She once spread her wings Into the unknown land She suffers yet she survive But it cost her a wing Now she’s unable to fly 49.
Normal na lang manakawan ang kaban ng bayan (“HAHAHAHAHA nice job, Balato naman sa nagbulsa”) Normal na lang mapatunayang tiwali ng harap-harapan (“idol gawa gawa lang nila yang ebidensya, hayaan mo ipagtatanggol kita”) Normal na lang mamatayan dahil napagbintangang kawatan ang walang kamuwang-muwang (“Buti nga sa kanya, order to kill mukha naman siyang kasuspe-suspetsya”) Normal na lang magutom dahil di natugunan kahit may proyekto namang nakalaan (“Wag mo kasing iasa sa gobyerno ang lahat iha”) Normal na lang di mabigyan ng tamang hustisya (“Alam mo kasing mayaman kalaban mo sa korte diba? umoo ka nalang sana”) Ang hindi normal ay ang pagtupad sa sinumpaang tungkulin ng katapatan Ang hindi normal ay ang paghanap sa itinatangging katotohanan- pagpigil sa inaabusong kapangyarihan Ang hindi normal ay ang pagmulat sa kanilang pagkagahaman at baluktot na hustisyang sa pera tinitimbang Kung magrorosaryo ka din lang habang tumitindig para sa tama Wag mo na kaming ipagdasal, dahil maging Diyos walang magagawa Sa daing ng isang hipokrita Normal ka pa ba? Nagnonormalan nalang pala Nakakadiri ka. Nagmamalinis. Santi-santita “Our Lady of Pretentious Hypocrite, Pray for Us” by Rolhen Jeyk M. Constante 50.
51.
Imprisoned herself in the cocoon of her past, Entangled by the strings of memories and regrets that'll always last. Waited patiently for it to hatch, A metamorphosis happened! Embracing her scars that no other can match. With newfound wings, she flew above the shadows of despair, leaving behind the chains that once bound her. Rebirth by Vhan Allanis Orteza 52.
I'm fishing in a dead pond catching feelings I thought you had. A Rod without a Hook by Owen Ocampo 53.
Iwawaglit ang bawat alaala Pipiliin ko na ring mamahinga Hindi na bubuklatin ang pahina Tuluyan na ngang isasara ang kabanata Dahil wala na talagang pag-asa, Wala na rin akong magagawa. Close-Sure ni Arveeh Mae Tortoza 54.
no words from you for weeks not a single whisper in the streets you can never be chained in one place so I would always try to match your pace Do you ever reminisce about our time together? were they even enough to remember maybe the memories are only meant to be replayed cue the good parts, leave the storms and chaos for time to fade I may have long forgiven you for being heedless and embodying non-existence for never teaching me what you could for my wails that you dismissed and misunderstood Mama, I hope you find these words well even if in your thoughts, I don’t dwell you were never destined for this life full of constraint motherhood was never really your fate. To you, my dearest by Daine Tayag 55.
hindi lubusang maaninag daang aking tinatahak ngunit matulin ang paglalakad kahit hindi alam kung saan mapapadpad karatulang nagbibigay direksyon hindi na susundin dulot ng leksyon ng kahapon ilaw sa poste na nagbibigay liwanag hindi magpapalinlang, hindi matitinag Tamang Kanto ni Maria Nicole Anne Manalac 56.
Sa kwartong madilim, Ako’y napapa-isip. Sapat ba ang limang taon Para masabing tayo’y may patutunguhan? O sa dulo ng ating paglalakbay Sa magulong mundo ng pag-ibig Tayo’y parehong magpapalaya Ano ba ang hudyat? Ikaw na ang huli O ito na ang huli. Hudyat 57. ni Andrea Sheyne Tabra
Yesterday feels like a figment of her imagination, Each day magnified lost and confusion, Is this an illusion or reality, Held and trapped in this horror of captivity. She dreamt of it again. Waves of memories, pains of yesterday. Chained by what was done, Locked by what was gone. Mornings grow dim, evenings turn darker. Unwanted desires lurking from the corner, In hopes to not find a thread, Or this will be the end. Images keep flashing, vivid and intense. Loud voices, resounding noises, a disquieting sense. Unwanted souls of the past, Wondering how long it will last. Standing from afar; tired, lost, and numb. Embracing her makeshift doll, cradled like a baby. Humming a lullaby, whispering her good-bye. This is not the end; thy heart deems to mend. With each shed tear, she sheds away her fear, A promising tomorrow ahead, erasing the memories from this bed. Horrors of Yesterday by Xandinne Santiago 58.
