Pagbati Bente Kwatro by Traitor Fork

Collegium Editor in Chief ROSSEL GRACE S. RETOLLA Associate Editor FRECEL T. ROQUE Managing Editor EDU G. MACABATAS News Editor KHRISTINE LIEZLE S. ARNILLA Features Editor JHERINE NIKKI HAZEL DALAYGON Sports Editor CARLO B. QUINLOG Secretariat BETH S. DAGUPLO Correspondents STEPHANIE HOPE S. ARNILLA, MAVIS P. MORATILLA, JAY PAUL EDER, JASTINE ROSE M. CAÑETE, JAYCRIS C. DELA CRUZ, DENNIS JAMES A. LUIS Staff writers/Photojournalits MARK LORENZ M. DAYON, JENNIFER D. FUERTES Cartoonists KRYST LINDLEY C. NASOL, MIKHAEL A. ABATAYO, REGIE A. AGAD

About the Cover The cover is a mixture of vector and paper cut art that depicts the content of this year’s Pagbati. The cover represents how deep the imaginations and feelings of the writers and contributors of the folio. Cover Art by: Ric Kevin Conde

Layout Artist RIC KEVIN L. CONDE Adviser MARCK LESTER L. NAVALES, CPA

PROLOGUE PAGBATI YEAR 24

Signature Pen Tep

Some people develop “catchy phrases” that crystalizes what matters to them. A news anchor will end the every telecast with a signature to remind viewers that he or she delivers the important facts of each day. Even beauty queens have their signature walks. Models can have a signature on their stances; Authors on their favorite phrases. Every one of us can have a signature, to remember our significance. In this modern day, the best signature to make is to love. Give love and allow yourself to be loved. Love is the most powerful spell in the world which can change a moment. This can give the world the best signature. This issue of our Pagbati, will give you a new signature of love. A signature that will give you a remembrance that loves should be taken seriously. Our Bente Kwatro edition will give you different pop arts of love and different stories to relate with. Don’t settle for a love or relationship that won’t let you be yourself. Try to discover new signatures in love out from your comfort zone. You can make your own remembrance. Make a signature that reflects who you are. Happy reading!

SHORT STORY

ANGEL IN DISGUISE THE UNEXPECTED BLESSING by: Anonymous

he only moment in life that my mind and heart coincide once for a heartwarming connection to God. Being a college student who relies on scholarship and a small support of financial status. Everything, be it small or medium cherishes the most because I consider it a gift from God. I’m not praying all the time but I always think of Him. We’re not well-off but our money is enough for us to eat three times a day and an additional snack. As my life continues, trials are getting bigger but I know God has given me these things that I can handle properly. The product is my self-confidence and being a strong girl as I am from the beginning. But one summertime, a trial came up because I couldn’t catch up to my remaining balance of tuition fee and it’s still a lot bigger. I was shaken thus it was a sign that I will not be able to continue my study. But thanks to my sister who is always by my side even though we’re miles apart. In behalf of my

presence, she looked for a way to sustain my financial need. Although it was a big problem, I don’t know but I’m still in my confident figure. Honestly, I had forgotten to worry my problem because I am always thankful that all of my loved ones are safe and sound. My sister had always put me a major part of her concern. And another very thankful for that because I wasn’t misguided instead, I was given tons of advices from deep in her sincere heart. And then there came the shocking evening. My sister called me through phone relaying the news about the angel that disguised. Thanks to that moment that I was alone in the house. I shouted. I cried. And I thanked god for the blessing he’s given onto me. My heart overflowed of gratefulness. I was joyed to the highest point. Up until now, every detail is still very clear to me that best night. How my sister called me and how I looked up to the sky saying His name silently. Thanking Him all the way to my sleep.

It taught me to appreciate more the word “patience”. What happened to me was not a miracle because we prayed for it, worked hard for it and patiently waited for it to happen. But God is just more than Bueno because he answered our prayer the rightful moment. Other than Lord God, I also thanked whom that angel in disguise who wants to be unknown for life. He was the blessing that bridged us closer to Him. He was the person gifted with a very good heart. Thank you God and thank you our angel.

POEM

LA SANO AMISTAD A Healthy Friendship Words by: Anonymous

Hardest it is to scream without companion, Saddest when you’re alone, Bridging connections to acquaintances is tiring But terrible when you’re just a mere tree on an island. The first we met, I’m speechless, The second time we strut, it’s heart whelming, The whole day we consumed, I know its companionship Beholding at each other, more than friends we assembled. I’m a little thin, she’s chubby, I’m broke, and she got money, But she voices only to few, including me, Together we appreciate each souls Our variances clicked. Countless moments, we’ve been together, Eating, sleeping, gimmicking both have shared, And being vulnerable to secrets and problems I call it destiny now that we’re best friends. Each mind aspires for one blessing, To last forever ‘til time will depart, More than lovers could do – best friends have Healthy friendship built for a circumstance.

POEM

ABANDONED Words by: Cindy Amor A. Mantog

Can you hear me? The noises in my ear The river of tears The day when you disappear. Haven’t you remembered? The day you left me shattered. You broke me into pieces While I am remembering our sweetest kisses. I’ve been wondering why? Why do people always let me cry? Am I that stupid? Why do love made things vapid? But don’t you know baby My heart is full of maybes That maybe if I have been good You would not let me go

Why does it have to be like this? I am always longing for your kiss Like I always wanted to be with you But then you chose to let me go Since you have left me I have learned to live life And free myself from all the heartaches That you’ve given me. But you know darling, I will always be here Until you get things clear Clearer as the air Smoother as I care. Up until now I am all alone In pitch black room Waiting for you to come home And be with you all along.

ESSAY

GUIDELINES FOR RELATIONSHIP STATUS Words by: Espren~

Love is not enough, to make a relationship work. So that’s why narito an gang mga konting tips, advice and mga da-moves for your relationship status to become namumukadkad and blossoming flowers.

#1 COMMUNICATE

#3 TREAT

Text-text din pag may time. Dahil baka wala ka nang nalalaman sa inyung status. Baka one time, magugulantang ka na lang sa balita na meron na siyang ibang kaharutan along the corridors of UM. Siguro naman ay nakarating na sa’yo ang balita na uso na ngayon ang “P10” promo ng TNT so may brilyante ng UNLI call at UNLI text ka na within your sim, so magparamdam ka ha.

Pumasok ka sa mundo ng pag-ibig tapos wala kang datong to treat the love of your life? BREAK na yan! Loving each other is important, but without food, mangangayayat kayo! Food is importanter! (haha) joke! I mean more important. Sabi pa nga nila, one way to a man’s/woman’s heart is through his/her stomatch. Kailan pa lumipat ang puso ko sa aking tiyan? Anyways, yun na nga, mag ipon-ipon ka na. Dahil once you entered this so-called relationship, para ka ring pumasok sa isang networking scam, mag iinvest ka, aasa, tatakbuhan, masasaktan. Ubos na nga pera mo, wala ka pang lovelife.

