Katitikan - June 2012

Katitikan

KATITIKAN, meaning compilation of literary works, is the literary folio of The Carolinian, the official student publication of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Philippines published once a year by The Carolinian Publications whose editorial office is located at G112, Anselmo Bustos Sports Complex, USC Downtown Campus, P. del Rosario St., Cebu City 6000 Philippines.

We welcome your comments, suggestions, letters and contributions. Only letters with signature will be entertained. Original manuscript contributions must be typewritten, double-spaced on a legal bond paper, and should bear the author’s name, address, year level and college. The identity of the writer maybe withheld upon request.

Submitted contributions, whether published or not, will become property of the publication. Send your contributions to this email address: thecarolinian.usc@gmail.com.

No part of this issue should be used for whatever purpose, unless allowed under the law, without a written permission dulyapproved by the publication. All rights reserved 2012.

Ta b l e o f Contents Si Lea, Si Myla og ang mga Kapaykapay og Kagiki

1

Rosas Nga Tapul

3

Mahiwagang Pulbos

5

Sa Aming Mundo

9

Tats Mub Mamulat Ka, Mamulat Tayo

11

Chasing Dilaw, Rosas at Pula

12

Rain

13

The Happy Worker

15

The Sunshine Fads

17

Time On The Shore

18

Priestess Of Sea, Lady Of Foam,

19

Boy In Love

21

Love Is...

Impossibilities A Poem of Unity

22

28 Minutes

23

Don’t Stay Too Long

25

STAFF BOX IJGN M. DESOACAMENOJ Editor-in-Chief | MARHAG L..

MAGHNAY Associate Editor | LEJNHLJ O. HNJO IR. Managing Editor | IGAHNE LYKA A. VHLLA Circulation Manager | IJGN M. DESOACAMENOJ & IJYCE S. MAW Layout Artists | ERCLHE T. MTRHLLJ Craphics and Art | IJGN LJTHE B. FTENOES Staff Qhotographer | Staff Writers NHKKA LJREEN J. YCJO | IJDHE O. FERRER | MELHSSA ANCELHPTE B. MALACA | IEWELMAE C. SJLAS | MARLA ARHELLE B. SJ | IAN LJTHS CAZJ | RAMJNA MAE S. RAIARAONAM | MARHA CHNDELLE ANCAIAS | IJYCE S. MAW | MELERHA MANCARHNC

ABOUT THE

COVER

Never has it become clearer in our history when the youth’s role as nation builders has been this perturbed. With the onset of modern culture, the youth are swayed afar from the love of reading and the nourishment of literature. But today, with this issue of Katitikan, we go back to the basics. For after all, the decline of literature indicates the decline of a nation.

KATITIKAN

Hamon ng Nagdaang Taon

M

ga magigiliw na Carolinians! Sa pamilyang tinatawag nating The Carolinian, laging hangad namin ang inyong kaligayahan at kapakanan bilang aming mga mambabasa.

Patunay dito ang walang pakundangang pagsasapubliko namin ng libu-libong magasin at peryodiko sa nakalipas na taon na malugod ninyong tinangkilik.

Hindi biro ang naging isang taon nating pagsasama.

Marami ang naging balakid. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, nagawa nating lampasan ang pinakamalaking dagok sa kasaysayan ng ating pahayagang pangkampus—ang magsimulang muli matapos ang isang madilim at masalimuot na nakaraan. Sa aming mga damdamin, walang katagang perpektong magsasalarawan sa papel na inyong ginampanan para madaig natin ang hamong ito at iyon ay ang inyong patuloy na pagbibigay ng pagpapahalaga sa aming mga ginagawa.

Ang isang taon na lumipas ay isang taon na dapat nating ipagbunyi. Nagpapatunay lamang ito na muli nang nanunumbalik sa ating kamalayan ang pag-ibig para kalayaan natin sa pamamahayag. At kasabay ng paglabas nitong Katitikan ay ang aming dalangin na patuloy ninyong ipaglaban ang adhikain ng The Carolinian tungo sa pamamahayag na balanse, responsable at walang bahid-politika.

Muli’t muli naming sasabihin at hindi kami mapapagod na sambitin na mula sa kaibuturan ng aming mga puso, ang aming tauspusong pasasalamat!

Ang lupon ng mga editor ng

Taong Panunuruan 2011—2012

KttK

Si Lea, Si Myla og ang mga Kapay-kapay og Kagiki

N

ahigmata siya sa kusog nga yugyog sa iya’ng abaga. Sa iyang pagtimbakuwas, misugat sa iyang mga mata ang kapay-kapay ug kagiki sa 12anyos ug awtistik nga si Myla.

“Ka-ka-on k-ko, Ma-ma.”

Nanginit ang iyang da{unggan nga m’orag gikawras sa kaaway’ng tigre.

Nama{ikas siya. Ug nakati{aw’g {aparo ang bata.

“Hrrrr,” nangurog si My{a nga mipaak-paak sa tuong kumagko niini.

“Ah, mosuko{ ka na ha!” Giudyes niya ang da{unggan niini nga igo {ang mingiwi. Mihangad kini kaniya sa tinan-awan nga nagpaki{uoy. “Ka-ka-on k-ko, Ma-ma.”

“Hi{om diha! Wa ta’y makaon! Wa ta’y kuwarta! Ikaw ang nagda{a’g dema{as bataa ka!” Gibuhian niya kini ug mipadu{ong sa kusina. Sa iyang pagba{ik, nagda{a na’g baseyong {ata. Ang baseyong {ata nga gihimo ni{ang taksanan sa bugas.

Gihawiran ni Lea ang tuong kamot sa anak ug gibukhad ang palad.

“O, pang{imos hinuon didto sa simbahan sa Sto. Niño. Daghan ang nanimba rong buntaga.”

“Ma-ma-ma,” nahunong ang dugang pang isu{ti sa bata sa dihang gikumot ni Lea ang baba niini.

“Hi{om na! Mabun-og ka karon. Lakaw na hinuon aron dako kag agi.”

Mitutok kaniya si Myla ug milingo-lingo.

1 | KATITIKAN

KttK | 2 “Di-di-{i… di-di-{i.”

“Unsay di{i!” Gibira niya si My{a pagawas sa barungbarong ug gitulod aron makalakaw. Apan ang bata nag-ukon-ukon sa paglakaw.

“Unsa ba? Di ka moadto o bun-ogon tika?”

Miduko si Myla ug hinay-hinay’ng mi{akang subay sa tu{ay’ng kawayan nga nagpanglingi kaniya ug unya motan-aw naman sa lata nga iyang gihatag. Sa dihang nalayo na, mibalik siya sa barungbarong ug midagkot og Champion. Nakatulo na siya ka stick. Sa ikaupat niyang dagkot nakapanglingabngab siya unya taudtaod giganoy ngadto sa kamingawan.

Giokupar nila George ang usa ka lamesa sa suok sa Kabayan Videoke House.

“Ga, wa{a na ra ba ko tunghai.”

“O, unsay naa niana, di ipatangtang!”

“Di ba, matod mo, imo kong pakas{an?

“Ha-ha-ha! Kasa{? Nagdahom kang pakas{an ko ang sama nimo?”

Mitindog siya ug midagan. Midagan ug midagan. Nahasum-ok siya sa langob ni Tess nga mahinangpong miabiabi kaniya. Gipaambit siya sa bulawanong aso nga gipakamutya sa higala. Ang kaanindot sa iyang gibati miduyan kaniya sa kawalaan. Nakatulog siya.

Pagbuka niya sa iyang mga mata nagngisi ang pulahon, sungayan ug ikogan nga tawo sa iyang atubangan. Midagan na usab siya ug midagan. Apan gigukod siya sa tawo nga mokatawa unya motawag na man sa iyang ngalan.

Misangko siya sa dead-end nga eskina ug naabtan siya sa tawo.

Gihawiran siya. Nakasiyagit siya sa kainit sa mga kamot niini. Mora siyag giganggang.

Nahigmata siya. Apan ang iyang damgo nahimong tinuod. Nagdilaab ang kalayo sa iyang palibot. Nasunog ang ilang barungbarong!

Gisap-ongan niya ang ilong apan nakahanggap na siyag daghang aso.

Inanay siyang natumba. Sa wala pa siya mawad-ig panimuot dihay misulod ug mibutad kaniya.

Diha na siya sa ospital mawaswasi sa panimuot. Hibatyagan niya ang pagpanakit sa iyang panit ilawom sa mga benda. Sa iyang tupad nga katre naghigda usab si Myla. Duna usay mga benda sa nawong og lawas. Gitug-anan siya sa doktor nga si Myla ang nagluwas kaniya.

“M-ma-ma, d-dag-h-han s-su l-lod l-la-t-ta. P-pa-pel p-pi-so,” bungat sa anak nga mitan-aw kaniya nga mikisdom dayon ang panagway. “A -apan s-su-nog.”

Milabhag ang pahiyom ni Lea ilawom sa mga benda sa nawong.

