Aklan Tradesman Periscope AY 2014-2015 Volume 2 No 1

THE AKLAN TRADESMAN

PERISCOPE

PERISCOPE Vol. 2, No. 1

PERISCOPE is the official literary folio of The Aklan Tradesman. This book is a work of fiction. The names,

places, characters and events found herein are either products of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously.

The PERISCOPE is published once every year by The Aklan Tradesman Publication of Aklan State UniversityCollege of Industrial Technology, Kalibo, Aklan All rights reserved. No content of this publication or the whole of it may be copied or reproduced in any form without written permission from the editor. We welcome suggestions and contributions from the students and faculty. Please send your manuscripts to the Editor-inChief, The Aklan Tradesman, ASU-CIT, Kalibo, Aklan.

The Editorial Board reserves the right to accept, reject, and revise all articles submitted and then after the articles

shall become the property of the Aklan Tradesman subject applicable to laws, copyright

and intellectual

property.

The Aklan Tradesman Publication is a member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines. Publications made

can

be

viewed

issuu.com/theaklantradesman.

Cover Art | Joestine Clyde V. Tolores Cover Concept | Jemuel B. Garcia III

online

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Foreword When two elements go to connive, a more gleaming spark is produced.

For so many years, the world has been through a series of innovation.

With this, the human behavior and other manifestations have also passed stages of evolution, one after the other, rapid and at times, drastic. As time gets older, everything seems to flow in a fast pace, giving us little or no moment to get along with our fellow. This assumption flamed up our minds to collaborate and write for the theme CONVERGENCE. Coming together in harmony speaks for the whole image of convergence. It is the very core of our society yet it is not what our vision is geared toward. Our team fervently hopes that through this, we can help revive its true spirit and value.

This year’s issue of Periscope, the official literary folio of The Aklan Tradesman, is the second edition that our editorial board has published as it was last year when we released its first edition.

Indeed, this is a breakthrough to be considered in the context of ASUCIT’s involvement in student publications and development communications.

To you dear readers, ours is the pleasure as you take a sip of imaginative juices, passionately brewed in a cup of inspiration, intricately woven in the fineness of paper that you get hold now in your hands.

So, go read on, see for yourself and have your thoughts fed!

JOLLY E. LAURIANO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Contents 6 7

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18 31 19

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PHOTO BY Andrea D. Flores POSTPROCESSING BY Jemuel B. Garcia III

Pagieieimaw “Nag-umpisa ro tanan sa isaea ka tueo it asaw-asaw Sinundan pa it maeamig nga pag hulikap it hangin Ginpamatuod pa gid it amat-amat nga pagdueom it kaeangitan…”

Kanas-Kanas

Ni Herwin I. Antonino

Nag-umpisa ro tanan sa isaea ka tueo it asaw-asaw Sinundan pa it maeamig nga pag hulikap it hangin Ginpamatuod pa gid it amat-amat nga pagdueom it kaeangitan.

Hara eun! Hara eun! Batyag ko eon hambae it iba Naga umang ro tanan matsa may pistahan nga napahauman Indi ko eon masayran kung ano du akong mabatyagan.

Malisod isipon kung siin ka maumpisa it paghimos Mabug-at sa eawas kung napilitan ikaw maghueag Pero mas kanugon kung anuron ing gamit it baha.

Du oras hay umabot eon Naga kimbot-kimbot, naga kiri-kiri Pagea-om mo hay matsa gasadsad eang du mga dahon ag kakahuyan.

Du ang koeba hay mas mataas pa kakon Nagapangurog ag nagapaminhod eon ro akong mga tuhod Haeos panawgon ko eon tanan nga maeapit kakon nga mga santo.

Nagapamwersa ag gaalipugsa gid-a du paghuyop it hangin Haeos indi ka eon katueog it pinanimbang kung may hin-aga pa Pero owa man gihapon naduea-i it alintro, gapangamuyo it matutom.

Sa ulihi bagyong Ruby hay hinapo man Uwa mat naalin, ag uwa man it malalang nanabo Mabahoe gid ang pagpasaeamat dahil maskin sa malisod nga panyemp hay una Imaw.

Uwa gid gakalipat du aton nga Ginoo Nga buligan kita sa mga kanas-kanas nga gaabot sa atong kabuhi Abo gid nga saeamat Bro!

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Ginkalipatan Ni Jemuel B. Garcia III Ikaw, sa tanan nga tawo sa kalibutan Kakon nag-intindi, uwa ginpabay-an Ginkilaea ikaw bilang akon amigo Naging magbest friend, una bisan anong tiyempo.

Isaea ka adlaw, naghambae ikaw kakon Nga ako ginapalangga mo eabi pa sa kaugalingon mo Daya hay uwa nakon pag-inisipa Hay eaom ko gapinalapong ka.

Makara nga hataeopangdan ko nga seryoso gali imaw Akon man habatyagan nga gusto ko imaw Ako hay may ginhambae, tag kami hay nagkita Gin-ako ko nga imaw hay akon man nga palangga Kato, kung hambaean na ako nga palangga na ako Ginasabat ko imaw it palangga ko man ang kaugalingon Pero makara nga ako eon do naghambae kana it maw ruyon Nagsabat imaw kakon, “Palangga ta man, galing ulihi eon.

Ang pagpalangga kimo kato, makara ginkalipatan eon.�

Big bang Ni John Brex B. Briones Nagsunggo ro atong tagipusuon sa tunga it maliway nga kalibutan Bilyong pamaagi nga pwede akong mahueog Haman sa isaea pa nga paghandumanan?

Sa isaea nga tawo nga maeayo kakon.

Pilang milya nga antad sa kung siin ka makarun.

Siguro ngani do kabuhi masyadong malit Nga gingplastar kita koparihas sa mga bituon Sa kaeaparan it gabiing madueom Igto ka gingplastar maeayo gid kakon Mayad nga kita lang maging konstelasyon Maeayo pero isaea man kung kabigon

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KAHAYAG SA KADUEOM Ni Danilyn N. Domingo Kalisod nga indi ko matungkad Pagea-om nga indi ko makita Kadueom nga kakon nagahakos Kahayag nga kakon nagapaeayo Sarili ko indi ko maintindihan Mga pasakit ag kalisod nga akong haagyan Uwa kasayod kung alin ang madangpan Dahil kadueom eon lang ro akong makit-an Sa kadueom samtang ako nagapanangison Tagipusuon batyag ko matsa maeupok eon Ikaw Ama gintawag ko ag nangayo’t bulig Dayon ikaw nagtunga ag kakon nag-ulikid Kadueom nga kakon nagpaantos Kahayag it pagea-om kakon ginbaeos Kahayag nga kakon ginpakita akong buwasdamlag Kahayag sa kadueom imaw nag-iba ag kakon nag-iwag Kalisod nga kakon gintao mo Hugot nga ginapasaeamatan ko Kalisod nga nagpatibay kang bilang tawo Ag makara mahambae ko, kahayag sa kadueom nakita ko.

PAGPUEOK-PUEOK Ni Herwin I. Antonino Sa una hay gapaeamatyagan paeang Ultimo mga palhi kung imo pamaeandungan Gatusik-tusik ag nagahueat kung sin-o una nga matamaan.

Sa oras nga du sambato hay eumapit Sigurado du sambato hay maangkit Uwa’t napiling lugar kung siin magtueusikan.

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Uwa’t kahadlok kung ano du mabunggoan Basta eang makapasampok Indi gid masayran kung ano du bunga pagkatapos.

Ibutang naton nga mga pamatan-on du mga manok Sa oras nga sanda maga pueok-pueok Uwa gid nakoe-baan sa kung ano du resulta.

Mag sinulindab sa anang kaatubang Para mabuoe du andang gina gusto sa andang kaibahan Sige-sige eang agud matinlo andang paginhawa.

Uwa gid sanda kasayod nga sanda hay nasaligan Andang likod hay ginapangamuyoan Kabay kunta maging maswerte sanda.

Pero kung uwa gid it swerte Malas gid du maabot Maalin pa kita hay sanda ta hay nagpueok-pueok.

QUARINTINAS Ni Herwin I. Antonino Kalisod matuod magpangabuhi Ag magpanindugon iya sa ibabaw it kalibutan Puro kalisod ag indi matugma kung ano du manabo.

Hin-uno baea maabot ru oras Nga ro hunas hay umabot kakon Para ro akong kabuhi hay maging hilway eun.

Ginoo, ayaw gid ako pag pabay-i Sa akon ngara nga kapigaduhon Taw-i man ako it Imong kusog ag kaa-aeam Maskin ako hay makara eamang Tigi-tigo ag pigos du pagpangabuhi Akon eamang nga maaywan, mayad-ayad nga pamatasan. *“Quarintinas” is a word of Spanish origin which means “total chaos” or “adversity.”

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BUGTAW MAN! BATYAG MAN! Ni Jolly E. Lauriano Bagyo nga mabaskog nag-agi kan-o eang Naghatod it kasamaran nga owa’t pasandaman Linibo nga pamaeay ro nagkaeaeompag Linibo man nga kabuhi ro ginpangeopad Bilog nga kalibutan nagbatyag it kasubo Tungod sa kasamaran nga daea it delubyo Pagtaliwan it pilang adlaw mga pagbulig man ro nagbaha Halin sa mga tawo nga may hantop nga pagkabaeaka Kadungan it pagbulig imaw man ru pagdaeaguso It maabong pulitiko nga magabulig man kuno Malipayon eon kunta tungod may pagbueoligan Kun may kalisdanan nagahugpong, nagadaeapitan Nasubuan gid ako kat akong nahapan-uhan Sa tunga it pagbueoligan may gabieirahan Kuno si Mayor nga dungganon nakipag-angot sa mga Kapitan Kun buko’t amig si Kapitan, inyong baryo di mahukipan Segunda man si Kapitan gindoktor do listahan Nahatunghoean si Pedro ham-an uwa si Juan?

Kaeain gid-a panumdumon kun ano ro mga hitabo Ham-an nagbulig pa kamo kun gasukot manlang it kabaylo?

Indi naton manigar ro hubeas nga kamatuoran Bisan sa tiempo it pagtaeabangan, gakatabo gid ro kabulaskugan Gasakit lang ing baeatyagon kun imong pag-inisipon Ham-an ta may mga kagang nga gapangbira paidaeom?

