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Copyright © The Researcher 2016 Cover Art and Illustration by Zia Lisondra ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission from the Editorial Board. Published and dstributed by: The Researcher The Official Student Publication of CLSU Science High School August 2016
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Foreword Sa tula na “Tonight I Can Write the Saddest Lines”, sinabi ng premyadongmakata na si Pablo Neruda ang mga katagang, “Love is so short, forgetting is so long”. Panandalian lang daw ang pag-ibig, ngunit ang paglimot ay pangmatagalan. Iyong mananatili at mamamahay sa alaala. Minsan, ang mga alaala na ito’y nagiging madilim, nagiging dark, o sa lengguwahe natin ngayon, nagiging bitter. Dito sumesentro ang pangalawang labas ng literary folio na ito ng USHS, na aming pinamagatang AMPALAYA. Naisip kasi naming, wala ng hihigit pang simbulo ng bitterness kundi ang ampalaya. Saklaw nito ang lahat ng malulungkot at malalagim na nararamdaman ng isang pusong sawi, mula sa Bitter Ocampo hanggang sa mga Hugot memes na laganap sa social media at pop culture in general. Hindi ka crush ng crush mo kasi may crush siyang iba, therefore, ampalaya. Iniwan ka ng boypren mo at sumama sa iba, therefore, ampalaya. Yung crush mong pogi, may iba siyang crush na pogi rin, therefore ampalaya. Lalayo ang iyong mahal at hindi mo na siya makikita, ampalaya. Aalis ng USHS ang iyong boypren o gelpren
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at papasok sa pagpapari o pagmamadre, ampalaya. Nagpaligaw ang crush mo sa iba kasi torpe ka, congrats, ikaw ay ampalaya. In fairness, healthy ang maging bitter, ang maging ampalaya. Kasi ini-express mo ang saloobin mo. Pero ang challenge, dapat, ma-transcend. Kaya ginamit naming simbulo sa pahina ang isang babaeng bitter na nagmo-morph into something beautiful, something na hindi rotten. Yung mga ganun. Kaya nga synonymous sa pagbabagong ito ang “moving on�. Hindi ka mahal ng mahal mo, mag-move on ka na. Nagpagupit ang crush mo, at na-realize mong hindi mo pala siya mahal, mag-move on ka na. Dahil ang buhay ay isa rin namang paglalakbay. Ampalaya ka ngayon, oo, pero hindi dapat habang-buhay kang ampalaya. Sana ma-enjoy ninyo ang mga akda ng mga taga-USHS. Oo may impression na nerds at geeks ang marami sa amin, pero gaya ng iba pang teenagers, tao rin kami, umiibig, nasasaktan, nagiging bitter.
Zia Amirah Lisondra Literary Editor
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Bro, paano na? by: G10
Noong una’y nalilito Damdami’y magulo Ngayo’y unti-unting nag-iba Bro, mahal na ata kita
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Bro, tanggap kita by: BF ni G10
Huwag nang malito pa Nandito lang ako, tanggap kita Mahal mo ako, mahal kita Kahit sino pa man ang humusga
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Anonymous
“Nagpakalayo tayo, para lang titigan mo siya sa malayo�
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Nang Minsang Umulan ng Pag-ibig by: Adonis
Hapon. Umuulan. Mag-isa lang ako sa paradahan, habang nakapayong, pilit na pinapaliit ang katawan para hindi mabasa. Sa kabilang kanto’y may narinig akong mga yabag. Kumaripas nang takbo ang isang lalakeng matipuno at tumabi sa akin. Basa na siya. Dahil sa awa, pinayungan ko. Siksikan kami ngayon sa ilalim ng iisang payong. Matagal dumating ang mga jeep. Hindi naman kasi talaga ito ang ruta nila. Dalawa lang kami dito. Walang umiimik, ngunit ramdam ko ang init ng kanyang katawan. Ramdam din siguro niya ang nanginginig kong katawan, siguro sa lamig at sa kilig na aking nadarama. Napasulyap kami sa isa't-isa. Ngumiti siya. ‘Yung ngiti na natural. ‘Yung ngiti na mas lalong nagpapagwapo sa kaniya. ‘Yung ngiting dahilan kung bakit ako namumula. Inakbayan niya ako, para na rin siguro magkasya kami sa payong. Aking isinandal ang ulo ko sa balikat niya. Matapos ang sampung minuto’y, dumating na rin ang jeep, ngunit siksikan, at isa lang ang pwedeng sumakay. Pinauna ko na siya dahil may payong naman ako. Bago umalis ay tinanong niya ang pangalan ko. "Mark," tugon ko.