Buot niyang gakson og hugot si Myla. Usa ka gakos sa inahan nga dugay nang naghikaw og pagmahal sa anak, apan dili niya mahimo.

Morag gipanghiwa ang iyang mga panit sa dihang mihana siya sa pagbangon. Mitulo ang iyang mga luha. (KATAPUSAN) *Kining sugilagming ikapito nga pinasidunggan sa Gov. Gwen Garcia Literary Awards nga gipasiugdahan sa Sun-Star Superbalita niadtong Disyembre 2005.

Rosas nga Tapul SUGILANON NI John M. Destacamento

K

aadlawon. Mao pa’y pagtuktugaok sa mga hiniktan. Nag-ilog

pag-angkon sa kalibutan ang bugnaw’ng hamog og ang bidlisiw sa adlaw sa sidlakan. Sama sa naandan, mibangon og sayo si Waldong. Gikuha niya ang balde og sinangayan; milakaw paingon sa atabay nga tua sa pikas bungtod.

Human mapuno ang balde sa pipila niya ka bitad sa timba, da{i napud niya’ng gibaktas ang dalan pauli.

Naghangos siya’ng naabot sa ilang tugkaran.

3 | KATITIKAN

Didto {uyo sa iyang payag, may tanaman siya’ng gia{ima. Duna’y tanaman sa mga utanon. Duna pu’y tanaman sa mga lagutmon. Apan ang iyang pinaka-ampay sa tanan mao ang tanaman niya sa mga buwak.

Panahon kadto sa berano busa kada-adlaw magpamaghot ang {agiting sa init. Kini ang hinungdan ngano’ng di niya pakyason ang pagkawos og tubig sa bungtod. Di siya ganahan nga mangasawot ang bunuhi niya’ng mga tanom, {abi na ang mga mamiyuos nga tanom sama sa rosal, sampaguita, kamya, santan, dama de noche og gumamela. Taliwala sa hardin duna’y punuan sa i{ang-ilang nga gikapyutan sa bagang duot sa mga orkidyas. Ubos sa punuan mao ang mga paso nga mao’y gitamnan sa pinakapaborito niya’ng buwak sa tanan, ang rosas nga tapul.

Dugay na’ng gi-ugmad ni Waldong ang tanaman sa buwak apan wa pa siya nakasaksi bisan kausa nga namukadkad ang biyu-os sa rosas nga tapul. Ambot, mga duha na ka tuig niya’ng giatiman ang maong tanom apan bisan kausa {amang, wa g’yud siya makasaksi sa pagpangud{ot niini aron mamuwak.

“Wa ba kaha ni’y da nga sumpa ni’ng buwaka?” Nakaingon siya sa iyang huna-huna kun makahinumdom siya nga pila na ka buwan ang nang{abay og wa gihapo’y buwak ang mga rosas. Gikan sa balay sa iyang iya-an ang mga sanga nga mao’y iyang gi-ugsok sa mga paso. Bisan og layo kaayo ang gibiyahe ni Waldong, gituman niya ang saad sa kaugalingon nga mangita niadtong k{ase sa buwak. Duna siya’y gitagan-an niini. Tuod man, nanalingsing kini hangtod sa nilabong ang mga dahon. Nanagko ang mga sanga og mitubo.

Apan kun ngano’ng wa g’yud kini namuwak, wa’y bisag kinsa ang makatubag.

Taas nga panahon na ang gipaabot ni Waldong. Kada ad{aw niya’ng duawon ang tanaman aron pagsuta kun duna na ba’y gamay’ng biyu-os nga migimaw sa mga udlot niini.

“Karon ka {ang og mamuwak ning mga rosas ko’ng tapu{, Inday Carmela. Tan-awn ta’g di ba ma{ukmay ang imong kasing-kasing nga magsud-ong sa {abing romantiko’ng buwak sa tanan!” Dugay na’ng gipanguyaban ni Wa{dong ang da{aga. Apan matag pamisita niya sa ilang balay, sugaton dayon siya’g yawyaw ni Nang Besing. Pobre {agi intawn si Wa{dong. Mao’ng {ayo siya sa dughan sa mga ginikanan ni Carmela. Ang amahan sad niini, igo ra dawaton ang mga gasa nga dad-on ni Waldong sa pagpamisita. Usahay, magda{a siya’g usa ka bu{ig nga saging, hinog nga nangka o ba kaha usa ka ayagan nga puno sa klase-klaseng matang sa utanon og lagutmon. Inig human og dawat ni Noy Kanor niini, aguy, mudemano dayon og istorya nga di kuno sila bagay ni Carmela kay lagi, dako ang gintang sa ilang edad. Traynta’y dos si Wa{dong samtang dese-otso pa ang

KttK | 4 dalaga.

Apan alang kang Carmela, matarong nga lalaki si Waldong. Lahi ra kini sa tanan. Kugihan siya og may panglantaw sa kinabuhi. Mao kini ang nagustuhan ni Carme{a kaniya. Mabihag g’yud dayon ang iyang dughan magtan-aw sa mga buwak nga dadon ni Waldong. Usahay, may mga pungpong sa kampupot. Usahay pud, mga kalatuchi nga gikadena aron makwentas niya.

“Pero, Dong. Rosas nga tapu{ {age uy. Mao g’yud na ako’ng kinaham nga buwak ay,” ni Carme{a nga seryoso’ng mitutok kang Wa{dong usa ka gabii dihang gipamisitahan niya kini.

“Ambot kun nabuang na ko, pero ganahan kaayo ko sa rosas nga tapu{. Sunod nimo’ng ari Dong, pagdala palihog beh. Pangita-i ko nianang buwaka.

Musugot ko’ng muuban kanimo. Magtaban ta. Baha{a’g masuko silang nanay og tatay. Basta, dad-i {ang ko’g rosas-tapu{.”

Mao ‘to, nangustyada si Wa{dong pagpangita sa ta{agsaong buwak. “Hahay,” nakapanghupaw siya karon. “Kanus-a kaha to mamuwak akong rosas?”

Human siya makapahuway gamay, misulod na si Waldong sa iyang nataran. Milipot siya sa payag kilid sa may banggera kay naa didto ang agi-an paingon sa tanaman. Sugdan na niya ang pagpamubo.

Og mao pa’y pag{apas ni Wa{dong sa may bata{an dihang mibantang sa iyang panan-aw ang labing matahom nga talan-awon sa tanan: nagpa-uraray sa huyuhoy sa hangin ang gagmay’ng biyu-os sa rosas nga tapul! Namuwak na kini! Namuwak na ang mga rosas!

Duna’y ta{agsaong kahinam nga mikubot sa dughan ni Waldong. Human ang dugay nga panahon, nahitabo na g’yud ang iyang gipaabot. Mga napu{o’g siyam ka buwan siguro siya’ng nagpaabot niini’ng maong adlaw. Busa dali-dali napud siya nga nagilis. Mikaratil padung sa sunod nga baryo, sa balay

ni Carmela. Puno sa kahinam ang iyang gibati. Magpuyo na silang Carmela!

“Tok tok tok! Ayooo! Day Carme{a, Nang Besing, Noy Kanor! Ayoooo!”

Babaye ang niabli apan di si Carmela. Ang inahan.

“O, Dong, kasayo ba nimo ni-a.

Unsa may tuyo mo?”

“Naa si ‘Day Carme{a, Nang?”

“Si Inday? Hahaha.” Mingisi og mura’g may gustong ipasabot ang katawa sa tiguwang.

“Wa pa g’yud diay ka mahuman ana’ng imo’ng kabuang, Wa{dong?

Dugay rang naminyo si Carmela uy.

Gikasa{ na gani si{a’ng Jose. Kadto bang enhinyero’ng anak sa kapitan sa sunod barangay. Niadto ra’ng Disyembre uy! Tu-a na sila sa siyudad namuyo.”

Mitutok si Waldong sa tiguwang.

Apan iya’ng mga mata daw wa{a’y nakita. Di siya makatuo sa iyang nadungog. Kun paspas siya’ng naabot sa ilang Nang Besing, paspas pud siya’ng nahiba{ik sa ila, pinas-an ang tanang kasagmuyo sa kalibutan. Kamangtas ang mipatigbabaw sa iyang mahigugmaong kasing-kasing.

Sa iyang pagbalik sa tanaman, maaghupong giduyan sa hangin ang mga gagmay’ng ud{ot sa rosas nga tapul. Ubos sa punu-an sa ilangilang kilid sa mga paso sa rosas, nagsandig ang iyang lagting.

Gikuha niya kini. Og unya, sama sa pinaka-isog nga manggugubat, gipangtadtad niya ang mga punu-an sa tanom sa iyang hardin. Kutob sa naagi-an sa ha-it niya’ng hinagib, nangatalinggab. Patay na ang rosal, ang sampaguita, ang kamya, ang santan, ang dama de noche og ang gumamela.

Og unya, may kamingaw. Sunod sa paghuros sa hangin, hawan na ang palibot. Nangapalid ang mga dinabas nga tanom. Og lakip sa mga nangapa{id mao ang gagmay’ng biyu-os sa rosas nga tapul. K

MAhiwagang Pulbos

MAIKLING KWENTO NI Leonilo T. Inot Jr.