Setyembre ng unang malaman na ikaw ay maaari nang lumisan. Kahit gaano pa lumaban, Hindi na maiiwasan. Anim na buwan ang binilang. Ang sakit mong titigan, Paano maiiwasan ang iyong pamamaalam? Sa araw ng iyong paglisan, Puso ko rin ay lumiban. Paalam, mahal kong Camila. Ako’y araw araw lumalaban Sa lungkot ng iyong pamamaalam. Camila 59. ni Andrea Sheyne Tabra
In the room, the music box does play, Its echoes resound with each turn, each sway. A speck of dust lingers, floating in the air, While life's a lie, a doll, I must bear. Reduced to a trinket, a mere men's prize, A marionette dancing in their eyes. "Mine," they claim, controlling my will, To submit and obey, my role to fulfill. Strings attached, they strike with distress, To follow love's melody, no freedom to express. Fate's cruel dictate sets the pace, A thirsting cycle, I can't erase. Marionette, they say, rule the world, Fallen angel, my wings unfurled. Spinning and spinning, lost in a daze, Deep in this lore, I'm caught in a haze. Climb life's zenith, li’l Mary, with all your might, Reverse the strife and embrace the light. From bruises of pain to fierce, burning red, Yearning for freedom, break free from this thread. Marionette by Arianna Crizelle Manalo 60.
61.
Mama, I want to see the world Bright, shining, sometimes a winter cold I want to experience life out of your womb Brush my fragrant, dazzling hair with a comb. Mama, it has been 9 months of waitin’ My excitement almost keeps me dreamin’ I feel your pain, I saw you bleedin’ Just keep on pushin’, hear me screamin’. Mama, cut that flesh that links us It’s already time to relax, your wound shall pass Don’t be afraid now that I’m free I’ve got to be who I really meant to be. Mama, time has passed I’m a grown up now Let me carry you for long, I don’t know how You’re too old, I have the choice to cut the cord I refuse – I’ll not surrender her, Dear Lord. Mama, I love you for my life and love You are my sanctuary – the haven I have Even when the line goes uncanny flat Our link’s more than a flesh that’s been cut It’s more of a blood That even death shall breakthrough the flood Umbilical Cord by Jess Resuello 62.
Every end of the year, I'm saying my goodbyes. The first one, letting you go. The last one, a farewell to our friendship. It's odd to see a familiar stranger. Sometimes, I ponder on the reasons on how you still manage to live freely in my mind. and it's a feeling I can't comprehend. The mere memory hurts my soul. Why does it hurt to love you? Every end of the year I'm saying my goodbyes. a part of me leaves along with you. it’s only a matter of time, Should I let my soul go too? Au Revoir by Alyanna Palada 63.
Normal na siguro ang away bati sa isang relasyon, yung sa maliit na bagay nagkakaroon ng komosyon. Toksik kung tawagin ng iba, maturity naman para sa mga bulag ng pagsinta. Sabi mo noon, iiwan ka rin ng lahat kaya di umalis sa tabi mo. Tinanggap ang anxiety, depression pati na ang iyong trust issue. Inintindi ko ang nararamdaman mo, pero ni minsan inintindi mo ba ako? Oo lahat ng tao makakaranas ng pighati at trauma, pero wag mo yung saki’y paagahin, Binigyan kita ng pagmamahal at aruga, tapos trauma ang ibabalik mo sakin? Alam mo ang ganda sana ng mundo, pangit mo lang tingnan. Wala sana ang pagod sa bokabyularyo, subalit kinahantungan. Walang kulang sayo, gusto mo lang ng sobra, nangyari’y napagod sa taong itinuring na pahinga. Kulang na tatlong taon na rin ang lumipas, ang trauma sayo’y wala ng bakas. Salamat sa pagmamahal na wagas. Walang pagsisisi sa pag-aalpas, handog sayo ang pahimakas. Ito na ang wakas sa bangungot nating walang habas. Sa pahinga napagod ni Joe Francis Rallo 64.
