AGUSTIN, NICA JANE S. ACAR, MA. ISABELA ABRASALDO, JAREM T. BALDADO, JAY D. BALONIO, DEXCIE CADELINA, ABEGUILL K. FABILLAR, TSACKIE C. LLENOS, ALMERA A. MACAY, MARJORIE B. MAGHANOY, RIANNE S. PALUMAR, VANISSA P. ROMERO, ANTONETTE G. REQUILME, SHIELA JOYCE C. TABANAO, MELODY ANN S. SURVEY OF AFRO-ASIAN LITERATURE EGYPTIAN Literature BSED ENGLISH III LITERATURE Weaving Ramses' Dreams into Reality A SHORT STORY Every individual has the power to turn their unique talents and abilities into a force for positive change in the world. It's important to recognize and use one's abilities for the greater good, showing that even seemingly magical talents can have a profound impact on the world and inspire future generations. AGUSTIN, NICA JANE S. BSEDENG III STUDENT I n a village nestled along the Nile, lived a young woman named Amina. She was known for her ethereal beauty and her ability to weave dreams into reality, a sacred talent believed to be bestowed by the gods themselves. One fateful evening, as the moon cast a golden glow upon the water, Amina set out to the riverbank. There, she found a small boat, intricately adorned with lotus flowers and hieroglyphs, left as an offering by a mysterious traveler. Amina boarded the boat and gently pushed it into the tranquil waters of the Nile. She closed her eyes, whispered a prayer to the god Ra, and began to drift off into a deep slumber. In her dream, Amina found herself standing before a grand palace in the city of Thebes, the capital of ancient Egypt. The palace was adorned with precious jewels and guarded by statues of Anubis, the jackal-headed god of the afterlife. Amina approached the palace doors, which swung open to reveal a majestic hall bathed in golden light. Inside, she saw a magnificent throne, upon which sat the pharaoh himself, Ramses the Great. He beckoned Amina forward with a regal wave of his hand. Amina's heart raced as she approached the pharaoh, wondering why he had summoned her. EGYPTIAN LITERATURE Ramses spoke in a voice that resonated with power and wisdom. "Amina, I have heard of your gift, the ability to weave dreams into reality. I have a dream that has eluded me for years—a vision of a prosperous and harmonious Egypt, united under my rule. Can you make this dream a reality?" Amina, humbled and filled with purpose, nodded. She closed her eyes and channeled her gift, weaving the threads of Ramses' dream into a tapestry of reality. The land flourished, the people prospered, and Egypt entered a golden age of peace and prosperity under the reign of Ramses the Great. When Amina awoke from her dream on the banks of the Nile, she knew her life had changed forever. Her dreamweaving had not only fulfilled the pharaoh's vision but had also ignited a spark within her own soul. She returned to her village as a legend, a dreamweaver whose abilities were revered by all. For generations to come, Amina's descendants would carry on her legacy, using their gift to shape the dreams of Egypt and its people. And so, the power of dreams, inspired by the ancient wisdom of Egypt, continued to weave its magic throughout the land, connecting the realms of imagination and reality in a timeless dance. A SHORT STORY The Dreamer’s Valor FABILLAR, TSACKIE C. BSEDENG III STUDENT In the heart of ancient Egypt, amidst the grandeur of the pharaohs' rule, there emerged a remarkable figure known as Lady Warrior. She was not just a fierce defender of her kingdom but also a dreamer with a gift that transcended the ordinary. One fateful night, Lady Warrior had a dream—a vision of dark shadows creeping through Egypt's lands, threatening to engulf the kingdom in eternal darkness. Her dream was vivid, and she understood that it was more than just a creation of her subconscious. Driven by an unwavering sense of duty, Lady Warrior sought counsel from the wisest seers and sages in Egypt. Together, they interpreted her dream as a portent of a grave danger that loomed on the horizon. Armed with this knowledge, Lady Warrior approached Pharaoh Ramses III. She shared her dream and her conviction that it foretold an imminent invasion by a foreign enemy, the shadows in her vision representing the approaching army. Ramses III, a wise and just ruler, heeded her words. He assembled his generals and prepared his forces for an impending conflict. Lady Warrior, with her unparalleled skills in combat, became an integral part of the kingdom's defense. As her dream had foretold, the enemy arrived, their numbers vast and their intentions