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Artwork by: Emmar Christian Perez

Trapiko Daniel Angelo Merhan Isang mainit na araw ang tinatahak ng mag-asawang sina Jenny at Macky, kasama ang kanilang nag-iisang anak na si Jun na walong taong gulang. Mabaho, mausok, at tila mala-EDSA ang trapik sa kalsada kung iisipin. Hindi magkamayaw si Jenny sa pagpaypay gamit ang nag-iisang abaniko dahil sa sobrang init dulot ng mahabang trapik sa kalsada. Kasabay pa nito ay ang mga makakapal at maiitim na usok na ibinubuga ng mga sasakyan. “Hay naku! Napakainit, wala ba tayong ibang daan? Eh halos magda-dalawang oras na tayong nakatigil dito ah.” Sambit ni Jenny sa kaniyang asawa. “Pasensya ka na mahal ko, wala akong ibang alam na ruta papunta sa mga Inay. Tiis-tiis lang muna, ginagawa kasi yung sirang kalsada para maiwasan ang aksidente.” Tugon ni Macky, ang kaniyang asawa. “Ah, kaya pala tayo naman ang napeperwisyo dahil hindi tayo makarating sa pupuntahan natin? Kawawa naman ang anak natin. Tignan mo, pawisan na tuloy siya. Halika ka nga dito sa unahan anak, pupunasan ko lang ang pawis mo.” Sabi ni Jenny. Agad pumunta si Jun sa kaniyang ina. Pagkatapos punasan ni Jenny ang pawis ni Jun, agad naman niya itong pinaypayan upang maibsan ang init. 91 | STREETSCAPES

Pakiramdam ni Jun ay makakatulog siya dahil sa sarap ng hangin mula sa pagpa-paypay ng kaniyang ina. Maya- maya lamang ay unti-unting pumikit ang mga mata ni Jun at ito ay nakatulog na. Sa paggising ni Jun ay agad siyang nagulantang sa kaniyang nakita mula sa labas ng kanilang sasakyan. Nakita niya na tila katabi lang nila ang ulap at kasabay nito ang mga ibong lumilipad. “Inay! Itay! Paano po nakakalipad ang ating sasakyan?! Imposible!” Gulat na bungad ni Jun. “Anak, matagal na naming inililihim sayo ito ng tatay mo. Nakakalipad talaga ang sasakyan natin dahil may mahika ito. Ito ay isang pamana ng lolo mo samin.” Sagot ni Jenny kay Jun. “Waw! Ang astig naman”, manghang sambitni Jun. “Ayos ba anak? Hindi na tayo trapik?” Sabi ni Macky. “Opo, Yehey! Ang galing-galing! Nakakalipad ang sasakyan natin!” Tugon ni Jun habang pumapalakpak siya sa tuwa. Ganun pa man, kahit nasa taas sila, natatanaw parin nila ang mga magagandang tanawin tulad ng karagatan, bundok, talampas at iba pa. Kung kaya’t tuwang-tuwa at namamangha si Jun sa kaniyang mga nakikita. “Wow! Ang ganda po ng mga tanawin.” Patuloy pa ni Jun na hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa nasasaksihan. STREETSCAPES | 92

Masarap sa pakiramdam ang sariwang simoy ng hangin na dumadampi sa balat nila Jun. Dumating ang hapon kung saan may pagkakataon silang masaksihan ang ang papalubog na araw. Napakasarap pagmasdan ng takip-silim na tila ba nagbabaliktanaw sila sa nakaraan. “Hindi ba’t napakaganda ng araw, mahal ko?” Ang tanong ni Jenny sa kaniyang asawa. “Oo nga, napakaganda.” Tugon ni Macky. “Naalala ko tuloy yung mga panahong paslit pa lamang si Jun.” Sambit ni Jenny. “Bakit po Inay?” Tanong ni Jun. “Wala lang, ang laki-laki mo na kasi.” Tugon ni Jenny sa kaniyang anak. Walang imik si Jun habang pinagmamasdan ang paglubog ng araw. Maya-maya pa’y tuluyan ng lumubog ang araw at madilim na ang himpapawid. Ang tanging nagsisilbing liwanag lamang nila ay ang mismong ilaw sa kanilang sasakyan. “Anak malapit na tayo, ayusin mo na ang mga gamit natin.” Utos ni Jenny kay Jun. Habang nag-aasikaso si Jun ng kaniyang gamit, tila mayroon siyang naririnig na boses na tinatawag ang pangalan niya. 93 | STREETSCAPES