Nagsipnget, makapakapsot Kasla ak lang mabek-bekkel ti’ galot. Kayat ko dumawat iti salakan, ngem madik ammo nu kanino nga nagan ti' awagan. Asideg ak mapukawan iti pigsan, Sabali iti taray na atoy panunot kon. Aytoy anges ko kamkamatekon, Dagitoy mangyayari, madiak latta maawatan. Inggana tatta adda latta marka na, aytoy galot nga adtoy tingged ko. Ay pagkabaelak ay madik latta makita, Isunga madi ak pay makapagna pasango. Dumteng tu ti’ bigat, aldaw ken rabii, Aytoy nga galot ikkaten ni Apo, Sakak sukisoken ay biag nga agur-uray jay adayu, Ay biag nga adayu idjay galot nga bummikkel kanyak idi. Ustunan ni Joe Francis Rallo 65
/Ki-na-ih-ya/ Sariling pagkilanlan, personalidad, pagkainosente KABANATA III
Nagising si Cyan sa liwanag ng paligid at puting silid. Nagtataka rin siya bakit narito ang lalaking nakabangga niya kaninang tanghali. Naging komportable lang siya nang magsalita ito. “Buti na lang at nakauwi kami agad at malapit lang ang tinutuluyan mo sa bahay namin. Buti na lang rin at nakapag-iwan ka ng mensahe bago ka mahimatay.” “Ano? Paano mo nalaman? Kaibigan ko ang tinext ko eh,” ani Cyan at agad hinanap ang telepono niya par ipakita sa lalaki ang mensahe. Subalit, itinago na lang niya niya ito sa isang gilid matapos makita ang pangalan na naka-register sa kaniyang messages. Agad namula ang mukha nito sa hiya. “Oh! Bakit namumula ka? May masakit ba sa’yo? Masama ba pakiramdam mo?” agad na tanong ni France. “W-Wala! Sige na. Umalis ka na rito. Ite-text ko na lang ang kaibigan ko para siya na ang magbantay rito,” ani Cyan. “Sige mauna na ako. Wala man lang “thank you”. sambit 67.
nito na akmang bubuksan na ang pinto. Nakonsensya naman si Cyan sa kaniyang inasta. “S-salamat!” anito na nauutal pa. Hindi na tumugon si France ngunit bakas sa mukha nito ang ngiti ngunit may pag-aalala. *** Dalawang araw ring nanatili sa Cyan si ospital. Maayos naman raw ang kalagayan ng bata. Ngunit pinagsabihan ito na kung hindi mag-iingat baka mapahamak ang batang nasa kaniyang sinapupunan. Kasama niya ang kaibigan niya ngayon at magbabayad na sana sila sa cashier ngunit sinabi nito na bayad na raw ang gastusin nito. Alam na agad ni Cyan kung sino ang posibleng nagbayad ng kaniyang bill. Hindi na rin naman nagtanong ang kaibigan ni Cyan dahil pabor ito sa kaniya dahil wala na siyang babayaran pa. Ilang linggo rin ang lumipas at hindi na niya nakikita si France. Gusto niya sana itong i-text ngunit pinangungunahan siya ng hiya at kaba. Sa buong linggong nakalipas, iniisip niya kung 68.
paano niya pasasalamat ng personal si France. Nagkakaroon rin siya ng pagninilaynilay bakit parang may kakaiba sa nararamdaman niya. Isang gabing nakahiga siya at nakatitig lang sa kisame, kausap niya ang sarili niya. “Anak, excited na ako sa paglabas mo. Hindi ko man maipapangako ang maluhong buhay, kaya kong ibigay sa’yo ang pagmamahal na hindi ko naranasan sa mga magulang ko. Hindi man ako perpektong tao, nagkakamali, nagkakasala, at pinagkakaitan ng tadhana, pangako ibibigay ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko para sa’yo.” “Bunga ka man ng isang pagkakamali, hindi ito magiging hadlang para tanggapin kita – hindi tulad ng mapagkunwari at mapanghusgang lipunang ito. Sisiguraduhin kong magiging malaya kang abutin ang mga pangarap mo para ikaw ang maging simula ng pagbabago na hindi kayang gawin ng mga nakaupo sa puwesto at mga may kapangyarihan na manipulahin ang hustisya, karapatan at uniberso ng pagiging demonyong payaso,” bulong ni Cyan habang hawak ang tiyan nito. 69.
