Poetry Planet International magazine (2021 year-end edition) by Poetry Planet Magazine

The Administration Team Marites C. Ritumalta Chief Administrator Gigi Balita Tanushi Singh Antara Bose Jeffrey Cejero Vicki Hangren Hauler Moderators/Conductors Elmer Buduan Gamulo Odum Kingsford Maria Dulce Leitao Reis Marvin Omosemen Pamela Tennant Evaluators Marie Ezekiel Ruth Alfar Editors Zaldy Carreon De Leon Jr Vee Barnes Marites Ritumalta Columnists

The Poetry Planet International Magazine 2021 year-end edition tackles about true beauty and leadership, also, as we wave goodbye to 2021, let us read some flashbacks and aspirations the writers from around the globe shared after living in dark-filled years because of the pandemic… This magazine also unleashes educators researches and experiences coping the new style of teaching in the new normal… THE FOUNDER

Printed and Published by: Poetry Planet Book Publishing House Rosario Pozorrubio Pangasinan 2435 Email: maritesritumalta@gmail.com Contact number: 09554960044 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher/author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Featured Artist---------------------------------3 Hon. Vice Mayor Marissa Padirayon Featured Stories-------------------------------5 Leo Aron Edano Ricky Montano Marvin P. Vasquez Elmer Buduan Gamulo (poetry)

As We Wave Goodbye to 2021------------9 Pamela Tennant Margaret Karim Myr Reyes E. Tejada Loreta Chia Bande Rosie B. Licudo Mu. Kabir Hosen Afrose Saad, BD. Kennedy Ochieng Sujata Dash Borka Milicic Okoi Amadiowei Jacob Obingo Wesonga Amb Maid Corbic Afrpse Saad

Exclusive---------------------------------------16 AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE by Vee Barnes---------------------------------19 METAPERSPECTIVES by Zaldy C. De leon Jr-----------------------20 A PIECE OF MEMORY by Marites Ritumalta-----------------------21 Ekphrasy And Poetry-----------------------22 Captured Moments-------------------------26 Short verses-----------------------------------27 Contributors’ Hub---------------------------29

*Poetry Planet International Magazine December edition featured in India Times

MARISSA Q. PADIRAYON: Beautiful Inside and Out

Not just a typical OOTD (Outfit of the Day) queen… she is more than that! As we live in a contemporary and challenging world, there has been a lot of changes in the norm. From the simplicity of our fashion perspective emerged some alien thought which we call our OOTDs. This term has been used to refer to a modern and stylish fashion sense which is widely patronized by millennials. The term is even used as a caption to a wide-range of selfies and social media terms. The same term is being attributed to Hon. Marissa Quindica Padirayon, the first lady vice mayor of the municipality of Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, because of her beautiful taste of fashion. Though some (of course the critics) would interpret the term negatively, Hon. Padirayon remained calm and professional as she unveiled to me what OOTD means to her. OOTD for Vice Mayor Padirayon is an acronym to sum-up her beautiful life story, her dreams and aspirations, and the values that she possesses. The first O stands for her OVERWHELMING METAMORPHOSIS. Her story is not just a typical “from rugs to riches story”. She was raised in a lowly family in Barangay Tokitoc, Sanchez Mira, Cagayan. However, being poor was never a hindrance for her. She persevered hard to overcome the challenges of the harsh world. She always looked at the positive side of life, smiled at life’s imperfections, and remained calm despite of all her adversities. At an early age, she became her mother’s sidekick in earning for a living. She triumphed life until she has found her decent place under the sun. As I listened to how she narrated her struggles, I really can’t hold my tears back. Her sincerity and humility make her a standout. 3

Now, the second O stands for her OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS as a local legislator. Being the first lady vice mayor of her town is not an easy game because eyes are on her. However, in her first term, she was able to achieve notable accomplishments. She was able to stop the mining operations in her municipality during her term. Also, she was able to support poor but deserving students through her educational assistance and scholarship program. It was always a joy for her to help the youth. And not to forget, her multitudes of humanitarian and outreach programs that delivered love and compassion to the people. What makes Vice Mayor Padirayon a leader to emulate is her TRUTHFULNESS and INTEGRITY. For me, it is something that I admire. She does not tolerate wrongdoings in the government for she is always an advocate for an honest and transparent leadership. She is never afraid to expose irregularities. Her bravery is very inspiring. As they say, not all heroes wear capes, some just wear their OOTD. To complete the OOTD, D stands for DESIRABLE VALUES. What is a human being without these? Our desirable values are our trademark. They are our real and eternal clothing. Some of Vice Mayor Padirayon’s signature values are generosity, courage, creativity, intelligence, sincerity, and faith in God. She is a caring daughter, loving mother, and a great leader rolled into one. Now, I hope that all of us should wear our own OOTDs. At the end of the day, she is not only defining fashion, rather, she is setting a standard of how both the outer and inner beauty could complement each other. Yes, she is beautiful inside and out! *More photos of Marissa at the back cover 4

THE FUTURE OF LEARNING EDUCATION IN THE NEW ERA Mr. Leo A. Edano, RN, USRN, CNE, LPT, MASEd, DHum In today’s, our world is facing a large challenge in cultivating education, different changes in accelerating in the New Era, has an enormous key of requirements to thrive a lifelong learning and the ability to acquire new skills quickly. There is a lot of questions that become messy in our mind such as how can “learning to learn” and the ability of our students from a young age can continually reinventing their selves or to acquire enough knowledge to fostered them. We as an educator, we can start it with a recognition amongst all educators that the world is changing. We can also prepare our young generations for the future; we need to make a design an education system that is forward-looking and not backward-looking. Nowadays, world of artificial intelligence, robotics, and Fourth Industrial Revolution, we must prepare ourselves, our learners for uncertainly and promote agility and adaptability. This requires a constructive reorientation that we need to restart once again from their early childhood education to primary school to tertiary education. Meaning, we should start to be encouraging them flexibility rather than specialization, which is requiring a lot of training for our students and to impose retraining to all educators, as well as redesigning education systems and curricula that we are going to impose systematically. We as an Educators we need to reimagine what education today is completely first and tomorrow. Instead of teaching our students in memorizing facts and figures, we should encourage them to studied how to learn and to solve a problem. We can end up in a world in which people in our society are more likely to be autonomous builder than to have a secure position lasting a lifetime.

Featured Stories

We should also completely redesign the system of education based on where the world is in now, instead of pursuing to do or to finish the same task and thing repeatedly. Learning Education in the New Era used to be a one-shot bet, nowadays it must be a lifelong bet. We do not just get educated once. We need to go in-between learning and work. As an educators/teacher we must bring-up professionals into the classroom to teach. We must work our projects for real organizations from the start, and to go out into the environment, into communities. We must understand the real dilemma that learners are facing so we can start to shape our learning around that predicament rather than just look at a textbook. Generally, the world’s big problems will not be solved by looking at only one discipline. They are solved at the intersection of disciplines. What we already believe is that instead of giving our learners a menu of academic disciplines, we should give them a menu of problems and challenges that the world is facing, and then have them pick one of them and curate their learning experience around solving those dilemmas. The end goal is to impart methods of learning rather than pure content. Let us teach them to solve problems rather than memorizing the facts and figures.