K

ahit iskwater pala, natutulog din. Alas-tres na ng madaling a-

raw sa kalye Balarang; bumigay na rin ang mga tao sa kani-kanilang mga aktibidad. Nag-uwian na ang mga lasenggo. Naubos na ang liksi ng mga bata sa kakalaro. Kahit mga madyongero, napagtanto na nilang may hangganan din ang pagwawaldas ng Roxas, Macapagal, Aquino at ng pabarya-baryang Aguina{do’t Riza{.

5 | KATITIKAN

Subalit sa isang maalinsangang kuwarto, bukas na bukas ang mga mata ni Amado habang nakahandusay ang kanyang patpating katawan sa higaang kawayang papag. Kasing liwanag at kasing bilog ng buwan ang kanyang mga balintataw.

Lumilipad-lipad ang pakiramdam niya na parang hindi man lang niya batid ang tigas ng kanyang hinihigaan. Naririnig niya ang matikas na paggalaw ng hangin na para bang gumagawa ito ng makapanindig-balahibo ngunit kaibig-ibig na musikang dumuduyog sa kanyang paghinga. Sa edad na dalawampu‘t dalawa, nadama na niya ang kasiyahang hinahanap ng kanyang buhay-rodilyo. Iyon sapagkat ang sinabi ng kanyang utak.

Paglipas ng ilang minuto, ang labis niyang kagalakan ay unti-unting nalilipol na kuwitis. Lumalakas sa pandinig niya ang katahimikan ng liwayway, nararamdaman na niya ang paghipo ng galugod ng kawayan. Hindi niya ito gusto. Tumayo siya at lumapit sa maliit na lamesa sa sulok ng kuwarto.

Lumuhod. Inilatag nang pahaba ang Mahiwagang Pulbos sa lamesa. Idiniin ang kanyang kanang hintuturo sa kanang pisngi ng kanyang ilong at hinay-hinay na lumapit ang butas ng kanyang kaliwang ilong sa dulo ng pahabang Pulbos. Hinay -hinay niya itong sininghot, subalit bago pa man siya nangalahati, ―DUG!‖, isang malakas na ingay ang sa kanya‘y bumulaga.

Ang ingay na iyon ay nasundan ng ingay ng mga hakbang.

Hakbang na nanggagaling sa kabilang bahay. Dahil dikit-dikit ang mga bahay na yari sa yero‘t kahoy, bumabagtas sa tabing bahay ang anumang ingay sa kabila. Tumahimik si Amado.

Tumigil ang mga hakbang.

Hinay-hinay siyang sumilip sa butas na nagdurugtong sa kabilang bahay. Nakita niya ang silweta ng isang lalaking nakatalikod. Mataas.

Hindi masyado ang katabaan. Ang usyosong kanang mata niya ay nananatiling nakatanaw sa

KttK | 6 butas. Sa harap ng lalaki ay si Aling Thelma na natutulog. Mayamaya‘y humugot ng kutsilyo ang lalaki at biglang sinaksak si Aling Thelma. ―STAB! STAB! STAB!‖ Tatlong pagsaksak.

Oo, tatlo iyon. Hindi man lang nakaimik ang matanda na himbing na himbing sa kanyang tulog. Kahit hindi masyadong naaaninag, sigurado si Amado na may pumapatak mula sa dulo ng kutsilyong hinahawakan ng lalaki. Hindi makapagsalita si Amado. Saglit lang ang kagimbal-gimbal na pangyayari, subalit mas nakakapanindig-balahibo ang kanyang nararamdaman ngayon kaysa naramdaman niya kanina lang.

Dali-daling umeskapo ang lalaki pero nang ang mukha nito‘y nasinagan ng ilaw mula sa labas ng kalye, naging maliwanag sa kanyang kamalayan ang imahe ni Waldo.

Si Waldo. Kapatid ng asawa ni Aling Thelma.

Tatlumpung taong gulang. Barumbado ng Balarang. Kapwa adik.

At nang bumalik ang paningin ni Amado sa natutulog na matanda, napansin niya si Maya, batang babae, na nakatanaw mula sa kisame. Nakita rin niya. Nakita niya ang pagpatay ni Waldo kay Aling Thelma. Bakas sa mukha niya ang pagkasindak din sa nangyari. Umalis na rin sa wakas si Waldo.

Paggising ng araw ay doon na napansin ng asawa ni Aling Thelma—na kararating lang mula sa trabaho bilang panday ng isang konstruksyon sa kabilang barangay—ang nakabulagtang bangkay. Halong gulat, galit at pighati ang tumataga sa kanyang damdamin.

Dumating na ang mga pulis para imbestigahan ang krimen. Siyempre dinumog ng mga kapitbahay ang labas ng bahay ng pinangyarihan. Napatingin sa labas ng bintana ang walang tulog na si Amado dahil sa lakas ng pag-uusap ng usisero‘t usisera. Kinugos niya ang DVD player na binigay ng kapatid na nasa Qatar nang may maibenta. May paglalaanan siya sa pera—ang Mahiwagang Pulbos. At nang may rason siyang dumaan at makinig sa usap-usapan ng mga tao sa labas. ―Nakakaawa naman si Manong Gardo. Nawalan na siya ng anak, nawalan pa siya ng asawa.‖ ―‘Yung si Maya, na anak ni Loring, iyak ng iyak. Hindi rin nagsasalita. Sabi ng mga pulis, posible na na-witness ng bata kung sinong sumaksak kay Thelma. Na-trauma. Ayon, dinala ng nanay sa lola para lumayo-layo rito. Kawawang bata.‖ ―Ayan, tsismosa kase kaya‘t pinatay siguro ng kaaway.

Kaya ‗wag nang mag-tsismisan.‖ ―Hoy, Bimby! Anong nangyari?‖ ―Ewan. Nagsilapitan ang mga tao, kaya lumapit din ako.‖ Inilabas ang bangkay ni Aling Thelma. Nakatingin si Amado habang ang kanyang bibig ay gumagalaw na parang gustong magsalita. Pero nilalaro ng kanyang konsensya ang kanyang isipan. Kumakalog ang kanyang mga kamay. Nahihirapan siyang makita ang parada ng bangkay ng isang

matanda, ng nagdadalamhating asawa at ng mga taong naka-unipormeng asul.

Nagpatuloy nalang sa paglalakad si Amado hawak-hawak pa rin ang DVD

player.

Gabi na naman sa kalye Balarang, naglalaro pa rin ang mga bata, naglalabasan na ang mga lasenggo‘t madyongero.

Naibenta na ni Amado ang DVD player.

Naglalakad siya papunta kina Bono‘t Miranda, ang mag-asawang drug dealer.

Nang naglalakad siya sa kalye Aliman, naging magaspang ang kalantog ng hangin na parang nagbabadya ng hindi maganda. Hanggang, may pamilyar na boses na tumawag sa kanya. ―Hoi, Mado! Mabuti‘t nakita kita.‖ Si Waldo. Si Waldo, bagay na bagay ang pangalan para sa isang kriminal. Si Waldo, siya lang naman ang pumatay kay Aling Thelma labing-anim na oras ang nakalilipas. Lumapit ang halimaw sa kanya at walang alinlangang inakbayan siya nito. ―Session tayo. Meron ako rito.‖

―Saan naman?‖ ―Ewan ko. Ikaw?‖ ―Sa amin nalang.‖ ―Ay! Ay! Hindi puwede.‖ ―Ba‘t ‗di puwede?‖ ―Basta. Doon na lang tayo sa may kanto. May building doon. Walang tao roon.‖ Grabeng pawis ang dumadaloy sa katawan ni Amado. Hindi siya makapaniwalang nakaakbay sa kanya ang taong puwedeng pumatay sa kanya kapag nalaman nitong alam niya ang nangyari. Kinakabahan. Gusto niyang tumakbo, ngunit naaamoy niya ang alak sa kanyang hininga na nagpapaalala sa kung anong klaseng tao siya.

Sa abandonadong gusali, inilabas ni Waldo ang walumpung gramo ng Mahiwagang Pulbos, isang lighter, at isang palara. Sinimulan ni Waldo.