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Kasi nga mahal kita by: Dolor
Sinuway ang mga magulang Walang ibang pinakinggan Kasi nga mahal kita Inuna ang pag-ibig Kaysa sa pag-aaral Kasi nga mahal kita Binitawan ang libro Hinawakan ang kamay mo Kasi nga mahal kita Ngunit sana ako’y patawarin Dahil ngayon ika’y palalayain Kasi nga mahal kita
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Sunshine by: Pretty Eyes
I look into her eyes (He looks at me like a lion stalking its prey) And she looks back at me (And so I take sweet revenge on the romance) And our eyes meet (And I see his eyes) In a way which drives me crazy (Whose reflections show our first dance) I imagine my life next to her (He would make a perfect lover) This girl is mine (This boy is mine) I am hers (And I am his) Til the sun sets (Til the sun shines) 10
Hoy! by: Dolor
Alam kong ‘yang pagtawa mo ay pilit Kita kong hindi mo kayang ngumiti Halata kong gusto mo nang umiyak Ramdam kong gusto mo nang mamatay Pero sana’y ‘wag ituloy, sayang ka, sayang tayo
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Untitled by: 1:43AM
I’m a closed book But he can easily tear my pages I’m a closed door But he can just barge his way in I’m a hopeless maze But he can just break my walls And I’m letting him Why am I letting him?
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Bebe Girl
“Saying goodbye doesn’t mean I have to forget you”
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Gusto kong marinig by: Dolor
Pangako, hindi na mauulit Hinding-hindi ka na ipagpapalit Ngayon sana ako’y patawarin Sana’y muli kang maging akin
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Gusto kong sabihin by: Adonis
Napatawad na kita Sa puso ko’y ikaw pa rin Lagi naman akong sa’yo Ngunit ika’y hindi naging akin
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Slow Motion by: Ginelle Cabico
In the arch full of roses Crowded with little voices In a seat colored brown A lady sat there who’d just frown She closed her eyes, trying to think deep As her auburn hair played with the summer breeze She shed a tear as the thought disappear Of a boy who made her heart freeze As the sun went to the horizon She wished that these feelings will also be gone ‘Cause moving on feels like slow motion Specially when our hour is full of emotion
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One sided story by: Dyanne Briones
She opened her mouth to say the words But nothing ever came They just got stuck in her throat Every day, always the same. Raindrops were falling from the sky Mixing with the tears she cried To stop them from falling so hard she tried Like the feelings she would always hide She screamed and cried out desperately, Trying to grasp the thought fully That nothing she will ever do, Will make him love her too
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Antonio
“I kissed him and he kissed me back. Just in time before our mother called us for dinner �
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The tree is crying and so do I by: Marabel Vite
Once I saw a tree Crying and weeping ‘cause she can’t be free I saw how the leaves fell How her branches crumpled That day I remember How my tears fell And how my legs crumpled Just because you left me for her
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Next Time by: Lovelyn Ramirez
I looked at you, but never stared You looked back at me, but didn’t care I’ve always loved you, I wish you’re aware Now destiny is bringing us closer You’re always here, always near But getting hurt is my greatest fear I tried to hide this feeling inside But you’re all I think about at night Couldn’t say I love you Afraid that you won’t say it too Maybe next time I’ll be ready To express my feelings and be free
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Tambayan ni Tanga by: Adonis
Tanga na kung tanga, pero mapipigilan mo ba Kung patuloy akong umaasa Na ika’y muling makikita Sa lugar kung saan Huli kitang nakasama Sa lugar din kung saan Sa’yo ako’y lumuha At sa lugar kung saan Iniwan mo ako Para sa kanya