Ru akon eang nga mahambae sa magabasa kara Nahampak ka man o owa it bagyong Yolanda Makatawo nga pagsinaeayo atong ikabuhi ag isipon Agud paghidait mismo ro magaeapit katon Uwa man ako’t ginhingadlan kun sin-o akong buot patamaan Kung sa imong pamatyagan ikaw hay naiguan Hugot nga mamuyot sa akong paga-aywanan Ro pamisaeang, “Bugtaw man! Batyag man!”

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PAGBANGON Ni Jolly E. Lauriano Sa kilid it imong mga mata May gatoeo nga likido Mas masueog pa sa asaw-asaw Sa idaeom it gangoeob nga kaeangitan Ro imong gapin-ot nga dughan Nga ginguba it kasubo Tagipusuon nga gabuk ag ginahapo Bangud sa krus nga sa imong abaga, ikaw naga-euko Halin sa sidlangan Nagbutlak ro adlaw nga nagahiyom-hiyom Kadungan man sa pagbugtaw it imong kaeag Nga naghalin sa madueom‌makaron puno eon it pag-eaum.

INDI MAPAEA

Ni Roneth Joy T. Cahilig Kaklase ko sari-sari May baye, may una man nga eaki May binaeki, di man maduea do binabayi Tanan sanda indi gid magpalugi

Haagyan tanan do kasadyahan Haadtunan do lugar nga pwede tambayan Hatueon do pagkaon nga pwede samitan Hatangisan do mga bagay nga pwede maeohaan Daya akong mga indi malipatan Mga indi mapaea nga handumanan Sa ap-at nga dag-on nga pagtinueon-an Iya sa ASU-CIT, nga among eskuylahan.

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PHOTO BY Andrea D. Flores POSTPROCESSING BY Jemuel B. Garcia III

Pagbubuklod “Palihim ko rin silang sinasamahan sa kanilang pagtulog at nakikinig sa kanilang mga pangamba at sikretong panaginip. Kami'y magkasama na nagaantay sa tunog ng iyong sasakyan sa garahe‌â€?

MAGPAKAILANMAN Ni Jemuel B. Garcia III Noong maliit pa lamang ako, pinapasaya kita sa pamamagitan ng aking mga nakakatuwang paggalaw na siya namang nagpapangiti sa iyo. Itinuring mo akong anak mo sa kabila ng napakaraming nangatngat na sapatos at ilang pinagpira-pirasong unan, ako'y naging matalik mong kaibigan. Sa tuwing ako ay may ginawang mali, ituturo mo sa akin ang iyong mga daliri sabay tanong ng "Bakit mo ginawa 'yon?" -- pero kalaunan ay lalambot din ang iyong damdamin at ako'y kikilitiin sa aking tiyan.

Ang pagkasanay ko sa bahay ay medyo natagalan dahil sa ikaw ay maraming pinagkakaabalahan ngunit magkatuwang naman tayo sa paggawa nito.

Natatandaan ko pa ang mga gabi na katabi kita sa higaan, tahimik na nakikinig sa iyong mga salita at sikretong panaginip. Mga pagkakataong maituturing kong perpekto. Sinasamahan mo akong maglakad, pumunta sa plasa, kasama sa sasakyan, at tuwing bumibili ng sorbetes (ang apa lamang ang aking nakukuha kasi sabi mo sa akin ay masama ang sorbetes para sa mga aso). Madalas din akong nakakatulog sa ilalim ng sikat ng araw sa kakaantay sayo na umuwi sa pagtatapos ng araw.

Unti-unti, mas naging tutok ka na sa iyong trabaho at sa paghahanap ng taong mamahalin sa panghabangbuhay. Nag-aantay ako sayo ng walang reklamo, sinasamahan kita sa oras ng kalungkutan at pagkasawi, hindi kita sinisisi sa mga maling desisyon, at sinasalubong kita ng galak sa tuwing ika'y uuwi at nang ika'y umibig na.

Siya, na siya mong asawa, ay hindi mahilig sa aso. Ngunit sa kabila nito, tinanggap ko pa rin siya sa ating tahanan, sinubukang ipakita sa kaniya ang aking pagmamahal, at naging masunurin sa kaniya. Masaya ako dahil masaya ka. Di kalaunan ay dumating ang mga sanggol na muli kong ikinagalak. Ako'y nabighani sa kanilang mala-rosas na kutis, ang kanilang di-pangkaraniwang amoy, at ninais ko rin na alagaan sila na parang mga anak ko. Subalit kayo'y nangamba na baka saktan ko sila, kaya kalimitan akong nagpapalipas ng oras sa kabilang silid o sa isang kulungan. Gustong-gusto ko silang mahalin ngunit ako'y naging isang "preso ng pagmamahal."

Nang sila'y nagsimulang lumaki, ako'y naging kaibigan nila. Hinihila nila ang aking balbon sabay sa pagtangkang tumayo sa maliit nilang mga paa, tinutusok ang aking mga mata, tinitingnan ang aking mga taenga, at sa tuwina'y hinahalikan sa aking ilong. Gusto ko ang lahat sa kanila at kanilang paghaplos sa akin--dahil ang iyong kamay ay hindi ko na masyadong nararamdaman.

Ipagtatanggol ko sila, malagay man ako sa alanganin, kung kinakailangan.

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Palihim ko rin silang sinasamahan sa kanilang pagtulog at nakikinig sa kanilang mga pangamba at sikretong panaginip. Kami'y magkasama na nag-aantay sa tunog ng iyong sasakyan sa garahe.

Minsan ay may nagtanong sayo kung mayroon kang aso, at pinakitaan mo sila ng litrato ko mula sa iyong wallet at nagkwento ka tungkol sa akin. Pero nitong mga nakaraang taon, ang sagot mo nalang ay "Oo." Ako'y hindi mo na itinuturing bilang "iyong aso" bagkus ay isa na lamang ordinaryong aso at tinatanggihan ang anumang bagay na dapat ibigay o ibili sa akin.

Ngayon ay may bago ka nang oportunidad sa ibang bayan, at kalaunan, ikaw at ang iyong pamilya ay maninirahan sa isang apartment kung saan hindi pinapayagan ang mga alagang hayop na katulad ko. Ginawa mo ang tamang desisyon para sa iyong "pamilya", at tuluyan nang nakalimutan na noon ako lang ang itinuring mong pamilya.

Napakasaya ko dahil muli, pagkatapos ng napakahabang panahon, ako'y iyong isinama sa sasakyan ngunit ang sayang ito ay nawala ng tayo'y dumating sa isang animal shelter. Ito ay nangangamoy ng aso at pusa, ng takot, at ng kawalan ng pag-asa. Kinumpleto mo ang mga papeles at nagsabi na "Alam kong makakahanap kayo ng isang magandang tahanan para sa kaniya." Sila'y di nasiyahan at tiningnan ka ng nangungusap na mga mata. Naiintindihan nila ang mga katotohanan na kinakaharap ng mga tumatandang aso at pusa, kahit na meron man itong mga papeles. Pinilit mong alisin ang mga daliri ng iyong anak mula sa collar ko kahit na siya ay sumisigaw ng "Hindi, Daddy! Huwag mo silang payagan kunin ang aso ko!" Ako'y nag-alala para sa kaniya, at ang mga aral na itinuro mo sa kaniya tungkol sa pagkakaibigan at pagiging tapat, tungkol sa pagmamahal at responsibilidad, at tungkol sa respeto sa lahat ng buhay. Ako ay tinapik mo ng marahan sa aking ulo bilang pamamaalam, sinubukang hindi ako tingnan sa aking mga mata, at hindi na rin kinuha ang collar at tali na nakakabit sa akin. Mayroon kang deadline na dapat habulin at gayon din ako.

Pagkatapos mong umalis, dalawang mababait na babae ang nag-usap na malamang daw, noon pa lamang, pinagplanuhan na ng amo ko na iwan ako at hindi na nag-abalang maghanap ng ibang tahanan na mag-aaruga sa akin.

Iginalaw nila ang kanilang ulo sa hindi pagsang-ayon sabay sabi na, "Paano mo nagawa ito?"

Sinusubukan nilang alagaan kaming lahat kahit na abala sila sa iba pang gawain dito sa shelter. Pinapakain nila kami, pero nawalan na ako ng gana ilang araw na ang nakararaan. Noong una, sa tuwing may dumadaan sa harap ng aking kulungan, mabilis akong pupunta sa harapan sa pag-asang ikaw iyon -- na nagbago ang iyong isip -- na ang lahat ng ito ay isang masamang panaginip, o kung hindi man ay kahit sino lang na may maawaing puso na magnanais na ako'y

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iligtas. Nang aking mapagtanto na hindi ko kayang makipagkumpetensya sa mga masayahing tuta na kasama ko sa shelter, at sa magandang kapalaran na nagaantay sa kanila, pinili ko nalang na manahimik sa malayong sulok ng aking kulungan.

Narinig ko ang yapak ng kaniyang mga paa habang siya'y papalapit sa akin.

Sinamahan ko siya patungo sa isang silid. Isang napakatahimik na silid. Binuhat niya ako at pinahiga sa isang mesa, hinawakan sa aking taenga at sinabihang hindi ko kailangang mag-alala. Bumilis ang tibok ng aking puso sa pananabik sa kung ano ang darating, pero nandyan rin ang pakiramdam ng ginhawa. Ang preso ng pagmamahal ay malapit ng maubusan ng araw. At bilang isang aso, ako ay mas nag-aalala sa kaniya. Ang bigat ng kaniyang dinadala ay nababanaag sa kaniyang mukha at alam ka iyon, katulad ng pagkakakilala ko sa iyo.

Marahan niyang nilagyan ng tali ang aking binti nang may isang patak ng luha ang nagmula sa kaniyang mata. Dinilaan ko ang kaniyang kamay katulad ng pagpapatahan ko sa iyo ilang taon na ang nakakaraan. Itinusok na niya ang sirengilya sa aking ugat. Habang nararamdaman ko ang kirot ng karayom at ng malamig na likido na dumadaloy sa aking katawan, ako'y napahiga na para bang inaantok, tinignan ko siya sa kaniyang mga mata at tinanong, "Paano mo to nagawa sa akin?"

