AMPIYAS XXII: PAGHILOM

aymapsiVOLUME 22 ISSUE 1 | 2023 official literary folio of the vision group of publications LPAOGMHI

AMXPXIYIIAS PAGHILOM All Rights Reserved 2023

foreword WE ARE ALL SURVIVORS… Survivors of the past… In this world, there has always been something new to anticipate, something new to experience and something old to leave, yet if this “something” causes deep laceration in our well-being, what we always try to do is to escape from it. Some people say “wound heals, yet the scathing memories leave vivid imprints on the deepest recesses of our hearts,”- because our heart is more susceptible to pain rather than the outer and physical membranes. Perhaps the scar reminds us only of the past, but the pain in our hearts caused by it continues to reverberate until such time that its beating has faded. Yes, people come and go, just like the dreaded pandemic that caused pandemonium and panic. We are all survivors because our hearts are still beating, unlike the thousand people who were not able to cling to the last beat of their hearts to live. Yet, still, many of us are like living dead. Because of the painful memory of the past…because of the loved ones who are now gone… the lost jobs… the lost relationships and opportunities. Yet there is no option but to heed the call of society, to stand up and become resilient… become stalwart. And here we are now, staring at the glimpse of hope… Clinging... Yearning… Still waiting… For the scar to heal.

TABLE OF CONTENTS poems 1 1 Beautifully Carved 2 Turn Pages 2 Fading Hope 3 Jaded 4 Pangarap 5 Muling Pagsibol 6 Maze of Epiphany 7 Umbrella of Us 8 Student’s Block 9 A Glimpse of a New Beginning 10 ‘Di Ka Pasisiil 11 Acceptance 12 Ako Muna 13 My Seven Colors 14 Ang Tulang Walang Pamagat 15 Pansamantagal 16 Ligaw Tanaw 17 Paano Kung Aking Aminin? 17 To You 18 Perpetual 19 Since that Day 20 Filipino War 21 12 Things 22 Nars 22 Confused 23 Paalam 23 Gray Zone Bulag

Mulier Fortis 24 My Oh My Umay 24 Ako si Magdalena 25 Bungano 26 The Life’s Captive Personality 28 A Sentiment from an Old Soul 28 Through Certainty and Doubts 29 When I'm at My Solace 29 Ideal Night 30 The Flame of Freedom 31 Butterfly’s Flight 32 The Hindrance 33 The Reborn of Mischievous Lad 34 Maling Akala 35 Irony of Life 35 Paghilom 36 It’s Okay 38 Serendipity 39 Haikus 40 essays ORUG 41 rust in absentia 43 Poll-ify 45 Now Playing: Leaves by Ben & Ben 49 To The One Who Was Left Behind 51 Maybe Not All Fires Burn 52 New Year’s Resolution 54

short stories 56 Wish You Were Sober 57 Live The Moment 59 Sum of All Hardships 60 Pahinga 62 Jess and Dresses 65 Que Sera Sera 66 I love You, Goodbye 68 Para 70 All Kinds of Love 81 Home 86 Kalam 93 Alice & Julie 97 Because of Him gallery Rhythm of Life 103 Pagbangon 104 Beyond Shadows 105 Paglimot 105 Dapit Hapon 106 Ample of Time 107 Pag-ibig 107 Paglisan 108 Bukang Liwayway 109 Limitless Hope 109 Wonder 110 Pag-asa 111 Woven Light 111 Withered 112

Beauty From Within Power Pagsasama-sama 113 Faith 114 Hidden Peace 114 Burgeon 115 Far 116 Paghihintay 117 Unending Trail 118 Irenic 119 Hiling 119 Pagsamo 120 The Sunlight Fades 121 Hustle 122 Comeback 123 First Light 124 Dear Enzo 125 Blinded Mind 126 Max 127 Eddie 128 Flamboyant 129 Wednesday 130 GGWP 131 132 133