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Hagdanan by: Felicity
Kagaya sa hagdanan Sayo’y nahulog ako At duon ko lang napagtanto Mas masakit pala sa’yo Hindi mo na nga sinalo Kinaibigan mo pa ako
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Service by: Adonis
Narinig kong bumukas ‘yung pinto, hudyat na nandito na naman ang amo ko. Tumayo ako sa aking kinalalagyan at kinuha ang tsinelas niya. Kahit kumportable na akong nakahiga sa kama, kailangan kong gawin ‘to. Amo ko siya ‘eh. Pumunta ako sa kaniya at iniabot ang tsinelas. Dahil sa lugod niya sa akin, sinimulan na niyang haplusin ang aking makinis na mukha. “Good girl,” sabi ng mga labi niyang namumuti na dahil sa katandaan. Nakaaawa rin ang amo ko. Hiniwalayan ng asawa. ‘Yung mga anak naman niya ay nagpakalayo na. Siguro dahil do’n 24
kaya kinuha niya ako. Pinapakain niya ako, binibigyan ng maayos na tulugan, at pinapagaan ang buhay. Ngunit kapalit naman nito ay ang pagpapasaya ko sa kaniya. Nagsimula nang haplusin ng kaniyang mga kamay ang aking katawan. Nakakikiliti, nakakikilabot, nakagiginhawa. Kahit ilang ulit niyang gawin ay hindi ako nagsasawa. Nakababaliw, nakabubuhay. Sinimulan ko na rin siyang dilaan. Sa katawan. Sa mukha. Kahit labag sa kalooban, kailangan kong gawin ‘to. Amo ko siya.... ....at aso niya ako. 25
Burnt Wings by: Pretty Eyes
She’s like a flame, A swirling hot inferno But love is something else, love is— Innocent to all things But I’m a moth and I’m free She might hurt me, I don’t care Love defies all pain, And I will fly on burnt wings
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Hyluxx
“Sinasabi mong magiging okay ang lahat. Kasi hindi naman ikaw ang may problema�
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If One Day by: Camille David
Plants wither at some point in time Some poems have already lost their rhyme But, if someday, you stop loving her Would it be considered a crime? Yes, you love her today And it may seem forever But remember, even the brightest star Will someday lose its shimmer
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Lanta by: Simon
Para ng halamang Tuluyang nalalanta Mayayabong nitong daho’y Mawawala na lang bigla At gaya nitong halaman Mapapawi ang ‘yong saya Dahil ang akala mong pagmamahal Kinabukasa’y nasa iba na
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Untitled by: Jewel Bulanadi
I always ask the question “why” Why did you leave me behind? Don’t you know it makes me cry? And sometimes I just want to die Your words They broke me into pieces I always hate myself Remembering all those memories But despite of what you’ve done I can never leave your side You want to know the reason why? It’s because I love you And I always hope you’re mine
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Ligaya
“ She said I love you through tears, but her words just fell on deaf ears”
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L ason by: Dolor
Sa una masaya Masaya kayong dalawa Ngunit kalaunan, mag-iiba Maiisip mong sa una lang pala Mga salitang kanyang binitawan Mga pangakong hindi ka iiwan Ay mawawala na lang bigla Mawawalang parang bula Parang bula ka ring lilipad Sa ere kung saan ka niya iniwan Parang bata kang iiyak Dahil ang puso sa dalawa’y nabiyak
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Kasi nga walang tayo by: Simon
Sinubukan ko ‘tong gawing mahaba Singhaba ng convo natin gabi-gabi Singhaba ng pasensya mo sa mga corny kong joke Singhaba ng hinintay kong panahon Para magkalakas ng loob Makausap ka lang Kaso naalala ko Ayaw mo nga pala sa mahahaba Naalala kita Na baka tamarin ka nang basahin Pag ibinuhos ko na ang lahat ng aking damdamin Ang gusto ko lang naman sabihin Kahit gamit na ang linyang ‘to Iiwanan na kita Kahit ‘di naman naging tayo Kahit ‘di ka naging sa’kin sa una palang Kahit ‘di ka magiging akin kahit saglit lang 35
Flashback by: D
Nami-miss na kita. Nami-miss ko na ‘yung pag break magkatabi tayong dalawa. Nami-miss ko na ‘yung pagkukwento mo sa’kin ng mga panaginip mo, Mga naiisip sa buhay, Mga bagay na gusto mong makamit sa hinaharap.