“Jun! Jun! Jun!” Ang pasigaw na pagtawag ng hindi kilalang tao. Tinawag siya ng tinawag ng taong ito kung kaya’t napabalikwas si Jun sa kaniyang kinauupuan. Sa kanyang pagmulat ay nakita niya na ginigising siya ng kaniyang ina. “Jun gising na! Malapit na tayo.” pasigaw na sabi ng kanyang ina. “Inay? Hindi ba nalipad yung sasakyan natin?” “Ha, anong sinasabi mong nalipad?” Tanong ng Ina. “Kanina nga po pinagmamasdan pa natin yung mga magagandang tanawin, pati na rin ang paglubog ng araw.” Tugon ni Jun. “Hay naku! Ikaw talagang bata ka, kapapanood mo yan ng mga pantasya. Mag-ayos ka na at malapit na tayo sa lola mo.” Ang sabi ni Jenny sa kaniyang anak. “Grabe ang trapik kanina, napakatagal umusad ng mga sasakyan.” Ang sabi naman ni Macky. Nadismaya si Jun sa mga pangyayari, nalaman niya na hindi pala totoo ang lahat ng naranasan niya sa himapawid. Hindi rin totoo na nakakalipad sila gamit ang kanilang sasakyan. Gayunpaman, maayos naman silang nakarating sa kanilang pupuntahan. Mapaglaro talaga ang isip natin kung kaya’t napakalawak ng ating imahinasyon upang malibang ang ating sarili. STREETSCAPES | 94

Captured by:

Unforgettable Love Marvincent Angello Tabora In the crowded street, Ethan saw a girl. Ethan is a quiet and understanding person, and he wants to be loved. His past has always failed, even if he fights for it. The ending is always the same. Ethan tried and tried until he gave up. He is patiently waiting for the love that he deserves. The girl that Ethan saw is Charlotte. Charlotte is famous at her school. She is a talented, beautiful, and smart person. Ethan had the courage to take a picture with Charlotte because of his friends. Noah speaks directly to Charlotte: \"Charlotte, can Ethan have a picture with you?\" Noah is one of Ethan's friends. Charlotte agreed with a smile on her face, and Ethan is falling in love with Charlotte's smile. Ethan treasures the picture of him and Charlotte. After a week, Ethan saw Charlotte again walking on the street. He talks to Charlotte and asks some questions to have a simple conversation while walking to their home. Ethan and Charlotte have a good time. Before they finished the conversation and said goodbye to each other, Ethan asked Charlotte if they could continue their conversation through chat to get to know each other better. Charlotte agreed with Ethan. STREETSCAPES | 96

Ethan started the conversation because of the chats they have. Ethan and Charlotte now know each other better. Ethan is easily attached to Charlotte because Charlotte is the ideal girl for Ethan. All the standards of Ethan fit in Charlotte, and they have the same vibe. But Ethan is scared to fall in love again because he knows the ending. After a month, Ethan and Charlotte started dating. They have more conversations and spend more time with each other. They always eat and walk on the street. Ethan confessed his feelings to Charlotte. He said that he truly fell in love with her. Charlotte is shocked by Ethan's confession, but it is okay for her because she wants Ethan too. She is very happy, and she feels safe with Ethan. Ethan has a smile on his face because he is not rejected by Charlotte, and he said to himself that he will not give up and will give all his efforts to treasure Charlotte. One day, Charlotte said to Ethan that they were starting a \"no-label relationship\" because her parents are very strict. Her parents do not approve of her having a boyfriend while she is still studying. It will have a label if Charlotte graduates from college. Ethan promised Charlotte that he was willing to wait for her. Charlotte is happy because she didn't know that Ethan was willing to wait for her, and Ethan is very sure of his feelings. He is willing to marry Charlotte. Charlotte gives assurance to Ethan that they will last forever and that they will have a label in the future. Ethan is not scared anymore because he knows that Charlotte is the last person he will love, and he is taking a risk for it. 97 | STREETSCAPES

