STREETSCAPES

STREETSCAPES Streetscapes was sparked by the connection we all share with streets. Streets are like vibrant canvases that blend our personal stories with the wider tapestry of human experiences. We aim to evoke a sense of familiarity and trigger memories of our own street encounters, whether it's the excitement of exploring a city or the simple joy of walking down familiar paths. It is serve as a visual invitation, beckoning everyone to delve into the book's pages and immerse themselves in a diverse collection of literary works that celebrate the captivating narratives woven within the streetscapes of our lives. Cover Design by Kayn Twixy Punzalan Words of Mikaellah Munlawin

Quills & Print

P pR rEeFfaAcCe E

We often find ourselves at the crossroads of success, yet the bitter truth remains unchanged. Our present circumstances are a culmination of choices we have made and the hand of fate woven by those around us. Destiny, if it exists, seems to be a mere illusion compared to the decisions we blindly follow, guided by the footsteps laid out before us. But let us not make the past for a mistake, my friend. Each step we take, even those that don't lead us where we intended, holds a lesson waiting to be learned. It is in these lessons that we find solace, even amidst the irretrievable losses we encounter along the way. We must press on, for being lost is not a curse but an opportunity to uncover our authentic purpose. In this journey through streetscapes, let us embrace our flaws and imperfections. For it is in these vulnerabilities that we truly find ourselves at home. As I turn these pages, I invite you to join me in savoring the bittersweet taste of nostalgia while keeping our hearts open to the uncharted paths that lie ahead. - Mikmik

TABLE OF CONTENTS STREETSCAPES

LITERARY FICTION FLASH FICTION SHORT STORY 5 Through the eyes of a child.. 63 Mystical Necklace 8 Di(e) Father 67 Ginto At Alikabok 11 Terminal 73 Light's Glimpse Of The Past 13 The Downpour 79 Beyond The Streets 15 Lady In White 84 Mahogany 17 Harsh Reality 91 Trapiko 19 Hubad 96 Unforgettable Love 23 Lovers Under Streetlights 99 Musika Sa Kalsada 26 Tsinelas 27 Smiles SIX-WORD STORY 29 Ang Kapalaran ni Toto 105 Predator POETRY 106 Urban Crossroads 107 Ligaw 33 The Sound 108 Tale Of Street Food 35 Yabag 109 Encounter 37 Talisman 110 A Rain full of Memories 39 Game of Life on the Street 111 Tambay 41 Pathways of Learning 112 Red Light 43 To Cross The Street Or Not? 113 A Jackpot Day 45 Kalye 114 Lost and Found 46 Lygophilia 115 Hit and Run 48 Collided 116 Drugs 50 Horns and Hurdles 117 Skin and the Other 51 Batang Pulubi 118 Rainy Season 55 Sidewalk Peddlers 119 Saved 58 Panyong Kahel 120 A Child Stuff 59 Ang Abalang Lansangan 121 Dreaded Alley

LITERARY NON-FICTION FEATURE STORY 126 Farewell 129 Windy Night Street 133 Bangketa 137 Mangyans and Badjaos 142 Streets of Purpose 145 The Rose Gold Autumn 151 Echoes of History 155 After-School Streets 159 Not All Who Wander Are Lost 164 Flores de Maria

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY ARTWORK PHOTOGRAPH 1 Shutter Light 5 Graffiti Art 7 Gambling 9 Alleyways 13 D o w n p o u r 21 L o n e W a n d e r e r 15 W h i t e L a d y 27 N g i t i 17 A c c i d e n t 30 T o t o 19 S e l d a 34 B u s t l i n g S t r e e t 24 S t r e e t l o v e r s 35 Y a b a g 25 T s i n e l a s 43 P e d e s t r i a n L a n e 38 A g i m a t 45 N i g h t S t r e e t 39 P o s a s 49 T r a f f i c 48 C a t 53 C r o s s r o a d s 83 L o v e u n d e r M a h o g a n y 55 S t r e e t V e n d o r s 90 F l y i n g C a r 57 P a n y o 107 M o t h e r a n d s o n 59 P a l e n g k e 111 T a m b a y 63 N e c k l a c e 113 J a c k p o t 70 N i g h t l i f e i n T o w n 115 L o s t S l i p p e r s 73 K a l e s a 116 B e a s t 79 F o r t S a n t i a g o 133 B a n g k e t a 95 U m b r e l l a 137 I n d i g e n o u s 102 M u s i c i a n 108 S t r e e t F o o d 109 W o r m V i e w 110 R a i n i n g S t r e e t 117 J e e p n e y P a s s e n g e r 118 F l o o d e d S t r e e t 119 A l a l a y 120 S i l e n t N i g h t 121 S u b t l e P l a c e 122 S t r e e t C o r n e r 125 M e m o r i a l t r e e 129 D i m 141 S t r e e t p u r p o s e 149 G r a f f i t i W a l l s 151 I n t r a m u r o s 155 S u b d i v i s i o n 159 E n c o u n t e r 163 S a g a l a 168 N a k e d