MOEP

BCaeravuetdifully by Anna Jobelle Maglinao Wound cut deep, leaving scars Life is indeed like a book. Blemish reminder of the past. Each day, Story made by indelible ink, cannot be undone. You inked every chapter of it, Art like tattoo, piercing through. Like those beautiful novels Divergent genres, lows and highs. you admired. Beautiful isn't it? Thou prevail over darkness. Some days, Brawl against all odds and chances. You started it from scratch, Tears, sobs recede thy sight, To make it more plausible Unfeigned beams shine over. and out of errors. March on with memorable past, Route on blithe present and future. One day, TPuargnesby Anna Jobelle Maglinao You rewrite all the mistaken words and turn it into an inspiring one. Every day, it seems like a memoir where you are the writer, the character and most of all, the author. 1

fading hope by Anna Jobelle Maglinao Light slowly peaks from east, give life as it rose. Eyes feast on flowers proudly standing against painted green field. Perfect horizon and crystal-like oceans gently waving from afar. Flowing streams and unstoppable chain of life. Its beyond real but its true. It exist. It existed. Sunsets change day-by-day. Hopeful for tomorrow but now full of worries. Kaleidoscope beauty is nowhere to be seen. Vibrant colors turn into a black and white scene. Clear blue skies blocked by concrete and cloud-like smoke. Life once admired and prayed for is now a memory. Wake up! Its not a dream anymore. Reality invades like a nightmare. Earth wants to be free, shouting for help. Life is none without its host. Don't just speak up. Stand. Take action. Jaded I don't usually ask for help As I handle my own healing. by Anna Jobelle Maglinao But if I utter words to have someone, that's when its the most complicated. I've been on war all alone, I was rejected multiple times. And it always come to same notion. Waiting for someone to lean on is tiring. Expecting hurts most, When its not what I hope for. I have only myself who I can believe, who I can trust and depend on. Departing for a while is not a bad, It made me feel at ease. I was always ready to go back, In a world full of expectations. but this time, I'll gamble, I choose I. 2

Pangarap by Nica Joice Solomon SMTIMasNAiUBinSinaapakamaaanskokrnkbaiigi'iiynooltnoyhig'nnatynikkhgkgappooniagaa'naanyagntablginipilgwalsagainiatllaatskaioatlaamakiabsranytbnaiiutalapwghinkt,yliaiakitnulrtilapnaaakamaaypg?nknntaaagaupmglkanknalaobamogggrknaahoiapannngidasnsiggpaaatabpboamiaauyr?btoiinan.? PMSPPaHNaiHaMumApigrilanitunaailukldiildyinipsniinnnaiaiaomtgakgnaopplialtigbnatanagaDaan,lrtainybaaggiabyoganitasaonnnaaraansgaygkyampooaiaomyn,nnknghgaamiganaiadknitabgtaosadlkbiahl'iysmiiniluiinaaangamkakgnkdwagaioagwdisalgaknbpakhadiataibahgsskinuistanaugshtwugaiknak.yialunaaannbukasan. 3

pma gusl ii nb ogl by Thrizia Elainne M. Villapando Isang panibagong umaga Na puno ng pag-asa Panibagong tsansa Para sa buhay na masagana Mga ngiti sa labi Sa bawat isa’y namumutawi Di alintana, init na tumitindi Ikinukubli ang mga pighati Sa gitna ng pagiging abala Malakas na tunog ay bumahala Isang masamang balita Bulkang natutulog, nagising na Abo’y nagkalat saan mang gawi Mga tao ay kanya-kanyang kubli Ma-iligtas ang pamilya at sarili Sa kilos ng kalabang walang makakapagsabi Pag-asa’y unti-unting nawawala Kapalit ay takot at pangamba Ngunit sa pagtutulungan, pagkakaisa Malalampasan ang kahit ano pa Lahat ay matatapos, anumang dalamhati Manunumbalik ang mga ngiti Bulaklak ng pag-asa’y sumisibol muli Batangueno’y titindig palagi. 4

E P I MAZE OF PHA NY by Thrizia Elainne M. Villapando TNTSJu‘TDToWutFroeiiaunBlerfAvoerfnr‘uAebRlTeteVanknteedtieenrrrtaleeddpeiiaadrrnyrrcccandeieilwoissgogsteptfyaatphnuuuhifaadasctteffldstthtt,whylou,ciirddecntoprsutisfeauxe,ategofrgpahlspnr cedisrgta enogbuelnwst rlyterhau uculeekhtaaimmtotttssfmlwenrieteitnqnessoagddleeagtmuergnneordxfnseaedlgiwfiosimdttsselnaerkepnctttllfaosiirtihitorlfeorccwaieuarorboisknyeltamulnlayseayblsbcl.lklee 5