malevolent. Lady Warrior, leading her warriors into battle, displayed unmatched valor and strategy. She fought with the fury of a lioness defending her cubs. Through fierce clashes, sacrifices, and unyielding determination, Ramses III's forces managed to repel the invaders. Lady Warrior's courage on the battlefield became legendary, a symbol of Egypt's indomitable spirit. In the aftermath of the victory, Lady Warrior had another dream—a dream of a radiant sun emerging from behind dark clouds. She understood this dream as a message from the gods, a sign that Egypt's resilience and unity had prevailed against the shadows of adversity. Her dreams, once seen as a source of foreboding, had now become a beacon of hope. They were celebrated throughout the kingdom, and Lady Warrior's name became synonymous with valor and the power of dreams. MY METAMORPHIC ODYSSEY TO DREAMS A PERSONAL ESSAY BALDADO, JAY D. BSEDENG III STUDENT In the vast landscapes of the hinterlands of Lomboy, Cambagahan, distant from the echoes of rumbling crowded cities, I found my sanctuary. From my earliest days in elementary school to my high school years, I thrived in the tranquility of rural life. The quietude and simplicity of it all were like a warm embrace. But then, like the protagonist in the ancient Egyptian tale of Sinuhe, in my senior high school, my life took an unexpected turn, I made a bold choice that sent ripples through my serene existence. I was unleashed from home, seeking to complete my education and achieve my dreams in the bustling city of Bais. Yet, it was a decision that would prove to be a steppingstone chapter in my life. It was my first time to reside in the city; thereby, I felt a surge of trepidation mixed with excitement. The city's rhythm was vastly different from the rural cadence I had grown accustomed to. On top of that, it was a world away from the serene simplicity of my childhood, and it was both daunting and exhilarating. This journey was like stepping into the unknown, but it taught me resilience. I realized that I could be independent, that I could tackle challenges head-on. There was a newfound confidence in my stride, a sense of self-reliance that came from facing the landscapes of unfamiliarity with steadfast determination and persistence. While embarking on this trek, I was quite enjoying my new-found independence I thought I would never achieved. Without a doubt, achieving our dreams poses underlying waves of challenges. However, amidst these new opportunities that come my way, a portion of me is still anchored in the past. Just as Sinuhe yearned for his homeland in the Egyptian tale, I too longed for the familiar embrace of my hometown. The comfort and joy I associated with home were unparalleled, and no bustling city could replace the serenity of those hinterland days. Like a loyal dog returning to its master's doorstep or a bee finding its way back to the hive, I yearned to return home. My journey from the hinterlands to achieving my However, in my voyage to my dreams, I discovered facets of myself that had long been dormant. I found the courage to step out of my shell and embrace change in the pursuit of success. I made new friends from diverse backgrounds, learned to navigate the labyrinthine streets, and explored new opportunities. These experiences opened doors to personal growth and self-discovery I had never imagined. dreams in the city was a metamorphic odyssey. It was a chapter of personal growth, of stepping out of my comfort zone, a journey to dreams, and embracing new experiences. Yet, like Sinuhe, I understood that no matter how far I roamed, a magnetic pull would always draw me back to my beloved home, where the true essence of comfort and joy resides. In this realization, I found the harmonious balance between embracing change and achieving our goals, and cherishing one's roots, a lesson learned through the ancient wisdom of Egyptian literature and the ever-evolving story of my own life. A Dreamer Amid Doubt's Abyss: A Tale of Hope, Persistence, and Tenacity A PERSONAL ESSAY CADELIÑA, ABEGUILL K. BSEDENG III STUDENT Within the intricate fabric of human existence, doubt often weaves its complex threads, forming challenging patterns that test our determination and deepest ambitions. It is in this realm of uncertainty that a captivating figure emerges—the dreamer. This dreamer is driven by an unwavering commitment to hope, an unyielding spirit of persistence, and an indomitable sense of tenacity. This dreamer was born two