha Sa Kanyang kadakhilaang kasama ng mga dukha.

Sa katigangan, ang kagitingan ng pakikibakang Naghahasik sa amin ng pag-asa.

Binasbasan mo ang gatla at bitak sa aming mga noo.

Binasbasan mo ang mga paos naming tinig.

Binasbasan mo ang aming mga palahaw.

Binasbasan mo ang humpak naming mga sikmura.

Binasbasan mo ang ugat sa aming mga bisig at kamao.

At sa aming paninindigan, sa aming barikada Sa katigangan ang kagitingan ng pakikibaka, Binasbasan mo kami sa ngalan ng Lumikha.

Sa Kanyang kadakhilaang kasama ng mga dukha, Nakikibaka’t lumalaban upang kamtin Ang pagpapala ng lupa na sa amin ay inagaw.

Ang pagpapala ng langit na sa amin ay kinamkam.

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RESISTANCE

Dexter Cayanes • 24

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

The King of the Jungle Hazel Ann Cesa Once upon a time, I fell in love with Tarzan. But he was not the brave Tarzan in the books who fell in love with Jane...

I remember him clearly, vivid images of him etched on the back of my mind like a picturesque scene. Leaves rustled as bed sheets got crumpled.

And I...

I was crouching on the bedroom floor like an injured animal drenched in rain, soaking wet, shaking, trembling and weeping.

His body was a forest I was so scared to venture, a trip to the unknown, a voyage towards darkness. But of course, there was nothing to be afraid of, because he was Tarzan. He was the king of the jungle, and a king that you must dutifully serve. What he says, you must obey. What he wants, he easily gets; and you absolutely have no choice. He gets what he wants with just a roar of his deep voice. Cunning and manipulative. Condescending and abusive. He lured me into the woods, let me eat a piece of carrot that was supposed to make my eyesight clearer but it was poisoned, obscured my vision, and clouded my mind.

I thought dying would be a lot better than being unwelcomingly blind. I was the innocent bunny that went into the rabbit hole, my guards down and completely defenseless, my defense mechanism null and void as the nothingness.

Please, listen. I begged him to listen over and over until my voice was just the humming wind and falling tears. I begged him to listen over and over but my deafening shouts and loud protests were only silence to him. Later on, I learned that the word silent is an anagram of the word listen. Turn the letters of listen inside out, all you ever get is silent. I begged him to listen over and over but all I ever got from him was his silence. Woman, when you tell someone to listen, make sure that he’s not a deaf mad man.

Love and lust are fraternal twins, you can easily identify who’s who from whom, the two played and got lost in the woods, the other one lived in the darkness, the other one found light.

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Life was a survival of the fittest; and cannibalism was Tarzan’s game. He was the dangerous predator that made me his prey, the hunter who chased down an animal, skinned and peeled it until he got its very flesh for him to eat hungrily.

But my body is not a jungle that you enter for wild hunting. Woman, your body is not a jungle that men enter for wild hunting; that after they get the resources they need for their personal consumption, they leave; that after they hunt down its wildlife for their own nourishment, they leave. Every curve, angle, edge and corner of a woman’s body is every flora and fauna in the jungle you need to cultivate. A woman’s skin and flesh and her whole anatomy deserve care like the foliage in the forest deserves the rain. But the rain did not help Tarzan when I escaped from where he caged me. The rain did not help him when I went to his tree house and set it on fire. Tarzan is just a distant memory now, his ashes gone with the wind, his bones buried deep underground, his voice roaring but unheard, apologizing; and I stand here, victorious and smiling because once upon a time, I killed Tarzan.

Hazel Ann Cesa • 26

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Suicide Note Ilawum sa Karaang Brip Roehl Joseph Dazo Dear Nanay Perla, Sa motuo ka o sa dili, hagbay rang nagpakamatay si Undong kadtong misuway siya’g duwa’g Chinese garter kuyog silang Inday, kadtong una niyang nasag-ulo ang P.S. I love you mahal mo ba si Gabby, yes or no, Yes, Y.E.S. Yes! Kay kinsa may makalimot sa adlaw nga iyang gipatay iyang kaugalingon kadtong unang pagpatong sa akong mga tudlo sa bukton, bitiis bugan-bugan sa retratos mga modelong lalaki sa Avon?

Pasayloa intawon nis Undong kay gipatay niya iyang kaugalingon kadtong miapil siyas miss-miss pag pista ni San Jose.

Nahiloan siyas kemikal sa lipstick nga kinawat pa gikan sa imong bag.

Pasayloa kay gisul-ob niya ang biste ug 7-inch heels ni Ate Ling-ling kay nasayod ka nga kinahanglan gwapa ang patay sulod sa lungon.

Mao ayaw na pangitaa si Undong, kay hagbay ra kining mitaliwan kuyog sa imong gisilhigang layang mga dahon didtos tugkaran, kon diin sad una nimo siyang nakit-ang nag-ikid-ikid daw halas sa kahumayan, Witik, kiay,

pag-isa sa kilay.

Ala-Venus, ala-Pia. Kamot morag bawod, nalumos.

Wa ka kapa-kapa, namatay. Apan nabuhi! Nahimong sirena.

Punos himbis. Ay, of course, di langsi.

Lami pritohon paresan og sukag toyo nga adunay daghang sili.

Halinon kini, pula-pula,

gwapa pas sisi.

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Apan, pamati, ‘Nay patay na si Undong ug ayaw nalang patul-i og luha.

Ayaw na siya pangitaa, Ug kon mamugos ka man gani, hala: Ukaya si Undong ilawum sa iyang biniyaang mga pogs pusil-pusil

kahoyng espada ug diyolin, Ablihi ang cabinet, ug habwaa si Undong sa wan-a gamitang sando ug maong.

Ukba si Undong sa mga nadalag nang mga retrato nga nagkostyum pa siyag Batman, ilawm sa mascara tua si Undong (ang Batman-Himi), tua pa usab ka didto kuyog niya.

Apan ayaw kalimot…

Ayaw kalimot nga di ka puyde mohikap sa bag-o niyang panti Kay masuko, mangluod, di na niya motingog, labaw na kon imo sab nga mahimbaw-an nganong gikalimtan nag sul-ob sa imong Undong ang nangaraan na nga brip.

Roehl Joseph Dazo • 28

BUKAMBIBIG

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Resistance

RESISTANCE

Roehl Joseph Dazo • 30

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Hinggil sa iyong kamatayan China Pearl Patria M de Vera Haharap sa'yo at iwawagayway ang kakayahan.

Sasabihing, naisulat na kita.

Kakayaning isulat, paulit-ulit.

Hanggang sa pilipitin ang buto ng himaymay ng mga talinghaga, pasiritin sa bawat pagkurap o pagpikit, mapahiyaw sa sakit.

Hanggang sa bumitaw ang salita sa kahulugan, magkalasog-lasog ang simbolo sa imahen, at ang bawat hinga o buntong-hininga'y lulunurin ka ng mga galon-galon kong alaala.

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RESISTANCE

Corazon, my first kiss Marie Dominique E Dela Paz Red is a woman’s color, Which is why Corazon never wore it.

And not when she was playing Father: That red dress was for me.

I waited all day to cook Her dinners, my husband who mouth-kissed me Right after she knuckle-kissed my mouth, Swearing that she loved me; That she didn’t mean it.

Red is a woman’s color, Monthly spotting mother’s side of the sheets That we draped around the bed to make Rooms for our happy home.

Rooms we would disappear in, So our daughter didn’t have to hear her Promise to God for the hundredth time That she would never call me That ugly name again.

Red is a woman’s color And Corazon, the last time I saw her, Would not let me kiss her because I Was wearing a red dress.

It is a man’s job to kiss, After all, and she was always Father.

Mother doesn’t like to kiss: she turns Away, complains he smells Of rum and that woman.

Years later, her brother Drops in straight from Manila, unannounced; Tells me Corazon is now Charlie And he buried their mother, Wearing white.

Marie Dominique E Dela Paz • 32

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Tanaga sa Halalan Dennis Espada Kampanya Umulan ng pangako, Pamimili ng boto, Dayaang liku-liko't Dahas ng politiko.

Miting de abanse Gimik sa panunuyo— Poster, billboard, polyeto.

Ilusyo’y nilalako Sa miting na magarbo.

Tig-isang boto Mahirap o mayaman Tig-isang boto lamang Para sa kursunadang Trapong luma’t baguhan.

Resiklo Sa halalang marumi, Nireresiklo lagi Kandidatong tiwali Bulok kesa may silbi.

Agawan Magkaribal na paksyon Baril, bayarang maton Salapi at koneksyon.

Hungkag na kumpetisyon.

Dayaan Halala’y laging pabor Sa dambuhalang traydor: Asendero-komprador Burukrata-diktador.

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Kawatan Walang maaasahan Lunas sa kahirapan Habang hari-harian Kawatang kinatawan.

Amo Eleks'yong kinulapol Patuloy ang pagduldol Hangga’t di napuputol, Imperyalistang kontrol.

Bitak Sa pagtingkab ng pasak At batuhan ng burak Lumalaki ang bitak Naghahari’y babagsak!

Solusyon Itakwil ang pakana Eleksiyong repormista Isulong nati’y digma Pakikibakang masa!

Dennis Espada • 34

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

To my friend Adeva Jane H Esparrago I know That I am not supposed to take words From your mouth And make them mine; But when your words Are rocks which sink To the bottom of the ocean, Let me borrow them So I can make it a home For you to be safe.

When you told me That one night, While driving you home, A taxi driver Took more than what he's due From you, I didn't know what to say.

I couldn't say sorry Because I wasn't sorry.

My brows furrowed And tears started to brim.

I didn't pity you.

I was angry.

Angry at that driver.

He knows what he did.

He had no right To place someone in a cage Of vicious memory all her life.

Angry at the people Who think that what Happened was your fault Because you went home late.

As if we are at the mercy of the hands of time.

Angry at those Who will probably ask you What you wore, Instead of asking you if you were alright.

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RESISTANCE

Women are Chinaware To be kept behind sealed cabinets Made of wood or glass Because we are just as fragile.

Angry at the possibility of it Happening to more friends, sisters, Cousins, mothers, lovers—women.

Angry that it is more than a statistic.

That it’s a glaring truth.

I wasn't angry at you Because you kept quiet.

You didn't deserve that You, a woman, Who the universe decided To create out of meteor splices and breath, Your words are rocks.

They shouldn't have sunk to the bottom of the sea, But should've been flung to the face of the thief Who stole something from you.

I wish I were a better thief, But I’m not.

I can't steal that feeling from you.

And I'm angry at myself Because I feel so helpless.

I have nothing to steal from you but your words.

I wished I could steal those memories too.

I still keep on wondering.

Am I part of the hands that touched you?

The eyes that looked at you Like a child looks through a store window But with more wanting than innocence.

Humans are so good at keeping things That they keep their eyes fixed On what they want to believe is real Instead of what's actually there.

And they say what happened to you Happens in our minds.

Adeva Jane H Esparrago • 36

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

As if fingers can't touch quivering skin.

It is real.

If you don't believe it is, Yours are the hands which touched my friend And all the other girls and women we stole from.

And, unlike Pontius Pilate, We can't wash them clean.

To my friend You are a ray of sunlight In this world where things refuse to grow.

There will always be shadows, But they can never take you.

Please, keep shining.

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RESISTANCE

Adeva Jane H Esparrago • 38

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

My Body is a Temple Adeva Jane Esparrago My body is my home.

My body is a temple.

I can turb knobs And unlock its glory.

I can paint its walls.

I keep it comfortable.

I can show it off.

Cast your eyes on it.

But unless you’re welcome, Learn to keep out.

They say That I am responsible If people intrude My vessel.

They say That if thieves come, It’s because I have something That I own— Something of my own.

They say That men are men, So women should be afraid.

Cover your walls.

Turn off your lights.

We owe them Their sights.

We make decisions For them.

I should take care of myself Because the world can’t do that for me.

They say I should respect myself So they take away my dignity To prove their point.

It’s my fault I can’t walk the streets Feeling safe.

It’s my fault Even if you’d say I had it coming.

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Instead of He shouldn’t have done it.

It was locked.

You broke in.

You took away everything.

But I’m sorry.

“Stop being so sensitive.”

I’m sorry.

“You must be overreacting.”

I’m sorry.

“I’m actually insulting you, But that’s my opinion” I’m. Sorry.

“Take it as a compliment” Thank you.

And I’m sorry.

Silence does not always mean yes.

It means nobody’s answering.

You cannot come in.

And claim it as your own.

What you see Is not an invitation.

You are not welcome To be rob me of my sanctuary.

My body is my home Without a home to come home to Where else will I turn?

To you Who left me Hopeless Helpless Homeless.

I am sorry.

Adeva Jane H Esparrago • 40

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Sa mga Hapong Tulad Nito Roma Estrada Sa mga hapong tulad nito kita lubos na minamahal.

Dilat na dilat ang araw habang marami ang pinipiling pumikit.

Hindi kita lubos na minamahal sa umaga, kailan nagsisiksikan sa tren silang araw-araw na ginugulantang ng orasan, hindi lubos sa gabi, kailan nagsisiksikan ang mga umiibig upang magbilang ng mga tala at tumitig sa buwan.

Sapagkat, maririnig mo lamang ang kuliling ng mamang sorbetero sa mga hapong tulad nito, ang boses ng aleng naglalako ng turon, palitaw, at bananacue, ang halakhak ng mg batang muling nagtitipon para maglaro.

Halika, Mahal, magtampisaw tayo sa sikat ng araw.

41 •

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Resistance

RESISTANCE

Ang Titser kong Aktibista John Carlos D Evangelista Gigising sa umaga nang natataranta, Kakayod sa maghapon, siya’y may sideline pa, Buong U-belt naiikot para sa dagdag na kita, ‘Yan ang buhay ng titser dahil gahol ang suweldo nila.

Hindi natatapos sa silid-aralan, Sa yeso, sa pisara, biswal na pantulong, at silid-aklatan, Siya ay guro ‘di lamang sa pamantasan, Kundi pati bayan ay ipinaglalaban.

“Edukasyon para sa lahat,” ‘yan ang sigaw ni Ma’am.

Hindi patitinag, hindi pabubuwag, Gabay ng bayan, ilaw ng kabataan, Para sa pantay na edukasyon at karapatan.

Mula sa paaralan hanggang sa Mendiola, Init ng araw ay hindi iniinda, Panawagan lang niya ay maipadala, Sa sistemang bulok nitong bayan niya.