Sinaksihan ni Amado ang kagandahan ng ginagawa niya na parang bawat segundo‘y hindi dapat malaktawan. ―Ahhhh! Buhay nga naman. Ikaw naman Mado.‖ Ang pagkakataon. Walang alinlangang tinugunan ni Amado ang kanyang pangangailangan. Ang panandaliang kaligayahan. Sa pangalawang pagkakataon, sinundan kaagad ito ni Waldo. ―Alam mo, may sekreto ako. Pero secret lang natin ‗to ha! Nabalitaan mo na ba na pinatay si Thelma kaninang madaling araw?‖ ―Hindi. ‗Di ko alam.‖ ―Ba‘t ‗di mo alam, eh, magkapitbahay lang kayo?‖ ―Hindi pa ako umuuwi sa bahay.‖ ―Itong si Thelma, napakatsismosa! Tsismosa! Eh, pinagkalat lang naman niyang may iba raw akong gelprin. Ayun, nagalit si Stella, nakipag-break.‖ ―Ilan ba‘ng girfren mo?‖ ―Dalawa! Pero ‗di ko naman talaga ‗yun gelprin ang isa, nilalaro ko lang ‗yun. Alam mo? Pampalipas oras.‖

7 | KATITIKAN

―…‖ ―E, dahil sa galit ko, ayun, pinatay ko ang tsismosa.‖ ―…‖ ―Pero may problema, eh. May nakakita sa akin. Isang bata. ‗Yung anak ni Loring ba ‗yon.‖ Tumigil muna sa pagsasalita si Waldo para lumanghap sa pangatlong pagkakataon. ―Kailangan ko rin siyang patayin. Ngayong hatinggabi. Ano pang masabi nun. Sa kulungan ang bagsak ko. Atin-atin lang ito, Mado, ‗wag mong ipagsabi. Alam mo ako.‖ Oo, alam ni Amado kung paano magalit si Waldo. Mabagsik. Lahat ng salitang dinudura niya‘y ginagawa niya. Mabilis ang tibok ng puso ni Amado. Gusto niya ang ganitong pakiramdam, pero ibang klaseng pagtibok ang nararamdaman niya sa mga oras na iyon. Sobrang pangit. Gusto niyang tumakbo, pero nakatitig si Waldo sa kanya. ―Kailangan mo ‗kong samahan ngayong hatinggabi.‖ Nagulantang siya sa sinabi ni Waldo. Lalong bumilis ang tibok ng kanyang puso. Uminit ang paligid. Naging pula ang kulay ng kanyang paningin. Hindi siya makagalaw. Hanggang humarurot sa kalsada ang isang motorsiklo na nakapagpanumbalik sa kanyang matinong kondisyon. At siya‘y kumaripas ng takbo .

Dumulog si Amado sa istasyon ng mga parak. Pero bago pa man siya pumasok ay itinago muna niya ang pakete ng Mahiwagang Pulbos sa kanyang kalsonsilyo. Pagkatapos, lumapit siya sa matabang pulis na nasa front desk. ―O, parang naliligaw ka ‗ata!‖ ―Alam ko kung sinong pumatay kay Aling Thelma.‖ ―May ebidensya ka ba?‖ Saglit napatahimik si Amado. ―Wala.‖ ―Eh ‗di wala tayong magagawa d‘yan.‖

KttK | 8 ―Magsasabi ako ng totoo. Pulis ka, ‗di ba?

Puwede akong mag-witness sa kaso.‖ ―Ba‘t ako maniniwala?Adik ka!‖ Tinurok ng mga katagang iyon ang puso ni Amado—―Ba‘t ako maniniwala‖. Pero mas namumukod-tangi ang kirot sa kanyang pandamdam—―Adik ka!‖ Adik ka! Adik ka! Adik ka! Paulit-ulit sa kanyang isipan ang mga salitang iyon habang mabagalang lumabas siya sa istasyon. Nang nasa pintuan na siya, napatigil siya at nakita ang isang poster ng Most Wanted Criminals. Sa labing dalawang mukha sa nakapaskil na poster, naging tawag pansin sa kanya ang mukha ni Jun Jun ―Totoy Bato‖ Romano, ang pinakakilalang drug lord sa bansa na binansagan ding Shabu Kingpin of the Philippines.

Bawat mandurugas alam kung sino siya.

Nagkatagpo lang ng isang beses ang mga landas nina Amado at Totoy Bato noong mga panahon na nagsisimula palang si Amado na gumamit ng Mahiwagang Pulbos.

Sa oras na iyon, muli siyang pumasok sa istasyon at lumapit sa matabang pulis. ―‘Di ka talaga titigil, ano?!‖ ―Alam ko kung nasaan si Totoy Bato.‖ Saglit napatahimik ang matabang pulis at ilang pulis na nakarinig. Sa mga tainga nila, seryoso ang naging tono ni Amado. ―Ba‘t ako maniniwala?‖ ―Dahil… Adik ako.‖ Isinalaysay ni Amado ang mga nalalaman niya tungkol sa sistema ni Totoy Bato ng paggawa at kalakalan ng droga na may milyung-milyong halaga. Totoo ang mga sinabi niya sa mga pulis gayunpaman, wala siyang binanggit na mga lokasyon ng pagawaan o transaksyon. Naging kapani-paniwala si Amado sa harap ng mga pulis. Nang tinanong siya kung nasaan si Totoy Bato, itinuro niya ang kinalalagyan ni Maya. Sa bahay ng lola ng bata.

Rumisponde ang mga pulis sa lead na ibinigay ni Amado. Naging tahimik ang pagpunta nila upang walang makaalam ng kanilang isasagawang operasyon. Sa bahay, nang papalapit sila sa paligid nito, nakarinig sila ng isang batang pigil sa pagiyak. Nalito ang mga pulis. Lumabas si Amado sa sasakyan ng pulisya at nagmadaling hinampas ang pintuaan ng bahay. ―BOOOG!‖ Pumasok si Amado, nataranta ang mga pulis at sinundan na lang siya papasok. Pagbukas ng ilaw, isang kagimbal-gimbal

na eksena ang nasaksihan nila. Nakalatag ang katawan ng isang matandang babae na may saksak sa tiyan, duguan, sa sahig, nakaupong nakayakap ang bata sa kanyang hita‘t binti habang umiiyak, at si Waldo na kapit-kapit sa kanyang kanang kamay ang isang duguang kutsilyo na papasaksak na sana sa bata. Pero madaling pinigilan si Waldo ng mga pulis bago ito mangyari, pinusasan, at inilabas sa bahay. Tumawag na rin ang isang pulis ng ambulansya nang nakumpirma niya na humihinga pa ang lola.

Naglabasan na ang mga pulis matapos sinuri ang bahay. Nanatili sa loob si Amado. Nakita siya ng matabang pulis at nilapitan. ―Alam mo, sa kabila ng pagsisinungaling mo tungkol kay Totoy Bato, nasagip natin ang buhay ng mga taong ito. Hindi, nasagip mo ang buhay nila.‖ Bago pa man lumampas si Amado sa pintuan, lumingon muna siya sa loob. Nahagilap ng kanyang paningin ang isang itim na DVD player. Napatigil siya‘t pinagmasdan ang kasangkapan ng ilang segundo.

Mayamaya, lumingon siya pabalik sa pintuan at lumabas na rin ng bahay. Ngunit kumakalog pa rin ang kanyang mga kamay at ang kanyang mga balintataw ay kasing liwanag at kasing bilog ng buwan sa langit. K

KWENTO Ni Jewelmae C. Solas

A

ko si Ana, labing-isang taong gulang, isang mangangalakal ng basura. Pangatlo ako sa pitong magkakapatid, ulila sa ama dahil nabaril ito ng security guard nang mahuling nagnanakaw ng gamut sa isang drugstore, namatayan ng kapatid dahil sa pulmonya, at nabubuhay sa pangangalaga ng inang pangangalakal din lang ang ikinabubuhay.

Nakatira kami sa ilalaim ng tulay, pangatlong bahay na namin ito, palipa -lipat kasi parating nabibiktima ng demolisyon, gawain ng pamahalaang magaling manggiba pero ‗di marunong umunawa. Ngayon, gigising na naman ako sa panibagong araw, pero sa parehong uri ng buhay. ―Ate, gising na‖, ang araw-araw na sigaw sa‘kin ng aking nakababatang kapatid, si Rona, siyam na taong gulang. ―Oo, nandiyan na. Hindi ba muna tayo kakain?‖ ―Hindi na raw sabi ni Inay. Wala na raw kasing bigas eh, tsaka hindi na rin nagpapautang si Aling Pasing, mas malaki na raw kasi utang natin kesa sa kapital n‘ya.‖ Alas-sais ng umaga kami kadalasang umaalis patungong tambakan at ‗yun nga rin ang nangyayari ngayon. Pero ang inakala kong ordinaryong araw lang ay magiging isang pangyayaring ‗di ko malilimutan. ―Ate! Tingnan mo ‗to!‖ Isang bangkay ang gumulantang sa amin—lalaki, mataba, may balbas, may suot na maraming alahas. Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero sa sandaling iyon, napunta ‗yung isip ko sa alahas at hindi sa patay. ―Ate, pabayaan na natin ‗yan. Ipaalam na alng natin ‗yan kay Kap.‖ Sayang ‗yung alahas, malaking pera na rin ‗yun--- ito ang tumatakbo sa aking isipan, pero pinakinggan ko ang kapatid ko. Patungo kami sa barangay hall nang… ―Ana, yung nanay mo hinimatay. Isinugod na siya sa ospital. Sumunod na kayo‖, sigaw ni Aling Nena.