decades ago, and as the years have unfolded, she has come to understand, as surely as the Pharaoh greets the morning sun with his howls, that her life's journey would be a turbulent and unpredictable voyage. Yet, much like the ancient history that unfolded in Egypt's cradle, she yearns to explore the depths of the unknown and unravel the mysteries that lie ahead on the path of her future. Doubt, like elusive shadows, often surrounds her, whispering tales of impracticality and imminent failure. Her dreams for a better tomorrow, audacious and far-reaching like the construction of pyramids that scrape the sky, appear insurmountable to some. Nevertheless, this dreamer is not easily deterred. Armed with nothing but a glimmer of hope, just as Pharaohs sought divine favor in their dreams, she boldly embarks on her quest to transform her aspirations into reality. This hope is deeply rooted in the belief that, despite the doubts that engulf her like a sandstorm, there is a divine purpose guiding her aspirations. In the face of adversity, her unwavering persistence serves as her guiding star, navigating her through the stormy seas of doubt and uncertainty. Persistence, exemplified by the builders of the pyramids, is the bedrock of the dreamer's journey. Amidst obstacles and doubts that threaten to bury her dreams, she persists, for she knows that every block placed in the pyramid of her dreams brings her closer to her ultimate goal. When life's challenges threaten to overwhelm her, her tenacity, a trait deeply ingrained in the Egyptian spirit, shields the dreamer from the doubts that assail her—a steadfast lifeboat, keeping her afloat in the roughest of waters. Just as the Nile floods and recedes, bringing life to the desert, the dreamer learns to rebound from setbacks and failures. This dreamer, as she quests along the path full of trials toward her dreams, reminds all beating hearts that even in the midst of doubt's abyss, the human spirit can rise above, casting its light on the path toward a brighter and more promising future. Moreover, by having the virtues of unwavering commitment to hope, the transformative force of persistence, and the unwavering power of tenacity, we can reach the highest peak of our pyramid of dreams. EGYPTIAN LITERATURE Exploring Cultural Parallels: Literature's Role in Understanding Diversity and Dreams ESSAY ABRASALDO, JAREM T. BSEDENG III STUDENT Literature from other countries and cultures helps us retain sensitivity to the world's great diversity. It allows us to step back in time and learn about life on Earth from the ones who walked before us. It is a window into other people's lives and can help us see the world through different eyes. Through literature, we gain a glimpse of a country's longing and dreams, which are reflected in different beliefs and forms of writing. Personally, learning different literary pieces, especially the ancient Egyptian literature, made me realize that Egypt is not as different from the Philippines as I thought it was. The story of civilization and its literature reflect how a certain country dreams of a better reigning ruler and how it overcomes various troubles and complications in the same way that literature is utilized to inform and pass teachings from generation to generation. Hence, dreams have held a significant place in the history of human thought and culture, and ancient Egypt was no exception. The ancient Egyptian writings shed light on society's beliefs and dreams.In the Philippines, we offer a rosary of prayer for our loved ones for them to successfully pass in the afterlife. In the same way, the first Egyptian writings were carved into tombs in the form of offering lists and autobiographies. Through this, the living will know what gifts and in what quantity the deceased was due regularly when visiting the grave. The dreams of their loved ones of a successful journey to the afterlife are apparent in this form of writing. Since the dead were thought to live on after their bodies had failed, they still had to eat and drink, even if they no longer held a physical form. Moreover, a dream of Egyptian society to be remembered and honored as they reflected the ethical standards of society, they live to adhere to the Catalogue of Virtues. These virtues accentuate the good a person has done in his or her life and how worthy they are of remembrance. As Filipino people, or human beings by nature, we highly take into consideration the legacy we are going to leave when God calls our time. We