ALimantak tomo vii
The DEMOCRAT The Independent Student-Publication of University of Nueva Caceres Kasapi College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Bicol Association of Campus Journalists (BASCAJ) Tanggapan Right-wing, UNC Sports Palace, University of Nueva Caceres, J. Hernandez Avenue, Naga City
Reserbado ang mga karapatang-ari sa mga indibidwal na awtor ng mga akda, larawan at ilustrasyon sa isyung ito. Hindi maaaring ilathala, ikopya o ipamudmod sa anumang anyo ang mga akda, larawan at ilustrasyon ng walang pahintulot ng awtor. Hindi maaaring ibenta sa kahit anong paraan at pagkakataon ang kopyang ito. Karapatang-ari Š 2020
guhit at debuho ni lester isip • MGA SALITA NIna norene cantor AT Patrick Joseph Panambo
Tungkol sa Pabalat
T
ila pilit na pinaliliit ng mundo ang sarili nito, pilit na pinagkakasya ang katotohanan sa kahong pipiit sa damdamin mo. Tingin mo, paano ka magpapatuloy?
Saang dako titingin ng kasagutan? Sa kawalan, maliligaw nga ba o may naghihintay na daan? Kakapa sa dilim, sa sulok nakakulong, isipang naglalayag, nagtatanong, paano kung? Mga puno't halaman na patuloy ang pagyabong. Ang rosas ay patuloy na mamumulaklak. Ang mangga ay siya ring mamumunga. Alam nila kung saan tutungo. Maging ugat ay 'di naliligaw, ngunit bakit ikaw? Sila, tayo, nagdadalawang isip humakbang, ang galaw ay bilang ngunit hindi pa rin sigurado sa bungang matatamo. Sa talim ng kanto ng parisukat nating mundo, pagasa ang isip na sadyang lumalawak sa pagtanda. Sa bingwit ng pagnanais na makipagkasundo, paano kung dehado? Paano kung kalaban mo ang siyang kakampi mo? Matatalinong hinuha'y may pag-asa rin ba? Magkapuwang sa limitadong nakatala sa hangin. O matatangay rin sa hangganan hangga’t magkaroon ng posibilidad sa mundo. Tila wari at hawak mo rin ang kapalarang salungat, subalit sa muntikan mo nang pagsuko ay ang iyong pasasalamat.
Panimula Ito ang simula. At ito ang katapusan. Hindi alam kung ano ang dulo, ngunit alam ang sinimulan. Kasama sa mga nagbabakasakali na ganito ang mangyari. Mga hubad na pangyayari na maaring mabihisan at makamit kung sakali. Ngunit, paano nga ba kung makita ang lahat ng wari, magiging masaya ba o kontento sa ginustong natatangi? Isa hanggang ilan nga ba ang resulta? Magkakaroon ba ng tiyansa ang mga nasambit kung maaari. Maaari bang makibagay ang mundo at umikot sa kung ano ang ninanais. Ninanais na mga pangyayaring nakatago sa salitang ‘paano kung?’ Sa lawak ng kalawakan ng utak ng tao, ang siya ring lawak ng ‘di matagpuang kasagutan. Mailap na tadhanang pilit na hinahabol at kinukuha, akala yata’y nakikipaglaro ngunit hindi mo matayataya. Bukas o sa makalawa? Maghihintay na lang ba sa nakatakdang gigising at bubulabog sa ibinalandra mong kahihinatnan? Paano kung hindi salat sa buhay? Paano kung may angking galing at talino? Paano kung hindi ganito ang gobyerno? Paano ang buhay kung alam natin kung saan at ano ang patutunguhan. Ito ang katapusan. Ngunit, ito ang panimula.
mga
nilalaman 10 12 14 16 18 24 25 26 30 31 32 35 38 42 44 45 46
GENDER Me in IFS Isang Linggo Kloseta Period ni Nenita Why is there no unicorn at all? The Forest of Death
Belief What if conservative ass Panalangin Kay Tu Ta Ama Who must come down Nawa LOVE Wonder, Wander Ang Madilim na Kwarto Hanggana't Kalooban Depth Bad Luck Garapon Pangalawa Society Uncertain Girl o Ghorl Katotohanan 2020 Imprisonment Subukang Baguhin ang Nakasanayan politics The Untamed Side Patriot or Parrot Sa eskinita ng purok uno Sentensya de Konsensya What If The World Wasn't Cruel? Not Enough Limang Sentimo TH The Inevitable Cure
52 54 56 57 58 60 61 66 69 71 72 73 76 77
Joshua James DiĂąo Taki Character Creator
Gender
The difference is no illusion—but, dear, what if we only knew That we are the souls of our own?
ME IN IFS By Lean Capistrano
When a question mark had landed on me My gaze and my hands met the water lake Bringing some things from its inside The IF that came upon was fed with please. If I were born the other way around A different composition would be found Some would stay or change, losses and gains would take place That I could not tell what would be my state. Taking no notice, the IF went and had its way If I am born the other way, I would be this boy Liking a girl, wanting to be with her Yet drawing up a line, keeping a distance Cause it might be a trick played by a deceitful heart If I were a boy, I would want to be a man Not giving nor accepting a love confession When a future together is nowhere to be seen When we’re not yet prepared for the after.
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No room to spare for romantic relationship That would not even see a lifetime Nor just seeks to be completed by the other one For surely it won’t be found in finite being If I were a man, I would prepare and wait When my kairos time comes, I’d see and go With consent, I would court the woman for me Enter into a covenant with her and receive our blessing She would be my wife, my woman, my glory. If I were a man, I would be a husband A partner of my wife, and a father to our child Leading my family into our vision and Ensuring that there is home, not a house for us If I were born the other way around Bearing the design made for me I would want it to see at the end of my race Not being like the chalk trying to be a marker. But, if I really were born the other way around Will I really be that man? Seems impossible? No, it’s possible.
GRAPHICS & PAGE DESIGN BY: ROSE CLAVANO
ALMNTK | 11
Isang Linggong
Kloseta Ni Earl Dwight Serrado
Sa bawat linggong lumilipas, Isang tanong sa bawat araw. Ang pilit na humihingi ng kasagutan, Kasama ang malaking “Paano kaya?”
NI AT HINA GUHITHO NG PA DEBU R ISIP LESTE
Gabi iyon ng Lunes, Nakita ko ang natatanging ganda ni Marites, Sadyang tunay na kumikinang sa oras na alas-diyes. Suot ang pulang blusang puno ng brilyanteng palamuti, Pero bakit may tawanang pangungutya ang nangibabaw, Sa kanyang pagrampang puno ng kumpiyansa, Na si Mark ay isang sirenang akala niya’y kanya ang karagatan. Kaya paano kung walang mga dugong ang pilit siyang pababalikin sa kanyang kloseta? Siya nga ba sana ang reyna ng karagatan? Matiwasay na Martes ang sumalubong sa akin, Nang makasalubong ko si Layla. Nakatulala, mukhang nasa kawalan, Nawawala, nagtatanong, may bahid na pangamba. “Ano nga ba ako?” “Ba’t ganito ako?” “Ba’t gusto ko si Olivia? Ayaw niyang tudyuin, suyurin ng mga matang mapanghusga, Pero, paano kung malaya siyang lalabas sa kanyang kloseta? Maipipinta na ba ang kanyang masaya’t umiibig na mukha? Medyo maulang Miyerkules ang nadatnan ko pagkagising, Ilang hakbang, rinig ko ang isang pagtangis, Kasabay ng ulan ang pagdaloy ng luha ng aking kapatid. Ramdam kong mapait at masakit ang kanyang paghikbi, “Eh ano naman kung pareho kaming lalake?”
Sabay sulyap sa isang litrato, Isang lalaking panigurado dahilan ng kanyang panlulumo, Kaya ang aking tanong, paano kung pagmamahal na lamang ang isipin? Paano kung kanilang kasarian ay isantabi? Pagtungo ko noong Huwebes sa isang pagtitipon, May isang batang nasa sulok, Nagtatago, nalulungkot, ayaw makisalo Napapalibutan ng mga batang panay ang sigawan, “Hoy bakla! bakla ka kasi parehong lalake magulang mo!” Tanging pag-iyak ang kanyang sagot, Sa mga murang dila ng mga batang wala pang alam. Kaya, paano kung sa murang edad sila’y may alam na? Paano kung sila’y naturuan sa murang edad na iyon ay normal lamang? Madilim na Biyernes ang aking sinalubong, Sa isang eskinitang bumubulahaw ang mga salita, Mga salitang puno ng galit at sumpa, “Walang bakla sa pamilyang ito! Nakakahiya ka!” Maging nakabibinging bulong ng iba, Mga chismosang kapitbahay na nakakairita. Kaya paano titigil ang mga chismosang ‘di matigil, Kung mismong pamilya ang ayaw kang tanggapin? Paano mo matatanggap ang iyong sarili? Kung mismong sila ang nais kang itakwil? Minasdan ko ang paligid noong Sabado, Sa mga araw na lumipas, mas lalo akong nagtanong, Sa lipunan kung saan tayo nabuo, nabuhay, namulat. Ba’t parang pilit pa rin silang pumipikit sa katotohanang Ang dugong bahaghari nati’y nagbibigay ng kulay Sa mundong puno ng gulo, duda, at pangamba. Kaya paano kung sa Linggo? Sa pagmulat ng aking mga mata, Akin kayang masisilayan, Ang isang malaya at makulay na mundo? ALMNTK | 13
PERIOD NI NENITA
GRAPHICS & PAGE DESIGN BY: ROSE CLAVANO
Ni Kenn Daniel Montecillo Sa mga oras na ito, marahil nababasa mo ang salaysay kong ito. Masuwerte ka dahil natuto kang magbasa. Mapalad ka dahil bawat pahina na patuloy mong inililipat ay hindi lamang para makakita ng makukulay na larawan, kung hindi dahil marunong kang bumasa, magbaybay at umintindi ng titik. Ang sabi ni itay noon, marapat na kami ay nasa bahay lamang. Ang mga paa namin ay para lang sa bunot at basahan, hindi para sa sapatos at sa sahig ng mga unibersidad. Sapat na alam na namin ang aming pangalan. Siya nga pala, ako si Nenita o Nita—iyon ang itinawag nila sa akin. Sa pagtahak ng buhay rito sa mundo, hindi lang pag-aaral ko ang inalis mula sa akin. Nariyang hindi ang kakayahan ko ang tinitimbang, ngunit ang kasarian ko. Hindi ko mawari bakit maliit pa sa palay na aming tinatahip ang tingin nitong mga barakong ito sa amin. Hindi ang kahit na ano pa man na gusali ang dapat sa amin, kung hindi ang apat na sulok ng tahanan lamang. Dito kami ipapanganak, magdadalaga, mag-aasawa, tatanda, at mapuputulan ng hininga. Wala kaming ibang papel kung hindi ang maging isang mabuting ina at maybahay sa aming asawa. Hindi ang kamangmangan ninyo ang nagpalaki ng inyong ulo, kung hindi ang kultura at tradisyon na patuloy kayong inaalila, sinasakal, at binubulag sa kung ano ang dapat na imahe namin sa lipunan. Ni hindi ninyo man lamang magawang talikdan, at hindi ito ayunan. Nasaan?