Whenever we touch someone's life, we leave a trace over there. Always leave good traces so that you can walk in the streets freely! -Mehmet Murat Ildan

FLASH FICTIONS DAGLI



Through The Eyes Of A Child.. Mariz Eiffel Almedilla Arah bounded out of her house, her face lit up with joy, as she eagerly made her way to the street—the beloved place where fascinating games and endless fun awaited. Every afternoon, whether after school or a refreshing nap, a vibrant gathering of children appears to join in exciting street games like kick the ball, hide and seek, chase, and more. Laughter echoed through the air as they run around with their imaginations fueling their youthful spirits. Arah enjoyed the medley of roads, sidewalks, people, and vehicles that painted the scenery of her precious playground. 5 | STREETSCAPES

For children like her, the street was a realm of endless possibilities, where dreams took shape and ambitions bloomed. It was a haven of pure joy. Yet, amidst the laughter and excitement of a spirited game of chase, a sudden, piercing noise shattered the scene. Beeeeeeppppp! Beeeeeeppppp! BLAG! Arah's eyes widened after she witnessed a horrible event that would haunt her for the rest of her life. An accident that would live on in her memory forever. In that instant, Arah's perspective of the street shifted dramatically. The place she once considered her \"home away from home,\" where imagination flourished, friendships bloomed, and new experiences awaited, was now stained with sorrow and loss. The innocence of the games seemed tarnished, and a gloomy shadow cast itself upon her once-delighted heart. The street had been transformed, no longer holding the same innocent appeal it once possessed. STREETSCAPES | 6

Artwork by: Clariz Dematera 7 | STREETSCAPES

Di(e) Father Faith Jewell Concepcion I met her at the subtle street, saw her cold eyes staring at a random man with pity and empathy. I asked her, “Who’d you look at?” and she stared at me blankly and said, “My father was a nice man until he was controlled by money and thinks he can dance in fire, breathe underwater, and fly when the world is shattered\". She stopped and took a deep breath, \"He thinks he can do anything with the power of money. I don’t know him at all; he’s not the father that I know\", she then continued. We stood there in silence, watching the crowds rush by, wondering how many of them were also victims of the streets. STREETSCAPES | 8

Alleyways 9 | STREETSCAPES

John Cedrick Cabrillas STREETSCAPES | 10

Terminal Mariz Eiffel Almedilla In just a few days of taking a much-needed rest at home, Ronie found himself once again preparing to leave for work. With the support of his wife, Amira, they meticulously packed his luggage for his return to the city. The decision to venture to the city, leaving behind his rural life, was driven by the possibility of a higher salary Ronie would earn at his current workplace. As the next day arrived, Amira woke up early to prepare a meal for Ronie before his departure. He savored every bite, took a shower, and thoroughly dressed for the day. With preparations complete, the time to bid farewell had come. 11 | STREETSCAPES

They walked hand in hand through the busy street towards the bus terminal that would take him back to the city. Every step they take has a touch of love and sorrow, as they know it will be awhile before they can see each other again. Ronie, trying to hide his emotions, smiled at Amira and softly said, “I’m leaving now. Be careful, always.” Amira stood by and watched the bus as it goes away from the terminal, taking her husband with it. With a heavy heart, she slowly made her way back home, leaving behind the familiar street that had marked so many of their partings and reunions. Amira knew that she would go back to the same spot, anticipating for her husband’s return, counting down the time until they could hold each other once again. STREETSCAPES | 12