Siguro'y naintindihan niya ang aking sinabi, kaya siya ay nagsabi ng "Patawarin mo ako." Niyakap niya ako at mabilis na ipinaliwanag sa akin na trabaho niya na dalhin ako sa isang mas magandang lugar, isang lugar kung saan hindi ako babaliwalain, aabusuhin o iiwanan. Isang lugar kung saan hindi ko kailangang alagaan ang aking sarili, isang lugar ng pagmamahal at liwanag. Ibang-iba sa kung anong meron dito sa kasalukuyan.

Gamit ang huling lakas na mayroon ako, sinubukan kong ipaalam sa kaniya sa pamamagitan ng paggalaw ng aking buntot na ang mga salitang "Paano mo to nagawa sa akin?" ay hindi para sa kaniya. Ito ay para sa iyo, aking pinakamamahal na amo.

Ikaw ang nasa aking isipan. Ika'y patuloy na mananatili sa aking isipan, puso at alaala. Ako'y mag-aantay sayo magpakailanman.

Sana lahat ng tao sa iyong buhay ay patuloy na magpakita sa iyo ng katapatan at pagmamahal, katulad ng ipinakita at ipinaramdam ko sa iyo.

Kahit na ako’y isang hamak na aso lamang, ako’y magmamahal sayo magpakailanman, kaibigan.

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ANG WALA:Ni JohnPAGKAIN Brex B. Briones Tigang na ang lalamunan sa tubig na panglamang-tiyan Tutong sa kaldero’y pinagpipyestahan Ng mga masasayang langgam.

Tiyan ay nananangis sa pighati ng kawalan Sinusubok na ubusin ang kahapon kong ulam Sisidlan ng bigas sa tabi’y nakatiwangwang Gutom ng kaluluwa’y akin na lamang nililibang.

Nakasalukbo sa bintana’t nakatingin sa malayo Nangangarap ng pang-ulam kahit manlang tuyo Nangingilid ang luha sa kakadama ng sakit Kahit na nagugutom ay kakalimutang pilit Pagabi na’t ang nakain pa lamang ay ‘sang hating pandesal Hinihintay ang hulog ng awang kay tagal Ngayong gabi’y ano kaya ang kakainin?

Kung wala’y tubig na mainit na lang ang iinumin.

Sa bukas na lamang kung pagbibigyan Sanay’ may awang dumating, panglamang-tiyan At sakali man lamang na walang maihahain sa hapag Uukay nalang sa basura’t maghahanap ng pag-pag.

TULIRO

Ni Aimee Jane D. Ureta Isang gabi, ako’y tuliro Sa isang kaisipang sa isip ko’y naglalaro Ang pait ng kahapon nagbalik sa damdamin ko At sa nadarama sa kasalukuyan, tila may nagbago.

Nang dahil sa awitin, ako’y nalito At sa kalagitnaan ng gabi, luha’y nadama ko Sakit na nadarama ‘di ko alam kung bakit at kung ano.

“Bakit may hapdi pa ring dulot ang alaala ng kahapon?”

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ANG WALA: EDUKASYON Ni John Brex B. Briones Anong aking isusulat kung hindi nakakabasa?

Kung bumilang man ay kay bagal, pinagtatawanan pa.

At nang minsan pa nga ay may Kanong nagtanong Wala man lamang akong nasagot kundi puros bulong.

Namulat sa pobreng buhay, kung tawagin kami’y “mga bobo” Ninais kong makapag-aral ngunit kailangang magbanat ng buto Upang may pambili ng pantagay si Itay At masuportahan ang pagtotong-its ni Inay.

Pinapasok ang mga masusukal na estero Maghahanap ng putol na bakal at tagping yero Ipapasok sa sako saka kakargahin Mahigit pang isang kilometro ang dapat kong lakarin.

Pagdating sa patimbangan ay saka lamang makakahinga Mula sa sikat ng araw at bigat ng dinadala Sa timbangan kung minsa’y dinadaya Bayad na nararapat ay binabawasang bahagya.

Bago umuwi’y dadaan sa tindahan Ibibili ang kinse pesos ng noodles na pang-ulam Ang sobra’y ibibigay kay ina o kay ama Kung igagastos man sa kung saan, ay bahala na sila.

PulangNi Jemuel asukal B. Garcia III Mula sa lugar na iyong kinalalagyan Ika’y kinuha, dinurog at nasadlak sa kahirapan Pilit na piniga hanggang sa ang tunay ay lumabas Ngayo’y butil na ang noo’y katas Nagsisilbing hanapbuhay sa marami at isang kalakal Ikaw na pino, matamis at nakakapangiting pulang asukal.

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LUMANG ISTILO Ni Emmie N. Narral Naghahanap, nangangalap, sana’y may masagap Maaga’y nakatambay sa tindahan ni Aling Inday Pupwesto, kukwento ng balitang bago Walang pinagbago, tsismosa noon hanggang ngayon

TAKIPSILIM

Ni Jemuel B. Garcia III Ibinigay sa iyo ang lahat-lahat, Ang pagmamahal na sayo’y nararapat Ngunit ano ang sa aki’y ibinalik Puso’y sinugatan, pinuno ng tinik Minahal kitang tunay, ng buong puso Iyong napa-ibig ang puso kong bato Tiniis ang lahat ng ika’y mapasakin Ika’y itinuring na aking mithiin Ngunit lahat ng ito’y napunta sa wala Ako sa iyo ay walang napala Ako ay iyo lamang pinaasa Sa mga pangakong nawalang parang bula Ano mang pilit kong ibalik ang nakaraan Hindi na magawa sapagka’t ako’y iyo nang nasaktan Pusong niyurakan, pinaglaruan Damdaming ‘di pinansin, kinalimutan Itinuring kitang buhay ko Ngunit ako ay binigo mo Mundo kong noo’y may kulay, ngayo’y naging itim Alaala sayo’y kakalimutan sabay ng takip-silim

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HULING HIMIG Ni Aimee Jane D. Ureta Sa muling pagmulat ng aking mga mata nawala ang himig at musika.

Nasa isang sulok ako ng isang silid. Ako ay nagmumuni-muni at malalim na naman ang iniisip. Hanggang ngayo’y nakikita ko pa ang mga larawan at mga liriko ng mga awiting pinakatago-tago ko sa loob ng maraming taon. Natutunan kong mahalin muli ang musika, natutunan muling padaluyin ang himig sa buhay ko. Isang dekada na rin naman ang nakalipas nung ako’y muling binigo ng aking unang pag-ibig, pagkabigong nagdulot ng kamatayan sa himig na ginusto ko pang muling buhayin noon. Pagkabigong dinulot ng sinasabing “inhenyero” ng buhay ko. Gayunpaman dumating ang panibagong himig. Himig na muling nagbigay buhay sa awiting nagpatulog sa nahihimbing kong puso. Himig na dala ng isang arkitektong nagdala ng pag-ibig na wala man sa tono noong una’y naging isang napakagandang musika naman nang naglaon.

Buwan ng Agosto...

“Kung wala talaga si Kuya Henry niyo i-text mo na lang ako o kaya kunin ko na lang numero ng cellphone mo para ma-text kita kung sakali at mahatid kayo sa peybment.” sabi ng kuya ko na hindi ko pa gaanong mabanggit ang pangalan. Siya, yung taong hinahangaan ko.

Siya yung bagong inspirasyon ko. Gayunpaman, hindi ko siya gaanong iniisip dahil na rin sa nakaraang ayaw ko nang maulit pa. Nanatili na lamang siyang isang crush, isang inspirasyon ko kahit ito’y palihim lamang.

Hanggang sa dumating ang araw na pangalan na niya ang siyang laman ng inbox ko. Ang pagpapalitan namin ng mensahe ang siyang naging dahilan kung bakit nagkalapit kami ng loob, ang siyang dahilan nang lalong pagkahulog ko sa kanya. Pagkahulog na pilit kong itinago.

Dumating na rin ang puntong kuya ang tawag ko sa kanya at bunso ang tawag niya sa akin. Tawagang hindi ko ikinasaya dahil alam ko sa sarili ko na higit pa roon ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya.

Nalaman ko rin na may gusto siyang iba at hindi nga ako iyon. Pilit niyang tinatanong sa akin kung sino raw ang lalakeng gusto ko ngunit hindi ko magawang sabihin dahil siya ‘yon. Hindi niya pa malalaman kung hindi niya ako tinanong nang diretso. Sa kabila ng pagkakaalam niya ng katotohanan, nanatiling mapang-unawa si kuya at naging mas mabait siya sa akin. Dahil nga doo’y lalo pang lumalim ang nararamdaman ko. Siya na kasi yata ang pinakamabait, maalalahanin 20

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at pinakapasensyosong taong nakilala ko. Mga katangiang tila hindi kayang pahalagahan ng babaeng gusto niya noon. Iyon ang mga bagay na kinaiinisan ko dahil tinatapon lang ng iba yung taong pinapangarap ko.

“Kuya, gawa ka na kasi ng spaceship.” sabi ko sa kanya. “Bakit bunso?” tanong naman nitong si Kuya sa akin. “Dahil di ka naman pinapahalagahan ng mundong pinapangarap mo. Bilisan mo na kaseng gumawa ng spaceship para makalipat ka na sa bagong mundo na tatanggap sayo at mamahalin kang lubos.” Ito yung mga linyang nabitawan ko noong napagod na ako sa kakapursige sa kanyang ‘wag siyang susuko sa babaeng mahal niya. Nagmumukha na kasi akong tanga sa pagtutulak sa taong mahal ko papunta sa taong mahal niya.

Handa na naman akong mag-let go. Pinili ko na rin ang lumayo para maayos ko ang sarili ko. Paglayong ikinalungkot pala ng minamahal kong “kuya”. Nagulat na lang ako noong dumating ang araw na umamin siyang may nararamdaman siya para sa akin. Inamin niyang bago pa man daw natapos ang taon ay nalimot na niya ang babaeng gusto niya noon, bago pa man daw ako lumayo. Nangamba lang daw siya dahil hindi hamak na mas bata ako. Sa pagkakataong ito, nagsimula ang lahat, ang panibagong himig. Himig na sinikap kong buhayin panghabang-buhay.