A NEOPHYTE IN THE NEW NORMAL Ricky Montano COVID-19 had brought a drastic change in different sectors of our country. Because it became a worldwide pandemic the whole world has adjusted and changed its way of living and social life. The Educational system of our country was one of the sectors that were affected and thus a continuity plan was also implemented to sustain and to assure every citizen that the education must continue despite the threat of the pandemic. Ambitious and theoretically embedded as it may seem to some, but the educational academe was able to push through the education through the SULONG EDUKALIDAD program. The different learning modalities being implemented by the Department of Education, enable learning and education to continue, these are the (1) blended learning, (2)modular learning, (3) online learning, (3) radio and TVbased instructions. It is indeed a typical classroom no more; this is the new norm of learning so the teacher and student should embrace it to learn how to cope with it. As an educator also I need to equip myself to be abreast of these new trends so I can ensure my learners that they’ll get quality education despite the current situation, thus I must also continue to bridge the gap between school and home learning partners to ensure harmonious relationship, so both parties can work toward a common goal which is to uplift the learning experiences of the learners. Given the different changes in education, I consider myself as a neophyte, a migrant to this new normal setup who continue to battle the different changes in the educational academe, I am a migrant in a world where the new system emerges, where the existence of the new technologies are essential and that there is a need to continue upgrading my skills so that I will continue my quest to be technologically knowledgeable especially in this new normal.

Unlike any other neophyte, I choose to face my battle armed with different pieces of training such as the different virtual webinars to guide and help me in becoming a more efficient teacher. I was not good at technologies before but because of the different training of the academe, I was able to become knowledgeable and learn how to manipulate and navigate different learning platforms virtually. I also owe a lot to the advancement of and different innovations through the information and communication technology (ICT) As these helped me to carry out my role as an educator, and now I am confident to say that I was able to portray the directive of the academe which is to develop 21st-century learners. This is my neophyte story, what is yours?

LEADING AS A SERVANT Marvin P. Vasquez Leadership is defined by Merriam Webster as the office or position of a leader; capacity to lead; and the act or an instance of leading. Many said that being in the leadership position is good, but it is accompanied with a huge responsibility that most of leaders had neglected. As a leader, we must not forget that we are also mandated to serve. A good leader is a good servant. A person of integrity where he carries not only the position, but also his passion to lead people and let them feel that he co exist with his subordinates. If a person knows how to serve first, there is a high percentage that he has the potential to become leader in the future.

The leader should put his feet on the shoes of his people under him. On that manner, he will captivate the love and care of his subordinate. He should also unite his people, yet diverse so that the work could be done harmoniously. Delegation is very important, but it takes wisdom to do that and not just pin pointing people. Don’t just focus on one person. Let them work as one together with you. Just like what Dwight L. Moody said, “It is better to put ten men to do the work, than to do the work of ten.” You will never be able to delegate them properly, if the relationship of leader and subordinates are not in good terms. You serve them, but not to the point that you are slave to them, and they will treat you as their good leader. Always remember, not all of us have the privilege to lead, but all of us has the opportunity to serve.

SANCHEZ MIRA Elmer Bubuan Gamulo In this beautiful land Called nest of love I grew up and witnessed In her perpetual grace. My body and mind Climbed her virgin mountains Played on her kabalgan beaches Soaked in her hidden pikkans. Her April welcomed And embraced the Sawi migrates Her cold December loved the Pawikans Digging secretly to hide The extinct nature's wealth. The moon marked her silence When darkness gorged the streets While wild men went shaggy With their self voluble glory.

But today I silently chant With the young psalmists Whose stillness deafens The land with imparted freedom. *photo by tanawin.wordpress.com

As We Wave Goodbye To 2021 THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING.

LESSONS LEARNT Margaret Karim

Pamela Tennant Nothing can happen that we have not been warned about. Every single thing is a lesson to learn from. Life, like a fading flower, started to darken in my eyes curling around the edges. News from all over the world was traumatic. School shootings, the first was Columbine in 1999 shocked the world as did church burnings, September 11th, 2001, public shootings ended in heartbreaking unnecessary deaths. So many scandals and scams it was hard to keep up, race wars, hate crimes too many to count, and then the American political arena that took on a definite demonic-like force in 2016. Then December 2019 Covid-19 became a pandemic taking the lives of five and a half million people worldwide. Today, December 15th, 2021, is my birthday; that is where we sit. World governments are in chaos, old systems like the infrastructure for one, broken and threatening to crumble. Enormous rises in the cost of living across the globe adding to the homeless and starving, outbreaks in theft, homicide, riots, violence from inmates being released too soon from prison, defunding of police because of cases like George Floyd, and increasingly ineffectiveness from elected officials...all this could be key in prophetic predictions from many cultures. Could this then be the beginning of the end? No matter. We need to do better, do more, to build up, help, and promote a new standard of living. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. It is what WE do in that time that matters. It is with all this in mind and so much more, that I pray with all my heart that 2022 will begin a new era of hope and rebirth. It is time we began to walk our talk and live up to our potential as God's chosen.

2021 dawned in a wave of hope. Following months of uncertainty, learning to adapt to life with restrictions, we welcomed a fresh start. Perhaps, this year, life would return to normal, we told ourselves. Sadly, not so. The past twelve months taught a sobering lesson. Covid, in its evolving forms, is here to stay long-term. Up to the individual to pay attention, be vigilant, keep abreast of new information, respond accordingly. Above all, treat the virus with respect, take appropriate safety measures, but do not allow fear of it, to curtail daily routines and plans. The majority of us, diligent students, have proved resilient in the face of constant ambiguity. Discovered hidden strengths in ourselves. Been surprised by my innate ability to carry on, regardless of impositions. Children continue to be born, are educated. People marry. Illnesses are treated. Family and friends die. Special days are celebrated. Work has resumed. New practices, may have been instigated in the wake of Covid, but doors are newly open for business. We are traveling again, albeit adhering to new bureaucratic safety measures. In essence, we adjust, life goes on, as it must do. In summary, I am grateful to 2021, value its lessons about human fortitude, but am not sorry to see it end. Optimism is endemic to humanity. I make no apologies for having faith that 2022 will be brighter for us all. Goodbye 2021.

LOOKING BACK Myr Reyes E. Tejada

The year 2021 deserves a red mark in mankind's history. It is the year when a virus almost succeeded in crippling mankind. It is the year when the dreaded Coronavirus mutated into a more deadly one- the Delta variant. This brought about the deadly war between man and virus. It was a battle between the most complex and perfect of God's creation and a simple but not to be underestimated microscopic monster. Most of the year 2021 was spent in a struggle for existence between these two organisms. On the one hand, man combined his intelligence with technology and invented a weapon to combat his minute enemy. This was immunization. On the other hand, the virus used its innate power of mutation to protect itself from extinction. It almost succeeded-- the result being the Delta variant--a more deadly version of the original and is geometrically more contagious. But through the Lord's intercession, did not cripple mankind. All of these events happened in the first semester of 2021. With the defeat of the Delta variant via vaccination, the satanic virus has not surrendered completely. Towards the end of the year's second semester, the struggle for existence between man and virus escalated into a survival of the fittest. Once again, the virus has undergone another mutation known as the Omicron variant. The man countered with an extensive vaccination known as the booster shot. With the coming end of the year 2021 and the advent of 2022, it is hoped that man could finally defeat this devil monster. It has already done too much havoc and destruction in the world. We must therefore continue praying to God, our Divine Protector and mediator between good and evil to have mercy on us, and finally, end this nightmare so that we could live normally once again.