Nami-miss ko na ‘yung ngiti mo. ‘Yung ngiti na may kasamang kislap sa mata. ‘Yung ngiti na kahit medyo mukhang tanga, pero nakatutunaw ng puso. ‘Yung ngiting dahilan ng pagngiti ko. Nami-miss ko na ‘yung mga haplos mo. Ang mga haplos mong medyo nakatatawa 36
pero may kasamang lambing. Maaaring sa tingin ng iba ay may ibang ibig sabihin, Pero para sa’kin ‘yun ang haplos ng taong nagmamahal sa’kin. Nami-miss na kita... Nami-miss ko... Ikaw. Lahat. Pigil ang bawat patak ng luha sa aking mga mata, Habang isinusulat ang tulang alay sa aking sinisinta. Gusto kitang lapitan. Gusto kitang yakapin. Gusto kitang kausapin Gusto ko sanang ikwento lahat ng nangyayari sa buhay ko. Kaya lang hindi na pwede. Pero kahit hirap na hirap na ko sa sitwasyon natin. Kahit na hanggang tingin na lang ako sa’yo. Kahit ‘di ko na marinig ang tinig mo; Kahit ‘di ko na makita ang kislap ng mga mata mo; Kahit ‘di ko na masilayan ang mga ngiti mo; Kahit na ‘di ko na madama ang mga haplos mo; Kahit na nasasaktan na ako, Maghihintay pa rin ako sa panahong pwede na ang salitang “tayo”. 37
Thousands
by: Pretty Eyes
We live We live apart By miles----by the thousands Yet nothing separates our hearts Distance means nothing, When someone means so much And I’d give up everything For one last touch
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Kakaibebequoh
“Kapag kalandian ang pinairal, sira ang pag-aaral�
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Parehas tayo by: G10
Nagsimula sa pagkakaibigan Hanggang lumalim ang turingan At ako nga’y tuluyang nahulog Tuluyang ginusto ang itlog
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Homeroom Diaries by: Anonymous
Pumasok ka sa silid Ako nama’y natuwa Ngunit aking naisip Guro nga pala kita
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SandroBaste Shipper
Boyfriend ko ngayon, boyfriend niya kahapon.
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My love by: Fractus
My love, my love What happened to us? We used to be so happy Contented with what we have My love, my love How could you smile Like it didn’t happen Like we never tried My love, my love You always make me smile But now i know That everything was a lie
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Once Upon a Shooting Star by: Simon
Nagtungo sa kabundukan ang magkaibigang Pipay at Totoy. Sabado ngayon at nakagawian na nilang dito mamalagi tuwing gabi. Maglalatag ng sapin na yari sa pinaglumaang kumot at hihiga upang panoorin ang mga bituin na tila ba diyamanteng kumikislap sa dilim ng kalawakan. “Kumusta na ‘yung crush mo?,” tanong ni Totoy “Edi ‘yon, hindi pa rin niya alam na gusto ko siya. Parang wala ngang pakialam sa akin eh.” Nanahimik ang paligid. Tanging ingay ng mga kuliglig ang mapakikinggan. Masaya sila habang nababalot sa kani-kaniyang katahimikan. “Uy! May dumaan na bulalakaw,” masayang sigaw ni Pipay Natahimik sila kapwa dahil sa hindi lang isa, kundi ilang daang bulalakaw pa ang ang patuloy na bumubuhos mula sa kalangitan.
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“Sana pansinin na ako ng crush ko. Sana mahalin na rin niya ako,” basag ni Pipay sa katahimikan nilang dalawa. “Ikaw Totoy, anong hiling mo?,” tanong niya. Lumingon si Totoy kay Pipay... “Sana ako na lang yung mahal mo para hindi ka na nasasaktan. Kasi ako, aalagaan kita, at mamahalin na hindi lang bilang kaibigan” Sa pangatlong pagkakataon, tumahimik muli ang kapaligiran “Ang bilis namang matupad ng kahilingan ko,” saad ni Pipay Ngumiti na rin si Totoy. “Ang bilis nga”
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As I looked at your eyes, I saw the truth. You loved me. You loved me like a princess You loved me like a mother to her child You loved me like the moon to its stars You loved me like poetry and you were the poet You loved me like a nice coffee with its soothing taste
Dear You by: Hunted
And I loved you like the asteroid colliding to another, Like our hearts touched to form a beautiful disaster I loved you like the sun and how it shines everyday I loved you and I felt the warmest and the coldest I loved you and I’m willing to be the prey I loved you like the wood to its fire Because I wouldn’t mind the burn It was a bit of rocky road, but I loved you And I thought……. That was more than enough. Because, truly, you loved me with all your heart And I loved you in many things But, I guess, love isn’t the only answer Because you loved me And I know I have to let go Because memories are memories And staying is a mistake. 49
Sandro is my drug by: GCisforSandro
You’re the x, I’m the y You’re my four: twenty You’re the 7 seconds in heaven, You’re indestructible Addicted and eluded, I write this poem for you I want to save myself, but I don’t know how to
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CRSD
She cried herself to bed, reading his last reply again and again, “I have always been into boys.�
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The Ring
I used to wear you around like my favorite shirt my favorite perfume my favorite smile ...like the ring you gave me.