#2 FEELS Ipadama ang pagmamahal sa kapareha. Dahil nakakabahala rin na “may kayo” tapos wapakels ang drama mo, ano yan joke-joke lang? Try to post some ka achechehan sa love tapos tag mo siya or pwede ring i-message mo sa text through GM na nagmamahalan kayong dalawa. Or mag post sa instagram ng mga sweet photos ninyu together. Oh ano pa pwede? IPANGALANDAKAN mo pa! kayo na may lovelife! Kayo na talaga!

#4 EFFORT Intangibles out weights the tangibles. Kahit gaano ka kinis at ka gara ng 4 wheels mo, kung hindi mo lang din naman siya mahahatid sa gate ng Arellano, Mabini or Lapu-lapu, mas mabuti siguro ibenta mo na yang

kotse mo! Nakakataba ng pag sinta ang mga bagay na hindi nakikita ng mata, pero nararamdaman ng puso. Yung tipong lumalabas na ang mga ka achechehan, or mga cheesy lines like susungkitin nila ang mga bituin sa langit makuha lang. applicable ito mostly sa mga guys, but take note, exerting efforts is not only a job for boys, but pati na rin sa mga girls.

#5 DIVINE PROVIDENCE Hindi talaga magwo-work out ang inyong relationship staus if hindi will ni God. King hindi talaga kayo para sa isa’t isa, hindi talaga. If you’re not meant to be together, stop ka na. acceptaccept din. Never argue with God, matatalo ka lang. Just devote your time to other things. Bigyan ng atensyon ang pag aaral. Hindi ka pinaaral para lumandi bagkus ay para matututo. Kaya wait ka na lang. God is preparing someone for you. But if God’s will at kayo talaga, edi mag bunyi! Give the glory to God.

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ENROLLMENT LOVE STORY Words by: Ms. Cone-New

alking at the corridors of UMTC natinga ko kay daghan najud ug tao, ting enrolment naman gud ato na time. Then I asked kuya whose making linya dapit sa new building, “Excuse me ya, linya ni sa BSAT?” and he nodded, so nag linya ko. After 1 2 3 4 5 naa lang gihapon ko to the place where I belong. Jusko alas 7 pa ko unia ting pani-udto na hapit! Wala sila kilatig glitters-glitters sa kadugay sa linya? Ana sila, bag-o daw ang system sa ginagamit sa mga encoder, UNIA??!! Wala koy labot! Wala sila mag orientation before gigamit ang ‘New System’ ? mura ra nag uyab mo taday, ugma, ahw… lahi napud iyang uyab. Ana lang. Oh diba? Dili uso ang relationship awareness. So much for that, 5 hours naku ga hulat sa akung gitindugan, wala juy isbogisbog besh! Nilabong nalang ning sagbot diri’a sa lataran atubangan sa Admission pero kami, wala gihapoy pag uswag. Then I heard this voice with matching kalabit

on my shoulder saying, “Excuse me miga?” and as I was turning my head towards sa pinagmumulang ng voice, I was shocked! Ay! Bet kaayo dai! Ma offend ang color white sa iya dai, puti kayong laki dai, unia tangkad pajud. And he asked me out! Joke! Echos! Bitaw oie, he asked me if pwede bad aw musingit kay because of this and that and echos and chever ug uban pang mga reasons. So kabalo man ko na la-in kaayu ang magpasingit, pero kay since I’m now currently practicing to be a good and helpful citizen of the Republic of the Philippines, aku siyang gipasingit. But-an lang jud ko, maong gipasingit naku siya. Dili tungod sa gwapo siya, puti, tangkad, nindot ug mata, tangos ug ilong ug ideal boyfriend kaayu siya, I tell you, dili jud oie, dili jud. So mao na to, nag hunger strike nami sa line, pero choks ra, bahalag magdamagan pa lage, basta naa;y vitamins for my eyes sa akung atubangan. Pag patak ug ala una sa udto grabe dai! Scorching trial ang kainit ni mr. sun good thing kay na

irog name at napasailalim ng shade ng new building. Then naay nilabay sa among atubangan then gi chickachicka si kuya gwapo. Ug sa dihang not one, note two but four na ang nag chickachicka kay kuya. I’ve notice nag a singit na pud sila. That moment na pag naay mulabay sa may admission kay mudutdut sila sa pila kay paagi-on daw kuno unia himan-himan dala singit na diay to! Talking about karma bis! Wala nako ka alma dai kay dagko kaayung lawas dai basig sa clinic naku puniton ani. Wala jud koy boldness para mamadlong basig mabut-han unia ko, musamot jud nig ka flat akong disappointed nose, dili para baya ko gwapa. Hangtod sa ga ilog na ang kahayag ug kangitngit, naa pa intawon ko sa UM ga linya. Pero may nalang naa na intawon ko sa may hagdanan dapit sa room 114, dili parehas sa uban na naa pa didto sa place na hindi na ma reach ng aking eye sight. Hangtod 7pm na dai!, ni kuyanap na ang kadiliman sa kalangitan. Gi

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lamok na ko dire! Si kuya gwapo sige rag chika-chicka sa iyang mga friends na iyang gipasingit, naa lang ko sa iyang likod pero wala jud siya makagahin ug panahon para istoryahun napud ko kadali. Wala siya’y pu-angod na pagka-tao! Walang utang utang na loob! Walang hiya siya! Walang siyang puso! (pati ako wala na ring puso, dahil kinuha na niya! Charis!). Hangtod ni abo tang time na naa najud ko sa may entrada sa room 113 (pa encode-dan ug pa advice-san para sa BSAT ug BSA), wala juy kabutngan akong kalipay.

Tanaw na nako ang mga encoder. That feeling that you can’t contain talaga! Ug sadihang! Niingon si Ma’am encoder, “kutob nalang anang lalaki ang linya ha, kay mag out name” ang she’s referring to kuya gwapo whose in front of me. and I was like … UNSA DAW?! ASA ANG HUSTISYA?! Kana ganeng maka kanta nalang kag, “diri nalang ko kutob, diri na lang ko taman” SHOCKS! Mura jud kog pinaksakluban ug puro singko na grado sa accounting! My mind says, “kaya pa lage na, mahangyo

paman ata na si ma’am”, but my heart was shouting, “TAMA NA! masakit na, ako na ang umasa, ako na ang nasaktan!”. It hurts! I can feel the pain piercing through my bones tagos sa aking bone marrow. Lesson learned. Dili porket gwapo/gwapa pasingiton na, kay muabot ang time your own decision will end up hurting you and shatters you to pieces. Bisag mao panay rason na dili k aka graduate kay wala ka ma enroll. Usahay cute boys/girls are life, but EDUCATION IS LIFER!

