AUGUST 2020
First-ever National HIV Prevention Month rallies for a #SaferNowPH #HotDoctors of Pinas are in the frontlines in promoting HIV Combination Prevention. Photo grabbed from @HIVPrevMonth
written by Bet Domingo
Lakan vloggers storm the streets of Pampanga written by John Albert Pascual The Lakan Community Center takes the HIV advocacy into the vlogging space in support of the National HIV Prevention Month 2020. In their vlog, hosts Roman De Guzman and Elton John Pascual take on the men on the streets of Pampanga to distribute gather insights on condom use amid the pandemic measures. Geared with face masks and face shields , the Lakan vlog team stormed Balibago, Astro Park, Angeles City, and Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga to interview people on their perceptions of condoms. Their vlog was released during the NHPM Condom and Lube Day on August 8. Convincing people to spare some time and partake in the interview made... continue to page 6
Responding to the UNAIDS’ challenge to adopt a combination approach to HIV prevention, the Champion Community Centers and SKPA Philippines spearheaded the first-ever National HIV Prevention Month (NHPM) this year. The celebration was strategically launched in response to the recent Presidential Proclamation No. 971, declaring the second week of July as Infection Prevention and Control Week. Besides the striking rate of COVID-19 cases, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that in the first quarter of the year, around 2,800 Filipinos were diagnosed with HIV. This surfaced the need to intensify promotion of HIV prevention methods.
What’s inside? 3
Community in Action: 110 ‘PrEPPY Peers,’ to scale-up PrEP services in Central Luzon
4
Community Spotlight: Kagay-an PLUS celebrates five years of advocacy
Themed “Safer Now”, the NHPM celebration aims to promote use and access of four HIV combination prevention methods, including condoms and lubricants, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and Treatment as Prevention (TasP). Following the UNAIDS’ harm reduction model, the campaign acknowledges that promoting one method alone is not enough to stop the HIV epidemic. This month-long celebration highlighted the prevention methods through a series of online activities throughout the month of August. The NHPM kicked-off on July 31 through an online event introducing the importance of having the power to choose how one protects oneself from HIV... continue to page 3
7
Community in Action: Mujer distributes condoms and lubes in Zamboanga City
8
Freedom Wall: Winners of photography contests for Condoms and Lube Day
9
Community Comics: Combi Nation (3rd episode)
1 1
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL BOARD A message from LoveYourself’s Executive Director, Dr. Ronivin Pagtakhan
August is the Ghost month. Metaphorically, HIV is the ghost that keeps haunting us. But here comes our Champion Community Centers as ghost-busters to the rescue, daring to drive us away from the fear of this tale by spreading awareness about HIV combination prevention. Our CHAMPIONS have gathered all their energies to spearhead the first-ever community-led National HIV Prevention Month celebration together with our partner, SKPA Philippines. Throughout the month-long celebration, we have advanced our efforts to eradicate the ‘negative energies’ brought about by the virus, and instead, amplify the call for a #SaferNowPH. Our network has innovated various ways to promote condoms and lubricants, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and Treatment as Prevention (TasP). Making the country SaferNow would not have come to fruition without the unwavering support of our partners, especially the UNAIDS Philippines, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, APCOM, and LoveYourself, Inc. We are also extremely grateful for all the help of our sponsors for amplifying our efforts, including: Camber Pharmaceutical Inc. by Hetero, Rotary Club of Cubao Quezon City District 3780, Durex, Lauvette, 3M, Bliss Four, LUBIE, ChloRelief, Usana Philippines, EZ Lubricating Jelly, Premiere Condoms, and Liquor Bouquet Philippines. Our gratitude also extends to Central Luzon Regional TB-HIV Support Network, The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation, Inc., Y-PEER Pilipinas, Inc., Kalasag PrEP Network, Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines, The Red Whistle, DKT Health Inc., The HUB at Manila Doctor’s Hospital, EON Foundation, and the World Health Organization – Philippines, as well as the individuals who have been there to support our advocacy about HIV combination prevention. It was indeed an honor serving with you all. Granted that we have more available options to prevent the spread of HIV in the country, and we have more people rallying behind us, we should fear no ghost or HIV no more.
Diego Rozul Editor-in-Chief News Editor Edgar Bagasol Jr. Managing Editor Layout Artist Russel Clint Francis So Features Editor Ria Briñes Creatives Editor Contributors Andy Sabado Brixson Julian John Albert Pascual JO Corciega Lans Caputilla Queenie Mauhay Ronnie Marky Sanchez Tanya Laguing TJ Monzon Students from Tanza National Comprehensive High School Raybert Domingo Adviser
Thank you for celebrating with us and may the campaign for a #SaferNowPH with HIV Combination Prevention continues.