The ring you gave me reminded me of you, it was plain, but quite beautiful. No unique design, but still managed to catch my eye. The ring you gave me remind me of you, I used to wear it all the time but ever since you said good bye, I don’t even have the courage to look at it. The ring you gave me reminded me of you, Months after you said good bye, I decided to put it on. It still reminds me of you. You know why? The ring you gave me remind me of you, because it used to fit me. Just like you. 52
Untitled Sa aking bawat pagngiti Ay may nakatagong pighati Pighating di kayang pasanin Ng pusong hindi napapansin
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Kasi nga aalis ka na by: Ibarra
Bago ka umalis Sana’y ipangako mo Na kahit anong mangyari Dadalawin mo pa rin ako Na itutuloy mo pa rin ang kwentuhan natin sa gabi Na hindi mo ipagkakait Ang matatamis mong mga ngiti Ngunit sino ba naman ako Para sabihin ‘to sa’yo Kung hanggang tingin na lamang Ang ginagawa ko Sana’y masagot ang katanungan kong ‘to Na kaytagal nang nanatili Dito sa isipan ko Mahal ko, Mahal ko Na ‘di man lang ako mapansin Paano ako magpapaalam Sa’yong ‘di naman dumating 55
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Ligaya
“I feel like it was only yesterday when we met at the boys’ dormitory, now it’s our wedding day”
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Untitled by: 1:43 AM
Pain demands to be felt You demand to be loved My heart demands you Only you And that is my pain
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Dancing in the rain by: Pretty Eyes
Bold are the courageous To bathe in the rain Naked in the heat And celibate through the pain Hunted by the past Tormented from the future Forever blissful on reflections All but tied to a culture And we the people Above all need sense with pain And so we are brave souls Dancing in the rain
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Quiapo Queer by: Ibarra
Tumabi ka sa akin Siksikan sa rami ng tao At pagkalipas ng ilang minuto Naramdaman ko nang himas mo Napatulala ako sa mukha mong kay gwapo At doon napagtanto Na kailangan ko na yatang Magpabasbas sa santo Bukod sa katotohanang Katauhan ko’y bako Ay kahit sa simbaha’y Nagkakasala ako
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Vile
by: GCisforSandro
Women belong to Men Girls are meant for boys But when I saw you I knew how Godforsaken this is My religion’s against me, So are my parents I don’t care We have this vile romance to ourselves
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Ibarra
“Section lang naman sana ang mag-iiba, nadamay lang si relationship status�
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Cry for Help by: Orivie
That girl who had the loudest laugh? That girl who had the sweetest smile? That girl who seemed happy and vibrant? Well, little did everyone know that she was dying inside. She wasn't tough like what most people knew. She was hiding behind her illusory toughness. She wasn't strong. The real her hid beyond those walls. She wasn't fine. She was crying for help. She wasn't happy. She was battling against the demons that were rampaging in her head. Yet even if she's dying, she would still smile and tell people she's fine. She didn't want to be a bother. She hated being a nuisance. She didn't want to tell people about her demons. She was scared that people would judge her. Her mind was shouting for help yet she kept her mouth shut. She hated it when everyone's attention was turned to her. Even though she's smiling while hearing the comments and laughing at the teases from others, no one knew that she was breaking inside. She battled with anxiety, yet her parents view her as lazy and overreacting. She was suffering from depression, but everyone viewed it as a case of being a moody teen. She is hating herself, yet people told her that she was just not trying hard enough. They wouldn't understand so she kept telling people she was fine even though she really wasn't.
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No one knew that every night she was crying. No one knew that on the inside she was dying. No one knew that the demons in her head were winning. No one knew because she kept on thinking that no one cared. She wanted to ask for help, Yet her demons covered her mouth. "Hush my pet, telling them would not help. They would never understand.", one of her demons whispered to her. "Are you okay?", her friend asked. She paused for a moment and looked at her with the eyes that were begging for help. "No.", her mind screamed. "Yes.", her mouth said. She formed a smile yet struggling to fight back tears. But once she reached home and laid in her bed, that's where she broke down and cried herself to sleep.
