Banaag Diwa 2008 by Karla Degrano

Banaag Diwa 2008 Katipunan ng mga akdang pampanitikan ng Atenews

Mga Tula 6

Editors-in-Chief Hyangelo Henry Hao Santigo Paulo Pascual Associate Editor Karlo James Bringas Managing Editor Jobelle Obguia News Editor Mick Jethro Basa

Maikling Kwento 58 Selene

Mga Sanaysay 64

What I Learned from my pet fish Oh Dear... Magandang Tanawin

Mga Larawan 74

Features Editor Ma. Elaine Dy Staff Writers Carmel Jade Bual Kheycee Mae Matarlo Sonito Mole, Jr. Blossom Ann Madulin Hope Charmaine Mangabang Cartoonists Noli Jane Pacunla Ruki Trumata Photojournalist Mar Vince Emmanuel Reyes Lay-out Artist Karla Degrano Moderators 2 Dr. Macario Tiu Dr. Victoria Tatad-Pre

Banaag Diwa 2008

3 Katipunan ng mga akdang pampanitikan ng Atenews

Pambungad

inoy. Ang halo-halong lahi ng Mundo.

Kung ating susuriin, ang bawat bansa na matatagpuan sa Asya at maging sa mundo ay may kanya kanyang sariling imahe at kultura na talaga namang natatangi sa kanila. Sa bansang Hapon ay kilala ng karaniwang pinoy ang kanilang mga kimono, cherry blossoms at anime. Kilala naman ang bansang Tsina sa kanilang Chinese New Year, Confucianism at ang pagiging magaling na mga negosyante. Kung ikukumpara naman sa Pilipinas, ay mukhang medyo malabo ang imahe na napipinta sa ating isipan. Marahil ay maiiugnay natin ang isang imahe ng Pinoy sa Banawe Rice Terraces, pero ang nasasaklaw lamang sa imahe na ito ay ang mga Ifugao sa Benguet. Ang Barong Tagalog at Baro’t Saya naman ay naii-ugnay lang natin sa mga taong nakatira sa bahaging Timog at Gitnang Luzon, kahit ito pa ang pambansang damit. Kahit ang mga pagkaing pinoy ay may impluwensiya na din ng mga banyaga, kasama ang ating sistemang pang-edukasyon at gobyerno. Marahil may mga bagay-bagay kayong maiisip 4 na talagang natatanging Pinoy, pero mahirap, dahil karaniwan ay naiiugnay din

ito sa mga banyaga. Kaya minsan, sa dami ng banyagang nakadikit satin, mapapaisip tayo: Sino nga ba talaga ang Pinoy? Marahil na rin sa iba’t ibang banyagang sumakop sa atin ay nawalan na tayo ng imahe ng pagiging Pinoy. Pero, may mga bagay-bagay din naman talagang maituturing nating Pinoy, tulad nalang ng Jeepney. Kahit na ang ninuno nito ay galing sa makalumang Amerikanong jeep, ang pagiging malikhain at innovative ang nagbigay buhay sa makabagong Jeepney. Kahit na ang katangian ng Pinoy na pagiging ma-aruga at kagiliw-giliw ay matatagpuan din sa ibang Bansa. Ngunit, karaniwang nakukuha ang Pinoy sa mga propesyong may kinalaman sa mga nabangit na katangian tulad ng nursing at, tourism (Iba talaga mag-aruga ang Pinoy) Sinasabi ring malambot ang dila ng Pinoy kaya madali nating natutunan ang mga wikang banyaga kung ihahambing sa ating mga kapitbahay sa Asya. Sa mga halimbawang ito, ang mga bagay bagay na ating nasasagap sa mga banyaga ay ating nababago at nai-aakma sa ating pagiging Pinoy. Sa makatwid, ang Pinoy ay ang lahi ng mundo na nilikha para magaling makisabay sa pagbabago ng mundo at ang manatiling matatag kahit na hindi kanais-nais ang mga pagbabagong ito.

Siguro ay hindi lahat ng magbabasa ngayon ay sasang-ayon sa nasabing katangian ng Pinoy. Marahil ay dala na rin ito ng hindi nating mabago-bagong mga masasamang ugaling Pinoy tulad ng notoryus na Filipino Time ( isang oras nagiging huli sa mga pagtitipon) ang ningas kugon at ang corruption, na kahit ipagkaila pa natin ay mas gusto nating gawin ang mas madali kaysa sa ang tama. Ngunit, kahit na ganito, ay may mga ibang pinoy din namang sinusubukang kumalas sa mga masamang imahe na ito (Malamang marami nang Pinoy ang sinisante sa mga trabaho sa ibang bansa kung laging huli at kurakot).

“...ang Pinoy ay ang lahi ng mundo na nilikha para magaling makisabay sa pagbabago ng mundo...”

Meron din namang mga mabubuting pag-uugali ang Pinoy tulad ng bayanihan at ang pagkaka-isa pag may krisis. Ngunit, ang pinaka matindi nating katangian ay ang

ating pagiging matatag, dulot na rin marahil sa masayang disposisyon ng Pinoy (pag may krisis eh ginagawang katawa-tawa ang naturang mga bagay. Mapapansin iyon sa mga umiikot na text jokes tungkol sa mga krisis), at dulot marahil sa sanay na tayo sa hirap ng mundo. Kaya, sa munting folio na ito ng Banaag Diwa, ay ninais naming gawing makaPinoy ang Tema. Marahil ay may makikita kayong may impluwensiya (pati nga ang ginagamit na pag-gawa ng isyu na ito ay mga software na gawa ng mga Amerikano), pero likas na sa atin ang gawing Pinoy ang mga bagay na banyaga. Narito ngayon sa iyong mga kamay ang bawat damdamin, pakiramdam, emosyon at kaluluwa na naka-ukit sa bawat linya ng tula, maliit na kwento at sanaysay, pati narin sa mga imaheng humuhuli sa pagiging Pinoy. Sana ay makita natin na sa bawat nilalaman ng pahina ng Banaag Diwa, ay naroon ang Pilipino na nasasangkot sa mga bawat hamon ng buhay. Ang Atenistang Pinoy na naka tatak sa papel na sana ay mabuhay sa iyong mata at diwa.