Nasaan ang bayag ni Adan? Malayo. Maaaring malayo pa, ngunit natatanaw ko na ang tuldok na tatapos sa mga salaysay na si Eba ay hanggang dito lamang. Mahaba-haba mang pakikibaka, ngunit posibleng makuha. Paano kaya kung ang imik namin noon ay nadinig nila, paano kaya? Hello po! Nenita here, Nitz for short. Nakuha ko ‘tong pirasong papel sa baul ni Lola. Sulat na parang hindi pa natutuldukan. Kung nandito at nagbabasa ka pa, ituloy natin ang kwento. Dekada na ang lumipas, moderno na ang lahat. Pati ang bakal sa paa ng mga babae, moderno na rin, “victim-blaming” kung tawagin. Oo nga’t ngayon ay mas maluwag na. Kailan ba darating ‘yung talagang malaya na? Nakita ko sa Amerika, cool ang nakashorts at nakasando lang. Lalo’t mainit sa Pilipinas at maalinsangan, tiyak na presko ito sa pakiramdam. Ngunit bakit sipol at sigaw na “seksi” ang naririnig ko? Ganoon na ba kataas ang libog nila? Harap-harapang ipapalahaw pa nila. Magsuot daw ako ng disente para hindi ako bastusin, damit ko ba ang 90% sa criteria niyo ng respect, at 10% sa ganda ng fez? Simple lang ang punto, hindi haba ng suot ang basehan ng respeto. Hindi ko naman ata dapat suotin habambuhay ang bigat ng panghuhusga ninyo. Isa lang iyan sa libo-libong kwento ng pagmamalabis sa mga babae. Ang mundo ay hindi lang ginawa para kay Adan at Eba, pati sa mga hayop din. Isipin mong mabuti kung nakita ni Adan si Eba mula split ends hanggang ingrown ng walang pangmomolestya, baka isa kang klase ng kung anong hayop ka!
Sa panahon ngayon, mas masasabi nang nakalaya na ang kababaihan sa depenisyon na pambahay lamang. Ang pananatili sa bahay ay naging pagpipilian na lang ng mga babae. Ngunit unang hakbang palang palabas ng bahay, sari-sari na ang nakukuha nilang panghuhusga. “Bakit hindi ka magpalda? Ah, siguro marami kang barya sa legs mo no, tadtad ka ng peklat. Bakit ang kapal mo magmake up? Ano, tatalunin ng kilay mo sa kapal ang linta? Ah, siguro lubak-lubak mukha mo kaya ka nagmamake up.” Ibat- ibang kritisismo na nagkakahon sa babae sa kung ano lamang dapat siya. Pagdating sa trabaho, “Hindi mo to kaya, babae ka lang. Mas kakayanin nila, mas malakas sila sayo.” At kung ano-ano pang salitang ang ibig sabihin lamang ay mahina. Sa aking pagtatapos, sana ay tulungan ninyo akong hanapin ang tuldok. Ngunit kung iisipin, marahil hindi tuldok ang kailangan, kung hindi exclamation point! Dapat mas marinig pa ng susunod na henerasyon ang mariing pagtutol sa hindi pantay na pagtrato at pagrespeto sa mga kababaihan. Si Eba ay EBAng klase na!
ALMNTK | 15
WHY IS THERE
NO UNICORN AT ALL?
By Kyra Fermel Victoria
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I Rainbows do come, always after the rain, Unicorns above it, runs within its lane, Sometimes interpreted as enchanted beast, An incarnation of purity with grace at ease. II What if unicorns do actually exist? A single horned horse with a magical mist, Mendling freely with all the other creatures, Scared to break free, imprisoned by scriptures. III What if the unicorn is a modern metaphor, Seeks acceptance without neither or nor, A simile for being a different type of horse, Vibrant being in society's judgemental force.
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GRAPHICS BY: RAYMOND BALOTE PAGE DESIGN BY: ROSE CLAVANO
IV A horse and a unicorn can love so pure, Answer every fantasy, chapters to endure, Dared to take risks and to gamble the game, Where respect is a right, must be treated the same. V Mythical and mysterious, adored when rain ends, Brings company for us, shines vivid bends, Aren't we that selfish for not making them free? They seek joy as well, we're not able to see.
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VI Have you ever wondered why, there are no unicorns at all? Because stepping out, has an enormous toll, What if there are unicorns, freely roaming around? Yet chose to be ignored, acceptance isn't found. ALMNTK | 17
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The Forest of
Death
By Neil Formalejo
It was always bleak and gloomy in the heart of the forest they called “The Forest of Death” on the mountainside of the village. Rumour has it that the landmass is blight, and vegetation is almost nonexistent in that area. No one knows the absolute truth on what lies in the heart of The Forest of Death, as none has managed to go that far. There are books written about it centuries ago, passed down to generations. However, most consider it as a piece of literature, inspired by the dark landscapes of the forest. The villagers know, however, something is out there. For centuries now, the villagers are puzzled by the pile of dead bodies scattered on the mountainside. The corpses are always ravaged in a gruesome manner, done by a creature considered much worse than wild animals. No one knows the truth, everyone is scared, and there is no means to find out what lies beneath there. Until one day, a stranger, almost hanging for his dear life, appeared in the infirmary of the village, clawing his way towards the door. Before passing out, he claimed he just survived his ordeal from the heart of the forest. He was nursed by the daughter of the village chieftain, Kaisa. Kaisa noticed something strange from the anatomy of the stranger. She thought it was only fiction. She thought the ancient books of the village about the heart of the forest are mere literature, far from the truth. For years of being a nurse in their infirmary, she has not seen anything like this before. Her mind cannot believe that a 18 | ALMNTK
human being can endure such a condition, but her eyes told her it is true. The stranger’s internal organs were ruptured, but there were no broken bones. The only injured part of his body from the outside was his left foot. It was severely disfigured, already rotting, and was up for amputation. The thing that caused the ruptured organs and internal bleeding was a type of an unknown fungus that grows upon his nerves and joints. The fungus seemingly took over the function of the organ as if it has a brain. Then the stranger said something. He used his remaining strength to tell her what he saw out there. He used his last breath to pass down the knowledge. In the middle of a village council meeting, everyone is startled when the door peels open violently. Kassadin, the village chieftain, is shocked by how mannerless the act was. He is more shocked to see that this mannerless prick is his daughter, Kaisa. “What in the world is a woman doing in here?” Kassadin erupts furiously. “Father, forgive me. I know a woman is not allowed in this council, but I have a very important knowledge I must share with all of you,” Kaisa softly exclaims as she nearly burst to tears. Her father slowly walks towards her while expressing his anger, “You dare dishonor me again for god knows how many times already.” No one can calm his temper, not even his adviser, who told him to hold back and not to make a scene. Father, please, only for a moment, this is important. “You fucking cunt, I should’ve killed you long before after that failed marriage. After humiliating
me, god knows what the fuck is going on in your mind. And now you’re doing it again. Showing your face here and calling me ‘father.’ I already told you a long time ago I have no daughter anymore. We’re in the middle of something here, go away with your delusions and female fantasy.“ Father, please, understand that this is about— Kaisa didn’t even manage to finish her words as the huge fist of his father landed on her delicate face. She ignored the blood and left the room humiliated. The anger of her father stems from his failed marriage. To acquire his position now as the village chieftain, he forced her daughter to marry a rich aristocrat, Baron. She can’t do anything as it is engrained in the culture of the village that a father would decide for the marriage of his daughter. The first few months of their marriage were not as bad as she thought. The problem was when they’re in bed; her husband would violently make love to her, most nights without even her permission. Her husband treated her like a queen, buying her lavish things, and maintaining her beauty. Kassadin then became the village chieftain with all the wealth he acquired. Then came the third month, the Baron found out she’s barren. He stopped treating her good, and the beatings started. He would always burst his sentiment that he was so humiliated that he didn’t marry a real woman at all. He would always call her a dry creature with a cunt. That’s when he decided to leave her for good to find a fertile woman to bear his child. Kassadin disowned her for this and told her never to show her face or even call him father. Everyone in this village began shaming and treating her as if she’s not a human being. After her humanity broke, Kaisa found herself again working PAGE LAYOUT BY LESTER ISIP
in the village infirmary, nursing the sick and ill. Books and solitude have become her friends. Her thought snaps back as she feels like she is destined to meet the nearly dead stranger. The creature residing there is otherworldly. No one knows how they got there, but one thing is clear; they may not be humans but are sentient beings. They attack humans not because they’re savage animals, but because humans have been a threat, destroying the mountainside—the cloak that protects and shelters them. All other creatures, such as animals and plants in the blighted area, are adapting at an insane pace to keep up to human activities. The stranger told her the creatures are out there to get them, and they would be merciless in their pursuit— one month for the village’s impending doom. The village has not been kind to Kaisa. She often offers them a helping hand, yet what they offer her in return are tasteless beatings, and soul-crushing. She decided that when the time of the culling came, she would help the creatures. She would burn with them. At last, the time has come, and she has made up her mind. She helps the chaos to befall upon the wicked patriarchal village that wrecks her. If I die, I die. At least, I get justice. She lay unconscious as the fire consumed the village. Kaisa thought she’s going to die, but when she woke up, she realized she’s in the heart of the forest now. The creatures must have brought her here. It took a few weeks for her to realize what this is about. They made her their queen. They saw her worth for helping them in their pursuit. She could’ve left anytime here, but she decided to stay because this is what she wants—a place where they value her and treat her as an equal. ALMNTK | 19
Love
Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay ACRYLIC ON CANVAS By Lemmuel Pancha
Love, he thought Lied, she caught Escape from distraught
ALIMANTAK • 23
sa malabasahang damit. Hindi alintana ang mangati-ngati nang balat dahil sa talsik ng kaniyang ginagawa. Bakas ang magkahalong gulat, takot at pag-aalala sa mga mata ng ina nang makita ang kalagayan ng anak. Gamit ang nanlalaking mata’y nasulyapan niya ang kwarto— maging ang mga nasa loob nito.
ANG MADILIM NA KWARTO NI Maria Jhoanna Yasis
Sa isang madilim na kwarto, makikita ang isang munting paslit na sa kabila ng maliit na ngiti ay ang blangkong pares ng mga matang tutok na tutok sa kaniyang ginagawa. Isang maruming lampara lamang ang nagsilbi niyang pananglaw sa loob ng maliit na kwarto. Hindi niya alintana ang lansa ng dugo at mga lamang-loob na nagkalat sa maruming sahig. Hindi rin niya pinansin ang mga putol na ulo na labis na nangangamoy dahil magdadalawang araw nang hindi ginagalaw. Gayundin ang mga nakatiwangwang lamang kung saan-saan kaya pinag-aagawan na ng mga daga, uod at ipis. Ramdam niya ang lagkit ng hawak na kutsilyo subalit wala siyang tigil sa paghiwa at pagputol na animo’y hindi nakararamdam ng ngawit. Puno ng bangaw ang paligid subalit wala pa rin siyang tigil, sabik na sabik sa kabila ng 24 | ALMNTK
nakasusukang anyo ng kwarto. Maya-maya’y maririnig ang munting katok sa makipot na pintuan. “Anak, tama na ‘yan. Halina’t kumain muna ng hapunan,” wika ng ina. Marahang naglakad ang bata palapit, nakangiting tiningnan ang madugo at malansang kutsilyong hawak. Hindi alintana ang dumi na nagkalat
“Mama..” G u l a t n i y a n g ibinalik ang tingin sa maamong mukha ng anak na agad din niyang inalis at nilipat sa hawak nitong kutsilyo. Nanatili siyang nakatitig dito, hindi alam ang gagawin at sasabihin. Ngumiti ang bata at gamit ang madugong palad ay hinawakan ang kamay ng gulat na ina. “Mama, nakatatlumpung kilo na po ako ng bangus. Nakaliskisan ko na at natanggalan ng lamang-loob. Mukhang medyo mahuhuli ang damit na regalo ko sa inyo, pero sa tingin ko ay sapat na ang ibabayad ni Ka Dio sa dami ng isdang nalinis ko. Happy birthday, Mama.” Naka ngiting sabi niya at niyakap ang lumuluhang ina.