OUFM BURSE L L A by Joe Vincent Fernandez IATnAIAAhsnAnOBtSVesnhDwhBuwTaWeneBdeFioluiRhtemMntiettsIuUlnhKpmoncOaenohsltdsdetocnhidieierooohonlbstvaroeiuetweeefhtnedeipfgorentomtnddpoeehaadaiswehsrongertairlsmnoiessibttlhdapntegnqitoahatmitzytnleoeewgenhugieelf'etotglutafodeghteaomthbidhthfkhtpnnhrrliehrhiemgusrie'rtpadgelcrugpoemaadiiesisftlteyfadhsrfcgntoiahttswroy'st'rerusithcsaswoasseetwscnfgoloerststtositvaatisraeehnhct,truellhhriosemholsdnaweasoeireothsulmarsassemdlsvumsswhstalstawsseawnt,teateorwtrthnowhtisliooesdaoaenalnpnhlef,iaoiannriefotyttegteltfytplthhllarirdhesddnhidrftnuistbairhwaeeeotsheitbegsiznbhtteereseecioooeewzfshdoreessminvtuhlcwmturasrhrnietsboeldoertioaietwl,adsnhwonaserdlliftusnbbyeecneeedtfi-iiofbeacllutremcbrdsgsradlotaeeoyalroathrhrltatisanbdccnanrcsblniiaentnonvuhtlnttdhfcerectieoiodoerdeasvgehloelrduftruoorneeeineomiwifsrcsucnctaadnswisdhiieeresvlskvaslinarrieyefekisladaaeaioecincnsniealnnnsulaaaddldsllpbslnillrseqavoeteisiauhwodnieennssisrkt,iiloeiensss 6

SBTLUOD ECNKT ' S by Frances Hannah H. Peda NINAnangiikuosanipntiitgtsiatgailabasnaaabapnanagpgdpeadalpaghahsatuiblmsaaunanlgagbtsahiakmayitwubslaaiakg, laaaknningg pluma napatigil ay may pumipigil? IGAPyuniogngniosgdinaamngmgg, imanisgtaiakptoiuknnmiggnainigtmaaskkaabihkokeislsapaasbeerai,soykipawsakaanalbainnanaggaobtmnamgkaaaispgihipsnitanetpadmnaihagkionidgkeaay.yaa. PMINyaaoauignslipgtm-auapalraiiatbtwunal-laoiakyrbaaahwnbagannsdgaaaghgtaiainnnwggaansminagitpddhauairitlnoain.sngagliibbsaeronrs,giklauylou.nin SIMHniagaanugggarsoguwasnunmalgmaatnm,amnnakgaaigytsabidsuatabenrumgartapianinangtgadugminhnaiigtraaphnpuignapnlduainkniaiattosn, gmmagawkaa-wilaaknagsulit. 7

ABOEGFGLIAINMNNPIENSWEGby Frances Hannah H. Peda To wI FriotenrmetBeshusmettbhwlieefoerrbtlihdesnaeiu’stttialimiflkuweelawmaynshoemaunpbe-wenddteoswoaofrnfertfohfarsceeeeees..., The twGo-ayWveeearuaslNroepocaknwidon, owt,hwdeeennstiwpgmaahiegerirtnaoegnwhdineeraenclseahtmwlaessevscefnorreosmsemses.,., The gOifutronf eliwfeAfswudtiulalryaesHlwwgoaioplyleasbnwebdielolnousiurgerhthtoaosswmfanaell..ll Even if every day eWnTadhisetirinneg'sisaaotllwtahJtuaeisoytesnnsaaodnnyodeofwsuhhdokaarndiwozoownwn,,, 8

' D I K A P A S I S I I LbyJoeVincentFernandez ISLSlaauanmdagakablibanuangwngpain’tanggpuanannanigngt galnuirasamg,ptaiiplnpaaigsbpmmuehrgaoaatayhbpiaoonnssdgeiasnnnnaagakgpakksauuaglmalkanaangmkgaklaamm, NBNSniaaganmpnuuagnsugoilgtkagoatstabaanynkP‘HUNkegoauiimarinnmsinsgsgduaomiikiwlpuoampaainnngsnagagigaradnnaykmgkgaausatabampnmnyoailailaatpatkioglrnu,aiaahnabrtn’iitaoyanasgktnnaahaamtagtyimangha,tkptyugiiannsamaytidtkalaamaiaspnbgasmaaaoutyntatitdgprokhiaamakkalkpiannraasaigalankikgyogauasrynnaaadgywriaighpnaaabnria sa tinatanglaw STSSaiiingggauuanrryoooonddngaaghhamiinll ggsnaaasabtboriiginllaoio,n“agBntagaskyibiltaauilmyaitanaakggoaonnssaagnayantiulgnoranalumkghanmasgaa?dk”alapwa — sa puso ngunit NagBh-uianmrdaail,nsngaaomgn-utarkakhboaanhaon, gatmgaayyapnagg-iabsaa, naging isang tao NtaapKpabiatnankagkiilyakabilhmbaainaanakskndaaiig,knidlgaelaasyisoynoon at nanatiling panatag sa sariling sa anumang panahon, ang SsPaaangpabaaagtyki asnbaaiggmionggaattnpaamaggwa-,aalgigiiadt ng nagbabadyang bagyo, sa mga tumindig at sSdGuaialmipymaaamganmtagtuaalkwastiitalint hindi na muling pagpikit laban sa ng bansa na nagsasabing ‘di ka pasisiil 9

