Sinurat

Sinurat

Presenting …

… the best of the creative pieces written by BA Communication Arts sophomores for their CW 101 Introduction to Creative Writing class this 2nd Semester of AY 20202021. The students went through a semester’s work of learning the elements in creative writing and in conceptualizing, drafting, workshopping, and revising their essays, short stories, poems, and plays.

This collection of the best of their works displays what they have learned in harnessing the elements of imagery, voice, character, setting and atmosphere, and story as they crafted their manuscripts using English and several Philippine languages (Binisaya/Waray, Cebuano, and Tagalog).

Guided by writing prompts – starting with a photo of a discarded face mask for their first writing exercise – the students plumbed their personal experiences as they explored a variety of subject matter: family relationships, social mores, folk beliefs, pop culture, child abuse, power dynamics, class disparities, and even the supernatural.

Here then are the students’ creative works – just a sampling from their individual portfolios – collected in this zine for your reading pleasure. Special mention goes to Lyka Taboso for her cover artwork.

May you find delight reading these writings, these Sinurat.

Nino Soria de Veyra

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Contents

Creative Nonfiction

My Mascne Journey by Marianne R. Capellan Just Some Thoughts About Mask, My Old Friend

by Sophia Liezli R. Suello

Fiction

Facemask by Adrian Paul Y. Espares The Snapper by Ronah Marie A. Ganzo Missing by Kiana Marie G. Gualberto

Poetry

Johnny Johnny by Kyle Lindvey Z. Delmo Quarantined with Teddy by Danah Villa O. Formoso

Drama

Hustisya by Patrick Anthony V. Cañedo ATM Life by Lyka Mae L. Taboso

- 3 -

My Mascne Journey Marianne R. Capellan

T

eenage life plus sensitive skin equals doom. I am one of the many who had suffered extreme skin irritation from frequent wearing of fibrous and suffocating face masks during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Roughly nine months ago, my skin and I had a major disagreement. However hard I tried to keep my skin clean, my face seemed to not cooperate. It became too oily and sensitive to face coverings that resulted in my developing a terrible “mascne” (acne caused from wearing face masks) breakout. Red, bumpy, and sore zits were popping all over my cheeks and jaw line. Growing up I had never once faced such skin condition that was gradually diminishing my long-built though paltry self-confidence to go out and chatter – it was purely distressing and draining.

I consider my mascne as the second worst phase I have ever been in, next to having occasional menstrual cramps. Not because I despised how I looked but because of what I have had to deal with emotionally and mentally. With every pimple that shows up tags along roasting stares that puts me in extreme paranoia. Other than that, I have received countless unsolicited questions as to why I butchered my face and how terrible it looks on me. Certainly, the displeasing comments I got every now and then about my physical appearance are a lot worse and painful than my inflamed pimples.

My healing process was not as easy as ABC; it was tiring and a little expensive. I had to endure five long months of numerous trial and errors in search for a skincare product that best suited my skin type and condition. I went from creams, balms to powder, and oils. Some were fragrant while other stank. I was left with no other choice but to brave up and continue in hopes to clear out or somehow lessen my breakout. My patience and faith depleted along with every consumed bottle and tub of products and still with no progress. I was a hopeless case – or so I thought. Not until I switched to a milder product and changed my diet. I also performed light exercise routines and changed my sleeping habits. It was tough at first. My system frequently complained but I had to pick my threads up and continued.

After a hard struggle, I am now continuously healing. My mask journey was time- and energy-consuming but, on its upside, it taught me assorted lessons. Every acne scar on my face makes me remember to take good care of myself and be as sensitive, as my skin, to other people suffering from the same condition. Above all, it reminds me that my journey was not merely a teenage phase but a process of trust, bravery, and becoming. S

- 4 -

Just Some Thoughts About Mask, My Old Friend Sophia Liezli R. Suello

L

ook. I never complain about wearing a mask. But if you’ve only managed to sleep for two hours and a small red itch on your cheek has a relentless desire to be scratched after every five seconds, keeping your cool would not be an easy task – especially when you’re inside the church.

I was sitting on a bench, one without a backrest, located at the front row, and beside me was my sister. The distance between us made it look like we just had a petty fight and we’re in the church to atone for our sins – but we’re actually just following the social distancing protocol. A maximum of only two to three people can occupy each pew and markers were carefully placed to make sure that it’s followed.

It was in the middle of the priest’s homily when my ears started feeling sore.

Since my face is incredibly small, I had to tie both loops each time I wear a mask so it could fit my face, which often hurts the back of my ears. “For how long do I have to put up with this struggle?” I thought to myself, dramatically. And before I knew it, my mind took that as a cue to make a trip down my memory lane, and even beyond, blurring everything around me at the moment.

Smoke. Dust. Weather changes. Top three reasons why wearing masks is not new to me. Key word: allergic rhinitis. While everybody’s attention was glued onto the sermon, the most random moments when my nose would just bleed out of nowhere started flashing inside my mind, as if it has its own vintage film projector replaying those old memories I sometimes (or, maybe, oftentimes) wished to cast into oblivion.

Having a nosebleed while conducting the national anthem and in the middle of a science class? I could say I am willing to combust into ashes and never be seen again. It was indeed not amusing, but at the same time hilarious, to clearly remember how people around me would panic while instructing to tilt my head back until the bleeding stops. Just a tip, though: don’t tilt your head back. Take it from someone who had been doing it wrong for almost her entire life. You’re welcome!

There were only two kinds of look I always got from people whenever I wore a mask: either worried or sort-of-judgmental type. The former I would see from my friends and acquaintances who thought I’m terribly sick, the latter I would see from strangers who might have thought of a masked person as a new kind of spectacle.

Although my wearing of masks usually got people overreacting, at least in our place, I truly understand that they were not just used to it once upon a time—unlike now.

New normal. Two simple words that mark the shift of our lives ever since the pandemic happened. Two simple words that emptied the streets and corners that were once alive and busy. Two simple words that denied everyone the chance to meet and hug. Two simple words that make me want to pull all my hair out just to summon my ability to focus on academics. Two simple words that pushed everyone to put on a mask. And now that masks can be seen wrapped around the faces of people - 5 -

everywhere we go, it doesn’t seem odd anymore when I wear one. But I still wonder, once all of this is over, will people still see it normal or will it cause even wilder thoughts in the future? All these realizations rallied in my own bubble until reality popped it off and I remembered I should be concentrating on the ongoing mass.

Looking at the people inside the church with me, however, another sudden thought emerged in my head. Masks are used to protect not just ourselves but everyone who are within our proximity. And behind the act of putting those masks on were people’s desperate desire to live and survive, to taste the pleasure of going out and about without getting bugged by guilt, to hug and hold each other’s hands, to experience even the most mundane of things that we failed to appreciate before, to simply bask in our own freedom. I would rather struggle with my allergy than continue to live like a captive in my own world. For masks, in a pessimistic respect, have morphed into clutches that crippled everyone and held back so many things. And people, me included, strive to loosen its tight grip until we can completely break away and stand up once again. S

- 6 -

Facemask Adrian Paul Y. Espares

A

ga-aga pa han Dominggo nalagubo na’n ak’ dughan samtang nagtututuro an ak’ balhas han ak’ pagharapas tiuli.