P.S. Sa ika duha na adlaw ako nibalik ug mikayab sa encoder. Nilingkod sa iyang tu-o na bahin ug ako na enroll. Na enroll ra jud ko. Nangadlawn nalang intawun ko para ma enroll lang. Thank You LORD.

ILLUSTRATION BY ROJAN DELA CRUZ

ESSAY

LOVE WITH NO CONSENT Words by: Perks_of_silence

t comes from different perceptions molded from different identities. It is honed from individual uniqueness and compassion. You are sometimes governed with its superb effects, delights and more often its immobilizing dilemma. This also sees no gender, no social status, no religion and no codifying. Its grandeurs beseeched no one to escape from its spoiling spells. If you find it so melancholic, it seems you are in Tartarus but if you find it so euphoric it seems you are in Utopia. It’s love. Loving someone is not just simply touching the screen of your smartphones. It is not simply sipping the straw in you bottled drink. It predominantly says, loving is not easy. It needs courage, desire, pure heart and devotion. You have the guts and everything that takes all to conquer the tedious process of loving. But the question, DO YOU HAVE CONSENT? Consent here doesn’t primarily define parental consent yet it is a societal consent and consent

from the Church. To be exact, it’s a love towards same sex. In the verge of proliferating lucidity of same sex relationship, speculations are existing and still a TABOO. Unending thoughts perceived to be negative and unworthy are no longer new and fresh issue that could be correlated with this matter. Loving is not to be scrutinized for as long as it doesn’t disturb the majority. It must not be hindered if it doesn’t ruin the entirety of the society. People should accept that the primitive and old civilization have undergone fast-pace change and presently the modernization have conquered the humanity. In relation to a more civilized world, people also change and across the changes relationship dimension also evoke. Then here comes same sex relationship. Church holds respect to the divine doctrine that it upholds. Yet, having this relationship doesn’t devalue the epitome of divinity. Loving here doesn’t imminently deviate the

rule of just and conduct. It is only a manifestation of great affections towards both similar gender. Society needs not to tolerate this matter. They have to open and embrace the minds of new generation that is now ruling the world. This doesn’t choking them to believe of what this love from their perspective. This is merely giving green light to the existing occurrence. Love louds better when the support of the people is undying and true. Just only a single CONSENT, everything will be fine.

Loving is not to be scrutinized for as long as it doesn’t disturb the majority.

POEM

DAKILANG MARTIR Words by: eman

Palagian, paulit-ulit Ngalan moâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;y sambit. Sa tuwinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;y ikaw ay naaalala Ngunit saakin, ganito ka rin ba ? Hindi siguro Siguro, Oo Di talaga matanto Ng namanhid kong puso Subalit sa palagian, Isa lang ang nalalaman Ngunit di pa rin sigurado Di ko matanto Siguro, oo Kung nagugulohan ka At nag-iisa Oo, siguro oo Subalit, hindi rin siguro Dahil batid mong alam mo Na ako lamang ay iyong kailangan Bilang isang martir na kaibigan Haaay! Oo, hindi Ano ba talaga? Mahal kita, oo Mahal mo rin ba ako, hindi Basta, ewan ko! Bahala na Mapa-oo man o hindi Palagian, paulitulit Mahal kita! Kahit wala kang kapalit

POEM

UNTITLED SA Words by: CL

The day is a lit for a face has seen Pleasures arise in a moment of infatuation Calling it may be gross to hear But the truth lies in the heart and eyes of a hermosa muchacha. This bizarre feeling of the young is exceptional Only once felt, once gone, then back again to life The wariness acts to existence whenever path is getting closer. There’s no fate nor is destiny pending on the alley. “Hi” is confused to release thus impeded thoroughly. He’s hermoso and heart is traitor to look back at the hombre She wants to forget the face but’s like an LSS. Wishing of days to run sluggishly like Mr. Ninja Turtle. Another moment of silence.

SHORT STORY

THAT ONE PRETTY SMILE Words by: Anonymous

am setting that for one year, I will only have one crush. One person to look at from afar. To stalk in social media. And to imagine that I’m the one lucky person who’s in his side. But as to say, he’s my crush who doesn’t know my entire existence so I’m just letting this feeling of mine to flow endlessly, just right now. I just want to express because I really like him. Seeing him unexpectedly and how our paths crossing on the corridors is already an amazing moment of my college life. That counted at least several times. But still, I know how to compose myself not to smile but just a poker face. Yeah, that’s me, always a poker face (my sister told me once). Plus I can pretend easily that I don’t like him at all. If he does? Oh no! End of the world of me because I have to switch to another corridor that’s a bit far from my classroom, just only to avoid him.

Jadine says, “paraparaan, paraparaan.” Whenever my classes will come along, finding ways is the best on how I can see him longer or glance at times he will pass like a flash. Hay! Such a crush. But that’s just my imagination. The truth is, every time I could get a glance of his handsome face s pure coincidental. I am too busy for wasting my time stalking someone, when there are tons of papers to study of. It’s been months since I considered him my crush. I hadn’t seen him smile in person ( just in FB: D). But I am not waiting for that to happen. Our paths crossing at corridors is enough for me to see that handsome creature. I am contented, so I’m not hoping for more. An infatuation that has an ending. But for a nice ending, can I see you smile?

Seeing him unexpectedly and how our paths crossing on the corridors is already an amazing moment of my college life.

POEM

TEARS IN THE REFLECTION Words by: Eman

I taught myself independence To fight back for my own sake And be happy for what’s done Without anybody’s approval I’ve learned to be alone And live inside my painted world Enjoying the vision that I see Though impossible for it to be real Trying to count other people Will only break my trust ‘Cause I know they’ll never back me up In times I am really drown I lonely completed my purpose After the pain that has pass through In the middle of fire which I was in Brought me to be who I am now

However despite my toughness Only one man had seen me cry The man crying with me In the reflection of the window pane

POEM

IT IS MY TURN TO CRY Words by: Andrea Gen Veloz

Sad, tears, and pain I’m sorry if I let you feel that I’m sorry if I failed you I’m sorry if I broke you How are you? Are you still thinking of me? Are you still crying for me? Are you still calling my name? After I left you Did I turn you into a sad one? Did I hurt you so much? After I left you do you still care on me? I’m sorry for breaking your heart I’m sorry for breaking our promises But believe me I still love you But I’m so stupid to leave you It’s been five months Are you still mad at me? Are you still hurt because of what I’ve done? Are you still cursing my name?

It’s been five months but I just want you to say; I love you, I miss you, I’m sorry I still love you I admit that I still care I admit that still reminiscing our past Now it’s my turn to cry It’s my turn to take away all your tears It’s my turn to pay all of your pain Yes I’m still want you back But I just want to say that Please don’t cry in places without me Because I can’t lean my shoulders to you anymore I can’t wipe those tears on your eyes anymore Now it’s my turn to cry I still love you I still care Baby, it’s time for me to cry Sorry and goodbye

ILLUSTRATION BY REGIE AGAD & RIC KEVIN CONDE

ILLUSTRATION BY BETH DAGUPLO & RIC KEVIN CONDE

ESSAY

“E.F.”