SHARE YOUR STORY! Create more Ripples by sharing stories of your own communities. This may include your events, activities, research, innovations, or any human interest stories that you think could inspire others in forwarding our cause. To contribute, you may contact us at ripplespub@loveyourself.ph
2 2
NEWS
110 ‘PrEPPY Peers,’ to scale-up PrEP services in Central Luzon written by Edgar Bagasol Jr. From page 1: First-ever National...
A total of 110 health service providers and community workers participated in the #PrEParingCL training series done via zoom. Screen grabbed by JCorciega
The DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development (DOH-CLCHD) and the Regional TBHIV Support Network (RTSHN) launched the #PrEParingCL training series on August 28. These efforts were in accordance with the region’s dedication to improve and expand delivery of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services in Central Luzon. A total of 110 health service providers and community workers heed the call and started training to become PrEP coaches for the region.
delivery model, the participants of the said training dubbed ‘PrEPPY Peers’, underwent a three-hour webinar about the basics of PrEP and the national guidelines for PrEP service delivery. Project Kalasag Convenor Danvic Rosadiño meanwhile shared LoveYourself’s experiences, particularly on the engagement of PrEP peer coaches and the use of telemedicine from their pilot PrEP implementation.
At the latter part of the webinar, the PrEPPY Peers, together with DOH Regional Program Coordinator Joseph Michael Manlutac, also shared their experiences as PrEP service providers in Central Luzon. According to Adolfo Paras III, Assistant Re- They then analyzed how PrEP coaching gional Coordinator of the Region 3 Global could be incorporated in their current serFund ACER Project, the need to scale-up vice delivery model. PrEP emerged from their assessment findings on key populations (KP) in the region. It is expected that the PrEPPY Peers will “Key populations of the HIV epidemic in cascade what they have learned from the our region have been evolving—from just training to their respective centers and sex workers to men having sex with men networks. With the first batch of peers, (MSM), specifically those who engage in “the region hopes to increase awareness transactional sex [‘extra services’ in spa, and number of enrollees for PrEP; imcasual hook-ups etc.],” Paras said. proved quality of PrEP services by modifying delivery approaches and strategies; “When we asked these MSM if they’ll be increase number of tested KPs to HIV; and willing to avail PrEP if it will be made avail- enhance condom access and usage among able in the region, all of them said yes. This KPs,” Paras expressed. surfaced the need to increase awareness about PrEP among MSM, as well as to ex- Ultimately, the region envisions establishpand PrEP access points since currently, ing PrEP Centers in each of the 7 provincthere are only 8 PrEP centers in Central es and 14 cities in the whole region. They Luzon,” he added. are also planning to expand PrEP access among sex workers and Transgender womAdopting LoveYourself Inc. PrEP service en in the near future.
Condoms and lubricants were highlighted on August 8, as winners of the #ShootTheRubberPH photography contest were announced. Confusion regarding the difference of PrEP vs PEP was meanwhile cleared up on August 15 with a webinar. Further, hearts fluttered as the importance of TASP and the Undetectable=Unstramittable (U=U) concept was given a spotlight during an online dating show on August 22. Leading up to a fun-filled culmination on August 29, a free online screening of films from the Cinespectra 2019 and Elisa Richards was also held from August 26 to September 1. Various community-based organizations across the country also followed suit, launching activities and localized campaigns in support of the NHPM. Through vlogs, talk shows, and physical community engagement activities, HIV advocates on a national scale showed their passion in educating and raising awareness about HIV combination prevention. Moreover, the Safe Spaces Chatbot was also launched (https://m.me/safespacesph) in support of the campaign, engaging Facebook users to know more about and access the HIV prevention methods. This year’s NHPM is supported by UNAIDS Philippines, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, APCOM, and LoveYourself, Inc. The NHPM is set to be a yearly campaign to advocate and spread awareness on HIV combination prevention.
In collaboration with SKPA Philippines and LoveYourself Inc., this training was conducted in support of the Philippine National HIV Prevention Month celebration. The 2nd leg of the training which is on Social Marketing will be held on September 4. This training will capacitate the PrEPPY Peers in creating effective PrEP campaigns, both in on-ground and online platforms.