Kay Magayon Napakaganda mong pagmasdan, Kahit napakasakit mong maranasan. Nakahahanga ang iyong alimusod, Aninag ng turista ay kayamanan ng lungsod. Banayad ka sa oras ng pagtulog, Magalit ka’y sukdulan ang pagsabog. Berde at kayumanggi ang iyong katawan. Dakila ang natural na kagandahan, Asupre at lahar, nakapapaso’t nakatutunaw Maging araw, mahihiyang tumanaw Hindi na ako magtataka… Napakaganda mong pagmasdan, Kahit napakasakit mong maranasan. Tahan na, kumalma ka na Iba pa rin ang iyong ganda ‘pag kalmado ka ni Jess Resuello 70.
71.
H i d e “I love Mom and Dad!” the five-year old boy jumped in excitement as they rest on their living room after playing hide-and-seek, the game he just loves so much. The child has three favorites in the whole world: Mom, Dad, and their living room. He enjoys spending time with his parents in the living room where they play games, watch their favorite shows on television, and even just talking to them cracking jokes here and there. Oh, I hope time would stop so we can be like this forever. No, the time did not stop and did not stay like that forever as the boy wished. It was a Saturday morning when everything changed for the family. The child was playing board games in his favorite place when his mom came out from their bedroom, rubbing her sleepy eyes. “Who are you talking to, my sunshine?” the mother asked curiously as she walked towards the child. Confused, the boy answered, “Uhm, Dad?” What’s with Mom? Did she not see father? Is she still sleepy?He became more confused when he noticed his mom smiling weakly, then she ruffled his hair seemingly trying to comfort his son. Tears were about to fall from the mother’s eyes, so she quickly turned around and went to the kitchen. The boy then looked to his side and asked, “Is Mom okay? Did something happen?” “What are you talking about, son?” his dad answered worriedly. by Carla Mae Ramos 72. TINTA VII 1st Place Maikling Kwento
“I think Mom is not feeling well today.” “Son, your mom is already gone.” Shocked. The boy could not believe what he heard. Is Mom dead? She just touched my hair and it felt so real. What is happening? The child decided to look for her in the kitchen. Relief poured down in his body when he saw her preparing breakfast. “Mom! I knew you’re alive!” He exclaimed then hugged her. “Dad was trying to prank me and told me you’re no longer here so- ”“Wait, what did you say? Your dad?” Mom asked then she added, “Son, listen to me. Your dad already died and there’s no one here except for the two of us.” The child was completely perplexed. Both parents could not see and hear each other, he was the only one who knows their existences. It became more difficult to comprehend when each parent told him the exact same story on how the other partner died – a car accident. There’s no way, right? Sorrow started swallowing him; he realized that he can never see his parents interacting again with each other. Suddenly, a thought came to his mind. If they can’t see each other because the other died, does this mean that they do not exist in the same world? If they truly belong to different worlds and I can see both of them, then does it mean that I’m connecting them to each other as a bridge? An idea sparked in the mind of the little man. He approached his parents and explained what was happening. At first, they refuse to believe their son. However, when they started needing for some help, the boy would ask the other parent on how to do it and would relay it to the other.The parents finally believed him and decided that they would continue communicating through their child – which the boy joyously agreed. The family spent their days hanging out with their child as their center of communication. The what should have been a “gloomy” living room was once again filled 73.
with moments of funny banter and laughter. The boy was finally content with this kind of life until an inevitable storm came into their home. One night, a misunderstanding arose between the parents. Anger got the best of them that they did not notice that the person conveying their hurtful words was their five-year old son. An innocent child who barely understands the horrifying phrases being muttered by his parents cried in silence. He wanted to stop delivering their rants but could not do it, terrified of what may happen to him if he went against his parents. After an hour full of screaming and fighting, they finally stopped. The boy hid in his room, sobbing. It hurts. I feel like my parents are drifting far away from each other. And just like what he thought, the child could not see and hear his parents at the same time. Whenever he diverts his attention to one of his parents, the other disappears. Oh, no! This is bad. He then realized that he will eventually need to choose between his mom and dad. Staying in the middle of the two worlds seems impossible especially if both places are starting to vanish from his grasp. “Mom! Dad!” He hurriedly looked for his parents, hoping they would help him in his predicament. The boy saw his father drinking his morning coffee while watching the news in the living room. “Dad! Dad!” He screamed; his father looked irritated. “I have something to say.” The boy then continued, “I can’t see and hear both you and mom at the same time anymore. I- I don’t know what to do or what’s happening. I’m sorry.” Tears started streaming down the child’s face. “I’m sorr-“ the boy was stopped when a huge hand hit his cheeks. “What nonsense are you talking about?! Are you out of your mind?!” He shouted angrily to the child. As he was about to slap his son again, the latter ran in horror that his father might 74.