Makabagong bayani kung siya’y ituring, Ngunit benepisyo ay binabansot din, Nitong mga bathala sa gobyerno natin, Kaya’t ilaw ng bayan, unti-unting nagdidilim.

Hindi natatapos dito sa paglaban, Adhikain ni Ma’am at ang kanyang panawagan, Itong ating bayan at pati ang kabataan, Patuloy na gagabayan at iilawan.

John Carlos D Evangelista • 42

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Paghahanap Arnold John S Galicia I. Nasa pagitan ng mga tanong ang mga sagot. Nasa gitna ng mga sagot ang mga bagong tanong.

Isang hatinggabi, itatanong mo sa akin kung ano ang hugis ng dugo.

Isasagot ko: “Pula.”

Bubuka ang mga labi mo pero mas makikita ko ang bawat pasa, sugat, galos ng aking nakalipas, paso ng sigarilyo na parang sunod-sunod na putok ng baril sa sentido.

Nakanganga kang aasa’t maghihintay ng paliwanag sa mga tayutay.

Magwiwika lang ang mga mata ko ng “Kuwan.”

Lalo kong ililihis ang patutunguhan Alam mo ba? ng ating usapan.

Pipitik ka’t mandidilat: “Iba ang tubog sa hubog, ang plano sa eroplano!”

Parang bulkang sasambulat ang nagpupuyos kong damdamin sa iyong bibig, sa iyong dibdib, Alam mo ba? sa iyong puson: pangamba, galit, pagnanasa (o pagmamahal.

Siguro, hanggang magkauban, hindi ko matitiyak ang kanilang kaibhan.)

II. Marami kang hinanakit sa ‘kin na hindi ko kayang isalin sa mga salita.

Limitado ang lawak ng aking bokabularyo.

Hindi ko rin tiyak kung ilan pang kalendaryo Alam mo ba? ang iyong maiipon sa pagtatanong sa akin.

Karayom ang kumpirmasyon kong hahagilapin mo sa buhanginan ng aking gunita.

Kahit gabi-gabi kang mag-ipon ng mahahalikang mga nunal sa aking pusod hanggang sa aking batok Nasaan? bago ka bumulong ng pangako sa aking dibdib, wala akong tiyak na maisasagot. Kahit gabi-gabi kang mag-ipon, wala kang mabubuong konstelasyong magpapaliwanag sa bawat tayutay kong inusal, inuusal, iuusal; mga sagot na pupunan ang patlang sa aking labi.

Alam mo ba? Marami akong lihim na hinding-hindi ko maisasalin sa pag-amin.

43 •

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Sumandal ka na lang sa aking dibdib.

Tandaan mo na lang ang tunog ng bawat pintig na maririnig.

Nariyan sila Nasaan? sa tuwing naaamoy ko ang init ng ‘yong anit, sa tuwing halos malimot ko ang sariling ngalan habang ibinubulong ko sa isang unan. ang sagot? ang “Mahal kita.”, sa tuwing umuungol ka ng “Hindi kita sasaktan.”

III. Nasa pagitan ng mga tanong ang mga sagot. Nasa gitna ng mga sagot ang mga bagong tanong.

Isang hatinggabi, itatanong mo sa akin kung ano ang pag-ibig.

Isasagot ko: “Walang hugis ang dugo.”

Matutulog ka. Darating ang alimpungat sa madaling-araw, kakagat sa ‘yong balat na parang lamok sa gitna Nasaan? ng ‘yong pagtulog. Wala kang ibang mapapalo kundi ang ‘yong sariling iniwan ng antok. Ang nakapagtataka, gising ang ‘yong malay Alam mo ba? ngunit wala kang maigagalaw ni isang kamay upang takpan ang ilong mula sa naaamoy na nasusunog. Ang nakakatakot, parang may nakadagan sa ‘yong inahing baboy kaya’t wala kang madarama ni sariling hininga.

Ayaw mong makita ang sagot? ang nasa iyong harap: Patuloy lang akong humihilik sa ‘yong tabi; kahit puno na ng linya ang aking pisngi’y ‘di ko pa rin matiyak ang tamang isasagot sa iyong tanong.

May mga sagot na ayaw mong marinig at sapilitan silang nanggigising Nasaan? sa ‘yong paghimbing. Nariyan sila sa mahinang ugong ng mga sasakyan sa lansangan, sa huni ng mga kuliglig, sa ungol ng mga pusang nagniniig, sa bawat ubo’t yabag ng mga paang ‘yong naririnig sa labas ng ‘yong silid.

Dinggin mo. Damhin mo sa dilim Alam mo ba ang naniniyak pang damdamin ang sagot? ‘di ko kayang isalin sa pag-amin.

Arnold John S Galicia • 44

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Kaiju: Almost a Love Story Arnold John S Galicia Nabulabog ang Cavite sa pag-ahon natin sa kanyang laot.

Lumuwa ang Cañacao ng ‘sindambuhala nating mga alon.

Pinulbos ng ating mga paa ang kongkretong mga kalye’t tulay.

Bawat yabag, nagtutungkaban ang mga nitso sa Malaking Panchong habang iniiwasan nating makatapak ng mga buhây na sagot sa gutom.

Hanggang sa hindi ko na napigilan ang pangangalam ng sikmura.

Kaya’t kasabay ng pagkahapo ng ating mga paa, buong lakas kong hinila ko ang hinliliit mo hanggang ito’y humiwalay mula sa paa mong nagbukal ng dugong nagdulot ng baha.

Pero tinitigan mo lang ang bibig kong ngumunguya sa hinliliit mo.

Nahihilo ka na ba sa gutom?

Halika, ilapit mo ang labi mo sa labi ko. Ganyan nga: magbahagian tayo ng laway nating sinisikreto habang naghahalikan tayo. At habang naghahalikan tayo ay nginunguya na nating gutom na gutom ang hinliliit mo.

At habang nginunguya natin ang hinlilit mo ay sumisirit sa ating mga gilagid ang dugo ng daliri mong tigib ng mga sikreto.

Sa gitna ng dulot nating kalamidad, halos panawan ng bait ang siyudad sa itinatanghal nating tagpong hindi nila matanggap!

Nguni’t wala tayong pakialam dahil ngayo’y nauunawaan na nating lalo ang pinag-uusapan ng ating mga labi sa kanilang basang-basang pag-aaminan habang wala silang kaalam-alam na batid natin ang kanilang pinagpaplanuhan: na mamayang gabi, ang ating mga dila’y magdurugtong upang bumuo ng bagong lansangang hahalinhan ang binitak-bitak nating kalsada mula Baste hanggang San Roqueng daanan ng mga lumang Sarao; na mamayang gabi, ang ating mga dila’y magdurugtong upang bumuo ng bagong lansangan na magiging daanan ng mga tingang Malagueña mula PN hanggang Dalahican, ng mga Saint Anthonyng maghahatid-sundo sa ating mga lalamunan ng mga pasaherong mikrobyo – ang buhay ko, ang pag-ibig mo, ang kahihiyang ito.

Marumi raw ang bibig pero wala tayong pakialam dahil isang sumpaan ang ating paghahalikan!

Hindi kita uuhawin sa pag-inom mo ng laway ko at hindi naman kita lalamangan sa pagnguya ng daliri mo. Huwag kang mag-alala. Habang nagdurugtong ang mga dila natin, patuloy ang gaan ng trapiko sa lansangan ng ating pagkakaunawaan.

Hindi na nga tayo magugutom dahil mamayang gabi’y malaya tayong gaganti sa mga buhây na ayaw nating tapakan.

Kaya’t nguyain mo na ang mga tingang Sarao at Saulog.

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Tayo’y magpapakabusog sa pagkain ng isang sizzling na lungsod — isang bandehado ng mga gusaling sisig na hahaluan ko ng kalamansi at itlog.

Kakainin ko ang sisig na Cavite na kakainin ng mikrobyo ng bibig ko na kakainin mo na kakainin ko dahil kinakain kita habang kinakain mo ako magkakainan tayo magkakainan tayo.

At kapag kinakain mo na ako, huwag ka namang magalit ‘pag malaman mo na idinamay ko ang palasinsingan mo sa paa sa paghila ko sa hinliliit mo. Gutom lang ako.

Ipagdamot mo na lang ang mahuhugot mong puso mula sa dibdib ko – kinakain na marahil ng poot pero pumipintig-pintig pa rin para sa ‘yo.

Arnold John S Galicia • 46

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Guwang Rhea B Gulin Ganito mo ako ibigin: Patuyuin ang lalamunan sa bawat halik. Biglang kagatin ang mga labi. Dila’y pasisirin sa kaloob-looban. Ibsan ang uhaw hanggang makapos ang hininga.

Para makabitaw.

Sa bawat yakap, bigyang init ang katawan.

Pasuin ang kalamnan. Hanapin ang kiliti sa bawat singit at tagiliran.

Hayaang laging mapaigtad.

Upang bumitaw.

Piliting ipasok ang sarili kahit sa bahagyang pagkakabukas. Bahagya ring lumabas.

‘Tsaka muling pumasok nang buong lakas.

Paglakbayin ang mga kamay sa dibdib, rumonda sa bawat gilid.

Huwag magtagal sa isang panig.

Huwag kumapit.

Dahil bibitaw.

Mangalay ang balakang sa pagliyad.

Sumakit ang batok sa pagyuko.

Mangawit ang mga braso sa mahihigpit na yapos.

Lumamig ang mga tingin.

Sabay na bibitaw.

47 •

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Rhea B Gulin • 48

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Khmer Rouge Valene Anna G Lagunzad Days are numbered until I wait for the cobblers to pull me out of my grave. I count stars that whistle down the ground like silver daggers. They hit my coffin again. I wait for the rain before my gravedigger finishes to bury me shallow, deep.

Life pulled triggers and I dodged bullets after too many battlecries.

In the killing fields, for the price of bloodshed Was a bag of bones.

And in shackles I needed to yield myself from trying only this time. I needed to dig myself out for Death may be proud, but I still have my silver luck, boxed in layers, in bags and in covers too thick I could move but barely.

Did I not open my lids, nor my mouth, nor my mind?

Taste itself in decay, I rot while they bury me under that blank tombstone.

I grit my teeth, and laughingly I wake up and I crawl at a counted pace and consciously on well-written modus, I peek through a hole on the lid.

I cough silently and eagerly repeat: I will mock them at war, I will mock them at war.

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I push it up and stretch my arms.

The trumpets are blaring No girl is raped, no bloody shed, No gunshots on the roofs.

I sit up still when I see A boy with a white flag in his hand.

A dagger on his back is stuck.

And his eyes are looking straight.

Whispers to let him in, to die with me in my box.

His last wish before falling is to sleep with me in peace.

And for a moment, there I stand.

For a second, there I think.

If all this time, I have wanted out.

For all the time, I have sought.

If all this time, I have wanted out.

For all the time, I have fought.

Valene Anne G Lagunzad • 50

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Berde Arnold R Lapuz Malamig ang diin ng posas sa aking dalawang pulsuhan.

Pinagbigkis ng malupit na pulis na nanunudyo kung tumingin.

Dinala kami sa presinto para raw sampahan ng kaso kesyo eskandalo raw ang pakikipagmabutihan sa dilim ng sinehang luma.

Ilan din kaming dinakip ng mga lalaking amoy-alak ang bibig.

Parang mga bubuyog na naghuntahan kung anong gagawin sa ‘min.

Mahiya raw kami sa ‘ming mga sarili, sa mga ginagawa naming marumi.

Bakit kayo ganiyan? Paulit-ulit nilang tanong sa ‘min.

Pinagbabayad na lang kami.

Limandaan ang kapalit ng kalayaan ng malinis na record.

Mababang halaga na raw kaysa mapiit.

May isang bakla ang nabuwisit.

Nagpaulan ng mura at mga salitang masasakit.

May katuwiran ang matanda ngunit siya ang pinipitpit.

Biglang may humatak sa isang pulis.

Kinalmot siya nang paulit-ulit.

Natahimik ang lahat sa undayan ng dalawa.

Nakangisi ang mga pulis kasabay ng pagpupustahan kung sino kina malakas o maganda ang mananaig.

Isang malakas na bigwas ang tumapos sa pangangalit at paggigiit.

Parehong silang nasugatan May ilang patak ng dugo ang dumumi sa marumi na ngang sahig.

Hindi ko malaman kung kaninong dugo ang nakakalat sa sahig.

Pula ang kulay ng dugo nila.

Hindi pala totoo ang sinasabi nilang berde ang sa amin.

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Kshattriya John Leuven Lasan Must you impart on me the wealth of lesser scribes?

I drink from the sharp petals of lilies, and the sarissa beckons and cries for blood.

Must fear be the color of this wavering flag?

I grew wisdom from the roots of those that fought before me. Those that have laid their sacrifices before my spirit sprung. Those that have bestowed upon me intangible rewards such as knowledge and peace, the value of life when weighed against freedom and the sweetness of death.

The women and children grovel at your feet, must you let them in?

Awake, they count the hours they sink into courseless passions and glorified nightmares. Awake they dream, and while this is not a trespass in itself, must you be tolerant of snakes?

Must you give the other cheek when the supposed echoes’ peak closest to god, would rend the sacred temple, crumbling as ruins when it speaks?

Must you impart on me the paltry slogging of the weak, when as the valleys and canyons I am strong, this fertile land that lived as long, the decades tilled to fruit the minor faults of penance and redemption that we seek? How bleak, the proud— how empty the mighty river, now; as Ganges in the light that floods the mud in overflow, too blurred, unclear, like soil devoured by vi’lent blizzards all the years.

Must you impart the centuries less and less, and reading trite what even shadows bless?

Stop me, war, for it comes to you as snow in summer!

O, this land and its people in desperate need.

John Leuven Lasan • 52

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

letter to blumentritt* Kabel Mishka J Ligot 31 july 1894, Dapitan.

I try to write to you in various languages, because here I speak to no one in these tongues and I fear I am forgetting them.

Sinusubukan kong sumulat sa inyo sa iba't ibang wika, dahil dito i makipag-usap sa walang isa sa mga wika at ako'y natatakot ako forgetting kanila.

Trate de escribir a usted en diferentes idiomas, en consecuencia, sin hablar con uno de los idiomas y temo que les estoy olvidando.

I tried to write to you in different languages, consequently, without talking to one of the languages and afraid I'm forgetting them.

