STREETSCAPES

Artwork by: Emmar Christian Perez STREETSCAPES | 40

Pathways Of Learning Mikaellah Munlawin On busy streets they roam, A sea of students finding their way home. Backpacks heavy, feet sore, Tired but determined, they move forward. The sun beats down, sweat on their brow, But still, they walk, they won’t slow down. Their minds are full of knowledge gained, As they head back to where they’re trained. Each step they take, a triumph won, Another day of learning done. And though the journey may seem long, Their spirits rise with every song. For they are young, and full of life, And on their way to greatness, striving to thrive. The students walking on the streets, A symbol of hope for the world to see. 41 | STREETSCAPES

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To cross the street or not? To Cro A question that I’ve got. Street Should I take that walk, Or remain within my own spot? Mariz Eif The busy road between us, A way to strange lands But will it lead to love? Or leave me holding empty hands? I see you standing there, Your eyes a gentle plea. Will you meet me halfway, Or leave me in uncertainty? To cross the street or not, A choice that holds such weight. Do I risk it all for love, Or let fear dictate my fate? 43 | STREETSCAPES

ss The But love is never certain, Or Not? It's a gamble we all must take. So, I'll gather up my courage, ffel Almedilla And step forward, for love's sake. I'll cross that busy street, Reach out for your hand. Together we'll lead, This journey, hand in hand. United, we'll venture, Through the bustling street. With each stride, we'll discover, A love that's pure and sweet. Captured by: Emmar Christian Perez STREETSCAPES | 44

Kalye Jeriel Sandoval Ang lungga ng mga taong nabuhay na sa arte. Paano ko ba ito nasabi? Kung pulos dahilan nalang palagi, Simulan natin sa pagbukas ng ating mga labi. Tapon dito, tapon doon ano nga ba talaga ang rason? Mga basura na dapat ay ibinaon sa pagtapon Kalakip ang tamis ng kahapon, na ang hamon Ay ang mga basurang awas sa balon. \"Tinatamad ako\", anong rason iyan? Nararapat ba na ang lansangan ang maparusahan Sa iyong walang kalapastangananan At kasalanan sa ating kalikasan? Kung parating ganyan ang gagawin mo sa ating daanan Ay babalik sa'yo ang pagsampal ng katotohanan. Kaibigan, halika na't tayo'y maglaan Para sa malinis na ating tinatamasa. 45 | STREETSCAPES

Lygophilia Gwyneth De la Cruz Freezing Sunday morning I felt too much cold that makes me trembling Hot Choco in the dining, What do I do for a living? I don’t bother to go outside during the day my neighborhood gives me a monstrous glare I live in the dark, emotions sails May gossip, pals, stays so rare Nights make me calm Always find himself with his lambs Help! Lights! I’m drowning Ruinous mouth, where I living. Captured by: John Harold Ebona STREETSCAPES | 46

Artwork by: Clariz Dematera

Collided Mikaellah Munlawin A cat lover walked down the street, With his feline friend, so sweet, The sun was shining, the day was bright, Everything seemed to be just right. But then a car came speeding by, And in an instant, the cat did die, The owner's heart was filled with pain, As he watched his beloved pet slain. The street was once a place of joy, Where he and his cat would often frolic and enjoy, But now it's a place of sadness and grief, A place where the cat's memory is etched like a wreath. The owner still walks down the street, But now his heart is incomplete, For his furry friend is no longer by his side, And he misses him deeply, his heart opens wide. The street is a reminder of the loss, Of the cat that once brought him so much joy and gloss, But he knows that his friend will always be, A part of him, forever free. STREETSCAPES | 48

Captured by: Mikaellah Munlawin 49 | STREETSCAPES

Horns And Hurdles Mikaellah Munlawin The streets are crowded, the cars in a row, The engines roar and the horns blow, A sea of metal, a rush hour tide, With drivers impatient, eager to glide. The traffic crawls, inch by inch, Tempers flaring, nerves start to pinch, The stress builds up, the heat intensifies, As the clock ticks on, time flies. The traffic lights change, the lanes merge, Tempers rise, emotions surge, Frustration mounts, horns honk in rage, As the cars move on, in this traffic maze. The sound of engines, the smell of fuel, A city’s lifeblood, a busy whirlpool, But in this chaos, we all strive, To reach our destinations, and stay alive. So we navigate this sea of cars, With patience, caution, and mindful hearts, In this traffic, we are all the same, Just trying to get by, in life’s daily game. STREETSCAPES | 50