are anxious about how people will remember us—or will they even remember us? We strive to live upholding good deeds and virtues, for we dream of being remembered and honored. Thus, we are in the same chapter as the Egyptian people nonetheless. Dreams guide individuals in decision-making and personal growth. These make us envision what our lives will become. Taking everything into account, through literature, we understand why a certain group of people is living and behaving in a particular way. In the same manner, I personally understood the Egyptian people through a glimpse of their literature. AN ESSAY Egyptian Dreams for the Future: A Timeless Tradition Continued PALUMAR, VANISSA P. BSEDENG III STUDENT Ancient Egypt's legacy extends far beyond its pyramids and pharaohs. The significance of dreams in Egyptian culture is one facet of this rich past that continues to captivate human imagination. Looking ahead, it seems clear that Egypt's enduring history of dreaming will continue, changing in sync with modern society while maintaining its deep-rooted connection to the past. Egypt's deep cultural reverence for dreams is unlikely to wane in the future. The preservation of ancient texts and inscriptions, such as the "Book of the Dead" and dream-related hieroglyphics, ensures that the cultural importance of dreams remains accessible to future generations. These texts serve as a bridge between past and present, reminding Egyptians of their rich literary heritage and the role of dreams in their ancestors' lives. The cultural significance of dreams will persist as an integral part of Egypt's identity. In the future, we can expect modern interpretations and integration of dreams in Egyptian society. While traditional beliefs and practices remain important, contemporary approaches to dream analysis and therapy are likely to gain prominence. Psychologists and counselors may incorporate dream analysis into mental health treatment, recognizing the profound impact of dreams on the human psyche. Dream journals, a popular tool for self-reflection and understanding in the West, may become more prevalent in Egypt, facilitating personal growth and self-discovery. The digital era will likely have an impact on how dreams are recorded, shared, and interpreted in Egypt in the future. Individuals can use social media platforms, blogs, and online forums to share their dreams and seek interpretations from a global audience. Apps and AI-powered dream analysis solutions that provide rapid insights and interpretations could become mainstream. The convergence of technology and dream research will open up new paths for studying the human mind. As Egypt continues to undergo social, political, and cultural revolutions, dreams will reflect the population's changing worries and ambitions. Dreams can be a gauge of society's well-being, offering information on current fears, hopes, and challenges. As a result, sociologists and anthropologists interested in understanding the unconscious can benefit from studying dreams. In general, Egyptian dreams have deep roots in the country's cultural and psychological landscape, but they are positioned to remain a dynamic and significant component of the country's cultural and psychological environment in the future. While old beliefs will continue to exist, the incorporation of new interpretations, digital technology, and altering socioeconomic circumstances will ensure that dreams continue to impact Egyptians' lives and aspirations. As the sands of time shift, dreams in Egypt will continue to fascinate, inspire, and inform future generations, connecting them to their illustrious history. Dreams and The Ethereal World: Insights from Ancient Egyptian AN ESSAY Literature LLENOS, ALMERA A. BSEDENG III STUDENT E very country has its unique literature and culture. Studying it will make us more aware of our history and its importance in the world. I believe that Egyptian literature made a great contribution to people's lives. To begin with, dreams held a special place in Ancient Egyptian culture. Dreams were not only figments of the Egyptians' mind; they were messages from the gods, omens of the future, or glimpses into hidden realms. This deep regard is reflected in their literature, where dreams frequently serve as pivotal turning moments in both mythological and historical histories. Dreams have often piqued the interest and inquiry of nations and civilizations throughout history. However, no society may have treated dreams with as much