caught him and hurt him again. He escaped from home and found himself in the park with a playground. The sky seems to understand the child’s pain as rain started pouring down. Sitting under the slide he used to love, he wailed alongside the clouds. “What are you doing here?” A familiar sweet voice surfaced amidst the loud sound of the rain. “You’ll get sick if you stay here longer. Come here.” The child immediately went to the owner of that voice and was met by a comforting embrace. “Mom!” the boy cried, “I want to stay in your world, please.” The mother looked puzzled but brushed it off for a while as she carried her son and went home. When they finally got home, the boy never saw his father ever again. “Tell me about your father.” The old man asked the child. The child innocently answered the question, “Dad died in a car accident.” “Then who is that man behind you?” The boy was confused but still turned his direction to his back and saw a wide space behind him. “No one?” His mom who was sitting beside him cried loudly. “My son fully believes that his father is gone and could not see and hear him anymore. Whenever my husband tries to hug him, our child goes in a weakened state and will fall down. He does not feel his presence completely.” The old man nodded as he tries to analyze all the pieces together, “So one Friday night, you and your husband got into an extreme fight that you agreed to act as if the other does not exist and told your son that a car accident killed them?” Both parents nodded. Mom is crying so much; I hope she’s okay. 75.
Midnight Misery The Struggle of a Slow-Burn Person by Michelle Patricia Manalo 76.
I am fond of staying up late at night. I like to believe that the reason behind, is simply because my body clock is a mess, but perhaps I like to confess that there is more. That maybe, I was yearning for the moments that came before – the enchanting late-night laughs and the spontaneous rendezvous, sharing raw and unfiltered thoughts till the break of dawn, not giving a damn as to what tomorrow has to bring. In this fast-paced world, it is hard to be the type of person who enjoys taking their own time. As nostalgia tugs at my heart, and the memories of the past linger like ghosts, leaving a pinch, that stings on my soul. Hence, I am in denial to admit – that my sleeping pattern has took its toll on me. I fear that admitting that this has become toxic and unhealthy for me, is the first step in fixing my body clock. Fearing that by doing so, I may unwittingly miss the chance to recapture those cherished moments.Yet, in my mind, I understand that every moment in life is a unique tapestry, and no matter how I painstakingly yearn for the past, it remains unobtainable. One day, I hope to learn the art of acceptance, to embrace the course of existence, and recognize that even within myself, I will not be able to find the same person. And just as the night turns into day, I must evolve forward. 77.
Imahinasyon o maling desisyon? Tunay ka nga ba talaga? Matikas at dakilang haring imitasyon ng reyna. Nakalalasong panghuhusga, paaalipin kaba? Sa mga bulong at batikos dahil naiiba ka. Hindi espada o medalya, kundi mga alahas at bistida, Postura, ganda at sariling pagkakalinga Di maipagpapalit sa papuri ang paglaya ng sarili. by Jomari Ivan Ocampo Sa mga kadenang gumagapos, wag sa takot humalili. Huwag ka nang magkunwari, huwad ang iyong anino at wangis. Di maikukubli ng gabi ang iyong mga pagtangis. Wag maligalig, tumindig at pakinggan ang pusong pumipintig, Na tuminig ang prinsesang nasiil at di marinig. Lumaban ka, hawakan ang watawat na maraming kulay. Bahagharing simbolo ng kabuluhan ng iyong buhay. Itala ang iyong estorya, isalaysay ang pagiging tunay. Diyosa ng pagrampa, saludo at pagpupugay! RAMPA NG HARING REYNA 78.
He/I used to own my soul loving the pain and intensity they gave towards me not until she was left with a cruel reality she was out of breath, never really cared the hunger within her is growing, now she’s getting scared how cruel the world can be how ugly can she be how much pain can she bear with the shameless truth nothing left within her youth by Nicole Mañalac 79.