Words by: Seven

he hardest thing to do in life is to face your fears. Those fears which somewhat could give us sense of defeat. Sometimes in life we need to be courageous enough in order for us to face these matters. We need to fight our inner -selves from losing a chance of winning. We need to overcome our fears. But facing your fears isn’t that simple thing to do. You can’t just stand by while seeing a ghost. Or simply, you can’t say that it’s okay to loose someone you loved the most. You have a fear of losing your family. You have fear of failing your subjects, and the most common is that the fear of rejection. Boys do court to the girls they admired. But out of the process is the thought of “what ifs”. What if this girl will not give me her “yes” or what if this girl will not let me walk on her path? But the good thing is that boys still show what are needed to show. Sometimes we have a fear of losing our friends. We developed those negative thoughts in our mind when hard times come. We used

to say good lies because we want to keep the good relationship between our friends. We usually chose the things that could make our friends better. Sometimes we used to choose friendship over relationship. Some people have this fear of losing friendship. Persons in this situation are those people who mattered most the presence of person as an intimate friend over that “labeled” or unsure relationship. Good thing to know on this people, they predicted the aftermath of losing the good beginning. They treasured the moments and those remarkable events on their lives as they go along with their friends. Our ego urges us to hold our pride. It is not a good practice. Real strong people eat their prides. They became strong in that moment that they were able to conquer their selves, in that they were able to stay calm and say sorry out from their anger. And that they were able to say “hello” or “hai” just to show real kindness and sign to be in good terms again. Some people can’t appreciate

these. Only few people do, which have an anxiety of losing friends. They can relate and smile on this piece- because they knew and felt it. Also, we have a fear of expressing ourselves. Most people do. Why is it that showing the real “you” seems to be our fear? ; Where in fact, it should be the thing that you must show off. We have different conclusions about that matter. Nevertheless, you must learn how to be the best version of yourself. You’re the captain of your life-ship. Show to the world that you’re unique and capable of doing things that others can’t do. Be not afraid of expressing yourself. (LAHI MO’G MAMA). If you will not express it, it will be the most stupid thing in your life, forever. However, if you will show it off, you will be just a stupid one in a minute. Life is the summation of all forces drawn by the current joys and sorrows. Enjoy your life be an asset wild. Face your fears. Facing fears is the most fulfilling part of life.

POEM

PAGKAKATAON Words by: Eman

Paalam... Wika ko sayo, pero ‘di mo lang alam Nais ko lang na iyong malaman Hiling ng puso ko’y huwag mo ‘kong iwan Paalam... Isang salita, anim na letra Subalit ito’y may bitbit Na panalanging ilang beses sinambit Paalam... Nasabi ko noon ng harapharapan Pero, kasabay ng iyong pag-alis Ay ang pagtulo ng luha’t hapis Paalam... Oo, nasabi ko na Pero ngayo’y ako ay nagsisisi na Sising-sisi sa aking nagawa Paalam... Bagamat nagtapos na ang lahat Sigaw pa rin ng damdamin ko Pwede bang ibalik ang ikaw at ako Paalam... Nasayang ko man ang ating istorya Ngunit nais ko pa rin buksan ang bagong pahina Subalit ang tanong, pwede ba?

POEM

J. A. I. R. U. S. (Simply Amazing) Words by: “herhighness”

J A I R U S

ust so you knew, I am inspired by you. You have that something that I can’t explain. Not because you’re perfectly charming Ok, sige na nga ikaw na ang amazing. ng tindi lang talaga ng dating mo sakin. That when you looked at me, OMG what a shivering feeling. My whole world stops, my heart beats fast. It is like an atomic bomb that blast.

ntense seconds, hours, and a day. Sa tuwing nakikita ka, naaalis ang pagka moody. All is just well and definitely OK. That magnificent smile of yours, gives heaven feeling to me. efreshing it felt’s when I’m with you. The hugs, the chitchat, keeps away my blue. Kaya nga isang araw, na-inlove na lang ako. But just a little bit, don’t be assuming, just what others do.

ndeniable you make all my worries fade away. Napapasmile at kinikilig na lang ako bigla, ansare? Well honestly, it’s because of your whole awesomeness. Which give me a fascinating happiness.

adyang gwapo ka lang talaga siguro. I don’t know which angle, but your great it’s true. One thing is, I am grateful that I meet you. At higit sa lahat naging classmate pa tayo.

POEM

“KUNG KAYA KO LANG SANA ” Words by: #P.O.D.

Kung kaya ko lang ipaglaban ka, Ipaglaban ka sa isip kung nagdududa. Na pagdating ng araw, Pag-ibig mo’y mawawala bigla. Kung kaya ko lang ipagsigawan sa buong mundo, Ipagsigawanna ikaw lamang ang laman ng puso ko. Na kahit anung pilit ng isip kung limutan ang nadarama sayo, Ikaw at ikaw parin ang pinipintig nito. Walang araw na hindi ka nawala sa isip ko, Walang gabi na natutulog akong hindi ikaw ang laman nito. Na kahit nong pilit niyang labanan Upang mawala ka sa diwa ko. Hindi niya magawa, Kasi ang totoo, Ang sinisigaw ng puso ko, Ay siya ring palihim na sinisigaw nito. Gulong-gulo na ako Gulong-gulo kung ano ba talaga ang susundin ko.

Yung puso ko na araw gabi sinasambit ang pangalan mo. O yung isip ko na sinasabing, “huwag” kasi ayokong masayng kung ano man meron ako sayo. Gustong-gusto kung ipagdamot ka. Ngunit ‘di ko magawa Kasi mismo sarili ko nagtatanong, Akin k aba? Naging akin ka ba? May karapatan ba akong magselos? Magselos sa mga sinasabi nilang dahilan ng mga ngiting nasa mukha mo ngayon. Pero, wala nga ba talaga? Wala nga ba talagang karapatan na magselos ang taong nagmamahal sayo ng sobra? Minamahal kita, mahal kita, at mamahalin kita. Yan ang mga katagang nakaukit sa puso ko kasama ang pangalan mo. At sana dumating yung araw na kakayanin ko nang sabihin Ang mga linyang to na nilaan para sayo.