Santigo Paulo L. 5Pascual Punong Patnugot

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Butterfly

By Florante

I’ll become a happy butterfly, And ride on the glittering wind I’ll come to see you soon It’s best to forget the unnecessary things There’s no more time to be fooling around What do you mean when you say fly? I wonder if we’ll reach the skies But, I don’t even know What my plans are for tomorrow After an endless dream, In this world of nothingness It seems as if our beloved dreams will lose Even with these unreliable wings, Covered in images that tend to stay I’m sure we can fly on our love

Dream Olaybar

I’ll become a merry butterfly, And ride on the earnest wind I’ll come to see you wherever you are Ambiguous words are surprisingly handy I’ll shout it out while listening to your song What do you mean when you say growl? I wonder if it’ll echo through this town But, there’s no use anticipating Every voice is breaking After an endless dream, In this miserable world Hope still has the chance of winning Even with these awkward wings, Dyed with images that seem to stay I’m sure we can fly on our hope

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Childhood memory By Ma. Elaine Dy

When I was still a toddler So many things made me wonder For instance, who made me? I ponder To mother dear I run for an answer “GOD” made you my dear was her reply And off she shoved me back to play For she has so many things get done for the day Such subtle reply made me cry I insists she tell me more, my little mind she mustn’t ignore Hush my child, you’re so noisy Mother is busy cant you see? But since you persist You must listen to this You’ve been in my womb For nine months long Until one cold night I held my pillow tight I feel such rumbling and tumbling in my tummy They call it labor So painful but I braved it all By daylight, a little baby came out crying While I was sighing Cause all is well that ends well Such wonderful story unfold before me Leaving a two year old mind To ponder and wonder on how it came to be That I was in my mothers’ womb

If GOD created me...????!!!

An Attempt to

Friendship By Isle

Eye meets eye Before you put Those shades on. I looked away Knowing our world Could be so little. I hate the language barrier So I won’t talk to you And neither would you. But the sudden twist of fate Brought us together Giving us a chance To at least be friends. You tried; You borrowed my notebook You passed the papers on to me You once laughed at my joke That was not thrown at you. But the spark that used to burn the air Lost its flame already. Maybe we could never be friends. We are acquaintances And maybe we would Always just be.

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

WAIT

By Karla Stefan Singson

As usual, You are two hours late. (I hope you haven’t forgotten.) And as usual, I compose reasons for you As if those would heal. As if we can stay.

I haven’t heard From you for a long time. (I hope you haven’t forgotten.) Did you take care Of my bonsai? Did you keep The withered roses By the medicine cabinet? Did you throw away The tea bags I hid Under the sink? But okay, Let’s get back To fray. Say… Have you also forgotten To love me today?

WAIT (the reply) By Bam Baraguir

Trust me. I still remember every little thing as if it was just five seconds ago. It may not seem so, but I jotted down everything you did, they were inscribed permanently to my soul. How can I forget, the days when you walk home alone after you sent me home and reasoned for my going past curfew time I still remember the sketchpad you left anonymously at my door. That was my birthday, yes, and you’re the only one

who remembered. You’re the only one who cared. I know it’s you. I can see it by the way your eyes shine when you made me those paper cranes. I will always remember. And before you forget, before you even think about it. No, you’re not forgotten.

I love you.

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Estudyante By Jielo Ferranculo

Hoy! Bangon nahâ&#x20AC;Ś Late naka! 5 minutes nalang Ma Pastilan! Kakapoy na lang jud moskwela Kada â&#x20AC;&#x201C;adlaw nalang mosayo ug mata Naa pay tubig ikaligo na hastang tugnawa Pag-abot pa jud sa kanto wa nay taxi mapara Gosh! Mapugos ko magjeep na hasta ra ba jung dugaya molarga 5 minutes na lang! Patay! Di na pa jud makaelevator kay taas pa kayo ang pila Na, pugos ka magstairs na 7th floor pa ra ba ko Tua, ang make up nalanay na Pag-abot sa klasrum, nagquiz pa jud sila FC Classmate, pwede pakopya? Pagsugod sa lecture, sugod pog aksyon-aksyon ug higda

Manguy-ab pa jud (hasta ra bang dakuag nganga..) Panan-aw sa titser unlan na ug kama Sabayan pag kagutom Kaldero pa Sus! Naa pa gyuy assignment na hastang daghana Lipay ka kay humana Pero buntag sayo na Naa pay quiz na hastang taasa HoO.....! akong eye bugs hasta ng dakoa Akong pimples, abot na sa paa Pero ana jud na... Kelangan magtarong ug eskwela Kay kung dili, mahulog uroy tag patid-patid sa lata (sugot ka?) Atenista ra ba tah Munang maski kapoy, hala bira Di jud palupig sa lawas na luya Kay kung ikaw maningkamut Moabot ang panahon makaingon ra jud ka May na lang nagtarong kog eskwela

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

BUHAY SA DORMITORYO

By Hannah Louisa

Ganito ba talaga dito? Sa isang maliit na kwarto Apat kayong parang daga Naghahating napakaburara Hindi ba ko nagkamali? Sa aking naging pagsusuri? Nagunita ko, inyong kalagayan Mayroon ba ditong kapayapaan? May videoke sa kanto Sa baba ang lakas ng radyo Paano kayo nag-aaral niyan? Isigaw ninyo, inyong karapatan. Tubig – sa umaga ay problema Kuryente - minsan nawawala Paglumakas masyado ang ulan Iskinita’y parang sakahan Pwede ka naman lumipat “Titiisin ko na lang lahat” Bakit ayaw mo? “Wala pa ang pang-matrikula ko”. 16

ISANG

HUWEBES UMULAN

By Karla Stefan Singson

Ubos ko na ang kape. Ubos na rin ang mga luha ng langit. Ni isa, wala akong hiningi sa’yo. Binaha mo ako ng pangako, Ng bandeha-bandehadong yakap, Mga bundok ng dalamhati... At ang unti-unting ihip Ng mainit mong pagmamahal. Hindi naman ako nilamig. Hindi naman kita tinawag. Ni isa, wala akong hiningi sa’yo. Inimibita ko ang kulog at kidlat; Hindi mo sila kailangan patahimikin. Kinatha ko ang mga tanong; Hindi mo sila kailangan barahin. Umuwi ka na. At kumbinsihin mo Ang sarili mong ‘Di mo ‘ko mahal. Ni isa, wala akong hiningi sa’yo.

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Tama ba na? By Florante Olaybar

Tungud sa gugma ni nanay og tatay Nabuo ka sa kalipay Siyam ka bulan kang gidaladala Sa tiyan sa imong mama â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tong gipanganak ka asta nilang lipaya Pinangga kay ka ni tatay Asta pud ni nanay ni langaw og lamok walay makabatog Gamayng hilak bibiron daun ipaslak kung dili man lampin susihon Hantud sa ni dako ka nagkabuut og nagkakinaiya si nanay og tatay supakon mura bayag wala gipakaon 18

ang gugma ni nanay og tatay murag kahoy kay gi-anay ang paglaom nga ikaw matarung nawagtang nga murag gi-urong si nanay og tatay astang dakoa sa pagmahay kay ang anak nga pinalabi sungayan man diay. ****Dedication: Kini alang sa ginikanan nga nag antos pagpadako sa ilang mga anak og matarung apan gi suway sa pagkawaybatasan sa way buot nga sungayan.

