Light Roast
Light roast coffee is lighter in body with
a bright smooth edge and exotic highland
mountain coffee aroma. The light roast coffee
is the least bitter, with a clean finish and has the
least body of select roasts.
Birds of sea
By Noname
As I watched the sky where all the sea
birds fly towards their freedom, I remember
the most beautiful sunset of my life. The orange
lights, the heavenly stars, the tranquil people,
and the person who went with it too. It seemed
as if my life stopped for a moment when I saw
the cup. It is still in its place, no one had ever
touched it, not even me. I was afraid I might
lose the memory of the person who sat there
and drank from it. I went to the cup, stared at it,
and imagined the last person who used it. Will
this person ever return to this place? Will this
person reach the place? Will this person reach
the so called “home” safely? To the birds of sea
that went with this person, I envy you. A light
memory of mine that I will never forget.
2
This is not a
love story Part I...
By BogartSDL
the mortals. BUT the important thing is - I was
happy. She was happy. I’ll never forget her (let’s
just hope Amnesia doesn’t come my way).
This is not a LOVE story. But I can still
remember the very first time I seriously thought
I was in love - or fell in love. I was at such a
tender age that time. 4th grade, I think (can you
imagine that coming from a fourth grader?!).
Nonetheless, I had a serious crush on her. Yep,
she was so cute I likened her to a white fluffy
rabbit. And oh, she was chubby - like a rabbit
(I love rabbits, by the way). I honestly had a
serious crush on her that I thought I was in love
with her during those silly days back then. I
thought we were “meant to be”. Anyways, that
was funny. Those days were funny. Enough of
that, let’s move on.
This is not a LOVE story. But I think I’m
starting to fall in love again. I don’t want to.
Love is what makes us human. Humans have
weaknesses. I don’t wanna be human. I don’t
want to have weaknesses. I used to believe that
the greatest force on Earth is gravity. But now
I’m starting to think that I can defy gravity but can’t defy love. I don’t know. I don’t know
where this one leads to. I’ll just take the risk like
what I did before and hope I don’t end up on
the puddles. It’s risky - but I’m willing to take it.
Rereading this paragraph made me think I was
starting to get corny. But just to make things
clear, this is NOT a love story.
This is not a LOVE story. But I have to be
honest to myself, I can’t remember the flames
I felt with the young girl I first fell in love with.
We were young, but still, we took the risk.
We were happy. We were really happy. But
statistics shows that there’s only 2.38 per cent
chance that fairytales may materialize among
This is NOT a love story. Period.
3
Ang misteryo sa likod ng kubo
ni Tiyo Kadyo
Ni Jose Mico C. Tambalo
mas masaya ang paniniktik ko dahil walang
pasok. Ano nga ba talagang meron sa kubo na
‘yun? May beerhouse ba doon? Siguro, isang
mayamang negosyante si Tiyo Kadyo tapos
kinokontrol lang niya yung kubo gamit ang
isang virtual world kung saan nagkukumpulan
ang mga hunks at mga seksing babae. O baka
naman isang mambabarang si Tiyo Kadyo at
ginagamitan niya ng psychic powers ang mga
bata para makontrol niya at mapasunod niya
ang mga ito. O pwede ring isa siyang alien at
gumagamit ng mental telepathy at hypnotism
para makabuo ng mga kabataang sundalo at
sakupin ang buong mundo. O baka naman
aswang si Tiyo Kadyo at isa-isang kinakain ang
mga batang pumupunta sa kubo niya.
Magdadalawang oras na akong nayayamot
sa kinatatayuan ko ngunit wala pa ring mga
batang dumarating. Bakit kaya? Nagsawa na
ba si Tiyo Kadyo sa mga bata? Mga matatanda
naman ba ang gusto niyang bihagin? O baka
naman nakaipon na siya ng sapat na sundalo
Hindi pa nagbubukang-liwayway ay
nagulat na ako sa mga batang nagtatakbuhan
patungo sa kubo ni Tiyo Kadyo. Napabangon
na lamang ako at tinungo ang lababo para
maghilamos ng mukha at kaagad na pumwesto
sa hapag-kainan. Isang mainit-init na tsokolate
at mabangong tapsilog ang inilapag ni inay sa
mesa. Kaagad ko itong nilantakan na tila ba
hindi nakakain nang limang buwan. Ilang saglit
lang ay narinig ko na naman ang mga yabag ng
mga paa. Dumungaw ako sa bintana at natanaw
ko sa ‘di kalayuan ang mga batang kasing-edad
ko. Patungo rin sila sa kubo ni Tiyo Kadyo. Tila
nahiwagaan ako sa aking nakita. Ano kayang
meron sa kubo na iyon? Bakit ganoon na lamang
kasabik ang mga bata na pumunta doon?
Kinabukasan ay maaga akong gumising.
Pumwesto ako sa harap ng bintana habang
palihim na hinihintay ang pagdaan ng mga bata.
Saktong-sakto, Linggo ngayon, walang pasok
kaya nakakasiguro akong sulit ang pagbabantay
ko. Mas mahabang oras, mas exciting at
4
ano na namang likido ang tinira mo?” sabi niya
habang nakatingin sa akin. Dali-dali akong
lumabas at tinungo ang kubo ni Tiyo Kadyo.
Hinabol naman ako ng matalinhagang tingin
ni inay na tila ba may nais sabihin ngunit hindi
naman masabi.
Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa kubo
habang hawak sa kanang kamay ang dos
por dos na kahoy. “Kapag lumabas ang dark
lord ay hinding-hindi ko siya pagbibigyan ng
pagkakataong mabuhay,” bulong ko sa sarili.
Habang papalapit ako nang papalapit sa pinto
ay dahan-dahan naman itong bumubukas.
May mga kamay na pumipihit sa hawakan,
lumalangitngit nang dahan-dahan. Hanggang
sa ...
“Sarado internet shop ngayon noy. Balik ka
na lang bukas ng umaga at nang masubukan mo
yung bago naming RPG at Tower defense game.”
para sakupin ang mundo? Pero kung talagang
marami na siyang tauhan, saan naman kaya
niya itatago ang mga ito? Hindi naman siguro
niya ito maaring itago sa loob ng kubo dahil
siguradong hindi sila magkakasya. Ah! Alam
ko na! Marahil ay may binuksan si Tiyo Kadyo
na portal patungo sa underworld at doon niya
tinitipon ang mga sundalo niya. Siguro doo’y
nakahanda na ang mga spaceships at batalyon
ng mga undead armies niya para sa pag-atake.
Paano na lang kung maging undead army ang
mga kaibigan ko? Eh wala na palang mag-aaya
sa akin upang lumabas at maglaro. Kailangan
mailigtas ko ang mga kalaro ko mula sa dark
lord na si Tiyo Kadyo!
Kaagad akong nagpaalam kay inay. “Inay,
hindi man po ako makakabalik ng buhay ay nais
ko pong malaman ninyo na mahal na mahal
ko kayo ni itay.” Napakunot-noo si inay. “Noy,
5
Fragile heart
By Mark P. Almelia
You can’t teach a heart
Whom to seek and whom to love
The heart is fragile
It breaks but it doesn’t sound
Love carefree but not reckless
You can teach a heart
And you can learn whom to love
The heart is fragile
But you can fix the pieces
What is left are living scars
6
The act of romance
By Meriel V. Robles
lips, so promising, and so close. For a minute or
two, we get delirious, crazed in the moment
of enchantment, but careful not to get carried
away. Oh, they say such is the act of romance.
That moment before the kiss...
Doing all of these and not thinking about
how much pleasure I could get from your flesh
but how much I care about you. Not how much
I want you to be mine alone and fall under my
possession, but how much I want you to be
within my reach so I could protect you and grow
old with you.
And this too, is how I want to be loved - its
ecstasy, so innocent, so pure.
I want to feel the ecstasy of love at its
purest...
I want to hold your hands and slip your
fingers between the empty spaces of my own knowing when to embrace and when to let go.
I want to caress every inch of your skin, its
sultry sensation, tender and warm against mine
as we dance with the rhythm of the almost
whispering music under the moonlight sonata oblivious of time and of other people - fearing
the idea that I will have to let go when the music
stops.
I want to smell the sweet fragrance of your
hair, soft and silky. Your face, your eyes and your
Some people
By Leo Ang
Some people tend to pry on things not meant for their eyes
Some people tend to thrive from someone’s misery with their lies
They will hunt you ‘til your demise
They will deceive you to your surprise
Just like the devil or the devil’s bride
In beautiful masks they all hide
With all the flattery and all the guile
Please you with an angel’s smile
Their deception has no exception
Their words, the sweetest poison
Ever merciless to their target
As they do their lifelong habit
7
Ilusyonada
Ni Aime
ngiti. Sa isip ko, sana hindi nila nahahalata lalo
na ng mga hurado na nanginginig na talaga ang
ngipin ko at nangangatog na ‘tong tuhod ko.
Mas nilakasan pa ng host ang kanyang
boses, “Binibining Pilipinas 2014 ay si candidate
no. 15 - Baneng Astanoche!” Agad bumeso-beso
ang mga kasamahan kong kandidata. Nabingi
na talaga ako hindi dahil sa lakas ng tibok ng
dibdib ko kundi dahil sa hiyaw at palakpakan ng
maraming tao. Nang ipinatong na ang korona sa
ulo ko at binigyan ng isang pumpon ng bulaklak
ay mangiyak-ngiyak akong kumaway-kaway sa
madla. Pero teka muna, may naririnig yata ako.
“Baaaaaneeeeeng! Ano ka bang bata ka?
Umalis ka na nga diyan sa harap ng salamin!
Alas singko na nang hapon, gumagabi na, hindi
ka pa rin naliligo! Kay dalaga mong tao, maawa
ka naman sa sarili mo, maligo ka na!”
Halos mabingi ako sa tibok ng aking
puso. Dumadagundong ito sa sobrang bilis.