“Ano nga nagdidinalagan ka man? Mapakdol ngan’ in’ nga pisti!” An kahipausa han ak’ inay nga naninilhig ha libung han am’ balay sulod han alad, kinap’tan in silhig ngan daspan.

“An ak’ … m… mask! Nanga…lim’tan ko!” naghahangus-hangos ko nga baton tungod han ak’ pagdinalagan tikang mirkadu.

Nagbublag ngan nagtalbo an iya pinundok nga si-ot nga nakadto dapit may gate namon nga kawayan kay akon nasudsud han ak’ pagtisulod.

“Hoooy! Paghihinay gad! Demunyo! Adi aga-aga!” han iya kasina kay urutruhon na liwat niya pagsilhig. Waray ako magpabali ngan padayon ak’ nga nagtisakob ha balay pamiling n’ak mask nga ambot diin ko kabutang. Naglalanat ako han karne nira Man’ Sisar ha mirkadu kay bangin magdamo’t tawo di na’k makasingit pag-utang.

Pagsulod ko ha kwarto linmingi’k ha wala, ha may salamin harani han radio, waray! Lingi’k ha tuo, ha may aparador, waray guihap! Naduroy nga nagkakagawas na an mga manirimba, nga kaurugan han mga kalagsan natipakadto pa man dayon ha mirkadu. Baga ako’n kauruhon nga misay nga nagpipinan-ngaykay ha balay.

“An im’ mask t’im biling, No?” yakan n’ak manghud nga pagmamata pa la, naMano man it hiya akon. Pero han ak’ kalisang waray ko na kaasi. Padayon ako pagkinaykay han ak’ bag, bayong, ngan burtangan han bado.

“Hooooo! N’ak mask! Hain daw la?” Nakaguliat na ako hin kaurit kay ma-diyes minutos na ako nga baga’n kawatan nga namimiling hin bulawan ha ak’ mga bado.

Nawawarayan na ako paglaum nga mabibilngan ko’t nga mask nga kon san’o kinahanglanon amo pa kawara. Naka-huna-huna ako nga an ak’ nala panyo n’ak gagamiton! Dagmit ak’ nga bumuhat ngan nagsingadto ha kusina pagkuha n’ak nakasampay nga mga panyo.

Nakapira na ako agi ha sala nga baga’n nasiplatan ko n’ak bugto nga baga’n naugtok ngan nagkikinita ha akon samtang ako liwat nalilisang.

Han tilakat na ako, andam na n’ak bayong ngan nakahigot na ha ak’ baba an panyo, guindaup ko’t hiya. Natukdaw hiya ha gawas n’ak kwarto nga amon na sala, na-ugtok, nagkikinita nga makauurit kay baga’t nahikatarawa.

- 7 -

“Ano, iday? Baga ka man’t may-kato dida?” kumu.

Tumawa la hiya ha akon ngan may guinduhol tikang ha iya kamot nga naka“Kay di mo man ako guin-aasi, Mano!”

“Ting-ting-ting-ting-ting!” Nagkagawas na an mga manirimba! Dagmit ako nga nagpadayon pagkadto mirkadu nga sul-ot an akon mask. Pira pa ka-metro an akon karayo nakit’an ko na nga naghuhuruot na ha may kanan mga utan ngan isda. Pagkita ko kanda Man’ Sisar, usa nala ka-putos an karne! Nagdinalagan ako tipakadto ha iya.

Han harani na ako gumuliat ako dayon hin, “Akon’t usa, Man’ Sisar!”

Baga’n nag-aningal n’ak tingog sugad-sugad nga damo kami nga nagdurungan pagyakan. Sus kay nakadto ngay’an hi Man’ Adri ha kalingit nga bahin han lamisa nga amo guihap an lanat – an nag-uusahan nala nga putos hin karne.

“No, ako na gad la an mapalit. Kay mayda ko bisita.” Udoy waray. Himu-himo ko la para ha akon ibaligya.

“Mano, akon nala ito. Kay hi misis malain’t guin-aabat,” an yakan ni Man’ Adri.

Patay! Diri ada ako makakapalit! Tumamud ako ngan nakit’an ko an iya dara nga mga panakot. Baa diri gud ini mapapirde kay may panakot na nga dara.

“No!” Guintawag ko hi Man’ Adri. “Mayda pag-aabot pala nga isda nga daku!

Igraratak man kuno nira!” Para iyawat nala isda nala an iya paliton.

“Asus, intoy. Kay karne an sugo ni im’ Mana Paula. Bangin di’k pasudlon ha balay kon diri amo t’ak dara!”

Tumabikong ako ngan naghunahuna. Kuntaloy nag-iihap ako han kwarta. “Iya, Mano, babaydan ko na!” Basi mahulop na hi Man’ Adri ngan diri na pumalit.

Han iguinduduhol ko na an kwarta, tigda may hinmablot han supot. Hapit ko na agawon, pero paglingi ko kay hi Kap ngayan!

“Adi na’n akon, Mano Sisar.” Tapos lumakat.

Amo pa an paglingi ha amon ni Man’ Sisar ngan nagsiring, “Naka-reserba na adto, mga budoy.”

Ay isda nala’n akon napalit! Patas kami ni Man’ Adri nga kinmalot guihap han iya ulo han pakasabot. Kay inin hi Man’ Sisar waray man liwat anay lilingi ha amon nga nagdidiskoter na! S

- 8 -

THE SNAPPER Ronah Marie A. Ganzo “Sometimes, I get these weird dreams...”

P

ag amping baja mo ha. Basta, ug naa gani muanha sa inju nga ipaapil mog vaccine ajaw baja mog apil kay daghan na kunong namatay danang vaccine. Imbes mamatay tas Kobid, tua na nuos vaccine. Unja ug magkinaunsa man gani, injung face masks andama. Asa mag face shield sa mga bata?”

My grandma went on as she was prepping us for our way home. We spent the New Year’s in their house and decided to stay for a few more days than originally planned. We would not be heading home now if it wasn’t for my sister’s school. I, on the other hand, have few more weeks to spare. The last message we received from our teacher contained details about “Jagna Central Elementary School being turned into a facility for LSIs.” I didn't know what an LSI was, but I thought I should thank them for delaying our classes. My mother watches an alarming amount of 24 Oras, and I am now forced to do the same because I couldn’t go outside and play with friends either. She used to watch TV Patrol, but not now. They said it was shut down. I wonder how easy or hard it is to stop something that big. Did they run out of news?

“Dia na nahu, Nay. Ahu rang ipasuot nila inag gikan na namo. Ag si Tatay pukawa sa kay manglakaw nami,” Mom said in a hurried tone.