the monsters in the forest by Carlo Dizon “ In a tropical forest live a kingdom of birds ruled by King Akila, a mighty eagle that protects them from the evil monsters that resides in the dark part of the forest. Anyone who wanders in the monster-infected part of the forest never goes back. The only rea- son the monsters never leave that place is because they are repelled by King Akila and his convocation or flock whenever they try to get away. “And you, young lady, must not wander in that part of the forest unless you want to be eaten by a scary monster,” a mother bird told her child as she spread her blue wings and adopted a hideous expression to imitate a monster. Lily is a jolly little bird who loves to wander and play with friends. She giggled at her mother’s face. “You’re so silly, mother. Of course, I won’t go there! It’s so dark and scary, especially the cave!” “How did you know that?” her mother asked. She eyed her daughter as she slowly panicked. “I only took a look, but I didn’t go near it,” she admitted and received an earful from her mother. She remembered the strange noises coming from the cave that she suspect are coming from the monsters. 80. TINTA VII 2nd Place Maikling Kwento
Later that night, she dreamed of caves and monsters. The next day, she played hide and seek with her friends. As she flew to look for a place to hide, she accidentally got near the dark forest. She looked at the humongous trees that seem to reach the clouds. Their canopies cover- ing the sky are so thick that there are almost no sunlight that can pass through. She noticed the strange sounds coming from the cave located at the foot of the moun- tain. Nobody really saw a monster before and she wants to see one! “I’ll only take a peek, then I’ll go. No one will know especially mother,” she said to herself. She was slowly flying to the mouth of the cave to look when something suddenly snatched her in the air. “Boss! I got another one snooping around!” the eagle that took her shouted as he de- scended inside the cave. He threw her inside a cage. “Hey! Get me out of here!” she screamed, as she tries to Due to the darkness inside the cave and dizziness creeping in from getting thrown, she failed to notice the other birds inside the cage. “What a foolish child,” one of the voiced out as the others looked at her with pity knowing she wouldn’t be able to go home again. “Come here. Let me see if you have wounds,” an old woman beckoned her. She looked around wildly, thinking of monsters from her mother’s stories, but all she saw are dirty birds that looks like they haven’t eaten for a long time. Their feathers are unkempt and missing in some place. Some of them also have broken wings. One keeps on screaming that she realized is what she heard when she got close to the forest. 81.
“There are no monsters here,” someone said as if hearing her thoughts. “Only birds who will do everything to rule.” Suddenly, a large figure descended to the cave and joined the other eagles outside the cage. She brightened when she recognizes the majestic figure. “King Akila! Please save me!” she said, but the king only laughed at her. “You shouldn’t have came here, young one. Now, you won’t be able to see your parents again,” King Akila said and laughed again as he flew out of the cave followed by his flock. Two eagles remained to guard the prisoners. I got confused by the King Akila’s behavior. It must have been obvious in my face as someone spoke again. “As I’ve said, there are no monsters here. The king made that up to get his position as the king. All of us here know the truth and the king and his flock imprisoned us here to keep us from telling the truth to others.” “Why won’t you try to escape? Or fight back? There are many of you. You should be able to defeat them,” she said to the birds inside the cage. “Many of us tried to escape, but they always guard the cave. We can’t also fight them. They’re too strong and our bodies have been weakened from lack of food,” a bird with a yellow feather told her. “There’s no escape. I’m sorry,” he added that made her broke down in tears. She screamed for her parents until she fell asleep. Many days passed and the sound of Lily’s cry can still be heard until the young bird fell asleep from exhaustion. The birds inside the cage felt pity for the young one and devised a plan. They planned and got ready in a couple of days. When Lily woke up, she got excited as someone told her that they are getting out of the cave. “When I told you to fly, fly out and go home. Tell everything to your parents,” one of 82.
the older birds told her. She nodded in agreement as she saw the determined look on their faces. They executed their plan. They managed to open the doors, but the guards noticed them. The guards screamed for their leader. “King Akila! The prisoners are escaping.” Immediately after the shout, shadows descended from above. Lily saw the grim looks of the other birds as the eagles come down. “Remember what I told you, fly home when I told you to,” she heard the old bird said. “But, what about you?” “We’re too weak to fly and our wings are broken. You’re the only one who can do it. Remember to tell the truth about the king others.” She wanted to protest, but the fighting started. The prisoners were easily handled by the eagles but, the prisoners fought with everything they had. “Go! Fly!” She flew fast when she heard that. Faster than when she plays with her friends. Faster than she ever did. As she flew away, tears fell from her eyes. She didn’t look back, but she still heard the sounds of fighting. She cried as she left. She flew home. She flew with the truth. 83.
“Oh! Bata!” 84.