BY Maria Jhoanna Yasis
she was a surfer. he was the ocean. she battled with his menacing waves while keeping her balance while keeping herself. she was caught by the unfathomable depth of his very being yet—this is what she longed for; enveloped by his algid embrace regardless, she found his freezing cradle scorching enough to melt the ice he, alone, could build inside her she was a surfer. he was the ocean. along his perilous waves and his endless abyss, she sank. Deep enough, yet to be seen again.
GRAPHICS & PAGE DESIGN BY ROSE CLAVANO
ALMNTK | 25
Garapon Ni Earl Dwight Serrado
Paunti-unti kong iminumulat ang aking mga mata matapos ang mahimbing na pagtulog. Alas-syete na ng umaga. Medyo nasisilaw ako sa araw na sumisinag mula sa aming bintana. Mayamaya’y pumasok na siya sa pintuan, naglakad papuntang bintana kung saan ako nakatitig sa mga humuhuning mga ibon at mga makukulay na paru-parong animo’y naglalaro sa mga bulaklak sa labas ng aming bahay. “Babe, tara, kape na tayo.” Mula sa kwarto, amoy ko na ang nakagugutom na sinangag, itlog, daing, at ang paborito naming kape mula pa sa aming probinsya. Walang sinumang tatangging kumain sa isang malapiging naming almusal dahil sa perpektong handa ng aking sinta. Tamang kwentuhan habang nagsusubuan ng kanyang napakasarap na inihandang pagkain ngayong umaga. Hinanda niya na rin pala yung damit at mga gamit ko para sa pagpasok sa aking trabaho. Pagkatapos ng almusal ay sabay na rin kaming naligo, siguro para tipid sa tubig (Oh, kaibigan, itigil ang malawak mong imahinasyon!). Alas-nuebe pala ng umaga ang pasok naming pareho, magkaiba nga lang ang trabaho. Isa akong guro sa isang pampublikong paaralan, samantalang isa siyang accountant sa isang 26 | ALMNTK
bangko. Kahit pareho kaming abala sa kanyakanyang trabaho, di pa rin namin nakakalimutang mag-usap kahit sa chat para laging magpaalala ng oras ng pagkain, kung kumusta kami sa oras na ito, at iba pa. Anniversary nga pala namin sa susunod na buwan. Ikatlong taon na ng pagsasama naming punong-puno ng sari-saring emosyon at mga alaala. Biruin niyo, ako pa niligawan niyan para lang maging kami kasi ang torpe-torpe ko. Mula nung naging kami, araw-araw kaming nagsusulatan sa mga maliliit at makukulay na papel kung anong gusto naming sabihin sa bawat isa na hindi namin masabi nang harap-harapan. Pagkatapos, may isang malaking garapon lang kaming pinagtataguan nito at lahat ng sulat ay nakaipon doon. Kada taon, pumupunta kami sa isang campsite sa Baguio. Doon na rin namin laging ipinagdiriwang ang anniversary namin at doon na rin kami nagpapasko. Madalas, pasyal dito, kain doon ang gawa namin kapag nasa Baguio na kami. Mahilig din pala siyang kumuha ng mga litrato mula sa kanyang instax kaya mapapansin ninyo yung kwarto naming puno ng litrato, pawang nakasabit sa dingding, at may palamuting X-mas lights. Balik tayo sa Baguio noong isang taon. Basta dala naming yung sasakyan namin, ako ang nagmamaneho, siya naman susubo ng pagkain sa'kin 'pag nagugutom ako sa mahabang biyahe mula Maynila. Panay kwentuhan din kami habang nagbabyahe para 'di mabagot, o kaya’y mabibigla ka na lang dahil wala nang dumadaldal, tulog na pala. Nakakapagod din
talagang dumaldal. Pahinga saglit matapos ng mahabang biyahe dahil sa wakas, nandito na kami sa campsite. Dahil gabi na rin kami laging nakakarating dito, pinapahanda na namin agad sa may-ari ‘yong kakailanganin namin lalo na para sa fire camping. Alam mo ‘yon, yung pakiramdam na kahit napakalamig ng Baguio sa mga oras na ‘yon, ang init pa rin kasi siya yung kasama ko. Katatapos lang naming kumain, medyo pahinga nang kaunti bago humiga sa may banig malapit sa apoy. Doon, nagsimula na kaming magbasahan ng mga nakasulat sa mga papel. “Hi Edward, salamat sa palaging pag timpla saken ng kape. Love youuu 3000!” “Hi Max, di mo nasama yung brief ko sa nilabhan mo, wala tuloy akong ginamit sa work. Love youuu!” Grabe yung tawa ko kay Edward lintek hahaha! “Edwaaaaaaaarddd! Jusko, yung brief mo, bat nasa TV?? Pasalamat ka lab kita dyan eh!” “Max, naiyak ako lintek ka dahil sa pasurprise mo saken nung anniv naten last year. Sana ikaw na nga, ikaw na. ILY 3000!” “Edward, babe, sana Thailand naman tayo next year! Hahahahaha lam ko namang tayo pa rin next year at forever eh.” Ilan lang iyon sa mga nakakatawa at nakakatuwang sulatan namin sa bawat isa. At shhh ka lang, may surprise ako kay Edward ngayong taon. Bumili na ako ng ticket namin pa-Thailand para sa susunod na buwan. Excited na akong masyado para sa lahat ng gagawin
namin doon. Matutuwa ‘yon ng sobra lalo na sa Chatuchak market, Wat Pho, makatikim ng legit na Pad Thai, Luem Kluem, Mango Rice, at iba pa. Lahat handa na, para sa kanya. Kinaumagahan, paunti-unti kong iminumulat ang aking mga mata matapos ang mahimbing na pagtulog. Alas-syete na ng umaga. Medyo nasisilaw ako sa araw na sumisinag mula sa aming bintana. Maya-maya’y may pumasok sa pintuan, naglakad papuntang bintana kung saan ako nakatitig sa mga naghuhuning ibon at mga makukulay na paru-parong animo’y naglalaro sa mga bulaklak sa labas ng aming bahay. “Nak, kape ka na oh.” Tila yatang iba ang nag-aalok sa akin ng kape ngayong umaga. Mula sa kwarto, amoy ko na ang nakakagutom na sinangag, itlog, daing, at ang paborito naming kapeng mula pa sa aming probinsya. Ngunit, parang iba na rin yung lasa ng umagahan ko ngayon. Ahh, naalala ko, wala ka na pala, Max. Hindi natuloy yung sorpresa ko sanang bakasyon sa Thailand dahil dalawang linggo bago ang pag-alis namin, tinamaan siya ng nakamamatay na virus sa kanyang baga. Parang isang bangungot para s a ang makita siyang
akin
GUHIT AT DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI LESTER ISIP
nahihirapan sa bawat h a n g i n g kanyang pilit na hinihinga, hanggang siya’y tuluyan nang namaalam. Mukhang wala akong gana ngayong umagang kumain. Bumalik ako sa kwarto. Nakita ko yung garapon ng lahat ng sulat niya sa akin na para sana sa ikatlong taon ng aming pagmamahalan. Sa kanyang paglisan, nadagdagan pala yung garapon sa maliit na mesang pinaglalagyan ng garapong hawak ko. Iyon ay ang kanyang abo, na sa tanging iyon ko na lamang siya mahahawakan, mayayakap, at mahahagkan. Kaya paano kung hindi na ako nagising sa panaginip ng umagang iyon? Doon, walang sakit, walang paghihirap, masaya pa sana akong kasama si Max. Paano kung nadugtungan pa natin Max yung mga araw na ikinuwento ko ngayon? Sana mas marami pang mga ala ala ang mapagsasaluhan natin sa iba’t ibang lugar sa mundo. Sana ganoon nga, ngunit hanggang doon na lamang pala. Max, sana dito ka na lang, pero, hanggang sa muli nating pagmamahalan at sa susunod na buhay, sana, ako pa rin ang piliin mong makasama, at ikaw rin ang pipiliin kong mahalin ulit, magpakailanman. 28 | ALMNTK
Pangalawa NI Charey Mae Alvarado
Heto ka't heto ako Sa sarili nating mundo Saglit na namang naramdaman na umagos, Ang ilog sa dibdib natin, Na tanda ng ating pagmamahalan. Muli na namang mahalimuyak Ang bango ng bulaklak ng ating katawan Kasama ang kasariwaan ng damong tila bagong tabas. Aakyatin ang kabundukan ng kagiliwan At sa tuktok nito pilit aabutin ang kaligayahang, Minsan lang natin makamtan. Dahil mamaya't kaunti ika'y muling lilisan, Tulad noon na para tayong ibong nag-uulayawan
GRAPHICS & PAGE DESIGN BY: ROSE CLAVANO
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Ubod tinding harutan ay bigla mo akong iniwan Lumipad patungo kung saan. Natagpuan mo siya. Kung hindi mo sana ginupit ang tela ng iyong pagtitiwala At ikinalat ang retaso ng iyong maling akala Hindi sana ako ngayon ang pangalawa mo lang Dahil ang mahal mong una'y ako naman.
Un Certain. Here I am thinking of a possibility Questioning myself if it is really necessary To do things for someone who used to be a stranger Now, your potential lover
BY Rachelle Paja
I was once curious about how it feels Having someone opposite confess their feelings Until such time it happened unexpectedly I don't know how to react whether I'll be shocked or extremely happy. I wanted to give it a try But what if things will not work as time goes by? It's really hard to be in this situation Whether you take the risk of just ignore your emotion
GRAPHICS & PAGE DESIGN BY: ROSE CLAVANO
A lot of thoughts to ponder Making myself wonder Things that I still have uncertainty Though I want to have a positive mentality Whatever decision I'll end up to I know it will be the best thing to do There's no need to rush things to start with And one day it will be all worth it.