The Downpour Mikaellah Munlawin Artwork by: Clariz Dematera 13 | STREETSCAPES

Out of nowhere, the rain arrived abruptly, cascading onto the streets with an intensity that gave the impression that the heavens were releasing all of their pent-up fury. The noise was thunderous as it collided with the concrete, generating a melody of splashing and sloshing. Amidst the chaos, a lone figure stood huddled under an awning, watching as people scurried by, desperate to escape the downpour. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia, the rain always reminded her of her childhood. In her memory, she recalled a time when she and her closest companion ran freely in the pouring rain, jumping in puddles and giggling without a care in the world. But that was a lifetime ago, her friend was long gone, and the rain now brought a different kind of pain. As she stood there, lost in her thoughts, a young girl approached her at full speed, holding onto a worn-out umbrella. Without hesitation, she opened up her own umbrella, shielding the girl from the rain. Upon being gazed at with a pair of eyes that seemed to stretch wide, the woman couldn't help but return the gesture with a smile. It was at this moment that she came to the realization that, despite its harsh and unforgiving nature, it could also bring people together in unexpected ways. STREETSCAPES | 14

Lady In White Charlie Reyes As the night fell, thick fog slithered its way into the street, casting an eerie atmosphere between the towering buildings. Residents hurried past, casting anxious glances at the vacant houses. Rumors of the White Lady haunted this place—a spectral figure who wandered the streets seeking help. One moonlit night, a young couple strolled hand in hand. Suddenly, they heard a faint sound that seemed to be a cry for help and turned to see a woman in a flowing white gown. Her face was hidden by a ghostly veil. \"Please,\" she pleaded, her voice trembling, \"I need your help.\" The couple approached slowly, their hearts heavy with empathy. She whispered her story, a tragic accident that claimed her life, leaving her trapped in this spectral existence. With a strong sense of compassion, they agreed to aid her restless spirit. She led them down desolate alleyways, her voice growing fainter as they walked deeper into the heart of the street. Suddenly, the White Lady vanished, leaving the couple surrounded by a haunting silence. 15 | STREETSCAPES

The sound of their pounding hearts was the only thing audible as shadows flickered and danced along the decaying walls. The feeling of being watched was inescapable, as if unseen eyes were observing them from every angle. Panic quickly overtook them as they realized they had fallen into the White Lady's trap. Their pleas for help were met with wicked laughter echoing through the streets. Forever trapped in the ghostly realm, their fate became a cautionary tale. The legend of the White Lady lived on, her spectral form continuing to lure unsuspecting souls who dared to venture into the haunted streets. And so, the street remained cursed, an eerie reminder of the perils that lurked beneath the veil of darkness. Artwork by: Emmar Christian Perez STREETSCAPES | 16

Harsh Reality Mikaellah Munlawin It was a typical busy day on the city streets. Cars honking, people rushing to work, street vendors hawking their wares. Suddenly, there was a loud screeching sound as a car hit a pedestrian. The driver failed to notice the pedestrian crossing the street due to being distracted by texting on their phone. Panic erupted as people rushed to help the victim, who lay motionless on the pavement. One bystander quickly called for an ambulance while another tried to administer CPR. Just as the ambulance arrived, another accident occurred. A motorbike had collided with a delivery truck, sending the rider flying through the air. The driver of the truck had been trying to make a delivery but hadn’t seen the motorbike coming down the street. 17 | STREETSCAPES

The chaos continued as emergency services arrived to help both the injured pedestrian and the motorbike rider. As the crowd dispersed, a solemn silence hung over the street. It had left their mark on the busy thoroughfare, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk on the streets. From that day on, people walked a little more carefully, drivers paid more attention, and everyone was more aware of the risks of accidents on the streets. It was a harsh lesson, but one that was not soon forgotten. The city eventually implemented more safety measures, including improved street lighting and stricter traffic laws, the accidents on the streets brought about change, making the busy thoroughfare a little bit safer for everyone. STREETSCAPES | 18

Hubad Faith Jewell Concepcion Hangos na hangos sa paghabol ng hininga, nagtatago ako sa madilim na eskinita. Paborito kong kulay ang asul at pula, pero dito ko nakikita ang di-pantay na hustisya. Sa kantang “Tatsulok” ipinapahiwatig ang katotohanan ng buhay, at narito ako ngayon sumasayaw sa tugtugin sa isang lugar kung saan patay ang ilaw. Sa buhay, ang pera ang katapat ng katotohanan. Umaasang makakahanap ako ng kalayaan sa tulong ng aking minamahal na bayan. 19 | STREETSCAPES