Hindi ko ito pinapansin kaya mas todo-ngiti
ako kahit ang totoo, nangangawit na ang labi
ko. Pinagpapawisan na rin ang aking likod
lalo na ang aking kili-kili. Gusto ko na sanang
punasan kasi malagkit sa pakiramdam, kaso
lahat ng mga mata at kamera ay nakatutok sa
akin. Lumingon ako sa kanan at kaliwa. Lahat
sila, todo-postura kaya hinigpitan ko pa ang
paghawak sa aking beywang at taas-noong
inilabas ko mula sa slit ng suot kong evening
gown ang mahaba kong biyas. Parang naging
slow motion bigla ang paligid nang hawakhawak na ng host ang pinakahihintay na resulta.
“At ang kukoronahang Binibining Pilipinas 2014
ay walang iba kundi si …..” Halos mahimatay
ako sa kaba kaya nilakihan ko pa ang aking
8
9
Pramis, honesto!
By Shenah
Sang una ko pa lang nga kita sa imo,
nagdasig guid ang dalagan sang heart ko
‘Di ko kahulag, tulala kag gaparamula samtang
gatulok sa imo
Ang yuhom mo, amo guid ang nanamian ko
Ano ni nabatyagan ko? Paki-explain nga. Labyu!
‘Di taka mahukas sa pinsar ko
Puro ngalan mo lang ang nawakal ko
Kag maski sa pagtulog ko,
ikaw ang akon ginadamgo
Ano himuon ko para makita mo man ko?
Temprano pa ako sa Janbi
para matyempohan ko ang imo pag-agi
Gapa-gwapa dun ako kag inspired magtuon
permi
Adlaw- adlaw gina-stalk ta ka sa FB
Naluyag na guid man bala ako sa imo
ukon crush lang ini?
Gwapa man ako kag bagay guid para sa imo
Hugot man pagtuo ko
Pero daw wala guid ya tyansa
Indi ako crush sang crush ko.
10
Buhin naman life ko
Huo, sakit sa heart kay wala pa gani
broken-hearted na ako.
‘Pay sige na lang, waay ko may mahimo.
Ma move-on na lang ako
Sakit man paminsaron pero batunon ko.
Tani kun mabasahan mo ini
Maglain ang pinsar mo
Kay man ang pagpalangga ko sa imo
Wala untat, wala preno.
Kun ‘di guid man mangin kami
Mangita guid ko paagi
Lord, patawara ako
Basi malumay ko ni nga tawo.
Tama na, kay basi batyagon mo
Joke lang tanan adto
Pati ah! Naluyag ko simo
Pramis, honesto!
Just another morning
By Mdpn. Ceejay
0500H, I drank my coffee.
Every morning’s a rush and I’m used to
it. Drinking coffee has been my habit since I
entered college. I don’t know why but it starts
my day right. I always wonder what lies ahead
- hoping to be productive in a way. Fifteen
minutes before six - and there I go.
fingers and keep the faith within. Down to the
last drop and I went back.
2200H, Signing off.
Stupid flashback came rushing again. You
know that feeling of gently closing your eyes
prior to sleeping but something’s knocking on
your mind? Maybe I am not that lucky type of
man - it seemed as if the odds were against me.
(Then I dozed off to sleep.)
0700H, I entered my first subject.
Hi there, hello here, good mornings
everywhere. Way to start the day, isn’t it? Okay,
a surprise quiz it was. I asked a piece of paper
from my seatmate and grouped ourselves into
three. I can hear the murmuring discussions
of every group. Too bad! We scored one point
more than the half of the perfect score. I always
think that I’m unlucky after every result in
this particular subject - yes, ALWAYS. There
I was - making poker face (no emotions on
my physique at all) but on the inner part, I am
totally stressed.
0500H, I drank my coffee.
A-not-so-good-morning, I guess. I said
to myself, “This is a brand new day. Whatever
happens will happen.” I always believe that no
matter how ill-fated things go, at the end of the
day, still, God never fails to give you blessings it’s just that you don’t appreciate any of them.
Also, I believe that if it’s for you, it’s really
meant for you (in my opinion). The reality that
God allows you to live another morning with
your family and friends is an example of His
unconditional love. I whispered to myself (I’m
not crazy though) “Gonna rock the day. Leggo!”
1400H, I attended the second to the last subject.
Yeah, the usual - cleaned the chairs, sat,
paid attention, nodded our heads and acted as
if we were listening. The next thing I did was go
down the building for a cup of coffee.
0700H, I entered my first subject.
I failed - AGAIN.
1900H, I’m homebound.
1445H, Another cup - all the way down.
0500H, I drank my coffee.
I found my way to the school’s cafeteria. Hurrah! Another morning to be thankful.
Bought myself a coffee and there, I began my 0700H, I entered my first subject and got a high
stupid realizations. More or less, two months score. HALLELUJIAH!!!
left and I’ll be leaving the university for good. 1900H, I’m homebound.
The fact that my sacrifices in maintaining a 0500H, I drank my coffee.
good academic standing is now on its danger
Good morning! Enjoy your day. Again,
zone bugged me. This last semester, I failed not ENJOY YOUR DAY!
once, neither twice nor thrice, but more - more
and more to go. Oops! Hell no, I had to cross my
11
Ink strokes
By iMac
I’m standing here in the alley… empty. My
hair blows by the wind’s direction caressing
my face and my arms. This moment is just
like the other days. My mind is blanketed with
white space… nothing on it. It’s like a smoothtextured white canvas waiting to be painted
but my head says nothing. Suddenly, my hands
started to play on its own. Then it came, simply
flowing on my system like blood in my veins up
to my heart, slowly… pumping again and again.
It finally came – the WORDS.
I started to paint the blue skies with its
fluffy pastel clouds. From a distance, I can see
a hill of golden daffodils dancing with the cool
breeze. I took a step backwards and heard the
tiny rocks rustle. I almost fell. I found myself on
a cliff. I turned my head and witnessed the vast
cerulean ocean, and watched as they artistically
embrace the sands…
Then darkness came devouring the light.
I can see NOTHING. Out of nowhere, little
sparks entered the scene gradually revealing
the edifice of the city. I can see it all from where
I stand. I looked above and abruptly felt the
chilling sensation when a soft little cotton fell
on the tip of my nose. More of it came, like rain
in the tropics… tingling my back, so cold and
pure. It turned the whole place into a white
frosty sanctuary…
The air stopped. I opened my eyes… I’m not
a traveler. I’m not an artist. I’m neither wealthy
nor an elite. But I could do and feel those things
simply by playing with words… I dropped my
pen and switched the paper to the next page.
12
Jasmine
and Lilies
By Meriel V. Robles
Jasmine and lilies I’ll never see
As they dance so beautiful and free
Jasmine and lilies I have to bid goodbye
For winter’s coming and now, you’ll have to die
I wish someday we’ll meet again
Sometime in Spring, I’ll be 16 by then
I wish not to the stars but to the moon
Looking up, hoping you’ll be here soon
Jasmine and lilies, I have something to say
No matter what it is, promise me you’ll be okay
Jasmine and lilies, I cannot wait any longer
I am very ill said my doctor
Jasmine and lilies, close your eyes
Grow beautiful for my momma, hush her cries
Jasmine and lilies I have to bid goodbye
Because now I’ll be the one to die
13
Putahe ni Inay
Ni KayEdito
Habang ako’y nasa malayo, pilit kong
inaalala ang lasa ng luto ni Inay. Kahit nasaan
man at kahit iba’t-ibang putahe na ang naihain
sa aking harapan, wala pa ring makakatalo
sa luto ni Inay. Ang kanyang malinamnam na
sarsa na tamang-tama ang timpla ay patok sa
aking panlasa, at siguradong ‘pag natikman
ng iba’y matatakam sila kahit sila’y busog na
busog pa.
Naaalala ko pa noong kaarawan ng
aking kuya at nagluto ang Inay ng masarap
na afritada. Lahat sila ay namangha at
nagsabing “Sauce pa lang, ulam na!” Talagang
matalinhaga itong mga luto ni Inay. Ano
kaya ang sikreto niya? Maraming tao ang
nagsasabing may kakaibang inihahalo raw ang
Inay sa kanyang mga putahe kaya’t ganun na
lamang kasarap ang mga ito. Sabi naman ng
iba, may gayuma raw ang luto niya kaya’t hindi
mapigilang kumain ang mga nakakatikim nito.
Dahil dito, mas marami pang tanong ang
naipon sa aking isipan.
Nang ako ay makauwi sa aming tahanan
mula sa mahabang paglalakbay, agad akong
ipinaghain ng mainit na kanin at siyempre,
isang putahe ni Inay. Dahil sa gutom, agad
akong sumandok ng kanin ngunit ang mga
kamay ko’y pinalo ni Inay at sabay sabing
“Wash your hands and pray before you eat,”
kaya’t dagli akong naghugas ng kamay
alinsunod sa Happy Birthday Method ng
DOH at siyempre, gamit ang sabong may
skin germ protection, saka nagpasalamat sa
Poong Maykapal. Ngumiti ang Inay at iniabot
ang putahe na agad ko namang sinunggaban.
Lasap na lasap ko ang linamnam ng iba’tibang klase ng sangkap sa bawat kagat.
Napasarap ang aking kain na hindi ko man
lang namalayang naubos ko na ang isang
kalderong adobo na luto ni Inay. Kaya’t ako ay
nagtaka, totoo kayang may inihahalo ang Inay
sa kanyang mga lutuin? Ano kaya ito?
Dahil sa aking matinding kuryusidad,
itinanong ko kay Inay kung ano ang sikreto
ng mga putahe niya. Siya ay ngumiti at
nagsabing “Mas magandang hindi mo alam
anak,” ngunit ako ay nagpumilit kaya’t dinala
niya ako sa aming kusina. Bago pa kami
makapasok ay tinanong niya ako “Handa ka
na ba anak? Handa ka na bang malaman ang
aking sikreto?” Ako’y napatango na lamang at
napalunok ng laway. Agad kaming nagtungo
sa loob ng aming kusina at doo’y merong isang
maliit na aparador. Unti-unti niyang pinihit ang
pintuan nito. Ako ay nasindak sa aking nakita!
Lumantad sa aking mga mata ang pake-pakete
ng samo’t saring pampalasa! Tumingin sa akin
ang aking Inay at tumawa sabay sabing, “Ang
mga ito at ang pagmamahal ko ang sikreto ko
sa aking mga lutuin.” Sa aking kahihiyan ay
hinagkan ko na lamang siya at nagtawanan
kaming dalawa.