“Oh! ni Rolhen Jeyk Constante Bata!” Oh diba parehas lang din ang meaning? Yuck uto-uto Hindi ba mag-asawa si Mel Tiangco at Mike Enriquez sa TV? Pag nag-kiss ba yung dalawang bata mabubuntis yung babae? Ay halla akala ko pag nagpapatuli, pinuputol yung buong t*ti, tapos may tutubong bago Itanim mo yung hotdog para magbunga ng hotdog, minsan gawa din sa karne ng aso Di niya ako kinausap ngayong araw, di ko na yan bati, may bago na yang bespren Niregla ka? Mamamatay ka na bukas “Pinulot ka lang sa tae ng kalabaw”--- “HUWAAAAAAAAAA AMPON LANG AKOO” One baka plus one kalabaw equals nosebleed, at wag mokong banggain pag di moko kayang talunin sa “May Model One!” basahin pataas 85.
Mom, I got a new st r! Another page had turned, A new lesson pointed in their heads, Skinning the children for war, Brown orbs flaring in afar, Getting themselves burn, In a country an assh*le governs. Books were changed to guns, Bags to bombs, Pens to bullets, Youths are for sure doomed, for there is nothing to be gained, no future far ahead, paying the debt by blood, by death… “Mom, I got a new star.” scar. by Allyssa Mae Dancel 86.
87.
Right guy, Wrong man I wish I had a genie to have three wishes. First, to resurrect you. Second, to marry you. Third, to carry this child with you. by Emmanuel Desiderio But so it goes, life was never fair. Our fate is always tragic. Like this child, Made drastic. We both share the same blood as her, So please, guide me with your sister. 88.
Mirror Mi rorriM rror Mirror Mirror I stare deeply in front Is this the me I want to be? Is this a puzzle I'm in? by Princess Jhoey Gopez A big question mark embarked Answer's nowhere to be found Caged by my own desires No signs of burning fire Wandering, and lost Hands shivering and cold Drown in this horror Of my own mirror. 89.
Taympers Kay sarap balikan, Mga alaala ng nakaraan Mga pangarap na nailaan Kasiyahan man o kalungkutan “Gusto ko na agad tumanda” Katagang binitawan simula noong bata “Gusto ko maging ganito” Pangarap na agad naipagtanto Ang daming katagang binitawan Ngayon ang daming tanong sa isipan Pwede bang taympers muna? Kailangan ko lang huminga Sana ganoon lang kadali Iwaglit ang bawat sandali Hindi pa naman siguro huli Para masilayan muli ang ngiti sa labi. ni Arveeh Mae Tortoza 90.
In the depths of my soul, a spark ignites, A calling from the universe, taking flight, A purpose, once hidden, now clear as day, Guiding me through life’s mysterious way.. No longer confined to a life mediocre, I embrace this feeling with each passing hour, For destiny’s whispers have set me ablaze, In pursuit of greatness, I’ll walk new ways. With eyes closed tight, I feel the surge, A symphony of dreams, a vibrant urge, To break free from the chains that bind, And unlock the treasures within my mind. In this cosmic dance, I find my role, A protagonist in the story I’ll unfold, With passion and courage, I’ll play my part, And let the echoes of purpose fill my heart. No longer lost, I’ve found my key, Unlocking the door to what will be, A future painted with colors bright, I’ll embrace my purpose, with all my might. So I’ll journey on, with hope as my guide, Through valleys low and mountains wide, With each step forward, I’ll clearly see, The greatness that was always meant for me. Embracing Destiny’s Call by Alyanna Palada 91.
For all the years of my life, I have been wanting for more For success, good health, happiness, and for the love of a father. The love of a father — It’s been so long since I felt it, I can barely remember Staring at the wall, it makes me wonder, How does it feel to have that good old family picture? 92.
Wall by Alessandra Rivera 93.