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Kaila Ko Nimo By Darwin Caballero

Kaila ko nimo, Ikaw man ‘tong igo lang muhapit sa balay Nagapanukot mangayog konsumo Unya gikabuang lang nimo sa sigarilyo

Di man gayud mahimo na ikaw hikalimtan Kay walay adlaw nga wa kay pabuthan Ikaw daw hasmagan ug kumo sa makadaghan Di kaha ka mutiyabaw sa kahapdos kung masamdan? Kaila man ko nimo,

Kaila man ko nimo, Ikaw man ‘tong manuktok sa pultahan Ug sa tunga tunga sa kagabhi-on Mutig-ab ug pig’ot nga baho sa mga ilimnun Kaila man gayud ko nimo, Ikaw man ‘tong kanunay galabad ang ulo Mangawagtang ang mga butang sa panimalay Kay hangtud sa imung makumkom Kanunay ka mahingawa ug imong ipanlabay Kinsa goy wa kaila nimo, Ikaw man ‘tong nasakpan sa among silingan Nasipatan nako di lang sa makausa Kung mingaw ang balay, tua mong duha Ginapamainit nimog malagkit si Linda

Ikaw ‘tong nagpasagad, Unya giluto ra mi nimo sa imong mga ilad. Ikaw ‘tong nagpasulabi, Unya tungod nimo wa gayod mi giswerte. Ikaw ‘tong wa nihinumdom Samut na nawad-an mig paglaum. Ikaw ‘tong nibiya Ug wa man lang nagpakabana.

Undangi na na imong pangilad, Ngano man gayud nga di ka mutuman sa responsibilidad Niingon paka nga imo man lang diay isalig sa silingan. Wala nalang unta nagpalugos akong inahan. Kaila gayod ko nimo! Kaila man pud ka nako ba, Apan ngano man gayod na lisud sa imo mu-ila.

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Paglisan By Bam Baraguir

Tahimik na muli ang gabi. Wala ang buwan subalit natatanglawan kami ng mga bituin na nakasambulat sa itim na langit. Pinakawalan ni ate ang mga bangkang-papel ni Pepe. Tinangay ito ng alon papalayo sa kung saan nagkaisa ang patak ng mapapait niyang luha at ang maalat na dagat.

Musical Storm By Sugar

In the distance, a lightning strikes with fury The sound of thunder echoes with rage I can hear the rustle of leaves Swaying to the drowning music of the wind The drops of heavy rain complete the orchestra.

Dalawa By Alfredo Agreda

Dalawang kaluluwang naglalayag sa batong karagatan Dahan-dahang sinusuyod ang bagyo sa ilalim ng kahel na ilaw De makinang mga nilalang, isa-isang iniilagan Binabatong mga titig, paunti-unting iniiwasan Pawis na tumatagaktak, kamay na handang pumunas Mga butil ng maalat na likidong nahawi ng maitim na hangin Mahapdi sa mata, malamig sa balat Hinto! Berdeng bwa’y nagpakita at nagmamadaling tumakbo ang mga de makinang tao Naghahabulan na parang mga batang yagit Nag-aagawan sa kakaunting espasyo ng dagat na bato Lakad! Pulang buwa’y lumabas at hinay-hinay na nagpaanod ang mga kaluluwa Nilalasap ang bawat yapak, ninanamnam ang panandaliang kapayapaan Tumitingin sa kalangitang butas—maitim at walang laman. Katulad ng mga sikmura ng dalawang dakilang kaluluwa— nangangasim dahil wala pang nakain.

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Orpheus II

By Muffled Chatterbox

Mapayapang Umaga Myanmar! By Bam Baraguir

Hay... Animnapu’t pitong beses na akong bumubuntong-hininga kasabay sa bawat impit na tinig ng gitarang hindi pa natotono. Ang gitarang nakasilid sa gusgusing kaha na siyang nakasandig sa bintanang salamin ng silid. Ang silid na unang nakasagap sa mga inalay kong mahihinang buntong-hininga. Ang buntong-hininga na dati’y nag-uudyok sa mga hindi nahahagkang paru-paro na magsayawan sa aking sikmura. Mga paru-parong ngayo’y nagwawala na. Nagwawala. Mawawala sa oras na ihikbi ko ang huli kong buntong-hininga para sayo.

Umiyak ang umaga at nanlumo ang mga bulaklak kung saan nalaglag ang tigi-tiging patak ng kanyang luha. Ihinikbi ng langit ang pighati ng isanlibo’t isang patay na bituin at bukas-palad na sinalop ng tigang na lupa ang hagupit ng naghihingalong bukang-liwayway. Hinintay kong mahulog ang mga bituin. Nakatingala na ang aking dalawang palad. Hinihintay kong mahulog ang mga bituin Sa mga palad kong nagpipigil magkuyom. Nahulog na ang mga bituin. Sumagi, lumusot, mula sa nangangalansay kong kamay At lumagpak sa maburak na kawalan.

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Ang Pagbaba By Alfredo Agreda

Puputulin ko na ang aking mga pakpak Na pumigil sa akin nang kaytagal Upang damhin ang lupa at apakan ang putik. Itatapon ko na ang aking korona Na bumulag sa akin ng lubusan Hindi ipinakita ang kagandahan sa likod ng kamalian. Iwawaksi ko na ang aking pangalan Sa wari ng karamihan ako’y maglalaho magpakailan pa man. Ang langit ay hindi para sa akin. Kayong mga umaasam nito, hali kayo at inyong pulutin Mga kasinungalingang aking naging katotohanan Mapapasainyo na nang tuluyan. Hahayo na ako, bababa sa trono, Aalis sa “langit” na inyong tinuturing. Tatakbo ako at kakalimutang lumipad. Hahabulin ko ang aking takot. Papatayin ko ang aking bangungot. Iiwan ko ang ulap at hahagkan ko ang damo. Titingnan ko ang buwan na nakabukas ang mga mata Bagay na hindi ko kayang gawin sa araw. Gagawin kong higaan ang lupa, Ililigo ko ang putik. Tititigan ko ang langit, ngunit hanggang titig na lamang Walang pagsisisi, walang pangungulila. Lahat kapayapaan at kaluguran. 26

Winter Solitaire

By Krisini Nanini

two, three, four the spades are dancing with glee five is down six is up when would two, three, and four find their way back the hearts are glad the clubs are mad diamonds can never buy the stillness they once had Jack is lost chilling from frost Ace has fallen into a great cost seven is spinning in eight’s the queen is weeping tricks of light a distressed beauty in playing silly games silence teasing nine’s mind the wind is cold ten is missing and the game is old withdrawn from existence the deck is red but the king is blue all cards are down with no luck and cue the king’s heart, if no one could mend the game would soon end. 27

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

CLOSING TIME

By Alfredo Agreda

The seats are emptying now Yet here we are still So calm, serene as the moonbeam Everybody’s busy living their limited time But here we are wasting ours In this endless stage play The stars are playfully glittering Like your hands—never wanting to behave You giggle like a child When I started making funny faces We laugh out all the air we have in us We don’t care if they stare at us For as I have told you: The sky is still blue And the grass will still be green Let the moon and the sun chase each other For tonight I have in my arms my own world Within my grasp, near my heart O, time hold your horses Please slow down, stop ticking Will you just give this man his desire?