Not long after, Tatay arrived with his old, wooden cane and offered his right hand for us to “bless.” I went first, then my sister, and my mom. They were talking about the trip when I saw a crab just outside. It’s small, orange with black spots, and has one snapper. It’s unusual to see crabs around these parts because we’re far from any lake or ocean. We do have a nearby pond but we have played on that pond for weeks and we didn’t see any crabs. It looked like a treat, so I stepped outside with my “On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink” T-shirt and untied shoes and ran to it. I wanted to pick it up, but its single snapper held my confidence back. I couldn’t trust it. It was raining a little bit, but I didn’t mind. This crabby is a view.

I found myself a Gemilina stick and started playing with the little crab. It amused me how he keeps grabbing the Gemilina stick even though he knows that after he gets a grip, I would only whisk him away and have my laugh. Little by little, the orange crab waltzed to his left, and I followed. The conversation between my grandparents and my mom started to sound like murmurs to me. His steps were so cute, and I started counting how many it would take for him to reach the pillar next to our neighbor’s house. Then I realized that I am outside the gate, without a face mask, and soaked from the rain. A circular shadow enveloped me and the crab. I looked up and it was my mom, she did not look pleased. I was in trouble.

“Nganung naa man ka diri? Sulod ngadto! Gapasing-uwan napud ka. Labihan gyud kang bataa ka.”

- 9 -

“Taysa kadiyot, ma, kay nindot kaayu ang alimasag oh, orange unya naay patik patik,” I protested with my “beautiful eyes” staring intently at my mom.

“Makahilo man na! Naunsa ba ka. Lakaw na adto.”

Although I had no intention of eating the crab, my mother still warned me about it. Maybe one could get the poison by just getting close to it. I don’t know, but mom does. She knows almost everything, but I never really understood her. One day, mom told us she’s going to buy us hamburgers from McDonald’s, but she bought us some from Angel’s burger instead. Another time, she told us she didn’t have any money, but we had roasted chicken for dinner. I wonder what mom’s thinking about right now. I don’t think it’s still about the crab.

After brief goodbyes, we finally headed home, boarding a bus almost half full.

All of the passengers are wearing face masks. It’s been like this for a long while. We sat on the third seat behind the driver. I wanted to sit way behind but my mother said that I can’t sleep back there because I’d only be disturbed by the bouncing of the bus. I didn’t want to sleep. I just wanted to sit behind the bus. But mom had her way, and we stayed on that seat. She was right, I slept half the time while we’re headed home. After what I thought was 11 million years, we finally arrived, and I headed straight to my bedroom. The next thing I know, I woke up feeling cold and I’m rolled up with thick cloth like “suman.” I couldn’t remember anything before that. My mother said I had a high fever, and I was delirious for days. Mom told me everything. She said I was shaking like a leaf on a raging storm. She was in a panic and tried every traditional medicine she learned from Memaw, my grandma. She gave me every medicine she could get her hands on, but she didn’t take me to the hospital. I wanted to ask, but I guess it’s just one of mom’s things. She doesn’t explain much, but I’m sure she knew what she was doing. After all I got better, didn't I? When I was back in shape, I started to notice the changes in my room. My books were all on the shelf, lined up by size; my toys were all facing west (I like it that way because they have a great view of the sunset); my clothes were all arranged by color; and the room smelled like a sea breeze, just the way I like it. I knew then, it wasn't just mom, she had help. I was in the middle of my self-inquisition when someone pulled my left foot, and I shrieked like a pig. It was Auntie Sarah. I haven’t seen her since our vacation which wasn’t too long a time, but she seems to have aged five years.

Something about her withered and I don’t know how else to describe it. I could see it through her face mask.

“Unya, kamusta man ka? Naayo naman daw ka?” she asked while tapping on my left hand that she placed on top of her palm.

“Okay naman ko, ante. Lingaw kaayo didtos bukid, te. Daghan kong amigo. Naay fish pond sila nanay unja sige ramig tapok adto. Naa pud koy nakit an nga alimasag nga orange, ante. Nindot lage kay naa syay patik patik.”

“Drawinga tong alimasag para makita nahu ha? Ingon man kag nindot gyud.”

- 10 -

“Sig,e ante.”

Auntie was observing me, I could tell. She always does this whenever I went somewhere like to a friend's house, to the beach, to the mall, or on a field trip. It’s like she’s figuring out if it’s still me or have aliens abducted me and replaced me with a replica that is spot on. Auntie has been with us way before I was born, and my mother trusts her completely. After catching up with me, Auntie left my room and said she was going to change and talk to my sister. I spent the entire day playing in the yard with my pet Queequeg who’s now outgrown me. He’s a mix of black and brown Labrador who could easily devour me if he wishes to. I had the best day since we got home, and I went to sleep.

Around two a.m., I woke up to pee when I overheard a conversation, and from their voices, I figured that it was my mother and Auntie Sarah.

“Ma’am, mouli sa kos amua kay si Tatay walay kauban sa balay unya bawal baya mugawas ang mga senior citizen karon. Ag ahung igsuon nga maoy gabantay nija sauna kay nanarbaho na man, unja karon pako gipasidan-an. Niadto nakos merkado ganina, Ma’am.

Kompleto nanang grocery, unya dili naka kinahanglan mamalengke ug bali duha ka semana.”

I’ve never heard Auntie talk like this before, and I think she was about to cry.

“Walay laing pwede muadto's imong Tatay, Te? Lisod baya ron unya kami rang tulo.

Basin mubalik tong hilanat ni Inday, ba. Mahadlok pud baya ko.”

“Dili pud lage unta ko gusto mouli jud, Ma'am. Pero unsaon nga wala man jud koy mahimo. Pasensya na.”

I went back to bed after hearing that part, and I felt sad about Auntie Sarah leaving. How are things going to be without her? The next morning, Auntie was gone.

Mother told us that she had to take the early morning bus so she could catch the ferry.

Everything was urgent. Auntie didn’t want to wake us up before leaving because she will be back anyway.

Only a day after Auntie left, my sister had a fever, and I was forbidden to enter her room because I only got better very recently. Mother was afraid I might get sick again. The following days were like usual, boring. There were no fishponds here, and I wasn’t allowed to go out and see my friends. Mom was busy with the housework and feeding my sister. I, on the other hand, decided to draw the crab, like I promised Auntie Sarah. I was set on making a watercolor painting of it and make it the best one I've ever made. I often wonder about what had happened to it. Where did it go? Did someone eat it? Now that would be a tragedy. What has become of that little crab?

Almost a week has passed, and my sister's condition was not getting any better.

The situation got even worse when my mom caught the fever herself, and I was left to prepare my own meals. We always kept our distance from each other. One morning, my sister’s temperature went down and we were delighted, but it rose again after dusk.

It’s been like that for days. I’ve told mother to take her to the hospital, and herself too, but she refused and said it was unnecessary. She said maybe my sister got the fever from me, and her asthma might be the reason why her recovery got delayed. Mom also - 11 -

said that she has a very weak “immune system,” so maybe it could be one of the reasons. Mom said she will get better any day now, but she didn’t. They both got sicker.

Everything whirled after that.