After 5 months, Charlotte's uncle saw Ethan and Charlotte on the street. He took some videos and sent them to their family. Charlotte's mother asked her if she had a boyfriend. Charlotte denies it because they have no label, but her mother does not believe her because they are dating. The mother and sister have many hurtful words for Charlotte. Charlotte is very sad at this moment because she has no right to love someone. Charlotte changed the vibes with Ethan, and Ethan noticed it. He asked Charlotte what had happened to her. Charlotte confesses it. Charlotte wants to end it and stop Ethan from becoming a suitor. She explained to Ethan that because of her family, she has no peace of mind anymore. Ethan had tears in his eyes, and he fought for it, but Charlotte's decision was very complete; she didn't want to continue. Ethan accepted it for Charlotte's sake. He understands Charlotte's situation. They said to each other \"goodbye\" and \"thank you\". Ethan can't accept it because, in an instant, the relationship that he wants will really end. He relapses and overthinks every night. He knows that he will not remove the memories that they have of Charlotte. From now on, Ethan will silently love Charlotte, and he will admire Charlotte from afar. STREETSCAPES | 98

Musika Sa Kalsada Victor Lopez Jr. Noong isang araw, sa isang kalsada sa Maynila, may isang batang lalaki na naglalakad mag-isa. Siya ay si Darren, isang batang ulila na nangangarap na magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan. Siya ay nakatira sa isang maliit na apartment kasama ang kanyang tiyahin. Habang naglalakad siya, nakita niya ang mga tao na nagtitinda ng mga pagkain at iba pang mga gamit sa kalsada. Mayroong nagtitinda ng isaw, fishball, kwek-kwek, at marami pang iba. Nagugutom si Darren kaya bumili siya ng ilang isaw at nilantakan ito sa tabi ng daan. Habang kumakain siya, nakita niya ang isang grupo ng mga bata na naglalaro ng piko sa kalsada. Naisip niya na sumali sa kanila at nagtanong kung pwede siyang sumali. Tinanggap naman siya ng mga bata at naglaro sila ng piko hanggang sa hapon. At simula noon, sila ay naging matatalik na magkakaibigan. 99 | STREETSCAPES

Nang mag-uwian na ang mga bata, naglakad na rin si Darren pauwi. Sa kanyang paglalakad, nakita niya ang isang lalaking may dalang gitara at kumakanta. Maganda ang boses ng lalaking iyon kaya nakuha nya ang pansin ni Darren. Siya ay si Kuya Jun, isang musikero na kumakanta para sa mga taoong dumaraan. Napakagaling niya kumanta at napapakanta rin si Darren dahil hilig talaga ni Darren ang musika. Napansin ni Kuya Jun ang talento at ni Darren sa pagkanta at ang kabaitan nito dahil habang kumakanta si Darren ay may malamig na boses na para bang mahihikayat kang pakinggan ang bawat kanta niya kaya maraming tao ang lumalapit sa kanila para magbigay ng barya. Pagkatapos kumanta ni Darren, may inabot si kuya Jun na isang bagay. \"Mukhang nakita ko na ang karapatdapat na mag may ari ng bagay na ito, ikaw Darren ang pinagpala sapagkat sa pamamagitan ng bagay na ito ay magiging maganda ang boses mo at magiging kaakit-akit sa makikinig nito,\" tinanggap ni Darren ang regalo sa kanya ni Kuya Jun. Kinabukasan ay pumunta ulit si Darren sa lugar kung saan niya nakita si kuya Jun ngunit hindi na niya ito nakita pang muli. Dumating ang araw na may isang talent show sa lugar nila. Nag-audition si Darren at dahil sa angking talento ay napili siya na maging isa sa mga kalahok sa palabas. Nag- ensayo siya ng mabuti kasama ang tulong ng kanyang mga kaibigan. STREETSCAPES | 100