3 3
FEATURES
Members of Kagay-an PLUS during their annual pageant for HIV/AIDS and human rights ambassadors. Photo grabbed from @kagayanplus2015
Kagay-an PLUS celebrates five years of advocacy written by Queenie Mauhay Kagay-an PLUS – Preserving Life, Uniting Society Inc. (Kagay-an PLUS) celebrated it’s 5th year of serving and protecting the welfare, rights, and well-being of LGBTQIA+ and People living with HIV (PLHIV) communities on August 28. This coincided with the first year anniversary of its Oro Pia community center, named after HIV ambassador and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.
Initiated by the Social Hygiene Clinic of Cagayan de Oro City, the organization primarily aimed to represent members of the LGBTQIA+ and PLHIV communities. “We established the organization in 2015 with only 10 members,” Kagay-an PLUS Founder Enrique Nińo Patricio recalled. Supervised by the Global Fund – Transitional Funding Mechanism of AIDS Society of the Philippines, the organziation was established to provide services and promote education related HIV/AIDS and other STIs. These include free testing and
counseling programs and awareness activities in the communities of Cagayan de oro City. KPLUS Inc. also conducts awareness programs on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE). Five years in the advocacy, Kagay-an PLUS. has been devoted in their stance of preserving lives and uniting the society in ensuring equal and equitable access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services. They envisions to be a leading organization that promotes non-discriminatory and gender responsive solutions to issues surrounding sexual health and human rights of LGBTQIA+ and PLHIV communities. “As long as you’re doing what is right, and you’re doing it wholeheartedly, I am sure that will achieve our goals,” shared Patricio. This serves as their motivation to forward their cause, especially during these uncertain times. Stay updated with Kagay-an PLUS activities by following them on Facebook @ kagayanplus2015. You may also visit them at Oro Pia Lounge at the Gates 2 and 3 of Nuevas Building, 8th-21st Street, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City.
Bisdak Pride’s radio drama for the Youth To further reach key populations to HIV especially the youth in Cebu City, Bisdak launched an original radio drama entitled “Trumpet Drama,” this August.
community to seek help with the right authorities and agencies. Since the program has themes surrounding issues that might be deemed as explicit and sensitive without proper supervision, the organization encourages consistent parental guidance if Many forms of art have been instrumental they’re tuning in with their children. in raising awareness and integrating important social and cultural discussions into The names of the characters, its setting, the norm. “Through this radio drama, we and the story uses elements that are inhope to spark change within our listeners,” spired by different people and their life’s said Roxanne Omega Doron, Bisdak Pride stories. Trumpet Radio will be aired in the selected radio station in Cebu City, PhilipExecutive Director. pines from September to December 2020. The radio show aims to educate its listen- Trumpet Drama is produced by Bidlisiw ers about gender-based violence, rights Foundation, Inc. with generous support of a child, child labor trafficking, discrim- of Terre de Hommes, KKS - Karl Kuhbel ination and stigma for the use of drugs Stiftung fur Kind and Familie, Caritas- Geramongst the youth, and online youth ex- many) together with Bisdak Pride, Inc. ploitation. It also highlights addiction as a complex condition, its progression and the Bisdak Pride, Inc. is a human rights organization dedicated to advance, uphold, and sustainable transformation process. protect the rights and responsibilities of The human rights organization persons with different sexual orientation hopes that through the perfor- and gender identity/expression. mances, it will inspire the Bisdak 4
4
written by Ronnie Marky Sanchez
Bisdak volunteers on-air in one of the radio stations on Cebu City. Photo by Ronnie Sanchez
FEATURES
Save the dates for SEPTEMBER! 101 09 Flourish An online talk show about topics
and issues surrounding mental health and well-being. Know more @flourishcircle
11
Just Wandaring
12
Bisdak Talks
An online entertainment show tackling LGBT topics. Know more @loveyourself.ph An online talk show about HIV Combination Prevention. Know more @Kabisdakpride
12
I am Fearless: The Reunion
First anniversary of the “I am Fearless” campaign advocates. Know more @Avescommunitybasedorganization
Kweeens Noight
Online Drag perfromances and many more. Know more @spacesmnlevents
ambassadors 14 LAKAN and advocates
An online launching activity. Know more @LAKANCommunityCenter
14
20 PANINAP Screening of short films. Know
more @LAKANCommunityCenter
Help us improve our newsletter! You may send your suggestions or concerns to ripplespub@loveyourself.ph.