Maraming taon pa ang lumipas. Siya pa rin ang kasama ko. Siya pa rin ang partner ko. Ang kuyang minahal ko at minahal ako higit pa sa inaasahan ko. Siya pa rin yung taong nagbibigay ng pagmamahal na higit pa sa kaya kong ibigay. Ang arkitektong nagturo sa isang gurong tulad ko upang magmahal ulit. Ang arkitektong bumuo ng pagkatao ko at tumulong sakin upang bumangon muli. Siya nga, ang huling himig.

Nasa isang sulok ako ng aking silid. Ako’y nagmumuni-muni at malalim ang iniisip. Nakita ko pa ang mga larawan at mga liriko ng mga awiting pinakatago-tago ko sa loob ng halos sampung taon. Muli kong inawit ang awiting dinala ng hangin. Sa samyo ng malamig na hangin, ako’y umawit, nasa isip ang pagpapasalamat sa taong nanakit sa akin… ang aking unang pag-ibig.

Napatigil ako sa pag-awit ng marinig ko ang iyak ng tatlong buwang gulang kong anak. Binuhat ko at hinele, doon din mula sa aking likod ay naramdaman ko ang yakap ng aking mahal na asawa. Doon ko napagtantong, sa himig na dala ng aking asawa at aming supling, tunay higit akong naging maligaya.

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Alingawngaw ng alabok Ni Danilyn N. Domingo Ang mabuhay sa gitna Ng pang-aalipusta Ay isang alimbukay Ng pagdurusa

Mga taong maiitim ang budhi Sa lipunan sila’y iwaksi Ang bagwis ng kanilang kasamaan Nararapat lamang na wakasan Bakit may mga inaalibugha’t inaapi?

Bakit may niyuyurakan ang kanilang pagkatao?

Bakit may mga nasasaktan, dulot ng kasamaan?

Bakit may mga lumuluha’t nahihirapan, dulot ng kalupitan?

Hindi niyo ba sila napapansin?

Hindi niyo ba naririnig ang bugso ng kanilang damdamin?

Hindi niyo ba nakikita ang kanilang pagdurusa?

Hindi niyo ba nababatid ang kanilang nadarama?

Imulat ang iyong mga mata Maaaninag mo mga taong naghahanap ng kalinga Buksan mo ang iyong puso Madarama mo mga taong uhaw sa pag-ibig ng kanilang kapwa…

SANGKAP NA GANAP Ni Emmie N. Narral Sipag, tiyaga at panalangin sa Maykapal Mabisang sangkap sa ginhawa ng buhay Rurok ng tagumpay sadyang malalasap Madaling marating mga pangarap

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PORKE

Ni Aimee Jane D. Ureta Hindi dahil sa mahina ka, magpapatalo ka Gamitin mong inspirasyon yan para matuto ka Na maging malakas at ‘di katawa-tawa Sa paningin ng ibang taong sadyang mapang-alipusta.

Hindi dahil sa may kapansanan ka Buhay mo’y ititigil at ‘di na uusad pa Ipakita mong kaya mo at ika’y eksepsyunal Ginawa ng Maykapal na isang spesyal.

Hindi dahil sa buhay ay mahirap Pananaw mo sa buhay ay sasama Laging isiping nasa Diyos ang awa Ngunit kumilos ka dahil nasa’yo ang gawa.

ULAP

Buhay ay mahirap, puno ng pagsubok Ni Johna Roberto Lalo pang hihirap kung ika’y magpapatalo Ang hirap mong abutin Sa halip na manghina at matisod Hirap kang angkinin Pananaw sa buhay sa positibo ituon.

Sayo nakatingin di mo pansin Ako’y humiling iyo ring pansinin Ika’y isang ulap sa aking paningin Lungkot ko’y iyong hinilom Saya ko’y di marating, nang iyong mapansin Ngiti mong kay tamis nagbigay buhay sa akin Kay tagal kong hinintay ang iyong pagdating Ganda ko’y iyo ring napansin Paghanga lang dati ngayon ay pag-ibig na, Nainlab ka sa akin na parang isang hiwaga Ulap ka rati na kay hirap abutin Ulap na kay hirap angkinin Ulap na parang sa pangarap lang mararating Ngayon ika’y isang ulap na ang sarap mahalin.

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NINGAS

Ni Clarissa Lorenz I. Alfonso Sa aking paglalayag, Sa dagat na maalon Ningas ng sulo kong tangan Ang siyang tanging nagsisilbing liwanag Panganib ay hindi alintana Sa kabila ng isang napakalakas na basyo Bagkus ay patuloy parin sa pakikibaka Kahit sa gitna ng laot ay may nakaambang sakuna

Nang malapit ko nang marating ang paroroonan, Malakas na hangin ay biglang bumayo Ningas ng sulo ko’y kaniyang pinatay Wala nang liwanag, dilim ay naglipana.

Malakas na alon, bangka ko’y tinangay Sa lihis na direksyon ako ay dinala Kamay ay nanghihina na sa kasasagwan, Upang tahaking muli ang daan patungo sa dapat kong paroonan Sa kasalukuya’y nasa laot pari’t naglalayag, Patuloy lang sa pagsagwan, kamay ay mapagod man.

At sa kabilang ibayo ay akin ng natatanaw, Ang pagsikat ng nakangiting araw na sa akin ay nakaabang.

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SUGAT NGNiNAKARAAN Julie Ann Joy R. Jarquio Nakakainis, ito na naman ang sikat niya Nakakairita, makikita ko na naman siya Halo-halong galaw ng kalamna’t bituka Isa na naman ‘tong napakasamang umaga Gusgusing paa’y di handang gumalaw Tumayo’t sasalubungin ang mahiwagang ilaw Kung saan galing? Di ko alam Pero ang gusto’y sugat ay humilom

LIHIM NA PAGSINTA Ni Jemuel B. Garcia III Lumabas ako sandali upang aking malaman Nang ika’y makita ng hindi inaasahan Mula sa malayo ikaw ay aking nasilayan Mayroong kakaibang damdamin akong naramdaman.

Sa pagkakatayo ko ika’y aking pinagmasdan Napatinging lihim nang ngiti mo ay masulyapan Matagal ko nang ninanais na ika’y lapitan Ngunit ako’y laging nangangambang baka masaktan.

Ako ay nahuhulog sa tuwinang kasama ka Bawat oras at sandali’y punung-puno ng saya Sa pagtulog sa gabi, laman ng puso’t isip ka Pagmulat ng mata, ikaw ang gusto kong makita.

Pa’no ko masasabi’t sayo’y maipadarama Kung ang puso mo ay may nagmamay-ari nang iba Sarili’y ikinukubli sa tuwing kausap ka Kahit gusto kong isigaw na “Minamahal kita”.

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Malulunasan Pa Ba? Ni Clarissa Lorenz I Alfonso “Ang pasa at sugat sa katawan ay naghihilom at nalulunasan subalit ang latay ng bawat masasakit na salitang nabitawan ay habambuhay na nakaukit sa puso’t isipan at mag-iiwan ng pilat na ’di kayang gamutin ng kahit na sino man.”

Bata pa lamang si Lorein ay ramdam na niyang isang mitsa ng kaguluhan sa kanilang tahanan ang turing sa kanya ng kanyang ama, na kahit anong gawin niyang tama ay mali pa rin sa paningin nito.

Minsan pa nga’y naranasan niyang igapos ng napakahigpit sa isang haligi ng kanilang bahay gamit ang lubid at hindi binigyan ng kahit na mumo man lang. Isang araw na walang laman ang sikmura at maging ang lalamuna’y tuyo na rin. Subalit sa kabila ng napakasaklap na kalagayang iyon ay kahit anino ng munting awa ay wala siyang maaninag mula sa kanyang ama, ni bakas ng pag-aalala ay hindi makikita sa kanyang mukha. Imbes na maawa sa anak ay hinayaan niya lamang ito na lumupaypay sa gutom. Pilitin mang pumiglas ni Lorein mula sa pagkakagapos ay wala siyang sapat na lakas upang kalasin ang lubid na mahigpit na nakatali sa kanyang mga kamay.

May isang araw pa noon, habang nagsasaing sa lutuang pangkahoy ay bigla na lang siya nitong dinaluhong, pinagsasampal at isinubsob sa kahoy na bumabaga pa. Mabuti na lamang hindi dumikit ang kanyang mukha sa apoy. Wala siyang magawa, ni wala siyang lakas ng loob na sumumbat o lumaban man lang. Subalit ang kaniyang kalooban ay nagaapoy sa galit. Hindi na siguro magbabago pa ang turing sa kanya ng kanyang ama.

Hanggang siya ay magdalaga patuloy pa rin niyang nararanasan ang mga pisikal na pananakit na dulot ng mabigat na kamay ng kanyang ama. May mga araw pa ngang pumupunta siya sa paaralan na puro pasa at mugto ang mga mata dahil sa walang patid na pagdaloy ng mga luha mula rito. Tanging ang nasa Taas lamang ang nakakaalam kung gaano kabigat ang nagpupuyos niyang kalooban. Kung gaano ito nagpupumiglas na lumaban at bigyang laya ang sakit na matagal na panahon ng nananahan dito.

Ngunit ang mga pasa at latay ng sugat sa kanyang katawan ay walang-wala kung ikukumpara sa mga masasakit na salita na namutawi sa mga labi ng ama, ang mga salitang, “Ang tanga-tanga mo talaga!”, 26

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“Napakawalang kwenta mong bata ka!”, “Dapat sa iyo ay hindi ka pinag-aaral.”, “Lumayas ka na sa bahay na ito, wala kang silbi, bwesit ka lang sa buhay namin.” Mga salitang paulit-ulit na umaalingawngaw sa isipan ni Lorein. Mga salitang hindi na niya kinayang lunasan. Mga salitang kahit anong pilit niyang itaboy sa puso’t isipan ay hindi talaga maalis-alis. Hangang...