\"Sa wakas magagamit ko na ang bagay na ito Kuya Jun.\" Balak na niya itong gamitin upang manalo sa palabas na magaganap. Nang dumating na ang araw ng palabas, nagpakitang- gilas si Darren sa pagkanta at napabilang sa mga maaaring tanghalin na panalo. Hindi makapaniwala ang mga hurado sa ganda ng boses ni Darren. Nang matapos ang palabas, may isa sa mga hurado na nag-alok sa kaniya na maging iskolar sa isang unibersidad na may kursong naaayon sa musika. Nagpapasalamat si Darren sa mga taong nakilala niya sa kalsada, lalo na kay Kuya Jun. Dahil sa tulong ng mga tao sa kalsada, natupad ang kanyang pangarap na maging isang magaling na mang-aawit. At sa bandang huli, siya ay naging inspirasyon sa kanyang komunidad na hindi hadlang ang kahirapan upang makamit ang mga pangarap. At ang kaniyang kuya Jun ang naging daan at motibasyon para sa pangarap niyang ito. 101 | STREETSCAPES

Captured by: Kayn Twixy Punzalan STREETSCAPES | 102

SIX-WORD STORY ANIM NA SALITANG KUWENTO



PREDATOR Angela Jersey Manago I ran, turned around, oh Crocodile! Captured by: Mikaellah Munlawin 105 | STREETSCAPES

URBAN CROSSROADS Mariz Eiffel Almedilla Signposts lead the lost soul's way. STREETSCAPES | 106

LIGAW Faith Jewell Concepcion Tahan na, nakarating tayo sa’ting tahanan. Artwork by: Clariz Dematera 107 | STREETSCAPES

TALE OF STREETFOOD Raven Anniversario Captured by: John Cedrick Cabrillas Walk down the alley, treasures await. STREETSCAPES | 108

ENCOUNTER Mariz Eiffel Almedilla Late-night walks. With random talks. Captured by: John Harold Ebona 109 | STREETSCAPES

Captured by: Mikaellah Munlawin RAIN FULL OF MEMORIES Raven Anniversario Drenched streets, whispering winds, endless memories. STREETSCAPES | 110

TAMBAY Mariz Eiffel Almedilla Eskinita'y saksi sa kumukupas na pangarap. Artwork by: Clariz Dematera 111 | STREETSCAPES

RED LIGHT Angela Jersey Mañago Shine bright like a traffic light. STREETSCAPES | 112

A JACKPOT DAY Daniel Angelo Merhan Oops! Stepped on it, so unlucky. Artwork by: Emmar Christian Perez STREETSCAPES | 113

Captured by: Kayn Twixy Punzalan LOST AND FOUND Mariz Eiffel Almedilla Lost. Busy streets. Hurried footsteps. Found. STREETSCAPES | 114

HIT AND RUN Clariz Dematera The lost slippers by the road. Artwork by: Emmar Christian Perez 115 | STREETSCAPES

Artwork by: Emmar Christian Perez DRUGS Faith Jewell Concepcion The beast awakes and takes control. STREETSCAPES | 116

SKIN AND THE OTHER Faith Jewell Concepcion The way stranger's skin kisses mine. Captured by: Mikaellah Munlawin 117 | STREETSCAPES

RAINY SEASON Daniel Angelo Merhan Flooded streets, playing time, childhood's delight. Captured by: John Cedrick Cabrillas STREETSCAPES | 118

SAVED Mariz Eiffel Almedilla Tripped; the stranger's hand caught me. Captured by: Mikaellah Munlawin 119 | STREETSCAPES

A CHILD STUFF Daniel Angelo Merhan Echoes of youths stumbled upon sidewalks. Captured by: Mikaellah Munlawin STREETSCAPES | 120

DREADED ALLEY Marvincent Angello Tabora Blooded curdles as nightmare, shadows whisper. Captured by: Dhaione Mhico Mariquita 121 | STREETSCAPES