One

By Maria

Angry

Veronica

To Mom, I’m not your average teenage kid. I play a lot, and bruise a lot. I run a lot, and stumble a lot. I read a little, write a little. I sneak a little, and find a little. That your push-up bras are five times as expensive as my college algebra unit. To Dad, I’m not a virgin anymore. I play sometimes, maybe often. I kissed your officemate once, or twice. I have a boyfriend, had boyfriends. I sneak a little, and find a little. That you’re spending Five times more for your Girlfriend than for me. 29

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Ang ulan ug ang imong pagbalik By Mark Darryl A. Caniban

Nakahinumdum kaayo ko sa mga panganod Saputon ug gapanglugnot Gapangitngit sa kalangitan Tunhay sa pagpasamot sa kasub-anan Morag akong paghibi nga hilom Dili madala ug hapuwap sa istorya Dili matambalan ug maski unsa. Nakahinumdum kaayo ko sa kilat Mura’g imong paningka Nga lupig pa’g panagpa’g panipa Sama sa abtik nga lagaraw nga Mihiwa sa niining kasing-kasing Dili na ni mabuak pa sa taman. Dili na mahigugma kon dili man ikaw.

Nakahinumdum kaayo ko sa dalugdog Sama sa kakusog sa akong Pagbasol nga harus ngadto sa langit Apan wala na’y makasaba pa sa Sulod ning dughan ko Dili na mahilom sa pagbakho Dili na makalimot sa dalit mong pagbiya. Nakahinumdum kaayo ko sa ulan Abi ko ganing sila akong mga luha Hinay usa, dayon mukusog, ug kalit mawala Pahiyum na lang, ug mitalikod sa pagtulo Samtang gidawat mo ang payong ug mibiya Milakaw ilawum sa gamayng panganod, kilat ug dalugdog Nga milimpyo sa tanang sugilanon nato. Kon gani mubalik pa ka, Balik na samtang abri pa ang pwertahan. Dali, sulod na samtang hinay pa ang ulan.

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

better as it is By Isle

The lips of friendship Is just a breath away From love Too close that they could Almost touch each other. But this thin air of detachment, Too thin that only one move Changes the story completely. So you move away, Keep your distance, Remain where you stand, Afraid to cross the line, Afraid that it could be One wrong move. Because you know That when love fails, You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be Back to the safety Of the predictable Yet stagnant State of friendship.

MAKATA By Mayumi Habagat

Iniwan mo ang buhay makata Nakiisa ka sa mga hantik Na pinamumuhayan Ang linyang iyong nilikha Hindi pala sapat Ang sining dito Sa kabila ng pantasya Sa kagubatan Ay nariyan ang ritmo Ng tulang binabasa Ng sandaan

Hamog By Alfred Compra

Hinay-hinay nang hingbiya ang ngit-ngit Ug gihagbong ang iyang mga bituon Ngadto sa kayutaan Ang uban gisalo sa mga dahon Naglatay-latay sa iyang tumoyan Natagak ug gisabligan ang ugang yuta Uban sa pagsidlak sa bag-ong adlaw

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

MINATAMIS By Karla Stefan Singson

Sinfully glazed With warm sugar Cubed bananas Sit lap-to-lap Overlapping Competing for my Attention I pinched the topmost Piece with the fork In my hand Some juice squirting I bit it Tasting the Sunset-colored Lava that dripped Enveloping the Little banana Boulders under It was hard Not to close my eyes As I savored each bite Thick with glory

There seemed to be Little children Crawling around My tongue Depositing

The sugary sauce All over my mouth Before it dives Down my throat Then after that My taste buds waited For the next shot Of those cubed friends Sitting quietly Though sugarly-drenched And for the first time After I received That plateful My eyes darted A little upward And then, and there, I realized, A more blatant kind Of sweetness Luring me To go closer It sat across Smiling And reviving That sugary taste Left in my mouth. 35

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Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Iyahang “Special Girl”” By Isle

Dapithapon By Krisini Nanini

Pagod na ang araw sa pagmamasid sa luntiang kalupaan. Kasiyahan at hinagpis itim at puti paglaya at paglisan pagbangon at pagkalugmok pagtangis buntong-hininga lahat ay paulit-ulit. Kaya siya’y mahihimlay muli sa likod ng asul na kabundukan at sa kalangita’y ipipinta ang pulang anino nagbabakasakali sa pagmulat niya’y may pagbabago.

In love kaayo siya nimo Iyang comments ra gani ang makapapuno Sa imong Friendster Tanan nimo higala Muingon gyud na swerte kaayo ka Kay sa imo nagtuyok iyang kalibutan, Kay andam siya musabot sa imong mga kalapasan, Kay wala na siya’y laing gihunahuna pa Kung dili ang makapalipay lang sa imo Maski sa iya wala kay panahon, Maski sa iya wala kay ihatag na comment Sa inyong monthsary o maski anniversary, Maski sa iya walay muuban sa pagtambong Sa anticipated mass Samtang siya maglingi-lingi Naghandom na basig muabot ka, Naglaom na mausab imong utok Na karon, maskin karong tungura lang Siya na pud imong gahinan ug atensyon ug oras. Kung nganong ginaing-ana nimo siya Ikaw ra ang nakabalo Apan ako karon wala na natingala pa Nganong maski kanus-a Wala gyud ko kahuna-huna Na kaibogan Imong “special girl”. 37

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

HIGALA By Sugar

Ang balud kay nag-usig Dungan sa paghaluk sa tubig Mahitungod sa yuta Nga napugngan ang kasadya Sa dihang pagkasagpa Sa akong paghuna-huna Ako ang ilabing tama Apan, sa kining pagkamatuod Daghang kyaw-kyaw ang nagsugod Samtang ang utok ang gipabati Ang dughan hinuon ang naghimutuk Sayop ba ning gisinati Mao ray hinungdan sa kasamuk

Ikaw na to tingali Ang mao nga ning-ikyas Gumikan sa akong sayop nga wali Aron karon, dili na ka paapas Ug wala na puy hunong Ang atong tinubagay ug kasikas Angayan ba nakong undangan Kining wala nato pagsinabtanay Kay higala, puslan man Ako ra ang nag-amping nimo kanunay Ug ikaw wala nako gitalikdan Sa panahon sa atong panag-uban

Kay arang tas-a sa akong kabubut-un Aron akong mahimong limtun Ikaw nga gisupak nga higala Ug ang ginatawag nga pag-amuma

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

At Midnight By Holden Caulfield

Thump. Street lamps cut wide swaths through the shadows. He makes his way through darkened posts, Sturdy footsteps slicing the gloom. Thump thump! Emerging into chill orange light, Everywhere, an enveloping silence. Lone figures, colorfully clothed, walking silently ahead. Thump thump. Red lights, as of eyes, ahead Atop a building, staring down. Thump. Smaller, innumerable eyes, pale and bright, Scattered all around up ahead. He walks on, Thump thump, Pleasantly conscious of all the scrutiny.