Isang gabi sa kanyang silid, patay ang ilaw at hikbi nalang ang tanging maririnig. Hikbing inilalabas ang lahat ng sama ng loob na matagal nang nagpupumiglas na makaalpas. Hikbing akala niya’y siyang lunas sa kanyang mga hinanakit at ang pinakahuling hikbing ilalabas niya sa labim-pitong taong inilagi niya sa ibabaw ng mundo.

Pasado alas nuebe ng gabi nang pumasok si Andrea, ang kapatid ni Lorein, sa silid nito upang tawagin ito para maghapunan. Pagkapasok na pagkapasok ni Andrea sa silid ng ate niya ay isang kagimbalgimbal na tanawin ang kanyang nadatnan. Ang kanyang ate ay nakahandusay sa isang sulok, hawak ang kutsilyo at naliligo sa sarili nitong dugo at sa pader ay nakasulat ang mga salitang: “Ang tangatanga mo talaga!”, “Dapat sa iyo ay hindi na pinag-aaral!”, “Wala kang kwenta!”, “Wala kang silbi!”, “Tama na! Pagod na pagod na akong pakingggan ang mga salitang ito.” Nagmistulang diary ang dingding ng kanyang silid ang pinagkaiba nga lang ay wala kang makikitang masayang pangyayari sa buhay niya, puro hinanakit, hinagpis at sama ng loob.

Mabuti pa ang pasa at sugat sa katawan may lunas na nakalaan. Hindi kagaya ng mga masasakit na salitang nabitawan na walang lunas at nagiging sanhi pa minsan ng depresyon at pagpapakamatay. Kung kaya naman, bago tayo magbitaw ng salita sa ating kapwa ay piliing mabuti ang mga angkop at tamang salita upang hindi tayo makasakit ng damdamin ng iba. Ayon nga sa kasabihan, “Ang mabuting salita ay pulut-pukyutan, nakakagaang kaluluwa at lunas sa pagdurusa.”

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PARA SA IYO INA

Ni Jemuel B. Garcia III Mula sa’king pagtulog hanggang paggising Siguradong ligtas basta’t sa iyong piling Ikaw na siyang nagdala’t nagluwal sa’kin Pag-aaruga ay binibigyang-diin.

Hatid sundo nang nasa elementarya Agad pupunta pag ako’y may problema Di kalauna’y napunta sa sekondarya At ilang araw na lang, ako’y magtatapos na.

Ikaw ang siyang nagsilbing ilaw sa dilim Alam mo lahat ng aking mga lihim Naging gabay mula bata hanggang paglaki At maging katulad mo, siyang minimithi.

Nais ko sanang ika’y pasalamatan Ang paghihirap mo’y nais kong tumbasan Ngunit ako ay mayroong napagtanto Pagmamahal sa aki’y di mababayaran ng ginto.

Darating din ang panahong ika’y iiwan Sa ibang lugar ay makikipagsapalaran Ito ang nais kong lagi mong tandaan Ika’y hindi ipagpapalit kanino man.

Sana ika’y napasaya kahit sandali Kahit nangingilid ang luha sa iyong mga pisngi Nawa’y sa tulang ito ikaw ay mapasalamatan At hindi makalimutan magpakailanman.

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distansya Ni Aimee Jane D. Ureta Di ko alam kung bakit ba Kahit malayo iniibig kita Kahit larawan lang ang aking hawak Alam ko sa puso ko ikaw ang sinta.

Bagama’t tanging tinig mo lang ang naririnig Mukha mo may di ko kayang haplusin Pag-ibig ko sayo’y lilingapin Di ko pipiliing ito’y limutin.

Milya-milya man ang layo mo Pag-ibig mo pa rin ang hangad ko Kahangalan man ang tawag nila rito Ipagpapatuloy ko pa rin dahil ito’y totoo Luha man minsan ang dulot nito Dala ng pangungulila ko sayo Patuloy na idadalangin ko Araw ay dumating na ika’y makapiling ko.

Distansya man ang hadlang sa pagsinta ko At minsan din akong naiwang bigo Lawak ng pag-ibig ko’y di magbabago Wag ka rin lang sanang sumuko.

KLAS KARD Ni Jemuel B. Garcia III Ika’y pinaghirapan at pinaglaanan ng panahon Tinitiis ang gutom, ginagastos sa’yo pati ang baon Ngunit dahil sa isang pagsusulit lahat ay mababalewala Dahil sa pagkakataong ito ika’y hindi naipasa Kung mababago ko lang sana ang sa iyo’y nakasulat Gagawin ang lahat, maiba lang ang nakalagay sa aking pagbuklat

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KISSABLE LIPS

Ni Danilyn N. Domingo Sa dinami-daming nakasalamuha ko Ikaw lang ang nakita’t napansin ko Ikot ng mundo ko’y pinatigil mo Pati puso ko’y di mo pinalampas at kinabog mo Sa tindig at tikas mong mala Adonis Gwapong artista ay iyong pinanis Anong meron ka’t karisma mo’y mabangis At napaibig ako tulad ng kidlat na mabilis Para man sa iba pangit ka Pero para sa aki’y tala ka Maging sa puso’t isipan ko’y ikaw ang bida Dahil ikaw ang komedya sa buhay kong kaydrama ‘Pag di ka mahagilap sinta Tamis ng ngiti sa labi ko’y nawawala Sana ika’y lagi kong nakikita Dahil ikaw sa akin nagpapayumi’t nagbibigay sigla Ang maamo mong pisngi Mga mata mong ngumingiti At kissable mong mga labi Ang siyang sa aki’y nagpapaalala sa bawat sandali

FOR SALE Ni Emmie N. Narral Iniwanan ka na, hinahabol mo pa Ipinagpalit ka na, umaasa ka pa May mahal nang iba, mahal mo pa Respeto sa sarili, nagbebenta ako.

Bibili ka?

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LIKHA Ni Clarissa Lorenz I. Alfonso Siya ay nilikha mula sa alabok, Hinipan ang ilong nang buhay ay magkaroon Binigyan ng talino, abilidad at karunungan, Nang sa hinaharap ay kanyang mapakinabangan.

Siya nilikhang espesyal sa lahat Kumpara sa mga hayop sa bundok at mga isda sa dagat Siya ay nilikhang may puso, isip at damdamin Kung kaya’t alam niya ang wasto at maling gawain.

Sa kanyang paglalakbay sa mundong ito Sa mga pagsubok, siya ay makikipagbuno Buong tapang niyang haharapin Ang mga suliraning nakaabang na dapat niyang lutasin.

Sapagkat siyang tao ay nilikha upang madapa at tumayo, umiyak at tumahan At labanan ng buong tapang, Ang mga hamon sa buhay na sa kanya’y nakalaan.

ISMAGOL

Ni Jolly E. Lauriano Sa masikip na sulok, balot ng kadiliman Nagdurusa sa amoy na di mailarawan Sa oras ng pagtulog, hikbi ng basura’y kapiling Karamay ang nakangiti na pisong duling Si Haring Araw sa kanyang pagbangon Buong bagsik, kadiliman ay nilamon Kasabay ang pagdating ng batang lansangan Ako’y dinampot, saka tinapakan.

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Convergence “But one thing I just want to let you know I will wait until the dawn comes Only for you, just for you ‘Cause someday, somehow, we will be together. ..“

PHOTO BY Allyn T. Artates POSTPROCESSING BY Jemuel B. Garcia III

CHIMaERA

By Aimee Jane D. Ureta Love to watch some fairytales To see princes and princesses Love to watch their happy ending Thus, leaving you daydreamin’.

Watching such may not help For the real world is of cruelty There is not a prince nor a princess Nor a happy ending that will make the changes.

Face the reality and take actions To help this society buried in depravation Stop the fantasy that may not help you Instead, face the reality that may kill you.

See the things that surrounds Scarcity, poverty and death that may bring you To the end where there is no more thing to do Than to wait for the verdict of our idle actions.

TEAR THIS

By John Brex B. Briones Pity on you Lame shameless saints Of the higher chair Leading us to blind Nonsensical catfights Your ‘strengths’ Are your greatest fear: Radical, activist, and Free-thinker

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Not will our faith Our never dying faith On our pens and fire Will be killed By tearing up a page Or this

FLIGHTLESS DOVE

By Jolly E. Lauriano With her deep rose lipstick on Clutching a hampered Luis Vitton bag Eyes that entice and tame the beasts Displays her bearing like Miley Cyrus in the MTV Puffing sticks of Phillip Morris as if it’s the end of the world -when the sun sets And darkness blankets the atmosphere…

She sells her flesh in the market.

QUASARS

By John Brex B. Briones I behold the beauty of the universe By standing at the center of it.

Then I realize, that it has no center.

The aspirations that are coming— So boundless in every direction.

Light traveled outwards from each star, Beating its million aged heat.

Polluted with lights and dust— A celestial dance of chaos.

Rolling, no—floating in ebony air, Filling every space with wonders.

FLAMES

By Aimee Jane D. Ureta The fire in the middle of the winter season Suddenly lose its flames, cast by the wind And the heat it brings is now gone Left are ashes, cold kills that dying heart.

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OF DESPERATION

By Jolly E. Lauriano Lift me up from this chasm Of sullen moments pouring down Of dreadful instances breaking out Of injured soul in complete weariness Drag me out from this cabin Of dark nights that haunt and petrify Of scary memories lurking beneath Of shattered heart in broken pieces Pull me out from this dungeon Of hostility and agitation in deluge Of searing thirst for freedom Of worn out body in near death Ease me out from this world Put an end for my existence Only in heaven can I take refuge Where there’s silence and eternal repose.

DEATH IS A GAME OFBy John CHANCES Brex B. Briones Death is a game of chances, For you’ll never know your time to win it.

Some catches it in the middle of the game, Some have not even started.

There are those who thrive to end it.

Some wants it for granted.

Some asks because of pain.

Some leaves without a trail.

Some passes without warning.

Some have it without wanting.

For death is a game of chance, And we are its players.

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PETRICHOR

By John Brex B. Briones PERPLEXED

By Jemuel B. Garcia III The mind’s travelling Baffled by mixed emotions Diluted away.

Nyctophelia

By John Brex B. Briones [*Love of darkness, Love of night.

