first page art by: Zyrkyx Depante
metamorphosis /ˌmedəˈmôrfəsəs/ a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.
metamorphosis /ˌmedəˈmôrfəsəs/ It is no secret that last year, the educational landscape has been transformed due to unfortunate circumstances. In a way, almost everything has undergone a digital metamorphosis nowadays. Still, this transition would not have been possible without the aid of our teachers who have served as the front liners in the recovery of our learning system. That is why, as we continue embracing changes, it is important to recognize the valiant efforts of the educators who have been with us in this fight. As we continue metamorphosizing, let us applaud the sacrifices of our teachers who have tirelessly led their students in journeying in this virtual experience. Hence, may this literary zine effectively do its job in acknowledging the crucial role of the teachers as the heart of education recovery amid this digital metamorphosis.
art by: Ainhoa Alysson Cananea
art by: Richmond Orpia
The sounds of vivid farewell heard so well Bear no idea where I am — can’t foretell Spotted the dark imminence as black as coal Tears burned my naked eyes, slowly fall
Scream with a shriek voice and kneel for damn all Isolated and sense the despair, utterly baffled Began to walked barely, heard a blur sound of help The deafening silence made me shocked, “No!” she wept
The grief familiar voice wandered over my face Immense pain chased me like an eternal rest “Am I in a verge of death?” cried holding a grudge Spirit depart — such a dying man thirst in trudge
Moaned and softly opened my eyes with graveyard flowers Witness the gleam of light, dressed by hospital gown Holding my hands tightly by a bold living hero A woman planting a seeds of knowledge, blow wise to
Gracias Ma’am Dawn, my genuine teacher Illuminating the sunset, bear a great leader Paint the world by wisdom — a light born inspirer Her wide-grinning smile, led a path of a dreamer
Hopelessly lied in bed like a living dead Yet she beheld me, “Are all roses red?” Guide me through peaks and troughs, fought so dread “Warmest thanks, Ma’am Dawn,” tears into shred
Teacher at the heart of education recovery A shinning diamond of education resiliency Clubs of wise intellectual clan; a full of discovery A queen of spades in a dark age of liberty
“Her scars is the trace of all, thyself shall bow to her Winds became constant, waken up my unconscious soul Until my last breath, you taught me inside out,” I muttered under my breathe, doctors declared me dead
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art by: Sophia Perlado
art by: Richmond Orpia
A Hundred and Ninety School Days with You by Darinne Mae Gabriel Day one, Awkward greetings from everyone The never ending introduce yourselves Everybody looked like innocent gazelles
Yet you, my teacher You came prepared Ice breakers were up on your sleeves And then fun was achieved.
Months passed by There were events of laughter and cries. Educational and wholesome. Sweet memories to be looked back from
All lessons were returned with headaches It was worth the memories but wasn't a fair trade. And so, I would like to take this opportunity To thank you with my deepest sincerity.
To my second parent Whom I've met at my second home. My gratitude to you is apparent. Your efforts are well appreciated.
Thank you for the 190 school days with you.
art by: Justine Ilych De Veas
art by: Sophia Perlado
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art by: Sophia Perlado
The Brightest Star BY ARYL FATIMA TUNAY
Cold was the universe and dark was the sky when I awoke. The stars twinkled in the distance, but I knew little about them, so to their beauty I remained unmoved. As I took a look at my own form, I saw that I had two limbs, two legs, and a torso, but I could not use them, for I did not know their purpose. And so, I floated aimlessly in the void cosmos. As I wandered, I looked. Hundreds of questions popped into my head, but all of them remained unsolved. I stared at the stars, the moons, and the planets; wondering about their histories, yearning to unravel their mysteries. However, my curiosity was for naught. I tried asking the celestial bodies, but they remained rigid. I even tried questioning the void, yet it stayed still. Despairing, I began to lose hope. What is the point of life if not to learn? How could I learn with no one to teach? I continued drifting aimlessly, anguished that the answers I crave may never be within my reach.
That was until she came along. Her hair was as radiant as the sun and her smile was as gentle as the wind’s dainty blow. Her knowing look was piercing, yet her lips spoke nothing but kindness. Her motherly embrace warmed my cold and sullen heart and her teachings filled me with a surge of happiness. She taught me things— wonderful things. She told me all about the stars, why they gleam the way they do; and the planets, why they revolve around stars as if glued; and the comets, why their exterior feels so cool. Little by little, my questions got solved— only to be replaced with some more! But it was okay since she was there to help me along. And although I was incessant and tiresome at times, her lips always formed a gentle smile. Her eyes never wavered and lost their shine. It was as if she was born to teach, and teach she did. She also assisted me in discovering myself. Through her, I learned that my form was not just some effect of mischance. My limbs are to be used for building things, she explained. My legs can be used for running and voyaging through space. Yet, if I wanted to go even further imaginable, she let out a little secret: I had to learn to sail. Sail? I hesitated at the thought. But the cosmos is too wide, and vague, and cold! Now that she was with me, unimaginable was the idea of traversing alone. Yet, she soothed my fears and calmed my distressed soul as she explained that it was the only way to learn more. After all, despite having fun with me, she, too, had to go. And so, we constructed a boat. From the clouds and gases, we whipped the sails, and from the celestial bodies’ bits and pieces, we formed the hull. Magnificent, it was, and lightweight too! But when we were done with the vessel, she decided that it was time to go. Unwilling as I was, she told me once more: there are things I have to discover, places I have to go, and ideas I have to ponder alone. So I embraced her tightly one last time, once again melting into her motherly touch. When I let go of her clutch, gentle smiles were exchanged, and I was now off to my own voyage. I then traveled across the galaxies and I wondered at the beauty of the constellations. I marveled at the enormity of the stars and other celestial creations. And while cold was the universe and dark was the sky when I awoke, such issues do not matter anymore. Because now, I could appreciate the stars and in their mysteries explore. Yet, despite the sparkle of the most brilliant of stars, my teacher will remain the brightest of all.
art by: Sophia Sargado
My Teacher Does Magic By: Belmor P. Sandoval Jr.
art by: Allysa Jean Prado
art by: Allysa Jean Prado
art by: Samantha Nicole Lentejas
Weavers of Wit By: Eryza Mhae Dris
By: Eryza Mhae Dris
They are the weavers of wit, Even if dusk is trailing right behind And the sunflowers seem to wilt Amidst it all, they stay refined and unbind.
They are the travelers in the night, Seeking knowledge left and right All for their students to adorn and become the captain in each their own.
art by: Justine Ilych De Veas
art by: Samantha Nicole Lentejas
Shero By: Princess Dawn De Guzman
Looking back at the past decade A thousand memories have been made I wouldn't be where I am today If it wasn't for her who showed me the way. Behind those bright screens She's exhausted but still smiles To mold a child's dream Of reaching a thousand miles.
All the tears and laughter Such great moments to remember To her, nothing can compare For she has a one-of-a-kind flair. Imparting knowledge isn't her ultimate aim Instead, she hopes to change lives and make a claim That she is a hero who doesn't need fame As she's already outstanding like a burning flame.