14
15
Overwhelming effect
By Utgard
I sensed it that very day. It sent pulses that forced my
heart to pump at such a high rate. A strong pressure was
then felt by my blood and its rapid flow turned me into a
new being. It was like winning a fierce battle – a war that
will decide not only my destiny but my future itself that will
soon give rise into a new beginning.
If you have ever felt the same, then we are on the
same stage. Experiencing this is more than fascination or
hallucination caused by drugs. This is more intense, beyond
what you thought was possible, for it will surely leave your
mind afloat. Free. High. Berserk.
Being in this state is a rare one, for before you attain
this, you must first need to reach the peak of success. Soon
contentment…No, but rather the overwhelming feeling
that will last as long as you remember that day. That very
day when you stood to be unstoppable.
16
Sa isa ka semana
Ni Anjieera Francisco
Sang Lunes lang kami nagkilalahay,
nabastosan pa ako kay ako iya ginsitsitan.
‘Pay sang siya ga-text kag gatawag nga wala patay,
didto ko nadiskubrehan, maayo man gali iya pamatasan.
Martes sang nag-upod kami panyaga,
Galante guid! Sa restaurant niya ako gindala.
Ginsabat ko siya dayon sang wala pag duha-duha.
Miyerkules kag Huwebes, upod kami puli nga duwa.
Sang Biyernes ginhulat ko siya kag ako natingala!
May guinahungit-hungit to siya nga babayi sa karinderya!
Siya pa nangakig sang ginsukmaan ko Sabado sang gab-i
Kag pagka-aga sang Domingo, wala na kami.
17
Amega
Ni Iska
Weird ka sang una ta ka nakilala
Mahinay ang tingog kag mahuluyaon pa
Indi ka palakadlaw kag pala-istorya
“Loner na siya,” hambal sang iba.
Pero naglawig ang klase kag nagbag-o ka na
May isa ka miga nga dira permi para sa iya
Ay hala! Anu natabo kana?
Wakalan na, para-joke pa!
Natingala ako kang ako gin-sapak nila
“Uyy! ghurl, kilala mu na siya? Ka-gwapo bala.
Natingala guid ako sang naman-an ko ga ‘muna man gali sila
Abi ko, wala na sa isip nila.
Hiposon na sila kung sa klase
Palatuon kag matutom nga mga babayi
Maalam kag mabuot kuno abi
May pagkadungol man, indi lang pag seryosohi.
Ambot, ano may ara sa ila nga nasadyahan ko kung sila upod ko.
Tambay sa hallway kag bantay sang pakadto di, pakadto ‘to
Siguro pareho kami mahilig sa laki
Mang-stalk kag mangita gwapo ang ubra namon permi.
Sa ‘muna nga bagay dira kami gaintyendihanay
Ga-enjoy kami, waay patay istoryahanay
Wala kami gabulag maski diin kami makadto
Kasal, bunyag, lubong, ilabi na guid sa disko.
Amuna ang akon mga amega
Tralala man kung kaisa pero palangga ko na sila.
Ano man hambalon niyo sa ila, teh anu?
Kay ‘muni kami ya! Ang masabat, balda!
18
Medium Roast
Robust in body, deep flavor, bursting
aroma and gentle acidity. Medium roast coffee
is the most well balanced of all roasts. It has
good body, lowered acidity, complex aroma,
integrated, elegant, and charismatic, with
average levels of bitterness.
19
Seagull
By Noname
“You’re destined to meet your special
someone. Today, she’ll smile at you, talk to you,
and share the same table with you. Her name
is a blessing from heaven. Sound of trumpets,
clear soul, white clothes and feathers.”
These were the words that kept on bugging
my mind as I sat on the bench of the most
popular coffee shop in the whole world. It’s
six ‘o clock in the morning. I was watching the
sun rose from the horizon as its rays touched
my skin with the gentle cold breeze from the
beach owned by the most popular matinee idol
and actor, Josh, and the coffee shop owned by
the most elusive bachelor and businessman,
Jave. What a wonderful place matched with a
wonderful name “Seagull”.
“Excuse me? Do you mind if I share the
table with you?” That’s when my thoughts were
interrupted by a beautiful woman standing
right next to me. I was stunned. The only word I
muttered in my mouth was, “No, I don’t mind.”
She smiled and sat in front of me sharing the
perfect spot and the perfect moment that no
one ever prepared me to experience.
We talked a lot of things. When I
summoned all the courage I had to open up
about my destiny, the waitress arrived in our
table with our orders. I looked at the waitress as
she gracefully put our orders. “Is there anything
you want to add, Sir?” I shook my head for an
answer. The waitress returned to her quarters as
we drank our coffee.
As I finished drinking my coffee with this
beautiful woman in front of me, I told her about
my destiny.
“It’s a silly thing but a wonderful one. It
doesn’t mean that when we reach the time
when we’re already grown-ups, we stop thinking
and believing in our destinies or fairytales.
Sometimes, thinking about these things can
give us assurance that someday, somehow,
our lives will end just like those stories in the
fairytales,” she said. I smiled at her on how she
appreciated and understood me. “Sometimes,
we have to allow life to take its course. You just
need to wait and let your heart enjoy the good
times, set aside the bad times and learn from
it. Grow it fondly because it is the one that will
guide you to your destiny,” she added. I was
hesitant to ask for her name at first but I had to
do it. A moment of silence came. I waited and
she said, “Veronica”.
It’s time for me to leave the place. I rode
at the speed boat in which the driver was also
an employee from the resort. I turned to see the
resort again when the driver shouted, “Agape,
the owners will arrive soon!” I looked at the
person he was shouting at. It was the waitress
that took our orders. I remembered the way
how she smiled at me and shared the table by
putting my drink.
Destiny…Agape…a name straight from
heaven.
What a perfect place for a man like me.
20
21
Unrequited love
By iska
Feeling ashore
Queries unknown
Sighs have grown
From now and on
Whisper me by my ears
Give me a kiss
Hug me this tight
Keep me on sight
Every moment I miss you
I keep thinking and wondering
Why is my heart lonely?
I’m patiently waiting for you
Dementia
Now, I’ve come to realize
I’m still in love with you.
Forgive me.
Please come back to me.
By vincentLagz.
Her long, dark, and shiny hair blown by
the wind captivated my every sense. Her eyes
sparkled, reflecting the magnificence of God’s
creation. It possessed me. As if a powerful spell
was casted upon me that only she can break.
Her fragility pushed me to keep on following
her so I could be assured that she’s all right. Her
glasses made her more gorgeous despite her
great efforts to conceal it. I was in love with her.
That four-eyed girl.
She was the reason why I put all my best
efforts into everything that I did. The one who
motivated me not to give up whenever I was
feeling down. She was the person whom I trusted
the most with all the secrets that I had. The
music that calmed my soul, with the whispered
promises of eternal love. I am in love with her. I
was... I used to...
I didn’t want to cry but she gave me
unbearable grief inside that I could no longer
contain. I have lost what I never had. She was
never mine - that four-eyed girl. I just want to
be with her but she was never real, and she’s not
mine. But still, I am in love with her.
But she’s just a part of my imagination. The
girl of my dreams. Nothing more than that.
22
This is not a love
story Part II
By BogartSDL
I have to admit to myself - I am falling in
love. But wait! Before you continue reading
along the words, I assure you that THIS IS NOT
A LOVE STORY! Believe me when I say that this
isn’t what you think it is. You may think that this
is a typical love story you usually see just by
reading the first few words but I’m telling you,
your hypothalamus gland is just tricking you.
Again, for the nth time, THIS IS NOT A LOVE
STORY, my dear. Okay - let’s move on.
And yes! I am near to believing that I am
indeed, starting to fall in love. (This is not a
love story!) I don’t know why but it seems like
I am willing to be human on that sense. I am
willing to make myself vulnerable to whatever
harsh things there might be on the lands where
the muggles dwell. I hate it but I’m willing
to have weaknesses. It’s not like I don’t have
weaknesses, but let’s take Superman as an
example. His main weakness isn’t kryptonites
and stuff. His main weakness is the woman
he loves. He can endure the whole kryptonite
thing, but not his “girlfriend”. And I am like in
that kind of situation. It’s funny, I know.
I said it’s funny, but you don’t have my
permission to laugh at it. Thanks.
And yes, I’m starting to fall in love. Maybe,
there’s just something different with her smiles.
Or how long her hair is. Or the way she talks
to me. Or the manner she tells me that she
doesn’t miss me. Or the words she use during
our exchange of text messages. I just love how
grumpy she is at times I least expect. I don’t
know. I’ll never know. And this is not a love story.
23
Okay. It’s official - I’m in love.
(I told you that wasn’t a love story...)
Ang matuod nga gugma
Ni Mdpn. Jan Paul M. Panes
Nagbahaw na ang kape sa lamesita,
Wala man guihapon natapos ang amon istorya,
Sang mga nagkalatabo sa amon halin sang una,
Pamangkuta lang ko, kay dumduman ko pa.
Ari bala, istoryahan ta ka.
Ini nag-umpisa,
Sang ako ang sa imo nagpakilala.
Ikaw guid nadala,
Sa joke-joke ko kag bola-bola.
Pati, joke lang ah!
Kay ikaw akon guid matuod nga ginahigugma.
Kita wala guid nag-away,
Bisan ano ka daku nga problema, wala guid
nagbulagay,
Kay kita gaintyendihanay.
Bal-an naton nga ang tanan nga bagay,
Madala guid sa maayo nga istoryahanay.
Pagkatapos sang kasal ta,
ginpamangkot ta ka,
“Pila imo gusto nga bata?”
Siling mo “Lima.”
Pero akon gusto, isa ka dosena.
Manami guid pamatian sa dalunggan ko,
Nga ang amon mga apo,
Ginatawag kami, “Lola” kag “Lolo”
Maayo guid kay kami ila ginarespeto.
Abaw! Tigulang na guid kami kaayo.
Asta nga nagtululubo ang amon mga bukay,
Kami guihapon ang nagapalangga-anay.