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Katotohanan
Ni Mary Anne Durante
“Start na po, Ma’am,” sabi ng isang staff sa simbahan kasabay ng pagbukas ng napakalaking pinto. Nanginginig akong naglakad sa isang kulay pulang karpet papuntang altar kung saan may isang lalaking naghihintay. Napangiti ako nang magtama ang paningin namin kasabay ang pagbalik ng mga alaala naming dalawa, ‘di ka pa rin nagbabago, Jim. Gwapo pa rin ang mahal ko. Unang pagkikita natin, alam kong ikaw na ang mamahalin ko habambuhay, at ‘di nga ako nagkamali. Bawat araw na kasama kita, tila sasabog ang puso ko sa sobrang saya, kung pwede lang sanang ihinto ang mga oras na ‘yun, ginawa ko na.
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Naalala ko pa noong unang beses mo akong niyayang makipag-date, simpleng “oo” lang ang naisagot ko sayo ngunit tila nanalo ka na sa lotto at para kang batang sigaw nang sigaw sa sobrang saya. Napakalaki ng ngiti mo noon, at masaya ako na nakikita kitang masaya. Dumating ang araw na ‘yun, tandang-tanda ko, alas-sais pa lang ng umaga tumawag ka sa ‘kin para siguraduhin na makapupunta ako. Labis ang tawa ko sa’yo noon, para namang tatakasan kita, ‘di mo lang alam kung gaano ko ipinagdasal na mangyari ito. Hindi man ako showy pero alam ko sa sarili kong mahal kita. Pumunta tayo sa isang parke, magkahawak-kamay na lumibot habang nag-uusap tungkol sa buhay natin. Hindi
man engrandeng date ang nangyari, sapat na ‘yun para mas lalo kitang mahalin, mas nakilala ko kung sino ka talaga. Bawat bigkas ng iyong mga bibig, bawat ngiti mo, at bawat tingin mo ay parang mahikang nakahuhumaling pagmasdan. At sa puntong ‘yun, sa pangalawang pagkakataon, nasabi ko ang salitang “oo,” hudyat ng pagsisimula ng ating pagmamahalan. Bigla kang natahimik sa iyong pagkwento, at tanging pagtitig ang nagawa mo kasabay ang pagtulo ng iyong mga luha. Nakatatawa lang at pati ako’y naiyak na rin. Tingin tuloy ng mga tao doon sa park ay nababaliw na tayo. Sabagay, baliw na siguro ako sa pagmamahal ko sa’yo, at hanggang ngayon sa mga oras na ito, ikaw pa rin ang kinababaliwan ko. ‘Di ko namalayan na tumutulo na pala mga luha ko habang inaalala ang nakaraan natin. ‘Di pa rin ako makapaniwala na ilang minuto na lang, ikakasal na ako sa’yo. Ang saya sa pakiramdam na ‘yung dating pinagpaplanuhan lang natin, yung pinapangarap natin, ngayon magkakatotoo na.
Nagmamadali na ko maglakad papuntang altar dahil ‘di na ko makapaghintay na yakapin ka at sabihin sa harap ng ating pamilya, at sa harap ng Poong Maykapal na “Oo, pumapayag akong maging asawa mo sa hirap at ginhawa, sa lungkot at saya, pinapangako kong ikaw pa rin ang mamahalin ko habambuhay.” Inabot mo ang iyong kamay para hawakan ako at nang akma kong abutin, napansin kong napakalamig nito. Itataas ko na sana ang mukha ko para tingnan ka, pero bigla kang naglaho. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko sa simbahan pero walang mga tao. Kinakabahan na ako, nanginginig na ang mga kamay ko, at sigaw ako nang sigaw sa loob ng simbahan. Naglulupasay na ako kaiiyak, pero ‘di pa rin kayo nagpapakita. “Asan na kayo? Asan ka na?!” Bigla akong may narinig na sumisigaw ng pangalan ko nang paulit-ulit. Bigla akong napaupo sa aking hinihigaan. Nakita ko ang mama ko at bakas sa kanyang mga mukha ang pag-aalala. At sa puntong ‘yun, bigla akong
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sinampal ng katotohanan, panaginip lang pala ang lahat, pati si mama sinampal na rin ako sa pag-aakalang ako’y nababaliw. Si Jim ay matagal ko nang crush at hanggang ngayon ‘di niya pa rin alam ‘yun. Wala naman masamang mangarap ‘di ba? What if kami talaga ang nakatadhana? What if gusto niya rin pala ako? What if crush ako ng crush ko? Haaay, masaya na rin ako na kahit sa panaginip lamang, tayo ang nagkatuluyan, is this a sign?
IMPRISONMENT. By Trisha Bañas
“Goodbye” was the last word you’ve said With a smile plastered over your face I can’t believe you were happy Amidst the pain you’ve caused me Fear all over my body Terrified to lose you, my baby Can somebody rescue me? My heart is crying so loudly I’m swallowed by loneliness And the feeling of emptiness Will I get better? Or what if I remain imprisoned with our memories Forever?
GRAPHICS & PAGE DESIGN BY ROSE CLAVANO
BERLINETH NYMIA MONTE
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TOMO VII
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CS
PHOTO
ALIMANTAK
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POLITICS
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TOMO VII
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ALIMANTAK
Success, if they master the movements in chess Professionals, not just the person on their dress Tactics, brave enough who to suppress Address. Reassess. Progress Unless, you allow them to make a mess
Politics
ES
PHOTO
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BERLINETH NYMIA MONTES
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POLIT
GRAPHICS BY CYEN ESCLANDA PAGE LAYOUT BY LESTER ISIP
Patriot Parrot By Marie Juvy Lea Violeta
A sharp alarm indicated it was time. Opening his eyes, he examined the red binary numbers flashing on his face, 3:00 A.M. He abruptly sat up and heard the mundane knocks and arguments in his apartment neighborhood, accompanied by dogs barking at the intrusion, distant heavy coughs echoed. The daily home check-ups have begun as he went about his morning routine, preparing to go to work. This was the new normal for Dr. Ronan. The world had endured virus outbreaks for the last decades, as scientists had predicted. He developed a distaste for meat, so he ate vegetables that nowhere near satisfied his palate. 38 | ALMNTK
As he was driving around the block, in a moment, he thought he met the eyes of an old man in a wheelchair, ushered out of a house by nurses. Disturbed, he focused on the road and sped up, occasionally passing a few booming china businesses, packed with Filipino patrons seen through modern glass storefronts. He scoffs, 'no amount of vaccine can cure patriotic brainwash.' He breathed in the familiar scent of antiseptics through his N-95 mask. He was doing his regular rounds down the ward, fully geared in prim personal protective equipment. He would have to deal with the constricting airways for a few more hours. He chose not to complain, knowing how some staff is serving for 12 hours. ‘How inhumane.’ There is still a shortage of PPE due to the long broken supply chain. Scarcity demanded they get only one set per day as even the loads of weekly medical supplies and equipment donated by China were not enough. He then wondered who the next Manchurian candidate will be this
coming election. Only recently did the Philippines lose its prized Scarborough Shoal to China for good. ‘Shame, they succeeded in their game of diplomacy to exploit our policies,’ he sighed. ‘As the experts have always warned,´ he recalled a video clip he saw on youtube. There was a sharp ringing in his head, snapping him out zoning. There was an audible hint of whirring and humming from machines—coughs from afar. He dared not venture the left-wing of the hospital where the lonely sounds originated, at least not yet. His colleagues were in there, treating patients with severe acute respiratory illness, or so he was told. ‘Healthcare workers got the recognition they deserved, given generous compensation, but at what cost?’ On his clipboard, the newly admitted patient 06122 was the last listed for diagnosis. He met with a skinny frame, the same old man he saw on his drive, he figured. His eyes involuntarily softened apologetically, the old man merely scratched his graying-stubbed chin with no hint of recognition. Dr.
Ronan, covered in PPE, was unrecognizable, ‘to the eyes of many patients, they are unable to see the faces of their heroes.’ The next day, Dr. Ronan sported bandages wrapped around his temples, again donned in complete PPE. He was very pale. When patient 06122 asked about it, Dr. Ronan did not say, proceeding with the regular check-up with an air of steel. The next day, the doctor did not visit patient 06122 at the usual time. "Maybe the doctor was on leave because of an injury?" the old man thought dismissively. He needed a smoke, but forgot all thoughts of nicotine when a nurse with pretty eyes walked in. He jovially conversed, telling tales of when he slew a snake with a bolo creeping around his live chickens. Days turned to weeks, patient 06122 developed symptoms of the current virus— sore throat, body pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. The nurse saw no improvements. On top of that, the patient tested positive of the virus. “Sir, lilipat ka
na po namin sa kabilang ward.” Having been told in advance, the old man nodded to this. The nurse and the other staff helped him in his wheelchair. The nurse reached out for the wheelchair handles solemnly and led the old man to the left-wing who was now coughing severely. They passed several hallways. As they inch closer, foreboding whirring and humming sound lurked— then silence. They stopped in front of wooden double doors—he could hear his blood pumping in through his veins near the ear, he was self-conscious of his labored breathing. A door from behind them creaked slowly, then clicked shut. Whirr—step— whirr—step, it c o n t i n u e d— something, something was approaching. “Good morning,” the nurse said. “Good morning,” someone from behind echoed. The old ALMNTK | 39
man recognized the doctor's voice. “Ms., si Dr. Ronan na iyan?” The nurse stepped back, “Yes po, siya na po magdadala sa inyo sa unit 061220.” The doctor looked down on the wheelchair handles. He knew what he had to do. He took the handles and made a swift U-turn out of here! Maybe he could still save one life—for what he learned by accident, what awaited them beyond was—he coolly grips the handles. Someone opens the doors for them, ‘who was it?’ He did not notice, were they not all the misused tools? He was not in control. He could not act out his plan. The abnormally dark room in front gave much foreboding. Dr. Ronan eased the wheelchair forward. As the door was being closed behind them, a flock of ravens suddenly came pouring in and had passed them—click. He wondered why the old man was not panicking. Looking down to check, he braced himself as the room was spinning. Then all at once, it dawned on him
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that he was the one cast on the wheelchair. The doctor with luminous red eyes threw him down a pit, where the same glowing red orbs awaited. During the fall, he brushed a couple of branches and leaves, clanging then blaring into fitful shrills on his limbs—his whole being exposed the metal underneath as if augmented into a humanoid robot. These parts erupted unto vivid reds, blues hues, and yellow feathers. “RONAN, MAGHUGAS KA NA, wala tayong katulong!” someone shouted up a balcony. Adjusting to the brightly golden lit afternoon outside the veranda, he wiped off his drool. The ringing sound caused by his tinnitus condition slowly ceased. What if there were more pandemics? Like the dream he had. What if a Manchurian Candidate did win the upcoming 2022 election, and the Philippines lost its grip on disputed waters? Economic loss, lost jobs, collateral damage?
“GISING na, hijo!” there was distinctive padding down the stairs. What if a million other Filipino youth paid no vigilance to the country’s current affairs? Just because they were busy with studies. What if— pfft a slipper shuriken aced his back. “Kusina now na.” “MA! Adobo po ulam mamaya?” Ronan croaked with a smile, still groggy from sleep. “Adobo! Adobo!” their pet parrot mimicked. One thing he was certain of, he was not going to be like a parrot who imitates what was said, to get wooed by foreign influences, or act like a robot based on complex algorithms. He was going to be a patriot who fulfills his civic duties for his country, vote wisely!