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YET UNCONTINUED

Ako: Not confused pero murag.. Siya: Discrete (itago natin siya sa pangalang Kevin)

Words by: Perks_of_silence

ain drops fell from the roof. Fogs continued making blur around and I am shivering. I am looking at the window observing people working in the very dawn and still I am shivering. Yet, I don’t want to close my eyes. Clock rotated 24 hours still I am awake. I don’t know what to do. I am stuck in this room, in this feeling and I am stuck on him. Mao ni ang time nga wala koy laing mabuhat kundi magsulat arun ipasa ang akong story sa Collegium, not to share wholly pero arun marelease nako ang pain. We come to think “LOVE” struck always in our minds. We sought love for various reasons. To some, love is no longer a newfangled word. It is always stained with prejudgments and manipulated it with negative intuitions. That is, for those who found love hopelessly yet those who haven’t experienced love, curiosities and bunch of assumptions dwell in their entirety. “What if’s?” Love is a new thing to him, for it is a love with similar gender. Can he find love romantically for he thinks it’s new? Love is a choice, andg primi ginaingun sa akong mga frined sa akoa. A choice to continue, to stop and to hope. It is a battle between heart and mind. Kana gung gusto nimo

kalimtan pero kusa nga ga pahinumdum? Your mind says stop yet your heart still beats for hopes. Until an old story becomes a new one. Did someone tell you about, I’m not yet ready? Did someone tell you about, I’m afraid that we will be attached with each other coz I can’t fight for you? Did someone tell you about man’s feelings but couldn’t mean it? That’s after all you’ve been through? I have experienced it actually. Just for one time. With that, I wish I could wake up with amnesia. Everything had started nga wala nako gidahom nga mahitabo. Nga wala nako na huna-huna nga mahitabo sa akoa. Kung akong ihapon jud three times siya naga sigeg confess nga naka-crush siya sa akoa. My reaction was, ngeee. murag gi atik ra man ko aning tawhana uit. Dili pud jud nako siya ma feel sa dili pagpanghinambog kay dili nako siya type. As in lupig pa sa undefined nga answer sa math. Wala koy type sa iyaha kay naa koy crush lain nga bisan imposible maging kami kay nagahinaot gihapon ko. Bayot diay ko pero dili ko gasuot ug pambabae not even wearing woman-like stuffs may it be in private or public. Kay I remember before my father

died, he said, bahalag bayot ka nak basta dili ka magsuot ug pambabae. I followed what’s my father’s please kay dili nako siya gusto masakitan. Balik ta! As in. Wala jud koy feeling sa iyaha. Classmate kayo mi maong maulaw pud ko. Kauban mi sa circle of five friends. Sa kadugayon namong inuban dili jud ko ma –awkward even I’d already knew nga naa siyay feeling sa ako. I did find our friendship good. Though naa gud gihapoy ginatawag nga mga challenges kay para malig-on ang panag-amiguhay. Naga FL siya and if naga GM ko regarding sa school matters ginaapilan nako siya kay of course classmate mi then after hisgutan dayun na niya iyang feelings sa ako. There was one time that he pushed me sa hagdan sa 2nd floor paubos pa jud. I was really mad at that time kay feel nako mabungi na ko o magkadugo may gani kay wala ko naunsa. He said sorry pero wala na ko siya gipansin kay gipakita nako sa iyaha nga nasuko ko ug I don’t want to speak painful words in fornt of many against him. I walked out. Then, my phone rung. Ni text siya saying, sorry last na to nako nga paramdam sa imuha. Sa iyang text, I have concluded nga grabe pud siya magpakita ug feelings uy kay manakit man. But he explained nga naglagot daw siya

SHORT STORY

kay dili daw nako ginapansin ang iyang feelings. Ako, wala nako nasuko kay I don’t hold anger man gud. That’s my character. Amigo na mi pagka-ugma dayun. There’s a twist. I got into a relationship sa iyang igagaw. We’ve lasted for 8 months. Okay kaayu among relationship. Nalipay ko sa iya ug kabalo ko nga nalipay siya sa ako kay until now ga txt.x pa gihapon mi and still we shared lovers speil though dili na kami. Abi nakog wala na kang Kevin ang tanan kay nagka-uyab man pud siya ug pareha nako sa same university. I am happy with mine and he’s happy with his. Nagbulag mi sa iyang ig-agaw and nabalitaan na pud nako nga nagbulag na pud sila sa iyang uyab. Nahilom ang tanan pero nagparamdam siya mga pila ka bulan. Naghisgot na pud siya sa iyang feelings pero ako wala jud kay nabilin pa gihapon ang memories sa iyang ig-agaw and I don’t want nga magkauyab mi kay murag gisampok nako sila nga mag-igagaw. Until the time came, his third time of confessing his feelings. Naka-ingon ko nga i-try daw nako ug entertain iyang feelings. I meann, i-entertain lang. Ako siyang gi ingnan sa text nga what if mainlove ko sa imo. And I was so shocked kay nangutana dayun siya ug what’s the plan. I asked myself, ako jud ang mubuhat ug plan? Putol ang text.x. Fast forward. Nagakuyog nami (kanang lahi na ang closure aside sa friendship), naga text.x always, naga-adto nako sa iyahang bhaus. Kanang, I felt so comfortable. I even slept there. Kanang mura mig uyab sa akong

paminaw. Dili ko bigaon pero ambut ug ngano dali ra kaayu ko na fall. Instantly, it was like a lightning. OA siya pero tinood jud ni nga storya sa akong kinabuhi nga hangtud karun kung akong hinumdumon kay makahilak ko. OO, ako siyang giingnan nga na fall nako sa iya. Then, I have learned that love can really be learned not in an exact time but in an unexpected moments. We shared messages just like what lovers did. We already had an endearement and mas nilig.on ang among pag kuyog.x and we started to know each other’s side deeply. In an unexpected situation, murag nabaliktad ang tanan. I’ve been waiting nga manguyab siya kay in no doubts sugton jud dayun nako siya. Naga padungog.dungog na ko sa fb. Ug na issue na pud mi nga uyab na daw mi. Pero dili pa jud. Same with other relationship, naa gihapon koy struggle bisan ug dili pa kami. Niabot ang point nga gina message na ko siya personal about sa akong feeling pero murag nautro ang tanan. I don’t want nga ako ang mag moves kay in the first place dili ako ang nagka feelings una, siya biya nisunod ra ning akong gugma para ka niya. Everything for me was a mystery. Nganu na ing-ani? It seemed nga ako na ang nagagukod sa iyaha. Kabalo ko nga love jud akong na feel sa iyaha. One night, we had a face to face talk. Nag.istorya jud mi. If only I knew nga ing. ato ra diay akong nadungog I should’ve not entertained him and remained nga mag.amigo mi. He said, I’m not yet ready.