Batang Pulubi Clariz Dematera Sa eskinitang ito Umikot ang aking mundo Isang malaking kwarto At kamang semento Naghihintay ng biyaya Sa kakaunting barya Nilimos na ligaya Ay isang araw na saya Butas-butas na damit Na tila basahang pinagkabitkabit Araw araw kong gamit Kahit na punit-punit Mga tanong sa isipan, Bakit ito’y nararanasan? Ito ba’y aking kasalanan? Biktima lamang ako ng kahirapan 51 | STREETSCAPES

Di ko ginustong dito manirahan Mamuhay at mamalimos sa lansangan Gumawa man ako ng paraan Wala din namang patutunguhan Kaalaman ko’y salat na salat Maging pangalan ko’y di ko maisulat Ngunit kahit ganoon kahirap Nakukuha ko paring mangarap Nais kong maging isang makata Hindi gaya ng mga taong aking nakikita Nagpapabalikbalik sila dito sa eskinita Dumadaan, ngunit parang walang nakikita Pangarap kong maging ilaw Sa kagaya kong uhaw Dahil alam ko balang araw Pangarap kong ito’y matatanaw Captured by: STREETSCAPES | 52 Mikaellah Munlawin

Crossroads of Paths and Lives Dhaione Mhico Mariquita 53 | STREETSCAPES

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Sidewalk Peddlers Mikaellah Munlawin Amidst the city’s rush and roar, Street vendors sell their goods galore, Their humble stalls and carts aglow, With colors, smells, and sounds, they show. From fresh fruits to sizzling meat, To toys and trinkets, all so neat, They offer wares both old and new, And haggle prices with a few. 55 | STREETSCAPES

With nimble hands and knowing eyes, They charm the crowds with their surprise, Their voices echo through the streets, As they invite us with their treats. And though they stand on uneven ground, Their spirit shines, so strong and sound, For they’re the heart of this cityscape, Bringing life to the streets they shape. On the streets, they stand Selling food and trinkets by hand From sunrise until the night Working hard with all their might In the heat and rain, they stay Their livelihoods are on display With smiles and friendly chatter They sell their goods without matter Their stories untold, their struggles unseen Yet they persevere, their spirits unbroken and keen For their families and dreams, they fight On the streets, day and night. Captured by: Kayn Twixy Punzalan STREETSCAPES | 56

Ang Panyong Kahel Gwyneth De la Cruz Captured by: Mikaellah Munlawin

Nakikinita ng ligaw na damdamin Nararamdamang hindi maaamin Nakilala ko ang lalaking sa landas na aking tinatahak Panyong Kahel sa kalsada'y pumatak Makikilala mo ang aking sinisinta kung ako'y titigan sa aking mga mata Nanawag, umaagaw pansin ng masulyapan Isang imahe sa may lansangan Kapwa nasisilayan ang bawat isa Sa araw na dumaan, mapupuna Ang pagbabago sa nakalipas na sandali Masiglang pigura namumuntawi Nakikipagtagisan ng salita Kasiyahan sa kanya nagmumula Nagtatalong mga tingin Sumisigaw ng tahimik ang salamin Isang umaga ang tapat Magbibigay ng impormasyong sapat Ngunit di inaasahan itoy matatanggap Sa dalawang ngiti na nasagap Sa daan tayo unang nagtagpo Sa daan din mawawakasan ang puso Maling hinala aking napansin Ibigin itong kahel ng palihim STREETSCAPES | 58

Abalang Lansangan Mariz Eiffel Almedilla Sa isang abalang lansangan, Lumaki ako at nanirahan Sa bawat sulok, may kwento at pananaw Sa bawat panig, may kaisipang matatanaw Sa paglingon ko sa kaliwa, aking napansin Isang taong naglalakad na tila may pasanin Bawat hakbang niya'y mabigat, puno ng alalahanin Ngunit ang lakas ay nasa loob, isang tahimik na panalangin Puno naman ng hiyawan, nang lumingon ako sa kanan Mga palakpakan at sigawan akin din napakinggan Mga indayog at tugtugan noong aking nilapitan Laganap na kasiyahan, makikita sa ilang kabataan 59 | STREETSCAPES