Pumunta agad kami sa ospital. Saktong pagdating namin, lumabas ang isang doktor at naghahanap ng kapamilya ni Inay. ―May sakit sa bato ang nanay n‘yo. Malala na ito. Siguradong matagal na n‘ya itong dinadamdam pero hindi n‘ya lang ipinapahalata sa inyo.

9 | KATITIKAN

KttK | 10

Kailangan niyang dumaan sa kidney transplant kung hindi, malamang hindi na siya aabot pa sa susunod na buwan.‖ Hindi pwedeng mamatay si Inay. Sapat na samin ang mawalan ng kapatid at ama. Kung pati si Inay mawawala, mas mabuti pang lahat kami sumama na lang kanya. Nag-iiyakan ang mga kapatid ko nang marinig nila ang sabi ng doktor. Alam kong hindi nila alam kung ano ang kidney at lalo na ang transplant, pero ramdam nilang hindi na kaaya-aya pa ang sitwasyon ni Inay. Wala akong ibang magawa, kaya binalikan ko ang bangkay sa tambakan ng basura at kinuha ang mga alahas na suot niya.

Ibinenta ko ito at umabot nang P250,000 ang pera ko.

Naoperahan si Inay. Sinabi kong may tumulong sa amin para maoperahan siya. Pagkatapos nun, wala nang may alam kung ano ang nangyari.

Sa sumunod na mga araw nakaranas kami nang may laman ang tiyan sa buong maghapon, na nakakakain kami tatlong beses sa isang araw. ―Ate, ang sarap pala ng pakiramdam nang nakakakain tayo no,‖ sambit ni Helen. ―Ganito pala ang lasa ng lechong manok. Naku, kung nandito lang sana si Itay tsaka si Junjun,‖ pahayag ng limang taong gulang kong kapatid na si Roy. Alam kong mali ‗yun at walang anghel ang makapagpapatawad sa akin sa ginawa ko, pero ano‘ng magagawa ko? Isa lamang akong kapatid na gustong makitang nakangiti ang mga kapatid niya, at isang anak na nagnanais na makasama pa nang mas matagal ang kanyang ina. Malamang hindi mo maiintindihan ang ginawa ko, dahil may magulang ka, may sariling bahay na tinutuluyan, may malulusog na mga kapatid, at nakakakain tatlong beses sa isang araw.

Pero magkaiba tayo ng mundo, sa mundo ko, Diyos ang tawag namin sa mga taong nag-aabot samin ng limang piso. Swerte nang maituturing ang malinis na tubig panligo, at sa mundo namin, hindi masama ang gumawa ka nang kasuklam-suklam mapataha mo lang ang ang sikmurang kumakalam. K

Mamulat Ka, Mamulat Tayo Ni Dimaguibang Pag-asa Malamang ngayon ikaw ay iniwan ng mga mahal mo sa buhay, sugat ginawan; puso‘t isipan mo‘y poot; wala na ‗atang bukas, gumising man wala ring patutunguhan Araw ay lumipas, wala ring nagbago; tingin mo, ―…wala na ‗atang pag-asa ‗tong bayang ‗to‖; korupsyon, prostitusyon, lahat nagkalat sa kanto nakakadiring tingnan, nakakadiring malaman. ―Ako‘y bata lamang, walang magawa,‖ sabi mo sa sarili mo, at gait mo pa‘y ikaw ay kaawa-awa; Ikaw ay galit, ilang beses ka ring sinaktan nitong isang mama.

Kay lalim ng sugat mo, pano pa kaya mawala?

Tats Mub Nahibong ko kun nganong pagkadali Gihural mo gilayon ang tam-is Mong ―Oo‖ sa gugmang Akong gidiga kanimo Pastilan tulin pas alas kwatro Ang pagsugot nimo kanako Di man unta ko ingon ana ka Gwapo apan ang lawas ko Brusko daw sa boksidor Ikaw, pagkaanyag sab tan-awn Ang laylay sa imong buhok Og ang anghel mong naw‘ng Ang hamis mong panit Og igwad mong luyo Daw langit og yuta atong gintang Dako kong pagkahibong Nganong gisugot mo ako Apan mao diay imo ko‘ng gisugot Duna man pud diay kay itlog Sa laang mo ako nahulog Ikaw usa diay ka bayot!

11 | KATITIKAN

Pero bata, wag mag-alala, may nagmamahal sayo.

Kung tingin mo‘y wala kang silbi, may pakialam Ako. Ang Diyos mapagmahal, poot at sugat mo‘y maglalaho Bubuohin ka Niya. Bubuohin niya puso‘t isipan mo.

Kaya samahan mo ako, magkaisa tayo.

Sa rebolusyong hindi pang-pulitiko, hindi din relihiyoso Kundi Rebulosyon ng Pagmamahal na nanggaling sa Kanya mismo.

Una Siyang nagmahal kaya, kaya mo ring magmahal ng ibang tao.

Sa pagmamahal na ito; kaya mong baguhin a ng kurso ng mundo.

Ikaw ay History Maker, ikaw ay Reformer.

Mamulat ka bata, hindi mo pa batid ang magagawa mo.

Sa Kanya, lahat ng akala mong hindi mo magagawa ay magagawa mo.

Kaya simulan na natin ang rebolusyon, simulan na natin ngayon.

KttK | 12

Chasing

By Meleria Mangaring

It seemed to be A new life at the time, You caught my attention Unconsciously; I was in need, and you helped Willingly, A unique bond grew And was pure as lime; You were the lyrics of The string‘s rhyme, My dream‘s exact epitome, Shockingly; A magical sense existed Swiftly, I was reluctant It‘s like a crime; And when He heard me, Confusions came too; ‗Guess I wasn‘t ready At the time yet; All was said and done, What else could I do?

Pain crushed me, and it‘s too hard to breathe, Blade tore me when thud rose from the piano, Mind of hate Soul of love Heart of regret.

Dilaw, Rosas at Pula Dilaw ay pag-asa.

Dilaw ay liwanag.

Dilaw ay kalayaan.

Dilaw na ginto.

Rosas ay pag-ibig.

Rosas ay kapanatagan.

Rosas ay dalisay.

Rosas na banayad.

Pula ay pag-aalab.

Pula ay wagas.

Pula ay katapangan.

Pula na mapangahas.

Ngunit dilaw ma‘y ginto Ay siya ring kaduwagan At mapaglinlang.

Rosas ma‘y banayad Ay siya ring mapagdamdam At marupok.

Pula may nag-aalab Ay siya ring bangis At mapagmataas.

Sa likod ng bawat kulay Ay maraming kwentong Sumasalamin hindi lang ng Kagandahan at kabutihan.

Hindi dapat mamuhay nang May kinikilingang iisang kulay.

Ang mundo ay hindi lang dilaw.

O rosas.

O pula.

“The day wi{{ seem {onger to me when it rains, The morning, afternoon and evening look the same in the sky, not a cloud out of place, not a shade any different.

I see as a chance to do something without stress,

RAIN ESSAY By Mariah L. Mahinay

Not the pressure that time is short when the earth is in a different position Or the sun shows your shadow stretches on the ground.

The grey fluff is doing me a favor by covering the sun For a short whi{e.”

13 | KATITIKAN

The monsoons season is coming! Not that this is new to us Filipinos, it‘s expected that La Niňa should be around the corner, excited to visit the cities of every province. She can stay for as long as she wants but in a beautiful country then she should really travel. Please. She could be pouring down on your side of the neighborhood and you have no choice but to stay inside, and sigh and stare at your window pane. The rain, it can get boring at one point and be a hassle the next minute for it comes without warning during these past few months, thus your weird weather report says it will be an on and off occurrence and will not cooperate.

The rain is here and there. She has come to view your city but you don‘t expect it so soon. So she wants to greet everyone and she can all at once. First, as you walk out there you do not even notice that your shadow is fading on the ground and a gush of wind has just brushed you, except the noise of the streets get your attention. The rain‘s first attempt failed. No

KttK | 14 problem, because next you will be tapped several times. A little drizzle will get you informed that the population of 50, 000 in brgy. ----- and the adjacent one, has a visitor in the skies.

But you wipe it off your arm or anywhere you‘ve been hit because you think it‘s just sweat. Phew! Ang ka init sa tibuok kalibutan. The rain‘s second attempt failed. This is more challenging than the rain thought. This will become an epic fail if you refuse to at least look up because now the sky is enveloped in clouds of grey. Come on, are you that busy not to notice?

At the third try begins and this time, a heavy downpour happens because the rain wants to greet you now and she tried to shake your shake your hand. But you stepped into a puddle and begin to get wet all over so you run, run, run to the nearest place that has shade. Aha! You curse at how unexpected it all was and gaze above where the rain is pleased you finally pay attention, even if it‘s only for a few seconds. She greets you with a ―Hello down there!‖ Looking around you (and probably you‘re not the only one) soaked and perhaps at least not to the bone. The rain sees your discomfort as you try to dry yourself somehow. I can help! She thinks. And here comes the strong wind to dry you starting with your clothes, but you feel the chill and edge farther from the street. Rejoiced by the good deed, the rain is happy that you have entered a sheltered area along with people in the same conditions. ―He‘s not alone and I brought him friends.‖ Not knowing that you are behind schedule and impatiently waiting for all of to calm down.