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In Another L ife by: Ibarra and Mik-
Pinaikot mo ako Sa kasinungalingan mo Para lang malaman Na joga ko lang Ang habol mo -Kaysee Wannabe
Ayaw ko sanang sumuko Kahit iniwanan mo na ako Pero wala na talagang pag-asa Kaya shut-up na lang ako -Daniel Padilyummy
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Nilait. Sinaktan. Kinutya Sinubukan nila tayong paghiwalayin Ngunit kahit sino man sila Walang makapipigil sa’tin
Hindi mo na kailangan Ng ano pa mang pampasarap Dahil ang tunay na magic Sa’kin mo lang malalasap
-Budbod Hagoder -Pabebe Couple
I have always loved you Ever since from the start Pero bakit nga ba ayaw mo Sa confidently beautiful with a heart?
Gaya sa commercial Magpakatotoo ka Hindi ‘yung nagsisinungaling Kahit nahuli ka na -Sprite Spirit
-Ms. Wurtzfront
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Torre
“I loved you”
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Art
by: Orivie
My body was the canvas, The blade was my paint brush Purple bruises covered my arms. Red lines were drawn on my wrists. I looked down and saw the blood trickling down the sink. All of these scars, All of these wounds, All of these bruises, All of the pain They’re all part of my art.
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Letters from Death 70
Letter #1 by: E. S
Hello my dear self, I’m death. I wrote this letter to remind you that I would come. While you’re reading this, I could happen. Are you feeling sleepy? Well I could pay you a visit while you’re in a peaceful slumber. Don’t be scared, I’m not the one to decide. Remember the times you wanted me to come? The time you sat on the edge of your bed, crying, wishing for me? The times you were tempted to cut your wrist because you couldnt take it anymore? Ah yes. Flashback aye? Look at you! All smiling and stuff, oh wait scratch that maybe you’re horrified right now. Boo! I’m not trying to scare you sweet cheeks. Actually, i’m happy for you. I’m glad you chose my dearest friend ; but my complete opposite, Life. I want to be honest with you, I don’t want to ruin anyone’s life. I don’t want to see someone crying because of me. But what can I do? This is my purpose. I exist for these things. I guess I have to end this letter now, I need to fetch someone from the other side of the world, or just in your neighbourhood? I don’t know. I hope I could write a letter for you again, though. Please enjoy my friend, Life. And please don’t wish for me again. I might just come without invitation. 71
Letter #2 by: Nia Manlulu
Dear mortals, Hi, I’m Death, writing to all of you alive today to look for an answer for my questions. I won’t take offense at anything, and I appreciate your honest answers. First of all, why do all of you think I’m a psycho? I do my job. Yeah, maybe it sometimes entails dressing up in a ragged cape and having a giant scythe, but that’s duty, not personal taste. If you didn’t want the Grim Reaper, why blame the poor guy who only had this job for the last 3.6 billion years? I’m getting sick of having to calm each and every soul down. Why do you all hate me? Don’t you have any sense of adventure? I’m an amazing tour guide in the afterlife. I do my best not to show up before it’s really time to go. I read up on
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your cultures. I know all your languages, and I am respectful. I help you. If it wasn’t for me, you would have run into the overpopulation problem a lot earlier. Lastly, why give me all the drab colors? Sure, black and white are fine, but there’s nothing wrong with variety, is there? How about a dazzling green to symbolize Death? That’s the color of the moss that grows on dead bodies. Or maybe a buttery yellow? For the pus that oozes from infected wounds? How about shiny red? For all of the blood in the human body. I don’t get any colorful ones. Thanks for reading this, and if you have any answers, write back. Yours truly, Death
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Tagahanga by: Isabel