Sinubukan kong sumulat sa inyo sa iba't ibang wika, dahil dito, nang walang pakikipag-usap sa isa sa mga wika at natatakot ako forgetting kanila.

J'ai essaye de vous ecrire dans differentes langues, par consequent, sans en parler a l'une des langues et je crains de les oublier.

I tried to write in different languages, therefore, without talking to one of the languages and I am afraid of forgetting.

Sinubukan kong isulat sa iba't ibang wika, samakatuwid, walang pakikipag-usap sa isa sa mga wika at ako'y takot sa forgetting.

Ich habe versucht, in verschiedenen Sprachen zu schreiben, Deshalb sprechen nicht in einer Sprache und ich habe Angst vor dem Vergessen.

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I tried to write in different languages, Why not speak in a language and I am afraid of being forgotten.

Sinubukan kong isulat sa iba't ibang wika, Bakit hindi makipag-usap sa isang wika at ako ay natatakot na nakalimutan. 私は別の言語での書き込みてみました、 言葉で話さないいませ と私は忘れられることを恐れるあった。 I tried to write in a different language, So now I do not speak in words And I was afraid to be forgotten.

Sinubukan kong isulat sa isang iba't ibang mga wika, Kaya ngayon hindi ko sinasalita sa mga salita At ako'y natakot na nakalimutan.

Saya cuba untuk menulis dalam bahasa yang berbeza, Setakat ini saya tidak bercakap dengan kata-kata Dan saya takut untuk dilupakan.

I try to write in a different language, So far I did not speak with words And I'm afraid to stay.

Subukan ko na magsulat sa isang iba't ibang mga wika, Sa ngayon hindi ko makipag-usap sa mga salita At tingin ko, upang manatili. 我嘗試不同的語言來寫， 我現在不允許說話換句話說 我恐怕留下來。

Kabel Mishka J Ligot • 54

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

I try to write in different languages, I am not allowed to speak in other words I'm afraid I'll stay. *** Enough for now. Another time I shall be a little more discreet in my language.

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*an excerpt from a letter of Dr. JosĂŠ Rizal to Ferdinand Blumentritt dated 31 July 1894, Dapitan. To create this poem, this quote was run several times through Google translate: first from English into Filipino, then into a language Rizal reportedly spoke. This block of text is thus translated back into english, and the cycle is repeated as the English and Filipino translations slowly deviate from their original forms.

Kabel Mishka J Ligot • 56

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

howl Jay Gallera Malaga Only the moon knows how wolves howl inside— the heart of a man walking on a tightrope, the delicate dilemma (if he trips on his nerves) of hanging onto the wire and be riddled with ridicule or falling into the trap of shame just the same.

How rats run in circles inside the juggler's mind or birds fly about wildly inside the magician's hat, the mounting pressure of not letting things fall, the daunting task of getting one's act together.

And all that one could ever do is howl.

The moon knows the circus— the acts and the tricks, the chaos and the caravan, the Siamese and the freaks, the jungle and the zoo, inside every animal, inside every you.

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Only the moon knows how fish jump above water surfaces inside the stomach of flying trapeze performers, the heavy responsibility of keeping their wits about them and not letting anyone down.

How monkeys horse around inside the rib cage of the clumsy clown, life's private jokes poking fun at his personal tragedies.

Only the moon knows how he keeps a straight smile as a tiger licks his wounds, how he bleeds inside while making it worth everyone's while.

And all that one could ever do is howl.

The moon knows the circus— the acts and the tricks, the chaos and the caravan, the Siamese and the freaks, the jungle and the zoo, inside every animal, inside every you.

And all that one could ever do is howl.

Jay Gallera Malaga • 58

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Kay kita tanan manogpangayaw Jay Gallera Malaga Kay kita tanan manogpangayaw, mamaligyaon Mga anak sang baybay kag sang pagpanglakaton Ginabutong, ginatiklod, ginahangkat, ginaubayan, Sang paghunas kag pagtaob sang kasaysayan.

Ining magagmay nga mga linog nga sa tagipusoon nagauyog.

Ining mga pilas nga indi makit-an Nag-ukit sa kalag mga pinalian.

Mga binutig kag tinikal nga aton ginaamba Sa pagtulog, sa buhat, sa pagpatumbaya.

Mga walay unod nga mga tinaga sa dughan Nagapinungko nga mga angkla nga binayaan.

Apang padayon kita sa pagyuhom, sa pagkadlaw Bisan nagaparikparik, nagadinalagan ang inadlaw Ang yelo kag mga niyebe nga nagakalatunaw Ulan nga nagapasabaw, dakbanwa nagalinutaw.

Ang pagpanimaho sang mga likum sang duta Ang pagbangon sang mga butang nga guba Ang pagkaladula sang mga pispis kag isda Ang paghublas sang mga makatalanhaga.

Padayon kita sa pagtuo kon ang buot silingon Sining paglabay sang mga tinuig, sang mga tinion Amo ang pagbukad sang mga bag-ong sinulatan Padulong sa palaabuton, tubtob sa aton katubtoban.

Kon sa diin liwat kita nga magsinugilanonay Samtang nagaduyanduyan sa guwa sang balay Sa kahidlaw sang mga duog nga wala pa naduaw Mga dumuluong nga wala pa naton natamyaw.

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Gamay nga bata Jay Gallera Malaga Hoy, gamay nga bata, bata nga gamay!

Wala suksok nga smagol, nagaano ka da sa guwa sang balay?

Bata nga gamay, gamay nga bata, hoy! Indi na paghulata nga ang lamawan mangin kumunoy.

Gamay nga bata, hoy, bata nga gamay!

Gamit ang imong’ bayo nga puti, ano da ang imong’ ginakiaykiay?

Hoy, bata nga gamay, gamay nga bata!

Indi pagpabay-i nga imong’ bwasdamlag ilamhit sa palad sang inang’ higko, inang’ mantsa.

Gamay nga bata, hoy, bata nga gamay!

Dali di kag sang patunda ikaw manghugas, upod sang dako nga paglaom ikaw manghusay.

Kay man indi tanan nga palugot kag kagidkid, Inday, sarang makakas sang habon kag tubig.

Maayong’ gab-i, gamay nga bata, bata nga gamay.

Mangin babayi kang’ tunay kag maalam, among’ pangabay.

Jay Gallera Malaga • 60

BUKAMBIBIG

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Jay Gallera Malaga • 62

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Medyo Evil Niño S Manaog ‘Ciudadano Liner’ an ngaran kan bus nahiling mong nakasurat in Old English sa enotan na windshield. Kamong mga pasahero hípos na rulunad as the bus now negotiates a slippery road going to Tapaz.

It’s cold and overcast dahil may low pressure daa sa Panay Island tapos dinugangan pa kan cold front. Ika man pasiring pa sana sa office nindo sa kabilang ibayo, some three towns from where you stay.

Local government na, far-flung pa.

The driver maneuvers the bus and drives like there’s no tomorrow. Some three months saimong bagong assignment, na-surmise mo na how daily transportation in this sordid part of the world literally drives you crazy.

Your six-wheeled carriage is running now as if a horde of bandits is forever chasing you or kamo mismo an mga bandido carting away your loot from a palace in a nearby kingdom.

But it shall not save you from being late.

Ano na naman daw an gigibohon saimo kan mga dragon sa opisina nindo?

Magpaparabuga na naman nin kalayo an boss mo.

The self-declared king in your cramped office which is even smaller than a dungeon will grandly announce to his vassals and serfs your habitual tardiness, now and then citing your barbaric work ethic.

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Bakô lang yan. Wawasiwason ka na naman nin tsismis wala-too kan mga kaopisina mo.

Nakikinagbuan ka man kaya’ng ‘yan ki Beth, an head teacher kan barangay, dawa na ngani may agom ka na. O dawa na ngani may agom pa siya.

Pirmi kamong nagdudungan pag-uli. Last trip sa bus pag sinarom na. Well, what can you say?

Bombshell in distress mo siya. Tapos ika man daa, sabi niya, an knight in shining armor niya.

So? Who cares? An Excalibur mo, taísa na.

Niño S Manaog • 64

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

These Things Called Love Niño S Manaog Kinasal kaming duwa ni Jun Sabadong aga. Magayonon daa ko sa pinatahi ming traje de boda.

Maogmahon man si karakanan kan si mga bisita. Si Auntie Delia dai malingawan an special na crema de fruta—pinaorder ko sa bantog na lutong bahay digdi sa Calamba.

Pagkaaga, mayo nang tawo sa apartment mi harani sa Rotunda.

Nag-urulian na si mga bisita.

Nagharali na sinda; kaming duwa an nawalat sa sala. Nagpoon na kaming magbukas kan mga regalo ninda. Igwang tamong, igwang kurtina, tapos gamit na pwedeng mausar sa harong kun may aberya.

An sarong dakulang karton an laog pugon; sabi niya pwede daang ilaag sa sala dawa may bisita. Pigpapara-parâkit niya na an garo mga mamahalon na patos kan mga dara ninda; akong kaibahan niya mayong gana.

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Narutoy ako sa kadakuldakul ming pigharanda.

An kotse palan na naghatod samo sa hotel babayaran pa; si padi napagaran ko na, pero sa wedding planner may vale pa. Magayon gayod kun nagbayle kaming pantomina.

Pero dai niya múya.

Pigpara-parâkit pa ni Jun si mga regalo sa lamesa. Si sarong kahon dai tulos naaabrehan—garo grabe an pagkapatos, kolor papel-de-liha.

Kan pigparapwersa niya, nagkahurulog mga tinidor sagkod kutsara; sabi niya, mga sarong dosena.

Niño S Manaog • 66

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Panukat Francisco A Montesena Huwag mo akong sukatin sa oras ng paggising, magulo ang kumot at may amoy ang unan.

Hayaan mong magawa ko munang tiklupin at iunat ng init ng aking mga palad ang pinaghigaan. Saka mo ako tanungin at sasagutin kita ng titig. Sa oras ng magdamag na yakap kita, magtatanong ka pa ba kung saan ka nakapuwesto sa aking puso?

Huwag gawing panukat ang mga tanong.

Maguguluhan ka sa libong sagot na ilalatag ng gabing pinagsaluhan. Iyo ang buwan, ikaw ang may-ari ng planetang nabubuo sa iyong panaginip.

Kaya payo kong huwag haluan ng bangungot ang mga sandali.

Huwag mo akong sukatin sa oras ng paggising, may lamlam pa ang matang hindi malinaw sa nakahain.

Ang malinaw lamang ay ang mga tagpo ng paghalik ko sa iyong pisngi, paghaplos sa iyong buhok habang isinusuko mo sa akin ang lahat ng sa iyo.

Huwag kang magtatanong ng mga hindi sigurado.

Walang puwang bawat patlang ng buntong hininga sa mga nagmamahal. Huwag mo akong sukatin sa oras ng paggising, dahil wala akong alam na isasagot kung hindi ang lahat ng bagay na hindi mo ikatatakot.

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Sukol Francisco A Montesena Kung masaya kang mabuhay tulad ng asong may dalawang buntot, Masanay ka sa pakikinig sa mga tugtog ng punebre habang nasa tugatog ka ng iyong pananaginip. Nasa dulo ng pag-inog ang lahat ng katuturan, Kaya’t mahihinuhang walang katapusan ang lahat ng paghingi ng katotohanan.

Kung masaya kang mabuhay tulad ng asong nagsasadalawang buntot, matuto kang lumugar sa mga kanto at kalye ng pagtugpa sa laban ng mali at totoo, ng baluktot at tuwid.

Dahil kung magagawa mong humarap ng hindi ikinahihiya ang lahat ng hinihila o suong ang mga sunong na sungay, humayo ka at lumaya. Damhin ang pintig ng hilahil.

Ang bigat ay nasa utak, ang bigat ay wala sa balikat.

Francisco A Montesena • 68

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

March of the Volunteers Angelito G Nambatac Jr “Never underestimate anyone” Were the words of my old grandpa As the news about an indifferent China Flashed in the screens Of a late night news headline.

After a few gestures of disgust Accompanied by some inaudible moans, He turned and called me across the sala.

“Hijo! Ali sa god!”

He said with urgency And in an instant, I felt Like his old Private he once commanded Readying to be tossed to the open fiery pit, Men killing men whom they don't even know.

“Kana gong mga Intsik Really don't understand What a powerful a country we are.

Those warships and planes, Tanks and millions of footmen Are just worth tons of pagpatimbang You can exchange pesos Diha sa mga Junkshops of Santiago.

How many bilat siyang Nanay Will we let our diplomats bring For them to understand That fighting to the Pearl of the Orient Is a lost cause and might just end them Being subak at Chowking's Chao Fan. Di ba, Hijo?”

I just stared him in the eye With my face absent Of any spark, of any hope.

Yet he continued.

“They can't stand our Towering Kapres and fierce Tikbalangs Who will sweep and toss them And drag and squash them Leaving no breathing yellow, squint-eyed creature 69 •

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Who looks more odd than them.

Not to mention Kaptan and his gang That will swoop from the sky Backed-up by the Diwatas and Sigbins Who, just in a blink of a second, makes them wave their mass produced Good Morning towels.

But the Ace of the country Is the elite action force Trained and molded in Siquior: The infamous Mambabarang and the Quack Doctor-Medics.

Their yamyam and daot is one of a kind Where a few litanya of Latin verses Makes every Chinese fighters Throw-up fresh durians and shit heavy-duty chainsaws.

Heard me, Hijo?

The Chinese are messing With the wrong people.

And not to mention our agimats Flowing in our blue-veins Capable harnessing the lives of a cat, the swiftness of an eagle, And the senses of a wolf.”

I salute my grandpa’s patriotism But now is different from then.

I just looked at him as he blurted out some more words.

Words that I often ask to myself Whether or not he still understands The very weight of it.

The every meaning they carry.

It’s weight, the burden of the past.

But suddenly, tears flowed from his eyes.

Still revolting, he just clenched his fist in silence as he coninues to watch his years old news recording: Mga kababayan ang Pambansang awit ng China: Angelito G Nambatac Jr • 70

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

“Qǐlai! Buyuan zuo nuli de renmen!

(Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves) Bǎ wǒ men de xuerou, zhucheng wǒmen xīn de changcheng!

(With our very flesh and blood Let us build our new Great Wall!)

Zhong hua Min zu dao liao zui wei xian de shi hou (The Chinese nation faces its greatest danger) Mei ge ren bei po zhe fa chu zui hou de hou sheng (For each one the urgent call of action comes forth) Qǐ lai! Qǐ lai! Qǐ lai....!