Other instances when the rain visits are early in the morning. You awake to the sound of heavy pounding on your roof. They are hard for a reason. Wake up! Wake up! Tries the rain, knowing that it‘s midterm week or a major test shall be conducted today.

But seeing the wet surroundings and feeling the cold seeping in, you begin to feel lazy. Tempted to return to your bed because the mattress and pillow have never felt softer, the sheets have never smelled so fragrant and your body feels heavier, the clock has never moved so slow hanging on that wall; so you go back to bed and continue to dream about that flat 1 you caught in the air so easily. The rain continues to pour hard because she does not want you to miss class. At least it has hit a crack on the roof, slides down the layers of the ceiling and kisses you on the face or on your neck. That‘s it! You think. There‘s a leak and you decide to get up and move. Success! The rain has proof it can be your parttime alarm clock somehow albeit, a less stressful way to get out of bed.

Rain is symbolic worldwide. A poet can use the rain to set a mood in a stanza or be as creative as possible by relating it to anything. Songwriters add ―washing the pain away‖ in their lyrics, as if it‘s a bath like no other, no soap could rinse off such pain. So while you could be on your way to anywhere, down in the dumps from a break up or in any way getting to depression, the rain will sympathize with you. As if pain is a physical problem clinging to your back, then that‘s when the rain thinks ―hey, I could do him a favor: have a shower.‖ You would feel better or sick from staying too long but either way your head will feel lighter.

Take the usual nuisance of waiting in traffic and the cars are moving inch by inch every --- minutes. Before it got as bad as that, remember a few moments back when the streets were dry, dust was spreading around and any vehicle within sight looked like a dust bunny with wheels. Seeing the filth on your new Honda CR-V, a gift from your parents, the rain decides to wash it for you. ―Free of charge too!‖ With a smile on her face seeing all the colors an automobile can have from rusted green to metallic black.

Not a stranger to us, the rain has been here for millions of years, doing what she always does for different reasons, greeting us in a number of ways and doing us ‗favors‘ like a friend in the wings. Get a glimpse the next time she comes around, look outside and you don‘t have to scowl for such awful weather. There are still children who play in the rain, who frolic with her presence and willing to enjoy the outside even when it can‘t be a sunny day. K

The Happy Worker STORY BY Jan Louis Gazo

W

alhon ka gali, Manang Juaning?‖ said my mom in Hiligaynon, referring to Lola Juaning‘s lefthandedness as the latter was signing some papers on my mom‘s table. ―Ambot. Opo siguro, ma‘am,‖ the natural Ilocana said. ―Nasanay po kasi talaga akong gamitin ang kaliwang kamay ko.‖ ―Hindi ba magagaling daw ang mga kaliwete?‖ I interjected. ―Sabi nila matatalino daw kayo.‖ ―Hindi ko alam, apo,‖ she said laughing. ―Siguro kung nakapag-aral ako nang maayos.‖ The whole conversation went on and on to other things in life, but that particular line really hit me hard. ―Siguro kung nakapag-aral ako nang maayos.‖ Lola Juaning is a 50-something utility worker at my mom‘s office.

Her position may not be envied by many but she does her duties well with grace and efficiency.

As a utility worker, she generally cleans areas assigned to her in the capitol compound. Most of us might cringe at the thought of doing what she does, but with the measly salary she gets from mopping floors or gardening (even lower than most teenagers‘ monthly allowance these days), no one has ever heard her complain much since she started doing what she does.

I have known Lola Juaning for

15 | KATITIKAN

KttK | 16

more than ten years now. Over those ten years, her bond with my mother, both as co-workers and as friends, grew stronger and stronger. At times I would catch them talking about their hardships in life or just laugh at their experiences. They got acquainted closely with each other‘s families even though both live totally different lifestyles.

But with all those years of knowing her (and her cooking – Ilocanos do have exceptional talents in cooking), never have I given much attention to her education until the day she mentioned it. ―‘Di ba nakapagtapos ka ng high school, ‗nang,‖ my mom asked her. ―Ay, hindi po, ma‘am,‖ she answered. ―Hanggang first year lang po ako.‖ ―Hala! Bakit? Hindi po ba nakaya ang gastos?‖ ―Hindi naman siguro. Hindi lang talaga binigyan ng pansin ng mga magulang ko.‖ I hate to think that Lola Juaning would have had a better future if her parents‘ mind set gave more importance to education. I hate to be the one feeling bad for her when she seems to be contented with where she is now. But the way the old lady said it, you could see it in her eyes that she was thinking of all the alternate realities, the endless possibilities that could have gone her way if only she had even just a high school diploma.

Back in her time, there was not much financial difference between public and private education in the country. Either kind of education would have been alright for Lola Juaning. But having been deprived the privilege, she made do by learning to be street smart. She probably knows more than the average person yet most of the things she knows aren‘t taught in classrooms. The things she knows are the practical things we could actually use to survive every day. This is why she is good at doing what she does. This is why she knows the most effective way to clean food stains and the best time of the day to do her gardening. This is also why she cooks the most delicious dishes.

With this kind of knowledge, she might not top any standardized test but she has raised her family and put all her children through proper education – the kind of education she was never given the chance to finish. No wonder she is happy.

The next day, I saw her again at my mom‘s office. She was sitting on a chair by an unoccupied table, watching TV during her vacant hours. Her signature smile never wears off just like when she‘s doing her job or reading a newspaper.

Her laughter sounds of contentment and happiness. At that moment, I forgot all that I knew and felt about her educational background.

There, in front of me was a woman who had no proper education but was more educated than those who had. This was a woman who coped and is happy and contented in life, the kind of happiness and contentment not achieved by those who are well off. K

THE SUNSHINE FADS By: Joyce S. Maw The heat, the temp, the scorch or rays Brings wonders and thrills of clothing ways.

Through the eras, the decades, through all the years, Fashion and summer were always so near.

On to the forties, on to the bolder

Each summer is different, each divine,

On to the zipper, the “sunburn”, the shoulder.

One summer scorching, one summer fine.

That ended in fifties, rebirth of couture

Each trend is distinct, each discrete

A golden age of skirts, fit waists and Dior.

One trend brisk, one trend concrete.

Anew in the sixties of Mods, and the minis,

Now what can one use to mask or tame

Warm weather of mid-riffs, pastels and bikinis.

The heating sparks of the dazzling flames?

But disco and love turned for the seventies, Summertime of androgyny, bell bottoms and hippies.

The roaring twenties and its flapping heat, Had masculine cuts and low waisted pleats.

Contradicted by the eighties, with spandex and leggings

While the summer of thirties, the summer of war

With leotards, Madonna and her “street urchin” beginnings.

Was the summer of change, and fashion flung far.

Fizzled out in the nineties of grunge fads and rejection And sunshine of t-shirts and minimalist accentuation.

17 | KATITIKAN

KttK | 18

TIME ON THE SHORE

By: Mariah L. Mahinay

I spelled his name on the sand

A crab passes by over a body buried deep

And looked across the blue deep

Flesh of the hero

And sighed with great relief

The mighty creatures always compete

To walk away from a monstrous grave,

For the flesh of the hero,

I let the waves wash his name

And wake to see what was grand

I simply smell the salt

To be a hobo on the sand

It covered me walking in shame

And greet the fading rays of today,

By and by the wind sang of my fault, Never more words to say The palm trees dance to the sunset’s sonnet Bidding goodbye like a traveler’s life The sand turned cold without hesitation Between my toes they mocked me tonight,

Never the same My fingers still itch to spell his name.

Deep into the ocean, the water is as clear as pure sapphire because of the magic of the merfolk.

Few believe in them now, but they exist. In fact this story is as much about a certain little mermaid as it is about her. Know from the start: this is not a happy one.

STORY By Marla Arielle B. So his tale, like her life, begins and ends with the sea. There stood upon a distant shore a holy temple. The salty air was spiced with citrus from its gardens, and at sunset the sky would blaze up in rosy flames. This was her home. A summer child: blonde, blueeyed and sweet. A lost baby the moment she was found on that doorstep.

Though she had no relatives, she had mothers and sisters there: Priestesses of Sea, who vowed to protect humans from the merfolk. Her training started very early.

But no lesson — laws; vows; magic, white and black— prepared her for him.

She thought he was dead when they first met. There had been a storm the night before and a tragic shipwreck. She knew nothing of corpses, nor anything of men.

The man did not look dead, only asleep. His raven hair had been pushed back, exposing a handsome face. As she neared him, a flash of red caught her eye. She turned and saw only the blue sea.

The temple was a whirlwind of activity afterwards, for the man was none other than their prince. He was everything the stories had said: charming, gallant and gracious. He spoke often with her and she derived great pleasure from gazing into his eyes.

She felt cold the moment she saw him leave.