Hindi mo man ako kilala Ako’y labis mong napasasaya Hiling ko sana’y mapansin Ang matagal ko nang pagtingin
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Winnie the Poor
“Tama lang palang pinili ko siya�
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A broken heart closer by: Shy
Only once did I love With my heart whole But as I did It broke in two I had to learn The painful truth Love is only great If shared with you But in my mind I still believe I’m one broken heart closer To happily ever after
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Sleepyhead by: Zircon
In the midst of the sun’s welcome to a brand new day, a young girl stretched her arms and yawned sheepishly. Her sleepy voice sang with the birds as she let another yawn out. As she slowly put her arms down after her stretch, feeling every ‘pop’ in her body, she knew there was something about this morning. Something she couldn’t immediately pinpoint the moment she knew she wake up. It was on the tip of her tongue, yet the words weren’t there. In a flash, her mind began to operate and she knew what was odd. Her eyes weren’t fully opened yet. It maybe due to the fact that she stayed up late to finish an assignment, leaving her groggy from her slumber. ‘It’s normal’, she thought, ‘It’ll open soon.’ Yet, her eyelids didn’t move from their position. 78
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Few minutes had already passed, but still she couldn’t fully open them. She tried opening few seconds more, it was all for naught. This temporary blindness was already annoying, and this feeling wasn’t something she wanted to have early in the morning. Knowing that her eyelids weren’t fully cooperating, she slowly rubbed her eyes, removing the dirt from her eyelids. Once she had removed most, she tried once more. Slowly, she tried to open her eyelids and made sure she’s alright. Once she knew it was fine, her eyelids went full open and exposed her dark brown orbs to the world. It was oddly
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satisfying, her spirit filled with vigor. It made her think of the things she could do today. She thought of ways to make this day a hundred times more productive than most of her days. As she was about to leave her bed, something struck her mind. And this ‘something’ made her sleepy again, extinguishing her built up determination into ash. “Oh yeah,” she remembered, “Today’s Sunday.” Her voice slowly descended into a whisper as she went back to sleep, remembering that today was her day off.
And for her, it was a beautiful Sunday.
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Nothing good ever happens after 2am by: 1:43 AM
I’m a song that can’t be sung but can be played. A poem that can’t be read but can be written. A whisper that can’t be heard but can be said. A bird that can’t fly but can sing. I’m like the wind that can’t be seen but can be felt. I can’t see when there’s too much light. I can’t sleep when there’s too much darkness. I’m not a voice when I can’t hear no one. I can’t fight when I can’t see something that’s worth fighting for. I can’t live when there’s nothing that’s worth living for. I am not what I am. I am noise at its quietest Light at its darkness And happiness at its saddest I am love at its coldest 82
Rebound
by: Alessandra Natividad
Sa dinami-rami ng tao Bakit may tao pa ring tanga? Katulad kong nagmamahal nang totoo At umaasa pa rin Na muli mo ‘kong mamahalin At sa dinami-rami ng tao Bakit ikaw pa ang minahal ko? Na walang ginawa kun’di lokohin ako Ngunit kahit gano’n, ako’y nagpapakatotoo Subalit sa isang manlolokong taong walang ginawa Sa saglit na panahong nakasama ka Nakadama rin naman ako ng tuwa’t saya Diba, ikaw ang umayos ng buhay ko? Pero ikaw din ang sumira sa kaluluwa ko Kahit sa mga ginawang kalokohan May nakita pa rin akong magandang paraan Na minahal mo ako kahit papaano Kahit na alam kong ‘di totoo At rebound mo lang ako 83
13
Sigh
He left her because of him.