ACAPCCETEN by Earl Lingao TWYSoehiltallocdpokeuklcetebdnpaoftcrikoohnmafrrlomitemhseotwndhheempetanthhnrwskeiaiinlndldsiw’ssohdffaiecotphenr.eitvh’seydlad, tiev,ed. TCCAelesumattspchehoelirenwasgrosylrtyhlsdmyhsgoieolledlefsisnoagfonnfldaielsesspemitnhppnahtyitonwtlgaoeugargrreaohpbush,onsudn. d, MUUEnsnocclveahispnasiginntgfhionytrghsweytahlfrsedhchsaflrodaosovmewe totoihsfemofondarcakseyehshiotoawsfro.aps, assetd, ATUWhsnhyttaishletyetlhfvterweiertordcuuolstdmhoaeihslswaertadmoystbmorbiancecadeordrwnyaotothuneyld,nodswu, nsp. end. 10

ako muna by Nica Joice Solomon Mabigat ang pakiramdam Hindi ko maintindihan Ang nasa isip ay puro kamalian Paano ko ba ito malalagpasan? Luha ay pumapatak mula sa mga mata Sarili'y sinisisi sapagkat ako'y mahina Hindi mawari paano magsisimula Isip at puso ko'y gusto ng makawala. Ngayon ay pipiliin ang sarili Sa panahong iba ang aking iniintindi Hindi man lahat mananatili sa aking tabi Mahalaga'y hindi na ako ang nasa huli. Papalayain ang sarili mula sa nakaraan Sarili'y hindi na hahayaang masaktan Pipiliing maging masaya at kakalimutan Masasakit na pangyayari at mga karanasan. Mapatawad ko sana ang aking sarili Sa mga pagkakataong ako'y nagkamali Muling babangon at magtitiwala Pangakong sa ngayon, ako muna. 11

NCSMEOVYLEO S R by Mohammad Doblas The weather is dark and sad I look at the sky by the window Alone… Me and the rain and the cloudy sky Drinking hot coffee with my old friend Me and the mirror! I painted the mirror with colored pencils pink for sexuality red for life orange for healing yellow for sunlight green for nature blue for serenity violet for spirit After the rain, I see myself in the mirror with the beautiful rainbow This is me, a beautiful rainbow. 12

TuAlnagng Walang Pamagat by Kyla Mae G. Gutierrez araw-araw gumaganda ang gising dahil sayo mga salitang sinasambit mo mga mensaheng kumukumpleto ng maghapon ko sa walang tigil na pagpaparamdam kung gaano mo ako kamahal at sa pag-aalagang hindi ko hinihingi ngunit kusa mong binibigay sa simpleng ngiti kislap ng iyong mga mata alaga ng mga kamay lambing ng mga salitang binibitawan sa init ng bawat yakap at sa tamis ng halik nararamdaman kita masarap nga pala talaga ang magmahal, ang mahalin at muling kiligin kilig at saya na ikaw ang dahilan gumising sa bawat umaga para makita ka sa gabi'y ikaw rin ang pahinga at mangarap ng ikaw ang kasama ikaw ang kamay na kailanman ay hindi ko bibitawan pag-asang ibinigay ng hindi ko inaasahan kahit araw-araw ko pang bigkasin, ay hindi mapapagod sabihin, \"salamat at muli mo akong pinaniwala sa pag-ibig na hindi ko inaakala\" 13