I’m afraid that we will be attached with each other coz I can’t fight for you to my family. I knew deeply inside of me nga nasakitan ko nga murag wala ko kasabot sa akong feeling. I did beg for him. Nganu? I did ask him. Nganu? Karun pa nga na fall nako sa imuha? I cried in front of him and hugged and kissed him. Grabe, sakit kaayu. I was so dumb. I did beg-one thing that I realized a big mistake. But, still I believe it was the best and least I can do. Sakit sa akong part kay mura nakog tanga. Mura kog itoy nga nangayog bahog para lang mabusog. Now, Im trying to fix everything. Im trying to bring back the friendship that we have built. This story of mine, I believe dili na bag.o sa kadaghanan kay kabalo ko naa puy experience ang uban pareho sa ako. I just want to leave a strong message. Sa kapareha nakog experience, let us keep the desire of loving someone. Let us still open our heart though we have delved in a bleeding love. We are not hopeless romantic. We are the true picture of courage to step up higher even we were once a beggar. It’s an experience. A meaningful experience. Everything we knew was a lesson that we can use for another person nga muabot sa atoa-may it be from good or from bad. Before we separated ways that night nga nag tell siya sa ako, he said, “pag-mahuman nakog eskwela ug kaya na nako i-finance akong kaugalingon, that’s the time nga ma ready nako.” From his statement, I have in mind was, I will not hold unto it. But I will remember it.

ILLUSTRATION BY ROJAN DELA CRUZ

ILLUSTRATION BY REGIE AGAD

ESSAY

EOTTOKHAE? Words by: Kim Sun

t was a well and bright Monday. The scent of the fresh laundry uniforms and shined shoes illuminated the mirrors of the hallways. Bodies were half rested and exhausted from the night outs over the last weekend. Others still came from their graveyard shifts as working students. Long hours were also spent by some in catching up with their lessons. Although their eyes showed how heavy the baggage they’ve been carrying around to balance the school, working and youthful life, it seemed that it was never a burden for them. Even until the Friday where everyone becomes tired from the whole week of overwhelming tasks, tireless minds, hearts and souls are ever present. All of these and more. All those weights they’ve been gripping around for the whole moments in their life are temporarily lost whenever they come to this place. All those laughter, tears, food, stories and even answers shared in that mighty red and long sheltered cement are treasured even the worst,

heart-aching and scenestealing events in that site. Eottokhae? How would I live without the faces and warm hearts of these people surrounding me as I walk the journey of learning and slowly taking the steps of graduating? I may sometimes want to choose to have these memories deleted to easily move on, but no. I would speak to my eyes to forget all the painful memories and remember only the happy ones. We only have few months to be together in that significant place that engraved our hearts forever. The memories will surely be kept safely in the deepest vessels in our lives and even the people that make it colorful and meaningful. How can this be? Even the worst thoughts and memories cannot be erased? Or maybe even those events with sadness and tears became all a happy memory because you all were there. On that same spot we all gather every day. To those who will be revealing themselves to the world soon as graduates, we will surely miss you and

please do not forget about us who’ll be staying for the time being. People may come and go, added and deducted in that “home”, everyone was a part of the going concern family we all built. Never change. Only change the matters that will depreciate your value and keep on collecting goodwill to gain your worth. And let it be remained in your equities the people and moments we shared, at room eleven study table.

We only have few months to be together in that significant place that engraved our hearts forever.

POEM

PASSWORD Words by: Star

The entry content breaks out from the moment, Ache is so elemental, I, not penetrating the paragon succeeded the entry. Brisk of emotion resorting in the wind, Stealth reasoning from breadth often disguised wrath, And in fear totally rumbles. The quiet chokes the unknown, Foolish words succumbed in infinitesimal grief. By each lucrative peeking, Pleads melodramatic selection of keyed mixtures, Of technical vain and rhetorical imagining, Board wretched in whim slate, Bleached in purpose of reconnection, I’m lost in heavy sighs, Of certainly predetermined stacks. From legion of supremacy, Battled tough in risk and shame, I’m so defined by apparent seam, In all forms constituted by the definition of sentiment. I’ve lost the code, can’t recall the hint. No sign. Zero password.

POEM

MOVING FORWARD Words by: Lormelyn Joy D. Sajulga

Deceptions might bring you down on the way ahead Ruthless whispers from the past on the aisle maybe said Upon moving forward from the painful book of yesterday And in wiping out the miseries that were painted on the way. You might bump into a stiff time and unbendable predicament, But remember that there is always a rainbow after a stormy moment Just from a deep chagrin, a rhapsody for another chapter of life And a peaceful mind, heart and soul from the wildest strife. Then, embrace the ecstasy from the immense alterations And Adieu, Adieu for these melancholic motions There will be no more solitary tears from earth, And there will be no more numerous regrets from lost worth, From a heartbreak, here you are blissfully standing, Who are starting to step on every milestone that seems so challenging. Just walk with grins of closing memoirs of your murky past And let the essence of newness penetrates to every spot

NAHIGUGMA

POEM

Words by: FIVE

Nang lu-od ko sa imuha, Kay dili jud ko nimu ginaistorya Pirmi nalang ko nimu i-chapa, Mura pud baya kag gwapa Sa dalan sige’g pamulbos, Mura jug gisabwaga’g upos Pero and looks mao di’ayng kapos, Kay ang buhok wala man gne nimu mahipos Basig inyung maingon na bitter ko, Dili lang gud ta ninyu mangasuko Kay lahi mo, lahi sab ko, Pero ing’ana jud intawon ko. Sa classroom siya pirteng sabaa, Sa akung lingkuranan ako naalarma Nganung kini man jung bayhana, Ang akung nahigugma.

LOVE HEALS Words by: Lormelyn Joy D. Sajulga

Oh, God Almighty I am void but with you I am full This murky life and its intensity Disappeared by Your power oh merciful How immense You are my God For Your profound grace I had This squalling of solitary moment Was diminished by the greatness of Your movement

The soothe you gave whenever I’m down Releases the burden inside my heart The sterling love you filled me now Creates an enormous joy in every part You wipe the tears in every cry Your love that heals and drove me by

ESSAY

“SINGLE” Words by: DyJhaVu

“Will I still remain SINGLE in this world full of achehe?” Daghang klase sa status, nay engaged (masking wala gud engagement), it’s complicated (mga taong daghang acheche sa lovelife) u gang famous status that transcends all ages, ang SINGLE. Ingon nila, single life is the best. Wala kay hunahunon nga laing tao (except your family). Dili kaayo gasto sa kwarta, iwas heartache ug complications sa life, your time is all yours. I am SINGLE, never been touched and never been loved. Member ng Samahan ng mga Hopeless Romantic. Taman ra sa Watpad ug pocket books, kusog mang-advice about lovelife murag true, mag-emote2 kunuhay uban pa. Daghag characteristics ang mga SINGLE, pareha ani:

Priority ang pageskwela (charis!). Ingon nila, sa pag-eskwela, mas gwapo nang naa kay inspirasyon (aside from family), kanang special someone. Pero naa pud nag-ingon nga makaguba rana siya ug future, pero it depends in the relationship. Para sa ako nga single, mabuhat nako akong gusto, naa koy time para mag-study (charis!), most of my grade are very good and ubay-ubay pud ang naachieve na nako when it comes to academics. Pero kung kabalo lang jud ka mumanage sa imong oras,

okay ranang mag-uyab uy basta ang pag-ibig niya ay tunay at walang halohalong lumay.