(Arise! Arise! Arise!)”

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Angelito G Nambatac Jr • 72

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Maysaak a mannalon, mamirmiraut Daniel L Nesperos Agbirbirokak kadagiti kulalanti iti sardam Kadagiti adayo a bakir ken balang a malem Agbilbilangak kadagiti arimpadek ken danapeg Iti kagay ti mangliwengliweng a sipnget ken kaltaang Agmulmulenglengak iti riweng ti kinaagmaymaysak Iti sinamar a ti namnama diak pulos madugsak Agsasallupang latta dagiti ariwengweng bariwengweng Ngem diak pulos matiliw kadagiti matam ti buteng Agsidsiddukerak kadagiti siitan a barut a naibartay naipanes ‘Dinno ngata kadagita ti nakairam-edan ti dawis ken ranggas Agurayak iti panagsublim, di aggibus nga agurayak Kas iti panaguray ti bangkay iti mausoleo idiay Batac Uray koma no bangkaymo lattan ti agawid, kawaw Man a petaka wenno lupot wenno panes wenno dung-aw A naikali wenno nalikidar wenno naputolan Wenno narames wenno napasag wenno naidulin Iti listaan dagiti berdugo ti 1972, mammapatay iti muging Ti darepdep ken irurukuas kadagiti kadena ti baro a gimong Agsublisubli dagiti lagip ken gilapgilap ken panes ken aripusiaw Ti gimluong a deklarasion ti maikaduapulo ket maysa ti Setiembre Kas iti panagsublisubli met ti lagip, ti lagip agindayon Iti ilalasatna manen kadagiti siudad, amangenna ti karayan Agdinakkel ti dawel a kumamang iti kabambantayan A nagpaingam wenno nakailebbenam wenno nakaitabonan Ti garakgakmo nga addan iti murdong dagiti nakalbit a gatilio Wenno dalluyon dagiti agdeppes a kapan-awan, agdelubio 73 •

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Umkis kadagiti di pay nakalkali a bangabanga, sidudung-aw Kadagiti kamposanto ti nakem, sibeberdugo ti rumkuas a luksaw.

Ket itabonka iti lagip, itabonka iti pait, itabonka iti ulpit Itabonka iti aringgawis ti agsabong a kawayan, sisisiit Diakon gamden nga ipanka iti kamposanto dagiti bannuar Umanayen nga itabonka iti kamposanto ti nakem a sikakawar Ditoy pusok awan a makitak uray koma rimer kadagiti luam Petpetpetak ti naudi nga arakup, katawa ken panagpakadam.

Kasla layap itan a diak nasiglotan, kellaaatka lattan a nagpukaw Sika la koman ti kulalanti iti sardam, agis-isem, agiddep-agsilaw.

Daniel L Nesperos • 74

BUKAMBIBIG

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Luksong-Tinik Allan Lenard Ocampo Lumulukso tayo sa tinik na harang Na isang panukat ng bawat kalahok Kahit nasasabit sa laro ng buhay.

Sinisipat natin nang may buong husay Ang dangkal ng paa't kamay na patusok; Lumulukso tayo sa tinik na harang.

Tayo ay maliksing nagsisilundagan Malampasan lamang ang tinik sa tuktok Kahit nasasabit sa laro ng buhay.

Kahit masayaran ang niluluksuhan, Tumatakbo pa rin tayong buo’ng loob; Lumulukso tayo sa tinik na harang.

Pinatatarik man ang tinik na hadlang, Sa paglukso’y muli tayong sumusubok Kahit nasasabit sa laro ng buhay.

Sa laro, ang layon nati’y umiigpaw Makailang ulit man tayong matisod; Lumulukso tayo sa tinik na harang Kahit nasasabit sa laro ng buhay.

Allan Lenard Ocampo • 76

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Iyaliwagwag Melchor E Orpilla Diad dabuk inkorit na Amalsa’y tutol Diad sanga imbitin so sintinsia’y angol Balet ta diad bansa say tonung apalís Inanggot na baknang ed sileng da’y byinis Say anak na dalin alabas nen manuk Mankaykay na layak, lima’y linmalanuk Say anak na lasi manyodyorung labat Mambubuag na lama’y timawan kimmatat Say tonung atelek, mankondap so mata Nipolet ed layág so laksa ‘ra’n kuarta Palar mo’y napigar no matua’y ibagam Tipaka’y dokamil, kasionan ni dangoan Ta onta’y alakáw na inaron bansa Bugtong ya kristiano ed simpok na Asia Dayew ‘ya’n ítopay, galang ‘ya’n íbaing Mamaung ni asun ogali’y masanting Ay no ag onsolag, say dalá’y onsabu!

Milionis ya doliar, onggiwgiw ka aro, Pankukolkolan da no siopa’y ontuklab Ed takew da ‘ran ‘yan di-betang a paklap Kapigan ompelag mapangasin tawen So álas na okum sakbay ya ondenden So oges na bilay tan delmeng na agom Ya manaari ed baley tin iniblong Kapigan ontonda so pantabtabogís Dala ra’y manangipalapag na dumsis Dumsis da’y binmaknang ed silib tan sikuat Apeng la’y sangi ran asabian na ngorat

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Say baleg ya tepet kapiga’y kaaon Ed utang tan irap kapega’y ibangon Ta anggan iner man ya bansa’y solinan Ag balut nitapat so bandan nanlapuan Komun say iwandag na ilalon piaet Ondunglaw ed pagew na bansan nibiret Komun say apilin prisidintin balo Tayukor na saray nabnala’d kibaldo Anggan anton oges, anggan anton banday Na nagagawa ed bansa tin ayaman Ag balut isuko’y maptek ya ogagep Bansag tin mangoman ya aro’y katekep Pakpel yo ági ko loob yo’y paksilen!

Ag tayo ontoluk, kaogsa’y somlangen Ibalap so bakal, bakale’y duksaan Talonggaring tayo wadia la’y kagnapan!

Melchor E Orpilla • 78

BUKAMBIBIG

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Uwanggit, Uwanggit Elsie C Padernal Uwanggit, uwanggit, Araduhon ko’y langit, Panggasan arupait Arupait nabingkit.

Kandol nangabitkabit, Turolan-on ka Intsik; Karan-on ka Katsila, Katsila ka Manila; Intsik sa Ilong-ilong Mamati ka inagong; Lingganay nagkarabuong.

Amo-amo sa gawgaw Amo sa Maguindanao, Matiyaok, makadlaw Matuwad, matalangkaw.

May karaptang’ balagon, May uruyad-uyadan.

Sin-o dato sa tabok?

Si Mariano nga Agta.

Anoy’ anang’ baligya?

Girigiti kag sutla.

Sin-o dato sa pangpang?

Si Mariang’ maniwang.

Ano anang’ nakangkang?

Puyo nang’ malabinlang.

Elsie C Padernal • 80

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Pag-ulan ng Bala, Pagdilig ng Dugo Christian Patricio Matagal na walang ulan ang dumadapo sa lupa ng mga pesante.

Pitong buwan ng pagka-uhaw, ang lupa nama’y bakante sa sisidlan; hindi ito matamnan sa sobrang pagkatigang.

Kahit ang mga magsasaka’y tigang na rin sa laman tiyan.

Ilang araw pa ba?

Patuloy ang paghingi ng tulong sa estado “Wala kaming kita!”

“May mga anak kaming nagugutom!”

Pero ilang araw pa ba? Bigas lamang ang hinihingi, ‘di ba?

Nagplano, isang barikada’y itinayo sa Cotabato’y dadayo para ipaglaban ang lupang sa inyo Anong ipinalit?

Mga bala.

Anong ipinalit?

Karahasan Anong ipinalit?

Mga magsasakang pinatay.

Anong ipinalit?

Paninisi Anong ipinalit?

Matagal na walang ulan ang dumadapo sa lupa ng mga pesante Pero dugo pa ang dumilig dito, Dugo ng mga magsasaka Dugo ng mga tunay na may-ari ng lupang ito.

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/kan-ni-gid/ png.

Christian Patricio Magkabigkis ang ating mga labi ngayong gabi, katulad ng pagkiskis ng ating mga braso tuwing nasa gitna ng piket at rali.

Naglalakbay ang ating mga kamay katulad ng paglakad natin sa gitna ng mga hanay.

Gabi-gabi, araw-araw, katawan at pawis, magkasaklaw, pinipilit na yapusin ang kani-kaniyang mga kalawakan habang nakikibaka papuntang pulang kalangitan.

Habang buhay, aking sinta.

Hanggang tagumpay, aking kasama.

Christian Patricio • 82

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Kapatid Romano B Redublo E ano, kung hindi ka mahilig mag-basketball?

Maghanap ka ng ibang larong may bola.

Kapag hinamon ka nila ng suntukan, Bigyan mo ng mag-asawang sampal, Mas mabilis ‘yon, Sa mukha agad ang tama.

Pwedeng-pwede kang makipag-inuman, Siguraduhin mo lang na di ikaw ang unang malalasing.

At kung yayain ka na nilang mag-beerhouse, Sumama ka.

Basta pagkatapos, Sa gaybar kayo pupunta.

Kapag kinukulit ka na kung sinong nililigawan mo ngayon Sabihin mo, ‘Yong kapitbahay n'yong gwapo.

Kung tanungin ka naman nila kung may girlfriend ka na, Ipagsigawan mong, Oo, dahil sinagot ka na ng pogi mong katrabaho.

‘Pag naman inurirat ka na nila sa plano mong magkaanak, Malambing mong ibulong na Uso naman ngayon ang mag-ampon.

Kapag sininghalan ka nila at sinabing makasalanan ka, Talikuran mo Kasi bastusan na.

Kapatid, Hindi mo responsibilad na magkuwento.

Di lahat ay karugtong ng buhay mo Huwag mong hayaang diktahan ka Ng mga tao at ng lipunang mapanghusga.

Kumapit ka sa paniniwalang Ang kabutihan ay walang kinikilalang kasarian At ang pag-iral mo’y singhalaga ng sa karamihan.

Sa tuwing may magtataka, magtatanong at manlilibak Ngitian mo na lang Dahil di mo obligasyong magpaliwanag.

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Sum Quod Sum Dan Kevin Roque I am not my job or my education.

I am not my hobbies.

I am not my passion nor my aspirations.

I am a human person.

I am not the food I eat, the clothes I wear, or the places I go.

I am not the songs I sing, or the dreams I have at the wee hours of the morning.

I am a human person.

I am not my faith or my philosophy.

I am not what you choose to call me.

I am not a sentence, or a paragraph, or a page in someone else's history.

I am a human person.

I am a Breathing, living, thinking feeling loving hoping human person.

I am more than what you think I am.

Dan Kevin Roque • 84

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

#684 Jules Ruz Three yellow stars glinting against a field of red; Fists raised high in the air like little clubs to smash Walls to bits for your cause. Do you remember, bro?

All the stories I told of covering myself In mud and leaves to hide? You're doing the same thing With people dressed in red, banners flying, fists high, Trying to penetrate our wall of officers.

The third rally this week, volunteered every time And time again, because I've been looking for you.

Ever since our mother told me that you ran off To fight for our lands that they've tried to strip away Against the system that seems to only break and Break itself in pieces because of selfishness.

I hold my shield tighter, as are my orders, please Understand that I am only here to look forYou? Is that really you? You look so old now, bro You're screaming at me, don't you recognize your own Flesh and blood? I suppose you wouldn't, since I have My helmet on, and the rest of my uniform.

You were so proud of me, are you so proud of me still?

They'll be spraying water in a while, so please just Leave, you've done enough already. There could be no Doubt that you're fighting for your country, I should know Because I'm doing the same thing, so please, please, please Go before someone higher up makes us, makes me Be more forceful with this crowd. They are our orders.

There is nothing more we can do except follow.

So please, leave this crowd at once and stop your screaming.

Leave in good health to fight another day, because It's the only way we can see each other now.

Even though you can't see my face through this helmet Even though I can't see my dear, gentle brother Through the angered eyes of the man screaming at me.

Please forgive me for what I am ordered to do.

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The first one Joseph Aleen S Salvador Do you still remember the taste of rose petals being burned inside your mouth?

I still do. The texture of cotton candy on our hands touching the sofa.

Do you still remember the smell of afternoon sunlight from the back of our minds?

I still do. The sight of perfumes on your skin in a silent room.

Now, do you still remember the sound of this poem?

Yes, I understand that this time, what you only hear is our shadows touching.

Joseph Aleen S Salvador • 86

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Kulata Fidel Sambaoa Anian a nagkas-ang pannkaimatang!

Ti adigi ti pagtaengan ginusadan, Gapu laeng ti padanum ti karayan, Inyalis nga uyang, pangdam-eg ti kapagayan.

Wen, kellaat a nariingak iti rupanrupa ti karbin!

Inggusodda ken ni ama ti kapgu a waengwaeng!

‘Ustonan, tiong! taldiap ti matak ken egyat, Ania kadit‘ basol ni amang ta inmo gusgusodan?

Kastoy kadi ti kinawaya ti addaan paltog?

Ta no makarurodka, mapanmo lattan igusod Iti mannalon a pagatapam a sumursurot Iti daldalan a pumakpakanigid, atap-sinasal-ot?

Itapanaasnat' gusod ti sagubanit, Ka Emias, No sika met pakapaipadasanna, namayat?

Kitaek laeng no di ka agarukong nga agilad-ilad!

Padasenta met kenka, bainat' paltog a nalawas?

Addaan paltog, aya, idi ugma, naari ken nalastogda!

Napuskol ruprupada, agalada pay mula ti akimmula!

Awan maaramidanmi ta nagtuturayda, Karbin ti agdangran, bagi ti agsagrap a makulata...

Ngem adda met aldaw a dimonto mailayat Dayta nga armasmo nga inka iparparammag, Kaamakmo a kalbiten, kabutengmo ti putok, Uray buneng laeng ‘toy iggem, laingem ti agsiput!

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Fidel Sambaoa • 88

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Leviticus 18:22 Charlie Sebastian Forgive me Father, for I have sinned: I dream of lying in her bed sated after our moment together skin on skin, thin layer of sweat—she glows even in the dark, bare breasts, slim stomach, thick thighs, lithe figure. Mark and so flawed and so scarred, but I love her despite. Despite the sin, despite the fear, despite the condemnation, I am hers.