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Sentensya de Konsensya Ni Berlineth Nymia Montes Paano kung sabihin kong hindi bulag si Inang Hustisya? At hindi rin manipis ang tela na nakapiring sa kaniyang mga mata? Paano kung sabihin kong hindi na kailangang ibalik ang kamatayan bilang isang sentensiya? Maniniwala ka ba? Matagal ko ring niyakap at pinaniwalaan Ang mga kabulaanan Na kesyo bulag si Inang Hustisya sa mga nangyayari sa bayan At hatol ng kamatayan ang sagot upang malunasan ang sakit ng lipunan. Hanggang sa aking mapakinggan at makita Ang kwento ng mga magsasaka Na kinitilan ng kinabuhayan dahil kinamkam ang lupa nila. Ang mukha ng mga lumad na tinanggalan ng pag-asa Na makaahon sa kamangmangan at makasabay sa makabagong teknolohiya
GUHIT AT DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI LESTER ISIP 42 | ALMNTK
Ang daing ni Maria na matagal nang sadlak sa dusa Sapagkat pikit-mata ang lipunan sa kalagayan niya Ang makalyong kamay ni Juan na hindi mabuhay ang sariling pamilya Dahil sa kakarampot na kita sa pabrika. Ang istorya ng mga guro at nars na gumagastos mula sa sariling bulsa Upang magampanan ang tungkulin nila Ang paghingi ng saklolo ni Totoy na biglang humandusay sa kalsada Dahil napagkamalang pusher o terorista. Ang tangis ng mga anak na naulila ng ama Sapagkat nakulong sa gawa-gawang sala. Ang sigaw ng mga mamamahayag at aktibista Na ang bungo't sintindo'y plinantahan ng bala. Paano kung sabihin kong hindi lahat ng namamatay ay nawawalan ng hininga? Na karamihan sa kanila'y pinagkaitan ng pagkakataon at pag-asa Ng sistemang galit sa maralita at silaw sa mapera? Paano kung sabihin kong hindi na kailangang ibalik ang kamatayan bilang sentensiya? Dahil araw-araw na tayong pinapatay ng baluktot na sistema? Maniniwala ka ba? ALMNTK | 43
By Jhezylle Faye Loria Is it that dreaded time of the year again When these people turn into fine actors Act as if they've been good since forever Speak as if they've meant every word said "Buying votes! Sell it for a cheaper price!" People must have been completely blinded "Truly, deeply, and I swear," a brazen start Telling tales, playing nice, acting wise Truly someday you'll find your price You'll feel the pain of our despise. No worries, no suffering I'll just end it with your own name Write it down patiently and clearly As if I'm doing calligraphy A work of art for you mister politician! Cross my heart, you'll surely die You will meet your doom real soon My country will soon become free Free from worries and thievery Free from all you greedy swines. But when the time that I'm about to write And just wait news of your deaths to arrive I woke up from my slumber I woke up from my fantasy to reality Realized things could never be fair and square.
GRAPHICS & LAYOUT BY LESTER ISIP 44 | ALMNTK
Alas! Release me from this dire situation That hath befall upon me and my nation Wake me up from this nightmare And turn my dream into reality Bring it back oh you cruel fate! Whilst my despair occurs You get to have everything while you do nothing You do nothing, while everything had turned into nothing Nothing will change if we don't try to change anything.
What if walang tangang politiko? What if walang buwaya sa kongresso? Tagumpay kaya ang Pilipino? What if marami pa tayong palayan? Na hindi ginawang subdivision ni kumareng Cynthia? Magsasakang araw-araw ang penitensiya, Nakuhang sagot ay pasensya.
TH
Ni Jayvie Buenaagua
O ‘di kaya’y marami tayong pera At hindi kinuha ng Philhealth? Sigurado ba ang ating health? Kung mawawala ang wealth? What if hindi na-ipasa ang Anti-Terror Law? Marahil malaya pang nakapagsusulat tungkol Sa mga polpolitiko, sa mga senador na gago At sa presidenteng tuta ng mga tsino.
Kung magkatotoo lang ang lahat ng ito, Marahil may matino tayong gobyerno At walang mga corrupt tulad ni ***** Alam mo na kung sino-sino. Magkatotoo man o hindi, Mga katagang paano kung? Susulat pa rin ako. Magsasalita. Kikilos. Pero paano na lang kung ikaw ang natitira, Lalaban ka ba?
GRAPHICS & LAYOUT BY LESTER ISIP ALMNTK | 45
N ESCLANDA GRAPHICS BY CYE TER ISIP PAGE LAYOUT BY LES
Inevitable Cure The
By John Paul Borito
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It has been 48 years since the deadly virus first inflicted fear among humans. But it has not been successful in wiping out the broken race, or at least, not yet. More than a hundred countries have fully recovered regardless of the vaccine’s low efficiency rate. Their nations have continuously advanced in technology without the fear of another outbreak. Schools are reopened, hospitals regain capacity, and the employment rate is at its peak while the prices of goods are at a minimum. The normal is back, if not, even better. But may I remind you, “more than a hundred countries have fully recovered.” For other nations, they are still facing the virus of 2020. For some, recovery is drawing near, but for the most unfortunate countries, it was the end of their era. Four nations have lost all their people as of the moment. The reasons vary, or maybe a combination of various factors probably left undisclosed by some influential people whose names I will never know. I do not know if you would call our situation lucky for not being wiped out yet, but in our country, the struggle keeps on getting worse every hour. The government resorts to killing as their ultimate weapon to battle the virus. Even up to date, they use similar tactics to when the pandemic first struck the world. Military forces hunt down whoever they choose to take down. They are limiting sufficient and factual information about the health status of the country. Media manipulation reigns, and if you opt to oppose their will, regardless of when it
is evil, a bull’s eye target is placed right across your head. The failure and injustices since 2020 feel even more than all the number of deaths combined. The horror of the dictatorship lives as the government, now we call The Directorate, chooses the country’s head who mirrors the same bent ideals of the country’s second dictator in history. The voting process, my grandparents used to call the election, has been revoked—one of the many constitutional rights they voided. But overruling the law is not the most inhumane power of The Directorate. The rippling catastrophe decapitated the little humanity left in 2020. In the year 2050, when the country was at the brink of being wiped out, reducing the population was their last resort. More than three-fourths of my countrymen died as the poorest of the poor were instantly shot to death. I was around 7-years-old when the Culling happened. It was my last memory of watching private media networks aired on the television. Gory footage flashed on the screen. Military personnel shot almost aimlessly at citizens who kept on running as if there was still a safe place somewhere. I took a final look at two children, weeping for help yet shot at a close range of a guy almost six times their size. My mother’s trembling hands grabbed me before I could witness further
of the nightmare played in reality. The succeeding years were as terrorizing as the Culling. Telecommunication companies witnessed their end as The Directorate forcefully confiscated all forms of advanced technology. All they allowed left to us were sources of light and radios with only one government-controlled station. Around the city, peace officers remain roaming with their heavy-loaded guns. There is also a station of armor and pieces of machinery in case an outburst occurs—as if our hungry stomachs and tired minds still have the energy to instigate a battle with our bare hands. Today, it is even harder to have the drive to live. Every six years, the Culling occurs, similar to how the masses used to vote for their President during elections. The Directorate executes the Culling by identifying those who will die. Their criteria are simple. If you are one of The Directorate and a Chief of the few Directorate Department, freedom is a guarantee. Every military personnel is also free from the Culling. Besides, The Directorate needs them to impose the killings. Meanwhile, those whose family names stand by as allies also receive the praise. They sometimes are also given a chance to choose who they want dead. Those ordinary citizens working for them are somewhat far from the list. After all, only 10 million people remain alive. With our current 14 million population, about 1 out of 3 will only continue to live. Not to mention, they also have a priority list of those who can be instantly ordered to death as the judicial process has long been overdue. Those who managed to reach the age of 65 face death.
ALMNTK | 47
Although, there are only a few fractions of deaths recorded due to reaching past 65. Most of the street killings involve activists. Even a sentence of opposing or questioning the measure of The Directorate can cause one’s life. People now talk in low murmurs. The streets sound like a horror film where the main character is going crazy for hearing indistinct voices. The country fears The Directorate more than the mishandled pandemic, yet there is no word of dissent—all those who tried are now ashes, and those who will attempt are shot to the ground before they even say their next words. I let go of a heavy sigh—this is no longer about living, not even surviving. This agony is only an act of cruelty crafted in years of oppression, incompetence, and injustices. Maybe The Directorate is right all along— death is the only answer. As I finish viewing the last Health Department report on the single government-installed television across the entire city, I head back home. Our once lively home has lost its glow. The blue paint of the walls has lost its color, turning nearly to gray. I open the squeaky door, catching the attention of my now frail mother. “I’m home, Ma,” I move to her wooden bed and give her a peck on her forehead. She only responds with a broken smile. For in her eyes, there is the fear of the past, yet haunting her. It was indeed not easy for my mother when 48 | ALMNTK
my father received more than 38 gunshots for criticizing The Directorate. Her trauma seems to be the only thing she will soon carry on her grave. “I brought you two pieces of banana. Do you want to eat now?” I ask her while peeling the nearly rotten banana. She opens her mouth a little, but not to take a bite of the rotten berry. It is her final breath as I quickly stab the knife from the side of her neck. Her blood mixes with my tears while I lull her to sleep. “Shh, shh, shhh, it is all over now. You can finally rest, Ma.” I then stood up towards the stool right beneath the swaying noose. The years of battling The Directorate more than the virus is tiring. I see nowhere else to go. There is death right around any corner, and there is only chaos below the hierarchy. The next Culling is about to happen in two days anyway. I just grew exhausted. Most of us did. This country is beyond saving. Most of us are lost souls. Perhaps, when I decide and do this on my own, I will then find my refuge. Anywhere than here seems to be better— maybe hell is even better. “God, may you rest easy on my soul.”
ALMNTK | 49
Belief
Philippe de Champaigne oil ON CANVAS
Brandon Jon Delos Santos WATERCOLOR
If in this life we could see everything, If in this life we seize our freedom, What would we be fearing?
What if my conservative ass By Grygghnn Beltrano Beltran
It’s pretty bold, what Lennon told, in his song that he wrote With his own wife, it’s filled with lies, something I truly loath Heaven’s existence, not the hindrance for us to succeed It’s repentance, and elimination, of our greed What if there is no religion? Then expect things to fail ‘Cause social contract ain’t enough, for your heart that is frail If there’s no heaven, there’s no hell, then we all should just die If there are no consequences, then everything is a lie From the biased media, and the insanity it brings The stench will last for millennia, and it will truly cling To the hearts and the minds, of the people they corrupted Political correctness, not faith, should be subtracted If there are no borders? Then you don’t practice what you preach. No one is above the law, except when you try to bleach The sins of the same people, who don’t respect your own zone Sanctuary ain’t a bliss if you can’t protect your own home
GRAPHICS & PAGE DESIGN BY ROSE CLAVANO
What if you’re truly a dreamer, but your own dream ain’t clean You do condemn dictators, yet celebrates a drug queen And that’s why when I run deeper, I’m always cynical Remembering that Lucifer was the first liberal You can drag me down, hold me up, you’ll just unleash the beast All of you are freaking rats, stay away from our cheese From our peace, we won’t tolerate any of your deceit That if the law is not enforced, that there would be some peace They say chivalry is dead, I’d say journalism’s next Prove me wrong, show you’re strong, and publish any of my text If you don’t agree, then it’s fine if you start to diss me Let’s have a talk, and don’t you ever try to dismiss me Don’t you label me as racist or a freaking retard Don’t hide your freaking colors, like a Chamelion Lizard Don’t you ever try to #cancel me, for the things I said I already cancelled myself, so consider me dead.