Daghan ug crush, kanang love at first sight ang tirada. Tinuod jud ni sa mga taong single, basta makakita lang ug bet sa imong panlasa, go lang ng go bes! As long as walay collateral damage! Choks ra! Save-save dayong ug picture sa cellphone, stalk-stalk sa Facebook, usahay kung celebrity crush magpalit ug posters, naa pajud damguhon nga nagkauyab ug nagpakasal

na (haha, panuhak!). In a span of few years, daghan nako nauyab sa akong damgo!lupig pa ang 2-timer. Dali rapud maka moveon ming mga single sa among crushes compared sa ordinary heartbroken people, basta naa napud makit-an nga bet, move-on dayon sa one-sided love. “Ang love, give and take, dili kay give lang ng give pero wala kay na-take”

Kusog mubasa ug love stories. Kasagaran sa mga babae, daghan ug ing-ani. Kanang

ESSAY

basa-basa sa mga naglaray nga stories sa Wattpad ug mubasa ug novels ug pocket books. Paghuman ma-carried away dayon sa story. Kiligon, mukatawa, masuko, muhilak all in one moment-mga emosyong makita nimo sa usa ka taong fiction story lover, walay ulaw nga mubasa maskin daghag tao sa palibot maalaan nalang ug wangbu (walang basagan ng trip!). Feel jud nimo nga ikaw ang bida sa story, tapos i-status dayon sa FB ug Twitter tapos maghunahuna dayon ug isumpay sa story nga bitin, unsaon man, poor man ang lovelife, manhid man si crush. “Para sa mga taong manhid, hindi totoo ang feelings mo.”

Kusog mu-advice about lovelife. Daghan ug ing-ani, kanang seryoso kaayo imong advice sa imong friend, mura jud ug naka-try in reality. Mga linyang “naa pay mas deserving sa imo”, “mayo rapud nga nagbulag mo oy!”, “dako kaayo ang nawala sa iya”. Naay point ang mga gipangyawyaw pero kadaghanan ato kay gikan ra diay sa mga nakit-an ug nabasahan nga love stories kumbaga “advice based on stories, not from experience”. Naa man pud kanang tap nalang sa likod or hug nalang kay walay maingon. “Sometimes, action is enough to let the person that you are there for her/him.”

Lastly, daghan ug adventures. Daghan ug adventures ming mga single. Isa diha ang maglaaglaag basig asa, mag-mall, dagat, pool ug basig asa pa, bonding with friends kumbaga. Sleep over sa balay sa friend para maggroup study, istorya sa mga crush ug manglibak sa mga dili ganahan nga tao. Haha. Naa pud nang magbinitter. Syagit dayon ug “walay forever”, “magbulag ramo” with matching katawa pero usually dili man na siya with feelings. “Ang mga SINGLE, kusog rana mag-binitter pero dili seryoso.”

Being SINGLE is freedom but having special someone on your side when you do things and achieve triumphs in life is a different kind of fulfillment. But I, we SINGLES, believe that the right person will come to our life in God’s will. Amen!

“God didn’t give you your partner because He knows that you don’t need it at the moment.”

PHOTO BY KHRISTINE LIEZLE ARNILLA

ESSAY

WHEN WE FORGET THE VALUE OF WHY Words by: The code EE

It is really hard to understand the deepest “why” of life. Why did a certain thing happen? Why life did have its inevitable events? It’s just that life is hard to know its reason. Life must go on. And it must be. However, there are some points in our life that we almost give up. We almost give up because we have a certain reason, where life has its certain reason too, to us to go forward. It is a basic to us engineers to face failing grades almost every semester and to hear criticism of our three point five. Well, that is the nature of our journey. Those people who are not on our place will hardly understand about it. That’s the concept of our test. It is really hard to understand the “why” why we almost end up in failing. Especially when it is important to lose not those grants that sent us in school and the trust from our parents from giving them better grades. It is really hard to know “why”, where in fact we did our best. We became nocturnal, zombies and vampires in studying the lessons. We became greed sometimes because we don’t

want to lose every seconds of our day. Every second counts. Because of our dream to be a licensed engineer, we forgot to bond ourselves. Why? Sometimes, we put all the blames to the professors when we failed. Due to some ideas of disappointment, we often think that it’s the end and thus shifting to other program. “Why”? , or, maybe professors are too kind thus they wanted the students to stay in school for a long years. Still, we should always remember that we were the one who made our performance, though. We forgot that we are educated, wherefore sometimes we do evil things. We forgot to remind ourselves that we are able and destined to do something good in life. We forgot to tap our shoulders and explain to ourselves the “why” why it happened to us. We forgot to find the value of our “why”. It is undeniable that we envied those who were chills those who have been in a long- good relationship and still able to in excellence. That is they. We differ not from them. What they have is what we have too. We just need encouragement. We have to find the

values of our “why”. Why we go to school. Why we studied. Why we cheat. Why we did our best. It has its corresponding value. Maybe it’s just the reason why we end up in failing because we never get the value of our deepest “whys” in life. When we don’t get the solution, we don’t have to cry, we have to carry on. Just like in the test that we are facing every day, we almost end up dying for one solution. Likewise we have to be brave in facing the real problem. For us, enginEErs are cute. They are vibrant! It’s our path to go through those obstacles in engineering life. It is our choice to be in hard times. We are happy and satisfied of the things we got from our hardships. Those people who mocked us and laugh at, they are our inspiration. Those who belittled us that we are not intelligent, they are our reason why we stayed in our path. Yes, we are not that good, sir and Madame, but we can be what we are by showing the real us. (This commentary is dedicated to all engineering students who were still in the process of moving on from failing their major subject, Circuits 1 and 2. God bless. FIGHTING!)

POEM

WALANG HANGGANG PAGSISISI Words by: Miss Granger

Marami akong nasayang na mga panahon. Mga nararamdaman na naiwan lang sa isang kahon. Hindi ko man lang naibigay sa kanya, Ang mga salitang aking itinago noong kapiling ko siya. Naging duwag ako upang sabihin sa kaniya, Ang mensaheng magbibigay galak sa kanyang mga mata. Ngayong wala na siya, kahit anino niya’y hindnighindi ko na makikita Wala ng pag-asang maririnig pa niyang “Mahal kita o ikang ina”. Isang simpleng bagay na kailanma’y hindi ko nagawa. Isang masidhing sugat sa likod ng aking mga tawa. Ang langit at maging sarili ko ang aking saksi. Ito ay isang walang hanggang pagsisisi.

POEM

IKAW ANG AWIT UG KAHAYAG Words by: Jake Runn

Ikaw ang awit nga lisod kantahon; Ikaw ang piyesa nga lisod tugtogon. Ikaw ang pulong di nako malitok; Ikaw ang kahayag sa udtong tutok. Ikaw ang kalayo sa ting-tugnaw; Ikaw ang prinsesa ilawom sa adlaw. Ikaw ang suga nga way pagkapalong; Ikaw ang hinungdan sa akong pahiyom.