Sa aking paglalakad ay aking nakasalubong Isang matandang lalaki na hinubog ng maraming taon Ang kaniyang layunin ay puno ng kagalakan Ito ay ang mag-iwan ng bakas ng maraming karunungan Sa gitna ng lansangan, magkahawak-kamay na naglalakad Dalawang estranghero, pagmamahalan ay nalalahad May kaguluhan man o katahimikan, mga puso’y magkaugnay Handang harapin anumang hamon sa buhay Palubog na ang araw, naisipan kong huminto Sa harap ko ay batang hindi nagsasawang maglaro Tila sinusulit ang bawat pagtakbo, kaya’t naisip ko Darating ang panahon, ang buhay ay magiging komplikado Kaya’t sa aking paglilibot, sa abalang lansangan Madaming natutunan, madaming nasaksihan Akin mang lilisanin itong nakagisnan Ngunit hinding hindi mawawala ang puso sa nakasanayan STREETSCAPES | 60

SHORT STORIES MAIKLING KUWENTO



Mystical Mikaellah Ella had always felt invisible on the streets she walked down every day. She was just another face in the crowd, a forgotten nobody. That was until she saw the street vendor selling trinkets and jewelry. Among the various items, Ella spotted a necklace with a strange-looking gemstone, and she felt drawn towards it. \"How much for this one?\" Ella asked the vendor, pointing at the necklace. The vendor smiled and said, \"That's a special piece. It has magical powers.\" Ella raised an eyebrow and asked, \"Magical powers? What do you mean?\" The vendor replied with a knowing smile, \"I just know. You'll see.\" Ella was skeptical but curious and bought the necklace, putting it on as she walked away. Suddenly, she felt a strange energy flowing through her body. It was like a jolt of electricity that made her hair stand on end. Ella stopped in her tracks and looked around, wondering what had just happened. 63 | STREETSCAPES

Necklace h Munlawin She continued to walk, and the feeling intensified. She could feel the energy pulsating through her veins. Ella closed her eyes and concentrated, and when she opened them, she saw that everything around her was different. Her vision was clearer, the colors were more vibrant, and she could see things she had never noticed before. Feeling exhilarated, Ella decided to test her newfound abilities. She concentrated on a nearby trash can and made it levitate with her mind. Ella's eyes widened in amazement as she realized that she could control objects with her thoughts. Ella spent the rest of the day exploring her abilities, and the more she used them, the more powerful they became. She could create a shield around herself, move objects with her mind, and even summon bursts of energy that would knock people off their feet. Feeling empowered, Ella decided to use her powers for good. She helped people in need by lifting heavy objects or blowing away leaves from the street. She stopped bullies from picking on smaller kids, and she protected the elderly from harm. STREETSCAPES | 64

As Ella's fame grew, she attracted the attention of a group of street gangsters who saw her as a potential threat. They started following her, waiting for the right moment to strike. One day, as Ella was walking down the street, she noticed the gangsters approaching her. She knew that she had to use her powers to protect herself and those around her. Ella closed her eyes, focused her mind, and summoned her powers. Suddenly, a bright light emanated from the necklace, and Lena felt a surge of energy flowing through her body. With a flick of her wrist, Ella sent a burst of energy towards the gangsters, causing them to fly back. She quickly ran away from the scene and found a quiet spot to catch her breath. Ella realized that the necklace had given her a gift that came with a price. She was now a target, and she had to be careful about who knew her secret. Despite the danger, Ella continued to use her powers to help others and fight against evil. She knew that the necklace was a special gift, and she would cherish it forever. The street had become a safer place because of her. 65 | STREETSCAPES

Years went by, and Ella became known as the protector of the street. People would come to her for help, and she would always be there to lend a hand. One day, as Ella was walking down the street, she saw a young girl looking at the same necklace that had changed her life. Ella smiled and walked up to her. \"That necklace is special,\" she said. The girl looked up at Lena with wide eyes and asked, \"How do you know?\" Ella replied with a knowing smile, \"I just know.\" STREETSCAPES | 66