Pansaman tagalby Khenn Arvin Manalo Lahat naman siguro tayo nakaramdam ng ganito Paanong umibig, ibigin, mahalin sa kahit anong paraan Lahat tayo ay nakaranas magkaroon ng tinatawag na paru-paro sa tiyan Paano kung yung paro-paro ay sandaling lilisan Alam kong mahirap itong labanan Dahil sa tinataglay mong pang diwatang kagandahan Napakahirap natutuliro itong isipan Kapag hindi ka nasisilayan Minsan hindi alam kung anong paguusapan Kung babanatan naba kita o pansamantalang pang kaibigan lang Kasi baka pag binanatan, ako ay literal na banatan Naisip at napagtanto na kung gusto palaging may paraan Pero huwag magmadali kung ayaw ng panandalian Subukan munang itago itong nararamdaman Hindi dahil wala ng nararamdaman Kundi dahil hindi kita malalapitan Kung isip ko ay parang seso sa palaruan Mahal kita sa parang ako na lang muna ang nakakaalam Darating din ang panahong inilaan Hindi naman to nagmamadali maaring bukas,sa isang buwan o sa susunod na taon Para malaman mong itong nararamdaman ay hindi panandalian kundi pang-MATAGALAN!!! 14

LigaTwanaw by Khenn Arvin Manalo Naisip ng isipan Dapat nabang talikuran Ang bagay na ating nasimulan? Manatili nalang sa likuran At Palihim na Ikaw ay tingnan Pero pano mo malalaman na Ako'y nandito lang Kung kinukubli ko itong nararamdaman Kaso ngalang parang hindi naman mababago ang ating kalagayan Pero sana paikutin ang orasan sa panahon Na tayo ay nagsisimula palamang Kung paano ang mga balikat ay nagbabanggaan Kung paano ang mga palad ay nagkasalpukan Kung paano ikaw ay aking natagpuan Sana ibalik natin kung ano ang ating nakagisnan Alam ko may pader na saatin ay humaharang Pero gusto kong iyong malaman Na kapag kailangan moko ako'y nadito lang Hindi mo kailangan mailang O ako ay layuan Sapat na sakin na ikaw ay nasisilayan Kahit na sa ngayon ay walang namamagitan. 15

?APAKmakuianinnnigngo? by Khenn Arvin Manalo Sa panahon ngayon mas madali pang mag shared post Kesa sabihin ng harapan ang tunay na nararamdaman Mas madaling lagyan ng parenthesis tapos ten million Para hindi halatang ikaw lang nakakaalam Yaan ang common na gawain ng kabataan Kung dika mashared post hindi pa niya malalaman Yung lihim mong nararamdaman Daan ng daan sa newsfeed niyang hindi kanaman nirereactan Minsan kasi nakakalito narin ang ating nababasa at nalalaman May mga taong dinaman broken pero feeling sadboi/sadgurl sa facebook at instagram Minsan nagpapatugtog ng sad song para lang magkaiyakan Wala akong pinatatamaan na sinuman Pero itong tula ko ay parang sharedpost Tamaan ka naman hindi lang sa tula bhiee sakin din naman Pero gayun nga hindi mo naman malalaman kung diko iseshare At ipopost dito sa paraan na teknolohikal na liham 16

To ouTo You by Alexanderjames Oliva LTyoiBnAIFumgFnoktoyndtriornJotfumhhawmfsvioaytsyocIwahsmtus,eehrlfIioeliagoftknwrehutntghtlosmwdTabtswoatihoeclrlIoormy'amesinuonnuyltouodrnatffehitoenIhlyeeytkeotllveifrhuonaaeernslgsplasgstsetdmimhnnafeiiirgyesgleneehfltdioltiteimrinrnusgekygeyou Perpetualby Alexanderjames Oliva P e rFAFBoInoerIBedrEcdpu,maxIyoer'tucvoboAviiisentmserune'agesnbdTiFcawseoythoeriehyenioneirt,oesyn,uhlttyhuoyhhtrofeoiorrutiemubnashmurmtezeeietbsezsyariin,mnelvt,roItedemdaaihuwem,tubi,tIyeatiIotyeIlhkndyllwocneogdIcast iroviwrohlin vthelnewogoei'emct,cne,oaamheybygtserrhoooeyeytmtyeouhuswaotersb'ehorsduteheewaedeIlrolltroihaeslooctnveyhIedbavielrrwtneeoIyvyyetavloe.omcsho.wne.uelumesaeyteirrttepatyhthdfvyrposleeaaolemeabalwuluufreesese 17

thsadintacye by Alexanderjames Oliva Since that day, everything has changed Every this seems unfamiliar and strange All seems dark and out of range And I feel like a prisoner in a cage Since that day, my life is filled with so much pain Pain that seems forever to remain Caused by our love that had been stained Am I the one that should be blamed? Since that day, blaming myself is the only thing I've been doing Remembering the past that we both been sharing Asking myself why should I feel this such feeling? Is blaming myself the thing that I should been doing? Days and Nights had passed But this pain seems forever will last How can I escape this cage filled with rust Cage made by the memories of the past 18