Kay kami nagsumpa-anay, “Sa kabudlay kag
katawhay, Sa kasakit kag kalipay, Kita magaupdanay.”
O, pinalangga ko nga Inday,
Para sa akon, ikaw guid ang pinakamatahum
nga lin-ay.
Ikaw ang babayi nga wala kaangay,
wala guid sang makatupong sa akon kalipay
Asta sa katubtuban, kita maga-updanay.
24
25
And so does she
By Christian Jave Pagayon
I like her and so does she…
She gives me a feeling that I myself can’t even explain.
And yes, we entered the wrong gate of love.
I am taken and so is she…
The truth that tried to destroy us.
Sorry, but it kept us going.
I am single and so is she…
Now, we’re armored to take the risk.
‘Coz it was love that kept pushing us.
I am in a relationship and so is she…
Sacrifices were all paid off.
A mutual self-fulfillment it was.
I am genuinely in love with her and so is she…
We waited to death for this moment to arrive.
We’re now free to traverse every boundary.
I’m hoping for a forever and so is she…
I am keeping my fingers crossed and so is she…
I want her to be my last and so is she…
26
In the process of unloving you
By Mdpn. Ceejay
The email goes…
And there I go again, with my questions… WHY?
Gradually, I am helping myself to understand
August 4, 2014
the things that move beyond my control for I
Port of Incheon, Seoul, South Korea
might go insane here if I take it gravely.
Losing you is such a hard truth to accept.
But since it’s already a fact, I don’t have any
Dear Ex,
We’re on anchorage. Just a few more other choice but to accept it. I may sound stupid
minutes and we’ll be strolling South Korea. if I say it’s easy for me to forget you though
This time, I have the courage to mail you back I’m certain that time can do so. I’m telling you,
after that heart-breaking message of yours. those moments with you are worth keeping. We
Honestly, I don’t know how to react on that. You both had fun, right? Aaah, those moments…
Anyway, I believe that there’s someone
know, I hurt myself too much for being stupid,
for being foolish, and for being mistreated. It’s else fated for me out there who deserves my
sad to realize that I haven’t received any single love and deserves to be loved. Thank you for
mail from you for almost five months - only inspiring me even in a short time. Eight month’s
to find out that you’re in a relationship with not bad. How I wish that every seafarer wouldn’t
someone else. Everything happened so quickly go through this situation.
Gonna grab some coffee, honey (I mean,
which I couldn’t understand until now. Why?
What’s wrong? Was it because I trusted you so ex honey) to cool myself down. I wish you good
luck and happiness. I’m not ready to see you
much or what?
So then, I realized how hard it is to be a yet. And hey, as far as my feeling is concerned, I
seafarer - apprehending how far by miles I am am now in the process of unloving you.
away from you. I used to believe that distance
Sincerely,
is not a big deal. I was wrong. You know I’ve
CJ
always been faithful - I never cheated on you.
27
What the stars never
wanted to tell us…
By BogartSDL
We always believed that the world is filled
with fairytales…filled with magic…filled with
princes and princesses…filled with terrifying
dragons that guard magical castles…filled with
happy endings. A happy ending that we think is
the answer to the most baffling question there
ever was – “What is my purpose in life?” Truth
is – Fairytales never exist.
Then there came the fortune-tellers from
whose ever Chinese dynasty they may have
come from. I find them funny with all their cards
and Feng Shui accessories and all. Another
thing is the “Bahala na si Batman” thing. I mean,
seriously, how can a fictional caped crusaderslash-millionaire guy dictate our destiny? The
path we take? The haircut we choose? The
course we take in college? The decisions we
make and the risks we gamble upon? I mean,
SERIOUSLY?!
What the stars never wanted to tell us is
that – we are powerful enough to dictate our
own fate. Sure, God may have already written
our destinies but what’s written on God’s diary
depends on our decisions. We are powerful
enough to create another path from our
monotonous daily routines. We are powerful
enough, BUT WE ARE NOT GODS AND
GODDESSES.
What the stars never wanted to tell us all
this time – they merely are stars.
Good day.
28
29
Just like the stars
By Tetsu
“There’s a favor I want to ask from you.”
“Yes? What is it?”
“I want you to be my star.”
*****
There was this girl who used to be my
friend, mother, and the person I secretly admire.
I can still remember her smiles, dazzling eyes,
crimson lips, and attractive beautiful face.
It has been 20 long years but all those
things still remain vivid to me. How we met was
history and we spent the most wonderful days
of our lives together. The dates, the moments,
and every word we spoke to each other are still
fresh to me.
I was sitting alone at the hallway when I
first saw her. Everything turned out magical,
the time stopped, my heart roared like thunder,
and a thousand butterflies triumphed over my
stomach. That day started the passionate story
between the two of us. I started to secretly
stalk her, know her name, and I treaded on an
epic journey of getting-to-know-her. Time has
passed and I haven’t been able to make a single
move to be close to her. I started to change my
scrutiny and reflected on forgetting this gritty
imagination of mine. Luckily, one of my friends
who happened to be a friend of hers as well told
me what her name is – Miranda, that is.
December 18, 2013, 5:55 PM. I had my
first conversation with Miranda. She’s cool to
talk to even with strangers like me. She was so
great that most of the time that I spend with
her were full of laughter and crazy things. I and
Miranda became friends and that opened the
opportunity for me to know more about her.
Time passed so quickly that I’ve almost known
every single detail about her. Unknowingly, I
was starting to fall in love with her.
It was late at night when I confessed my
feelings for her. At first, I was afraid that it may
end our friendship but I still insisted and told
her, that was the best thing for me to do. I was
fascinated with her answer. She already knew
how I feel for her and that she was only waiting
for me to admit it. Ever since that night, our
friendship grew even stronger.
The same picture of laughters, jokes, crazy
behaviors, and food trips happened for the next
two years with her. We never became lovers but
we remained good friends. As what they say,
“Friendship is the most imminent relationship
you’ll ever have.” Despite what happened, I am
still happy having Miranda in my life. And if I
could only go back to the time when we were
still strangers, I’d still choose to have her as my
crazy friend.
March 25, 2016 was the last time I saw
Miranda; I will be onboard to continue my
profession as a seafarer. It was hard for me
to be away from her for every minute that I
wasn’t with her is killing me. Months and years
have passed without receiving any letter, text
or email from her. I thought that she already
forgot about me and the memories we had.
That very moment, I was staring at the night sky
reminiscing the past when I felt someone was
shaking me.
“Honey, wake up,” she said.
As I opened my eyes, all I could see was
the picture of that beautiful lady I have always
adored. It was Miranda, my beautiful wife, my
star.
30
Braid
By Lynlyn
“Hello, where are you? I’ve been waiting
for you here like decades already!”
“Calm down, Anne. I’ll be there in a
minute.”
**********
Anne and Ralph have been best of friends
since childhood. They treat one another as if
they were born of the same lineage. As years
passed by, Anne turned sixteen years old. Her
feelings for her pal altered; it went beyond the
boundary of just being friends. Butterflies keep
flying on her stomach whenever she is with him.
The only thing that could explain what she feels
is – LOVE. Yes, Anne has fallen in love with her
long-time pal. However, she is afraid to tell him
what she feels in a sense that this would simply
ruin the precious thing between them — their
friendship.
Until one afternoon...
“I love you... I love you, bestfriend... and I
love you more than just a friend.”
Ralph felt uneasy and inquisitive of what
his pal was saying. Yes, he loves her but only as
a friend.
“Our friendship might not last once we
put ourselves into a relationship. If we become
lovers, there is a possibility that when we
encounter misunderstandings, we might break
up and end up treating one another as strangers.
I don’t want our friendship to end.”
Those words tore Anne’s heart. Tears shed
off from her sparkling eyes, and it hurts so much
for her to know that her pal cannot love her the
way she wanted to. But what hurts more is...
“I’m in love with Stephen and we have
been dating for two months,” Ralph replied.
Even if it hurts her that much, she had
nothing else to do but to accept the truth.
**********
“Sorry to keep you waiting Anne. So, what
am I going to do: curl, braid or just tie this up
with a ponytail?”
“Anything that suits me but I think a braid
will do. Yes braid, hurry up or I might come late
for work.”
31
14th birthday
By Aime
After a few shots and poses, I finally picked
my profile picture that, with no single conceit,
will surely flood with “likes”. So odd, that
brought an impish grin the moment I glanced
at the reflection on the mirror. They think I’m
perfect especially the gals at school who prey
their eyes green with envy whenever I pass
by the hallway. Undeniably, I am a first-rate
profile at our university, that’s why. All I desire
to have are given to me even without me asking
for them. Why not? I’m the only daughter of a
pretty woman married to a business tycoon.
Pampered, maybe but I have to nod to a candid
idea, I deserved it.
The night finally took its end. Exchanging
phony smiles with people really exhausted
me so I went to our dining hall to get myself
something cold to drink. When I heard Tita
Christy talking to Mom, I stopped briefly. It was
unusual for me to listen to other’s conversation
but it semed as if they’re arguing.
“Don’t you know that your daughter
embarrassed my friend?! She must be grateful
for living such a life instead of growing up in the
slums. You even throw a big party for her. Look,
your ADOPTED child has now turned into a
brat! You’re spoiling her so much.”
September 1, 2010
The invitations were sent. Our home was
turned to an impeccable evening gala. Guests
of high social ranks, business partners of my
father and family friends paraded, men in their
suits escorting ladies dressed elegantly. I also
saw my classmates catching a moment to take
group pictures. They all came to celebrate with
me, my grand 14th birthday party but I was too
apathetic because someone’s missing. Dad was
out of town.
*********
That was a memory long forgotten yet, still
haunts me. This life they thought is perfect was
never been mine. They must be laughing at me
now if they only learned the truth. I’m living a
life of lies. Now, I understand. Whenever I stare
at my parents’ pictures in my locket that Dad
had given me, I see no traces of resemblances.
My doubts did not fail me. But then, what’s
more painful than knowing the truth for a long
time yet still pretending to know nothing?