GUHIT NI BRANDON JON DELOS SANTOS • DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI LESTER ISIP
Oh, poon na lubos kong sinasamba, Ikaw ay puno ng habag at aba. Ilayo mo po ako sa pangamba Gamit ang iyong malulutong na mura. Lunurin mo ako sa banal mong tawa At luluhod ako sa imahe ng bansang Tsi**na, Duraan mo ako na parang isang puta At ang iyong mga salita’y lulunukin isa-isa Ako ay iyong masugid na propeta, Armas ko ang dangal na ibinenta. Oh, banal, ubusin mo silang ‘di naniniwala Paputukan mo ng mainit na patutsada, Paulanan mo ng libo-libong bala, At sakalin ng kawalang hustisya. Ikaw ay bukod tangi’t naiiba, Oh, matapang naming messiah, Paglilingkuran kang walang duda, Biyayaan mo lamang kami ng pera. Sagarin mo ang kanilang pasensya, Ilabas mo ang iyong sandata, “Aah! Puta**ngi**na.”
Panalangin Kay
Tu Ta Ama Ni John Paul Borito
54 | ALMNTK
Uncertain Belief
Photo by Jayvie Buenaagua ALMNTK | 55
who must come down?
By Norene Cantor
The proud and famous narration So explicit and impartial Brought forth his damnation And not the answer to his call.
If the proud and furious fiction-If every word of the twisted narration Turned out to be real; This time, you’d thank the devil.
The first to oppose the almighty The first brave angel to support humanity Who heeded the call to equality Is the damned and the toxin, sadly.
If that was so sure of itself, Then, everytime you’d scream for help You thought your hero would come to the rescue, But lo and behold your villain saving you.
Now, they are a thousand personalities Immortalized under the same names Bringing forth a million stories Dividing families, pointing who reigns.
The pleasant music to your ears Lured you to the saving grace But the same favors only who hears And simply believes the praise.
The proud and twisted narration Seemed like a high horse to me. Ridden by the entire domination-Get down, mere pride of humanity.
GRAPHICS & PAGE DESIGN BY: ROSE CLAVANO 56 | ALMNTK
NAWA
Ni Patrick Joseph Panambo Iba't ibang pananamit, ngunit iisa ang sinasambit. Iba't ibang pook-sambahan, ngunit iisa ang nais tunguhan. Kailangan bang watak-watak Sa layuning 'di tiyak? Panalangin mong sambit ang siya ring dalanging banggit, Nang kabilang simbahang naging kaaway mo saglit, Matapos ang bangayang kala mo'y kaybabait, Kapwa panig nga'y galit na galit. Bakit nga ba ang daming bersiyon? Iba't ibang hinuha sa iisang aklat, Alin nga ba ang tama na nagmumulat? Sa lipunang sumusunod lamang sa aksiyon. Magiging isa kaya? Kung sakaling wala ang simbahan niya, At wala rin ang sa kanya? Iisang relihiyon, mapagbuklod kaya?
wonder, wander
Ni Patrick Joseph Panambo
It’s my 30th birthday, yey? All were gloomy— the weather, my eyes, my mind, my Monday. Back in my brain thought it’s the start of the week until I realized it wasn’t, it’s Sunday. Then there’s the saying it’s the day for family and church. Who would know what I did yesterday? After all, I’m all alone, thinking about why this is happening. And what if there’s no deity? How would I know? A God? Silly me, of course, there is. Thousands of questions were running, yet answered by all questions, again. Where can I
GRAPHICS & PAGE DESIGN BY: ROSE CLAVANO
find answers in this stupid cruel world, where all I can see are powerful people taking advantage of those individuals in need. How powerful is he to not make this happen? But, yes, who am I to question? Ultimately, I’m like them, a person. Am I? Now, the country's facing a massive calamity. Only those who are fortunate can survive this tragedy because they have food and money, unlike others who need to work continuously, earning at a rate of cents. Is this all part of the book they’re reading? Where are the numbers of churches depicting? They say it's insane to ask where He is—a vanity for not being thankful. Profanities! I say, okay, there’s a ‘Him,’ but do you practice what you preach? Humans tend to forget the word human in humanity. I think it’s alright to question, as long as you know humane acts. You see, I’m not just a person. Unlike you, I’m doing what is right. Whether there is heaven or not, I know I did what was supposed to be done. I’m sorry if you can’t understand the concept of values. Well, people really can’t relate to what they don’t have. Does it matter if there’s no God? We can still do the right things without a word from the highest. Actions should not be done to flaunt, we’re not ranking anything. Helping should be natural. Being kind to everyone, not only to a selected few, should be normalized.
They say it’s the way of the world to balance the system. I say it’s plain cruelty to live in the so-called system of hierarchy. Someone has the crops while some are living in a crap. I guess part of living is finding your luck and fate. But, please, help others whenever there is a chance you can. Everyone will be happy, I think. It’s still Monday, I guess I still can have my birthday wish. For a long time, I’m not blowing any candles, I’m here praying and hoping He might listen and somehow, answer all my questions. And especially, grant this wish to stop all unwanted happenings. I’m not an atheist, it’s just a curious question. I wonder how, I wonder why.
ALMNTK | 59
Lazaro! Lazaro! Kaibigan ni Hesu-kristo Sa sansinukob, bukod na pinagpala Kamatayang kinatakuta't tinakbuhan Noon magpahanggang ngayon Iyong naranasa't naalpasan Nabuhay, namatay, nabuhay at namatay Ang siklo ng iyong mga araw 'Di matanaw ang patutunguhan Walang nakaalam ng iyong hangganan Bukod sa iyong kaibigan na makapangyarihan Nais ko rin sanang iyan ay maranasan Maramdamang pagkabuhay ko'y ipinagdiriwang Kamatayan ko'y kanila ring ikinasasawi Walang kamatayang kahunghangan Na hanggang sa panaginip na lamang Ako ma'y 'di takot kay kamatayan Mayroon pa rin namang pag-aalinlangan Ano kaya ang aking huling mararamdaman Kapag ang oras ko'y natapos nang tuluyan? Ito lang naman ang aking natatanging katanungan
hanggana’t kalooban NI Jhezylle Faye Loria
60 | ALMNTK
Ako'y handa at nagagalak Sa pagdating ng araw na yaon Ngunit sa puso nama'y pangamba'y umaahon Pangambang pamilya'y sa kalungkuta'y mabaon Bawat tao'y may oras ng nakatakda Maging medisina'y 'di makapipigil Walang 'di inaasahang paglisan Bawat isa ang hanggana'y naitakda na Totoong Diyos ang siyang nagpasya
Bad Lock NI Kenn Daniel Montecillo
Magkakasunod na buntong-hininga na lang ang nagawa ni Joy nang magising sa mahimbing na pagkakatulog. Sinasampal man ng malamig na hangin mula sa bintilador na nakaharap sa kanya, patuloy pa rin sa pag-agos ang pawis niya dahil sa panaginip niya. Isang lalaki ang sa kanya ay papalapit na nais bunutin ang mga ngipin niya. Nang akmang ang huling ngipin na lang niya ang bubunutin, dito na napabalikwas sa pagkakatulog si Joy. Alas tres pa lamang ng madaling-araw kaya’t minabuti niyang bumalik na lang sa pagtulog. Mataas na ang araw nang muli siyang magising, at mabilis na bumangon para gumayak upang pumasok sa eskwela. Tila hinahabol siya ng oras sa pagmamadali at agad na naligo’t nagbihis. Binuksan niya ang gripo at kinuha ang sipilyo, ngunit sa pagmamadali ay hindi niya sinasadyang natabig ang baso ng tubig sa gawi niyang kanan. Tumilapon ang laman nitong tubig, at nagkalat naman sa sahig ang mga piraso ng nabasag na baso. Agad na lamang dinampot ni Joy ang walis at dustpan para kunin ang nagkalat na basag na baso. Hingal siyang dumating sa classroom. Kinuha niya ang upuan at agad na umupo sa gitna ni Pia at Amy kung saan ay bakante. Habang naghihintay sa prof nila, dinampot ni Amy ang cellphone niya at agad na nagbilang para mag-selfie. Biruan nina Pia at Amy, “goodbye
GRAPHICS BY BRANDON DELOS SANTOS PAGE DESIGN BY ROSE CLAVANO ALMNTK | 61
in advance” na daw kay Joy, dahil siya ang nasa gitna ng picture. Base sa pamahiin, kung sino ang nasa gitna ng tatlong taong nagpicture, siya ang unang mamatay, paliwanag ni Pia. Nakangisi namang kinewestiyon ni Joy ang pamihiiin. Tanong niya sa dalawa, bakit hanggang ngayon ay naniniwala pa rin sila sa mga pamahiin. Dahil dito, kinuwento na rin ni Joy sa dalawa kung anong nangyari sa kanya kanikanina lamang, mula sa panaginip hanggang sa aksidenteng pagkakatabig ng baso. Nag-aalala namang nagbabala ang dalawa kay Joy para magingat, dahil sa mga pamahiin na na-experience ni Joy. Sa paglalakad ni Joy pauwi ay may tumawid na itim na pusa sa harap niya na nagpaalala ng mga pamahiin at babalang napag-usapan nilang magkakaibigan. Ngunit, nagpatuloy na lang siya sa paglalakad pauwi. Ilang kanto bago ang bahay nila ay tumunog ang kanyang cellphone, agad niya itong tiningnan at binuksan. Isang chain message ang natanggap niya mula sa hindi kilalang numero. Nakalagay dito na dapat isend ang message sa 20 na tao, upang hindi malasin sa susunod
62 | ALMNTK
na dalawang taon ng kanyang buhay. Ngunit imbes na sundin ang laman ng text ay binura na lang niya ito. Dumating si Joy sa bahay nila nang maayos at matiwasay, hindi gaya ng mga sinabi sa kanya kanina nila Pia at Amy. Agad na naupo si Joy at binuksan ang TV, hindi niya alam ano ang mararamdam sa nakita sa TV . Naisip na lang niya na dapat talaga ay sinunod niya ang mga pamahiin. Sa isip-isip niya siguro hindi siya mamalasin kung sinunod na lamang niya. Napatanong na lang si Joy, “ito na ba ang kapalit ng lahat?” 2016, bumungad ang resulta ng eleksyon sa TV. “Bad lock nga, as in lock. Anim na taong ikakandado ang karapatan at kalayaan namin” pagdadalamhati ni Joy.
ALMNTK | 63
GRAPHICS
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CYEN ESCALANDA & LESTER ISIP
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SOCIETY
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TOMO VII
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ALIMANTAK
MX. UNIVERSE
To be both different and acceptable, To stand as one again and again-What if nobody said they’re impossible?