bkFWiGlipairnAo dbyAlexanderjamesOliva H Aking ginugumon mga binhi kasama si ama Panaho’y napaka init kaya kami’y naka gora ESa susunod na pagdatal ng araw ako’y lilisan At upang sumali sa kumakandili sa lipunan Sa aking pagdating ay kagyat ko silang nasilayan T KKalakip ay nireremedyohan sapagkat sugatan Iba nama’y kahindik hindik ang nagging kapalaran Ngunit lahat sila’y nagmamahal sa inang bayan Hudyat ay nadinig sa pagsapit ng bukang liwayway “Nandito na ang Espanyol na ating mga kaaway!” Sigabo ng aking mga kalakip, aking nadinig L UNa siya namang pumuksa sa takot saking dibdib MDinaluhong namin ang mga banyagang mananakop Gamit ang itak at hindi mga baril o pasabog Sa pagsapit ng dapithapo’y humupa ang labanan Madami ang nasawi at pumula ang kalupaan W Pansamatala namang umimpis ang siklab ng gera Kaya’t ako’y umuwi muna sakay ng karumata YSa aking pagdatal, si ama’t ina’y ako’y niyakap NAt muling naapuhap ang matagal ng hinahanap 19

1 THho1iwn2gmsucthhaIt slohvoewyyouou 2byJohnDaveTitular 3 4One, I'll be the one who can love you, And we're only the two people whose sharing the three unforgettable words in this world How much I/care/you and how much I/love/You. For the four letters of love, L for LACRIMAL DUCT and O for OBJECTIONABLE, V for VERITABLE and E for ELIGIBLE, 5 6These four letters of love, only for you, I can grab. For the five, five people in your life, I'll be the one who can care for you even at night, And sixth, six good qualities you have in your life, I do believe that I can love you within your inner heart sight . Even if we're given only seven days to live (with) each other, I can give you love that will last forever. Eight, you are the food that I ate that opens my hearts' gate, And for nine careless things I did in the past, I can make it right just for 7 8you my only love, For the ten very important days in your life, I'll be there on your right side to, to make you satisfied, I can bring eleven, eleven pipers piping Just trust me that I can bring that for us in our future wedding. 9 And in the end, you rejected all of these, 10You rejected gifts, you rejected things, You rejected feelings, you rejected me! Despite all of this, I can still love you, I can still stand by myself, all by myself Because that's what we meant by what love really is. 20

by Mark Joseph LamorizaSa pagmulat ng aking mata Isang tong nakaputi ang aking nakita Nakangiting bumungad ng Kamusta ka na? Isang taong aalalay sayo hanggang gumaling ka. Inayos niya ang aking swero May sinulat sa kanyang kwaderno Pinainom niya sa akin ang mga gamot ko Matapos ay lumabas siya ng aking kwarto NBakit ng aba niya ginagawang alagaan ako. Dahil ba bayad siya dito? Dahil ba ito ang kanyang trabaho O Dahil ba pinili niyang tahakin ang landas na ito Ang Landas na magalaga ng kapwa Kahit ang sahod ay hindi naibibigay ng tama Kahit umuwi ka na, Tatawagin ka ulit para palitan muna ang di pumasok mong Akasama Bakit sila nagtitiis? Bakit di nila tayo matiis? Bakit natin sila natitiis? Bakit di natin sila tinitiis? Sila tong nandyan pag wala kang pamilya Bayad man o kakarampot ang kita Ibibigay pa din ang serybisyong tama Sila ba ay pinalaking mabuti ng magulang nila? Nars ang tawag sa kanila Nagiging kasama mo pag may nararamdaman ka Andyan palagi para umalalay kahit anong uri ka pa RReremedyohan ang mga naging pagkukulang ng iba Sasamahan ka sa mga pinaka mahihirap na araw kahit walang wala ka Totoong hanggang ngayon may mga tao pa ding handang magmalasakit Dahil hanggang ngayon may nagaaral pa din ng Nursing kahit nagkapandemic Dito man sa Pilipinas o sa abroad magtrabaho, kaharap pa rin nila ay may sakit Walang kayang mapantayan ang sakripisyo at pagaalagang Skanilang hindi ipagkakait 21