Ginto At Alikabok Charlie Reyes Sa maliit na bayan ng isang lalawigan, mayroong dalawang matalik na magkaibigan na sina Jose at Miguel. Ang dalawa ay matagal nang magkakilala at tanyag sa kanilang lugar dahil sa kanilang pagiging lehitimong tindero ng iba’t ibang uri ng lokal na kalakal at sariling produkto na matatagpuan sa tabi ng kalsada o sa lansangan. Isang araw habang sila ay nagtatrabaho, bigla na lamang nakaramdam ng kakaibang sakit sa dibdib na naging dahilan ng hirap sa paghinga si Miguel, kung kaya’t hindi na nito nagawang ipagpatuloy ang pagtitinda sa araw na iyon. Dahil sa suhestiyon ng kaibigan, tumungo ang dalawa sa doktor upang mapatingnan ang kalagayan ni Miguel. Si Jose ay matiyagang naghihintay sa labas at at si Miguel lamang ang nakausap ng doktor. Isang malungkot na ekspresyon ng doktor ang bumungad kay Miguel, sapagkat ayon sa doktor, base sa mga isinagawang tests, siya ay mayroong malubhang sakit na hindi na kayang agapan pa. Ang lung cancer na nakuha niya dahil sa walang tigil na paninigarilyo. 67 | STREETSCAPES

“Wala na ba talagang paraan para malunasan ang sakit na ito?” malungkot na tanong ni Miguel sa doktor. “Dahil sa iyong pagsasawalang-bahala noong mga panahong nakakaramdam ka na ng sakit sa dibdib, hindi ko maipapangako na malulunasan pa ito. Malala na ang iyong sakit, ngunit huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Bibigyan kita ng lista ng mga gamot na kailangan mong inumin at regular kang magpakonsulta sa akin para sa iba pang lunas,” tugon ng doktor kay Miguel. Natapos na ang pag-uusap ng dalawa. Lumabas na si Miguel at nagaalalang sinalubong siya ni Jose na kaagad nagtanong tungkol sa kaniyang kalagayan. \"Miguel! Kumusta? Anong sinabi ng doktor? Bakit ka daw nakakaramdam ng ganyang sakit?” nababahalang tanong ni Jose. “Maayos naman daw ang lahat, sadyang napagod lang ako sa walang tigil na pagtatrabaho. Kinakailangan ko lang inumin ang mga gamot na ito at magpahinga,” pagsisinungaling ni Miguel. Makalipas ang ilang buwan simula noong malaman ni Miguel ang tungkol sa kaniyang sakit, unti-unti na siyang nagkaproblema sa gastusin. Gustuhin mang parating magpagamot ni Miguel, nauubos na rin lahat ng kaniyang iniipon at sa kasamaang palad, hindi bumubuti ang kaniyang kalagayan. Hindi rin ito alam ng kaniyang kaibigan at wala siyang balak na ipaalam. STREETSCAPES | 68

Humantong sa sitwasyon na hindi na niya magawang magtinda at ipinagbili na niya lahat ng mayroon siya tulad ng bahay. Ito ang naging dahilan ng pagtulog niya sa tabing kalsada at ang pagtigil sa pagpapagamot. Sa kabilang banda, patuloy naman na tumataas ang kita ni Jose sa kaniyang negosyo. Masayang-masaya siya sa kung ano ang kinahihinatnan ng negosyo niya ngayon. Nagsimula na din ang kaniyang pag-asenso at nakakaipon na upang may magamit siya sa kung ano mang bagay ang nais niyang ipundar balang araw. Unti-unti na rin siyang nagpaplano ng pagpapalawak pa ng kaniyang negosyo dahil sa tagumpay na tinatamasa nito. At dahil sa pagiging tutok sa trabaho ay hindi na niya masyadong naalala ang kaniyang matalik na kaibigan, at ang laging nasa isip niya ay ang kumita ng pera at umangat sa buhay. Dala ng malubhang karamdaman, binawian na ng buhay si Miguel. Nang dumating ang nakakapanlumong balita kay Jose, napuno siya ng pagsisisi at panghihinayang. Sa lahat ng naging tulong at sakripisyo para sa kaniya ni Miguel noong mga panahong nagsisimula pa lamang sila sa kanilang mga pangarap, hindi man lamang niya nagawang suklian ito at mas higitan pa gayong mayroon na siyang kakayahan ngayon. Dahil sa masalimuot na nangyari, maraming napagtanto si Jose. Iniisip niya na kaya siguro hindi nagawang lumapit ni Miguel sa kaniya ay sapagkat siya itong unti-unting napapalayo ng dahil sa pagnanais na kaagad na mapabuti ang kanyang buhay matapos magkaroon ng pagkakataon. 69 | STREETSCAPES