Reports of storms decimating coastal towns reached the temple. Mermaids‘ work, the matrons said, for their siren song is so beautiful that nature goes mad hearing it. Hoping to appease them, the prince was to wed a young Priestess of Sea. She didn‘t care if it was unladylike to rejoice at this news.

Her boarding of the ship was heralded greatly. She felt like a princess in their silks.

Her prince gave her his warmest smile. Everything was perfect. Perfect, bar the girl.

She was scandalized, for the girl was dressed like a boy. The prince gave her those, they said, for she accompanies him on adventures. The girl was the court‘s ―mute foundling‖.

Her prince named the girl himself.

She hated her: this girl with the sea-green eyes and hair red as flame. The foundling was pale, yet not a freckle marred her skin. The girl was perfect, almost inhumanly so.

The feast was all a blur, for though she was by her prince‘s side, his mute foundling sat

T

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by his other. The girl seemed ever curious and used those soulful eyes of hers to ask questions which her prince seemed only too willing to answer.

To think she thought her prince reserved his warmest smile for her.

The storm was at its most terrible but the foundling seemed to belong in the midst of it. Five mermaids rose up from the water. The girl stared at them, at their shaven heads, at the knife one of them held.

They spoke in their sibilant tongue, ―We sang storms for you, sweet sister. We

gave our hair to the sea-witch for this knife: a sharp and magical one, it is. Kill the prince and you will be with us again. Either he or you must die tomorrow. Hurry!‖ She found her in the ship‘s chapel, praying to gods she didn‘t keep. She thought of the lessons, of how the merfolk were creatures who did not even shed tears for their own. ―You wish my prince harm. I cannot have that, ‖ she told the mermaid as she unsheathed her own knife. ―He is mine. I‘ll kill you before you hurt him!‖ The girl did nothing. It only made her angrier. ―You were the one at the beach, the one who really saved him. That was you, wasn‘t it?‖ her voice cracked, ―He loves you… More than he will ever love me. You may not understand it, but I do. I love him!‖ ―I-I love him,‖ she faltered. She had been speaking in her own language. Yet the mermaid seemed to understand her. They locked eyes and the silent girl smiled.

As do I, the mermaid seemed to say as she gave her unholy knife to the priestess.

Night is the time of darkness: when dark acts are committed and shadows become all too real. It is a time for black magic, enchantments, and even body-swapping.

The price: your soul.

The mermaid, who would not murder to save herself, had not the heart for such acts. Pity, the witch‘s knife was a vital tool for the black arts.

The sun shone upon the first peaceful day in weeks.

A scarlet-haired lady stumbled weakly upon the deck. Every step felt as if she walked on broken glass. She held a shining knife. Pinprick boils erupted from her skin, oozing not pus nor blood but water and foam.

The door creaked. She turned and saw the horror-struck prince and his bride.

She managed a smile: for the prince who was never hers; for his lovely bride; and for herself, the sad girl dissolving into nothingness.

She wondered where the soulless went and found that she did not much care. Her heart and eyes stung, but mermaids cannot produce tears.

The knife fell, the hand holding it nothing more than a mass of bubbles.

With her last strength, she flung herself off the boat. When the couple peered over the edge, all they saw was foam bubbling in the waves.

The sun shone upon the first peaceful day in weeks.

That was the end of her. The mute foundling was gone, for she now had a voice all her own. The prince gently stroked her golden hair and gazed into her sea-green eyes. K

Boy in love

By: Jan Louis Gazo

Jake is in love

Now he sees that girl

When they got to her class

Though he does not bother

The one he dreams of at night

His world almost dropped

A lot is on his mind

He feels his knees buckle

Love is nothing but trouble

His stomach fills with butterflies

How could this conversation end?

He never wanted it to stop

Buried in his books He spends his nights with glee With Shakespeare and Poe Love should not be a worry

―Hi‖ was all he could muster Yet the girl starts to smile There they looked at each other There they stood for a while

When he sees that girl His heart beats with joy His stomach is a whirl Yet he thinks it‘s a ploy

A destiny so grand

Yes, he is determined Never will he falter

She offered him time after class Then they parted happily

His heart jumped with delight He tried not to shiver

A ploy to distract him

Of a future so firm

For a while they stood awkwardly

The girl said ―Hello‖

He smiled with all his might To stray away from his plans

She seems to have read his mind

The boy was light-headed The butterflies went away He wasn‘t in his mind Yet his feet found its way

He carried her books To her next class they walked People started giving them looks Still they beamed as they talked

The girl felt no different She spent all the time waiting She loved him from the start Her love was never fading

Yet he now feels an emptiness He now starts to wonder

The girl‘s name is Daniela Her hopes are equally soaring

What if I tried?

Yes, a lot is at stake My future could still be bright And my heart not so desolate

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She dreams of travelling the world She spends her free time cooking

This day is the happiest for them Yet they hope for more to follow More days to spend with each other More moments of love to come.

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Impossibilities

By Reah Crezz P. Andrino

an argument that never annoys the music in every noise reconciliation amidst a war tears shed when someone departs hope within depression freedom beyond suppression the voice of truth joy of someone's youth happiness after every sorrow triumph over every foe humility beyond pride light that serves as guide learning when to let go creating a life anew learning how to fight defending your right fighting in vain flying kites in the rain Love is.. walking with life every step of the way pretending to be okay listening to same song all day loving that person no matter what they say Love is.. being kind and true someone called you

By: lernzilla I catch a glimpse Our eyes meet halfway My heart races As I lose my senses In the abyss of my mind I hope I will find That we never could be More of what others can see.

A Poem of Unity (for the Typhoon Sendong Victims) By: Fidel Rico Y. Nini A single drop can create a great wave A small voice can build a loud sound In charismatic charity we must behave Keep your heads up high and feet on the ground

We are bound to the contract of revolution Everyone has to act and do his own part Our task is to care for nature and love for nation The flame of kindness must keep burning in the heart

When one is missing, the whole can‘t function We need each other to sustain and grow All we need now is a strong dedication Selfishness and hatred we mustn‘t show

Every person in this world has a purpose Every man is worthy of respect and love Every incident happens for a cause God will repay those who gave what they have

It was 6:02 a.m. As she felt the same breeze that hit her innocent face eight years ago, her lashes moved and the sun rose in her big, hazel eyes.

“The sunrise is beautiful, still beautiful,” she told herself. She held on to her scarf and placed her eyes on the bright horizon. The same memories tried to playback but she tried to stop her heart from fooling her mind all over again.

Tears ran on her angelic cheeks but she wiped them off hurriedly. She got hold of the paper boat she made and slowly placed it in the peaceful waters just like how she did eight years ago. Her mind was travelling when she heard sluggish yet familiar footsteps from behind.

“Eight years ago…,” the person said.

She was Annie. He was Keith.

“We sailed paper boats every morning,” he said. “And you always clutched your paisley scarf.”

“And you were always in your black sweater,” Annie answered as their eyes met.

He smiled. His dimples made him the same guy she knew from before.

“And you loved potatoes,” Keith said.

Annie’s expression changed. She couldn’t look at him with her miserable eyes. For eight winters, she had been longing to see him to hear his answer to the question she yearned to ask. But she was afraid that the answer may break her heart again.

“I don’t like them now,” she replied.

Annie stood up and was about to walk away when Keith held her arm.

“How are you?” He found the courage to ask her.

Annie gazed at his hand holding her.

Keith released his grip and let her loose. “ I..I’m alright,” she said teary eyed.

“I’m now an architect. I’m going abroad.”

He looked into her eyes. “You’re leaving?”

She nodded as she kicked a pebble in front of her.

“When?” he asked.

She answered, “Today, 3 pm.”

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“Oh.” His eyes couldn’t hide the anguish he felt. “You’re successful; you’re beautiful; you’re perfect; I’m happy for you.”

Annie felt that their conversation needed an end. She wanted to walk away and forget everything.

But her lips moved.

“Why did you leave me?” she asked.

“Why did you break your promise, Keith?”

He stared at her.

“I’ve been longing to ask you this question,” she said. “Why, Keith? You promised that you’ll never... ...leave me.”

Keith couldn’t say a word.

“Answer me!” she said. “I trusted you because I thought you loved me.”

“I did… I still do.” he answered. “I’m so sorry Annie.”

“I’ve heard those words before, “she interrupted. “Those useless words.”

Annie couldn’t hold her tears any longer.

Keith touched her flawless cheeks and wiped the tears.

She backed off. “I just wanted to clear things up.”

“I know you still love me.” Keith said.

She couldn’t look at him.

“I have fulfilled my dreams…our dreams, without you. I became a better person with your absence. I loved myself even more when you left me. I don’t need you anymore.”

Annie walked away. Her heart was pounding and she was bruised all over again.

“I came back.” Keith yelled. “I came back Annie. But you didn’t wait for me.”

Annie stopped. She shook her head in disbelief.

“The day I went, I left a letter at your doorstep. I wrote in there that I was going to college. I wanted to achieve our dreams. I wanted to be a better person for you.”

Annie was ruined. She fell to the ground and broke down. The pain felt like a dagger stabbed at her back. Keith came close to her and hugged her tightly. Annie’s face was hidden in his arms. They treasured that moment stolen away from them.