THE GIFT OF 2021 Loreta Chia Bande Events in my life have shown me there are things I don't understand but within them, I live and thrive. Take this year for instance. The pandemic in its second year brings many down, those who survive to lose their jobs and isolation pushes the young and the old alike to depression. Yet, good has come out of it. Not all who got sick of COVID-19 died, vaccines were formulated, richer countries donated vaccines to the poorer ones and communities have provided pantries out of collective efforts to help those who have no food. Suffering has softened us and we focus on helping others go through trivialities and natural catastrophes. We learn to give without expecting returns; we believe more than ever that united we will overcome the menace of the pandemic. On my part l give more in my old age when I'm vulnerable and need more money for medicine. We have moved into the more meaningful altruistic love and opened our hearts to the vulnerability of loving those whom we have helped. Their sad plight moved us. made us help them and if we lose them we feel wounded. We also risk ourselves in helping but any life is worth saving. Always, there's fragility in beings we hold dear. The widening circle of human beings we've learned to love, to save, and to help make us more susceptible to pain. When I needed a break, I remember the frontliners in the hospitals who work hard and to whom God has lent His healing hands. I used my break to write my thoughts of hope in poetry and prose. I poured out my feelings and aspirations and share them with social media readers.

A STORY TO TELL, A STORY TO SHARE

GOODBYE, 2021 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022.“

Rosie B. Licudo

Mu. Kabir Hosen

Time flies, time is gone so fast. A new chapter on our book of life has come to its ending. Need to close. Need to put a period and fold. A chapter that remains always in our memory. A road we stride that is full of sufferings and strife, A life full of smile, laughter, and joy. A life full of battling, but even though it's hard we do our very best to fight back with a strong heart and to overcome with firm faith in God.2021 is full of tears and pains. Sometimes our paper is drenched with tears, our pen is drained with ink. The sun dries the sheet and refills our pen so that we can continuously quill the breath of our hearts freely. We dance under the heat of the sun, we cry under the heavy downpour, but Hope comforts us saying today is a stormy day but tomorrow is much better to stay. Life painted our life with different colours. Colours with different meanings. Some are colours of victory, some are colours of failures. A battle we win that gives us confidence. A wrong choice we choose that leads us to failures. Different hues, different colours that teach us a lesson to learn.Colours that brightly shine our path to bravely withstand the trials of life. Colours that turn us to become a better person Even though 2021 is tough, I am still grateful to our Almighty God for crossing the 2021 bridge with a more strong heart, firm faith, and a healthy soul. Most of all I complete the chapter unscratched, with my families with me still together and I am healthy and still kicking. We are still alive; we must be grateful more than anything else to our Creator. Let's close the 2021 chapter of our life with a grateful heart. Forgive and forget those who do trespasses on us. Lift all the burdens we had and start the coming year with joy and glad in our hearts. Full of hope and Love.

2021 You came up with a pair of twisted threads. You came to say that you would respond positively to the adversity of nature. The youth of spring on earth touched your chest for your arrival! The ropes of love were pulling everywhere. You're leaving in a hurry, Elderly nomads are leaving with the thrilling pain of global warming. O Ekush, you are hanging on to Anantapur carrying the burden of notoriety, Are you leaving that horrible portrait? The filth of epidemic Kovid-19 will be erased. I know, time is of the essence. Like Borak, you could carry in your chest the dreams, love, affection, affection, happiness, and smiles of the whole world. Love is still floating around like a dying patient with that rare pace of confidence, peace, progress, and prosperity. As soon as you go, you go, but take the promise of my power agreement. I made this dedication to convey to the great creator. I don't know if you'll ever return, and the sunrise of the morning ferry, But you must fulfill the responsibility I have given you. Let me get the response that the New Year's capital will come after you. Good luck as the new year brings the divine atmosphere of world peace, the special loving, merciful love of the great Creator. Expressing this hope, the dreamer of world peace, remember the farewell salutation. Goodbye, 2021 Happy New Year 2022. ______________________________________

"Journey to God and start one small step at a time. He doesn't expect you to run the milesbut He promises you to give you strength to go to the distance and fight with you side by side." - Rosie B. Licudo 11

FOR LIVELY MOMENT Afrose Saad, BD. 2021 is such an example for all of us. The most vital fact is COVID-19. This enemy was tried enough to empower the whole universe. The lively verse can't regain so easily. Fear knocks every moment in the door of the heart. All are praying to God for showing a ray of life. Trust God after all. One more thing, we must take any step cautiously. With God's grace, the vaccine was discovered proudly. More or less --- it's the best choice. Fear can't peep anymore. The enemy can't empower our lively abode. We must live each moment lively. Vaccination is the prime concern. After that, the wheel of the universe is trying smoothly to move on. But it's not so easy to combat the war. That enemy again peeps with a new pattern. So what? We will definitely conquer this war. Besides this, we can realize the fact of unity, trust, passion, hope, dedication. We're human, God's best creations. We should feel so proud of this. God is taking our examination whimsically. We can't deny this. We can't escape from the playground. Living like a caged one, can't be acceptable anymore. For a lively moment, we will set the decorum of each play. Need to maintain that carefully. Then we can take breathe beneath the bluish sky, peacefully.. ______________________________________

WHEN I FLASHBACK Kennedy Ochieng Living in the nineties was a haven in heaven everyone still admire. Families lived like one and the spirit of my success your success and your success my success flowed in everyone's veins. People treated each other with respect, dignity and kindness was the daily meal shared by everyone. And in a flashlight, the wind of digital parenting and technology swept all good things like sand on the shore. In a blink, the sweet honey that filled our pots fermented turned sour and unbearable for the taste buds in our tongues. The things that happen now can drive you to your grave faster than the time your God wrote in His holy book. The youth of today listen to no one, not even themselves nor their heart's and mind, they are like an open basket carrying wheat flour, you won't realize how much flour you are left with. The news you hear around makes you wonder if you are still living on planet earth or maybe you are an alien on another planet. Gone are good memories that we keep chasing like dreams that once you wake up from, you can't start over again. The wrong has been normalized into right and the right is now wrong. The twist of life twists your mind and leaves you tongue-tied.

Support Bernadith De La Cruz in her advocacy, Bernadith just sold 300 copies of her book and still hoping to sell more for her proposed project of building a library in her hometown... Bernadith is presently working as a domestic helper in Hongkong... You may help Bernadith by purchasing her books at: https://www.amazon.com/CALL.../dp/6214701234/r ef=sr_1_3...