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That Thing Called Hope by: Dew Xya Dela Rosa
You took me to beautiful places Told me of your stories of truth Convinced me that would never leave me And surprised me when you popped the ‘question’ Yes, you’ve drawn me into your fantasies Though I knew they were fake Because you said you love me so much Then I realized you didn’t
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Istorya by: D
Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin ito. Hindi ko alam kung anong magiging reaksyon mo. Hindi ko alam kung kilala na nila kung sino ako, Pero hayaan mong ang istorya nati’y ikwento ko. Masaya. Masakit. Maligaya. Malungkot. Nakatutuwa. Una, masaya. Nang nakilala kita, Nagkaroon ng kulay ang itim at puting buhay ko. Nagkaroon ng dahilan ang aking bawat pagngiti. Nag-aral akong mabuti upang hindi mawaglit sa iyong tabi. Dahil noong nakilala kita, ako’y palamura. 86
78 ang grado ko sa Math. Mahilig akong makipag-away. At mapanghusga ako ng iba. Pero lahat ay nag-iba noong nakilala kita. Binago mo ako. Ginawa mo akong mas mabuting tao kaya’t nagpapasalamat ako sayo. Pangalawa, masakit. Kase nang nagustuhan kita, May gusto kang iba. At bestfriend ko pa siya, Saklap ‘di ba? Pero nagmamahal ako, kasi nagmamahal ako. Hindi na ako umasa na balang araw gigising kang ako na ang nasa isip mo. Dahil hindi ko hiniling na mahalin mo rin ako. Basta ikaw ang sinisigaw ng puso ko, 87
Pangatlo, maligaya. Naaala ko pa noong unang beses kong hinawakan ang kamay mo, Akala ko bibitaw ka. Pero hindi, Biglang humigpit ang hawak mo At tumungin ka sa mga mata ko. Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. Kahit hindi ko sigurado kung hanggang kailan ka kakapit sa’kin, Sapat na sa’kin ‘yung sandaling tumigil ang mundo ko at naramdaman kong mahal mo rin ako. Pang-apat, malungkot. Noong narinig ko ang mga katagang “mahal kita”. Pinaulit-ulit ko ito sa isip ko. Mahal kita. Dalawang salita pero inisip ko nang pagkatagal-tagal. At sa wakas naunawan ko na lahat at nasabi ko na ring; “Mahal din kita.” Masaya tayo noon. Ang sarap balikan kung gaano tayo kasaya. Walang pakialam sa mundo, basta’t masaya tayo. Sadyang may mga tao lang na hindi masaya kasabay ng saya natin. 88
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Binagyo nila tayo ng panghuhusga. Nasaktan ka, Nadurog ako. Nawala ako. At hinahanap ko pa rin ang sarili ko. Kailan kaya kami magkikita? Pero sa kabila ng lahat, darating ang panlima; nakatutuwa. Sabay nating binuo ang isa’t isa. Medyo may mga lamat pero ang makita kang mabuo ulet ay sapat na. Maaaring ‘di na tayo gaya ng dati, pero sana mahintay mo ako. Habang hinahanap ko pa ang sarili ko.
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Nais ko sanang gumawa lang ng maikling tula pero ang dami kong gustong sabihin sayo. Marami akong gustong sabihin sa lahat. Gusto kong ipagsigawan kung ga’no kita kamahal. Pero alam kong hindi nila tayo maiintindihan. Nakatatawa ‘di ba? Ganito pala talaga kagulo ang pag-ibig. Pero handa akong sumuong sa giyera parang sa dulo, Makasama na kita.
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Reason by: Shy
It’s pointless to ask you What made me love you When I myself, Don’t know either I can’t find an anwser But that doesn’t matter Maybe I love you Just because I do
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Hello and Goodbye by: Lindci Licay
Everything can start From a simple hello Building memories Laughter and tears that flow Everything can end From a simple goodbye Memories put to waste Forgetting you and I
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Whilst weeping, I held the door open for her for the last time -the morgue’s
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ma Ad nt vis ic e pe r n ro a h ho op pe el ful ess pa rin
Zia Amirah Lisondra Phil Justin Pangilinan.. Danella Idelle Dela Cruz. Ves Eva Revline Dilla.... Literary Editors
Cerone Aquino Junior Art Illustrator .... Emil F. Ubaldo.... Creative Consultant/ Publication Adviser
EDitors Ma. Hiyasmin Ruby A. Malicdem, RGC Guidance Counselor, College of Education Asst. Prof. Mercedita M. Reyes, PhD USHS GAD Focal Person/ Language Critic (English) ... Emily A. Concepcion Language Critic (Filipino) Assoc. Prof. Julie C. Domingo USHS Principal
Contributors
Cerone Aquino Alliyah Isabelle Villanueva Alessandra Natividad Phil Justin Pangilinan Ves Eva Revline Dilla Trixie Anne Alvarez Dyanne Esther Briones Marabel Vite Lovelyn Ramirez Camille Roxanne David Jewel Anne Shaina Bulanadi Shairisse Heart Santiago Danella Idelle Dela Cruz Njel Keziah Flores
Darren Joi Onate Janna Polleen Valdez Ginelle Angela Cabico Nia Manlulu Patricia Iglesia Dew Xya Dela Rosa Lindci Grace Licay Justine Ruth Tomas Chantalle Carpio Lerma De Leon Elydia Aubrey Marie Sinchioco Elliz Hermogino Christian Allan Santos Franz Nicholas Roque