The sun was shining now. Everything was silent except for the splash of playful waves.

Keith felt Annie’s lovely face. He remembered the first time he saw Annie, it was also the same time he felt in love her.

Her pretty eyes, her infectious laughs, her wonderful personality… she had everything a man could ask for.

Annie held Keith’s hand. His hands moved a tiny bit. She noticed something glitter. It shone in the sun like some heavenly treasure. Its silvery flush was warm to the eyes. Keith opened his hand and showed it to her.

“I was going to give you something similar to this but…” Keith said.

Annie looked at him. “Keith, you’re…”

“I still love you.” Keith said. “I’m sorry.”

She gazed at Keith’s fourth finger and her heart was full of regret and pain. Her tears fell for the millionth time. But there was nothing she can do now.

“I’m married.” Keith said.

Annie felt Keith’s hand slide into hers but no matter how much she wanted to cling and feel his tender fingers, it was way too late. Her heart’s too battered that no machine or person could ever fix it. She knew they couldn’t trick fate. She gave Keith a kiss on his forehead and with a heavy heart, she walked away. The paper boat she set on the waters was drowning together with her dreams and hope.

Keith waded into the waters. He picked up the paper boat. He didn’t want it to drown.

It was 6:30 am. Everything had changed.

She was in her paisley scarf. And he was in his black sweater. K

DON’T STAY TOO LONG

R

yan was a self-proclaimed perfectionist.

He would press his uniform three times until

every wrinkle was ironed out. He would arrange his books and papers until they were stacked in two neat piles. He would wake up at exactly 4:45 every morning to check if everything was still in its proper place. He had a strict diet of boiled okra and he would only eat meat if it came from a very healthy source. From 1st year, he was a dean‘s lister with a 1.9 as his lowest grade.

Teachers found him admirable. His classmates found him strange.

He liked studying, especially when he would stay in the library. Almost all the time, he would stay late after school with the night guard as his only companion.

One day, he was studying in the library. It was 5:45 p.m. when the kind librarian pressed her bell and called to him. ―Hijo, it‘s almost 6:00 p.m.‖ Ryan looked up and replied in a monotonous tone. ―I need more sources. I have to get this baby thesis right. I‘ll lock up after I‘m done. I‘ll even clean the library if you like.‖ The librarian stared at him. This was the 14th time he stayed late. She had been told thousands of times to not let any student stay late. However, she could not help but admire Ryan‘s dedication to his studies. She sighed and took the library key from her purse and said: ―Hijo, I‘ll leave the key with you. Just don‘t forget to fix everything and lock up, ok?

And don‘t forget to give the key to the night guard.‖ Then she gave the key and left.

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BY Melissa Angelique B. Malaga

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At 6:00, Ryan was left alone in the library.

He saw the figure of the night guard as he

Ryan read his seventh book. Ghosts? He thought to himself. There is no such

entered the library. The night guard was a kind man in his late twenties and was a favorite among the students. While most of

thing. He reflected on Chief‘s words.

Sometimes, man is merely the haunted one. What did Chief mean by that? He

the security guards were strict and overbearing, he was the friendly and sociable guard who would tell jokes to the students.

turned the page.

While the other guards were called ―Guard‖, he had the affectionate nicknames of ―Watchman‖ and ― Chief.‖ Ryan liked Chief a lot. Often times, they would enjoy coffee and leisure chat.

and looked around. He saw no one. Odd. He thought . It was just him and Chief.

―Evening, Chief.‖ Ryan greeted while staring

It was 9. Chief had told Ryan that the

at the book‘s text. Chief looked at Ryan and replied.

main entrance would be closed by 9.

Frustrated at the thought of leaving the library, Ryan fixed his books and papers

―Good evening. Working late again?‖ When

into his bag, arranged the tables and

Ryan nodded, Chief pulled a chair and sat on it. ―Did you hear about the group of students who were playing with spirit of the glass?

chairs and finally locked the library. The hallway was dark with faint lights flickering on and off. Ryan was not so easy to

They supposedly summoned the ghosts of several people who died while being impris-

scare. He took his cellphone and turned its flashlight on. It was faint, but he man-

oned here during the Japanese occupation.

aged.

They say they haunt this building and has been haunting it ever since.‖ Ryan laughed and said ―Chief, where do you get these stories? There‘s no such thing as

Suddenly he heard a sound. He got up

Maybe Chief was playing tricks. He brushed it off, took a swig from the can coffee and read another book.

The library was located in the second floor of the main campus administrative building. His dorm was right across the Law Building. And since the main exit

ghosts. More so, the said ghost is merely a manifestation of man‘s delusion and therefore not a product of the so called supernatural.‖

was closed, he had no choice but to pass through the Law Building‘s exit. And that meant going down the stairs nearest the

Chief chuckled and said ―It helps if you think of the impossible to be possible.‖ Then tossing a can of coffee, he added. ―Just don‘t

He hated these stairs. By day, it was a regular flight of stairs with posters on the

stay too long. I‘m locking the main entrance by 9. Drink the coffee. It‘ll do you good.

Sometimes, man is merely the haunted one.‖

was, as he dubbed, a steep step to accidents. There was also the fact that it had a rather eerie portrait of one of the

exit.

wall and announcements. But at night, it

school‘s previous presidents. Ryan walked towards the stairs and stared at the portrait. Its piercing eyes and thinning hair reminded him of the elderly teacher whose round head and stout body made students laugh. Perhaps, it was eerie because of the atmosphere.

He sighed and carefully climbed down the stairs. As he approached the last few steps, he wondered what he ought to cook for dinner. The can of coffee Chief gave him kept him awake just as he hoped. He wasn‘t that hungry, but he needed the energy to study more. Then he noticed something….odd.

He had landed in the second floor! He saw the portrait again. He looked at the balcony. He was sure he was going down. He could not have made a mistake!

After all, he never made a mistake in his life. So he went down the stairs again.

As he approached the base, he saw the same painting and knew he was going to end up in the same place.

This was getting scary. It was as if the school didn‘t want him to leave. He decided to try the stairs near the hotel. The moment he stepped on the last step, he had landed in the second floor again.

Ryan was frantic. For the first time, he was frantic and scared. He began to look for Chief. ―Chief…CHIEF!‖ He called out but there was no reply. Over and over, he went down the stairs only to land in the same second floor. He went back to the library and decided to try the main stairs. Fearful of the possible outcome, Ryan closed his eyes, placed his hand on the stair‘s railing and stepped down.

As he stepped down, he breathed heavily , hoping that he would be able to go home. He thought of so many possible causes for this. But he could not conclude at all. He was too afraid. He felt his feet touch the ground floor. He opened his eyes. He had landed on the first floor. He had arrived at the lobby. He could see the big bible in the center and the framed documents on the walls.

He let out a sigh of relief. At last it was over. He felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Chief, holding a flashlight up to his face. ―Oh, you‘re done? I was about to get you.‖ He noticed the beads of sweat on Ryan‘s face. ―What‘s wrong with you? You look as if you‘ve seen a ghost.‖ Ryan relayed his story. ―I was going down from the second floor…only to land on the second floor again. I kept going down over and over again. I just kept going in a crazy circle. I swear I was going down.‖ Chief chuckled and said ―You were just having a nightmare. Come on, I‘m tak-

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KttK | 28 ing you home.‖ Ryan sighed a sigh of relief as the guard led Ryan to the Law Bldg. exit. He was finally going home. As they approached the Law Bldg. Chief began to speak to Ryan. ― Next time, don‘t stay too late. Nowadays, the building plays tricks on students. You never know where you might end up.‖ Ryan nodded in agreement. Chief then added. ―I mean, when you‘re passing through the hotel, it gets scary.‖ Ryan stopped at his tracks. He lowered his head and thought about what he heard. Chief said passing through hotel. He had mentioned to Chief that he tried going down in the Law exit,but he never mentioned that he tried passing through the hotel. ―Chief…how did you know I tried the hotel?‖ Ryan heard no reply…only silence. Then he looked up and saw that Chief was not in front of him. Then he turned around and realized that he had entered the 2nd floor again.

For the first time, he lost his cool and began to panic and scream. He went down the stairs over and over again, all the while screaming into the night. And after that, the scream…became silence.

An ambulance had pulled up at the driveway the next morning. Students and faculty alike watched as two paramedics loaded a gurney with a quivering and terrified Ryan. He kept shaking his head voice was low and trembling. His mouth kept saying the words ― stay….long….stairs….‖ over and over again.

Students began to talk about it. The president then called for Chief and asked him what had happened.

Chief then explained that around 10 last night, he had gone to the library to get Ryan only to see Ryan going up and down the stairs in a dazed state. Then he saw Ryan screaming and running in the Quad before finally passing out. He had then took Ryan to the security office only to be stirred later by Ryan‘s screams.

As the ambulance doors closed, Ryan leaned forward and screamed towards his classmates… ―Don‘t stay too long..‖ K

The Biggest Library in The Philippines