STREET CORNER Dhaione Mhico Mariquita STREETSCAPES | 122

FEATURES TAMPOK



Captured by: Mikaellah Munlawin 125 | STREETSCAPES

Farewell Mikaellah Munlawin I find peace in the fragile beauty that surrounds me as I stand on the edge of my existence, contemplating the inevitable embrace of death. Have I lived my life to the fullest? Have I loved without hesitation or conditions? Have I made a lasting impression on the world, even if it was just a small one? How about you? Are you not afraid of dying? Have you ever had to deal with the death of a loved ones? These questions echo through the chambers of my soul, urging me to reflect upon the significance of my existence. As I walked alongside my family, tears streaming down our faces, it felt as if the weight of the world had descended upon us. The journey to the cemetery was a painful one. Every step felt heavy, as if our feet were made of lead. Yet, as we turned onto the teeming street, people began to gather on the sidewalks, their faces etched with sorrow. They had come to pay their respects, to honor the man who had touched their lives in ways that words could not describe. It was a sight that warmed my heart and offered solace amidst the overwhelming sadness. Today was the day we said our final goodbye to our beloved grandfather. The man who had been the pillar of our family, the one who had showered us with love, wisdom, and unwavering kindness, was no longer with us. STREETSCAPES | 126

Despite the fact that it was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, those individuals had come, disregarding their own safety, to bid farewell to our grandfather as his kindness had transcended the boundaries of time and place, touching the lives of countless people. Everyone knew him. Whenever he stepped foot outside and strolled through the streets, he was greeted by warm smiles and heartfelt hellos. He had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued, regardless of their station in life. It was this genuine connection that endeared him to so many. I realized that the love and adoration people had for our grandfather went far beyond the surface level. It was a deep-rooted admiration for the man he was, for the way he had touched their lives. He had been there in their moments of triumph and their moments of despair, offering unwavering support and a comforting shoulder to lean on. He had shown them what it meant to truly care for others. As we walked towards the cemetery, the outpouring of love from the community mirrored the love we felt within our family. It was as if the streets had come alive, paying tribute to a man who had left an indelible mark on their hearts. Strangers offered their condolences, sharing stories of how our grandfather had made a difference in their lives. It was a bittersweet reminder of the impact one person can have on the world around them. Walking away from the cemetery, the same street where our grandfather had once walked, his presence known to all. Our grandfather had left an imprint on the streets, on the hearts of those he had touched, and on the 127 | STREETSCAPES

very essence of our community. As time passed, the pandemic began to wane, and life slowly returned to a semblance of normalcy. The street regained its liveliness, filled with the laughter of children, the chatter of neighbors, and the sounds of daily life. Yet, there was an underlying shift—a newfound appreciation for the power of kindness, inspired by him. The street, now filled with new faces and new stories, still bore the legacy of our grandfather's love. Today, as I glanced at the calendar, I noticed that it displayed the date as May 9, 2023, marking precisely three years since we lost our beloved grandfather. Yet, the memories of his kindness continued to resonate within the hearts of those who had known him. The street became a symbol—a reminder of the compassion, generosity, and love that he had bestowed upon others. Going home after school, I walked down the street through the cemetery to visit him and as I was walking, I couldn't help but smile at the memories that flooded my mind. The echoes of his laughter seemed to blend with the sounds of children playing, creating a symphony of joy and warmth. And so, as the sun set on that day, I took one last look at the street, the tears that once flowed in sorrow now sparkled with gratitude. Our grandfather may have left this world, but his spirit lived on, carried by the winds of kindness that swept through the street and touched the lives of all who walked upon it. STREETSCAPES | 128

Windy Night Street Kenneth Cabarles As I am walking down the street, I noticed it is peaceful and also windy. It is already late at night and I lost my wallet. All I have is my foot to go home with 2 kilometers more to walk. While having a walk, it made me think so much is that why do I have an inevitable laziness that I do not know how to fix. It always stresses me to procrastinate every activity that is provided by the teachers who always makes students so stressful. I cannot agree more to my classmates that there's a week when all the teachers of each of our subjects, gives activities and performance simultaneously. While walking, I noticed there are some college students from the school where I am from those smokes like heck. And they talk about getting girls and such. I found it creepy and hate them for that as they looked at me like they have evil intent. I just ignored them as I don't want to attract another problem right now. Honestly, I love walking in the night. I also hope every day I forgot my money at home or didn't got friends to let me borrow some. It happened today as I let them go first. My parents are away at home because they got work. I told them I got home even though I still got one and a half kilometer to walk. 129 | STREETSCAPES