Lumipas man ang ilang linggo ay nananatili pa rin ang lungkot at pangungulila ni Jose sa kaibigan. Bigla na lamang sumagi sa kaniyang isipan ang nagiisang lugar kung saan nagsimula ang pangarap nilang dalawa. Bata at gusgusin sila noon ng palagi nilang pinaglalaruan ang bakanteng bangketa malapit sa tabi ng kalsada. “Kapag ako nagkapera, magtatayo ako ng negosyo dito, madaming dumadaan at paniguradong papatok sa mga tao”, nangangarap na sambit ni Miguel. “Oo nga no! Nais ko din magtayo ng kahit na maliit na tindahan dito, yung kaya nating ipundar,” ang tugon naman ni Jose. “Kaya simula pa lang ngayon ay magsikap na tayo, paniguradong makakamit din natin iyon.” At doon nagsimula ang pagiging malapit na magkaibigan ng dalawa. Gamit ang kaniyang mga naipong pera, binili niya ang bangketa at dito nagtayo ng isang munting tindahan bilang pag-alala sa yumaong kaibigan. Bagama’t hindi nila magkasamang naabot ang pangarap na iyon, simula sa araw na iyon, siya na ang magpapatuloy upang ipagpatuloy ang alaala ng kanilang pagkakaibigan. Ito ang magsisilbing ginto na habang-buhay na iingatan ni Jose bilang alaala ng kanilang nakaraang buhay na kahawig ng alikabok dahil sa mga hamon at kahirapang pinagdaanan nila noon. STREETSCAPES | 70

Nightlife in Town John Cedrick Cabrillas



Light’s Glimpse of the Past Jeriel Sandoval \"Click!\" \"Click!\" \"Click!\" The bustling street becomes Jeriel's main subject as he travels around different places with his camera. It's still confusing to him as to why, of all the possible subjects he could choose, these streets keep luring him back. Maybe it's the constant flow of traffic and vehicles competing for space on the congested road. Or maybe it's the people, their hurried steps, sidewalk vendors persuading passersby with a variety of products, or the children in a world of their own. The streets themselves tell a story; each moment reflects the people's way of life, culture, and true spirit. Jeriel finds it fascinating to capture those moments, as he believes that the essence of these streets conveys a locality's liveliness. He finds himself capturing moments that feel all too familiar as he goes around the street countless times. The outcomes appear to be replaying themselves. 73 | STREETSCAPES

\"How did the streets look back then?\" he wonders. \"If there's a chance, even just in dreams, I want to visit those,\" he laughed as the wish to travel back in time filled his mind. He had a sense that something was missing, but he had difficulty pointing it out. Under the moonlight, while strolling along the side of the road with his camera, he noticed an oddly fascinating sight. Among the streetlights lined up, one stood out as its brightness was more apparent. He immediately captured its brilliance and briefly stared at it before continuing to walk. As he went nearer the streetlight, suddenly a gust of wind swept through, and the light began to flicker non-stop. This made the environment dizzy, disorienting him, and in an unfortunate mishap, Jeriel stumbled, crashed into the lamppost, and hit his head. And then everything went black. The next day, Jeriel slowly regained consciousness, but when he opened his eyes, he found himself in an unfamiliar environment. He had the feeling of riding in a vehicle coming to a stop. He was confused and tried to recall his surroundings and how he ended up here. \"You're awake, Mister,\" says an old man. \"This chariot can only go this far.\" He was dressed in a traditional kamiso and pants, which added to Jeriel's confusion. STREETSCAPES | 74