A few of our relatives came to the house and brought my mom and sister to the hospital. One of my uncles told me that Auntie Sarah had died two days after she got to their place in the province. All of a sudden, everything faded like the sound of music when you cover the speaker. All I could get from Uncle’s lips were the words “mother” and “forgot.” The rest just faded. I didn’t know what else was happening and if there was something I could do. But I remembered one of mom’s words, that “when people are busy, you get out of the way,” so I did. More of our relatives came to the house.

Others would visit and some would leave, it’s like they're playing a game of trip of Jerusalem but no fun. I have never been separated from my mom, or my sister, or Auntie Sarah this long, and I am anxious. For several nights, I would cry in bed and made my toys face the wall. They haven’t seen the sunset for days, and I haven’t finished that crab painting that I started either.

On the 11th day (since my mother and sister went to the hospital), I woke up to the sound of a siren just outside our house. I ran to the living room and saw my mom, but it wasn’t really my mom. She’s changed, there was a familiar withering sensation and I cried, then I finally woke up. I walked to the living room hoping to see a familiar face, and I did. I saw mom and I jumped to hug her, but I was hit by something she was holding across her belly.

I looked around and felt something missing.

“Asa si Ate, Ma?” “Then I'd wake up. Just like that.” S

- 12 -

Missing Kiana Marie G. Gualberto

T

en minutes have passed since I got here and still no one is answering the door.

The customer stopped replying to my texts, too. It’s like I took a bath again with the amount of sweat dripping all over my body. It’s a hot and humid day. And with this pink long sleeve shirt uniform I’m wearing, it feels like the world is on fire. I can’t wait any longer. No one’s going to come out the door anyway and I would have to pay for this food myself.

“Great! Another money wasted for an insensitive customer,” I muttered to myself angrily. Stomping my way back to the gutter where I parked my motorbike, another rider wearing the same pink long sleeves shirt arrives.

“Well, if it isn’t my unluckiest day,” I thought to myself.

That stature, that overly gelled hair, and his overbearing total personality. I know this guy and I hate him. He’s too confident, too carefree, and he talks a lot. I have this list of reasons not to interact with him and that gave me peace. Until now, I guess.

“What? Customer didn’t like the food, or they were put off by your melancholy?” he said mockingly, while he parked his motobike.

I would have punched him right this instant but that would be too bad for his beamingly shiny hair. I wonder how much gel he uses in a day.

“Just disregard that order, it’s a ghost customer,,” I informed him as I was starting my motorbike.

“Uhm, no. Customer just said to come inside,” he said casually. I quickly looked at him to check if he was serious.

“What?” I asked, as if I didn’t hear him. I did, I just couldn’t believe it.

“Yeah, look,” he said as he extended his hand holding the phone to me.

There it is, a text from the customer with the same number from my order, instructing Bobby to come inside the house. Something doesn't seem right for me. But the money, I wouldn’t want to pay for this.

“C’mon, maybe the customer is old, and she just got confused with the ordering process. You can still get the payment if we just explain to her nicely.” I shrugged and turned off my motorbike. Took the keys and opened the box to get the food.

“I didn’t know you were aware of the concept of being nice,” I said.

- 13 -

Bobby, who was already heading to the door, just laughed without even looking back. I caught up with him at the doorstep, he knocked three times and looked at me.

“I didn’t know you were capable of understanding. I just thought all you do is frown, but hey this is a good starting point,” he said, patting my shoulder.

I jerked his hand off. I was about to say something when someone from inside the house shouted, “Come in, I'm just finishing these last batch of cookies. I’ll be right there.”

It was a woman’s voice; she was shouting but we got a hint of the gentleness in her tone. Bobby grins and quickly opens the door.

“Is this even allowed?” I asked Bobby, who quickly walked fast to the living room and sat comfortably on the couch.

I look around the room as I walk slowly towards the other side of the couch Bobby is sitting on. The interior is just as vintage as the outside of the house. Even the appliances are a blast from the past. Their TV is still the old model with the bulky back and small buttons for volume and channel below the screen. I wonder if it still works, I didn’t notice any antenna outside. Noticeable in the room is a huge speaker that has a compartment for cassette tapes. My eyes were intrigued by the bright red object next to the massive appliance. It’s a modern style helmet.

“Hmmm, maybe not everything in this house is ancient,” I thought to myself.

My wandering was cut short when a lady wearing a nice vintage dress came out from the kitchen door. She’s holding a plate of cookies in her hand.

“Hey, you brought a friend!” she happily said while moving towards us.

Putting down the plate on the center table, she turned her head to us and said, “I’m happy you’re here. I prepared something for you. Come, eat.”

She flashes a smile showing her perfect white teeth then she sits on the couch across from us. Even as she sits, she maintains a perfect posture like a character from the ’60s. She doesn’t say anything, she’s just looking at us, smiling. It’s dead quiet. I turn to Bobby wondering why he hasn’t said a word since we entered the house. This was his idea; he should talk to the lady. But Bobby is acting weird, too. He is just blankly staring at the lady. My gut is telling me I should leave right now.

“Uhm, sorry but I have to go, I just wanted to get the payment for the food you ordered,” I excused myself, trying so hard to act casually.

“Please, eat. You’re here now,” the lady replied firmly.

“I really have to go, my … our boss will kill us if …” I persisted.

The lady’s smile disappears.

- 14 -

“I said, eat,” she said dangerously. I quickly grabbed a cookie and stuffed it into my mouth.

“Let’s just get this over with,” I thought.

Suddenly, my vision starts to blur, and my body becomes light as a feather. The room turned upside down and then everything went dark.

“Ed! Ed!” I hear someone calling my name. “Ed, wake up. C’mon, wake up.” My eyes slowly open and I see Bobby’s concerned face in front of me.

“What happened? Where’s the lady?” I asked, trying to recall what just happened. Looking around, it seems that we’re still inside the house.

“She’s gone,” Bobby replies while assisting me as I stand up.

“What? I don’t understand,” I said as I walked towards the door. Gripping on the knob, I twist and pull. It doesn’t open.

“Bobby, we can’t get out. The lady, she is a witch, and she did this weird spell on the house. I tried every possible way to get out, I swear. But I … I just can’t. I’m sorry,” he explains guiltily.

“Why are you sorry? It’s not your fault. Let’s just find a way. There must be an exit somewhere.”

Hastily, I went to the kitchen to see if there was a window. Bobby followed behind.

“Ed, look … there isn’t any way.”

My face lit up when I saw the window above the sink.

“Look, I told you, a window! We just need to find something to break it with,” I said excitedly, running towards the sink. I reach for the window and stick my palm against it.

“That’s weird. It doesn’t feel like glass … It feels like paper,” confused, I looked at Bobby.

His face looks downcast, “I told you Ed, there isn’t any way. All these windows they’re some sort of magic wallpapers that look real but aren’t.”

I’m confused. I walk towards him, exclaiming, “But why do you look like you’ve given up? C’mon, you’re the risk taker here. We should find a way to get out. We can’t stay here forever.”

Bobby slowly looks down.

- 15 -

“I’m sorry Ed. I’m sorry for getting you into this. I knew that she was a witch the moment I saw the helmet. It was mine a few years back. Was riding my motorbike, full speed, I was wasted. Then I stopped in front of this house. It didn’t look like this before.