2021

Sujata Dash

Borka Milicic (Translated from Croatian to English)

Yet another year is going to end soon. I am entwined in a mixed bag of emotions as I scan memories' portfolios. Overall, this year to me is the year of hope after the entire universe plunged into darkness under the gripping effect of the pandemic. We have not completely overpowered it, but to a great extent have managed to control it. This is no mean feat for sure. Our dwindling faith and belief systems have started generating hope, for a better morrow. Entire mankind has learnt to be humble, bask in bonhomie and camaraderie. These subtleties have impacted life and have been my lessons in learning. A calm strength in me can visualize the transcendence of the human spirit in sublime flight. There have been minor aberrations, some low phases. Some flights I have missed. I have been wronged a few times and have my fair share of woes and travails. Yet, I have won many laurels and much appreciation has come my way too. A giant leap for me, from the year that went a by-the current year, has been. The harrowing ride of tragedy has brought some change or the other in each of us. Having seen eventualities from close quarters, I have started living life full size, sipping each ounce of nectar it offers. I have found the sublimity of life in the ‘joy of giving.’ I have stopped complaining and comparing myself with others. I am in love with my uniqueness. In my twilight years, I am more fun-loving than I used to be in my salad days.

You are leaving, your end is near. You are slowly dragging your long-lasting curves. It's time to see you off. We wish you a safe trip. You were marked with fear. You spread the Covid pandemic all over the world. You sowed fear, brought panic among people. You didn't choose a nation or a color. It's not a country. You sowed pandemics and fear all over the world. We waited for you with much hope. With a lot of faith. With a handful of humble wishes to be healthier, happier, prettier, and better than the one who is leaving. To make up for everything lost in the previous one and give us peaceful dreams. You didn't fulfill our dreams. You were similar to the last one. You were an extension of her. Year of our hope, why does it fail us? Why doesn't he make our dreams come true and give us health? Why not beat the pandemic? Why does he allow her to spread around the world and bother even the best flower? It takes away the smile from the face and brings sadness to the heart. Year of the leavers pick up your curves. And go the long way. We wish you the New Year, happier and better than you. Bathed, carefree, and happy. To be healthy in it and defeat the pandemic. Goodbye 2021. You gave us neither hope nor desire. This coming year we are extending our hands. We want us to live in it healthy and happy. ______________________________________ Perhaps, crippling uncertainty has been instrumental in changing my myopic perception. No more I am a reluctant spiritual seeker. I pray often, thank God with grateful eyes for the life bestowed upon me. 13

THE YEAR, 2021

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Okoi Amadiowei Jacob

Obingo Wesonga

The year, 2021 was ushered into reality through supersonic shouting of the slogan, "Happy New Year" by people all over the world which signaled the expiration of 2020. At the beginning of 2021, the human mind was equally divided in reflection of 2020. Half of their mind was full of fears in response to consequences of the ongoing coronavirus as people died like fugitive fowls in previous years whereas the other half was full of hope due to confidence in God's ability to see us through despite prevailing circumstances of life. The year, 2021 posited its editions for humanity with both negative and positive experiences for which some will be memorable to the human mind. One of such sad incidents that will last long in minds of people was the unexpected demise of a worldwide television evangelist, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations whose news shocked the world. On a positive note, the success of the Argentine national team in the 2021 edition of the Copa America tournament resulted in Lionel Messi winning a major trophy for his country which further resulted in his clinching of the Ballon D'or award. The year, 2021 was replete with amazement and amusement to an extent. On a personal note, my essays and poems being recognized on global poetry platforms were unique. I never imagined getting such a glorious grade in writing. I am full of joyfulness whose effect overshadowed all sorrows being experienced in 2021. This little success being recorded in writing will serve as an ideal incentive in motivating me for better preparations in waiting for further writing challenges in 2022. My special appreciation for the management of poetry planet remained indelible as I am getting set to say, goodbye to the year, 2021!

The swaying year is still at the egress, we hosted much that with it came: mirth and laughter, pain and sadness, loss and gain, victory and defeat. Such was the year 2021 that came in a folder with colored hues, borrowed from the year 2020. Still, it's the year many poked the nest of an eagle with much clout, only for a gecko to fall, and snap out running. When I woke up in January, a few cards were on the display table as options. Luckily, being a patient man, and taking a while to study both pre-feasibility and feasibilities of hopeful trends of the time, I had to settle on what would best paste a dime in my palms. Covid-19 pandemic still behaved a menace, mutating from one variant to another that now it's Omicron. But with it, life has kept going as we are all left sagging in the void left by those who departed in full flight. The noise of global warming was heard and serenely listened to. Swaying trees and wildlife rejoined in silence. Rivers dried and forests shed their weight, letting their protestations against the scorching sun, empirical. But conversely, our creator came to our redeeming. Rains came, and so did morning dew, to flourish the green and to dim Earth's thirst. And hitherto, we dwell under the shade of His grace. For, we live on shoulders of prayers, we have contained hardships, putting them in our strides. We acknowledge the beautiful souls we lost and beseech God to have mercy on their deeds. All triumphs and good energies we acquired, we pray they become enough fuel to give us thrust with which to start 2022; as we proclaim success within it to occur! And as the old year goes down, let hope overwhelm the ground upon which a new one; 2022, shall stand.

POLITY RULES AND WISHES

2021

Amb Maid Corbic

Deepa Vankudre

This year was very strange because we all got used to each other. Unlike the previous one, the first one was not very good in terms of some strange events. But behind every corner stands a story of truth ready to be opened when it is most needed. And none of us will be discouraged if we only have one day to do what we want. This year we just want peace and unity to rule everywhere and fewer wars to be fought in the world. To all be in our places and celebrate every day as if it were the last. Because life is so transient that many of us do not understand that all this is just one strip of our source that will not be easily forgotten. Life is wonderful if we give it fresh colors, so the joy is great and different when we do what we should not do. But this year I am sure it will give everyone hope and motivation to fulfill some of their desires and aspects they have envisioned. Time is the greatest indicator of whether everything will be fine or not, and we are keeping for ourselves only the source of life and a new paradise that should be formed as soon as possible, also and next year will be more beautiful than ever before. And what is the meaning of our life if we can bit be happy again? What is the meaning of our life? We live just for one day and I hope this year be so amazing. Maybe I live in this era full of badness, but I want to be endless happy more than ever. I would like to say that my energy is so amazing and this year was e terrific for me. I always say that time will be changed soon as possible. I need a short breakup from everything for my happiness and sense of the natural sphere.