reverence, mystery, and symbolic profundity as Ancient Egypt. Egyptian literature, in the shadow of great pyramids and amid murmurs of hieroglyphic legends, provides a glimpse into the significance and interpretation of dreams in this ancient society. One famous story is that of Pharaoh Thutmose IV, who dreamed beneath the Sphinx of a divine promise to grant him sovereignty in exchange for clearing the monument of encroaching sands. This dream was more than a personal epiphany; it was a prophecy that impacted the path of history and was memorialized in the Dream Stele. Beyond the epic narratives of kings and deities, dreams echoed the hopes, aspirations, and anxieties of ordinary Egyptians. They served as a reflection of personal and societal concerns, tying the ancient world to our own in a shared knowledge of the mystique of the dream realm. 6 Sands of Hope: A Dreamer's Journey through Egyptian Eternity MACAY, MARJORIE B. BSEDENG III STUDENT In the realm of dreams, where hope takes flight, A lady fair, her heart alight, She wanders through the sands of time, Seeking solace in ancient rhyme. From the Nile's banks, whispers arise, Egyptian tales that mesmerize, Hieroglyphs painted on temple walls, Unravel secrets as darkness falls. In her dream, she walks the desert dunes, Beneath the golden sun that looms, A mirage shimmers in the distance, Leading her toward a mystical existence. With each step, she feels the ancient grace, As if the pharaohs guide her pace, She hears the echoes of their voices, Whispering wisdom, offering choices. In temples grand, she finds her solace, The aura of gods fills the space, Isis, Osiris, Horus in sight, They bless her dreams with divine light. Through papyrus scrolls and sacred lore, Her spirit soars, forevermore, She becomes a vessel of ancient art, A bridge between the past and her heart. In this dream, the hopeful lady weaves, A tapestry of dreams that never leaves, Egyptian literature fuels her soul, Igniting passions that make her whole. Oh, hopeful lady of dreams untold, May your journey be brave and bold, Embrace the power of ancient lands, And let Egyptian literature guide your hands. Pyramids of Dreams: A Journey to the Summit ROMERO, ANTONETTE G. BSEDENG III STUDENT In the land of ancient sands, where pyramids rise, Dreams ascend, like stars in Egypt's skies. High and hard to reach, they gleam afar, But at the peak, their worth, like a radiant star. Beneath the desert's shroud, secrets they hold, Stories of history, mysteries untold. Through endless toil, sweat, and endless quest, Dreamers chase their visions, put to the test. Each stone a testament to human might, Resilience and dreams reaching for the light. Pyramids stand tall, ageless, and grand, Like dreams, they tower over the shifting sand. With every step, as you climb up high, Know that the journey was meant to try. Though it may seem a steep and endless climb, At the summit, your dreams will mark the time. The view from the top, a world anew, Where dreams and pyramids merge into view. A testament to what persistence can achieve, In Egypt's embrace, the heart's desires believe. So, chase your dreams like a pyramid's peak, With faith and determination, you shall speak. Of how dreams, like pyramids, rise and shine, A testament to human spirit, a journey divine. REQUILME, SHIELA JOYCE C. BSEDENG III STUDENT Whispers of Egypt in Dreamer's Night In sands of time, where pyramids stand tall, Where Nile's embrace, a whispered ancient call. In dreams, I wander 'neath the desert's gleam, Where secrets hidden in the moonlight's beam. Pharaohs' spirits, echoes of the past, In tombs and hieroglyphs, their stories cast. A journey through the night, in shadows deep, In Egypt's dreams, these memories we keep. The Sphinx, with eyes that seem to know our soul, Guarding mysteries, a timeless role. In dreams, I soar on wings of falcon's grace, Through starlit skies, in Egypt's sacred space. Beside the river's flow, I find my way, Where lotus blooms at break of day. In dreams of Egypt, ancient and profound, A world of wonder, in slumber I am bound. So close your eyes, let visions softly stream, In dreams of Egypt, let your spirit gleam. With every heartbeat, let your soul take flight, In Egypt's dreams, where day and night unite. EGYPTIAN LITERATURE Egypt's Dream: Mystical Sands of Time ACAR, MA. ISABELA BSEDENG III STUDENT In sands of time, where Pharaohs once did reign, A dreamer's vision, a mystical terrain. Beneath the stars, 'neath Egypt's ancient gleam, Illuminated