He stepped out of the vehicle, his eyes widening at what he saw. It was indeed a chariot, a mode of transportation he had only seen in historical pieces. The entire environment in front of him appeared to be from a time long past. He looked down at his clothes and found that they matched the clothing worn by the men around him. It was as if he had become part of this strange world. He became aware that he was standing in front of what appeared to be a street. He thought to himself that if it was a dream, he would seize the opportunity to engage himself in this extraordinary experience. Jeriel took a step forward, eager to explore and discover the mysteries of this enchanting moment. Compared to the streets of today, Jeriel observed that this place was narrow, with just enough space for chariots and passersby. Similar to the present, the street was full of vendors offering treats such as bibingka, puto, suman, and other local delicacies. Some merchants also sell fruits, vegetables, and meat. Jeriel couldn't understand why he felt hungry, considering it was just a dream. He chose to move away from the row of foods and continue his walk. He then encounters various clothing shops. He saw the stunning baro and saya Filipinos traditionally wore back then. Although such garments can still be seen today, they have become more uncommon. 75 | STREETSCAPES

\"If only I had a camera with me, I would have captured a lot of photos. Everything is truly beautiful!\" he exclaimed to himself. He witnessed a lot more, but what truly captivated him were the people at that time. They were a far cry from the present. He met diverse groups, including pure-blooded Spaniards, indigenous locals, Chinese immigrants, and ordinary citizens. Each of them displays politeness, primitiveness, and a sense of delicacy. Jeriel spent the whole day wandering around the streets, and as night came, the streets were almost empty and dark as electricity was not yet introduced at that time. Confused about how he would awaken or escape this world, he decided to just wait for that time. Since it’s dark, he looks for a glimmer of light, and he often tripped or bumped into establishments. Eventually, he saw a lamp standing in the middle of the road. As no one seemed to own the lamp, he approached it. As he got closer, the lamp radiated an even brighter glow, until he had to shut his eyes due to its overwhelming glow. And unexpectedly, something happened that he never anticipated. He awoke to find himself in a completely different setting. He pieced together the unfolding events gradually. Everything was triggered by the radiance of the light that consistently crossed his path. First, there was the flickering streetlamp, and then the glow of the lamp just moments before. These appeared to be capable of transporting him through time, granting his deepest desire. STREETSCAPES | 76

Confused about what was going on, he just believed that there was a reason behind it all. It was a dream come true for him, and he just surrendered to the events. Having enough knowledge about the history, he was aware of the time when Americans came, especially when there were westerners passing by. Eagerly, he walked to the place he had always longed to see. The landscape showed progress as there were developments in the structures with widened streets. The American-style patterns for street layout have become more prevalent, blending with the remnants of the past. Immersed in his observations, he appreciates every detail that unfolds in front of him. Despite some areas having electricity, he still decided to look for an odd light as he knew what would happen next. He found a nostalgic, flickering streetlight. He approached it and patiently waited for the next journey it would trigger. As expected, the light transported him to the time of the Japanese occupation. And compared to the other periods, the streets bore the scars of conflict, damaged due to military activities and other senses of chaos. He was then brought to different periods and absorbed the varying states of the streets. He witnessed the evolution and growth of the nation’s urban landscape. Every moment held a fascinating narrative, and he made every second of it worth appreciating. At the last stop, the light guided him back to reality. 77 | STREETSCAPES

He woke up in a hospital room surrounded by white walls. Slowly, all of the events began to sink in. After he lost consciousness when he collided with the lamppost, fortunately, there was a stranger who saw him and brought him here. Now enlightened, Jeriel recognized the allure of these vibrant streets, igniting a deep passion within him to capture the moments that unfolded. Through his lens, he aimed to share the beauty found amidst the chaos and the authenticity of these street scenes, inviting others to witness and appreciate the untold stories they held. Although Jeriel couldn’t capture every aspect of his extraordinary journey, each experience he witnessed would forever live on in his heart and mind as a cherished memory that transcended time. STREETSCAPES | 78

Beyond The Streets Mikaellah Munlawin Valiery had always been fascinated by magic. As a child, she spent hours reading books about wizards and witches, dreaming of a world where anything was possible. But as she grew older, she came to realize that magic was just a figment of her imagination, a fantasy that could never be real. That all changed one day when she stumbled upon a magical flying car on the street. It was a sleek, silver vehicle with wings that stretched out from its sides like a bird in flight. As Valiery approached the car, she noticed that there was no driver inside, and yet the car seemed to be alive, humming with a strange energy that she couldn’t quite explain. Without thinking, Valiery climbed inside the car and buckled herself in. As soon as she did, the car came to life, its wings flapping as it lifted off the ground. Valiery gasped in amazement as they soared into the sky, leaving the busy city streets far below. 79 | STREETSCAPES