Finding relaxation or comfort In the darkness] [*To grasp the air Unseen air And beholding the beauty Of the darkness. ] [*To fill yourself With awe and wind Beyond the absence Of the light.]

the mildew of the sun’s heat vapors in the air, after the rain replenished the thirsty land. The scent of the earth—moist earth. reminds me of home.

AFTERMATH

By Clarissa Lorenz I. Alfonso Everything was in chaos And I was a little bit nervous I tried to calm down But my fears ate me up.

I was broken into pieces Because of this encumbrance I tried very hard To stand up But I just really can’t I knelt down before Him Asked for His helping hand, There, I had survived When I sought for Him at the aftermath.

[*Contentment On being alone With the wildness Of the night sky.]

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BISCUIT: A PROMISE FOR LIFE

By Julie Ann Joy R. Jarquio They say that some people come in our lives as blessings and others as lesson, but to be specific and precise, only simple and humble people with the utmost simplicity in their lives only come as blessings in a person’s life.

--Anuj Somany Children’s laughter filled the room, toys scattered everywhere and all of my classmates were there playing and making fun with those kids.

We were having our field trip, so we were here in the Angel’s Orphanage, a place where you can find orphans who were born without a mother or a father or those children who were abandoned.

As I entered that room, I immediately sat on the very edge of the room, put my headset on and closed my eyes. I hated kids more than anything else in the world. You know why? It’s because there’s a kid that gave me that impression and that kid was my spoiled brat little sister. She was seven years old but it seemed that she’s the boss of me; she was the one who’s always right, good and smart in the eyes of our parents. I felt that they prefer to be with her than to be with me. And with that thought, I cursed her.

A few minutes later, I had this strange feeling that someone was looking at me. I slowly opened my eyes to see if that feeling was true. And it was, when I saw a pale, thin, young girl looking at me intently with a big smile on her face. I took just a short glimpse at her and close my eyes.

But seconds passed I felt someone pulling the edge of my cloth. I snapped, opened my eyes and saw that young girl again. Irritation ran to my veins and before I knew it; “What?” I screamed at her.

I felt my classmates stopped playing with the kids and looked at me, and as I looked at them I saw my teacher’s curious eyes and my classmates shocked expression. I didn’t care, I just lowered my head just to see the bright beam of the young girl; she’s as if having fun for me to be irritated. But soon I found out that she’s not when she held that smile and introduced herself to me. “Hi, I’m Jane,” she said, “Can I be your friend?” she added.

I didn’t say a word instead I opened my duffel bag to search for a 38

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book to read. “What’s your name?” she asked. With that I put my book on my lap and held my hand to her “Julie,” I answered back. Her eyes got wider as if she really wants to make friend with me, that I didn’t see from my little sister’s eyes.

That very moment I made friend with a kid. She was a very active and smart kid because she talked a lot and told me stories. When we were about to go home, she said to me, “Thanks for the time. Will you come back here tomorrow?” I smiled and said “You’re welcome. Maybe next time if I’m not busy.” With that I saw sadness on her eyes, so I added, “Don’t worry. I’ll visit you, promise,” and she said, “Ok, I’ll treat you with a biscuit when you come back here and visit me.”

Those were her last words. Tears fell from my eyes, I hoped I have a remote to pause and go back in time, but I have none. I hoped I had a time for her to have our biscuit eating. I knew it’s just hope that will never happen.

I am now here standing in front of her white coffin, weeping. Because of her, I learned that some kids are spoiled but some are not. It depends on how you handle or take care of them. I, also learned how to handle my little sister’s flaws and attitudes, on how to be patient with her because as a kid, she has a lot to learn.

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UNKNOWN

By Jemuel B. Garcia III I give you my heart, my soul, my all But still you see me undesirable.

What else do I have to do For you to say “I love you too”?

If I can’t make you be The one to be with me Then I’d better say goodbye And let the feelings and memories fly.

You make me happy You bring out the best of me But you make me feel alone In your world, I seem to be unknown.

You make me feel what I don’t want to You break my heart in ways others won’t do You of all people, make me feel alone In your vast, beautiful world, I seem to be unknown.

Everytime I see you with that smile on your face Memories flash back, my heart beats apace Then remember those last words you said, “Yes, I can love you, but only as a friend.”

Of dissected Bymindset Jolly E. Lauriano Two fair geese before my sight One is marked with blue eyes The other is dressed in blonde feathers Both equally lay eggs that are deemed golden Picking the former takes my mother’s breathe away Catching the latter is my father’s timeless torture While not choosing at all is the death of me What shall I do?

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FOR MYByBELOVED Ann D. Mangilaya Pretty chique, I'm not Simple, crazy girl is all I've got Love me not or love me true Let me tell you, I love you I’m not cool, not even rich Just a simple girl who loves to teach If you'll go or if you'll stay I'll be better in either way We may be lover, or might be not Still, I’m grateful you crossed in my path I'll be hurt, I'll even cry If you'll leave my heart will die

Oh, beloved, this poem’s for you Lyrics from my heart so pure and true.

Voice record

By Aimee Jane D. Ureta Last time, I recorded the sweetest line That says, “I love you for so many times.”

I love to listen to it each morning and night And does make me miss the way I hug you tight.

Now I listen but I cry Because your feelings for me is now undefined.

I wonder if this recorded voice is a lie Will you now leave me as you say goodbye.

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Wimp in the Morning, Gangster at Night

By Wilfred G. Briones

He stood frozen, pinned at the corner. Surrounded by a dozen; vile scheming criminals which his parents warned him to stay away from since he could even learn to walk. He slowly wiped the cold sweat off his forehead with his palm, careful as he can so not to provoke his assailants.

“We got you now you weasel!” The leader of the thugs shouted while gesturing to the two of his underlings to come and apprehend their target.

He took a couple of deep breaths and started to move back.

“You think you can run? We got you pinned down at that little corner dumbass.” The thug leader joked and a dozen of his underlings laughed, guns stilled pointed at the boy. But still he continued to move back, pace by pace until he reached the wall.

“That’s where you’re going to die if you try anything stupid boy.” The thug perked. He remained still; his back flat against the wall while the two thugs that were ordered to capture him lessened the gap between them.

He took a couple more deep breathes, now deeper. He then pointed the heel of his left foot at the wall... and kicked. He propelled, too quick for the two thugs to catch. He took out a knife from his left side pocket and with it he sliced at the shoulder of the first assailant that was near him and then threw the bloodied knife at the second, hitting it directly at the thug’s torso, instantly finishing him. Then he turned to his previous victim, stunned by the large gash in his right arm. He took him by the collar and used him as a shield, as a hail of bullets were pummeling towards them.

He jumped forward with his “Human shield” at hand and luckily for the boy the bullets could not pierce the thick vest that the thug wore on his torso.

“You dumb numbskulls!! Kill him for Christ’s sake!!” Their leader furiously shouted while bombarding the boy with his gun. But the boy kept on advancing, with the bullet filled body still at hand.

“But we’ll hit one of our own!” one of his underlings protested.

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“I don’t care! It’s his fault that he got caught in the first place!”

“Why is he even moving towards us?” A crooked nosed thug with a large visible scar on his face asked their so called leader.

“Kid must be extremely dumb or just damn crazy. Either ways, he’s dead meat!” Their leader answered back, with only the laughs of his underlings to serve as a reply.

But he still continued to move forward towards his attackers. Up until he was only a few feet away from them, then he stopped and reached for his left pocket and from it he brought out a small glass jar. It was filled with some sort of liquid and at the cap of the jar was a single piece of cloth inserted inside a tiny hole. He placed the jar at the ground and from his other pocket he reached for a lighter.

“Keep on shooting! It’s hitting him!” one of the thugs yelped. It was true, the bullets were now piercing thru and it glazed him at his shoulder and knee.

The boy was hurt but he still managed to light the cloth of the jar and throw it at the center of the massing small army of thugs. With his last ounce of strength he jolted the jar upwards and it flew back down, straight center. The glass jar broke into pieces and its liquid splattered around the area where it landed.

“Was that it? You think we’ll run scared if you throw your jars at us?!”

Then the liquid that now lay on the ground suddenly caught on fire, combusting into large exploding balls of flames. It scattered like wildfire on a forest on the unprepared criminals. They screamed and begged for help, dropping their guns and rolling to the ground to try to put out the flames that were consuming their bodies, as if that would help. They were all caught unprepared; every last one of them was like lit candles.

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UNREQUITED

By Jemuel B. Garcia III I gave you my all Boundless, sweet everlasting But left unreturned.

THEY

By Julie Ann Joy R. Jarquio They are not fastidious Nor hard to refuse They are your fingers and toes Who will help and not your foes They don’t throw pelt on you But they give love that’s true They don’t put blame on you But they will accept what you will do so

The tears that you drop There are always hands that will wrap And yes there’s no need to ponder Cause they’re your family your best friend forever

serenity

By Jolly E. Lauriano The sun rises strikingly from the east With rays flashy as gold Illuminating the very core Of every worldly element Birds that glide merrily Lady bugs silently eavesdropping To the humming of the bees in triad Witnessing the marvels of nature Amidst the horde of towering trees There’s a genuine picturesque serenity.

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SOMEDAY, SOMEHOW

By Crisa Mae G. Dala Time seems so fast And I can’t hold tightly on it Memories are just fading like memoirs How I wish to keep the good one for a lifetime I’m thinking of you every single day Like I want to be with you each step of the way Oh, how may it happen? When we are two miles apart Can it be? Our fate is confusing.

But one thing I just want to let you know I will wait until the dawn comes Only for you, just for you ‘Cause someday, somehow, we will be together.

OF TREACHERY

By Jolly E. Lauriano In the rattling wilderness, I march with you Mindless of the serpents, monstrous and threatening Boundless width of darkness in the eerie night Cloaks and devours everything under its comfort

As the scene discloses a ray of light Bathes our hankering soul with sweeping euphoria You run so fast to catch the light Leaving me behind like a beaten hero You are a traitor I suppose Much as I feed you in my palm The more fervent your desire becomes To drag me down the grave of death.