Forgive me Father for I have sinned: When pigeons fly round in circles over my head, crows in my stomach, geese erupting from my skin in cold sweat in the nights I am away from her, happy woodpeckers chipping away at my throat when she graces me with her presence—beautiful swan, strong crane—God says that we are stewards of His creation: but I have stolen them from their homes and I have turned myself into a zoo.

Forgive me Father for I have sinned: when our lips first touch sheepishly, pink on pink, not too moist—we’re both so dry and I’m out of breath, my heart slowing as my eyes fall shut: is this You taking my life away? Is this my sign: my soul ascending into the heights of euphoria and the depths of my desire when I feel her on me, is she the death of me?

Forgive me Father for I have sinned: I compare her laughter to angels’ choirs, her beauty to the light of your sky, her smile to the blessings you bestow on me, why do you still bless me? I am a sinner, a prodigal son, a leper, a heathen, a pagan: I compare her to you. She is my goddess, I am of blasphemy.

Forgive me Father for I have sinned: when during prayers my hands are not clasped in solemnity but around my phone, when during mass I shake my leg in anxious respite waiting to leave, when in religious education classes I lull myself to sleep drawing circles on my yellow sheet, walk out when the words "the homosexuals" are said like we are more sinful than they are.

Forgive me Father for I have sinned: but only let he who has not sinned cast the first stone, dear father; yet why am I the outcast when they're sinners just like me? When they touch their neighbor's wife, when they kill in your name, when they steal out of envy.

Forgive me Father for I have sinned, but Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.

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Salamisim Jose Carlos Sia Nilukot ng alaala Ang kumot mong iniwan kanina.

Nais ko mang ayusin ang rabaw Ng ating kama– Hindi ko magawa.

Ganyan na lamang siya.

May bahid sa kubrekama; Mantsang di ko nais mawala– Katas na natuyo, sinta, Ng pag-ibig nating ginawa.

Pauli-ulit umaawit Ang plakang pinaikot natin Bago matulog nang mahimbing– Tila naglalambing sa ’king damdamin.

Nagasgas yata– Kagaya ng ating himig.

Alaala moy pinaiikot rin.

Ang pinto’y bukas, tarangkaha’y Nalimutan mong kabigin bago ka lumisan.

Hahayaan ko na lamang na ganyan Baka sakaling ako’y iyong balikan– Kahit sa pangarap man lamang.

Jose Carlo Sia • 90

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Atang Ariel S Tabag Ay, apo, aapongmi a nagawan Dakayo a kakaduan dagiti di-katatawan Dakayo nga adda dita daya, amianan Dakayo nga adda dita laud, abagatan Umayyo ramanan ‘toy adda a nayatang Adda gin, tabako, itlog ken inkiwar…

Ta umayyo man la kadi an-annongan Dagiti bagastiukiniinada a politician Ta atiwda pay dagiti gamrud a kaibaan Awan pulos imbatida iti pagbagasan!

Ay, apo, aapongmi a nagawan Dakayo a kakaduan dagiti di-katatawan Dakayo nga adda dita daya, amianan Dakayo nga adda dita laud, abagatan Umayyo ramanan ‘toy adda a nayatang Adda gin, tabako, itlog ken inkiwar…

Ta umayyo man met koma luganan Dagiti lolokdit a tattao iti eskuelaan Ta atiwda pay ti santilmo a mangyaw-awan Ad-adda met nga isursuroda ti kinaang-ang!

Ay, apo, aapongmi a nagawan Dakayo a kakaduan dagiti di-katatawan Dakayo nga adda dita daya, amianan Dakayo nga adda dita laud, abagatan Umayyo ramanan ‘toy adda a nayatang Adda gin, tabako, itlog ken inkiwar…

Ta umayyo man met koma batbatian Dagiti papadi, papastor kada preacher ditan Ta atiwda pay dagiti rebulto iti simbaan Awan bibiangda kadagiti kalokuan!

Ay, apo, aapongmi, indakam’ kaasian!

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Resistance

RESISTANCE

Baribari Ariel S Tabag Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi Ti agsida't sili, magasangan Ti agiggem pariok, mauringan Kalubam ‘ta sidaem uray bugguong Saan laeng a pusa ti agkakallong Baribari, apo!

Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi Ti bassit a kayo nalaka a lintegen, Ngem no dakkel narigaten.

Ti tao a mannarita, Awan ti ania a magapuananna.

Baribari, apo!

Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi Uray nagbalayka iti bato no naimutka agpaaginaldo Atiwmo pay ti nagmansion a sunggo Maruam ti agmamanok No dimo lagdaan ti ikub Baribari, apo!

Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi Mabiag iti kalkalsada, Matay iti koskosina.

Ta grasia no mayukuyok a mayukuyok Inton dumanon tapok Baribari, apo!

Ariel S Tabag • 92

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi ‘Tay aso a taul a taul Saan a makakagat ken makadunor.

Uray kasano a riri Masurot latta pagayatan ti ari Baribari, apo!

Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi Baribari, tagtagari, ti madalapus, durgi

Author’s note: Nailaga dagiti pagsasao dagiti Ilokano ken sumagmamano nga aporismo manipud iti nobela nga Oh, My Candida ni Joel B. Manuel. Masansan nga i-perform ti banda a Manong Diego nga idauluan ni Mighty C Rasing.

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RESISTANCE

Umaykan, Nakkong, Dika Agbatbati Ariel S Tabag Nagpakadaka a mapan agbasa iti unibersidad Inkagumaanmi ken inangmo a sika ti maisakad Ngem apay, nakkong, a sabali ti nasursurom nga iggaman Imbes a lapis, igam met ket napukawkan iti kabambantayan Umaykan, nakkong, dika agbatbati Umaykan, nakkong, dika agbatbati Kunam, anakko, nga inton addakan idiay abrod Magatangtayo amin a kayattayo nga alikamen kada lupot Kunam a mapabaro ‘toy agir-iray a balay, addanto pay lugan Ngem apay, nakkong, a nagawidka met nga addan iti lungon?

Umaykan, nakkong, dika agbatbati Umaykan, nakkong, dika agbatbati Kunam, anakko, nga inton maysakan a nars Sikanto ti mangaywan kadakami ken ni inam Ngem apay, anakko, a bagim mismo dimo naaywanan?

Nagrarangasandaka dagiti sairo iti kasipngetan Umaykan, nakkong, dika agbatbati Umaykan, nakkong, dika agbatbati Ayanmo kadin, anakko, ta awankan Awankan, awankan, awankan Ayanmo kadin, anakko, ta awankan Agawidka kadin, innakam’ kadi kaasian Umaykan, nakkong, dika agbatbati Umaykan, nakkong, dika agbatbati

Ariel S Tabag • 94

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Dagiti umili Roda L Tajon Simmangpetda ‘diay lugarmi Adu a kari Adu ti nasasam-it a balikas.

Segun kadakuada, mangtedda ti panagdur-as.

Ket siasino ti saan a mangayat ti panagdur-as No addaka iti tengnga ti makapasaur A sakit ti buksit?

Nakuttong saan laeng a ti bagi No di ket pati namnama Isu a no adda ti gundaway, Apay kadi a saan nga arakupen?

Simmangpetda a kaduada dagiti dadakkel A trak, barko ken aglatlati a ramramit.

Bassibassit, bigat, rabii.

Kalpasan ti mano la a bulan, naibus Ti darat.

Ngimmato ti danum. Nalayuskami.

Limned. Naibus.

Ngem, daytoy a saem Saan nga agturpos ditoy.

Saan a mabalin nga ibareng-bareng.

Saan a nalayus ti namnama Numan pay nawaswas dagiti sanikua.

Adu ti mangilaban Kas pinaneknekan ti pakaistoriaan.

Dagiti umili, dagiti umili!

Isuda ti mangsupiat ken mangparmek Kadagiti manggamgamgam, kadagiti gamrud!

Isuda ti mangibangon iti pagilian A nawaya ken pudno a nadur-as!

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Palagip Roda L Tajon Ay, manangko!

Ti panangpakawan, saan a kasla panaggatang Iti masida idiay tiendaan.

Mabalin a tawaran, mabalin a dumawat iti nayon, Mabalin pay nga ikiddaw nga ipadawat laengen.

Ngem ti pananglipat, saan a kas kalaka iti panangpatay ti sipet.

A nalaka nga ibelleng, nalaka a sagaden Tapno mapukaw ‘diay arubayan.

No inka amirisen Saan a nalaka a malipatan ti saem ti umuna nga ayat, Ti sakit ti umuna a pananglayat Ti pait ti pannakatay, pannakapukaw, pannakaparparigat!

Ay, manangko, Saanmo kadi nga iwaragawag a kakaasikayo!

Pangngaasim!

Uray ni Apo Dios, ammona, No siasino ti pudno a kakaasi ken marigrigat Idi panawenyo.

Pangngaasiyo, manang, ikit, manong!

Isardengyo kadin iti panangallilaw, Ken ti natangken a panagulbod!

No pudno ti panangkiddawyo iti pammakawan, Laglagipenyo koma, diyo balbaliwan ti pakasaritaan!

Roda L Tajon • 96

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Nangisit a Darat Derick Anonuevo Tong-alan Mawaw ken mabisin dagiti didiosen!

Babaen ti mannakabalin a balikasda, bilinenda ti daga.

Birokenda ti dara, urat, ket agraman lasag, kukuada!

Kalpasan iti kataltalonan, kalpasan iti kabakiran, Sakupenda payen uray ti kadaratan!

Karitenda ti dalluyon a manggabur kadagiti pasalsali.

Nailibay ket ngata dagiti rebulto sadiay daan a simbaan Ta saandan a mangngegan dagiti sasainnek.

Adayo met ngamin ti balay ti Dios manipud iti baybay.

Tapno mabugtak koma dagiti mannanakaw!

Ngem naulimeken dagiti nakaabito a nagtamed kadagiti didiosen.

Nagkidem ngata metten ti diosda?

Aggunggon ti daga!

No mano a dadakkel a trak ti agarup mangbettak iti rugakrugak a kalsada.

Bulsek ket ngata a simamata dagiti maseknan, Ta saanda a mautob ti masakbayan ti maramrames a nakaparsuaan A tawiden dagiti ti annabo dagiti annabonto pay dagiti mataktakawan.

Agramrambak ketdi dagiti madidios Iti panagrennekda nga agidda iti aglaplapusanan a kuarta!

Agingga kaano ngata a makaitured ti kadaratan?

Kaano nga agpatingga a makiwar ken makurangan?

No maibus dagiti nangisit a darat Salakniban ngata dagiti didiosen dagiti madadael ken madidigra?

Buybuyaen latta ngatan ti Dios dagiti dadakkel a trak ken barko A mangbumbunag iti kinabaknang ti baybay?

Nakaskasdaaw ti kinaulimek ti aglawlaw.

Kasla nagmanto ti baybay ket agdungdung-aw.

Saan a mapmapnek dagiti nabibileg iti pirak!

Saanda a mabmabsog, naipanurokda a bukatot!

Awan kadin namnama a maduprak ti kinapaslengda?

Saanen a maidalan iti parintumeng!

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Ngem apay a pengdan ti agngarngariet a gemgem?

Apay koma nga igawid iti sumupsupiat a gagem?

Kukuada laeng ti bukodda a bileg, kukuada laeng ti bukodda a turay!

Saan a kukua amin a karbengan ken wayawaya Dagiti maikuskuspil iti biag ken tarigagay!

Kukuatay’ met amin a bukodtayo a bileg!

Sangsangkamaysatayo a rumakem iti nangisit a darat Nga imermertayo kadagiti manangidadanes ken manangirurumen!

Derick Anonuevo Tong-alan • 98

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

That Martial Law Thingy Joshua Rei N Ubaldo Those who regret and those who forget test the limits of truth and history, coloring facts with the hues of conspiracy.

Here’s what you don’t understand: The dead can’t see yellow or red; the dead are dead and no meme can turn their graves into beds.

No amount of revision can mop up the river of blood that fueled a revolution— not while the dead remain dead and the vanished remain missing.

Read proof and truth that’s written with scars on the skin of the living (Although you might not wanna do that while they’re sleeping—torture victims have a tendency to scream while dreaming.)

And truth will keep on screaming while the dead remain dead and the scarred remain scared.

Talk of infrastructure, roadways and revival of culture and we’ll count the workers who died making the Manila Film Center.

You can’t tell me that a dictator built this nation not while the dead remain dead— their blood mixed with the foundation.

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RESISTANCE

Talk of golden age and progress and we’ll take a peek at old children of Negros and let’s play a little song on their ribcages.

Maybe we’ll sing “Ang Bayan Ko” because it’s not banned anymore unlike in September 20, 1985 when soldiers fed bullets to hungry farmers as they sang the very song.

But the dead are dead and can’t join our chorus.

The truth of Martial Law isn’t about colors or political affiliation not when the truth has been etched, electrocuted, branded and cut into the brains of a whole nation not while victims cry out #neveragain and not while the dead remain dead and must be given voice by the living.

Joshua Rei N Ubaldo • 100

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Ngayemngem iti Dalan NME Valdez mairuknoy daytoy iti panawen da amang ken inang, da ikit ken uliteg, wen, a naglasat, nakalasat iti karkarna a kuyem, dagiti nagasat a nabiag, da lilang ken lilong, iti nadangdangkok a napalabas ti lubong: malagip mo kad’ pay iti lidem ti parparaangan, rangrangat, pupokan, ti namnama a sumagirad iti katapokan kas kadagiti trimmayanggulo a gayadan da ading a balasang ken baro a mangsagad iti kalsada ken pagdidiskuan? adda dagiti mapatudon, maisuro ken mabaon, addada a sitatangad, adda pay simumulagat; maanagda? awan, iti nakullaapan a tangatang, kas iti linaon ti darumog nga ul-uloda mangsipsiput kadagiti bota ken kilnet ti daga. adda natured, mangagek iti katapokan, adda umanayen a manglang-ab lattan iti alibungabong iti pagaariwawaan; adda deretso iti turong dagiti matada, sumalpot iti agat-pulbora a nalabaga a tela. adda mabati iti sangaan a dalan, daydi pagdadanonan, pagkakararagan para iti bileg ti ideolohia, sarikedked, kolonia; adda ammona’t addanganna, adda dagiti saan adda panungpalan, adda pamungayanan adda makalagip a mangipatangatang kadagiti ayug dagiti uratan iti pagobraan. adu metten ti dimmagas a septiembre, nagluposen ti kalsada a nagrubuatan; awanen ti nagturay a maris ti langit— ala wen, dayta ti patiek a narigat sa a patien.