YOU

Words by: Genius

You were born strong and healthy, Pleasant enough, you’re such a pretty, People see you small and tiny But for us, you’re the one BIG ATE! At the age of 14, you’re becoming a total independent, You smile brightly, you laugh hard, But we know it’s a product of optimism You always motivate us and see life as God’s challenge. You’ve been through hardships, Happy, worried, excited or trembled, You exactly know how to handle yourself Sort of you didn’t mind the past, you care for the present and prepare for future.

Now, you’ve become a total independent, There’s no more words to say, But to say, “We’re so proud of you, Ate!” Just never ever lose hope just like what you’re doing to us You’re the second but you’re more like a mother to us.

POEM

A LITERARY PIECE Words by: Miss Granger

It was a silent and a gloomy night I did not hear anything except my heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beat Reading those poetries of remembrance Wishing to reconcile the broken past if given a chance The love that we had during those times Was like a poem that dances in rhymes In the creation of it exists difficulty But still hoping for it to be complete I thought would last forever And it will grow well and better But not, it was definitely the opposite All those imaginings were simply thrown in a pit Tears fell from my poor eyes My heart broke and I feel it dies Because of a mere literary piece The memories came back and made me realized what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve missed

A LETTER FROM MR. GRYFFINDOR X : LOVE IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD Words by: Makoy Retsel

There is a kind of love that is difficult. There are times when it seems simple but it’s not…

nother year has passed and lots of things happened. It may have made us stronger, or perhaps, created a painful part of our existence. We meet people for different purposes. A MEMORY, A REASON FOR LOVING, OR ONE ABOUT BURNING BRIDGES. There will always be a person meant to made us understand what love means

beyond its shallow definition. Someone will come to love us like we’re the best thing that had happened to them. Perhaps, they are worth the fight especially when it’s a war. There might be too much pain but you choose it because of no measurable reason but love. You embrace the thought of them every single day. The smile, the hug, the warmth, the scent…all of it. But there are times when you feel exhausted.

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN SOMETHING IS LOST AT SOME POINT. And there are times when there is a kind of love that is difficult. When it seems simple but it’snot. It becomes sad then. Even sadder. We all root for the kind of love that brings the best in us. We want that kind of which day by day, you become happier for your existence as you are loved by a person who means so much to you. IT’S

JUST THAT LOVE IS ALSO DRESSED IN A CLOTHING DIFFERENT FROM THE TERM ITSELF. Love involves honesty, commitment, loyalty and the burning spirit. Ironic it may seem but love is not just a four letter word. In today’s time, honesty seems quite of a cliché. Little did they know, it is classic. WE ALL WANT AN HONEST LOVER. Nobody wants to be tickled by a tongue full lies. Perhaps, it boils down to loyalty. Being in a relationship entails being committed. No one has the right to play someone else’s feelings by acting a disloyal partner. One to one I might say. Love is not all about collecting your fancy favourites. When you’re not done with the previous then don’t gamble taking chances to another. You end what should be ended and start anew because IT BECOMES SO SAD WHEN ONE IS SO LOYAL WHILE THE OTHER BETRAYS. Don’t engage in a relationship if you intend to live with a polygamous heart. It’s unfair. Trust is a big issue. It’s big time. Being faithful is necessary. Don’t lie. Trust is earned and it is given to those who deserve it. Make your partner believe that there is truth that’s in between. MAKE THEM FEEL THAT RELATIONSHIPS ARE BUILT TO LAST, that there is hope that forever exists. On the other hand, time is an essential requisite.

A relationship is bound to grow by giving each other the time they deserve. It is still all about commitment. No one is too busy unless you’re not a priority. You don’t need to beg for it just to get a piece of their time. It’s not as if they’ll eat up all the time of your day. All they need is a part of it. A piece that you could heartily give and not being begged. TRUE LOVE MAKES TIME AND NOT ALIBIS. You don’t let them feel so unloved by your insensitive whereabouts. Don’t wait for the time they end up so tired from asking. LOVING SOMEBODY IS NOT A PART TIME JOB. YOU DO IT FULL TIME.Value the people who have proved their selves so much just to earn your time, that no matter how much work they have to do, still, you’re worth a significant part of their day. EVERY SINGLE DAY IS YOUR CHANCE LET YOUR LOVE FILL THE COMMITMENT YOU HAVE PROMISED. Let your partner feel that they are secured with the kind of relationship you two are bounded. Forgive each other’s flaws and lapses and help bring the best in each other. A simple reminder of how much you love them will do. It may be in a form of a hug, a text, a phone call or even just by holding their hands. Little things matter. Those things may mean a lot to a longing heart. It never goes out of style. Is there then a proper and exacting way to love

somebody? Is there a plan? A process? Loving somebody doesn’t have a perfect combo of what should and what shouldn’t. There is not even a predetermined formula of being a perfect lover. But at the end of the day, LOVING SHOULD BE TRUE AND FAITHFUL. To love someone is to let them feel how blessed they could be for having someone like you. Treat them in the most special way and love them with all your heart. There might be hurt but it is part of growing and as we grow matured, we realize the things that matter. LIFE IS MEANT TO BE LIVED WITH A HAPPY HEART. It is not to be wasted to somebody who doesn’t see your worth. At some point of our life, there will be someone who will make a big difference. It may be good or bad but everything is a choice. We fight for someone who’s going to be with us all the way and we let go of those who’s not meant for us. BEING WITH SOMEONE INVOLVES RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING. There is always reciprocity in being in a relationship. No matter how difficult things may seem, we always have the choice of lasting the rapport... that no matter how tired you are at some point, you choose to communicate and solve the problem. You never give up so easily. As they say, love conquers all. It should be acted. It should be seen, heard and felt. It should be worth it.

LITERARY EDITORS NOTE PAGBATI YEAR 24

FLAMES Lovers aren’t blind at all; some only choose to close their eyes and simply hide from the truth. I for once had my eyes covered from the painful reality; I for once chose to be blinded from the truth. I, myself, is guilty for the crime of lying to the one whom I call ‘me.’ I was not born a liar; but I became such because of love. I’m tried twisting our fate. Before I commend myself, every time she smiles, although I know for sure that it was not because of me. Well, I cannot blame myself for expecting that there could be something more for both her and I. The FLAMES result says that we could be L (lovers), after the highest score got by F (friends). However, reality will stab when you least anticipate it. I finally forced my eyes to be opened when I saw her with someone. Although I knew it from the beginning that there exist a fact that we don’t feel mutually, but I was hoping she’ll even consider a choice catching me the moment I was falling-the thing she never did though. Indeed, it was a good yet a painful story that I’ve learned, but I plead you all not to take the same decision as I did. Ergo, try opening your eyes and learn from other’s history.