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silver

By Rafael Jericho E. Magalit I was all alone. I saw nothing. It is pitch black from where I stood and I was starting to panic and hyperventilate. ‘I’m dead,” I said to myself. Even though I thought I was dead I did not believe it. I did what I do best in a situation like this, I sucked it up. I waded through the darkness. “Just like the hallways at school,” I muttered to myself. This had a bright side to it. I thought, at least I was alone, at least here in the darkness no one called me names like “fag” or “homo.“ . At least I was free. I am tired, it seemed like I have walked thousands of miles although I knew it has been only minutes. I sat down on the cold dark obsidian floors of the abyss. I thought about my family. I would miss them. They loved me even if I was what I am – gay. Then suddenly I felt the floor beneath me crack. I tried to stand up but it was too late. I was sucked into a hole in the darkness. Falling, I was falling. I felt the oxygen being vacuumed out of my lungs. Then a flash of bright white light struck me and then I woke up. I felt around my surroundings. I was in bed. My clothes drenched in sweat. I wiped my face with my hand then I searched for my alarm clock. It was 5 in the morning. “Oh well” I said. It was time for me to wake up anyway. I stood up from my bed and slipped on my fluffy white bunny slippers.

I went to my window and opened the curtains then I smiled at what I saw. The clouds seemed magical. A menagerie of colors seemed to stain its majestic fluffiness. Touches of orange and purples and blues and pinks, the feathered edges lined with gold as the sun was beginning to rise from its slumber. I tied the curtains to the post to let the light in. I walked to my dresser and picked the clothes that I’m going to wear to school today. I picked a slouchy tan sweater and light blue jeans. I walked to the bathroom and entered the shower. I love music so I have a water proof mp3 player and speakers in my shower – a gift from my dad for Christmas. I turned it on and picked out my favorite playlist. The speakers were booming the intoxicating and hypnotizing music of Lady Gaga. I loved her. Her music made me feel normal. I switched on the shower and sang to “Born This Way.” After a lot of flat notes and screechy choruses; I toweled off, got out the bath and got dressed. I fixed my icy blonde hair and put on my glasses. I slipped on my favorite chucks and walked out my room. I got my phone from my pocket and checked what time it was. It was 7o’clock. I walked down the stairs and saw my family in the kitchen having breakfast. I smiled. “Good morning, precious,” my mom sang while she handed me my breakfast. It was blueberry pancakes with whipped cream and a few slices of apricots. I sat down on my usual spot, near dad and my older brother, Rick. My dad is an accountant in a big bank. My brother is the star quarterback of our school. As I started to eat my food, my dad put down his morning paper and looked at me “Hey there sport,” he said in a very happy tone, “First day of class huh? You nervous?” I put down my fork and swallowed the pancakes in my mouth. “Yeah dad, I don’t have any friends yet.

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Nobody wanted to hang out with the queer” I said sadly then took a swig of soy milk in my glass. My family knew and accepted that I’m gay. They didn’t even flinch when I told them. They told me they love me, commended me for being brave and honest to them. “I’ll have none of that sterling. You’re a good boy. And an even greater person and if they can’t see that and won’t want to be your friend then I think that it’s their loss not yours. Cheer up kiddo.” My dad said to cheer me up,. My brother nudged my arm and it kinda hurt. He didn’t mean too, I knew, he’s just used to playing football. My brother Rick was very athletic. Brown eyes, large frame and a very muscular build while I, on the other hand was a few inches shorter than him. I had green eyes and my skin was pale as bone. I bleached my hair white and I was thin. Not a very attractive look but I loved the way I looked. “C’mon,“ said my brother who stood up and grabbed his bag as he headed towards the door. “We’re going to be late for the bus!” I grabbed my bag, bid mom and dad goodbye then I followed my brother to the door. “Have a great day, honey,” my mom shouted from the kitchen. I turned back and hugged her and dad then I finally went off.

I and Rick usually sat together at the bus. My brother was kinda my body guard, being rough and tough and all. We waited on the bus stop a couple of blocks away from our house. A few minutes later, the bus stopped right in front of us, the doors opened and a lady in a blue uniform greeted us when we climbed on. “Hey QS, what’s shakin’?” she said in a black American accent voice. She called me QS, it stood for quick silver, since my name was Sterling. Got it?. She was our bus driver. Her name was Mercedes Jade. Yes, Mercedes, like the car. Her dad loved the car so much so he named her after it. I call her “Hot Queen.” she reminded me of disco divas in the sixties that I called her that after the first time we met. She had this fabulous “power to the people” afro hair and full bangs that covered her whole forehead; she wore gold eye shadow so thick it looked like it was spackled on, thick false lashes that could pick up a stiff wind, red lipstick that looked like melted plastic and these faux gold bamboo hoop earrings like the size of cup holders. “Hey Hot Queen!” I answered back in a fake black American accent. She smiled and shifted her attention back on the road as she closed the doors behind us. As I and Rick went to our regular seat, I saw an unfamiliar face inside the bus.

He looked different, I thought to myself, not bad different but good different. He looked like, well, he looked attractive. He had pale skin like me but it was more beautiful, like marble lit from the inside by an unworldly glow. He was lean, maybe a few centimeters taller than me and he wore a simple ink blue v-neck shirt, khaki pants and combat boots. His face was somewhat chiseled, a strong jaw, a prominent chin, a hawkish nose and high cheekbones. His chocolate brown hair was a mix of wavy and curly that jutted out of his head in odd tufts that I thought was kind of badass. His cheeks and lips were flushed, like it was stained by freshly picked strawberries but what really caught my attention was his deep set eyes that seemed to tell a hundred love stories, the irises were the color of precious topaz so intense that it looked like they contained the iridescent shine of a million

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concentrated sun rises and sun sets. They were encased with long luscious lashes that came off like it was made of individually separated ostrich feathers. I didn’t notice that I was staring until my brother tapped my shoulder. He caught me by surprise and that caused me to back away abruptly. The result was my glasses slipping off my head and dropping on the dirty school bus floor. I bent down to search for it but I couldn’t find it, so I just went to our seat and sat down as my brother sat down beside me “Sorry, bro” my brother apologized. “It’s okay Rick, I still have another pair in my backpack.” I answered with a smile although I felt a pang of regret, darn those were my favorite pair of glasses. When the bus moved in a jolt, like a miracle my glasses appeared. They skidded under a seat. I stood up from my seat and told Rick I saw them and that I’ll be back in a few. I walked towards my glasses, I bent down to pick them up when suddenly, foreign hands grabbed them before I had the chance to. I looked up from my position and I thought my heart skipped two full beats. It was him. “Is this yours?” he asked in a thick French accent through his smile. I nodded in disbelief as he stretched his hand to give me my glasses back. I mustered up the sanity and said “Yes, thank you.” He smiled even wider then he spoke “Hello my name is Bravo, and you are..?” I was still in shock so the question hung in the air for a few awkward seconds until I snapped back to reality. “Oh h-hi, ummm hi, my name is Sterling” I blurted out. My cheeks began to feel warm. “Nice to meet you Sterling, I am new in town and I do not know anyone. I am an art major at your school”. He said as he gestured at the seat next to him. I realized I was still crouching on the floor, great, smooth move Sterling too much for quick silver. I awkwardly sat next to him. He smelled nice.

Actually vey intoxicating, he smelled of vanilla crème and coffee, blood oranges and cinnamon. He fiddled with his bag and pulled out a bar of chocolate. He unwrapped the confection and offered some to me; I hesitated at first then just snapped of just a bit. To my surprise, he snapped off a big chunk of it and offered it to me. “It’s quite good; it has cherry liqueur flavored jelly in the center.” Then he smiled that beautiful smile again. The bus ride ended. I never really went back to sit next to Rick. Oh well.

I and Bravo were seeing each other a lot lately. I kind of maybe like him just the teensiest bit. Who am I fooling? I absolutely adored the guy, but I didn’t know if he’d like me too. I mean, I thought he’s not gay, well, I thought he isn’t. He didn’t entertain any girls or anyone for that matter. I thought there’s something strange about him. Everyone wanted to be his friend yet, I was his only friend. LITERALLY. Oh well I was not the one to judge, I was just happy I had a friend in school other than my brother.

I and Bravo were in the cafeteria eating our lunch and then suddenly he passed me a note. I opened it. The note said “HI ” and yes, it had a smiley face. “Hi Bravo, what’s up?” I said in a voice, unsure of what the note meant. “Sterling, I want to tell you something important.” he said. His voice was deep and mysterious that I was kinda hesitant to ask him but I still wanted to know so I asked him

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anyway. “Okay, what is it Bravo?” I asked him as I reached for my sugar free soy latte to take a sip. “I like you.” he said. I almost spit out my latte, “What?” I blurted out. “I. LIKE. YOU.” He emphasized each word so as to make a serious statement. “I like you Sterling, I’m drawn to you. I want us to date. I would like to take you out on a date.” he answered with conviction. “I ummm, uhhh, hmm what?” I stuttered, I didn’t know what to say, what to think. Why would this overly attractive guy like me? I mean there were hundreds, of girls and boys who would sell their soul just for one date with him. I mean really..” “I know what you're thinking.” he interrupted me while I was thinking, man, he’s good. I looked at him then he continued his sentence “You think that you don’t deserve me don’t you? You're thinking that I'm only kidding or something like that but I am not Sterling, why do you do that to yourself? Thinking of yourself so low, making yourself feel so insignificant. Well you're wrong, you don’t know haw adorable and precious you are, how charming and innocent. You see the good in people but people only see that bad things in you. I like you and I will not be persuaded by you to think otherwise.” I was dumbfounded. I was silent. “Okay then, I will pick you up at seven from your house.” He said then turned and walked away. So I guessed I wil have date.

I HAVE A DATE! Omg. omg omg. I didn’t have anything to wear, ugh! This was so frustrating. Okay Sterling, calm yourself, breath in, breath out. Okay. I was ready, I looked at my alarm clock. 6:45 pm. Omg omg omg omg! I started to panic again 15 minutes left and I still have nothing to wear, then my phone beeped. [ONE TEXT MSG. RECEIVED: BRAVO: Don’t worry about what to wear. ]. I swear, this boy can read minds. I picked out a maroon graphic shirt, gray pants and black converse. I'm ready. As I walked out my room, I noticed that my mom and dad and Rick was laughing. “Hmmm, why?” I asked myself. When I got to the living room I saw Bravo. Then they all turned to me. “Oh hello Sterling.” Bravo said in a sly voice. “How’d you get here? I mean, I never told you my address.” Oops. “That would be my fault.” my brother interjected. “Quite a good boy you have here son, I like him.” my dad said as he patted Bravo’s shoulder. “Let’s take a picture of you two!” my mom said in a sing song voice. “My little Sterling, off to his first date.” she said with a few tears forming in her eyes. “Mom...” I muttered suddenly getting a bit embarrassed. Mom took our picture and I said goodbye to my dad and Rick.