Another thing I noticed while walking is that there are dogs that playing, I love dogs and I love looking at them having fun. I remembered there are people that hates dog, and I really do not understand why. They must live a very unhappy and depressed life not appreciating every little thing in the world. Well, the world is full of greedy people and that includes me. I am greedy to feel the peace and lovely times like this one. I am currently studying at FAITH Fidelis Senior High School and it is in Tanauan. I live at San Fernando, Malvar and I enjoy walking from Tanauan to my home. I tried to reach my friend through a phone call but my phone died before I reached him. I assume the world wants me to enjoy the walking alone tonight. Another thing I saw is that one man, struggles to push his cart as one of its wheels is stuck in a hole. I ran over to him and helped him. He sells fruits like pineapples and bananas. I love these kinds of people who sells fruits, the job itself looks comfy as you stroll and waits for a buyer while smelling the aroma of fresh fruits like pineapples and bananas. The man thanked me and told me if I wanted to get one whole pineapple or banana. I told him thank you but I am good. He gave me one pineapple slices and one banana. I gladly and gratefully accepted it, as I waited for him to go and gone to the incoming street. I then continued my walk as I ate first the pineapple slice. It is indeed one of the most delicious pineapples I have ate in the last few years I can tell. It's so good and fresh. I enjoyed every bite as I STREETSCAPES | 130

swallowed it. I then ate the banana right after that and it is also good. I continued my walk as I am now in the place of Poblacion, Malvar. It is my hometown and I feel safe around here. I love the place, even if it is small. It feels homey and good. I stopped in the front of convenient store and sit down to one of its chairs. I talked to one of the balut vendor near me and told him how many did he sold today. He said average, and more to come. He told me if I would buy but I apologized as I told him that I lost my wallet that's why I walked in the street. He told me he'll gave me one, but I refused. I told him that he I don't want to owe him any money but he insisted I try it. Again, I accepted and tried to taste it, all I can tell is that this feels so nostalgic because the last time I ate one is I am still a kid. Ever since we moved to a new home, I didn't taste. It is delicious like the one I remembered. And I found it lovely to meet new people and gave me food along the way. I am thankful for them as I filled my stomach with their offerings. I looked in the sky as I saw the moon bright as ever, and the wind feels good in the skin. The Malvar streets feels home and safe, as the light posts are aesthetically pleasing in the eye. The cars that pass sound, and the few people that walks the streets. I looked at my watch, it's already 9 o'clock so I 131 | STREETSCAPES

continue to walk to the windy night street, and ventured the streets of Malvar. It is my place to get lost into, and love the journey to find out my home. After all, I know my way home and the way home is always peaceful. After a kilometer walk, I saw the gate of the subdivision where I live, and I am starting to feel the farewell of the attachment I have built through the little journey I have experienced. On my way home, I saw the lights of my home subdivision, as I also love walking and never get used to it. When will I experience this again? When will I feel the joy of temporary forgetting the problems of the real world? When will I, venture the windy night streets again? STREETSCAPES | 132

Bangketa Darryl Shann Mendoza Sa loob ng mahabang araw, dumadating ang oras na wala akong magawa sa bahay. Papasok ang pag iimbita sa mga tropa ng pagtambay sa kalye. Marami na kaming napagsamahan lahat na tipong kahit nakaupo na lang sa bangketa ay sapat na. Maari rin na magkayayaan kumain sa kung saan man na pwedeng mapag-meryendahan. Mahaba- habang kwentuhan, mapa-seryoso o mapa-kwentong barbero, na habang dumadaloy ang oras ay hindi ko na namamalayan. Nagsimula ang lahat sa isang kompyuteran na aking napuntahan. Bago pa lang kaming lipat sa syudad kaya naninibago ako sa aking kapaligiran. Napadalas ang aking pagpunta roon araw-araw. May mga nakilala akong mga bagong kaibigan dahil sa lugar na ito. Kapag pare-pareho kami na walang pera na pangkompyuter ay tumatambay lang kami sa labas nitong bangketa. Mula noong napadalas kami roon, naging isang paraan ko na ito para makisalamuha sa ibang tao. Lalo akong napalapit sa kanila sapagkat sila lamang ang naging kaibigan ko sa aming kapitbahayan. Marami na kaming mga nasaksihang mga pangyayari tulad ng mga pag-aaway ng ibang tao, sigawan, o mapa-kasiyahan man. Sa loob man ng 133 | STREETSCAPES