A sudden breeze blows. Ssshhh. Cold, invisible hands groping, pulling insistently. He pulls his coat close, Thump Still purposefully walking. To his right a flimsy gate rattles faintly Creaking, faintly wailing as a soul. Thump thump. And he walks on. Continuing, Thump, The lights of Downtown beckoning, yellowy, Pulling him onward. Then! Thump. Running to him, running fast, Glistening sheet of hair trailing behind her. Here she comes! The lovely heat, Wrapping him, Engulfing him into her being. Blink. Thump, thump thump. An empty coldness permeates. He continues on, A darkened moth in search of yellow flame. 41

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

White

by Holden Caulfield

Mga Bituing Sinungaling By Krisini Nanini

Lulubog uli ang araw ni minsan walang nangahas na pigilan ang kadiliman bakit kaya? Lilitaw uli ang mga bituin marikit at mabalasik nagmimistulang mga dilag sumasayaw ng pandanggo kasuota’y diyamante at nang-uuyam na ngiti itatanong ang tanging nais ng puso mo ikukumot sa iyo ang buong tamis ng pangako yayapusin ka ng buong higpit at ihahandog ang walang-maliw na pag-asa ngunit itatarak sa puso mo’y hapdi at pait.

Sitting on the hall steps she waits Patiently, ever so patiently With that eerie smile of hers, she sits. Staring ahead, staring inward And staring probingly At the crowd blissfully passing by. She turns her head with questioning eyes, Looking over her shoulder. She turns her pretty head back. And so she waits, As solidly determined as the concrete steps. And she waits. Sunlight breaks through the shade of trees Falling on her feet with golden garishness. All around her, the swell of existence Dancing dreams, caressing thought, Feeling, whispering and pulsing bright, Beckoning. Beckoning. And still she sits. Sitting, she waits Still with that smile in her lips. Before her a beautiful apparition appeared. “Would you like to go with me?” She shakes her head, smiling up at the unknown. And so she sits, Staring at her lap As the vivid crowd blissfully pass her by.

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Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Ang

Buhay Kong

Ito

By Therese Marie F. Salangsang

Late na naman ako Ika-limang beses na ‘to Palaging absent, palaging tardy Dalawang buwan pa lang, Nanganganib nang ma-FD Ang boring naman mag lecture ni sir ‘ehem’ Sana pinasa ko nalang ang subject na ‘to last sem Mukhang seryoso ang mukha ni ma’am Makapasa kaya ako sa kanyang exam? Sana bell na, gusto ko nang mag-yosi Sana nando’n ang barkada para happy Teka, kailangan ko palang pumunta ng library Bukas na lang, pwede namang mag-copy Uuwi na kaya ako o mag-dodota? Syempre dota para kwela Pa’no yung exam ko bukas sa calculus? ‘di bale, katabi ko genius

Red Horse muna, para masaya Yung grande, para tuloy-tuloy ang ligaya Ako na ang taya sa pulutan Yung pambayad sa tuition pwede munang kupitan “Pare, kelan nga pala graduation ninyo? Pagkatapos pare, inuman tayo Pag may trabaho na kayo, labas pa rin tayo Sunduin n’yo lang ako sa gate ng Jacinto” Makaka-graduate kaya ako dito sa Ateneo? Magpipitong taon na ako dito Klasmeyt ko, manager na ng bangko Ako? Palamon pa rin sa nanay’t tatay ko Pramis, next sem, mag-aaral na ako nang mabuti Inuman sessions? Hindi na daily Magno-notes na ako para maka-study Ganito pala talaga basta meron nang baby.

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Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

REALITY By Marvin Matthew Ty

here is the truth of all truths love is a stone on the road where vultures circle and a lone cactus stands on the side yes.. love is boring kisses become dull caresses become tiresome whispers simply become rasping breaths and shoulders become solid rock love is boring except for those who share the passionate kisses and the loving caresses and the misty whispers of sweet nothings

and the security the shoulder offers it is to those who share an unending process of complexities cascading into rainbow waterfalls of seemingly silent explosions in the end it becomes expressions of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soul that no one listens to simply because love is boring

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Dear Alice

By Karla Stefan Singson

Don’t move on yet. I haven’t unsubscribed you From my cerebral basement. I haven’t dismembered you From the borders of my abode. I don’t press the toothpaste tube At the center anymore. And I don’t leave my towel At the bed after I shower. I now water your orchids everyday. And I bought you your favorite magazine; It’s on the dining table. Don’t move on yet. Your toiletries are still By my dresser. And your brush, My pillow, The sink, Still has some Stray strands of your golden hair. 48

Palaw

By Alfred Compra

7:00 o’clock Ligo… Ilis… Dagan… Para! Nccc Uyanguren ROXAS BAYAD MUNA BAGO BABA Liko sa tuo… Liko sa wala… Lugar lang! Bayad oh? Estudyante! Naog… natingala… No ID No Entry No Class Today!!!

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Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

As You In Me, As I Exist By Eka

in the dusk a taste of dawn its complete unwavering emptiness; yet dancing rays of the sun unto my frigid, cold cold hair a radiance in its light now a smell of tulips, in its utter diffusion.

for a brief moment, i feel, my bones as they crack, weak and frail as they were. just then, it receives you, very immediate now create, and made whole again.

an effortless breathing; you dig down deeply reaching my core some twists and turns signals. stop. go. you steer the wheel a beautiful speeding and slowing.

and for every movement, from the slightest shiver to a spontaneous instant laugh, before was by itself, by myself now, is not anymore.

tapered now to one end, still you coil like a tuft of capillaries, which contains my blood, now singing your name, a melody it knows every note, flickering of tones an endless free flowing, of ecstasy, within. 50

and so as things that spring from lifelessness: sullen, and gray, a glassy darkness are changed, made new, they shelter not just my feeble existence but rather love which is everything that is you.