“Happy birthday Ella! You’re so beautiful
The driver had started the car and I’m
sweetie.” I was lost in reverie and realized leaving for school. I slid myself at the backseat
someone greeted me. How long did she pause and as I stared back at the mansion so grand with
to wait for my response, I thought. I flashed a the gardens landscaped beautifully, I thought, I
quick wry smile although I didn’t recognized am no different than those homeless people on
who the woman was.
the streets; this was never a real home to me.
32
45 minutes
(19%) remaining
By Meriel V. Robles
Have you ever thought of how much time
you have left? Like having a lifemeter. It would
take some time to come up with the thought
of that, a lifemeter, quite brilliant. But Ghandi
and Paulo Coehlo, they lived a life completely
understanding that sooner or later, they must
leave.
42 minutes (17%) remaining
Can you imagine how much time you must
have wasted doing nothing? How much time
you spent battling the thought whether to do or
not to do it? By the time you decided to do so,
there’s not much time left, so you start to feel
sorry. Oh, how precious time is, you will finally
realize.
win. It pains you to have come to this point of
no return to finally see how much time you once
had. You were given more than enough chances
to make something good, something great - but
you didn’t. So you wish that time will turn into
something you can hold. Like those sands in an
hourglass, then you will have the power to turn
it upside down or simply put a finger on the hole
so that it would eventually stop.
Running low
Now, you feel your insides palpitating.
Your insides. Oh, yes, you have them. You feel
your blood rushing through your veins, your
heart drumming like never before. You feel your
stomach churning. You never imagined how
someone could swallow a butterfly, but you
But you only have 35 minutes (14%) remaining feel it - right at the pit of your belly. Then there
You spent those precious amounts of time goes the warning sign with an exclamation
with hesitations and fear, often making more mark inside a yellow triangle - 20 minutes (10%)
mistakes - doubting even more if you should remaining time. Your hands grow sweaty and
do or not do what you are supposed to do. In a cold. You are almost at the end of it, and then
second or two, you will realize how much time you die. Just like that.
you have wasted fighting a battle you will never
33
,
An angel’s grief
By Leo Ang
You were one to be held precious,
You were one to be held dear,
But my love was proven treacherous,
My misgivings crystal clear,
Like the winter’s heat and the summer’s cold,
I felt like dying when I was told,
That you were lost while I was home,
That you were broken while I was whole.
And I feel so guilty when I think of you,
Life is so fragile and so are you.
I wasn’t there when you needed someone,
I wasn’t there and now you’re gone.
All these have come unto an end,
The saddest things I cannot mend,
With deep wounds I can’t undo,
I’ll never get the chance to love you.
When life hurts
me the most
Mdpwn. Daishel A. Balsomo
You’re with me when I make mountains out of molehills.
You share my dreams. You know my faults.
You know most of my fears.
And when life hurts me the most, you’re always there.
You listen to me when I need to talk and you talk when I
need to listen.
You’re happy for me when I need someone to share my
joy with.
You give me a shoulder when you know I need to cry.
And when life hurts me the most, you’re always there.
You know what makes me happy and sad.
You’ve seen me make mistakes and you’ve seen me beg
for forgiveness.
You’ve seen life treat me right and you’ve seen life treat
me wrong.
And when life hurts me the most, you’re always there.
34
Dark Roast
Often described as fully embraceable and
invigorating, with smoky aromatic tones. This
is a fully satisfying coffee experience. The dark
roast coffee is the least bright and most bitter.
35
Ang kapeng natapon
Ni Olegna P. Asagar
May-ari ng isang coffee shop sa Masbate
ang aking Tiya. ‘Pag umuuwi ako sa amin,
mahilig akong tumambay sa kanilang shop.
Minsan, tumutulong ako sa kanila lalo na kung
marami silang kustomer at kapalit nito ay
libreng merienda.
Isang araw, habang abala ang lahat sa
napakaraming kustomer na dumarating, bigla
kong natapunan ng kape ang isang magandang
dilag. Siya ay mayroong mala-gatas na balat,
na parang hindi nasisikatan ng araw. Hanggang
balakang ang haba ng buhok na nagniningning
sa tuwing tinatamaan ng liwanag ng araw.
Mala-diyosa ang kanyang kagandahan na halos
tumulo ang aking laway sa kanyang alindog.
Hiyang-hiya ako sa aking nagawa. Muntik
ko nang masira ang kanyang mala-porselanang
balat. Mabuti na lang at cold coffee ang natapon
ko.
Habang nasa loob siya ng C.R. upang
magpalit ng damit, nandoon naman ako sa
labas upang humingi ng paumanhin.
“Ako na lang ang maglalaba ng damit
mo. Ibabalik ko na lang ang damit mo sakaling
bumalik ka,” pahayag ko subalit galit na mukha
niya ang kanyang naging sagot.
Mahigit isang linggo ang aking paghihintay
para ibalik ang kanyang damit at naisip ko na
baka nakalimutan na niya ito. Pero makalipas
ang ilang minuto ay dumating siya. Hinintay ko
muna siyang maupo sa mesa. Pagkaupo niya,
agad akong lumapit sa kanya at ibinigay ang
paper bag kung saan nakapaloob ang damit
niya.
“Hi! Excuse me miss, heto na pala ang
damit mo at sorry sa nangyari noong nakaraang
Linggo,” pambungad ko sa kanya. Ngunit
tanging ngiti lang ang nakita ko sa kanyang
maamong mukha.
Nag-order lang siya at pagkatapos ay
umuwi. Ngunit bago siya umalis, tinanong ko
muna ang kanyang pangalan at hiningi ang
kanyang cellphone number.
Hindi magkamayaw ang aking damdamin
nang mga oras na iyon. Pakiramdam ko ay
lumulutang ako sa hangin!
Subalit nang ngumiti siya at binigay ang
kanyang pangalan at cellphone number, parang
nabunutan ako ng tinik nang marinig ko ang
kanyang pangalan. Claire Madrigal. Labis ang
aking kaligayahan at halos magtatalon ako sa
tuwa.
Nang makauwi na ako ng bahay ay agad ko
siyang tinext at agad naman siyang nag-reply.
Sa gabi ding iyon, magdamag kaming nagusap at doon nagsimula ang aming magandang
kuwento.
36
37
Rebound
Ni Alog
Nagsimula kami bilang magkaibigan
hanggang sa nagka-ibigan. Hindi ko na maalala
ang kumpletong detalye, basta bigla na lang
siyang dumating sa buhay ko. ‘Nung una, pinsan
niya talaga ang gusto ko, si Princess, ang “crush
ng bayan”. Unang tingin ko pa lang sa kanya
ay nakaramdam na ako ng matinding kabog sa
dibdib. ‘Yun bang tinatawag nilang “love at first
sight”. Palibhasa, nasa murang edad pa lamang
ay nahulog kaagad ang loob ko sa kanya. Ito na
yata ‘yung naririnig kong “First love”.
Patay na patay ako kay Princess. Noong
una, akala ko hanggang tingin na lang ako sa
kanya. Nagbago ang lahat nang dumating si
Anne, transferee galing sa Maynila at pinsan ni
Princess. Agad ko siyang kinilala at kinaibigan
at dahil sa kanya ay naging magkalapit kami ni
Princess.
Naging mas malapit pa kami ni Princess
nang lagi na akong isinasama ni Anne sa tuwing
kakain sila ng tanghalian. Sumasabay na rin
ako sa kanila ‘pag uwian. Minsan, niyayaya
nila akong mag-review sa bahay nina Anne.
Mas nagkamabutihan pa kami ni Princess nang
sumali sa isang dance competition si Anne. Dahil
madalas siyang ginagabi sa tuwing may praktis,
hinihintay namin siyang dalawa ni Princess. Sa
mga panahong ‘yun, nagkaroon ako ng lakas ng
loob upang ligawan si Princess.
Ilang beses din akong nagtangkang
magtapat ng nararamdaman ko kay Princess
ngunit meron laging bumabalakid sa tuwing
sinusubukan ko. Kaya’t humingi ako ng tulong
kay Anne at siya na ang gumawa ng paraan
upang magkausap kami ni Princess nang
pribado at masinsinan.
Sa isang beach resort ipinagdiwang ang
victory party ni Anne. Pinapunta niya ako
sa isang cottage kung saan naghihintay si
Princess. Agad kong tinungo ang cottage,
at nang makita ko si Princess ay nagtapat
kaagad ako ng aking damdamin. Tumawa siya
at humingi ng paumanhin. Sa mga sinabi niya,
pakiramdam ko’y dinukot niya ang inosente
kong puso at piniga-piga na parang stress ball
tapos inilagay sa blender - wasak na wasak ako
sa mga panahong iyon.
Sobra akong nasaktan. Sa unang
pagkakataon, naging broken-hearted ako. Ilang
araw ding hindi ko sila nilapitan, hanggang sa
kinausap ako ni Anne at dinamayan. Dahil sa
kanya, unti-unting nabuo ang nadurog kong
puso at tinulungan niya akong maka-move
on. Tinuruan niya akong magmahal muli at
pinasaya ang bawat araw ko. Lumipas pa ang
panahon at dahan-dahang nabuo ang aming
pag-iibigan hanggang sa dininig niya ang sigaw
ng aking puso at tinanggap ako bilang kanyang
nobyo.
38
Tiyay Linda
Ni Josh
Tuman na kadulom sang kagab-ihon apang
nalingaw man kami sa guihapon kahampang
sang panagu-ay sa isa ka bakante nga lote
upod ang akon mga amigo. Matugnaw ang
dapya sang hangin kag ang kasanag sang bulan
ang nagahatag suga kag nagagiya sa amon
paghampang.
Dali-dali nga nagpanago ang tanan sang
ako na ang taya. Madulom ang palibot kag ang
huni sang sirom-sirom lang ang imo mabatian
nga nagadugang pa guid sang kamingaw sang
kagab-ihon. Sang hana ko na sila pangitaon, isa
ka hitabo ang nagkibot sa amon tanan.
“Botchok, ara na ang tiktik! Puli na kamu!”
singgit ni Nanay samtang ginabitbit si toto.
“Aaaahhhhhhh! Ara na siya! Ara na ang
tiktik!”