mga nasaksikan kong ito ay may mga napulot din akong aral at may mga bagay din na nakatulong sa pagbukas ng aking isipan sa reyalidad ng buhay lalo na’t madalas akong mag isip-isip ng iba’t-ibang bagay. Naging isang paraan ko na rin ito upang makatakas sa aking mga problema kahit na panandalian lang. Dulot na rin ng aking kahirapan sa buhay at sa kadahilanang wala akong trabaho sapagkat pinatigil muna ako sa pag-aaral sa eskwelahan, may magandang nagging dulot pa rin naman ang aking pagtambay lalo na kapag kasama ang barkada sa bangketa. Mas lumalalim ang pang-unawa at kaalaman sa buhay dahil sa mga kaibigan kong palaging nakasubaybay sa akin. Kapag naman nagustuhan kong lumabas sa gabi ay pumupunta ako sa bangketa na kung saan nakakahanap ako ng sarili kong kapayapaan. Mag-isa man o may kasama ay nananatili pa ring payapa para sa akin sapagkat ang pagtambay kasama ang mga espesyal na tao ay sapat na sa akin. May ibang tao na galit sa mga tambay dahil iniisip nila na wala na ang mga itong ibang ginawang bagay kung hindi ang tumambay. Sa akin naming opinion ay hindi masama ang tumambay sapagkat paminsan-minsan ay nakakatulong din ito hindi lamang para makapag-isip-isip ng mga bagay bagay kung hindi upang makalanghap ng sariwang hangin at makapagpapresko ng isipan. Hindi ba nila naiisip na may magandang dulot rin kaming mga tambay? Katulad na lang kapag may mga taong dumadaan at hindi nila alam ang kanilang destinasyon na pupuntahan ay magkukusa na ako lumapit at tutulungan ko sila sa direksyon ng kanilang pupuntahan. Hindi lahat ng mga tao na tumatambay ay may STREETSCAPES | 134

masamang binabalak o wala ng balak sa buhay. Paano naman ako na ang gusto lang naman ay simpleng samahan ng mga barkada at makapag-isip lamang? Minsan sumosobra na rin ang pananalita ng ibang tao pero wala akong karapatan para magalit sa kanila sapagkat hindi ko naman hawak ang pag-iisip nila at hayaan na lamag na paniwalaan nila ang mga pananaw nila sa buhay na sila lang ang nakakaintindi. Nagbuo ako ng aming samahan upang kaming mga magkakabarkada ay makapagtulungan maayos ang aming mga sari-sariling buhay. Kahit na nasa kalye lang kami nagsasama-sama ay dinaig pa namin ang pamilya. Kung sa bahay na aking tinutuluyan ay hindi ko maramdaman na may pamilya ako ay napupunan naman iyon ng aking mga kaibigan. Kakaiba man ito sa isipan ng iba, para sa akin ay hindi ko na kailanagang pansinin pa dahil ang kalyeng aking tambayan ay mas naging tahanan ko pa higit pa sa tunay kong tahanan. Hindi naman sa madalas na kaming tumambay ay buhay na buhay na kami noon sa buong araw. Naiisipan din naman naming na maglaro katulad ng paglalaro ng baraha o kaya naman ay basketbol. Minsan naman ay naiisipan ko na pumunta doon sa kabilang kalye upang doon tumambay at mag-intay ng may makakasama o makakaramay sa aking pag-iisa. Sa bangketa na rin kami umiinom ng alak pag napagtripan namin at pag may mga iba naman akong nakikita na dumadaan sa kalye ay bigla ko silang inaanyayahan na umupo sa amin at saluhan kami lalo na sa 135 | STREETSCAPES