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Simula ng Pagkamulat By: matangDilat

Kapanahunan pa ng aking kamusmusan Salat pa ako sa kaalaman Walang kamuwang-muwang sa kapaligiran Tandang-tanda ko pa Sa maliit at umaalingasaw na eskinita Namamahay ang sangkatauhan Kalaro ko noo’y putik Kaibigan ko nama’y kalat Pamilya ko ang natatanging kahirapan Lugmok ang kabuhayan noon Nagsipaglitawan ang mababangis na mga buwaya Ang tanging alam ay wasakin ang lipunan

Ngayo’y tila nabunutan na ng tinik Ang tinik ng aking kamusmusan Ang tinik na lumason sa aking isipan Ramdam ko pa rin ang kasakiman Sumasampal na sa akin ang kahirapan Pinaluluhod ako sa asin ng kabuhayan Pilipino, bumangon ka na sa pagkakahimbing Panahon na ang sarili’y sagipin Wag hayaan ang iba’y maghari Wag hayaan ang iba’y magmalabis

Gipit kami noon Habang tumatagal, lalong gumigipit Sa katagala’y nilibing kami ng aming utang

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Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Kilos Kabataan By matangDilat

Irony By treb

Today,

Illusion is reality,

Nothingness is fullness, Agony is passion. You are what you are.

Tomorrow, Anything may happen, Norm is not a rule. Tomorrow? Today? What makes them different by the way?

Ang baya’y naghihingalo Mga tao’y hinihigop Baya’y pilit isinasalba Lagi na lang pumapalya Sa bawat paglita ng karangyaan Patuloy bumabaha ang kahirapan Sa bawat pighating dinaranas ng bayan mo May pag-asa pa ba kayang mabubuhay ang Inang Bayan Mo? Kabataan, pag-asa ng bayan Nasaan ang sumpang binitiwan Tutunganga ka na lang ba hanggang sa kinabukasan Papaalipin ka na lang ba na walang hangganan Nasaan ang pag-ibig na minsa’y inalay? Nasaan ang dugo na minsa’y dumanak? Tuluyan mo na nga bang nakaligtaan? O sadyang duwag at tinalikuran ang lahat! Kabataan ng bayan, humayo ka’t makipagsapalaran Pasiklabin mo ang dating laban para sa karimlan Palagablabin mo ang dating init ng pagmamahal Tumayo ka’t ipagtanggol ang bayang mahal.

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Tula | Banaag Diwa 2008

Hunghong ni

Beng By Mick Basa

SAMTANG ang kalibutan nag banha-banha Uban sa nagkalipay karong orasa, Ako nagasulat, nagamugna, ug naghuna-huna.

“Murag nakaila na ko nimo.” Apan siya wala na nitubag. “Kaila gayud ko nimo.” “Kaila sad ko nimo.”

Samtang ang adlaw nipahulay sa pag-atubang sa pikas tunga’s iyang dagway, Ani-a siya sa akong tapad. Di’ makita apan siya mabati

Nabati usab nako ang usa ka tingog Nga wala pa nako nabatian Apan ako nang nakaila.

Ug siya mihunghong, “Ayaw kabalaka, hasta ra nang sayuna”. Iyang pulong usa ka huyuhoy sa pinakamahayahay.

Samtang nilabay na ang panganod Ug milutaw na ang hayag nga bulawanong bulan, Nahuman na sab kining akong tulubagon.

Milingi ko kun diin naggikan ang tingog Nga misugakod kuyog ang bugnaw nga paghuyop Nga hangin gikan sa electric fan. “Kinsa diay ka? Kaila ba tika?” Mitubag ako human mabati nga siya niistorya. “Dili kana importante. Basta, sayon ra na”. Balos niya sa sulod sa akong panghuna-huna. 56

Kini, samtang ako nagasulat, Nahinumduman tika ug ang imong ngalan. “Dili ba ikaw si Beng? Salamat kay ani-a ikaw.” Ug siya mitando. “Sa makausab, sayon ra na”. 57

Mga Sanaysay | Banaag Diwa 2008

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

Mga Maiikling Kwento | Banaag Diwa 2008

Selene

by Muffled Chatterbox and Aiden Lee

And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand They danced by the light of the moon. - Edward Lear It was near dusk. The sun hid behind the steel-gray clouds. Thunder roared from miles away, promising a turbulent night ahead. The darkening sky met with the rice fields far on the horizon. A road snaked its way through the sea of rice stalks swaying with the wind. A van scampered timidly along the road as the last light of day left the earth. Amidst the rattling of the vehicle, a girl remained sound asleep inside the car. Her hair, tangled on intricate webs and her body, fragile. She sat in a distorted manner, one foot clipped to her side and the other foot dangling on the side of her seat. Her head bobbing rhythmically to the bumps the car take on each curve. Beside her, another girl – probably a year younger – jerked awake from her slumber. She looked at her sleeping friend and smiled. “She fell asleep too, I’m surprised. She talked to me as if we’re close friends during high school.” The frail girl seemed to hear her. She raised her head and looked outside the window. It was starting to drizzle. The raindrops nestled like needles on the glass windows.

“What time is it?” the frail girl asked. 60

“Time to buy your own watch.”

“Har har. Very funny. Seriously, we’ve been traveling for ages. I saw rice fields before I fell asleep. And now, still more rice fields.” “Funny hearing that from you. You were talking before you fell asleep, and now, you’ve been awake for just a minute and then you start talking again.”

“I don’t talk that much. You know that.”

want.”

“Exactly. That’s why I’m letting you talk as long as you

The frail girl looked at her and then she slumped down on her seat. Silence. She looked outside the windows again. The drizzle has stopped and the outline of the moon can be seen from behind the clouds. The moon sailed soulfully away from the mass of lumpy clouds. A blurred plate hanging from the windows of heaven.

“The moon is bleeding.” the frail girl muttered.

The younger girl looked at her. “I think it’s beautiful. Rarely would you see a moon in red tinge.” “I don’t want to see the moon in red. It brings a lot of melancholic memories.” She looked at her friend, “You want to hear why?”

“Err... Well...” 61

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Mga Maiikling Kwento | Banaag Diwa 2008

“Okay, it doesn’t matter, I’ll tell it to you anyway...”

The younger girl laughed. She then reached out for her bag and started looking for something.

The frail girl kept talking to herself.

“... back when I was sixteen, I enjoyed looking at the night sky. Actually, even before that. When I was little, I’ve always loved astronomy...”

She found what she was looking for: a pair of earphones.

“... my dad taught me about astronomy and mythology... I really liked the moon above all. It’s something special. I like the way it glows... it reminds me of faked emotions. Like a lady smiling even if she really feels like crying... The moon is very mysterious.”