O VII
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ALIMANTAK
GRAPHICS
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CYEN ESCALANDA & LESTER ISIP
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SOCIETY
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TO
Society
Girl O gHoRL By Cyen Esclanda
O
ne bright sunny day, a child was strolling by the park with his mother and stumbled upon what happened to be a lady-like figure. The person had a porcelain face with cherry-like lips, the fragrance of luscious strawberries and anything sweet, down to chest hair, and a flowy skirt. But the only thing that gave her away was when the person replied with a very deep voice. She wasn’t like any other ladies a lad would encounter usually. Out of curiosity, the child innocently asked his mother, "Mum, that doesn’t look like you or any girls, what is she?"
66 | ALMNTK
“Sweety, that’s a man, and it’s normal,” the mom calmly replied. The boy had a puzzled face, more puzzled than ever, yet he did not want to bother her mother with another obscurity. A day had passed, and it was time for the child to go to school with the indelible image on his mind. After their class, it was playtime. He saw something was off when the other boys played dolls with their female classmates. The child couldn’t handle what he saw and asked his playmate. His playmate then knew what to respond and said it was normal for a man to be like that. He became even more restless as his curiosity grew. After playing, he encountered
a mysterious old man and asked him about his confusion. “You know child, back in my days, we called them sinners, the spawn of the devil,” the old man said. The child felt like it was the answer he needed and asked further, “What do you mean, mister?” The man comprehended further, “That ‘thing’ you saw in the park is a gay person, a person who is ungrateful of what God had given. God forbade being gay, for acting like a female when you were born male and even the other way around.” The conversation went deep, and the child got invested and found the answer he was searching for. "They ruined all of it, everything that a man and a woman should do! A man should be
strong, and a woman should be submissive! Their sins are unforgivable. They should never have built this kind of society,” the old man added. He thanked the old man and went his way home. “LIARS!” the child greeted his mother with a surprise. The mom got confused as the child continued to explain what he had learned, “You’ve always told me to never lie, and you claim what you said is normal? It’s not! You’ve always scolded me when I lie, but you can’t!” His mom tried to calm him down, but his feelings were going places as he ran outside towards the park, where he cried his heart out. It was getting dark, and his mother was worried. The same strange man went to the park that night to meet his girlfriend when he passed by the crying child. “What’s wrong little fella?” the man asked the boy, who greeted him with an angsty reaction. “Why would you do that? Wearing female perfumes and being so girly?” the child asked. “You know that it is wrong to pretend, right? To be gay or a girl and all…” ALMNTK | 67
The man was shocked, yet still answered the boy calmly, “Because I like it! It has nothing to do with me actually, and it reminded me very much of my mother who passed away.” The child was speechless from his discovery. Out of curiosity, the man asked, “Who said that?” The child said it was the old man he met on his way home from school. ”That was a homophobe, which means he is afraid of people who are different from what he views. He is the same man who used to be a government official here, who punishes gays and those alike,” the man shared. “But why?” the boy asked out of the overwhelming confusion. “Well, when you grow up, you'll understand better. I’m just here to tell you that I am a man, but I am comfortable doing what girls do,” the man said. “When you find someone in class, who is more loved, the person who forces things that they believe in or the person who lets others be themselves?” the man asked the child. “The one who lets others be themselves . . . oh, so that’s what our community really is about, right?” the child responded. The man nodded at the child as a sign of his agreement. “Then what is the point of pointing out someone if they can’t help it. Animals don’t judge others for being different, so why can’t we accept these differences?” the man said. “That old man is probably the last of his kind. No one would believe him as he had done far worse than the imaginable. While us, we’re here to show 68 | ALMNTK
how much we love each other, straight or not,” he added. The child finally toned down from his situation.“That must be your mother, right?” the man asked, and the child nodded. As soon as the child saw her, he finally surrendered himself. “Oh, thank you for looking after my son,” the mom said in relief. “I was told by your son everything about how an old man tried to turn him into a homophobe,” the man said to the mother. The mother was shocked, but the man also told her that her son was smart enough to learn what is better. Just as they were about to leave, the man conversed with the child for one last time. “Before you go, I also want you to think about this. Who is more humane, a man who is brave enough to break the old bent norms or a man who follows the path of harming others, calling it ‘masculinity’?” the man said. “I got even more comfortable, especially now that our world accepts our differences,” the man added. *** “Honey, I’m home,” his other mother said. As soon as she got home, she knew everything that had happened. “You know what son, there are still plenty of things out there, waiting for you to learn them. I’m glad you didn’t turn like what others were used to back then,” she said. The family sat down for dinner and had a great night filled with stories and love. GUHIT AT DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI LESTER ISIP
2020
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ALIMANTAK
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2 0 2 0 //
ALIMANTAK
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PHILSTAR
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DEBUHO:LESTER ISIP
2020
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ALIMANTAK
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RAPPLER
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DEBUHO:LESTER ISIP
Ilang buwan ang lumipas Subalit sakuna’y walang kupas Lahat ay naghahangad ng wakas Tunay bang mayroong lunas? Pagsagawa ng bagong batas Sinang- ayunan ng nakatataas Na may layuning mabawasan ang dahas Subalit, bakit libo-libo ang umaaklas? Ngayong lumaganap ang pandemya Bumagsak ang ekonomiya Mga pinuno na binoto ng masa Walang ginawa kundi mangurakot sa bansa.
Ni James Rhuzzel Saspa
2020
PHILSTAR
Kasawian ng mga tao Pilipinong pilit niloloko Gobyernong sa aksyo’y tuliro Saang kasakdalan tutungo? Wika ko’y matigil na Maaksyunan ang mga problema Sabik sa hangad na pagbabagong Hinihintay ng bawat isa.
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DEBUHO:LESTER ISIP
2020
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ALIMANTAK
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RAPPLER
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DEBUHO:LESTER ISIP
Subukan baguhin ang
Nakasanayan Ni Rachelle Paja Sa panahon na dapat tayo'y nagkakaisa Marami pa rin ang mga mapagsamantala Pinanatili nilang busog kanilang bulsa Habang mga naabuso kumakalam ang sikmura
Paano kung namulat sa lugar kung saan patuloy sinusubukang ibahin ang pagpapatakbo? Ngunit sa paanong paraan nga ba ito? Pilit sinusubukan itaas mahihirap na tao Sa pamantayan ng lipunan na tangkang binabago ngunit resulta'y bigo
Paano kung baguhin natin ang sistema Sistema na ang mga nasa itaas ang nagpapasya Subukan baliktarin ang nakagisnang sitwasyon Iangkop sa pangangailangan at mabigyan ng solusyon Hindi impossible kung nanaising mangyari Mga hakahaka, baka sakali at tanong sa ating mga sarili Na kung susubukan at hahayaang mangyari Siguro tayong lahat ay mas napabuti Baka kung hindi ito ang sitwasyon ngayon Bukas ikaw ang nandito at ako ay ang nandoon
GUHIT AT DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI LESTER ISIP
Bakit di natin subukan palitan ang ating pamamaraan Iakma sa kalagayan ng mga taong patuloy na nahihirapan Sa halip ay itaas sila sa pamantayan ng lipunan Upang mabawasan bigat na kanilang pinapasan
ALMNTK | 71
the
UNTAMED SIDE By Rhei Anne G. David What if she found the door? In a labyrinth she’s trying to escape Running away from variety of monsters Whose jaws suddenly gapes There’s cacophony of voices, full of abhor Invaded with ignorance, excuses and brawl No one wants to listen, she's out of the core Feels like everything would eventually fall What if she found the door? To break free from the past? Can’t take the demons inside her mind anymore Dilemmas remained unsettled and vast Amidst unending struggles, hopes were in vain Covered with blood and chains to cease the pain The sturdy foundation turned out to be frail Existence and memories will sooner fade What if people ask her “what’s wrong, Sally?” Unobvious, but doesn’t mean it’s not heavy Lying on the ground with cold and senseless body People should’ve known and listened carefully 72 | ALMNTK
Histories of trauma, sources of distress Mental health issues required to be addressed Integrates approach as part of the process Offering helping hand discerned as the best Speak your thoughts, break the silence Overcome conflicts through seeking help Abolish monstrous depiction of nightmares Conquer the greatest rival - yourself.
Sa eskinita
ng Purok Uno
By Charey Mae Alvarado
Ilang oras na ngunit wala pa ring malikha, at ang bolpen kong kanina pa umiikot sa daliri ko ay pagod na rin. Sa bawat tangkang mapasagot ang unang salita, hindi man lang dumapo kahit sa aking balintataw ang mga mata. Sa halip, ang larawan ng eskinita ang siyang pilit tumatambad sa isipan ko. Bigla-bigla ko na lang naalala ang lugar na iyon. Ang kasikipan nito. Ang amoy. Ang mga dikit-dikit na bahay. Sila Nanay Esing, Ogag, Nita at Totoy—mga taong nakilala at nakausap ko roon. At sa tuwing ito ay nangyayari, nararamdaman ko na lamang ang pamumuo ng tubig sa gilid ng mata ko. Paano kung bumalik ako roon, natulungan ko siguro sila? Paano kung nanatili pa ako ng mga ilang araw sa lugar na iyon? Mas natuklasan ko pa siguro ang tunay nilang kwento. Nanay Esing Si Nanay Esing ang unang taong nakilala ko. Habang nagwawalis sa kanilang bakuran ay binati niya at tinanong kung bakit ako naparoon. Sabi ko'y may hinahanap akong kaibigan. Agad naman siyang nag-alok ng tulong para mahanap ko kaagad si Totoy. Habang naglalakad, kinuwento ni Nanay Esing na kilala niya raw lahat ng mga nakatira sa Purok Uno. Dahil halos lahat ng kapitbahay ay sa kanya raw humihingi ng tulong. Kahit pansaing, ulam, tubig, pangkape hinihingi sa kanya. Malapit na nga raw siya tumakbong kapitan, biro niya. Kapag naman tungkol sa problema ng buhay mag-asawa ay ‘di siya nangigialam dahil 'di niya naman
naranasan mag-asawa. Pinapayo niya na lang na "I-tongits na lang natin 'yan." Nang malapit na kami sa bahay nila Totoy ay bigla siyang huminto sa paglakad. Bumulong sa akin na "Alam mo suki ko 'yang si Totoy, baka gusto mo rin bumili," sabay abot ng kaunting gramo ng shabu. Agad naman akong umiwas sabi ko'y hindi ako gumagamit. Tanging ngiti ang binalik niya sa akin at tapik sa balikat, "Diyan bahay nila." Si Ogag Nasa harapan ako ng pinto nila nang bigla iyong bumukas, at lumabas si Ogag. Napansin ko agad ang lubog niyang mata at balat na halos 'di na kita ang mismong balat dahil sa dami ng tattoo niya. "Ako si Ogag, kuya ni Totoy. Bakit mo siya hinahanap?" tanong niya. Hindi ako agad nakasagot dahil medyo natakot ako sa tono ng boses niyang may halong pagkasiga. "Ahh..ehh..kaklase at kaibigan niya po ako noong high school kami. Gusto ko lang po na makita at makamusta siya." Pero may mahalagang pakay talaga ako kay Totoy. “Nandito na naman sila!” sigaw ng binata sa labas habang tumatakbo hawak ang dalawang batuta. Napatitig ako sa kanya nang pumasok siya sa bahay nina Totoy at pilit binigay kay Ogag ang isang batuta. “Pre, dali,” sabi niya kay Ogag. Nagmadaling kumilos naman ito. Sinabihan ako ni Ogag na ‘wag lumabas ngunit hindi ko siya sinunod. Gusto kong malaman kung ano ang nangyayari, halos lahat ng taong nakatira sa eskinita ay lumabas at may kanyakanyang panangga, palakol, at ang iba naman ay mga bato lamang ang dala. Mukhang may demolition, may mga tao kasi na pilit nakikiusap na huwag sirain ang kanilang bahay. Nandoon din si Nanay Esing, ang nangunguna sa lahat.