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adukami, appo, iti amianan, iramanmo pay dagiti immagep idi iti nam-ay ti nepnep, ni Apo ken Apo latta nga agal-allangogan a kas ‘tay init ken bulan di mapunas iti law-ang. kaguradak kadi no diak kayat ti kayatda? pilitek ti agpalawag, ngem aduda a di mangayat iti disso a mapayatak, malikudak, masanguanak. mairuknoy pay daytoy iti panawen dagiti narnekan iti tuturoganda, dagiti agriing iti kaykayatda, dagiti mamati kadagiti basbasaenda a partuat dagiti managlilipat iti naggapuanda, wenno bulbullagaw a tangdananda dagiti agkamang iti asul ken puraw a pagsasarakan, wenno iti tarawitwit a billit iti kuadrado nga umok a makirinrinnapok a di agpanunot dagiti paiturong iti kapanunotan dagiti agpili iti pagtutungtongan. dagiti mangay-ayat iti nangitag-ay iti baro a gemgem, dagiti manggurgura pay iti dayta a nakatugaw a gayyem karamanen dagiti sinarunona iti amarillo ken di met unay nga amarillo a dalan dagiti agsipsipat a sikikidem iti gapuanan dagiti berdugo, dagiti bannuar, dagiti saraan ken saan. ti ayat wenno ti panunot wenno ti patiem? ti panagpakawan wenno nayurit a saem? pagpilian ti papanan no awanen ‘di sangaan a dalan wenno yaramidantay’ kadi lattan iti desdes a pagpalaudan?

NME Valdez • 102

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Daniw-Dallot-Dallang Oswald A Valente Daldallot, duminidallang Daldallot, aya, duminidallang...

Kakabsat ken gagayyem, indak man palubosan Ta daniwek ti maysa a pakasaritaan Ti maysa a parsua, nasirib a natudingan Panangaskasaba ti inna nasumok a pagsapulan...

Teolohia 'ti biblia ti inna nasumokan Siribna nagbalin a pagtamtamedan Isu dayta ti inna nagkalay-atan A nangtapaw agpang nga inna kinalkalikaguman...

Daldallot, duminidallang Daldallot, aya, duminidallang...

Kinasariwawekna kan' ti inna nagpuonan Ngem isu met la ti inna nakaikkatan Ta idi ti maestrona inna binatingtingan Isu met daydin ti inna nakasuspensuan...

Ay, daldallot, duminidallang Daldallot, duminidallang...

Napapanaw iti inna pagad-adalan Ket pagtengna 'tay inna nagbabbabawyan Ngem arapaapna ti nairingpasna, piman Intuloynat' kursona iti sabali a pagadalan.

Daldallot, duminidallang Daldallot, aya, duminidallang...

Awan serbit' sirib no di mapagnumaran Ket simmina iti gunglo nga inna nagsakduan Nangpundar iti kabukbukodanna a dalan Ket napasurotna nalaka a mayaw-awan...

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Daldallot, duminidallang Ay, daldallot, aya, duminidallang...

Pinagtitipon inna insiki nga impamaysa Surat, surat; rekues ditoy, dawat dita Nangpatakder bukodna a kapilia Ngem inrapinna a binangon ti mansionna!

Daldallot, duminidallang Ay, daldallot, aya, duminidallang...

Nadlawna ti naurnong a kuarta iti kaha Maigatang iti lugan, nagkatek iti mugingna Tapno adda usaren 'ti kapilia, kunana kadagiti miembrona Ngem idi makagatang, personal metten nga usarna!

Ay, daldallot, duminidallang Daldallot, aya, duminidallang...

Ket tunggal aramid, adda latta karmana Di unay nagbayag, tinubuan 'ti kanser ti asawana Gastos ditoy, gastos dita, adut’ nagpatulonganna Ngem kaskasdi latta a pimmusay ti kaingungotna...

Daldallot, duminidallang Ay, daldallot, duminidallang...

Ngem kas man la awan namalbaliwanna Ta ti sigud nga aramidna, aramidenna latta Ngamin ket di pay natawenan ni baketna Nangyawiden iti sabali a kabbalayna!

Ay, daldallot, duminidallang Daldallot, aya, duminidallang....

Ay, kakabsat, adu pay koma ti innak masarita Ngem amangan ta makadalapusak bunton a makuna Makapasair man daytoy pagpasensiaandak koma Ta ti agsidat' sili ket magasangan a kunada...

Daldallot, duminidallang Daldallot, aya, duminidallang....

Oswald A Valente • 104

BUKAMBIBIG

ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1

Disconnect Angelica Y Yang It is not my fault, that I think differently from the rest.

My brain was never hardwired to conform to their softwares.

My body is made up of wires, circuits, gears and machinery; I am a piece of metal to be auctioned at lower prices because my system is incompatible to the data shoved down my throat.

I rebel against the codes forced upon me; I bite back at the hand that feeds me, until I whir and crackle, and starve 'til I can function no more.

Then they try to brainwash me.

Reboot my entire system in an attempt to re-program everything.

To erase what is left of my being...

I hold my ground, valuing the little time left until they short change my circuits and obliterate all knowledge of my past.

But my past defines me, yet I cannot run away from the future.

If this is how it will all end, then I will continue to struggle, to save the remaining data I hold dear.

For they remind me that I am not a computer.

I am, rather, a robot trapped in its casements.

And when they start deleting my files, one by one, I will whir and stir and crackle and burst.

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RESISTANCE

I will explode on impact, and crash my own defunct softwares until I lose power and fall prey to blackout.

They will never own me.

I will die anyway.

Everything dies anywayand I'd want to die my way.

But I’d rather die trying.

Angelica Y Yang • 106

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS Nagtuturo ng mga kursong Panitikan si Dennis Andrew S Aguinaldo sa Departamento ng Humanidades, Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Los Baños. Noong kabataan niya’y naging fellow siya sa mga pambansang palihan sa malikhaing pagsusulat ng Ateneo Institute for Literary Arts and Practices, UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies, UP Likhaan Institute of Creative Writing, at DLSU Bienvenido N Santos Creative Writing Center. Inilathala online ang kaniyang mga piyesa at collab sa The Cabinet, Plural Online Prose Journal, High Chair, Kritika Kultura, at Bukambibig Issue 01: Crowds. Napabilang na ang kaniyang mga akda sa mga antolohiya ng PEN, ANI, at The Literary Life ng Sunday Times. Ang kaniyang mga tula ay naisasama sa mga antolohiya gaya ng ANI ng Cultural Center of the Philippines. Tagapayo siya ng mga organisasyon ng mga kabataang manunulat gaya ng UPLB Writers’ Club at PANTAS.

Elsie C Albis hails from Minalabac, Camarines Sur. She is a full time instructor at Ateneo de Naga University where she also took her MA English Language and Literature degree and where she currently teaches English and Literature courses. She spearheads several activities in the same university with the hope of promoting and boosting performing literature, Bicol culture, and young Bicolnon talents. Her works appeared in Bukambibig Issue 01: Crowds.

Renea Lee Alcantara is a faculty member of the Department of English and Humanities, Central Luzon State University in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. She self-publishes her poems in her blog and has been writing poetry to redeem herself. Some of her poems appeared in Bukambibig’s Issue 01: Crowds.

Mariel Alonzo studies Psychology in Ateneo de Davao University and is a senior consultant for LGBTQ+ issues in the progressive socio-political organization, BuklAt (Buklurang Atenista). She was recently a finalist to international poetry prizes Troubadour and Oxford Brookes. She also reads poetry for The Adroit Journal.

Jhon Jasper Apan is a senior high school student of Mapua Institute of Technology in Intramuros.

Genevieve Mae Aquino is scientist by profession, with a clutch of diplomas in molecular biology and genetics.

She was a fellow for poetry in English at the Iligan National Writers Workshop, the Ateneo National Writers Workshop, and the IYAS Creative Writing Workshop. Her lifetime dream is to produce a body of work that combines her two great loves: science and poetry. She was born in Quezon City, raised in Davao City, and currently works as a university researcher.

Jay Blancaflor is a senior high school teacher at Bago National High School of Roxas City.

Jaime Jesus Uy Borlagdan is the author of three books in Bikol — Que Lugar Este, Suralista and X. He resides in Tabaco City in Albay with his wife and two daughters. He is a volunteer for HARIBOL.

Rick Jay Cabillo studied Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at De La Salle University and graduated Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. He currently works in Sarion Films as creative writer and videographer. He has been anthologized in DAGsmash! Antolohiya ng mga Piling Dagli, Bangkang Papel: Antolohiya ng mga Piling Tula, Poets of the Apocalypse, and Bukambibig Issue 01: Crowds. He is affiliated with TAYO! Manila and was shortlisted for the 2015 Cirilo F Bautista Prize for the Novel.

Kasalukuyang nagtuturo ng Araling Filipino, Wika, at Kultura Midya sa De La Salle University- Manila si Dexter Cayanes. Nagwagi na ang kanyang mga tula, kuwento, sanaysay at maikling pelikula sa mga pambansang paligsahan tulad ng Gawad Ka Amado Hernandez, Gawad Rogelio Sicat, Gantimpalang Collantes, at Cinemalaya: Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Hazel Ann Cesa studies AB Literature at the University of San Carlos in Cebu. She loves to write prose poems and is a member of the Almost Poets Society. With her classmates, she recently organized a poetry reading event through USC PALABRA, the official organization of the literature students in her school.

Roehl Joseph Dazo is finishing his Master of Arts in Literature at Cebu Normal University. He is adjudged as Labing Masaarong Bag-ong Magsusulat sa Bisaya (Most Promising Young Writer in Bisaya) in 2016. Several of his short stories and critical essays are published in Manila Bulletin’s Bisaya Magazine. He was a fellow of 16th IYAS National Writers Workshop and is a co-organizer of Kagis, a monthly activity where young Cebuano writers are gathered to discuss Cebuano literary works and help each other develop their craft. He teaches senior high school Literature and Creative Writing courses. He is a member of BATHALAD Sugbo.

China Pearl Patria M de Vera is a former grade school teacher, a storyteller, and a human rights advocate. She was a writing fellow at Palihang Rogelio Sicat and Cordillera Creative Writing Workshop. Her works have been published in High Chair, Eastlit, Bukambibig Issue 01: Crowds, and ANI of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. She had an experimental, collaborative zine entitled Project 150. She is an MA Araling Pilipino student at the University of the Philippines, where she also graduated with a BA Malikhaing Pagsulat degree.

Marie Dominique E Dela Paz lives in Cebu. She is a member of two writing groups that describe themselves as ‘loose’—The Nomads, “a loose barkada of young writers,” and The Really Bad Poets. She is currently employed as an editor at some publishing house and teaches English as a second language on the side. In 2013, her short story ‘Mikee’ was published in the anthology It’s Animal but Merciful by great weather for MEDIA, an independent press based in New York.

Si Dennis Espada ay mag-aaral sa masteral sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Nalathala ang mga tula niya sa ANI ng Cultural Center of the Philippines, Liwayway Magazine, Pang-Masa, Bukambibig Issue 01: Crowds, Makata online poetry journal, antolohiyang Ipuipo Sa Piging, at iba pa. Naisama rin ang mga tula niya sa stage play na Huwan Tamad at ang Dagat ng mga Salita na ipinalabas sa Maharlika National Sunrise Arts Festival. Dalawang beses siyang nagwagi sa The Great Contender performance poetry contest na inisponsor ng Ricco-Renzo Galleries. Naging fellow siya sa Palihang Rogelio Sicat sa ilalim ng Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas sa University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Adeva Jane H Esparrago is from Cagayan de Oro. She graduated cum laude from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and is currently working on her master’s thesis in the same institution. She teaches English language and literature at Xavier University Junior High School. She serves as a board member of NAGMAC (Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro) and has been a fellow in the 1st Cagayan de Oro Writers Workshop last year. Her works have been published in Dagmay Literary Journal and Bukambibig Issue 01: Crowds. She is one of the resident spoken word artists of CDO Poetry Night (www.facebook.com/cdopoetrynight).

Si Roma Estrada ay nagtuturo ng literatura sa Mataas na Paaralang Pang-agham ng Maynila, Pamantasan ng Santo Tomas, at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela. Kasalukuyan niyang tinatapos ang Master of Arts in Education - Literature sa Pamantasang Normal ng Pilipinas.

Si John Carlos D Evangelista ay kasalukuyang kumukuha ng kursong Batsilyer sa Pansekondaryang Edukasyon, nagpapakadalubhasa sa Filipino sa Pamantasang Normal ng Pilipinas. Siya ay istap at manunulat sa The Torch Publications, ang opisyal na pahayagang pangmag-aaral ng PNU, kasalukuyang pangulo ng Kapisanang Diwa at Panitik-PNU, at miyembro ng Sangay Pilantik na lumilinang sa kakayahang sa pagsulat.

Bago nahilig sa mga tula, namulat muna si Arnold John S Galicia sa mga alamat ng nanay niya tungkol sa mga nuno at kapre ng Leyte. Kaya naman karaniwan ng naisulat niyang mga tula at kwento, may aswang o sigbin.

Naging miyembro siya ng Cavite Young Writers Association at sa kasalukuyan ay isang contributing writer ng ABS-CBN.

Si Rhea B Gulin ay nagtapos ng Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Literature sa Pamantasang Normal ng Pilipinas at kasalukuyang nag-aaral ng Master of Arts in Filipino-Malikhaing Pagsulat sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas-Diliman. Naging fellow para sa sanaysay sa 2015 Ateneo National Writers Workshop at 2016 UST National Writers Workshop, nailathala ang ilan sa kaniyang mga akda sa tatlong edisyon ng Aklas Literary Folio, Liwayway Magazine, pahayagang Manila Bulletin, at online portal na Rappler. Kasalukuyan siyang nagtuturo sa Bulacan State University - Sarmiento Campus.

Valene Anne G Lagunzad is a mental health awareness and suicide prevention advocate. She volunteers for the Buhay movement and is an administrator of ALAB, a non-profit organization that produces events to promote various artists. She just survived a fire and is now very much alive to express herself through songwriting and other compositions. She wishes to contribute a verse to the world through teaching inside and outside the classroom.

Arnold R Lapuz is a faculty of the Quezon City Polytechnic University in Novaliches. He graduated from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a bachelor’s degree in Philippine Studies. He is currently taking his master’s degree in the same field at the same institution.

John Leuven Lasan is a resident of Aklan who came to love and found refuge in poetry at a very early age. His poems aim to be pieces that portray spontaneity and attempt to incorporate every day ideas and observations.