I thought it was empty, the walls were covered with cobwebs, the posts looked like it needed repair. I took off my helmet and dropped it on the ground. I lit this ball of paper I’ve been holding; it was my report card and on it were failing marks on every subject.

Then I … threw the flaming paper ball inside. Suddenly, the old woman … she came running towards the house, I guessed it’s hers, so I panicked and rode on my motorbike, took off, and never looked back.”

I couldn’t believe it. All this time? He could have prevented this from happening in the first place.

“But why didn’t you tell me before she came out of the kitchen? You said you knew the moment we walked in. You didn’t say a word, Bobby! Why?” I asked him, desperate for answers.

“Ed, I … I thought it was my way out. Everything happened so fast, I forgot you were there. I didn’t even think of the lady anymore. All I knew was that I wanted to escape my pathetic life. At home, my father always tells me that I am up to no good.

That’s why I got this job, to redeem myself and at least contribute to covering our family’s expenses. But this job does not, in any way, cover the fact that I am nothing but an inadequate and useless person. And with all the weird stuff about this house, it thrilled me. I got excited that something new is happening in my seemingly hopeless life. But hey, I guess we could find a way out after living here for a week or two. I saw some food in the kitchen …” he replied, his voice now hopeful.

I couldn’t believe what he just said. I try to understand where all those words are coming from. But I couldn’t help it. I burst out.

“I have a family, Bobby! My wife is about to give birth. I’m going to have a son in three months. And what I’m making from our job isn’t even enough to pay for her monthly check up, more so for the hospital bills for the delivery. Okay? This is something I can’t escape; this is what I have to embrace! To accept and find a way to thrive.” I’m out of words. Nothing could verbally express my rage at the moment.

“What now, Bobby?” I asked.

Bobby just stood there. None of us said a single word. He pressed his lips, his eyes full of regret, and finally he let out a deep sigh.

“I’m really sorry, Ed,” he apologizes. I start to calm down as well.

“I’m sorry too,” I replied. Suddenly, I realized something.

“I know what we can do,” I exclaimed, “we can burn this house down. I mean … we can try to … You mentioned she was hysterical when she saw the house was on fire.

- 16 -

And now, years later, she still lives in the same house. She would have to do something to prevent another fire.”

I didn’t wait for Bobby’s approval, I just went straight to the kitchen and turned on the knobs of the stove. The fire emerges from its surface. It works! Yes! “But what if it doesn’t work? What if she left this house for good?” Bobby asks from behind me.

I paused, turned to him and said, “Then I’m really glad to have the privilege of knowing your story.”

I looked him in the eye smilingly, so he would know that I see him, and I understand. Teary eyed, Bobby smiles back.

“Hey,” he said, “you may think that you’re not free from the kind of life that you have, but the love from your wife and the way your child will look up to you when he grows up, they are free in your life. And they will forever be yours.”

Now my eyes are welling up. I didn’t want to cry so I quickly turned my back from him, grabbed the nearest combustible object and lit it up. Bobby ran to the living room to get more things to burn. Then the fire started to spread, and the smoke got thicker and thicker. We now had a hard time breathing so we crawled on the floor till we passed out.

Suddenly, I’m at the company office, surrounded by men wearing the same pink long sleeves shirt. Immediately, my eyes searched for Bobby. There he is, by the water dispenser, holding a cup of water, smiling. Tears fell from my eyes as I ran towards him.

“Bobby!” I called him, my voice loud enough, the rest of the men looked in my direction, but I didn’t care. I was just happy that Bobby got out too.

“Bobby! I’m so glad to see you. What happened to the house? The witch?

Bobby…” I didn’t get to finish, I just hugged him.

“Witch?” Bobby asked, confused.

“Is this some kind of a joke?” he continues as he breaks free from my hug. I think we’re both confused here.

“But you’re Bobby, right? It’s you. I know it’s you. You always show up to work with that sticky hair.”

Bobby puts the cup on top of the dispenser. He tilts his head, his eyes wondering, “Yes, I am Bobby. Who are you?” S

- 17 -

Johnny Johnny Kyle Lindvey Z. Delmo Tikang han imo kabata Bumati ka na han akon istorya Guinhihimo pa nga karagtatawa Johnny Johnny kita Ginsugo ako pagpalit hin asin Gintawag ak’ n’ak mga sangkay Hala an ginpapapalit na asin Tudas masisina na liwat hi nanay Ginsugo ako pagpalit hin battery Gintawag na liwat ak’ n’ak mga sangkay Hala sarado na an tindahan Tudas masisina na liwat hi tatay Johnny, namalanga kana na liwat hin mulay Johnny, waray ka gamit na sinusugo Luhod ngadi hit asin, kauna ini nga battery Dapat ha imo ginpapaul-ulan basi ka matuhay Johnny Johnny kita Amo ini it tinuod na istorya Kay ano guin-iba an akon istorya Tabang, diri ko na kaya!

Talagsa na ngan la makamulay Pag-uli ha balay kastigado pa ni nanay ngan tatay Diri ako namamalanga, gusto ko humirayo ha ira Pero kun diri ak umuli, hala an akon bugto Anay!

Oo diri la hi ako Damo na kabataan it naabat hin abuso Panahon na para masabtan niyo an sikreto Johnny Johnny kita, buligi kami niyo! S

- 18 -

Quarantined with Teddy Danah Villa O. Formoso Oh what a beautiful day!

Good morning, I say to the sun Good morning, I say to the plants And good morning to my pal, Teddy Who’s always ready for play I need no company of any sort I need no one to be with me I need only myself and Teddy And because humans carry that icky disease I hear a knock on my door And I want to simply ignore it But the knock grew louder And I was forced to open it “Good day! Mr. Bean,” my neighbor said I stared at her, hoping she’d go away I tried my best to keep a distance, But she ruined most of my plans I hurried to my bureau And searched for my mask But I will still maintained a good distance And to be this far and alarmed She asked if she could get in I told her, “Of course not!”

She asked for something again I think it was bread, and I said “fine” I took my bread and gave it to her So that she would finally leave She gave me thanks and went on her way Aha! finally, I can now have my peace S

- 19 -

Hustijsya Patrick Anthony V. Cañedo Characters: Pedro (32) Mayor Rodriguez (47) Dalawang (2) bodyguard ni Mayor Rodriguez Bata 1 (7) Bata 2 (7) Aling Juday (42) Mga tambay at naglalakad Asawa ni Pedro (32) at anak nila (prop) Ang entablado ay mayroong “cut-out” ng isang Sari-Sari store sa stage right na mayroong mga upuan sa harap ng tindahan. Si Aling Juday ay naghihintay para sa mga bibili sa kanyang tindahan. Si Pedro ay nakaupo sa isa sa mga upuan at umiinom ng soft drink sa plastic at straw. Ang dalawang bata ay papasok sa entablado mula stage left. Mayroong mga tambay sa stage left at stage right at ilang mga naglalakad labas pasok sa entablado.