“Mga bata, wag kayong lumabas, may mga mangunguha ng bata!” Ito ang babala ng mga nakakatanda sa mga batang walang kamalay-malay. Hindi ako natatakot sa mga mangunguha ng bata o kahit sa kamatayan dahil sanay na akong tumakas mula sa aming tahanan. Ang ikinakatakot ko ay ang posibilidad na ikulong ako ng aking pulis na ama, hindi sa selda, kundi sa kaniyang mga kamay. Artwork by: Emmar Christian Perez STREETSCAPES | 20

Lone Wanderer John Harlod Ebona 21 | STREETSCAPES

STREETSCAPES | 22

Lovers Under Streetlights Mikaellah Munlawin In the midst of the bustling city, a young man eagerly waits for his lover at a street corner. As the sun sets, his anticipation builds, but his heart sinks when his lover is nowhere to be seen. Just as he’s about to give up hope, his beloved appears in the distance. They embrace, and the world fades away, leaving only their love and intimacy. They walk hand in hand, exploring the subtle corners of the streets, sharing their hopes and dreams. As the night wears on, they are free from the pressures of society, lost in their own world. The sun rises on a new day, they part ways, promising to meet again. For the young man, the streets are a symbol of love and adventure, where anything is possible if you have the courage to chase your dreams. 23 | STREETSCAPES

Artwork by: Emmar Christian Perez STREETSCAPES | 24

Tsinelas Faith Jewell Concepcion 25 | STREETSCAPES

“Nay! Nasaan ang tsinelas ko?! Hindi naman dahil hindi ako lumalabas ay wala na akong tsinelas!” Sigaw ko sa aking ina. Ngunit sa kabila ng aking ingay at sigaw, hindi ito sumasagot. Lumabas ako ng aming bahay at sumingit sa makipot na eskinita. Nang lumabas ako, nakita ko ang maraming tao at pulis, at agad akong naki-usisa kung anong nangyari “Anong nangyari diyan, kuya?” Tanong ko. “Yung babae nasagasaan, hit and run.” Sagot niya. Naramdaman ko ang takot at lamig sa aking katawan, kaya’t agad akong lumapit at sumilip sa pinangyarihan. Nakita ko ang aking ina na nakahandusay sa kalsada, nakalubog sa sariling dugo, yakap-yakap ang isang pares na tsinelas. Artwork by: Emmar Christian Perez STREETSCAPES | 26

Smiles Mariz Eiffel Almedilla As I was captivated by photographs of children in every corner of the street, each with laughter on their faces, I couldn't help but think about the gap between the life I was living and the one they were deprived of. Amidst their delighted expressions, sadness struck within me. Behind the mask of smiles, I witnessed scenes filled with sorrow. Families worked tirelessly, sacrificing precious hours and becoming drenched in sweat just to put food on the table, and babies huddled in the shadows, longing for a peaceful sleep that may never come. 27 | STREETSCAPES

A bitter truth dawned upon me. Despite the hardships and poor condition, they continued to laugh, adorning their lips with smiles as if each day were Christmas—a day of hope and love. With admiration, I applauded them. The children's smiles in the photograph reminded me of the beauty of simple happiness and love. Each encounter with different worlds left an indelible mark on my soul, filling it with awe and gratitude for these extraordinary people. No longer would I seek the distant stars or the softness of beds, for I had discovered that true contentment lay not in material possessions. It resided in the act of giving and loving, the very essence that kindled the warmth in one's heart. STREETSCAPES | 28

Ang Kapalaran Ni Toto Victor Lopez Jr. Sa isang maliit na bayan ipinanganak si Toto, isang batang masipag at mabait. Lumaki siya sa kalye at nasanay sa hirap ng buhay. Madaming diskarte ang pinapasok niya para kahit papaano ay may gastusin sa pang araw-araw. Ginagawa niya ang lahat ng ito upang itaguyod ang sarili sapagkat iniwan siya ng kaniyang mga magulang. Isang araw habang siya ay nangangalakal, may isang lalaki ang lumapit at ibinigay ang isang remote control. Simple lamang ito ngunit nakapukaw ng kuryosidad ni Toto. \"Maaari mo itong gamitin upang kontrolin ang ibang tao, ngunit may kaukulang parusa kung gagamitin ito sa masamang paraan,\" paglalarawan ng lalaki sa kung ano ang kayang gawin ng bagay na ito. Namangha siya at kaagad sinubukan. Itinutok niya ito sa mag-asawang dumaan at nagawa niya ang mga itong mapasunod. Laking tuwa ni Toto sa lalaking nagbigay noon, nais man niyang magpasalamat ngunit naglaho na ang lalaki. Kinontrol niya ang mag-asawa na ituring siyang isang anak. 29 | STREETSCAPES