December 2021, and here's the year-end festive season. What I think, this year shadowed 2020, the Pandemic Year. More or less, we had restrictions and lockdowns, but also a sigh of relief with a silver line of fear, reciprocating all do's and don'ts faced last year. For me, it was like a Dandelion... Glowing in vibrant, shining rays, as soft as cotton, shutting away with a breeze of emotions, when plucked to make a wish! But I must mention, I understood what social distancing means. I have already started my journey towards my Self since last year, but being with Self in a crowd is what I came to know this year, as I attended family functions, friends get-togethers which, actually we all missed last year and yet I was alone, not in agony, though. I got to know when your so-called dear and near ones block you for the reason you are absolutely unaware of and still how to stand and pass the phase. I don't know, whether I am right or wrong, but life is not hard or soft unless you make it so! Wow, this could be my new motto next year (don't ask me the current one!!). When everything seems hocus pocus, I tell you, belief in your belief. I did.. that someday some things will go straight, just wait for that day. The frightening contagion blessed us with a feeling of being together. And also to be on the positive side, we can learn not to forget smiling which also is as contagious as this virus! This could be our theme since 2021!!

Exclusive A Cup of PATIENCE Mark Angelo R. Damo In my almost five years of teaching experiences in the public school, the teaching of pronunciation has always been one of the most challenging parts of being an English teacher. It is not only because English is not our students' first language or that they have no background knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) or the vowel triangle but because they actually have very short attention span that would really sabotage the successful delivery of pronunciation classes to them. Now that we are having online class modalities and distance learning, teaching pronunciation has become even more challenging. However, I always keep in mind what Mahatma Gandhi once said that to lose patience is to lose the battle. I am keeping that genuine patience to kindle my fire and enthusiasm to give practical, engaging, and relevant pronunciation classes to my students. But what is pronunciation? It is the act or result of producing the sounds of speech, including articulation, stress, and intonation, often with reference to some standard of correctness or acceptability. This technical definition sounds complex. Yes, pronunciation is really a complex concept but if taught with genuine patience, it will surely make a great difference to our learners. Thus, a teacher must really have substantial knowledge on phonetics and phonology in order to make his/her pronunciation class effective. Phonetics is anchored with the study of the physical properties of sounds and their place and manner of articulation in the vocal tract. Thus, phonetics forms a tool of paramount importance that is used in the teaching of pronunciation. Meanwhile, phonology is defined as the study or description of the distinctive sound units (phonemes) of a language and their relationship to one another.. This branch of linguistics is concerned with how phonemes and their allophones operate in different phonological systems. Now, how can a teacher use his/her knowledge of phonetics and phonology to make the teaching of pronunciation engaging, relevant, and meaningful to learners? Here are some of my time-tested strategies and practices worth sharing.

Just remember the mnemonic PATIENCE. P stands for PRONUNCIATION DRILLS. Good pronunciation is not achieved in a day. In order to have it, one must have constant practice. Giving daily pronunciation drills to students through the use of tongue twisters or short and inspiring quotations is a great way to start the class. A stands for ANXIETY REMOVAL. The teaching of pronunciation can cause anxiety or stress to students. However, the teacher can avoid this by establish a friendly and approachable image to them. I believe that students' progress is greater if they feel that you are compassionate and understanding to them. Instill confidence in them, not fear. T stands for TEACHING MINIMAL PAIRS. For ESL learners, the use of minimal pairs or words that differ in only one sound is an effective way to teach them vowel and consonant sounds. Minimal pairs will lead students to point out differences as well as similarities, and will be able to hear the differences and then produce the differences that distinguish words from one another. I stands for INTERACTIVE APPLICATIONS. Millennial learners tend to participate more actively in class discussions if you integrate the use of interactive applications in the teaching and learning process. One effective application that I have used in my classes is the FluentU app that takes real world videos like music videos, movie trailers, news and

inspiring talks, and turns them into personalized language learning lessons. E stands for ENGAGING LISTENING ACTIVITIES. It is very impossible for students to produce the right sounds for English words when they cannot hear and distinguish those sounds from one another first. Thus, developing their listening skills is paramount in the teaching of pronunciation. N stands for NEEDS ANALYSIS. Well, this should come first. As the teacher, you have to know your learners, their needs and differences. You have to do needs analysis in order to systematically prepare the pronunciation activities that you will give to your learners. C stands for CONTEXTUALIZATION. In order to achieve relevance and meaning, contextualization is the key. Making your pronunciation class related to your students' real-life experiences would really catch their attention and active participation. E stands for ENTHUSIASM. This is the fuel that would ignite our learners' fire and desire to excel. Remember that a teacher's great enthusiasm is contagious. So, when you think that teaching pronunciation is hard, think of your PATIENCE. I know that as a language teacher, you will not afford to lose your battle. Indeed, the answer is not a cup of tea but a cup of PATIENCE

TO CELEBRATE. TO COMEMORATE Bernadith De la Cruz Christmas is a very important celebration of the year for all, youngsters, adults, toddlers or olds. It is the time of the year where family had the chance to have a get together. It is a tradition of commemorating the birth of baby Jesus, son of God. Jesus, who sacrificed His life to the cross to save us all sinners and giving us freedom to reach out God our father without a wall in between. Through Jesus death, we had the honor to directly talk to our God the father through prayer. Christmas is the time for giving. A time for love and affection. A time of hope. Favorite time of kids because of the belief that Santa will grant their wishes for the gift they wanted to have. It is the end of the year where people tend to extend love and happiness through gift giving. A chance that people can eat food they wished to eat, to attend parties and have fun, to enjoy the bountiful feast. This is the time, children are being reminded that good deeds always have a good reward and bad deeds don't acquire one. And also this is the most expensive season of the year. Spending a lot just to see the smiles unto faces of the family. But the most important thing we must bear in mind is, CHRISTMAS, the birth of Jesus!

HOPE OF MY HEART A- iming for a happy and blessed Christmas L- iving peacefully with love of Jesus L- ove, kindness, unity, be abundant like stars I- m dreaming of a free Covid world this Christmas W- anting prosperity and good health for all A- dding positivity and to negativity, please don't fall N- urture God's love and share to our neighbors T- hanksgiving and giving of gifts, let it piled on our floors F- or we are given hope through the birth of Jesus O- ffering God's precious gift to us R- eassuring us love to each year of commemorating Christmas C-heer our hearts to a hope that blossomed in us H- ope of my heart as well as of all humankind R- iding the cycle of life that sometimes so harsh and unkind I- gniting our wisdom with the true spirit of Christmas S- on of God was born, our beloved baby Jesus T- hank our heavenly father for the hope and love M- ove our hearts to look always above A- sking for forgiveness from all our trespasses S- urrendering ourselves to you oh Lord, and be with us while we are celebrating Christmas *the author was featured in South China Morning Post newpaper in HongKong with her book that sold 400 copies after it was released

AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE Vee Barnes

EITHER WAY Well, 2021 what can I say other than I survived and if you are reading this you did too. That's a good thing, yeah? Though what a chaotic year, I thought 2020 was bad but no, it wasn't, I think 2020 was child's play compared to 2021. I mean how do you overcome the aftermath of covid19 when it still exists, you can't, right?. Either way. Vaccination ruled the roost for 2021 and the chaos that ensued from that was enough to make anyone's head spin. Well, it did mine. Social media ensured that the nutters come out of their hiding holes just long enough that people would have just the right amount of confusion in their heads to be double questioning themselves on if they should be vaccinated or not. Yeah, I did, fully vaccinated for covid19 and proud of it simply because if it helps even just a little to protect my elders I did what I could to keep them safe. Of course each to their own on this and I'm not here to push an agenda, just to give my own, point of view. Either way. I have to say that the effect that not only one but two years running has had on my mental health is astronomical, the confusion alone has left me completely bamboozled. Tears flow without crying, I mean common that can't be a good sign?. I know I'm not alone in this either and completely understand how and why others are feeling the same way, of course not everybody is. Yet if you feel as I do, believe me, you are not alone, and it's ok to not be ok. Just try to make sure you give yourself time to breathe and take solace in the fact that we are all in the same boat. When we will see the end of this? well, your guess is as good as mine.