Bata 1: Aling Juday, pabili nga po ng colgate.

Aling Juday: Sige iho, isang— Bata 2: ‘Di naman kinakain ang colgate. Aling Juday, isang ice cream na lang po.

Aling Juday: Ay naku po, hahaha. Oh sige, ito oh, iho iha.

Bata 1: Salamat po!

Habang binubuksan ng mga bata ang ice cream, papasok mula stage left si Mayor Rodriguez at ang kanyang mga bodyguard. Tatakbo ang dalawang bata papunta sa dirkesyon nina Mayor.

Matutumba si Bata 1 at mapupunta ang ice cream niya sa pantalon ni Mayor.

Mayor Rodriguez: Kaninong batang ‘to?!

Si Pedro ay mapapatingin sa Mayor, at tatayo na parang mayroong pangyayaring paghahandaan. Ang stage lights ay nakatutok kay Pedro habang siya ay tatayo at maglalakad patungo kay Mayor. Pagdating ni Pedro ay nakatutok ang stage lights kay Pedro at Mayor lamang.

Pedro: Pasensya na po, Sir. Hindi sinasadya ng bata.

- 20 -

Mayor Rodriguez: (Mahina muna ang pagsasalita. Papalakas nang matatapos na ang dialogue) Wala akong pakialam. Alam mo ba kung magkano ‘tong pantalon ko? Galing ‘to sa Amerika. Kailangan niyo magba— Babalik ang tutok ng stage lights sa buong entablado. Ang mga tambay ay lalong nakatutok sa Mayor, at ang mga naglalakad ay hihinto at tututok rin sa nangyayari. Si Mayor ay lalapit kay Pedro at aayusin ang t-shirt niya.

Mayor Rodriguez: Pasensya na. ‘Wag kang mag-alala. Okay lang.

Tututok ang stage lights kay Mayor. Aalis sina Mayor at ang kanyang mga bodyguard papuntang stage right. Bibigyan ng pera ni Mayor ang mga tambay malapit sa Sari-Sari store at mayroon siyang sasabihin. Aakbay si Mayor sa isang bodyguard. Ang bodyguard ay titingin saglit kay Pedro habang naglalakad. Babalik ang tutok ng stage lights sa buong entablado.

Pedro: Bata, okay ka lang?

Bata 1: Okay lang po, Ser. Salamat po.

Aalis ang dalawang bata. Babalik si Pedro sa upuan sa Sari-Sari store.

Aling Juday: Mayor yun, Pedro. Kumusta pala asawa mo tsaka yung bago niyong anak?

Pedro: Ah… mayor pala. (Hihinto si Pedro saglit) Okay lang naman sila. Nagoff duty at bumili ng groceries lang muna ako para maalagaan sila.

Aalis ang isang tambay.

Aling Juday: ‘Di ka naman kailangan sa presinto?

Pedro: (Tatayo at maglalagay ng pambayad sa lagayan ng Sari-Sari) Maraming namang pulis dun na kaya ang trabaho ko, hahaha. Sige, Ate Juday. Salamat sa soft drink.

Close curtains. Stage lights off.

Bagong set. Sa stage right, nakaupo si Mayor sa kanyang upuan likod ng lamesa sa opisina.

Mayroong bandila ng Pilipinas katabi ng lamesa. Mayroon ding mga upuan sa harap ng lamesa.

Mayroong mga aklat ang lamesa. Nakatayo ang tambay sa harap ni Mayor. Sa stage left, mayroong crib at mga upuan, naguusap sina Pedro ang kanyang asawa, habang karga-karga ni Pedro ang anak nila.

Open curtains. Stage lights on. Nakatutok lamang ang stage lights kay Mayor at sa tambay.

Mayor Rodriguez: Pulis pala, ah. Di pa taga-rito. Tapos, pinsan niya may ari ng SariSari. Sige.… O, bat di ka pa umaalis? Nabigyan na kita kanina ng pera! (Aalis ang tambay) Nakatutok na ngayon ang stage lights kay Pedro at sa kanyang asawa.

- 21 -

Asawa: ‘Bat mo naman yun ginawa? Mayor pala yun.

Pedro: ‘Yun nga eh. Pinoprotektahan ko lang yung bata. Naisip ko na ayaw ko rin may mangyaring masama sa bata kung anak natin iyon.

Asawa: Pero— Pedro: ‘Wag mag-alala, mahal. Sa ngayon, alalahanin natin yung anak natin. At syempre, kalusugan mo rin. Kararating mo lang galing ospital kahapon. Kaya, kailangan mo rin ng pahinga.

Asawa: Kumusta naman si Ate Juday?

Pedro: Okay lang naman. Nagbabantay pa rin sa Sari-Sari. Minsan, bumibisita rin siya kay Nanay kaya maraming pasalamat ko dun sa kanya hahaha.

Mayroong tumatawag sa cellphone ni Pedro.

Pedro: Teka lang, mahal. Kailangan ko ma-ano ‘tong tawag. (Binigay ang anak sa asawa) Maglalakad sina Mayor at Pedro papuntang malapit center stage. Nakatutok ang stage lights sa kanila.

Pedro: Hello, sino po ito?

Mayor: Pinsan mo pala si Juday. Pinahiya mo ako ha.

Pedro: Sino ‘to? ... Mayor?

Mayor: Oh. Alam mo pala na mayor ako. May lakas ka pang gawin yun sa akin!

Pedro: Pasensya na po…

Mayor: Kilala ko ang Regional Director. Gusto mo bang ma-assign sa malayo? May pamilya ka diba? Pano sila? Arogante kang pulis!

Pedro: Pasensya na po, Mayor. ‘Di na po mauulit. Ayaw ko lang po madamay pamilya ko. Pasensya na po.

Mayor: Dahil mabait ako, warning lang muna ito. Kung magkita pa tayo, ‘wag na ‘wag mong susubukan lumapit sa akin o magpakatapang, arogante!

Matatapos ang tawag. Ang stage light ay nakatutok lamang kay Pedro. Close curtains.

Balik sa set nung first scene. Sari-Sari cut-out. Balik si Aling Juday, mga tambay, at naglalakad sa kanilang mga pwesto. Open curtains. Nakatutok ang stage lights sa buong entablado.

- 22 -

Mula stage right, papasok si Pedro.

Aling Juday: Oy! Kumusta na naman, pinsan? Haha Pedro: Wala lang, ate. Off duty pa rin.

Papasok mula stage left sina Mayor at kanyang mga bodyguard na mayroong itinutulak na tambay.

Mayor: Ikaw! ‘Wag kang tatambay malapit sa bahay namin. Ang baho mo! Doon ka sa mala— Nakatutok ang stage lights kay Pedro at Mayor lamang. Magtitinginan sina Pedro at Mayor.

Pagkatapos ng ilang segundo, mapapatingin sa lupa si Pedro. Mapapangiti si Mayor.