He publishes these ‘observations’ as poems on his blog, under the pseudonym Antoinette Prescott.

kabel mishka j ligot—named after a typeface—lives in quezon city, where he graduated from the university of the philippines diliman with a degree in philippine literature in 2015. his writing has appeared and/or is set to appear in cnn philippines life, de la salle university’s akda journal, and various self-published zines with the up writers club. his poetry suite, sa balát (a)ng lupà: skin poems won the amelia lapeña-bonifacio literary prize in 2013. he currently works at an art and research foundation in makati, and spends the majority of his day sitting inside a bus along edsa.

Kasama ang kanyang pamilya, nagtayo ng coffee shop sa Tanauan si Junica Madrid at tinawag itong Barikafe.

Dito niya naibuhos ang lahat ng hilig niya. Siya ay nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral sa La Consolacion College Tanauan. Nang makatapos ay ginawa niyang raket na maging college instructor ng Art Appreciation, Logic, Retorika, at Philippine Literature sa kanyang alma mater ngunit ngayon ay visual art instructor sa grade school hanggang Senior High School ng St John Academy of Visual and Performing Arts.

Jay Gallera Malaga, 35, is a peace scholar and conflict worker from La Castellana, Negros Occidental. He is the author of Duha Ka Tingog, a collection of poetry in Hiligaynon, published in the Philippines in 2010 through the Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practice with the grant given by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts. He was a fellow to the UP National Writers Workshop and the Iligan National Writers Workshops, among others. He spent the last few years in Europe studying and living with other young people working for interreligious and intercultural dialogue and universal fraternity, finishing a masters’ degree on ‘Foundations and Perspectives on a Culture of Unity’ at the Istituto Universitario Sophia in Florence, Italy following his Conflict and Reconciliation, and Psychology studies in the Philippines. He is currently volunteering for an NGO based in Bangalore, India as a youth counselor and a lecturer in a university.

Niño S Manaog lives in Western Visayas, the site of his recent poems, which are experiments of ‘Biligaynon’ or interlaces of the Bikol and Hiligaynon languages. He is the author of Anáyo, a collection of Bikol poems which, according to Luis Cabalquinto, are “images distilled from a familiar landscape and formed into compact intimate verses reaching a high artistic peak.” A holder of AB Literature from the Ateneo de Naga University, he received writing fellowships from the Ateneo National Writers Workshop, the Iligan National Writers Workshop, and the Silliman University National Writers Workshop. He edits The Capiz Times, a weekly newspaper based in Roxas City.

Si Francisco A Montesena ay isinilang sa Majayjay, Laguna at kasalukuyang naninirahan sa Angono, Rizal. Siya ay propesor sa isang pribadong kolehiyo at naging fellow ng mga national writing workshop kabilang ang 8th UST National Writers Workshop, 8th Ateneo National Writers Workshop, ika-5 Palihang Rogelio Sicat, at 55th UP National Writers Workshop.

Angelito G Nambatac Jr was a fellow for fiction in Binisayá at the 22nd Iligan National Writers Workshop and the 31st Cornelio Faigao Memorial Annual Writers Workshop. He is one of the new members of BATHALAD-Mindanao and a member of a local writers group in Iligan City, Himugso Kolektibo.

Si Daniel L Nesperos ay nakatira sa San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. Nag-aral siya sa Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City ng kursong BS in Industrial Technology at naging kasapi ng GUMIL Filipinas, ang samahan ng mga Ilokanong manunulat. Nalathala ang kuwento niya sa ANI 31 ng Cultural Center of the Philippines. Ang mga tula at kuwento niya ay nalathala rin sa Liwayway Magazine at Bannawag Magazine ng Manila Bulletin. Siya ay naging panelist ng PASNAAN ng GUMIL Filipinas at fellow sa Tulang Ilokano noong 1996 sa 26th UP National Writer’s Workshop.

Si Allan Lenard Ocampo ay naging fellow sa tula ng palihang LIRA noong 2011. Napili rin siyang fellow para sa tula sa ginanap na 14th IYAS National Writers Workshop sa St La Salle University sa Bacolod noong 2014. Ang ilan sa kanyang mga akdang tula ay nalathala sa Liwayway, Panorama Magazine, Philippines Graphic, ANI 38 at ANI 39 ng CCP. Kasalukuyang siyang naninirahan sa Taguig City kasama ang kanyang kabiyak na si Angela at anak na si Aliyah.

Melchor E Orpilla, a poet, amateur song-writer, sojourner, and dreamer, was born in Alaminos City, Pangasinan and grew up in Dagupan City. As early as high school, he has started composing poems and songs in Pangasinan language. He won first prize (Pangasinan Category) in the 2006 Gawad Komisyon poetry-writing contest in major Philippine languages spearheaded by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. His winning poem appeared in Ani ng Wika 2006. His two poems Manëgkal and Insipan a Dalin were featured in Chris Gozum’s Pangasinan films titled Anacbanua and Lawas kan Pinabli, respectively. He came up with a proposal for Pangasinan orthography and presented it as part of his academic completion leading to the degree of Master in Development Management at PSU - Urdaneta Graduate School. Currently, he is teaching as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) for English in two prefectural high schools in Kanagawa, Japan.

Elsie C Padernal is a native of Calinog, Iloilo. This year, her poems received citations from the Padya Dungug Kinaray-a, a writing competition for writers in the Kinaray-a language.

Christian Patricio writes poems on Tumblr under the name of himlayan. He is a BA Communication, major in Journalism, minor in Broadcast Communication student from University of the Philippines Baguio. He was also the Writer’s Pool Head (2015-2016) of Tanghalang Bayan ng Kabataan sa Baguio, a Baguio-based theater group.

Kursong AB Filipinolohiya ang kursong kinuha ni Romano B Redublo sa Politeknikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. Naging guro sa kolehiyo ng mga asignaturang Filipino at Kasaysayan mula pa noong taong 2005. Kasalukuyan siyang mag- aaral ng Gradwadong Paaralan ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas at kumukuha ng kursong MA Malikhaing Pagsulat.

Dan Kevin Roque is a poet, painter, and planeswalker. He currently works for the BPO industry and spends his free-time writing about anything under the sun on his blog, http://bearerofoverwhelmingtruths.blogspot.com.

He received a special citation for poetry in the 8th Gawad Emmanuel Lacaba in 2012, and was a fellow for the Pamiyabe Creative Writing Workshop in 2013.

Jules Ruz is a Computer Science student at UP Los Baños. She is a founding member of the Joint Select Operations Command (JSOC) and a resident member of the UPLB Babaylan. She trains Muay Thai when she can while waiting for the abs that she ordered as a child to arrive. She went out of the closet five years ago.

Joseph Aleen S Salvador is a fourth-year college student taking his bachelor’s degree in English in the Ateneo de Naga University. Currently, he is a member of the Ateneo Literary Association, an organization of readers and writers who seek to strengthen the literary scene in the university and in the Bicol Region. He had two published poems, namely Muted I and What I Have, in the third volume of the organization’s online literary folio titled TILAD: MatÌ.

Fidel Sambaoa: Tubo iti Matue, Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur. Nagturpos iti BSBA Entrepreneurship iti University of Northern Philippines (1995). Sales assistant ti Anvil Publishing , Inc. ken bookstore specialist ti National Bookstore, Inc. Kameng ti GUMIL Metro Manila. Masansan nga agipaskil iti Facebook kadagiti daniw,alternatibo nga ag-agas-herbal ken kapanunotanna kadagiti bambanag maipanggep iti Bag-o, Itneg ken cordillera kas maysa a patanur iti deppaar ti Tirad pass.

Charlie Sebastian is the pen name of a Cebuana poet who is in the LGBTQ+ spectrum—a biromantic asexual and agender—thus, the use of the pronoun ‘they’. Charlie moved out of the Philippines in their teen years, where they have been exposed to the art of spoken word poetry. They have since returned to Cebu to pursue a degree in a fancy-sounding degree program at an elite private Catholic university. Charlie uses a pen name because they don’t want their unsupportive, anti-LGBT parents to find them writing gay poetry because they said that being gay is not okay. Charlie writes poetry, fan fiction, and creative nonfiction in their spare time.

Si Jose Carlo Sia ay lumaki sa Misamis Oriental bago mapunta sa Los Laños, Laguna upang mag-aral sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. Kasalukuyang siyang namamasukan sa isang IT company sa Makati City at nakatira naman sa Taguig City. Hilig niya ang sumulat ng mga tula sa Tagalog at Binisayá.

Ariel S Tabag is an Ilokano fictionist, poet, editor, translator, and musician. He has received awards from the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, NCCA Writers’ Prize, Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino Awards, National Book Development Board, and other regional Ilokano literary contests. He is the author of Karapote, a collection of Ilokano short stories, Ay, Ni Reberen!, a novel in Ilokano, Panangarakup iti Ipus ti Layap, a collection of Ilokano poetry, and Kapessat ti Bagis, a novel in Ilokano. He has also translated in Filipino: Samtoy, an anthology of Ilokano short stories, and two dramas of Mena Pecson Crisologo. He is a fellow to the 41st UP National Writers Workshop in 2002, and a delegate to the Taboan Philippine Literary Festival in 2010 and 6th Philippine International Literary Festival in 2015. He plays bass with the Ilokano band Manong Diego. He is the poetry editor of Manila Bulletin’s Bannawag Magazine. He is the secretary-general of GUMIL Filipinas, the organization of Ilokano writers. He lives in Quezon City.

Si Roda L Tajon ay kasalukuyang nakabase sa Eastern Samar para sa isang proyekto na pinangungunahan ng Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP). Dati siyang manunulat sa Northern Dispatch Weekly at para sa mga people’s organizations sa rehiyon ng Ilocos bago siya lumipat sa kalakhang Maynila at pumasok sa CDP.

Derick Anonuevo Tong-alan is from Balidbid, Salcedo, Ilocos Sur. He obtained his Master of Divinity in Bishop Han Theological Seminary in Malaybalay City and graduated Bachelor of Arts in Aldersgate College, Solano Nueva Vizcaya. He is currently assigned as Minister of United Methodist Church in Callaguip, Paoay Ilocos Norte.

Joshua Rei N Ubaldo holds a degree in Mass Communications and currently works as a Communications Development Officer for DENR. He is affiliated with the Monday Poets of Mt Cloud in Baguio City, as well as Patlang of San Fernando, Pampanga. When not writing or taking photos, he does Judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

NME Valdez is the public relations officer of the National Tobacco Administration, a freelance writer and editor of different online and print publications in Metro Manila, a regular contributor to Bannawag Magazine, and a former teacher. He has a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and AB English degree from the University of Northern Philippines. He is a member of GUMIL Filipinas. His second novel in Ilokano, Kasera 101: Maysa a Nobela was published in 2015 and his anthology of Ilokano short stories Maysa a Panawen iti Sirok ti Kalunatsi in 2001. Some of his works has been included in Samtoy: Antolohia ng mga Kuwentong Ilokano Salin sa Filipino (NCCA, 2011), 29 a Napili a Sarita iti Iluko (GMM, 2010), Sagibo: Antolohia Dagiti Sarita (GUMIL Filipinas, 1993), Dandaniw Ilokano: Mga Tulang Ilokano (NCCA, 2015), and Antolohia Dagiti Sarita nga Ilokano (GUMIL Filipinas Tagnawa Series #1, 2016).

Oswald A Valente is a farmer and a poet. He earned prizes, including grand prize at Constancia V Lansangan Literary Awards for Iloco Literature (COVLLA 1992-1993). His works—daniw, ababa a sarita, and salaysay—are published at Bannawag Magazine, Cronicas, Valley Journal, Covlla Review: Salinong Dagiti Mannurat, and Ilocos Times. His other works appeared in anthologies such as SAGIBO: Antolohia Dagiti Sarita; KARIT: Antolohia Dagiti Sarita; TARIGAGAY: Antolohia Dagiti Sarita; ANARAAR: Antolihia Dagiti 21 A Napili A Sarita; Fascinating Panoptic Septon: The September-Born Poem; Antolohia Dagiti Daniw Ni Ayat; and ANI 39 (2015-2016). He is also a preacher and teacher in his local church.

Angelica Y Yang is a 19-year-old college student at the University of the Philippines Diliman. She is a student correspondent for the To Be You Lifestyle section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

ABOUT THE EDITORS General Editor & Interim Binisaya Editor

Alton Melvar M Dapanas writes and translates in English and in Bisaya. His poems, nonfiction memoirs, and travel narratives are published or are forthcoming in international and local publications such as Philippines Graphic, Manila Bulletin’s Bisaya Magasin, Eastlit Southeast Asia, We Are A Website Singapore, Undertow Tanka Review, SAND Germany, Alien Mouth, Of Zoos, The White Elephant: Journal of Cultural Inquiry, and Bateau Ivre Journal of Art and Performance where his poem was translated to French. He is affiliated with BATHALAD Mindanao and the Asia Pacific Writers and Translators. His recent works will also be anthologized in Sakayang Papel: Anthology of Bisaya Poetry (University of San Carlos Press), Lagusnilad: Antolohiya ng mga Akdang Maynila (Underground Books), and Way With Words. His first collaborative zine to be titled Gayzes will be published independently. He serves as operations director and senior fellow for poetry and essay for the Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro (NAGMAC), a young artists collective of new-wave writers from Northern Mindanao, and editor for literary essay and creative nonfiction for its bi-annual journal, the Bulawan Literary Zine. Over a Cup of Coffee, a platform for local poets, essayists, fictionists, and playwrights, and the CDO Writing Clinic are his brainchild projects.

Ilocano Editor

Born in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, Roy V Aragon studied Bachelor of Arts in Catanduanes State Colleges. Most of his writings are in Ilokano, many of them published in Bannawag Magazine. He also writes in Tagalog. He has won awards in various literary competitions, which include three first prizes in Ilokano short story and five first prizes in Ilokano poetry. He has also won prizes in the Carlos Palanca Awards: three third prizes in Ilokano short story and a second prize in Filipino short story. He was a fellow, representing Ilokano fiction, in the 1996 UP National Writers Workshop. He also represented Ilocos region in the 9th Lamiraw Workshop held in Calbayog City, Western Samar in 2012 by being a fellow in Ilokano poetry. He was a delegate and panelist in the 2011 Taboan International Writers Festival held in Davao City. He published his first printed book, BAGI: dandaniw, a collection of his selected Ilokano poetry, in 2015. In 2000, he released a digital book of his Ilokano poetry, Napili ken Saan a Napili a Dandaniw ken Dadduma Pay a Riknakem, which is considered as the first Ilokano poetry e-book. He is working on a forthcoming book of his selected Ilokano short stories. He also co-edited various anthologies of Ilokano fiction and poetry. He is currently a member of the board of directors of GUMIL Filipinas, the most active organization of Ilokano writers in the Philippines and abroad, where previously he was secretary general. He works as a freelance translator, writer, editor, and book designer.