by Ra's eternal dream. In pyramids tall, secrets they enshroud, Where dreams of kings and queens were endowed. Hieroglyphs whispered stories in the night, As moonlight bathed the desert in its light. Within the Nile's embrace, a river's flow, Dreams ebbed and surged like currents in its tow. Isis wept tears, the river's endless stream, Reflecting life's essence, the ultimate dream. Ankhs and scarabs, symbols carved in stone, Guardians of dreams, the seeds of the unknown. As Sphinx stood silent, in riddles it would speak, Guiding souls through the sands, both strong and meek. In temples of old, where gods held their sway, Dreamers sought answers as they knelt to pray. Bastet's gentle purr, a soothing lullaby, Safeguarding slumber 'neath the Pharaoh's sky. From Thebes to Giza, the dreamers did roam, In quest of visions, they made Egypt their home. For in the realm of dreams, they'd find the key, To unlock the mysteries of eternity. So let your mind wander, like a desert breeze, Through ancient sands, beneath the sacred trees. In dreams, we connect to what's never seen, In the timeless embrace of Egypt's dream. Dream in Egypt's Mystic Embrace MAGHANOY, RIANNE MARIELLE S. BSEDENG III STUDENT In ways of the world, where Pharaohs governed the land, Dreams of murmured insider facts beneath the desert's sparkle, In pyramids, where secrets were arranged, The antiquated reverberations of the past actually stream. Underneath the stars, on sand ridges' brilliant peak, The Sphinx watches dreams in quiet, unemotional elegance, Where Cleopatra's dreams tracked their rest, By down Carly Ferris In Egypt's heart, an immortal, consecrated place. Photography by Hannah Morales The Nile, a lace twisting through the earth, Mirrors the moon's delicate kiss upon its bosom, In dreams, its waters award a subsequent birth, To the individuals who look for, the stream's gift is honored. Through symbolic representations, the tales of the past, Recorded on sanctuary walls, their stories loosen up, Dreams bound in time, by history's shape cast, Murmured mysteries of a culture entwined. The pharaohs longed for realms huge and fabulous, Of wealth, influence, and forever, In burial chambers embellished with treasures, they had arranged, Their last dreams, a signal so that we might see. In papyrus scrolls, mysteries they composed, The secrets of life, existence in the wake of death's fantasy, Anubis and Osiris in the evening, Directing spirits along the hallowed stream. VII. Through twilight skies, the divine beings drop to Earth, In dreams, they stroll among the human crowd, With Ra's sun chariot, they envoy resurrection, A commitment of everlasting life, deep rooted. VIII. In Cairo's roads, where history's heartbeat actually pulsates, Dreams of the past and future interlace, The pyramids, where old and current meet, A scaffold through time, an excursion to the divine. IX. Thus, let us dream in Egypt's spiritualist hug, Where history's embroidery is splendidly glimmered, In ways of the world, our deepest desires we follow, In Egypt's heart, our spirits will be considered. 13 EGYPTIAN DREAM BALONIO, DEXCIE BSEDENG III STUDENT Beneath the crescent moon's soft gleam, In sands where ancient echoes stream. Egyptian dreams unfold in night, A timeless dance of mystic light. Pharaohs dream in regal hues, Ankhs whisper secrets, never lose. Pyramids reach for starry heights, Guardians of the desert nights. Nile's embrace, a tranquil flow, Carries dreams in currents slow. Sphinx guards tales of ages past, In dreams, the ancient shadows cast. Hieroglyphs tell tales untold, In midnight's silk, the stories unfold. A symphony of gods, a cosmic theme, In every heartbeat of the Egyptian dream. Verses Carved in Hieroglyphs TABANAO, MELODY ANN S. BSEDENG III STUDENT In the realm where dreams take flight, Amidst Egypt's ancient night, Pharaohs' visions, grand and bright, Paint the tapestry of our delight. Beneath the stars' celestial dance, Intricate tales of romance, Dreams like pyramids, vast expanse, Unfold in Egypt's mystic trance. In temples adorned with mystical art, The priestesses danced, playing their part. Interpreting dreams, they held a sacred chart, Revealing truths hidden deep in the heart. The Sphinx, with its enigmatic gaze, Guide our path through timeless days, Through the desert's heat and sun's ablaze, Dreams endure in countless ways. As the Nile's waters gently flow, In dreams, Egypt's spirits bestow, A legacy that continues to grow, In the hearts of dreamers, to and fro.