As they flew over the city, Valiery marveled at the sight of buildings and cars shrinking away to nothingness beneath them. She felt free and weightless as if she could go anywhere and do anything she wanted. But as they soared higher and higher into the sky, Valiery began to realize that she had no idea where they were going. She looked around the car, searching for a steering wheel or some other way to control their flight, but there was nothing to be found. Just as she was starting to panic, the car suddenly slowed down and began to descend. They landed in a small clearing in the middle of a dense forest, surrounded by towering trees and the chirping of birds. Valiery climbed out of the car, her heart pounding with excitement. She had no idea where she was, but she knew that she was somewhere special, somewhere magical. As she explored the forest, she discovered that she had somehow been transported to a different world, a world of magic and wonder. She met creatures that she had only ever read about in books: unicorns, dragons, and even a talking tree. For weeks, Valiery wandered through this magical world, learning all that she could about its wonders and secrets. She studied under a wise old wizard, who taught her spells and incantations that allowed her to harness the power of magic. STREETSCAPES | 80

But as much as she loved this new world, Valiery knew that she could not stay there forever. She had a life back in the real world, and she knew that she had to return. With a heavy heart, Valiery climbed back into the magical flying car and started the engine. As the car lifted off the ground and soared into the sky, she felt tears streaming down her face, knowing that she was leaving behind a world that had become so dear to her. But as she flew over the city once again, Valiery knew that she had been forever changed by her magical adventure. She knew that anything was possible and that the world was full of wonders and surprises that she had yet to discover. When Valiery landed back on the streets, she realized that she had been gone for much longer than she thought. As she walked through the bustling city, she noticed that everything looked different. The buildings were older, the cars were more vintage, and the people were dressed in clothes from another era. Confused and disoriented, Valiery tried to make sense of what had happened. She approached a group of people on the street and asked them what year it was. They looked at her strangely before telling her that it was 1925. Valiery couldn’t believe it. Somehow, her magical flying car had transported her not only to a different world but also to a different time. She wondered if she would ever be able to return to her own time or if she was stuck in the past forever. 81 | STREETSCAPES

As she wandered through the streets, Valiery realized that she had a unique opportunity. She could use her knowledge of the future to change the course of history. She could warn people about the wars and disasters that were to come, or she could use her magic to prevent them from happening altogether. Valiery knew that it wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to make a difference. She spent the next few years using her magic to help people, becoming a hero in her own right. And when she finally found a way to return to her own time, she knew that she had made a lasting impact on the world. STREETSCAPES | 82

Artwork by: Clariz Dematera 83 | STREETSCAPES

Mahogany Clariz Dematera \"Peep.. peep……\" \"Taho! Taho, taho over here.\" The noisy surroundings always greet me whenever I go out of our apartment. I’m now in my second year of college at a public university on Mahogany Street. My daily routine is just repetitive. School, home, school, home, school, home, endlessly. Life is so boring, as they say. Yes, I agree; it’s true, I’m boring. By the way, although it’s not obvious, I actually graduated as the valedictorian during high school, so now that I’m in college, I have high expectations of reaching the top spot once again. Not until he came. \"Mara, have you finished your literature PowerPoint?\" Henry asked me while handing his notes to Lindy. \"Ugh, why do you always ask me if I’m done or not with our presentation? What’s it to you?\" I retorted inwardly. It’s just frustrating because I see him as a rival, but he doesn’t see me as one. It’s like, I thought I could reach the top spot, but he’s the obstacle. I’m so annoyed with him, you know? I make an effort to do everything, but everything seems so easy for him. STREETSCAPES | 84

It’s already May, but as usual, we have classes during the summer season. The vacation is near, but we still have a lot of work to do. And this time, to my unlucky surprise, I was grouped with him for one of our term projects. \"Miss Sarmiento and Mr. Abrasado, for Group 3, I expect that you will have the best presentation in this class,\" our professor stated. \"Yes, sir, we will do our best,\" Henry replied eagerly as he received the assigned topic for our group. \"Ugh, why out of all the possible groupmates, it had to be him? So annoying,\" I muttered to myself in frustration. \"Mara, so... where do you want to do the presentation? Do you want to do it at Mahogany Park in front of Savy Street?\" he calmly asked. \"Sure, let’s do it there,\" I replied energetically, faking a smile. \"Why do you even ask when you've already made a decision?\" I muttered in my mind while smiling at him, feeling annoyed. \"Okay, see you tomorrow after class,\" he said with a smile before walking away like he didn’t care about our next class. \"Sure,\" I replied with a nod. 85 | STREETSCAPES