DIOSSA Squad: Online Kamustahan written by Tanya Laguing As transgender people, especially the youth, we face a lot of stigma and discrimination in various forms. We still experience namecallings, misgendering, and in worst cases, violence. And we experience these anywhere; in our workplaces, in schools, and even in our own homes. Believing that there is strength in unity, we decided to formalize our group and be more active in socio-civic and volunteer work. Our organization, the Decent Image of South Signal Association’s (DIOSSA), represents a group of transgender people residing in Metro Manila, Philippines. Our main strategy is to provide support and work towards advocating a more positive view towards us, to our peers and to the general community of transgender people. Doing this for several years now, we’ve implemented small projects such as outreach programs to change the community’s negative and discriminatory views towards us. Overall, our activities have slowly developed a more positive view towards trans people but we recognize that there still a lot of work to be done.
FACT U: The Power of the Rainbow Vote. An online talk show about LGBT topics and issues. Know more @_spacesmnlevents
iety, depression, and dysphoria amidst the pandemic through an online community support. Being able to connect with the transgender community who understands the struggle regarding the resources, service delivery, and postponement of these essential gender affirming medical and surgical care has taken its toll on our mental health especially with the members of the community who has undergone their preliminary stages of their transitioning or surgical care. The Online Kamustahan was launched on May 16 and we’ve been doing this as a monthly session to promote a safe space for dialogues surrounding mental health for the trans community. DIOSSA aims to continue its community outreach activities through our network and affiliated youth organizations. Aside from this main activity, we plan to conduct livelihood and capacity-building trainings for trans people to help them become more empowered and contribute significantly to their families and to the society at large. We will also intensify our awareness campaigns about transgderness and the issues surrounding our community not only in our Metro Manila but also in nearby areas.
“
One of the most important things you can do is to let people know they are not alone. Shannon L. Alder
Recently, we launched our Online Kamustahan initiative. This intiative aims Know more about us and support our to promote interventions to combat anx- cause on Facebook at Diossa Lily.
5 5
NEWS
From page 1: Lakan Vloggers storm... the vlog quite difficult at first, but that was the challenge in their purpose: Getting people to be involved, engage in the topic, and feel empowered to make safer choices in their sexual health.
Mujer advocates set-up booths in the barangays during their RONDA MUJERES community drive. Photo grabbed from @MujerLGBT
Mujer distributes condoms and lubes in Zamboanga City written by Brixson Julian
From August 11-15, Mujer-LGBT Organization, Inc. launched ‘RONDA MUJERES’, an awareness and distribution drive on condoms and lubricants in Zamboanga City.
The awareness and distribution drive was conducted in a week from 8 AM to 5 PM. Mujer volunteers went to different barangays to do rounds - hence the name RONDA MUJERES.
According to Fernandez, they selected three barangays that have few to no cases of COVID-19 as a precautionary measure. They set booths in each of these selected barangay and did house-to-house condom distribution with help from the Depart“Amidst the ongoing pandemic, we be- ment of Health, the City Health Office, the lieve that it’s still imperative to be active local government unit of Zamboanga City, in promoting condom programs, especially as well as, with the barangays officials. within the context of HIV, sexual, and reproductive health and rights responses,” COVID-19 precautionary measures, inshared Alvin Fernandez, Executive Direc- cluding wearing of face mask and shields, tor of Mujer-LGBT Organization Inc. physical distancing, and temperature check were observed in the conduct of the Through this community-wide mobiliza- activity. tion effort, Mujer aims to increase awareness on the benefits and effectiveness Efforts like this prove how dedicated Muof condoms and normalize condom use jer is in promoting healthy sex lifestyle especially in local communities. It is also among people in Zamboanga City. Just in through these kind of activities that or- time for the NHPM 2020, Mujer was able ganization ensures easy access among spread awareness about HIV prevention community members to HIV pre- and reach out to more key populations that they serve. ventive commodities. With the hopes of making a SaferNow Zamboanga City, RONDA MUJERES was conducted in line with the celebration of the NHPM 2020.
6 6
In the interviews, the team saw that some don’t even use protection, there were some who were shy about it, and some even shared that they didn’t feel comfortable wearing a condom. However, one interviewee shared how important protection was especially to the LGBTQIA+ community who did not have as much accessible information on safer sex. In the long run, the vlog set sailed smoothly with the aid of their cameraman, Mac Cabuso. Given the health threats brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization thought that people must also be equipped with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves and the people they love from HIV. The Lakan vlog primarily aimed to spread awareness about HIV prevention, since the organization believes that condoms is one of the most effective and accessible prevention method not only HIV but for other sexually transmitted infections.