Isang araw, nadama ni Toto ang tukso ng kasamaan. Kinontrol niya ang mag-asawa sa masamang gawain tulad ng pagnanakaw. Dahil dito, lumaki ang kaniyang kita. Biglang lumitaw ang lalaki at halata sa ekspresiyon nito ang lungkot at pagkadismaya. Nabahala si Toto at napagtanto niya ang kabilinbilinan nito noon. Dali-dali siyang umuwi sa bahay at nadiskubre niya na ang mag-asawang kaniyang ginamit ay wala ng buhay. Natuklasan niya kalaunan na ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga ito ay ang tunay niyang magulang. Bukod sa lubos na panghihinayang ay dinagdagan pa ng kapalarang mananatili siya sa kalye. Captured by: Kayn Twixy Punzalan STREETSCAPES | 30

POETRY TULA



The Sound Gwyneth De la Cruz On street, I stand crowd so grand Noise and pollution Leaves a confusion Loud and clear Noise so blare You’re so near Noxious air I was alone Alone and afraid I got this tea It makes me brave I feel so strong But not so long Heard your sound Kneeing in gone Fly away with the moon my love Spread your wings please come back Adore you from a far Shining in the dark Why, oh why? Things just died 33 | STREETSCAPES

Captured by: Dhaione Mhico Mariquita STREETSCAPES | 34

Yabag Clariz Dematera Isa, dalawa, tatlo tatakbo na ba ako isa, dalawa, tatlo bakit ang bilis bilis mo Unang hakbang Sa unang hakbang palang Nadarama ko na Ang bigat ng aking mga paa Bagsak na mga balikat at ulo kong nakayuko Mga luhang walang tigil sa pagtulo Ikalawang hakbang, naalala ko diba sinabi mo Sabay tayo hanggang dulo Mga pangarap nating binuo Dito sa daang ito Ako nalang ba talaga ang tutuloy Di ko ata kayang sumabay nalang sa daloy Nasaan ka na ba Bakit bigla bigla kang nawawala Nagpahinga ka lang ba Dahil pagod ka na 35 | STREETSCAPES

Sige hihintayin na lang kita Pero bakit 'di na kita makita Nauna kana pala Iniwan mo na pala ako ditong nag-iisa Mga tanong sa isipan Saan ka bang banda nahirapan 'Di ba ikaw pa ang nagsabi Na itigil na ang aking paghihinakbi Ikatlong hakbang, mag-isa ko na ring hinarap kahit na mahirap Paglisan mo'y pilit ko na ring tinanggap Kahit puso'y pilit ka pa ring hinahagilap Tutuparin mga pangako Pangarap nati'y itutuloy Susubukang sumabay sa daloy Sisimulang ipagpatuloy daang sinimulan mo Captured by: Mikaellah Munlawin STREETSCAPES | 36

Talisman Mariz Eiffel Almedilla In the wider realm of mystery, A symbol since history Small piece, sacred and supernatural Sanctified in orations and ritual Found on the streets from local Talisman, a beautiful medal Enlivened by meaning, with secrets and power Luck and fortune received by the bearer On the neck it holds, talisman, live the goal At every step in every corner of the world Cultivate strength, spirit and courage With a stroke of luck, ease the passage But, talisman, know the truth Not in silver and gold, nor in metals and chains Relies the real strength and the light of hope But within one’s pure heart, mind, and soul 37 | STREETSCAPES

Artwork by: Emmar Christian Perez

Game Of Life On The Street Victor Lopez Jr. I have a lot of years in the game the street life is hot so, I'm fierce in the flame lookin' for the jackpot and piercin' my name In the street files petrified of being hungry so, I grind for the money while crooked cops are huntin' me wantin' to put handcuffs on me If I'm caught, then I bail and I bounce out I'm back on the streets to get meat I have to eat and they found out when you got paper, they can't keep a true player locked up and I found out 39 | STREETSCAPES