/u-ya-yi/ Hymno, awiting pampatulog, Ligalig sa kasalukuyan KABANATA IV
Sa pagkagat ng dilim, at mga bituing maningning, hinele ni Cyan ang anak sa kanyang sinapupunan tangan ang awiting, “Sa ugoy ng Duyan,” “Sana’y di magmaliw ang dati kong araw Na munti pang bata sa piling ni nanay, Nais kong maulit ang awit ni inang mahal Awit ng pag-ibig habang ako’y nasa duyan” Hanggang sa dalawin ng antok at tuluyang ipinid ni Cyan ang kanyang mga mata. Kinabukasan, isang nakagigimbal na pangyayari ang gumulat kay Cyan. Umagang puno ng pagkasuklam at poot ngunit may takot at paninindig ng balahibo. Sa harap ng kanyang pinto ay ang ama ni Felix. Labis ang panginginig at panlalambot ng tuhod ni Cyan. Hindi niya inaakala na darating ang araw kung kailan makakaharap niya ang taong sumira ng mga pangarap niya – ang pagiibigan nila ni Felix. “BAKIT KA NANDITO?!” pasigaw na turan ni Cyan na may halong pagtataka, galit at kaba. Ngunit hindi inaasahan ni Cyan ang pagiging kalmado at pagpapakumbabang ginawa nito. Lalo pa itong napatigagal ng makita nito ang mga tubig na tumulo sa kanyang mga mata. FERDINAND’s POV Ako si Ferdinand. Ama ni Felix. Matagal ko nang pinagsisihan ang ginawa ko sa anak ko. Matagal na rin akong tumigil sa pagkakalulong sa droga. Lahat ng 95.
mga maling ginawa ko ay pinagsisihan ko na. Ngayon nasa harap ako ni Cyan – ang babaeng pinakamamahal ng anak ko. “BAKIT KA NANDITO?!” bulyaw niya sa akin. Dama ko sa boses niya ang galit at pagkasuklam. Ang nakaririmarim na pinagdaanan niya, dama ko lahat. Dahil sa nakalipas na mga buwan, sinusundan ko siya. Ako rin iyong mga matang nakamasid sa kanya sa sementeryo noon. Agad akong napayuko. Tumulo ang luha sa aking mga mata. “Patawarin mo ko,” sambit ko ng may pagsisisi at panlulumo. “Andito lang ako para humingi ng tawad. Sana mapatawad mo ako at makilala ko ang magiging anak natin,” sabay ng pagluhod ko sa paghingi ng tawad. “Umalis ka na dito! Hindi kita mapapatawad! Lumayas ka! Ikaw ang dahilan ng pagiging miserable namin ngayon! You’ve caused all the pains that I have been through! Hindi mo deserve maging ama ng dinadala ko, because in the first place, you KILLED YOUR SON! YOU KILLED FELIX!” Doon ako napahinto. At bumalik ang lahat ng pangyayari ng gabing ‘yon. FLASHBACK “Sir affirmative, may mga pakete siya ng shabu sa bag niya,” sabi ng isa isang pulis sa likod ni Felix at hindi niya namalayan na kinakalkalang bag niya. “Hoy! Walang laman ang bag ko na---” sabi ni Felix habang hinihila mula sa pulis ang kaniyang bag. “Sige, kayo na ang bahala sa kaniya…” ang lumabas sa bibig ko na sinundan ng isang putok ng baril. 96.
Matapos ng engkwentrong iyon, agad akong umuwi sa tinutuluyan ko. Nahimasmasan. At walang tigil sa pag-iyak. Sinangkalan ko ang buhay ng anak ko. Ako ang pumatay sa kanya. At ang gabing iyon ay sinakop ng labis na pagtangis at pagluha sa isang buhay na muli na namang naging pataba ng lupa. --- Hindi man ako napatawad ni Cyan, sana sa paghingi ko ng tawad, matatak sa isip niya ang pagsisisi ko ay tunay at taos-puso. Agad na akong umalis sa lugar na iyon at pumunta sa palengke. Bumili ng sinturon. Pagkauwi ko, agad kong inayos ang sarili ko. Nagpalit ng damit. Sinarado ang buong bahay. Gamit ang biniling sinturon, tinali ito sa kisame at ang huling mga tinig na aking narinig at nakita ay katahimikan at kadiliman. CYAN’s POV Umalis na ang tatay ni Felix. Nawala na rin ang kaba at takot ko. Iniisip ko pa rin ang paghingi niya ng tawad at pag-iyak niya sa harap ko. Marahil hindi ko pa siya mapapatawad sa ngayon. Ngunit ramdam ko na tapos na. Tapos na ang pagkagapos ko. Tuluyan na akong nakawala sa mga kadenang minsan nagtali sa akin sa mapangmatang lipunang ito. Ngayon, anak ko na lang ang iisipin ko – ang natitirang dahilan ng aking paglaya at pag-aklas. Sandali pa, ay kumirot ang aking tiyan. May kung anong dumaloy sa aking mga hita at nanlamig ako sa aking nakitang pulang likido. 97.
98.