cuosnedf I find you attractive in many ways, I'm here in shadow thinking about you. When you pass me and you walk away My friends teased me cause they knew. I believe in the word \"only time will tell\", For the first time we met, I'm still unsure; If my feelings for you is sure. But when I get to know you, I fell for you. I'm afraid to tell you the truth, The feelings that I carry around, Is what kept me locked in my booth. The feelings I have can't be weight by a pound. by anonomous I'm still here in the corner Thinking what to do, I'm still a student and a learner, So I'm still unsure for the decision I'll do. Isa, dalawa, tatlo Hindi ko alam kung naging tayo, Ang dami mong binibigay na matatamis na salita, Ngunit hangang doon kalang, dahil wala kang pinapakita o ginagawa. pa 'Eto ako na parang tanga, Iniisip kung magiging tayo pa ba. Hindi ko alam kung paniniwalaan pa kita, Dahil sobrang sakit at hirap na, Ayoko na magmahal sa taong paasa, Pero bakit lagi nyo ako napapaibig sa matatamis nyong salita. Ang simpleng good morning na sinasabi mo sakin, Ito ay nag papakilig sa aking kaluluwang nanlalamig. Ang galing mong mambola, Pero ang tingin mo sakin ay kaibigan lang pala. alAng sarap nalang isipin na panaginip ang lahat, Dahil ang sakit sabihin at tangapin ng lahat. am Eto na sasabihin ko na, Itigil na natin ito dahil ayoko na, Sakit lang Ang aking nadaraman kapag kausap kita, Alam naman natin na Walang nangyari sa ating dalawa. Masakit man sabihin o gawin, Pero kinakailangan ko ito ipag patuloy at gawin. Kaya paalam na sa iyo, Salamat nadin sa oras na ibinigay mo. by anonomous 22

Walking on a sea sand, The light turns into darkness, Looking unto the land, With a mind full of grief and emptiness, G“It’s time to go back” someone whispered, rayAs I continuously walk to the land of nowhere, A glimpse of memories from the past appeared, Zoneby Faithful Grace Dacillo Shuddering with tears but remains insincere, The ravishing wave of the sea becomes violent, As if they were attached unto my feeling, The weather becomes different, A rage of turbulence happening, I was suddenly awake by the tears, Realizing that I was asleep for ten years, BULaG by Faithful Grace Dacillo Bata, bata buksan ang iyong isipan, Tignan ang kapaligiran pati ang kasalukuyan, Hanggang kailan ka ba magigising sa katotohanan? Kapag ba huli na ang lahat? Nasaan ang paglingap mo sa inang bayan? Hindi ba maraming tao na ang nahihirapan? Bayang puno ng bahid ng panlilinlang at pang aalipusta, Ang nasa itaas ay patuloy na nagpapakasasa, Imulat mo ang iyong mga mata, Huwag manumbalik sa kapusukan, Mas maganda na ang may pinag-aralan, Kaysa mapunta pa sa kamang-mangan, Kaya bata gumising ka, Pagka’t ikay may katungkulan, Patuloy kang mangarap, Para sa magandang hinaharap. 23

Mulier FortisbyAcyUnityM.Tipan Sugar, spice MUymOhaMyy: And everything nice by Acy Unity M. Tipan Smile so determined Standing Wide open eyes Crying Ponytail high You don’t love me, without even trying To the court, she starts sprinting And everyone wonders What could she be thinking? I tried She can be your worst nightmare I cried or an ally Trying to remove the pain inside Her beauty is compare to virgin mary Her wit ,you can’t carry In life, that's deep She's a powerful lawyer Love in return is what I seek Everybody's daydream Her favorite snack is ice cream With her knowledge and wisdom Spinning cards she can make you scream Blowing hearts She can seal the deal with a kiss My heart, crashed into shreds No one can do it better like a Mulier Fortis Standing Crying Confused,and Always doubting I know I may not be pretty and I don’t own anything But you never gave me a chance to show you that “I also can” 24

MAakgodasliena by Acy Unity M. Tipan Ako si Magdalena Babaeng bayaran Serbisyo kong hatid ,tunay na ‘di matatawaran Pinaglaruan at pinagpasa-pasahan Tanong na naglalaro sa ‘king isip ay “pano na ang kinabukasan?” Luha ay pupunasan ,nakaraan ay bibitawan Mga masasakit na salita ay akin na lang tatawanan Malulupit na panlalait ,mga kutya at sigawan Ito ay pala tandaan ng aking mga pinagdaanan Nais iwan ang kinamulatan Mag bagong buhay at kalimutan Iwanan ang malupit na daigdig kung saan naging parausan Mas mainam pa nga yatang maging isang dakilang utusan Kaysa maging babaeng sa gabe lamang may kinang Ako si Magdalena Opo, mag dadali na 25