Either way. Enjoy what you have, life is shorter than what we think and time is more precious than the weight of gold. Have faith that the day will come soon enough and these treacherous years will be behind us all and just a bad memory and a part of history. .

*Photo sources from Google 19

METAPERSPECTIVES Dr. Zaldy Carreon De Leon Jr. ETHICS OF TEACHING THE DEAF, THE MUTE AND OTHER PHYSICALLY-CHALLENGED LEARNERS (Part 1) In establishing a school program for the deaf, the mute, and other physically-challenged learners, a school administrator, principal, curriculum developer and its teachers are tasked to achieve the goal of learning in a way that is more creative, more understanding, more doable and more achievable. These schools use an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) to solve the challenge. Others work on traditional method of teaching and learning process. However, the question whether these learning plans and strategies are ethical and morally-inclined, though the teachers respect the needs and the demands of the challenges, are not so understood and studied. The government has established means of helping these learners. Some of them were given the same education as the regular students. They undergo the same curriculum as well. May be some parts in the curriculum guide were taken out and work with alternative activities to suit the students’ needs. Students may not have their music lessons due to their loss of hearing, but rather emphasize other art forms like sculpture, painting, drawing, or drama (phantomime). To fully comprehend the needs and demands of a special education student, a teacher must understand their behavior, their limitation, their intimidations as individuals with disabilities. Thus, the manner in which a society look at them, (sometimes laugh at them), and all other discriminatory acts elevated the need to sustain and strengthen laws that will protect these people from the judgments and criticisms of others. There are many possibilities indeed. But the following questions remain to be answered: First, who should be providing the help to these students? Second, what are the issues concerning evaluation, assessment and amplification, implantation, visual communications systems, and sign languages? Third, what technology router should parents follow especially in this time of the pandemic when students have lesser face-to-face contact with their teachers?

Fourth, what language should parents try to develop in their child – mother tongue, English? Fifth, what educational settings and approach will best satisfy the needs of their child and parents? These questions seem to be simple questions but are really complex realities that are happening within the field of education especially, while, the pandemic is still in our presence. Thus, on the first question of ‘who’, implies that certain trained individuals are tasked to do the job. Without proper training the teacher may not be able to unpack the lessons among the students. Basically, a special education teacher needs to be competent in certain level of skills he or she may use in teaching like sign language, special education psychology, another dosage of creativity, and double-helix patience. Trainings, professional education, and advanced studies in the field are available among universities and colleges. Along with the teaching, another important part of education is assessment. Assessment is “educationas-a-science” part of teaching that measures how much a student learn from his or her teacher. Some issues concerning assessment and evaluation in the special education constitute one of the unknown frontiers of education. Are the students really learning? Is there a possibility for a reteach? Are lessons amplified by activities that really unpack and develop the skills and competencies necessary? What should be done when certain skills are not doable by the students? Should there be another activity that should be done so the unpacking of the lessons may be done at least, if not completed? These are some of the correlated questions asked in dealing with the assessment process. The pandemic obviously poses a larger problem for assessing learners. However, due to the concerted effort of many individuals through the Department of Education, teachers are asked to work with projectbased activities that are more appropriate and doable during these trying times. As paper examination and Google Forms may be hard for students in the special education class, projects may suit the call. The activity does not make them a little less smart, because even regular students are assuming the same. Special education students like the deaf and the mute are given an education that they may use to be “normal” people – or people who are able to do what others can. The education given at special education classes will not undermine and delimit their potentials. Indeed, with the proper people and training around, a special education student progresses in the mainstream. 20 To be continued.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE 20 years ago, I used to be a marriage counselor, carrying a bible and teaching couples the importance of keeping a relationship with God as the foundation. I almost forgot how those words helped rebuild broken families. Recalling them... I am now in the process of teaching myself and apply in my marriage life... It is true, you didn't marry a perfect person, sometimes, the angel you used to know turns out to be a monster. But here are the keys to make it work; - include God in your relationship -pray together -consider your partner as part of you, if you hurt him or her, you are also hurting yourself - remember, for partners with vices, if one is addicted, and it becomes a threat to you and the family, seek professional help, consider it as a disease that can be cured not an attitude. An example of this is when your partner is alcoholic or addicted to drugs. Rehab him or her, but never leave him... Miracle works in praying... -If a husband verbally harms, find the reason for such attitude. Some people beat because they grew up tortured... Counseling helps. Instead of having self-pity, look for cures, try counseling for maybe 3 months every year. - Learn to trust each other... - Never give up on a partner that committed wrongdoings, learn to forgive and forget.. an example of this is when your partner committed a crime and was put to jail; never ever leave him, let him understand that he has to suffer for the consequences of his wrongdoing, but never leave him, apply the vow you made "for better and worse"... This is very hard but remember, love can wait and can endure all things.

- work together to fix problems, don't argue about it, good communication is the key - work for love to grow stronger, not to weaken. - even if you are already married, your partner is still a different person, respect each other's privacy and differences. - apply the recipe of hot and cold.. when your partner is boiling, be the ice.., ( when he is about to explode, learn to calm down) - all other things, love your partner fully, love his faults as well as his good qualities... - it is hard, and it needs a lifetime to make it perfect, but then, who needs to be perfect if you love truly. It is easy to get away in a marriage, but moving on is as hard as working on it to work... Remember, in every move, you are to suffer, especially your children. Because your roof is leaking, you need to move to another house, why not fix the leak?- it also works in a relationship...

*Watch out for our next anthology book to be released on January 2022

EKPHRASY AND POETRY

Painting Title: Realistic Painting Glass Window Painter: Alyssa Monks Alyssa Monks is considered a “realistic” painter with a flare for shower windows and water. She is part of the continuing education faculty at the New York Academy of Art. She began her training by taking many art classes throughout her elementary and high school years.

Ekphrasis poetry is a poem characterizing a certain painting or sculpture. The poet expands the meaning of a painting through poetry. For this edition of our magazine, we will read ekphrastic poetries from poets around the globe giving life to the painting of Alyssa Monks, a “realistic” painter.

THE RAIN

AMBIGUITY

Snežana Šolkotović

Margaret Karim Through a shower cubicle Bathed in steamy intimacy A woman's face appears Exuding sensuality Tinged with innocence Portrayal of ambiguity Aesthetically pleasing An intriguing dichotomy It beguiles Teases the imagination Is she being provocative Inviting a companion Or caught in a moment Of introspection Peering out unseeing Mind occupied in reflection Glass Window, oil on canvas At first glance, a photograph Blend of abstract, realism Alyssa Monks artistic autograph For subscription message us with details on the 2nd page.