kwentuhan. Matatapos nalang ang inuman sesyon ng maalin man sa masaya ako o malungkot. Alinman sa paraan ay lumipas naman ang aking araw kaya ayos na rin na nangyari iyon kaysa naman sa literal na wala na lang talagang nangyayari sa buong araw ko, yung tipong kahit pasayahin man lang ang sarili ay hindi ko magawa. Magkakahiwa-hiwalay kapag uuwi na ang bawat isa sapagkat may gagawin pa ibang bagay o responsibilidad sa buhay. Tambay man ako kasama ang barkada, may mga bagay na dapat aking ginagawa rin. Tambay man ako ay may pangarap din ako sa buhay. Masayang ibahagi ang mga pangarap sa mga kasamahan kong tumambay dahil alam kong sinusuportahan nila ako sa mga desisyon ko sa buhay. Tumatambay kasama ang barkada upang pare-pareho kaming magpalipas ng oras ng sama-sama. Matatapos ang araw ng naibahagi ang mga sariling kwento at damdamin na nailabas na mula sa sama ng loob man o hindi na kahit papaano ay mabawasan ang poot na dinadala sa pang- araw-araw STREETSCAPES | 136

Mangyans And Badjaos Ashlij Junairah Quintana The Philippines is a land of contrasts, with stunning beaches and vibrant cities alongside the harsh reality of homelessness and poverty. As I walked the streets of Manila, I was struck by the sheer number of people living on the streets. The Mangyans and Badjaos were two groups that particularly caught my attention. The Mangyans were a people with a rich cultural heritage, but they had been forced to leave their villages in Mindoro due to poverty. They were now living on the streets of Manila, relying on the kindness of strangers and whatever they could find in the trash to survive. It was a tough life, full of uncertainty and danger. But as I spoke with the Mangyans, I could sense their resilience and strength. The woman with grey hair and wrinkles on her face had lived on the streets for years. She spoke of the difficulties she faced, but also of the support she received from her community. The Mangyans had formed their own support system, relying on each other for survival. They shared what little they had and offered each other comfort in difficult times. 137 | STREETSCAPES

The Badjaos, on the other hand, had found a unique way to survive on the streets. They lived on boats along the coast, traveling from place to place in search of food and shelter. They were a people with a rich seafaring tradition, and they used their skills to stay alive. They washed their clothes in the sea and fished for their meals. Despite their harsh living conditions, the Badjaos had managed to create a sense of community and belonging. As I spent more time with the Mangyans and Badjaos, I saw that homelessness could happen to anyone. It was not just a problem for the poor or the uneducated, but for people from all walks of life. Some had lost their jobs, while others had been abandoned by their families. But what struck me the most was their strength and resilience. They had found a way to survive and thrive, despite the odds against them. As I walked the streets of Manila, I saw many homeless people, each with their own story and situation. But what I saw the most was the sense of community and support that they had created. They had formed their own family, relying on each other for survival. They shared what little they had and offered each other comfort in difficult times. Living on the streets was not an easy life. It was a life full of uncertainty, danger, and difficulty. But it was also a life full of strength and resilience. The people living on the streets had found a way to survive and thrive, despite the odds against them. They had formed their own community and support system, relying on each other for survival. STREETSCAPES | 138

I felt a deep sense of respect for them and their way of life. I had learned that homelessness was not just a problem to be solved, but a complex issue that required empathy and understanding. The people living on the streets were not just statistics, but human beings with their own stories and circumstances. And it was only by listening to their stories and understanding their lives that we could begin to make a difference. As I left Manila, I knew that I had seen a side of the country that many people never see. I had seen the strength and resilience of the Mangyans and Badjaos, and I had learned that homelessness was not just a problem to be solved, but a complex issue that required empathy and understanding. I realized that the moment I had while talking with the Mangyans and Badjaos had opened my eyes to a world I had never known existed. I had always taken for granted the basic necessities of life, like a roof over my head and food on my plate. But for the people living on the streets, those were luxuries that they couldn’t afford. One of the things that struck me the most was the kindness and generosity of the people living on the streets. Despite their own struggles, they were always willing to share whatever little they had with me. They showed me a kindness and warmth that I had never experienced before, and it made me feel humbled and grateful. Living on the streets was not just about surviving day- to-day, it was also about finding joy in the little things. I saw 139 | STREETSCAPES