Kay Pedro lamang ang stage lights, babalik ang pag-abuso ni Mayor sa tambay. Aalis si Pedro. Patayin ang stage lights. Close curtains. Wakas. S

- 23 -

ATM Life Lyka Mae L. Taboso Characters: Destiny, 26, adult woman Earnest, 42, stick-up man or hold-up man (holdaper) Beggar, 50, a crazy homeless person Mano Jun, 37, fat security guard Policeman, early 30s Time and Place: Night - Present time. At an ATM of a local bank. There is an ATM enclosed inside a cubicle at the center of the stage. Behind it is a wall filled with graffiti and the BEGGAR wandering aimlessly while muttering. The spotlight is directly above the ATM. The rest of the stage is dim.

Mano Jun is asleep, sitting on his chair below the stage and in front of the audience. EARNEST is standing in the dark, near the cubicle. DESTINY enters the stage and enters the cubicle. A separate spotlight follows her.

Destiny: (Talks to herself.) Thank God, we made it to payday… I barely had enough to get us through the week. I can’t even count in one hand the people I’ve asked for money. Oh Destiny, when will you get your life together?

Paper bills worth P5,000 exit the machine.

Earnest: (Sneaks up to Destiny and points a knife at her neck.) Don’t scream or you know what’s coming.

Destiny: (Begins to sob.) P-Please… I have children at home…

The spotlight at the ATM dims and follows the BEGGAR. The BEGGAR nears MANO JUN and smiles at the audience. He takes the key dangling from MANO JUN’S belt. The BEGGAR nears the cubicle and looks at it. He smiles at the audience and flaunts the key to them. He then locks the DESTINY and EARNEST inside the cubicle. The spotlight fixes back on the ATM. Earnest: (Gets startled.) What was that?!

Destiny: (Confused.) I-I don’t... know Earnest: (Yells.) Hello?! Who’s there?

Beggar: (Approaches the cubicle.): You two lovebirds needed a room! Thank me later!

(Walks away laughing hysterically and sits with the audience.)

EARNEST still holding DESTINY tries opening the cubicle door.

- 24 -

Earnest: (Shouts.) Hey! (Waits for a response.) Hey!!! (Mutters under his breath.) That damn bastard.

EARNEST starts banging the door.

Earnets: (Shouts again.) Hello?! I swear if you don’t come back here and unlock this door you’ll be in big trouble!

Destiny: It’s no use. It’s probably the crazy man who sleeps here. He doesn’t listen to anybodyEarnest: (Cuts off her sentence. Angrily points the knife at her face.) Shut up. You only open your damn mouth when I ask you a question. Got it?

DESTINY nods. Still holding DESTINY, EARNEST attempts to shove the door open. He stops.

Earnest: (Curses under his breath.) Shit! (Angry.) Where’s the fucking security guard?

What kind of bank doesn’t have a security guard?

Destiny: I-I think he’s asleep. As usual.

There is a brief silence. DESTINY and EARNEST stand awkwardly. EARNEST pushes DESTINY against the ATM opposite to the door. DESTINY falls on her knees, recollects herself, and lies against the ATM. Earnest: (Points at DESTINY.) You stay there. If you do anything weird I’ll stab you this instant.

Destiny: (Breathing heavily.) I won’t.

The stage dims and the light focuses on the BEGGAR who is sitting in the audience. It follows him when he gets up and prances to the snoring MANO JUN. Beggar: (Singing lazily as he imitates MANO JUN.) The big one is asleep! Of course, the big one is asleep! He who holds the key is usually asleep! (Faces the audience.) He may have the power and he may have the might, but I’m a pesky fly that he can’t catch~ He’s so big and I’m so small, but when he’s snoring I’ll take it all~ Good night, Mano Jun~ (Pinches Mano Jun’s nose.)

Mano Jun: (Suddenly wakes up.) Huh? What was that? (Looks around and sees the Beggar. Points at him.) Hey you!

Beggar: (Startled.) Oh no! (Runs to the audience.)

Mano Jun: (Attempts to get out of his seat but to no avail.) Ugh. (Breathing heavily, falls back asleep.)

Beggar: (Slowly sneaks back to Mano Jun. Sings around Mano Jun.) What a joke~ A very big fat joke!

- 25 -

The BEGGAR skips back towards the audience. The stage dims. The light focuses back on DESTINY and EARNEST. EARNEST is standing against the door with his knife, watching DESTINY. DESTINY is sitting against the machine hugging her bag.

Earnest: Wait a minute. You never gave me the money.

Destiny: You didn’t take it.

Earnest: Give it. (Holds out his hand.)

DESTINY faces the audience and gets the money from her bag. She stares at the paper bills and slowly hands it to EARNEST. Destiny: Here.

EARNEST snatches it from her hands and proceeds to count the money.

Earnest: (Sarcastic.) Five thousand?! That’s all you have? (Laughs.)

Destiny: (Sobs.) That’s all I have.

Earnest: (In shock. Stares at the money.) I’m bending over backwards for this? A measly five thousand?! (Laughs hysterically.)

Destiny: (Breaks out in tears.) I’m just a department store cashier! What can I do? I barely make enough to send my three kids to school! Now we don’t have anything to eat for the next two weeks!

Earnest: So? Why do you have three kids anyway? At your age you look like you’ve been making them since you were a teenager. Your kids have a father?

Destiny: No. Earnest: Well, where is he?

Destiny: He left…

Earnest: What a scumbag. Leaving behind three children. Tsk tsk tsk. (Shakes his head.)

Why’d that fucker leave?

Destiny: His wife found out.

Earnest: (Baffled.) His wife?! And you knew the whole time? (Covers his mouth in disbelief.)

Destiny: I found out after we had our first child.

Earnest: (Mad.) And you had the nerve to have two more children with him?!

- 26 -

Brief silence.

Earnest: (Chuckles and looks at the audience.) Damn, she’s really stupid, isn’t she?

Destiny: (Still crying. Faces the audience.) He promised me a nice future, alright?!

Earnest: (Still facing the audience.) And she was dumb enough to believe him!

Destiny: (Wipes her tears.) Fine. You, a hold up man, are clearly living a better life than I am. I get it now.

Earnest: I’m no saint but at least I’m not stupid. I can rely on myself to get the job done.

My alias isn’t “Earnest” for nothing! Unlike your kids my wife and my daughter are probably in a better state.

Destiny: (Sarcastic) With you being a criminal? (Fold her arms.)

Earnest: Not as long as I get caught. And I never do. And I never will.

Destiny: So, when the security guard finally wakes up and finds us here he’s just gonna let you go?

Earnest: Who’s gonna tell him? For all I know, you’re not gonna tell him. (Points knife at DESTINY.) DESTINY takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and leans her head against the ATM machine.

Destiny: (Talks to herself.) What’s the point of living anymore? Will I even make it out here alive?

Earnest: Oh, don’t worry, you will. If you know how to keep your mouth shut.

Personally, I don’t like killing people. Getting rid of the body is too much work. There’s more chances for murderers to get caught anyway. At least I just take someone’s things and go.

Destiny: You’re not even the least bit guilty about your crime.

Earnest: Bullshit. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there. Schools, politicians, churches, corporations, they all take people’s money— in different ways. At least I have the balls to be more direct about it.