“
We don’t heal in isolation, but in community. S. Kelley Harrel
NEWS
NEWS
ENZO: Your HIV Combination Prevention expert written by Diego Rozul
Safe Spaces PH launches a new way to access peer-led sexual health information. Meet Enzo, your friendly sexual health chatbot. Prepared with quips, gifs, and tips, Enzo has got you covered in preventing HIV transmission (m.me/safespacesph).
When Enzo was conceptualized, one of the top priorities was giving him a personality. Unlike other automated messaging systems, the Safe Spaces PH team wanted to make the user experience as close to how you’d talk to a friend as possible. A conversational tone mixed in with fun gifs, videos, and credible information.
“We wanted to make Safe Spaces PH a gateway for information and access to HIV Combination Prevention methods, and since we are often on our social media, we went for a chatbot for people to easier navigate and access the information that they need, instead of searching for specific posts,” said Chatbot Developer Paul Junio.
Enzo also customizes its responses based on your given demographics and need. With a few simple questions, Enzo can recommend courses of action that are best for you. So whether you’re a man having sex with men who is living with HIV, a transgender woman, or cisgender heterosexual, Enzo knows what is just right for you, and gives you a directory of where to Peer-level information sharing is still an in- access these services. tegral part of how people access information. We sometimes find ourselves look- Launched as part of the National HIV Preing towards them in verifying what we’ve vention Month celebration, Enzo is availlearned from our internet search. This may able on Facebook Messenger under the be through our friends, community lead- Safe Spaces PH page. ers, or even your trusted community based organizations. While the current pandemic If all goes well with his pilot run, we may protocols limit the reach of traditional peer be seeing him on other platforms as well. educators, Enzo was made to bridge the Translations into Tagalog and Cebuano are gap. also in development, and the team is more than willing to make Enzo accessible in “Matching the programmatic part, medical other Philippine languages. To collaborate, facts, and the relatable tone of messaging send an email to info@loveyourself.ph. was definitely a challenge,” told Junio.
Amos Tara holds CBS Training in Palawan
written by Lans Caputilla
AMOS TARA Community Center organized a three-day Community-based Screening (CBS) Training among its volunteers from August 11 to 13 at Astoria Resort in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Portuguesa elaborates how the training is aimed to entice more trained volunteers to cater to the young key populations in the city. The manager also pointed that there is an alarming increase in reactive cases in the recent months.
"It is alarming to witness an increase in the number of new cases of HIV infections in Puerto Princesa City [and Palawan], and one way to curb down the spread of HIV is to mobilize more trained volunteers who will help our community-based organizations reach out the key affected 0opulation [in the area]," said Dixy Portuguesa, Amos Tara Community Center Manager.
Topics discussed includes: HIV & STI 101, Introduction to CBS, CBS Motivational Dialogue and Practices, CBS Safety, Finger Pricking & Interpretation, Consolidation of the Steps in CBS-Workflow Process.
The participants did a CBS demonstration during the training. Photo by LCaputilla
Ten (10) participants who came from different parts of the city and province participated in the said training. To date, Amos Tara Community Center has a roster of 16 CBS Motivators. The three-day training was endorsed by the Department of Health, and organized in collaboration with Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and LoveYourself, Inc.
7 7
Photos featured are the winners of the #ShootTheRubberPH Photography Contest
8 8
Hanz Beja
Angel Amarille
Roxy Fox Salcedo
9 9
LITERARY
DIGMAAN ng KASARIAN akda ni Mark Lawrence A. Tee Ako’y namulat sa isang, mapaminsalang mundo, dahil ang mga tao rito’y nagbabatuhan ng samu’t saring lait at tukso. Kung saan napakalaking digmaan ang nagaganap at ang mga sandata’y matatabil na dila at mga labing mapagpanggap. Katulad na lamang ng nangyayari ngayon, sa mga taong kabilang sa “LGBT Community.” Ang kanilang buong pagkatao’y niyuyurakan, nang matindi. Mga taong mayroong makikitid na utak ang sanhi sa kanilang bawat pagluha’t paghikbi. Ang lipunan, kung minsan, ang nagdudulot sa kanila ng diskriminasyon. Pilit pa nga silang tinatanggalan ng puri at reputasyon. Bakit? Bakit ba sila minamaliit nang ganito? Matinding galit nga ba ang dahilan, o insekyuridad lang ang namumuno? Sa mga taong ang isipan ay sarado, hindi niyo ba tanggap na mas maganda sila o mas guwapo, mas talentado sa ibang aspeto? At higit sa lahat mas nauunawaan nila ang mga problema ng mundo? Matanong ko lang, ikaw ba anong naidulot mo? Bukod sa pang-aasar at panloloko ng mga taong may kakaibang kasarian na nakakasalamuha mo, ano bang basehan ng pangmamaliit mo sa kanila? Ang mga kataga bang nakasulat sa bibliya? Marahil tama na lalaki at babae lamang ang nilikha ng lumikha ngunit kaibigan, baka nakakalimot ka na nasasaad din sa bibliya na kung gaano mo kamahal ang iyong sarili ay ay ganun din dapat ang pagmamahal mo sa iyong kapwa, sa LGBT. Lapastanganin, Galitin, Bastusin at Tawanan ang ibig sabihin ng mga katagang ito sa akin noon. Linangin, Galangin, Bigyang respeto at Tanghalin ang kahulugan sa akin ng LGBT ngayon.