The next morning, as I was waiting for a Jeepney ride to school, I saw him waiting for a ride as well. It was surprising since I had never seen him waiting here before. Our eyes met. \"Hey, Mara,\" he greeted warmly while waving at me. \"Hi,\" I replied coldly. The jeepney arrived, and we both got in, but... \"Why did he have to sit next to me?\" I grumbled in my mind. The jeepney was already full of passengers, and he sat beside me. We had to wait for two more passengers before the driver finally started the engine. After a few minutes, the jeepney started to become less crowded, but then it suddenly stopped, and I almost fell. Henry held me to prevent me from falling further, and our eyes met. \"Are you okay?\" he asked shyly. \"Yes, thank you,\" I replied softly, then pulled away from his grasp. \"Why is my heart beating so fast?\" I muttered. \"Maybe it was nothing, I just got scared earlier because I almost fell,\" I assured myself. STREETSCAPES | 86

I looked at him to see his reaction, but he just avoided my gaze. I really can’t understand him. The jeepney stopped at our destination, and I got off and went to our first class. After a few hours, all our classes for the day ended, and I immediately went to Henry for our presentation on history. But as I approached him, he suddenly ran away. \"Hey, Henry, where are you going? I thought we were going to do our presentation at Mahogany Park?\" I shouted at him. \"Sorry, there’s an emergency at home. I’ll just message you,\" he replied as he ran away. \"What’s going on? It’s like he’s acting weird,\" I muttered irritably. I went home and waited for his message. I was surprised when I saw his message. He had already finished our PowerPoint and assigned topics without even asking for my opinion. I answered him and told him why he didn’t ask for my help. I was really annoyed with him. I felt like he didn’t trust my abilities just because he was so intelligent. The next day, I wanted to ask him about our presentation, but he continued to avoid me. This became my daily routine because of him. I felt like I was chasing him all the time, and I was annoyed that he always avoided me. During our tech class, I caught him looking at me, but he just looked away like nothing happened. That was his usual 87 | STREETSCAPES

reaction every time we saw each other. I stopped caring about him and didn’t ask why he was angry with me or why he was avoiding me. We also didn’t talk in the morning while waiting for the Jeep. But to be honest, I was really curious about him. I want to know why he was angry. \"Wait, why am I so curious about him? So what if he’s angry?\" I asked myself. But I was really annoyed with his reaction, so before he could run away again, I stopped him by holding his hand and asking, \"Henry, why are you avoiding me? What did I do wrong?\" I shouted while holding his hand. \"You’re so slow, why can’t you get it? You’re so intelligent, but you can’t even understand? I like you, Mara,\" he answered. I was shocked by his answer. I didn’t know what to say to him. Out of all the equations and problem statements, this was the most difficult to solve. I was standing there motionless on the street as I watched him walk away. I finally reached the school, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn’t focus all day as Henry’s words from earlier kept replaying in my head. \"Peep peep!\" I was suddenly yanked to the side of the road, just in time to avoid being hit by a passing jeepney. STREETSCAPES | 88

\"What’s wrong with you people? If you’re going to kill yourself, don’t drag others down with you!\" the jeepney driver yelled in anger. \"Sorry, sir,\" the person who saved me replied. \"Mara, are you okay?\" he asked, concerned. \"Thank you,\" I responded, still in shock. When I turned around, I saw the face of the person who had saved me. \"Henry?\" I exclaimed. \"What happened? Why were you so out of it?\" he asked, curious. \"You’re the reason for this; why are you always on my mind?\" I blurted out loudly. I was surprised at myself for saying that, and Henry seemed equally shocked by my outburst. I knew that this was not just a misunderstanding. Suddenly, the surrounding area fell silent, and it felt like we were the only two people on the street. Now I know what I’m feeling. It’s not just a misunderstanding or an unsolved problem; it seems to be that I also like him. Here on Mahogany Street, where I accidentally confessed my true feelings to the person I once despised and who is now the person I love the most. 89 | STREETSCAPES