“...we’re close friends... well, we didn’t really started out that close... it just started one night, when the moon was red, like tonight... we were one of the youngest people in class... both of us, still sixteen... we share a lot of commonalities... smart-alecks, too proud for their own good, etcetera... it’s no surprise to see us together... so, it all started during a program in school... it ended late... the moon is unusually red... for the first time, I didn’t feel problematic... we were walking on the grounds when we saw the moon... and then, we stopped walking... we just stared at it for a long time... that night, when I came home, I thought about her... on how God must have planned out everything to happen... she did not fail me as a friend... she was the first one who appreciated me... I know that I have a lot of flaws, but she shook it aside and loved me as me... cliché-ish you might think, but that is how it is...”

Silence.

“Ah, so why do you feel melancholic now?”

“Err.. okay. Uh, you won’t mind it if I listen to my player would you?” the other girl asked.

Hush. More silence.

“I guess, the best things really don’t last long...”

“Yeah...”

The younger girl switched on her player and the music flowed into her ears. She adjusted the volume so she’d still be able to hear her friend.

She stared at the confused look on the younger girl’s face then looked out the window again to see the now-faint-colored moon being engulfed by the gray clouds around it.

“we’re not that close back in high school, noh? Well, I don’t really like high school... I can’t wait for college actually... and I think college didn’t disappoint me... or so I think... but before that, let me tell you about my close circle of friends...”

ed cf

“Sure, sure. Go on.” 62

Mga Sanaysay | Banaag Diwa 2008

What I Learned From My Pet Fish By Sugar

When I was about nine or ten, my parents bought a small aquarium for my siblings and me. After receiving our gift, my older brother brought me with him to the local pet shop in order to buy new fishes and accessories for the aquarium. We took a few goldfishes, a janitor fish, and some decorations but I recall buying for myself this white angel fish. I remember how mesmerized I was, as a child, of that beautiful creature. And even though it was not even my first pet, I truly cherished it because I chose it myself. Days passed that turned into weeks that turned into months but no matter how long I had my pet fish, it did not matter. My love for it never faded. Each day I came home from school, I would always rush just so I could finally get a glimpse of my pet and see how lovely it looked with all the other fishes in the tank. Everyday, my siblings and I would take turns feeding our pets and I would always feel reassured that my angel fish was healthy and well-fed. Then, that day came. My memory may seem a little hazy now but I remember that morning like it was just yesterday. It was still very early and I was about to get ready for school when my little sister suddenly woke me up. She said it was probably the janitor fish. Or the goldfishes might have been the culprits. Whatever. But, somehow, one of my beloved pet’s fins got caught in between some of the toys and pebbles in the aquarium. Who knew such tranquil white pebbles could be so abrasive and cause my66pet to bleed to death? The scene was horrific. I could not

Ateneo de Davao | Atenews

believe it. Just like that, my angel fish was dead. That was a horrible day. There were too many questions but not a lot of answers. How? Did I not take care of my pet enough? Maybe, I forgot to feed it the night before. Maybe, we should have never placed that janitor fish in there. Maybe, it struggled with the other fishes. And maybe, I should have put it away on its own bowl. Why? Was I not a good owner? Did I not love it enough? Then, it dawned on me. No matter what I did, I never would have been able to bring that angel fish back. Yes, at first, it brought me much joy and excitement. But, like all other things in this world, pets depart too. Like that time, two years ago, when my grandmother left us after four years of trying to combat her thyroid cancer. Or last year, when one of my close aunts finally ended her battle with breast cancer, leaving us to look after her two daughters. A lot of questions did arise from those experiences. But, one thing I also realized is that someone’s departure does not mean having to cut precious ties and becoming exceedingly bitter in the process. Letting go does not necessarily mean becoming too cynical about life either. In fact, it also teaches us how to become less selfish. For letting go, after all, is also setting free. I have heard many foreigners say that we Filipinos always get it wrong. When someone leaves, we ought not to say that he or she has “passed away”. Instead, we should be more optimistic because even if we might not know where our loved ones go, we should still believe that they have “passed on” to much better places. Unknown to us, these places might seem, 67

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Mga Sanaysay | Banaag Diwa 2008

but their mystery must not dampen our hopes of being able to see our departed ones again. Now that I think about it, maybe this is what pets are for. They teach us lessons early on in our lives. And what is even more interesting is that some of these are the most important ones we will ever have to learn. For all its worth, I believe that my little angel fish was one of the first things that taught me the so-called “art of letting go”. I never allowed its death to stop me from embracing other pets. Of course, other animals came after it. There were a couple of birds, some puppies, and other fishes too. But, the lessons I learned from that angel fish and how much I loved it will always stay with me. Someday, when my time comes, other people will also be setting me free and it might even still be a simple pet fish that will remind them how. ed cf

Oh dear...

By acidnaP ytirahC

I used the overpass and I did not cross under it, like most Pinoys do. Heck, it was raining. I didn’t have any choice really. So up, up, up I climbed. And then, poof! The world smacked my face with the harsh, naked reality. There was a kid on that overpass, lying, banging his head on the wall and simultaneously rocking his body while holding his genitals. His eyelids were half-closed and his eyes were jerking upward. Beside his head is an empty plastic coke cup and dirt. I slowed down. Suddenly, I noticed the smell of human urine. My brain suddenly theorized that this kid must be famished that it turned him nuts. God, I didn’t know what to do. I was the only one who seemed to stop and care about this kid, while others merely stared. I stared at him, unable to utter a word. Of course, I was afraid and I know some mental disorders can somehow make a person very, very dangerous. But the person is just a little kid. Then seconds later, I realized that I looked so stupid gawking at this kid while everyone was walking past us, so I, too, walked past him. A few steps down the stairs, a couple was also disturbed by the scene and the lady came back to give some crackers to the boy. She left it at the empty plastic cup and then hesitantly walked away. Then, I climbed back up to the kid. I wanted to ask him if he was okay, which was quite stupid because he clearly was not. I wanted to wake him up by shaking him but he was already rocking himself. I really didn’t know what to do, so I went downstairs again.