Pangasinan Editor

Mark Anthony B Austria received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Pangasinan State University where he is currently the chairperson of the languages, professional, and general education department and teaches language, literature, and creative writing courses. His research on Pangasinan language titled “Assimilation and Reduplication in Pangasinan Adjectives: A Morphophonemic Analysis” won first prize (faculty category) in the University In-House Research Review in 2012. A number of his works appeared in the Philippine Panorama, ANI 39 of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila Bulletin, AboutFilipino.com, and FanBox.com. His suite of poems entitled “Biek Taew Tan Arum Ni’ran Anlong” is included in the Kurit Panlunggaring Anthology (2012-2014). His poem “Sa Aplaya” also appeared in the Atlantis issue of the Paper Monster Press. He also received Pangasinan Literary Awards for his poetry in 2013 (Third Prize, Biek Taew Tan Arum Ni’ran Anlong) and 2016 (First Prize, Sibék Tan Arum Ni’ran Anlong). He was a fellow of the 3rd Cordillera Creative Writing Workshop of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB).

English Editor

April Mae M Berza is the author of Confession ng isang Bob Ong Fan (Flipside, 2014) and Berso de Berza (Charging Ram, 2012). Her poems and short stories appeared in numerous publications in the United States, France, Canada, Romania, India, Japan, Great Britain, and the Philippines. Her poems were translated in Crimean Tatar and Filipino. Some of her poems appeared in Liwayway, Belleville Park Pages, Haiku Journal, The Siren, Poetica, Three Line Poetry, Calliope, Maganda, Metric Conversions, Ani, The Manila Times, Asahi Haikus Network, Contemporary Verse 2, and elsewhere. Her poem E-Martial Law was broadcasted on IndoPacific Radio on KPFA 94.1 FM (kpfa.org). She is a member of Poetic Genius Society and a product of the LIRA Poetry Clinic.

Bikol Editor

Born in Pasay City, Jose Jason L Chancoco grew up in Iriga City and now lives in Naga City with his partner, Chel, the expectant mother of his first born, Jose Daniel. An AB Literature and Law graduate, he is member of Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA) and he has attended the 2nd Ateneo National Writers Workshop (English Poetry), Ricky Lee’s 14th Scriptwriting Workshop for Film and TV, 3rd UST National Writers Workshop (Tula), 1st Juliana Arejola-Fajardo Workshop for Bikol Writing (Rawitdawit), 2004 IYAS Creative Writing Workshop (Tula), 12th Iligan National Writers Workshop (Tula) and the Silliman National Writers Workshop (Poetry). A regular panelist in creative writing workshops, his works have appeared in magazines and journals here and abroad. He has edited literary collections and anthologies including Salugsog sa Sulog and Blank Paper Will Always be At the Ready. He has won various literary prizes including the Transition Literary Contest 1999 (1st Prize, One-Act Play in English), Philippine Star’s Fresh Ink Literary Contest 2000 & 2001 (Tula), Maningning Miclat Award for Poetry 2003 (Tula), Talaang Ginto: Gawad Surian sa Tula, Gantimpalang Collantes 2004 (Second Prize, Tula), Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon 2004 (Bikol poetry), Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon 2005 (1st Prize, Bikol Short-story for Children and 1st Prize, Bikol One-Act Play for Children), Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon 2006 (Bikol essay), Talaang Ginto: Gawad Surian sa Tula, Gantimpalang Collantes 2007 (honorable mention, Tula), Gawad “Soc” Rodrigo 2007 (KWF and NCCA, Filipino Poetry), Homelife Magazine Poetry Contest 2007 (1st Prize, Tula), Achievement Award for Literature (from AdNU), 1st Annual Bicol Bloggy Awards: Best Literature Blog for 2011 (For Hagbayon), Talaang Ginto: Gawad KWF sa Tula 2012 (honorable mention, Tula) and Dionatext Kontra Depresyon 2012 (AWIT Foundation). His first book Pagsasatubuanan: Poetikang Bikolnon (Bikol Literary Criticism) was published by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2008. It was awarded the Premio Bibiano Sabino para sa Librong Bikolnon as a pioneering work on Bikol poetics. He is an active literary practitioner in his community. He organizes poetry workshops and readings such as the WG and the VerSosimo. He was part the core group of Bikol Slam 2012, the very first slam poetry contest in the Philippines. He sings and plays lead guitar for his poetry band The Super Poet Genome Project. A rifleman and a martial artist, he has a collection of swords and knives.

Hiligaynon & Kinaray-a Editor

Jesus C Insilada, from Calinog, Iloilo, earned his MA in English and Literature and Doctor of Education major in Educational Management from West Visayas State University (WVSU). He has received three awards from the Palanca for his short stories in Hiligaynon—3rd Prize (2010), 2nd Prize (2012), and 1st Prize (2015). Liwayway has published his Filipino poetry while his Hiligaynon poetry, short stories, and novels have been included in Hiligaynon, a sister magazine of the Liwayway of the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. He authored three literary books–Ang Mamalaybay Kon Maghigugma, a poetry collection, Walingwaling, a short story collection, and Amburukay, a chapbook. He is a product of the following writers workshops: 7th San Agustin Writers Workshop, 6th Lamiraw Regional Creative Writing Workshop, 10th Iyas Creative Writing Workshop, Ikaapat na Palihang Rogelio Sicat, 11th Ateneo National Writers Workshop, and 19th Iligan National Writers Workshop. He is presently the principal of Alcarde Gustilo Memorial National High School at Alibunan, Calinog, Iloilo.

Tagalog Editor

Joel Donato C Jacob has been a member of the Linangan ng Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) since 2013. He was a fellow at the UST National Writers Workshop in 2014, Iligan National Writers Workshop in 2015, and the Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio Writers Workshop (formerly UP Basic Writers Workshop) in 2016. His works appeared in Liwayway, LONTAR Journal of Speculative South East Asian Literature, Plural Online Prose Journal, Ani, Sawi Anthology, and LIRA 30. He is certified HIV Counselor and Search and Rescue Respondent.

ABOUT THE CONSULTANTS

Charlie S Veric is a critic, curator, and poet. He holds a PhD in American Studies from Yale University.

His curated exhibition, Figuring Filipino Utopia, is on view at the Ateneo Art Gallery until January 2017. He is the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed poetry collection, Histories, and of the forthcoming title, Boyhood, both from Ateneo de Manila University Press. Born in Aklan, he teaches at the Ateneo.

Mark Angeles, or Mark Anthony S Angeles, was declared this year’s Makata ng Taon by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF). He was writer-in-residence at the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program in 2013. He is a two-time Palanca awardee for Tula category (2010 and 2013) and two-time Mananaysay ng Taon (2013 and 2015). He is a columnist of Pinoy Weekly, the literary editor of bulatlat.com, and features contributor of GMA News Online. Currently, he studies MA in Malikhaing Pagsulat at the University of Philippines Diliman and teaches Filipino and Literature courses at a senior high school.

Vim S Nadera, or Victor Emmanuel Daelo Carmelo Nadera Jr, is a University of the Philippines Diliman professor who has taught performance poetry for more than 10 years at the Department of English and Comparative Literature. He was able to form groups like Gatula (1996), Oratura (1997), Toki (1997), Cofradia (1998), L (1998), amorphous mass (1999), and others known for promoting orature until 2006.

The most popular among them was The Batutes, noted and notorious for deconstructing Balagtasan. On the other hand, around that time, in 2003, he became the Lakandiwa of the Balagtasan team called MTV -- for Mike (Coroza), Teo (Antonio), and Vim (Nadera) -- who has performed here and abroad like the Bowery Poetry Club in New York; the Union City Hall in Union City; San Francisco Library in California; and The Gallery Hotel in Singapore, among others. In 2008, the National Book Development Board (NBDB) hired Vim to serve as coach to celebrity readers -- Christine Bersola-Babao, Lyn Ching, Chinchin Gutierrez, Edu Manzano, Miriam Quiambao, Rhea Santos, et al. -- for their poetry recording for its project Tulaan sa Tren – which you can still hear while riding LRT and MRT. Ten years before that, he celebrated our 100th Independence Day through the spoken word. On 12 June 1998, through the partnership of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), he had the chance to direct, produce, and perform in his biggest and best performance literature project ever -- the literary gathering entitled (KA)LAKARAN: Sentenaryo ng mga Makata ng Bayan -- wherein the performance poets played the role of their favorite Filipino heroes. In their costumes and makeups, they introduced their heroism to the shoppers at the Glorietta for almost an entire day highlighted by a poetry reading in the middle of the said mall in the heart of Makati. He, too, is a performance artist who represented the Philippines in art festivals in Malaysia (2000 and 2001), Taiwan (2001, 2006, and 2007), Singapore (2002 and 2008), Thailand (2006 and 2012), Japan (2010), United States (2011), Germany (2013), and South Korea (2013). As an actor, he was a delegate to the 27th Tokyo International Film Festival as the Godfather in Khavn de la Cruz’s indie film Ruined Hearts. Vim was chosen as the Festival Director of the first Performatura: Performing Literatures on 6,7, and 8 November 2015 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. On secondment, he is serving the Philippine High School for the Arts as its Director IV.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We’d like to thank the following people for their unending support and dedication to making this folio a reality.

To the godfathers of literatures in the local languages, Edgar S. Godin of Manila Bulletin’s Bisaya Magasin, Jerry B. Gracio of Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, and Santiago Villafania of the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission for their support; recognized poets and the consultants of future issues in the first volume: Dr. Charlie S. Veric of Ateneo de Manila University, Rina G. Chua of the University of Santo Tomas, and Zola Gonzalez-Macarambon of Monash University; our foremost consultants, Mark S. Angeles and Dr. Vim Nadera. We would also like to thank Vladimeir Gonzalez and Om Velasco of Philippine Literature Portal (panitikan.com.ph) and the Philippine Literary Portal of UP Likhaan Institute of Creative Writing; Jose Ardivilla of UP College of Fine Arts and Inez De Leon of Ateneo de Manila University Department of Communications. We would furthermore like to recognize our editors for the local languages: Roy V. Aragon (Editor for Ilokano), Mark Anthony B. Austria (Editor for Pangasinan), April Mae Berza (Editor for English), Jason Chancoco (Editor for Bikol), Jesus C. Insilada (Editor for Ilonggo), and Joel Donato C. Jacob (Editor for Tagalog). We would also like to recognize the efforts of certain members of our team, who contributed to our work in the second issue: Valene Lagunzad, Ivan Mella, Robert Pulgo, Earle Gregorio, Reneil Sandaan, Trina Tuquib, Yzabel de Mesa, Allyana Deveza, Cara Mags, Jana De La Pena, Jelo Narag, Martin Tongol, and Rica Lopez. We would also like to thank Charisse Aganinta of DAYO Creative Solutions (dayoplayground.com) for her tireless work on helping construct our official logo, Max Santiago of Career Academy Asia for aiding in the layout, and for the following literary groups and institutions for working with us in forwarding the goals of literature in the Philippines: Pugad Adarna Network, The Loudmouth Collective, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Cultural Center of the Philippines Intertextual Division, Baguio Writers Group, DLSU Writers Guild, the Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro (NAGMAC).

This folio would not have been possible without all of you.

With love and gratitude, the Bukambibig team.

CALL FOR PERFORMANCE (ECO)POETRY Bukambibig’s Issue 03: ‘Disasters’

Bukambibig Poetry Folio of Spoken Word Philippines is now open for contributions to its first volume’s third quarterly issue themed ‘Disasters’. The folio is looking for spoken word pieces that talk about natural disasters, climate change, global warming, affinity to urban/rural place, individualized experiences of the aftermath of disasters, etc. It seeks contributions from emerging and established Filipino poets who reside in the country or abroad. Entries should be composed of two to three poems (not more than 60 lines each) meant for performance and written in Bikol, Binisaya, English, Hiligaynon/Kinaray-a, Ilokano, Pangasinan, Tagalog, or combination of these languages. (A poem written in a local language must have a three-sentence synopsis in English.)

Submissions are assumed to be original and previously unpublished. Poems should be written as one document, single-spaced in Garamond font 12 (in MS Word format). The name of the author shall not appear in any of the pages. On the email’s body, write the author’s name, mobile number, email address, and a short bionote (in the third person). The bionote (150-300 words) may include the author’s location in the Philippines or anywhere in the world, academic background, and if applicable, current professional work, writers group affiliations, publication history, and writing workshops attended. All entries must be submitted before 11:59 PM on 10 February 2017 to spokenwordph.poetryfolio@gmail.com with the email subject: Language(s)_Last Name_First Name_MI (example: Binisaya_Dela Cruz_Juan Carlos_P).

The general editor of the folio is Alton Melvar Madrid Dapanas, with Mark Anthony S Angeles— writer-in-residence of the 2013 International Writing Program and Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino’s 2016 Makata ng Taon—and Dr Vim S Nadera—the father of Philippine performance poetry—as consultants. Rina Garcia Chua, editor of ‘Sustaining the Archipelago: An Anthology of Philippine Ecopoetry’, will write this issue’s critical introduction. The editorial board is also composed of renowned poets Jose Jason L Chancoco (Bikol editor), Cindy A Velasquez (Binisaya editor), April Mae M Berza (English editor), Jesus C Insilada (Hiligaynon & Kinaray-a editor), Roy V Aragon (Ilokano editor), Mark Anthony B Austria (Pangasinan editor), and Joel Donato C Jacob (Tagalog editor).

For updates about the folio and its spoken word artists collective, follow Bukambibig on Facebook, facebook.com/BukambibigPH, and Twitter, @BukambibigPH. The folio is still open to editor-applicants for Waray and Kapampangan languages. See http://panitikan.com. ph/content/call-associate-editors-regional-languages-bukambibig-poetry-folio-spoken-word-philippines for core qualifications and submission guidelines.

Read previous issues here: https://issuu.com/bukambibigph Note: The copyright of the poems published remains with the authors. The folio is unable to give payment for accepted works because it operates with a volunteer-workforce and remains independently published online.