Nagkalatal-as kami tanan kag ginpaspasan
ko guid ang pagdalagan sa tuman ka kulba.
Ginbilin ko nalang gani ang tsinelas ko nga
dragon nga ginsab-it ko sa puno sang bayabas
sa sobra nga kahadlok sa tiktik nga ginahambal
nila. Gahapo-hapo ako pag-abot sa balay kag
naabtan ko si Nanay sa tubang pwertahan nga
daw akig guid nga nagatulok sa madulom nga
kalsada. Nangurombot ako sang habol kag
nagpasiplat sa giha sang dingding nga nagaatubang sa madulom nga parte sang dalan.
Isa ka babaye nga nagaguyod sang karbaw
ang akon nakita. Malaba ang iya buhok kag
naga-igrab ang iya mga mata.
“Nay, si Tiyay Linda man na ‘Nay!”
“Botchok, nugay ka gani palapit na sa iya
ha.”
“Ngaa man ‘Nay haw?”
“Tiktik na siya nga daan. Likawan mo ang
babayi nga ‘na kay tuman guid na katalom
sang iya dila,” hambal ni Nanay nga daw gina
high blood guid sang kaakig. Daw indi guid ako
katulog sang guinhambal ni Nanay. Bantog
guid si Tiyay Linda nga tiktik sa amon barangay
kag damo na siya may guinperwisyo nga tawo.
Apang indi man ako guihapon kahangop sa ila.
Guinhulid ko guid ang bread knife nga
akon guinbaid kag guin-pugaan sang suha kag
katumbal nga kutitot. Ako lang isa sa kwarto
nagtulog. Si Nanay kag Tatay ara sa pihak nga
kwarto nagabantay kay toto. Mahamuok na ang
akon pagtulog sang may naglagpok sa babaw
atop. Gulpi nga nagtindog ang akon balahibo
nga daw eksena sa mga horror movies.
“Tiyay, ikaw na tiyay?” Ay abaw nag-uwang
pa guid ang mga ido.
“Tiyay, indi lang ko pag-anha tiyay kay
i-unfriend ta guid ka sa Facebook!” Nagkulas
pa guid ang babaw sang amun atop nga
daw ginakaros sang matalom nga kuko.
Nangurumbot na lang ako sa kahadlok kag nagumpisa mangamuyo.
Nagabutlak na ang adlaw sang
nakabugtaw ako. Dali-dali ako nagkadto sa
kusina kag ginpangita si Nanay. “Nay, guinaswang ako ni Tiyay Linda kagab-i!” Utoy-utoy
nga nagkadlaw si Nanay sang guinhambal ko sa
39
iya. Daw indi sila magpati sa akon guinhambal.
Pero gapati guid ako nga si Tiyay Linda guid to
ang aswang kay siya lang man ang bantog nga
tiktik sa amon lugar.
Gusto ko guid pamatud-an sa akon
ginikanan nga guin-aswang ako ni Tiyay Linda.
Amo na nga tagapuli ko adlaw-adlaw halin sa
eskwelahan, nagahapit guid ako sa tubangbalay ni Tiyay Linda. Ginahabuyan ko sang asin
kag ahos ang ila balay. Indi gani, ginatutdan ko
ang guma kag ginapaaso sa ila puluy-an pareho
sang mga nakita ko sa pelikula, pero wala sang
Tiyay Linda nga nagpakita.
Isa ka adlaw, may nabalitaan ako nga may
nagluntad nga ginamo sa amon tupad-balay
kag si Tiyay Linda guid kuno ang may sala.
“Piho nga guin-aswang guid to ni Tiyay Linda.”
Nagkadto ako sa ila payag-payag para mangusisa kag naabtan ko guid sa akto si Tiyay nga
nagakihad sang karne. Ay abaw! Indi ko guid
mapunggan ang kakulba nga akon nabatyagan
samtang nagapalapit siya sa akon bitbit ang iya
sundang.
“To, nagabusong bala ang bata ni Tiyoy mo
Naldo. Ang bata kuno ni Manding ang tatay.”
“Tiyay?”
“Huo, patihi ko bala. Nakita ko guid sila
duwa mo. Siya guid to ya ang nagpabusong sa
bata ni Naldo.”
Ay ahay! Si Tiyay Linda nga guinapatihan
ko nga isa ka tiktik, indi gali aswang kayman,
gapamantay kag gapaniktik gali sang tupadbalay ang iya ubra! Tingala man ko “tiktik”
ang bansag sa iya kayman tam-an gali ka
tsismosa kag makatol ang dila! Sa ulihi ko
na naintyendihan kun ngaa tuman guid ang
kaakig ni Nanay kay Tiyay Linda. Kag sa adlawadlaw nga gintuga sang Ginoo, wala guid siya
gakahubsan kontra. Ay ahaaaay Tiyay Linda!
40
,
From somebody s diary
By Meriel V. Robles
Rainy days of January, Sunday...
1,000, 2,000, 3,000...
I don’t know what to talk about, really.
I mean, I do but there are too many things
running inside my mind that I have no idea
where to start or how to. This is not me. I
usually know what I have in mind. What I want,
what I feel.
1,000, 2,000, 3,000... My hands are aching
already.
It is not like we had a huge fight or
something. That would never happen. He
would never hit me or yell at me despite of my
obvious mistakes. He never said a thing at all.
So I just wished that he would hit me and yell at
me instead of staring blankly at the ceiling.
1,000, 2,000, 3,000... For how long do I have
to do this?
I don’t think seeing each other will fix this
or make me feel any better. It is something
more personal that only my lover and I can
settle. I’ve been feeling empty lately. Not the
empty empty. Just empty. It’s like a tiny stain in
a perfect white dress. The whole thing is pretty
and nice, and that stain is so small nobody will
be able to notice. But you can’t help looking at
it, feeling worried, disturbed. As if that speck
of imperfection ruined the dress’ possibility of
becoming something beautiful.
1,000, 2,000, 3,000...
Why don’t I try counselling or talking to
a group of friends? Oh dear. That did me no
good. I have already bought dozens of self-help
books, believe me. What makes my situation
harder is that I know what’s wrong but there’s
nothing I could do about it. Oh, there is - that
one thing.
I stopped counting and lay beside my
sleeping lover. I closed my eyes and listened as
a monotonous beeping sound came in.
41
Abi ko sa facebook lang
Ni Edelyn
July 1, 2012. Madura man ako sa kalibutan,
indi ko guid malipatan ang adlaw nga
pinakamanami kag pinaka-espesyal sa bilog ko
nga kabuhi. Ang pagka-adik ko sa Facebook ang
nangin kabangdanan kung andot kami kang
tawo nga naging parte ka kabuhi ko hasta tulad.
Samtang naga-research ako para sa isabat
sa akon assignment, wara ko guid mapunggan
ang mag bukas ka Facebook (Hahaha! Part
dun guid tana ra ka everyday life ta. May
hambalanon gani, “Dahil sa Facebook, wala
akong natatapos”). Bag-o pa lang ko nag-open
ka akon account kang hinali lang may nag gulpi
chat kanakon “Hi”. Syempre indi ako snob “Oh
hello Pat,” sabat ko kana, kag naglawid pa ang
amun pagbayluhanay ka mensahe. Ay abaw,
pwerti! Kung ano-ano lamang ipamangkot
na kanakon (imbestigador lang teh?) Tama ka
raku nga pamangkutanon hasta sa naglab-ut
sa “Pwedi ka pamasyar?” ang hambal na (PBB
Teens lang?). Wara ko nagsugot, syempre indi
man ko ETG (easy to get). Asta sa nangayo
tana ka cellphone number ko, tugro ko man
eh. Sabagay, textmate man lang da. Sa sige
namun chat, guinyamuhat ko tana nga ibutang
“in a relationship” ang status kang sara kag
sara, kag nagpati man c toto. Sa ginhimu na,
nabutang run ako sa ital-ital. Guin-accept ko na
lang request na hay budlay man mahambalan
“walang isang salita”. Sa amu to nga gabi-e,
kami dun nga duwa pero sa Facebook lang eh.
Manugturog dun dapat ako kang may nagtext kanakon nga unregistered sa contacts ko.
Nadumduman ko dayun ang lalaki nga nangayo
ka number ko kaina. Bangud wara ako load,
indi guid ako ka-reply kana. Ay abaw si toto,
wara ka agwanta kag guin-loadan na guid
ako. Pasalamat man eh kanana. Matuod nga
lango-lango ko lang pero indi ko malikawan
ang masadyahan bisan bala panandalian lang.
Halin sa pag-chat namun kaina hasta kaja nga
istoryahanay amun, wara na guid ko guinuntatan pamangkot kung kami dun. “Huod
gani,” amu ra ang masabat ko kana. Nalab-utan
kami kang alas-tres kang ka agahon ka istorya
kuris-kuris.
6:30 dun natapos ang akun klase kang
masunod nga adlaw. Hay gabi-i dun akun buhi,
42
nag-offer si Pat nga ihatod na ko sa boarding
house. Namayha pa ako hay amu palang to ang
una nga time nga makitaay kami. Marayu pa
ako sa gate, may nakita ako nga naka red t-shirt,
nakapantalon kag garot-garot nga naga-text.
Pagkatapos namun mag panyapon, namirit si
Pat nga ihatod ako garing wara ko nagpasugot.
“Andam, I LOVE YOU,” ang guinhambal na antis
kami magbulagay. Namula kag guin-kilig ako
sa guinhambal ni Pat. Matuod man ukon langolango, nalipay guid ako.
Naglawig ang amun relasyon, asta sa
naman-an ka amun mga pamilya. Sang una tutol
sanda kanamun apang bangud gapalanggaanay kami, amun nga guinpadayon ang amun
relasyon. Kag wara mag lawig, anda man nga
nabaton. Raku dun man away-away ang amun
naagyan. Asta kadya, kami guihapon kag siguro
asta sa urihi, kami na guid man daad eh.
Indi bangud nangin kami instantly bangud
kang Facebook, buot hambalon ma-break
kami dayon. Mayad pa ang madasig mo lang
guinsabat kag naglawid kamo kaysa malawid
nga pangaluyag pero wara ma-semanahan,
tapus na relasyon niyo.