Downstairs, I kept looking up. I looked around and there were a lot of carinderias. My conscience was really, really, really bugging me now. I felt right then and there that I did not deserve the McDonald’s value 69 meal I just ate, the cellphone I was using, the clothes I was wearing and the

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Mga Sanaysay | Banaag Diwa 2008

money I was spending. I felt like I did not deserve everything! I walked by an eatery called Maq’s and ordered barbecue and rice for takeout. I climbed the stairs yet again, smelled the human urine, and saw the kid again. He was ‘awake’ now, still rocking, but with the crackers now on his crotch and then he looked at me for the first time. I told him, in my flimsy Bisaya that the food is for him. He was shocked and clueless. He stared at the food and then at me. I stared back at him and I saw him holding his genitals. Then, fear got hold of me, and I left. Downstairs, I looked up at him again. I thought the kid might have been sexually and psychologically abused. I looked around for help and all I saw was a security guard smoking a cigarette. With every puff of smoke, he looked at me while I was conscientiously looking upstairs. I felt like crying. Strangely, I felt like undressing myself, throwing off my clothes and jewelries in the middle of the road and screaming at the top of my lungs about how undeserving I am of the life I had. There I was, pretending to wait for a jeepney but I was really contemplating. With the life I have, it is so easy for me to be good and altruistic. With the life I have, I can see the beauty of life. But with the life I have, I knew it is also very easy for me to take things for granted. That kid will not die, at least, not yet. He would grow up hating the world and himself. And the world would hate him back. He would eventually stop believing in God, in happiness, in love, in everything. Society might eventually condemn him as a robber or maybe a murderer, never knowing what that kid went through one rainy day at an overpass near Victoria.

ed cf 70

Magandang Tanawin

By Patrick Louie D. Dequiña

Alas sais na ng gabi sa aking kahel na relo. Gabi na at malakas ang buhos ng ulan. Malayo pa ang aking lalakbayin pauwi. Naisipan ko munang maupo sa silid-aklatan at hintaying tumila ang ulan. Nag-isip ako ng pwedeng maging paksa ng aking sanaysay. Napili ko ang tungkol sa isang magandang tanawin. Naglakbay ang aking imahinasyon sa buong Pilipinas. Ang lapad ng lupa at lalim ng dagat ay pilit na inabot nito. Naglakbay ang aking imahinasyon sa magarang gusali ng Mall of Asia. Talagang maganda ito! Makulay ang looban at napakalawak ng mararaanan. Ito rin ang pinakasikat na gusali sa buong Pilipinas at maging sa buong Asya. Kay gandang ilarawan ang magagarbong mga ilaw at mga libangan ng nasabing mall; ngunit napakalayo nito sa Davao at hindi ko ito parating nakikita. Dahil dito, lumipad na naman ang aking imahinasyon sa Boracay. Ito ang ipinagmamalaki ng mga taga-Aklan dahil sa puting buhangin at linaw ng dagat. Mayayabong ang mga punongkahoy at napakalinis na animo’y nasa paraiso ka. Kay sarap ibahagi ang ganda at kariktan ng nasabing dagat; ngunit sa postcard ko lamang ito kaya’t hindi ko siya napili. Naglakbay ang aking imahinasyon sa Palawan na naratnan ko ang El Nido Park. Kaaya-aya ang tanawin sapagkat may iba’t ibang hayop na rito mo lamang makikita sa Pilipinas. Masisilayan mo rin ang tikas at ganda ng lipad ng mga ibong naninirahan sa naturang liwasan; ngunit sa telebisyon ko lamang ito nakikita kaya’t bahagya lamang ang aking masasabi tungkol dito. Ang hirap palang pumili ng paksa sapagkat ang dami-daming magagandang tanawin dito sa Pilipinas! 71

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Mga Sanaysay | Banaag Diwa 2008

“Kring-kring-kring!” Hinahampas na naman ng laybraryan ang kampanilya na nagdulot ng pagkalaho ng aking iniisip. Hindi ko namalayan na ikapito na pala! Dali-dali akong bumaba at nilakbay ang daan patungong tarangkahan ng Roxas. Malamig ang simoy ng hangin. Basang-basa pa ang aspaltong tinatapakan ko. Dahan-dahan akong tumawid sa kabila ng kalye. Nang makatungtong na ako sa gilid ng Aldevinco ay naghintay ako ng dyip upang ako’y makauwi na. Hindi pa rin ako tumigil sa pag-iisip ng magiging paksa. Nahuli ng isang munting puting dyip ang aking pansin at hindi nagdalawang-isip na roon na lamang sumakay. Hindi kalakihan ang nasakyan kong dyip. Luma na ang mga sapin sa upuan at kinakalawang na ang hawakanan ng kamay. “Ba’t ko ba ito napiling sakyan?” tanong ko sa sarili. Nabahiran man ng nakaraan ang looban ng dyip ay bumawi pa rin ito sa liwanag ng ilaw na kalahati lamang ng dyip ang natatanglawan. Ilang sandali rin akong tumingin sa labas ng dyip upang maghanap ng magiging paksa. Nabaling ang tingin ko sa pinakasulok ng dyip. Doo’y may narinig akong nag-uusap. Nalaman kong konduktor pala ang ina na tinatago lamang ang mga bayad sa isang lumang pencilcase habang isinisilid ang marungis na sanggol sa maalaga niyang bisig. Katabi naman niya ay isa pa niyang anak na tatlo o limang taong gulang, na kung titingnan ay naglilimahid na. Nahinuha kong tsuper pala ang ama. Naawa ako sapagkat nagmumula pala sa bawat kusing na ibinabayad ang kanilang makakain. Nakita ko ang kahirapan na maingat na nababakas sa mukha ng bata at maging sa kapatid niyang sanggol. Sa munting usapan ng bata at ng kanyang sanggol na kapatid ay narinig ko ang mga katagang ito: “Alam mo72paglaki ko, bibilhan kita ng maraaaaming kendi!” Naantig

ako. Hindi ko inaasahang magmumula pa sa bibig ng isang musmos ang mga salitang puno ng pag-asa kahit nasa gitna ng kagipitan. Sa mga sandaling iyon, natuklasan ko ang totoong kahulugan ng kagandahan. Totoo palang kahit musmos ay nakakapawi na sa mapait na kasalukuyan patungo sa paraisong ninanais niya. Pinatunayan nilang magkakapamilya na sa kabila ng kahirapan ay may mga pangarap pa ring matutupad. Kahit tsuper lang ang ama at konduktor lamang ang ina, nagtutulungan pa rin sila upang makakain ang kanilang mga anak. Ito ang tunay na kagandahan – pagmamahalan sa kabila ng kahirapan. Hindi ko namalayang napangiti ako sa aking nasaksihan. Hindi pala kailangan lakbayin ng aking imahinasyon ang lapad ng lupa o lalim ng dagat; sapagkat nakita ko na ang aking paksa sa loob ng dyip. Marumi man ang kanilang kasuotan at mahirap man sila; natatangi naman ang kanilang buong pamilya. Saan nga ba makikita ang isang magandang tanawin? Hindi pala sukatan ng pagiging maganda ang karangyaan, kasikatan o kariktan sapagkat makikita lamang ang tunay na kagandahan sa likod ng bawat kapintasan. ed cf