Bravo and I exited our house and we headed outside. When I went through our front gate I almost swallowed my tongue “WOW, this is your car?” I gaped.

“Yeah, it’s nothing it’s just a car.” he said nonchalantly. It was a midnight black Mercedes convertible. He opened the door and gestured me to hop in. I did so and he got to the wheel and started the engine. He drove; I noticed a picnic basket on the backseat. I guessed we were having a picnic. I looked at him, he smiled. I liked it when he smiles. He looked like a movie star. We drove for a few minutes until we arrived at a spot a few meters away from our school. I kinda got scared, it was just like the woods and all, I mean oh my gosh, was he going to kill me? Was he a freakin’ ax murderer? Ok. Overly dramatic, I knew. We got off the

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car then went into the thick foliage. He led me through the woods. A few meters from the entrance he said he had to blindfold me, I said ok and so he did. In my mind I was thinking “Please don’t be an ax murderer, please don’t be an ax murderer, and please don’t be an ax murderer.” over and over. Then a few minutes later, he said I can take the blindfold off. As I took the blindfold off. What I saw next was like a scene from a fairytale. We were at a small clearing in the woods. It was a small spot, just big enough for two. There were tea candles scattered meticulously on the ground. The branches of the trees which surrounded the clearing were draped with fairy lights, they looked like pixie dust trails. The miniscule lights from the candles and the fairy lights bathed us in a warm romantic amber glow. In the middle of the clearing lay a blanket. The basket was at the side now. Its contents already laid out on the fabric. There was a bottle of sparkling grape juice, a sandwich big enough for two, a triangle of cheese and a box of chocolate dipped strawberries. I looked at him. He was staring at me. I ducked my head. He lifted my head by the chin. “How do you like it?” he asked a small smile forming on his lips. “I love it.” I said, meaning every syllable and letter in that sentence. He smiled wider. “I’m happy.” he said. He took my hand then led me to the blanket we sat down. “I bet you're hungry, c’mon, we don’t want to waste such good food.” we began to feast. I wondered how he got this. All of this stuff to happen but I won’t ask. I want it to be a mystery.

I gazed into the flickering embers of the candles and dazzled at the lights that danced upon the trees. I noticed that music was playing, one of my favorite songs actually it’s entitled “Flightless bird, American mouth” it was the ending song scene in twilight, when Bella and Edward was slow dancing. I suddenly felt someone tug me up. “Can I have this dance?” he asked me. I looked up at him. His phone in one hand, the source of the melody. I stood up. He held me close. I inhaled his essence.

Blood oranges and vanilla crème, I was intoxicated once again. He whispered in my ear “I wish this night would last forever, I wish we could stay like this for eternity.” I didn’t answer. But I snuggled the space between his shoulder and his neck. I felt him kiss the top of my head. He hugged me tighter. I hugged him back.

We wallowed in the moment. In this small piece of paradise of our own creation, we did not need words. The slightest of touch, the memory of a smile, the glimmer of firelight, the stars overhead - frozen teardrops of the moon. We were encapsulated by the here and now. The swatches of time like the fallen leaves on the ground. Our satellite hearts found now its orbit. We were one. The air hung around us like a cloak. We did not care. I thought we never will. We danced throughout the night.

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DEADLINE

By Aimee Jane D. Ureta It seems like people focus on something else Somehow worldly, I just can’t tell Happiness out of material things is what they posses But how about that of unseen things, have they invested?

It seems that it doesn’t matter For some people about the world The coming deadline of this Earth The judgment day in the Bible, have they known?

Have you served God enough?

Have you spent your life wise enough?

Do your qualifying documents were with you now?

Think of this, “The deadline is near to come.”

THIS BROKEN HEART ByOFJellie MINE F. Dionela I am in a state of fidgety In a squalid room Thinking the havoc I made That now on its ignominious state How can I afford to have this?

To be in jeopardy In a world that is tactless Where I sometimes think, to lacerate my arm

I want to expunge the memories That keeps on haunting me for years I want to be a sturdy girl So this broken heart of mine will be healed.

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MYSTICAL BLINK

By Kimberly R. Lacorte

Is it a waste of time?

Creating a poem of affection rhyme.

Or call me damn crazy Stealing you as my specimen in this poetry If for you it’s annoying, I’m so sorry Will you accept my sincere apology?

Or just ignore it as if you don’t hear me, Though just a fantasy, it relieves all my weary I never demand or wish you to adore me Nor even be my shining armor or husband to be ‘Cause it’s enough stealing a five-second stare at you Reminds me that everyday is so great to feel blue I once saw you all alone in a bench Secretly gazing at you as a stealing scent Was like committing mistake without conscience While I saw teary eyes you shed in tense Your sight straight from a distance of emptiness Yet from there I felt your heavy sighs’ caress How I really wished that I could cheer you up Yet I was just a shadow, realization slapped Same scenario flashes like heavy rain Before I sleep, as I wake up, I feel like I’m insane How could I tell myself, how will I train Not minding you and your every single pain Now when I steal a second stare at you I prefer smelling my wicked scented shoe ‘Cause seeing your smile dancing in lies Is like gazing at heavy pains hiding in your eyes

When will be the next time that I will see?

True smile in your eyes painted with glee That smile turns all my bluest memory Into brightest days in my life’s history 52

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1

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3

PERSPECTIVEs 4 5

6 7

8 10

9

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15 Jemuel B. Garcia III (1, 3, 6, 10, 12, 13); Joestine Clyde V. Tolores (4, 7);Japheth M. Rioja (2); Japheth M. Rioja (5, 9); Andrea D. Flores (8, 14, 16, 18, 20); and Dave Varona (15, 17, 19)

artists

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18

17

20

THE PERISCOPERS Don’t ask us, we don’t even know where he gets his ideas. But here’s a point: he hates rhymes—talk about a modernist poet.

His creative juices expand as sexy as his waist line. Conventional-ly out-of-the-box *sigh*, he can’t fit in.

Known for his unorthodox poetic styles, most may misunderstand his works as radically nonsensical, but truth be told, he’s just being creatively advanced.

She’s so poignant, all you just wanna do is crawl at the corner and sulk yourself in tears after reading her works. #LalimNgHugot #HugotPaMore

that, isn’t she always amazed? constant awestruck wanderer.

Isn’t she amazing? Wait! Let’s rephrase Because she is! A child at heart and a

Kasing lalim ng hatinggabi ang kanyang pinaglingapang diwa sa kanyang mga sulatin… Oh dear, another #LalimNgHugot girl of the AT E. Board— Mother tongue edition.

An introvert, or is she? Nobody notice her talks, or does she talks at all?

His sensibility as a writer is nothing to be questioned at [period]. #ManOfFewWordsAngPeg His self description: ‘I’m awesome!’ and the rest of us raised our brows. A nonchalant writer not afraid of provoking the curiosity of our minds, as to quote, he’s ‘Too damn sexy to be safe.’

She’s single but she always talks about love, we wonder… #Nagpapahiwatig A modern gal who’s not afraid to roll down the street just to have a perfect shot. As she always say, YOLO! [insert her killer smile here]… no further comment. XD The E Board manga 101 master. With his pen and paper, watch out, for he’ll rule the world with his mind-blowing anime!

Too serious to talk about… next please! #ManOfFewWords #PaMysterious Mahipus, mahim-ong pero ah-uhmm, may ibubuga. #IkawNa!

Doodle buff, maximalist, and will never halt until he finish covering the whole bond paper with his… uhm… completely random creativity.

Here’s one writer who’s not afraid to hit a rhyme or two. Basically outlandish and technically sarcastic *insert evil grin here*.

CONTRIBUTORS As for The Aklan Tradesman, he is perceived to be the future legend of Akaeanon literature. With his vast knowledge of Akeanon verses and a wide pool of figurative lines, you’ll simply get drown with your nose secreting drops of reddish liquid.

From silly jokes to spicy critiques, this woman is more of a wonder. She is as animated as her brisk gestures everytime she writes a literary piece.

The most lovaholic poet we ever have in our publication. She always makes a superb “hugot” from her bittersweet experiences in the context of romance.

She is that of a timid type but when she gets to hold a pen and piece of paper she becomes incredibly prolific. Her masterpieces frequently range from reflective drama and human nature wrapped with sweet melody and wise insights.

She is as confident to pour down her thoughts on paper as she flaunts with modesty at her best composure. Mind you, even a fallen piece of leaf on its late stage of decomposition inspires her to go poetic.

This cherry lady’s raging passion for writing drove her to share some of her literary write ups with everyone. Seeing her outputs vividly embedded in one of the pages of our publication is much of an honor for her.

THE AKLAN TRADESMAN EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2014-2015

JOLLY E. LAURIANO Editor-in-Chief

JEMUEL B. GARCIA III

Associate Editor and Layout Artist

ALLYN T. ARTATES

RAFAEL JERICHO E. MAGALIT

WILFRED G. BRIONES

ANN D. MANGILAYA

News Editor

Literary Editor

Feature Editor

Senior Staff Writer

JANZ M. SAMPATON CLARISSA LORENZ I. ALFONSO JOHN BREX B. BRIONES CRISA MAE G. DALA JULIE ANN JOY R. JARQUIO JELLIE F. DIONELA

DENMARK B. FRANCISCO JAPHETH M. RIOJA JULIUS R. ANTONIO JOHN CARL S. ESBIETO JOESTINE CLYDE V. TOLORES Staff Artists

Junior Staff Writers

SYRA ARIANNA A. ROMAQUIN ANDREA D. FLORES Photojournalists

Mrs. Aphrile l. De angel Mrs. Leunamatileme g. tosoc Content Critics

Mr. Peter R. Arboleda Mrs. Cherry Mae R. Teodosio Advisers/Moderators

Dr. Ersyl t. biray Consultant