43
Not the typical
By iMac
After this… I… will never be same… (With
eyes tightly shut and both arms wide open)
******
I am not a Hollywood star with jawdropping sex appeal. Not the one that a horde
of girls would be crazy over and be desperate
just to see an angle of my visage, heart-racing
smiles and breath-taking wink coupled with the
opening of my mint-breath mouth. But I’m also
not the typical guy you see around. Trust me.
I’m in my mid 20s with a stable job,
pleasing looks, good body composure and most
of all, SINGLE (which means I’m up for grabs).
Interested? Here’s my list for qualifications:
copper-colored hair, bold blue eyes, Venus
de Milo’s physique, artistic and with good
scholastic records. Complete? You’re ready for
next big thing, the INTERVIEW.
I’m not a perfectionist but I just want to
have a total control of everything I do. You might
ask where did I get this overflowing confidence
and self-esteem. It’s not innate but brought by
trials and experiences in the past which made
me what I am now – a forsaken geek obsessed
of criticizing people.
FORSAKEN? Yes! I said it right. Maybe
I was cursed while I was still in my mother’s
uterus floating amid the debris and when I came
out, it felt as if the whole world was shouting,
“NOOOOO!!!” all in slow motion. It seems like
I haven’t done anything right from the very
moment of my existence.
I got bullied in school (Yeah! Like my whole
life from elementary to college). I also tried to
make friends but it felt like I’m always out of
place. They only call me when they needed me
and made fun of me when they get bored. I even
got death threats for ex-communicating them
(Was it my fault?).
That was tough. Really tough. Eating,
playing, talking ALONE (I almost went out
of my sanity). I concentrated more with my
studies… then graduated, of course, WITH
HIGH HONORS and with no FRIENDS, no one
to share the triumphs with…
******
(Breathes with eyes open) Now I know.
The feeling is different when you have THEM.
Someone to talk to (even with the petty things
you see), someone to share (whether sweet
or bitter memories) and someone to love
(unconditionally). I was not forsaken, it was
me who deprived myself from it (if only life
has a rewind button… arrrggg). I never tried
because of my fear of being REJECTED without
considering the POSSIBILITIES. It was me who
made things complicated but I’m now trying to
let go of them all at once…
(Voices chatting)
“Are you ready?” says Mr. Operator.
“Yes! I’m ON!” I excitedly answered.
I’m ON with my 5-kilometer zip-line
adventure together with the persons whom I
call – TRUE FRIENDS.
44
,
When we’re apart
Mdpwn. Daishel A. Balsomo
There’s no one else I want to talk to with whatever is happening in my life.
I go through the motions and do all the things I usually do, but
my heart knows I’m not my usual self.
My daydreams aren’t even dreaming.
I feel bored, lost and uninterested in much of anything.
My friends talk to me, but I don’t hear them.
Their words float in the air.
I look at the clock and the calendar, and the hours
and the days take on a renewed sense of length.
The nights take forever and my sleep is restless.
Time stands still and my life is on “Pause. . . waiting”.
I pray that you’re safe from all harm and you’re feeling alright.
I miss your laughter. I miss our talks.
Sometimes I cry for no reason, but my heart knows better.
I’m just sad because when we’re apart, I really miss YOU.
45
Pinakamalaking
pagkakamali
Ni zgel
Tawagin niyo na lang ako sa pangalang
Reg, labing-siyam na taong gulang. Gusto
ko lang sanang ibahagi sa inyo ang isang
pangyayaring hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan
mahigit isang taon na ang nakalipas. Isang
bangungot na hanggang ngayo’y patuloy kong
tinatakasan maging hanggang sa likod ng mga
bakal na rehas.
Labinlimang taon ako noon nang
magpasyang lumuwas si Papa ng bansa
upang magtrabaho. Dalawa na lang kami
ni Papa ang magkatuwang sa buhay kaya
siya’y nagdesisyong maghanap ng magiging
kapalit niya sa pag-aalaga’t pagpapalaki sa
akin habang siya’y nasa malayo. Siya si Tita
Margaret. Magkasing-edad sila ni Papa at
mukhang mabait naman. Bagama’t labag sa
aking kalooban ang pagtanggap sa kanya, wala
na akong ibang nagawa kundi ang tanggapin
siya.
Palagi na lamang gumuguhit ang mga ngiti
sa labi ni Papa. Ang mga ngiting dati’y nakikita
ko lamang noong buhay pa si Mama. Tinanong
ko ang aking sarili. Masaya naman kaming
dalawa ni Papa noon ah?
Araw na ng pag-alis ni Papa. Alas-singko ng
umaga ang kanyang flight. Buong gabi akong
nag-isip kung makakaya ko na ba na malayo sa
kanya. Isang bagay lang ang naiisip ko – ‘di ko
kakayanin ’to.
Gumising ako na wala na si Papa sa aking
tabi at nasa kabilang ibayo na ng mundo’t
nakikipagsapalaran para sa magandang
kinabukasan na maibibigay niya sa’kin.
Dumaan ang mga araw, linggo,
buwan.
Napapansin
kong
unti-unting
nagbabago ang pakikitungo ni Tita sa akin.
Palagi na lamang niya akong sinisigiwan at
pinagsasalitaan ng hindi maganda kahit sa mga
maliliit na pagkakamaling nagagawa ko.
Isang araw, nakita kong naglalakad
pauwi ng bahay si Tita. May kasama siyang
lalaki. Agad ko silang sinundan nang patago.
Nabigla ako sa aking nakita - pinagtataksilan
niya si Papa! Unti-unting namuo ang poot at
galit sa aking dibdib pero sa halip na isumbong
ko siya, pinili kong hintayin na lamang ang
pagdating ng aking ama sa susunod na taon.
Doo’y nagsimula akong magkaroon
ng bisyo at sumama sa barkada ngunit kahit
ganun, ‘di ko naisipang lumiban sa pagpasok
sa paarala’t maglakwatsa. Gusto ko pa ring
makapagtapos at makasama si Papa sa pagkuha
ng diploma.
Malapit na ang graduation at sabik na
sabik na ako sa pag-uwi ng aking ama. Subalit
naging malupit sa akin ang kapalaran. Laking
gulat ko nang sabihin ni Tita na nag-extend pa
ng isang taon si Papa. Parang sinakluban ako ng
langit at lupa sa aking nalaman, ‘di ko na alam
46
kung ano ang gagawin ko. Magagalit ba ako o
malulungkot? Napakagulo ng aking isip noon.
Kumuha ako ng kursong Civil
Engineering dahil pareho naming gusto ni Papa
iyon. Pero nawalan na ako ng gana sa pag-aaral
at nabaling ang aking atensyon sa barkada.
Masaya ako sa piling nila na para bang walang
problema. Naisip ko na mas mabuti na ito kaysa
manatili ako sa aming bahay kung saan naroon
ang taksil kong Tita.
Umabot ako sa puntong sumubok ako
ng droga. Tama nga ang sabi nila, napakasarap
nito sa pakiramdam - parang langit! Pero dito
na nagsimulang pumunta sa kawalan ang aking
buhay.
Mabilis na lumipas ang tatlong taon
simula nang umalis si Papa. ‘Di ko namalayan
ang paglipas ng mga taon dahil hindi tulad
noon, ‘di na ako nasasabik sa aming pagkikita.
Isang gabi’y umuwi ako ng aming bahay, lasing
at sabog sa droga. Papalapit na ako ng pinto
nang muli kong nakita si Tita. May kasama na
namang lalaki sa loob ng bahay! Biglang kumulo
ang dugo ko at dumilim ang aking paningin.
Naisipan kong patayin na lamang silang dalawa
upang maipaghiganti ko si Papa. Kinuha ko ang
nakatagong patalim na nasa bag ko, hinawakan
ito ng pagkahigpit-higpit at pumasok sa pinto.
Dali-dali kong sinaksak nang ilang beses ang
lalaking nakatalikod. Duguan. Wala nang buhay.
Sa tagpong ‘yun, nagawa ko ang
pinakamalaking pagkakamali ng aking buhay na
hanggang ngayo’y patuloy kong pinagsisisihan
sa Poong Maykapal at pinagbabayaran dito sa
likod ng rehas. Oo, pinaslang ko ang sarili kong
ama.
47
Especially for you
By Iska
I’ve realized that I truly do feel something.
Funny but it’s true. Strange! I’m such a stupid
person for admiring someone like you who’s
already committed to someone else.
These past nights, I’ve been thinking –
“What would life be without you?” It would
be miserable and I guess, it would be boring.
Everyday will be just another ordinary day. I’m
always in agony whenever I think of the day
when you’re slowly walking away from my
sight. But then, I’m happy for you because I
know you’ve always been waiting for that day
to come.
How I wish I could tell these things to you
personally but I can’t. I’m afraid. I don’t have
the guts of saying it in front of you. Lance, I’m
sorry! I’ve really tried not to feel anything for
you but my feelings went out of control. I’m
sorry, Lance.
I don’t know how to start this. Maybe
because of the mere fact that I’m not used to
writing these kinds of letter.
There are plenty of things running on my
mind right now. Whether I choose to tell you
everything that I feel or just let my feelings
unfold until you leave, there is nothing else left
for me to do. But there is something inside me
that keeps on telling me “Go for it! Tell him,”
that’s why you’re reading this letter of mine.
I’ve spent months enjoying in the cradle
of your companionship. In such a short span
of time, many things have happened that
even I can’t barely control. I know the fact
that writing this letter is a little bit odd to me
knowing that you have a girlfriend. Whatever
your reaction will be is okay with me. I just
hope that everything will be the same as they
were before after this confession.
I kept on telling myself that I don’t feel
anything for you. I tried to ignore it but later,
48
Bakit…
By Utgard
Christmas Party 2013. Nakasalamuha ako ng
isang sumpa.
“Ano ba?”
“Oo nga! Oo pangit ka at hindi kita
magugustuhan kailanman.” Hindi pa ako
nakuntento, at sinabi ko pang, “Matalino ka? Eh
uto-uto ka naman pala eh. Babaeng…ewan ko
na lang kung ano pang itatawag ko sa’yo. Tama
na sigurong bansagan kang ENGOT NA BALAT
BANGUS!”