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“Please po, huwag niyo muna po kami paalisin, wala pa kaming malilipatan,” pakiusap niya. “Dalawang linggo ho, pagbigyan niyo na kami,” sigaw naman ni Ogag. “Oo nga!” sabi naman ng iba. Si Nita Nasa gilid ako nang may maramdaman akong kamay na lumapat sa likod ko. “Anong sinisilip mo?” tanong ng babaeng puno ng kolerete sa mukha, nakasando at maikling short ito. “Inyo ba talaga ang lupang ito?” tanong ko. “Hindi, matagal na kami pinapaalis dito, ayaw lang namin. Para sa amin, amin ‘tong lugar na’to. Dito na kami lumaki at nagkaisip, ta’s papaalisin kami, hindi pwede ‘yun,” sabi niya habang nakatitig sa mga tao. “Nita nga pala, isang babaeng bayaran. Yan ang tawag nila sa ‘kin dito. Wala ako ibang makuhang trabaho eh, hindi ako nakapagtapos at may mga anak akong binubuhay.” Dama ko sa bawat salita ni Nita ang hirap ng buhay na pinagdaraanan nila. Tagpi-tagpi lang ang mga bahay nila, sisirain pa. Bumalik na ang mga tao sa kani-kanilang bahay. Mukhang pinagbigyan sila sa palugit na dalawang linggo. Tumakbo na rin ako pauwi sa bahay nina Totoy, pauwi na kasi si Ogag.
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Si Totoy Maya-maya pa ay dumating na rin si Totoy. “Uyy, bespren, napadalaw ka?” Sabay yakap sa akin. “Wala, kukumustahin ka, tagal na natin ‘di nagkikita,” sagot ko sa kanya. Ang laki ng pinagbago ng kaibigan ko. Sobrang payat na niya, bilog na bilog ang mata, at lubog ang pisngi. Hindi ko pa man din alam anong nangyari sa kanya ay awang-awa na ako. “Kain tayo,” pag-anyaya niya sa’kin. “Okay lang kumain na ako,” sambit ko. Pagkatapos nila kumain, niyaya niya ako sa labas. Bumili muna siya ng sigarilyo at umupo kami sa tabing tindahan. “Alam mo, ‘Toy, ang talagang sadya ko sa ‘yo aalukin sana kita na sumama sa’kin sa Japan. Nalaman ko rin sa kuya mo na naghahanap ka ng trabaho. Madali lang trabaho doon, Wood Working. Tuturuan kita,” sabi ko kay Totoy. Walang imik siyang nakatingin sa malayo at malalim ang iniisip. “Bespren, ayaw ko sanang tanggihan ‘yan, pero ayokong iwan ang lugar na ‘to. Ngayon pa na nakikipaglaban kami para ‘wag paalisin dito. Alam mo naman ‘di ba, mahal ko ang lugar na ito. Nandito lahat ng alaala ng yumao kong nanay.” Alam ko kung paano siya nagluksa noong nawala ang kanyang nanay, first year pa lang kami noon. Kaya
hindi ko siya mapipilit na sumama sa ‘kin. Dumidilim na rin kaya’t nagpaalam na ako at dadalaw-dalaw pa rin sa kanila. Bumalik ako isang beses at saktong fiesta pala sa Purok Uno, kaya’t may mga simpleng salo-salo na boodle fight at ingay gawa ng mga taga-kanila na masayang nagkakantahan sa videoke. Gaya ng dati, nakakwentuhan ko si Nanay Esing na grabe uminom ng alak, si Ogag na abala pa rin sa pagdodroga, si Nita na karga-karga ang anak at may isa pang nakahawak sa damit niya. Ang Aking Kwento Hindi na nasundan ang araw na iyon ng fiesta. Nami-miss ko ang amoy, kung gaano kainit at kasikip ang lugar na ‘yon at lalo na ang ingay ng mga tao roo. ‘Di ko na nagagawang bumalik, kahit pa hindi naman ako natuloy sa abroad. Sa gitna ng aking pagmumuni-muni ay bigla kong naisip na dumalaw ulit doon. Malakas ko kasing naririnig ang pakiusap ng mga taga-roon. Agad-agad akong naligo at nagbihis. Sumakay ng jeep patungo roon. Pero saglit. Naguguluhan ako kung saan ako bababa dahil wala na ang palatandaan ko papasok ng
eskinita. Pumara na lamang ako sa tabi ng kalsada at tumakbo papunta sa bahay nina Totoy ngunit wala na ito roon. Napakalinis ng buong paligid malayongmalayo sa kung paano ito dati kahit isang bahay wala. May lumapit sa aking ale at tinanong ako, “Ikaw ba ang kaibigan ni Totoy?” Tumango ako at kinuwento niya na wala na raw ang kaibigan ko. Hindi sadyang napaslang siya nang pilit siyang nakipaglaban para sa lupa nila. Napaupo ako at napahawak sa malaking bato na pinagtaguan ko dati noon. Nananamlay ang katawan ko dahil sa aking nabalitaan. Iniisip ko tuloy, kung bumalik sana ako at sumali sa pakikibaka sa lupa nila, narito pa sana sila. Buhay pa sana ang kaibigan ko. Pero mas mabuti sanang may magandang programa ang gobyerno sa mga tulad nilang informal settlers. Wala sanang nawawalan ng buhay nang gano’n na lang. Sana’y buhay pa ang kaibigan kong si Totoy.
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What if the world wasn’t
cruel?
By Janah Carmela Ng Sang
From the beginning itself, sin has made itself known through the hands of temptation that befall upon Adam and Eve. It was a massive chain reaction that caused a huge rupture in the world that is today. But what if none of that happened? Would the world of today be more forgiving and lenient in the lives of humans? I presume that there would be less tears shed and pain to bear by each individual. Respect, Peace, Love, Kindness and Humility. These virtues amongst others would’ve been more profound compared to it’s alternate faces such as Wrath, Envy, Sloth, Greed, etc. I assume that humans would be brothers and sisters in all aspects. The concept of corruption of the inner and outer being would’ve been nonexistent . Music wouldn't be filled with such destruction, pain, self-conflict, doubts, broken love and regrets. Mistakes would be easier to fix and the consequences would be lighter than a guillotine on the neck. Mental health issues wouldn’t exist and cause many young ones and people alike to spiral into the abyss of darkness. 76 | ALMNTK
People would find it so simple to love themselves, accept and appreciate how they were created without the critics and harsh words thrown by the public. Dreams would’ve been so much more possible without an extravagant amount of hard work and pain to endure before being reached. Crime wouldn’t exist. Stepping and crushing the heads of others towards the top because it’s the only way to survive wouldn’t happen. Men and Women would be able to coexist without the other fearing for each other’s lives due to the possibility of abuse, misogyny, rape, etc. The rights of a person to live peacefully and walk around freely regardless of their skin color, nationality, race, gender identity and sexuality would actually be happening. Wars, bombings, annexations wouldn’t be a topic. Animal cruelty, killings to the point of extinction, poaching wouldn’t be a matter. Prejudices, xenophobia , stereotypes, homophobia wouldn’t even be words to exist. The tethering of the lines between actually living and just existing wouldn’t have been present. If the world wasn’t so cruel, people would’ve been able to breathe easier. They would’ve been able to LIVE instead of being just tattered souls and spirits wandering around. Utopia on Earth would’ve been an actual REALITY.
LIMANG SENTIMO By Norene Cantor
Ma, Pa, ipabaon niyo na sa ’kin Isang sentimong suporta Sa sariling pangarap at adhika. Palimos ate, kuya Ilatag sa aking mga palad Ang respetong matagal ko nang hangad. Barya lang, ginoong nakaasul Pampuno lamang ng sikmura-Sikmurang gutom na sa katuwiran at hustisya. Ikaw pong nakaupo Araw-araw sayo’y nakikipagbuno Ngunit isa lamang, palimos ho ng karapatan. Libre lamang daw ito Ngunit heto nakalahad ang palad ko Palimos ng pag-ibig mula sa inyo. Limang sentimo sa aking lata Limang sentimong pinaghirapan ko pang makuha. Pero, ayos lang, hindi ba? Dahil paano nga ba kung ang limang sentimong ito Ay mugmog na rin mula sa kanilang pinanggalingan? Nilimos din nila mula sa kuripot na kaitaas-taasan? Hindi ko man masilip ang laman ng kanilang pitaka Alam kong ang simpleng pagbibigay pa rin Ay sapat na para mabigyan ako ng pag-asa.
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STAFF
LUPONG PATNUGUTAN at mga kasapi John Paul Borito Editor-in-Chief Norene Cantor Associate Editor
Rex Garing Managing Editor
Kenn Daniel Montecillo News Editor
Patrick Joseph Panambo Features + Literary Editor
Jessebel Nieva Sports Editor
Lester Isip Arts Director
Charey Mae Alvarado Filipino Editor
Brandon Jon De Los Santos Web Director
Rose Clavano Cyen Esclanda Joelyn Arlante Neil Andrew Formalejo Raymond Balote Rachelle Paja Jhezylle Faye Loria Jayvie Buenaagua Apprentices
Christian Reganit Daryl Sta. Cruz Trisha BaĂąas Marie Juvy Lea Violeta Berlineth Nymia Montes Earl Dwight Serrado James Rhuzzel Saspa Kyra Fermel Victoria Lemmuel Pancha Janah Carmela Ng Sang Rhei Anne G. David Grygghnn Beltrano Beltran Maria Jhoanna Yasis Lean Capistrano Mary Anne Durante Kyra Fermel Victoria Contributors
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Pasasalamat Sa pagsaksi mo sa alternatibong kalawakan na nabuo sa mga katagang “Paano kung...”, sana ikaw ay napalagay sa katotohanang hindi lahat ng tanong ay may kasagutan. Minsan sa isang dako ng iyong nilalakbay, isang lingon na lamang ang sagot sa iyong hiling. Minsa’y ipagkait man sa’yo ang tadhanang umaalpas sa mga palad mo, nariyan ang mga salitang mahabagin sa iyong pagluluksa. Ngunit sa pagsagot ng mga katanungang ito ay katapusan ng kamusmusan at panimula ng kaliwanagan. Hindi matatapos ng tuldok ang imahinasyon. Hindi matatapos sa huling pahina ang pagbukas ng panibagong yugto. Nawa’y gabayan ng tandang-pananong ang kakayahan mong maghanap ng kasagutan.