10 10
Artwork grabbed from Pixabay
Ma, Pa Bakla po ako akda ni Maia Isabella Doneza Arca
Bulaklakang bestida, puting hikaw at takong, buhok na malabughaw, isama na rin ang kolorete sa mukha, walang kapintasan kung matitingnan. Ganito ang aking gayak ngayon, malayo sa noon. “Anak, Miguel nasaan ka?” Nagulat ako sa pagtawag sa akin ni mama. Agad-agad kong hinubad ang wig na aking suot habang ako’y nagpapantasya, at napasambit ng “Patay nakalimutan kong pindutin ang seradura ng pinto.” Hanggang sa pumasok na sila ni Papa. Nakita ko ang gulat sa kanilang mga mukha, ngunit wala dito ang pagkamuhi sa aking ginawa, wala dito ang mapanghusgang mga matang aking pinapangamba.
“Ma, Pa patawad po. Opo, bakla po ako, bakla po ang inyong nag-iisang anak, patawad po patawad.” Ngunit muli hindi ko nakita sa kanila ang panlulumo, ang galit o ang panghuhusga. Kundi ang pagtanggap at pagmamahal sa aking buong pagkatao. Walang halong pag-aalangan, unti-unti silang ngumiti. Nawala ang aking takot at kaba,
“Oo anak, alam namin matagal na,” sagot ni Papa.
Bumuhos ang aking luha sa saya, hindi nila ako hinusgahan, walang pag-iimbot nila akong tinanggap kahit sinuman ako.
Palasyong ‘di Para Sa’yo Isang hakbang palabas Ang bulwaga’y ‘di nagbukas, Hindi ka nila tinanggap Ikaw raw ay mapagpanggap. Dahil ba mapupula ang ‘yong labi? Dahil ba bistida ang iyong pinili? O dahil nais mong maging prinsesa Kahit na ikaw ay isang mandirigma. Muli ka na namang sinaktan, Sinampal na naman ng katotohanan, Sa labi mo na nama’y may dugo, At ramdam mo muli ang pagkabigo. Sa dungawan ay sumulyap, Doon nakita ang nais na alapaap. Bagay na ‘yong pinapangarap Na kailanma’y ‘di matatanggap. Pangarap na isang kalangitan
akda ni Celestia Kung saan ‘di ka pagkakaitan Lugar kung saan malaya, panaginip kung saan ka masaya. Nang magising ay pinagtawanan “Mandirigmang nais makoronahan?” Pinutol nila ang ‘yong dila Upang ‘di na muling makapag-salita. Mundong madaya sa ibang kasarian at itinuturing silang katatawanan Madamot sa lalaking prinsesa, Mapanghusga sa babaeng mandirigma. Ano pa’t tinawag na palasyo? Kung lahat ay umaastang kabalyero Pinapatay ang nais ng puso ng kanilang kapwa tao.
COMICS
Artwork by TJ Monzon
BRING IT ON!
11 191 11
Permission to Reproduce The information in this publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes, in part or in whole and by any means, without charge or further permission from the network, provided that due diligence is exercised in ensuring the accuracy of the information reproduced; that the institution is identified as the source of the information; and that the reproduction is not presented as an official version of the information reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or with the endorsement of the Ripples Community Publication.
Sharing STORIES Empowering Communities 12 12
@ChampionCommunityCenters | @skpaPH | @loveyourself.ph