Alam niyo kasi, parang kaliskis ng isda yung
kanyang balat at ang mukha naman niya ay
kahugis ng ulo ng butete. Kulang na lang siguro
ay hasang. Kaya naman talagang nakakadiri siya
at kapag nakipaghalubilo ka sa kanya, ay naku,
Campus figure ka na!
Kaya nga naman hindi na ako nakapagtiis
at iyon nga ang mga salitang harap-harapang
kinain ng babaeng sunod ng sunod sa akin. Hay
naku…kung alam niyo lang talaga, ang baduy
kasing tingnan. Nakakahiya lalo na kung kasama
ko ang mga mapangutya kong mga kaklase. Wala
na silang ginawa kundi sabihin sa aking, “Uyyy!
Andyan na naman yung alaga mong bangus. Sige,
i-feed mo na nga yan! (Ano? Feeding Frenzy?).
Ang hindi ko lang talaga maintindihan eh hindi
naman ako mayaman. Hindi naman ako matalino.
At lalong hindi naman ako gwapo at macho. Ano
nga ba kaya talaga ang pakay ng bangus na yun sa
akin? Hindi ko talaga maintindihan.
January 6, 2014. Pasukan na naman at
maaga pa akong bumalik sa eskwelahan. Pero
bago pa man ako makarating, may nasaksihan
akong isang aksidente. Isang batang wasak ang
ulo at durog ang katawan. Halos hindi na nga siya
makilala sa sitwasyong iyon. Ang mas nakakabigla
at nakakapanindig-balahibo pa ay wala man
lang ni isang tumulong sa kanya. Kitang-kita at
dinig na dinig ko rin ang reaksyon ng kanyang
ina habang tumatakbo papunta sa kanyang anak
at humahaguyguy ng, “Meawwww! Meeeaw!
Meaw!” Oo, isang bangkay ng itim na batang pusa
ang aking nasaksihan. (‘Diba nga, malas ‘yun?
Bagong taon pa naman.)
Pagdating ko ay napansin ko agad ang isang
malaking pagbabago. Kadalasan ay makikita ko
siyang naka-abang sa gate. Ngunit nang araw na
iyon, ni anino niya ay hindi ko man lang nakita.
“Alam niyo ba? Lumipat na raw ng paaralan
yung balat-bangus?” chika ng hindi rin naman
kagandahang shokla habang kinakagat ang
nagdurugong hotdog-on-stick sabay dila sa
maputi at malagkit na vanilla ice cream.
Tama ba ang narinig ko? Ayos! Sa wakas,
tapos na ang aking mga paghihirap at malaya
na rin ako sa sumpa ng babaeng iyon! Magkakagirlfriend na rin ako ng maganda, seksi, at... alam
niyo na! (Oo, yun oh!)
Hindi ko talaga napigilan ang aking saya.
Kaya hindi pa man natatapos ang araw ay nakilala
ko agad si Marie. Taglay niya na ang lahat kaya
hindi ko na pinalampas at niligawan ko siya. Sa
ano ba namang swerte at ora-orada rin niya akong
sinagot ng matamis niyang “Oo”!
Dahil nga kami na ni Marie, sinimulan ko
na rin siyang ihatid sa kanilang bahay. Habang
pauwi, nadaanan na naman uli namin yung pusang
nasagasaan. Nagulat ako nang biglang pumatak
ang mga luha sa kanyang mga mata. Tinanong ko
siya agad kung ano ang dahilan ng kanyang pagiyak.
“Kilala mo ba si Leah? Yung kinakantyaw
at binansagan ninyong babaeng bangus? Siya
ay matalik kong kaibigan. Ngunit nagkasamaan
kami ng loob bago pa man kami pumasok sa
paaralan. Kakamatay niya lang kaninang umaga.
Nasagasaan daw siya ng isang trak matapos
niyang tulungan ang isang itim na pusa sa kalsada,”
humihikbing saad ni Marie sabay takbo papunta sa
kabilang kalsada.
Nang bigla na lang……..psssssssssssst! Boom!
“Marie? Marieeeeee!!! Bakit ka nadapa?
Dahan-dahan lang kasi. Sige, tara na.”
At ‘yun nga, namatay lamang siya nang hindi
niya nasasagot ang aking mga katanungan. Bakit?
Bakit niya ko sinusundan? Si Marie..Tama! Siya ang
susi sa lahat. (Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.)
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Unsent letter
By Jeovele V. Panaguiton
into me that my heart fell for him in an instant.
He also told me about the girl he loves
and had named a star for her too. Hearing
his confession, I felt devastated and hurt that
I forgot to ask who the lucky girl was. It’s too
painful to know that even though I’m trying to
let him know what I feel for him, he really can’t
see my efforts. From that day on, I decided
to put an end to it and started avoiding him. I
never talked to him until we graduated in high
school. I went to Paris to pursue my studies
and became a well-known fashion designer. I
kept myself occupied with work not because I
wanted to, but because I had to.
After eight years of wandering around
the world, dressing well-known celebrities
and letting my mom enjoy a good life, I still
feel that something’s missing. And I know,
it’s him, it will always be him. I erased all
these thoughts and brought myself back on
track. I had to work to get rid of distractions.
I enthusiastically accepted the work a friend of
mine offered me. I was so thrilled of meeting
It was another ordinary day in class, but
not for me. I definitely hate this day. It was the
worst day of my unbelievably unfair life. Why?
I was seated next to the guy I hate the most. I
hate him for bullying me. I hate him so much
that I wanted to tie his tongue around his neck
everytime he speaks to me.
Unexpectedly as the days went by, I
found myself looking forward to every day
that we would spend together on that hateful
place. We sang songs and helped each other
in achieving our endeavors. We made each
other comfortable with our insecurities and
eventually, we became best friends because
of that. We got so comfortable with each other
that we never talked of the things we said to to
one another back then. At night, we would text
each other about how beautiful the stars in the
sky are. I even told him that I named a star
after him because he’s so special to me and I
could never escape the truth that I’m falling in
love with my best friend. He may not be the
cutest guy in school but I don’t know what got
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pushed me and saved me from death. It was
him. I ran by his side and heard him utter, “I
love you”. I cried my heart out and held his
hands tightly but there was nothing I could do.
His burial followed a week after that
tragedy. On that moment, his daughter came
and embraced me. She was crying so hard
when she told me, “My dad married my mom
whose name was also Amanda but he named
me after you. My mom died after giving birth
to me and now I’m all alone. Would you take
care of me, Ms. Amanda?” I pitied her so much
and felt glad to have her with me. I raised
her as if she was mine. I gave her all the love
and attention she needed. On her eighteenth
birthday, she handed me a letter written by
her father the day he got married. It said, “I
kept everything I feel for you because of the
promise we made: that is to never fall in love
with each other. So now, at my wedding day,
I know it is crazy, but I’ll say it anyway... This
could have been us”.
her again that I even forgot to ask who my
client really was. To my surprise, my friend
came and introduced me to my client. It was
him. It was my best friend - the guy I deeply
loved a long time ago. For a moment, we
sat beside each other and laughed while
reminiscing the old times.
Then, a pretty girl came to him and sat on
his lap. I smiled at her and asked what her name
was. The little girl replied, “I was named after
my dad’s first true love, Amanda.” It struck me.
There was a long and deadly pause. Then he
smiled and said, “You just heard my daughter
say your name, my first love.” I was deafened
with what I heard. I felt myself floating amidst
uncertainties. But he is married. Of course the
little girl was his child. My tears fell unceasingly
knowing that he hid his feelings for me all this
time.
I was overpowered by the pain that I
didn’t hear him call after me. I ran and crossed
the street recklessly to get into my car. Just as
a speeding car was about to hit me, someone
51
A Sense of Wonder
-Kyu Seki-
“I remember the sound of summer wind rustling
through the trees.”
“I remember the first time I heard your voice.”
Hey, I‛m sorry.
Are you okay?
Haha. No,
don‛t worry.
I-- you can
say, I can‛t
see where
I‛m going.
54
Fall, September 2013
“That‛s
right...” “I was
born blind.”
Doesn‛t it bother
you?
What?
- Putting up with a mole like me.
N-ah. Not
really. Put
that out of
your head,
will you?
55
Winter, December 2013
“I let it slip that I really wanted to see what the world
was like.”
“I remember that winter, on the very first snowfall.”
-sob sobI‛m scared. This
operation.. what
if I won‛t be
able to see at
all?
Hey, now.
Where‛s that
spunk? You‛ll
be just fine.
56
“And he was right. The operation was a
success.”
“The bandage over my eye was removed. I‛ve always
wondered why it was only one and not both, that received a
donor.” ...
“When I first saw him then.. I found the
answer.”
“... he was wearing a patch over where his
left eye used to be.”
“...it had all been for me.”
“Because..”
...Because I love you.
-end-
Staff
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Special Thanks
This printed piece of art right at the warmth of your palms wouldn’t
have come to existence without the help of those people who supported us
through thick and thin. To Dr. Mary Lou L. Arcelo and Dr. Ronald Raymund L.
Sebastian, who continuously support us in our ventures, Dr. Ralph L. Pador,
for inspiring us to go deeper into the aspects of journalism. To Engr. Cicero S.
Ortizo, Mrs. Nancy Rose R. Pelopero, Dr. Lily S. Sumbi, and Mrs. Ive D. Sta. Ana
who are always supportive to our endeavors.
To our parents, for the love and affection and for always telling us that we
are smart and gorgeous-looking individuals.
The Seagull would also like to thank the following Lacsonians: Daishel
Balsomo, Ramon Esteban Espirida, Jan Paul Panes, Angelo Jastin Ong, Joevele
Panaguiton, Anjieera Francisco, Jose Mico Tambalo for their stories and
poems, especially to Michelle Gayo for her very much awaited Manga - your
contributions are deeply and genuinely welcomed. We would also want to say
thank you to you, our precious readers for letting our stories touch your lives.
Above all, we thank the Almighty God for giving us such awesome-mazing
talents and for pushing our adrenaline beyond its limits during the stressful
nights of swimming into the pool of creative writing.
Thank you 100x!
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