I do not know why, But I love the sound of the rain, While it is falling on a hot asphalt, It is always different, As if choosing the way to the heart, And the green leaves in the treetops, Are rustling with happiness. I do not know why, But I love the touch of its drops, Falling out of order, Onto the petals of poppy flowers. I love when under the eaves, A bird is waiting, distracted by the dream... ...as luck would. I don't know why, But I like mild rain, flowing down the body, Flooding with heat. I love you, The traces of your hands, Filled with love, And grace, Disturbing the silence... I love the rain, I love her when we are together, When the views speak for themselves, I love when drops... ...leave the messages around. As the bodies sway, In the hug... ...the heart is searching for, answers you seek... Maybe like me and Alice Monks she loved the rain and painted Realistic painting of a glass window 23

ARE YOU REAL ? Gopal Sinha Are you real ? I can't believe otherwise. Your black hairs, sparkling eyes,

Red lips, charming face,

SMILING THOUGH THE 'PANE' (OF GLASS) Pamela Tennant Crystal perfection in each dewy brush spoke Of joy and dreams painted in hues of happiness The clarity of a photograph her masterstroke Alyssa Monks painting evokes wonder by finesse.

Meaningful smiles -Can confuse anyone for a while. Water drops on the window glass -Appear so real, itself a class.

Realistic Painting Glass Window By Alyssa Monks is capable to blow One's mind to any level, proportion, Does she possess a fatal attraction? So beautiful, so real, so perfect, Keep all tensions, anxieties at rest.

The shading and shadowing of the eyes, Mysteries await there to be interpreted Secrets of a living soul that will mesmerize A richly painted masterpiece to be marketed! Astounding artistry intrigues and delights The curve of her smile, the large and noble nose Alyssa's brilliant capturing all the highlights A perfect rendering of painted poetic prose. Is this woman without looking within, Or is she enticing someone from her shower? Is she naked in the rain, a sprite from fairy glen Glorying in the earths elemental power? Real or imagined this image captivates I keep gazing at the perfection in wonder As the elemental feel of this resonates Casting a spell I admiringly fell under!

Want your own book published? Go to the back cover for more details

PAINTING A STORY Davi Ramphal Rampersad She is a beauty so rare Beyond compare Alluring and appealing Wet with raindrops She's so captivating Behind a glass frame Allyssa Monks is her name She's delicate and delightful Gorgeous and inviting A dream or fantasy She's a beauteous reality Truly a taste of life Experiencing happiness In little wonders Drenched in the rain Shivering an inane Exquisite and fair A damsel in despair? If you must know It's A realistic painting Glass window Artist in all her glory Just painting her story

REALISTIC PAINTING GLASS WINDOW Vee Barnes You could be mistaken With this masterpiece The detail so defining Painted point of peace The realism is breathtaking And that's, to say the least Blending paint perfection Seamless is not creased Alyssa Monk the artist Has a keen eye for detail Committed to her artistry Everything painted to a scale There is no denying it When someone paints so well Professional is an understatement For I'm sure her paintings sell.

CAPTURED MOMENTS

SHORT VERSES QUOTES

The color of skin Matters not in the end But respect for one's difference. -Jun Valerio Bernardo

Life is a matter of race, Be on the top, shine! Don't defend others. -Edmon Libres

Standing alone isn't wrong, It means you're independent, You're brave to make a difference. -Kenneth Munene

Everything needs to be executed marvelously so that he'll abided by everyone undoubtedly. -Mohammed Hamim

One among the crowd Doesn't need to be shrewd Better stand alone confidently!! -B.S.Saroja

To win You have to move ahead One right move may change the game. -Gopal Sinha 27

Is a worth emulating action Ritu Kamra Kumar

Success is done by itself Stand out among others For your will be recognized. Gloria A. Yu

Avoid bandwagon and stand apart, Be your own leader, Surely you'll have hundred followers. -Namita Rani Panda

Even the lowest echelon Can be a queen Choose not to be a pawn -Floyd Roald

I might become different With silence I move better And I say checkmate -Ency Bearis

Movement may be restricted But moves are unlimited If the mind is not inhibited. -Liege Lord Lanre

They color me red to lead Silent pawn that we are Soldiers with no voice to utter a cry. -LucyA.mendiola

I was born to stand out Undaunted by the task Knowing victory awaits -Elizabeth Joseph

Treading alone Not being part of structured pattern Is a worth emulating action -Ritu Kamra Kumar

Blast away the rock Rendering hard work A sheer approbation -Mir Samsul Haque 28

CONTRIBUTORS’ HUB MR. LEO A. EDAÑO, is currently Instructor at President Ramon Magsaysay State University- Castillejos Campus. He teaches College of Teachers Education (CTE) students in the areas of General Science & Biological Science. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and he took up 18 Units of Continuous Professional Education major in Biological Science. He is currently a campus coordinator of Student Body Organization at PRMSU. He is a former Junior High School DepEd teacher. RICKY C. MONTANO have been working as Elementary public-school teacher in Addition Hills Integrated School in the Schools Division Office of Mandaluyong for seven years. He finished his Bachelor’s degree in Eastern Samar State University, Guiuan Eastern Samar and his Master’s degree in Education Management major in Educational Leadership at the Graduate School of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa Manila. MARVIN P. VASQUEZ, LPT, MM is graduated in Southern Baptist School of Theology with the degree in BTH - Christian Education and in Cavite State University - Cavite City, with the degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. I finished my Master's in Management major in Educational Management in Philippine Christian University - Dasmariñas, Cavite and currently taking my Phd at the same school. Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church- Cavite City. My wife is Joyce B. Vasquez we have one son name Joshua. I am an ESP and English Teacher in Noveleta National High School. PAMELA TENNANT is a poet laureate and has written and taught poetry for many years. Her first poem was written at age eleven since then she has had a love affair with words. She has been published in several anthologies the latest of which is Christian Poetry Compilation Book by Poetry Is Life Publishing. MARGARET KARIM began writing poetry a year ago at the age of fifty nine. It was an unexpected and surprising journey for her. Because she consider herself an introvert, interest in her work has proved overwhelming. Her Poems have been included in international Anthologies, and was asked to become "resident poet" for Yasou E-zine. Honors that is beyond her expectations. She lives in historic Gibraltar. Writing is her abiding passion.

“I am ROSIE B. LICUDO, 43 years of age, from Tabuk City, Kalinga Province, Philippines and presently working in HongKong as an OFW for 5 years now. I am a member of Migrant Writers of HongKong (MWH) and Arts in Me (AIM) Singapore. Both platforms are groups of migrant workers of different nationalities all over the world. I am an aspiring writer. I only started my passion last March of this year. The books of which I am a contributor is "Spotlight" and the "Metaphors of Life" book anthologies, both published by Poetry Planet. All my poems express my true feelings and emotions, my own thoughts, my own views and my own imagination. My Poetry is Me.”