Destiny: You’re still breaking the law!

Earnest: (Kicks the door behind him.) And so did that scammer who scammed our family our entire life savings!

Silence.

- 27 -

Earnest: Then he got caught and wound up in jail but so what? The money's gone.

Years later I find out he got released and is now living scot-free. That bastard.

Destiny: I’m sorry to hear that.

Earnest: Don’t be sorry for me. You have more reason to be sorry for yourself.

Destiny: I suppose…

Earnest: This is my advice. Take it or leave it. Take advantage of other people, but don’t get taken advantage of. It’s pretty simple. It’s not rocket science.

Brief silence.

Earnest: (Sighs.) You know what, here. (Hands the money to DESTINY.) You can have half of it back. I can probably find someone richer tomorrow.

Destiny: (Takes the money.) Thank you.

Earnest: Just don’t tell the security guard when he finally finds us. And in exchange, I can introduce you to a friend who’s making good money from extorting horny foreigners. All you have to do is keep your mouth shut.

Destiny: I will.

The stage dims. The spotlight focuses on the BEGGAR in the audience. The BEGGAR walks up to the stage where DESTINY and EARNEST are. The BEGGAR has a flyer in his hand.

Beggar: (Faces the audience.) Oh gee, oh my! Did they finally see eye to eye? A criminal and a fool. A family man, a single mother. A rebel and a slave. A skeptic and a dreamer.

Two impoverished souls! Will they stand together? Or eat each other alive? What suspense! (Posts the flyer on the wall near the cubicle.) Why don’t we find out? (Unlocks the cubicle door.)

The BEGGAR runs back to the audience. The spotlight is fixed on DESTINY and EARNEST who have both fallen asleep. DESTINY’S back is lying against the ATM machine, whereas EARNEST is lying against the wall near the door. DESTINY wakes up.

Destiny: (Drowsy. Checks the time on her watch.): Oh. It’s already 5 a.m. (Yawns and stretches her arms.) I can’t believe the security guard didn’t even come to check on this ATM. Does he do nothing but sleep all day? (Sighs. Faces the audience.) My life is unfair. I barely get paid minimum wage and things just keep getting more and more expensive.

For how long can I even put my kids in school? Three? Four years? I’m just surviving at this point. I’ve always been surviving. For once. I just want to live. (Pauses.) I think...I think I’m gonna accept his offer.

A light breeze enters the cubicle. DESTINY shivers and folds her arms.

- 28 -

Destiny: It’s pretty cold. It’s five in the morning, after all. (Looks around the cubicle.) Wait a minute. (Looks at the door.) That’s weird. Is it me or is the door slightly open? (Stands up and pokes the door.)

The door swings to the back a little.

Destiny: (Covers her mouth from the shock.) Thank God! (Casually walks over Earnest and peeks her head out of the cubicle.) I’m saved! And the timing is just about right. I think my bladder is about to burst. I’ll use the public restroom first and then I’ll wake this guy up.

The stage is fully lit. DESTINY steps outside the cubicle and walks around the stage. MANO JUN wakes up and notices he lost his key. He goes up the stage to find it.

Destiny: (Asks herself.) Where was the restroom again? (Sees the flyer that the Beggar posted and slowly walks towards it.) Hold on. That description reminds me of someone.

(Peels the flyer off the wall. Walks slowly towards the audience.) Five feet and five inches tall, dark-skinned, usually wears a black jacket. Wait a minute… This is…

MANO JUN sees DESTINY holding the flyer and approaches her.

Mano Jun: (Intrigued.) Ma’am, do you know that person?

Destiny: (Surprised by Mano Jun.): What?

Mano Jun: That wanted criminal. He’s pretty notorious around these parts but we never seem to catch him or get a clear view of his face. You better be careful, he carries a knife around and steals your money just after you withdraw from the ATM. Destiny: (Nervous.) Oh, I see. Anyway, do you know where the restroomMano Jun: (Cuts off Destiny.) There’s a financial reward too for someone who manages to turn him in.

Destiny: Financial reward?

Mano Jun: Five digits. Pretty hefty sum.

Destiny: (Talks to herself slowly walking towards the audience. Teary-eyed and smiling.) A five-digit sum of money! I’d be able to pay some of my loans at least. Hope, my fiveyear old daughter, can finally have a nice birthday this coming week. Oh, the things that I can do with that kind of money on my hands! (Looks at Mano Jun.) Sir, I think I have the guy you’re looking for.

Mano Jun: Really now? Where?

DESTINY and MANO JUN go towards the cubicle where EARNEST is still fast asleep.

Mano Jun: Goddamn. He fits the description.

- 29 -

Earnest: (Suddenly wakes up.) Huh? (Sees Mano Jun and Destiny together.) Is there a problem, Sir? (Winks at Destiny.)

Mano Jun: (Sarcastic.) I don’t know, you tell me. Do you know each other, Ma’am?

(Looks at Destiny.)

DESTINY and EARNEST exchange glances.

Destiny: No. No, I don’t.

Earnest: (Enraged.) She’s lying! Why, you! (Attempts to attack Destiny.)

Mano Jun: (Drags Earnest out of the cubicle and puts his hands behind his back) Why don’t you save your excuses for the judge?

Earnest: You! (Looks at Destiny.) You’re just like everyone else. (Looks at the audience.) All of you! You’re all the same! Users!

Mano Jun: Yeah, yeah, yeah. We love to hear it from a criminal.

Red and Blue lights stage lights flicker. The POLICEMAN, wearing shades, enters the scene from backstage. He handcuffs EARNEST. Policeman: Good call, Ma’am. He finally got caught. You’re required to head over to the precinct later to report your account of the incident. Your financial reward of 10,000 pesos will be sent to you in a week.

Destiny: (Thinks silently.) Ten thousand… (Snaps out of her thoughts.) Yes, Sir. Thank you.

POLICEMAN leaves with EARNEST and MANO JUN comes down to the audience. The BEGGAR stands up and starts clapping from the audience. The stage dims and the spotlight is focused on DESTINY. Beggar: (Amused.) Wow! What a climax! (Clapping.)

Destiny: (Gasps and points at the Beggar.) You! You’re the one who locked us up!

Beggar: You’re welcome!

Destiny: (Angry.) I never said thank you. Aren’t you ashamed of what you’ve done?

Beggar: You’re gonna blame a crazy and broken person for acting crazy and broken?

Rather, I think I’m living up to my reputation! And you got an additional 10k didn’t you? What more do you want?

Destiny: But I almost died! For what? 10k? I’ll use that up in no time. Gobbled up by loans, bills, food, the list goes on and on.

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Beggar: We can’t do anything about that now. That’s life. I got the engine running but you’re the one steering the wheel. In fact, you should be proud of yourself!

Destiny: For thinking about my children?

Beggar: Sure, but no!

Destiny: Then why?

Beggar: You actually applied his advice! You’re not so stupid after all.

Destiny: (Slowly backs away.) “Take advantage of other people, but don’t get taken advantage of...” My God, is this the only way to survive? (Leans against the ATM machine.)

The stage dims. S

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