MUHA. KABIR HOSEN. I was born on Sunday, December 1, 1975, in the present Nesharabad aristocratic Muslim family. Father Muha. Muzzammel Haque Hawladar. Mother's name is Jahanara Begum. Religion is Islam. Upazila Jhalokati Sadar, District Jhalokati. Assistant teacher by profession Islam and moral education. Working educational institution Nalbunia Secondary Girls School. Upazila Nalchiti, District Jhalokati. Educational Qualification Kamil 2006 Traditional Jhalokati NS Kamil Madrasa, Jhalokati. Special hobbies are literary practice, writing poems, stories, essays and novels and engaging in social reform activities. SUJATA DASH is a poet from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. She is a retired banker. She has two published poetry anthologies ('More than Mere-a bunch of poems', 'Riot of hues' by Authorspress) to her credit .She is a singer, avid lover of nature. She regularly contributes to anthologies worldwide. BORKA MILICIC was born in 1974, in Zvornik, in Republika Srpska. She writes poetry and prose. She has published two novels; “IN THE ZVORNIK OLD TOWN - I BRING BACK THE SHINE WITH MY EYES”, and “FOLLOW THE PATH OF YOUR HEART, A collection of poetry in the works.” She is a member of many international poetry groups and two literary clubs. She is the winner of numerous awards and accolades. Both domestic and international

MAID CORBIC from Tuzla, 21 years old. In his spare time he writes poetry that repeatedly praised as well as rewarded. He also selflessly helps others around him, and he is moderator of the World Literature Forum WLFPH (World Literature Forum Peace and Humanity) for humanity and peace. “ I am DEEPA VANKUDRE from India, I write poems, stories in Marathi, Hindi and English. Won certificates, prizes. Poems, stories published in books, e-books, magazines. Hold Thane District Secretary position in Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Parishad, Pune. I have a Facebook page viz. "Positive Vibes". OBINGO WESONGA is a literature enthusiast with a lust for cultures and places, for that is what holds and bonds humans. Obingo, though, is a glutton of African materials and whose penchant for words keeps him interactive with his pen and people and is often boxed in that which houses a society. Obingo has been featured in a Journal in Australia and Poetry Planet Magazine in the Philippines; May Edition. Metaphors Of Life, Spotlight, Born To Dream, Christmas In Our and 1000 Quotes (to be released in January 2022) are all anthologies that he has contributed to and can be bought on Amazon. He is Kenyan, stays in Kenya.

I am OKOI AMADIOWEI JACOB, I am a Son of Tarakiri Kingdom in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. An Advocate for the freedom of the Ijaw Ethnic Minorities. My entries in essays and in poetry are inclined to arguing the Rights of the Ijaw Man in Nigerianism. I am single and is a graduate of English Language from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

KENNEDY OCHIENG is a native of Kenya, Graduate with Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension. I'm a secondary school teacher of Biology and Agriculture. I'm also an Extension Worker, Motivational speaker, Mentor, Writer, Poet, Husband and Father. LORETA CHIA BANDE is a retired professor who used to teach students research writing, Mathematics and English. She had been a mentor for 40 consecutive years. Among her friends are a good number of her former students, thesis advisees, colleagues and her own esteemed teachers and professors. Upon retirement, she went into tree farming to help reforest her hometown Isabel, Leyte. The hardwood trees are 9 to 10 years old now, tall and stately. Some are bearing fruits

AFROSE SAAD (Real name -S Afrose), born in Bangladesh, achieved M Pharm degree. Involved, in the awesome writing world from August-2020, casually. She always tries to spread the inspirational words by magic of ink, for a peaceful earth, to lead a lively life. Her writes are published in many anthologies.

MYR REYES E. TEJADA-Born and educated in the province of Catanduanes, she is a retired Math teacher who happened to get lost in the world of Literature. A wide reader, she devours all written words that come her way. She taught at a public high school in Makati and resides in Bacoor Cavite. She is married with two grown-up sons and a pretty 9 year old grand daughter

MARK ANGELO RIVERA DAMO is a Senior High School English Language and Literature teacher of San Nicolas National High School, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. He graduated Cum Laude of the degree Bachelor in Secondary Education major in English at the Mariano Marcos State University-College of Teacher Education. He is a writer, book author, school paper adviser and campus journalism coach. NAMITA RANI PANDA is a poet, translator, editor and story writer who has five solo anthologies to her credit. She has co- authored Radical Rhythm Volume 1 to 4 with the credit of editorship of Radical Rhythm-4, co- translator of Rivulets of Reflections, a collection of stories. She is co-editor of Resplendent Rainbow, a collection of poems written by the poets of Odisha. She is now working as Vice Principal in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Mundali Cuttack ENCY BEARIS is a published poet with books already being sold online. He has contributed in all the anthology book of POETRY PLANET and won many awards too in poetry competitions. Ency Bearis is born and raised in Nabua, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA with his wife and 2 children. He is a Registered Nurse by profession and worked entirely of his profession in Emergency Room, first in Philippines, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, New York City,USA. He has published numerous books on amazon

REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLISHING

• -100 poems for poetry ( maximum) • -short stories • -novels • Children’s book • Magazine • documentary, thesis, research, dissertations (200 pages maximum for excess, charges will be added for every 100 pages excess) -compile them along with; Biography, Dedication, and info about your book -send to lovelypoetess95@gmail.com BENEFITS - Your book will be published internationally/locally with the National Library of The Philippines registration certificate -you are given a copy of your book (for Filipinos) and will give you one TIME CORRECTIONS once you receive your sample book and want to change slight errors.. -for authors outside the country, pay for shipping TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Freedom is yours to print copy your book in volumes, sell and launch them as you wish, profit is yours( printing should be under the publishing house only) we also have our own website at: https://poetryplanet114433.wixsite.com/website-1 1. our official bookstore at: https://611c9a51097c9.site123.me/ 2. You cannot republish your book from other companies or publishers unless your publisher has written consent. 3. You have no right to remove your publisher’s logo from your book ROYALTIES: (IN AMAZON, LULU, BOOKEMON) and our official online bookstore 1. If someone buys your book, you will receive 60 % royalty (from your revenue) that is transferable in your bank account, your publisher will be needing your bank accounts 2. Amazon only deals with the publisher, your publisher will be sending your royalty with a 25percent tax deduction. - You can only claim your royalty fee once it reaches 50usd 3. Royalties will be sent every 3 months if someone buys your book 4. You will be updated monthly for your book sales CHARGES UPON SENDING YOUR MANUSCRIPT FOR PUBLISHING Foreign authors: 90usd-publishing 30usd- editing( for 100 poems) other books will be charged differently with 0.50usd per 100 words 30usd- NLP registration TOTAL- 150USD payment mode: Paypal address: lovelypoetess95@gmail.com Filipino authors: -4500php publishing -1500php editing for the editor for 100 poems book, 20php per 100 words for stories/novels/documentaries ETCH - 1500- printed copies for the national library of the Philippines -TOTAL FEES- 7500PHP PLS NOTE: Once you have your NLP registration, you are no longer a self-published author. Call the publisher at 09554960044 for more details!