BBuuNNggaaNNoo by Maria Leonora M. Manalastas Nakakikilabot na sigaw, paghahalo ng dugo Pagputok ng mga baril, kanyon, at bungo. Ang bayang sinakop at kababayang nagsusumigaw ng saklolo, Sa lupaing binuhay ng sakit at hinagpis nagmula ang pagmamahal ko. Pagmamahal sa nakaraang hindi ko gugustuhing masilayan, Ngunit tulad nila, ito’y handang alayan. Alayan ng papuri, pasasalamat, at pagmamalaki. Naranasan man ang iba’t-ibang gulo, kagandahan nito’y mananatili. Hindi man maya, kalapati, o agila ang noo’y nakita sa himpapawid. Sa ilalim ng mga bombang umuulan, pagmamahal ko sa Pilipinas ay itatawid. Bigyan man ng ilang milyong pagkakataong isilang sa ibang estado, Paulit-ulit kong pipiliin ang perlas ng silangan na ipinangako. Dumaan, huminto, tumulong, at nagpakasakit. Espanyol, Kano, Intsik, Hapon sumilay sa atin. Paghihirap man ang ating sinapit. Iba nilang tradisyon at paniniwala ay hinanda nating yakapin. Sa kabila ng mga pagbabago, patuloy na sa puso ko’y mangunguna ang sarili mong anyo. Pilipinas, kasama mo ako. Mananatiling sayo sa nakaraan, ngayon, at sa mga dekada pang matatamo. 26

Mamangha man sa ibang kultura, Ipagmamalaki ko pa rin ikaw na nauna. Sayo namulat at natutong lumakad. Dadalhin ang pusong Pilipino saan man mapadpad. Minsan man ay nahuhumaling Sa ibang bansang hindi kapiling. Pilipinas, Pipiliin ko parin ang sigla sa bawat simoy ng hangin at iyong mga tanawin. Huwag ka sanang magtampo o magdamdam, Sa mga Pilipinong lumilipad sa ibang bansa at nakikipagsapalaran, Sapagkat sa kanilang isip at puso, nasa ‘yo ang kasiyahan. Sana’y iyong nasasalamin sa yaring pagtatanghal, Mga mata ng kabaitan, katapangan, pagsusumikap, at pagmamahal, Sapagkat ito’y mensahe ng isang kabataang isinilang man sa makabagong panahon, Noon, ngayon, bukas, aking dadalhin ang buhay… na sa Pilipinas lamang iaalay. 27

CTahpetiLviefeP'esrsonality by Ju Ann D. Panagdato Mysteries make us wonder Challenges encourage people to be tougher And here I am asking to be better For every lie that I have been utter It's never my fault to be hidden Knowing these folks will never listen For the only truth has already been written Being who I am will always be forbidden So forgive me for staying in the cage For this is my only comforting place Far from all the applause and big stage Given by the audience who didn't value the term sage A Sentiment from an Old Soul by Ju Ann D. Panagdato Time beats my reality The present forgets my past and victory I just lost my thoughts full of creativity So what future could it be for me? Living in my ideal isolation, Truth hits me with absolute frustration I can never go back with my was That’s why I locked the door and let the moment pass 28

by Ju Ann D. Panagdato You are beautifully looking at the sky And just casually talking to your star I wonder if the story you’re telling is about your scar Or is it something about you dreaming high? Does your hope allow you to stand there? Will your eyes still glimmer when the moon gives its answer? If these questions could stop you from being a dreamer, Then you cannot have something much bigger When I’m at My Solace by Ju Ann D. Panagdato At dawn, I let my thoughts wander around the corner It is free the way I like it to be When the night is quite, and the earth is asleep That's the moment when I felt so me It doesn't have to be a lie this time The air, the comfort, and the peacefulness are all mine Eyes closed but my truth has never been more clear Only this time, I can have it all and just disappear Then I travel to somewhere safe With my baggage full of hope and dreams Searching for a place where I can lay all of it Wondering if my tears were enough to let us in 29

by Ju Ann D. Panagdato What a wonderful night to be Moon is glowing and brightly shining With stars glistening all over the sky Making reflection underneath the ocean What a wonderful night to be You sitting by the lake Holding a guitar, humming your melody Just so lost with the comfort brought by the breeze of air What a wonderful night to be Eyes do meet and skin do touch And no words have been said Yet the emotions have been felt What a wonderful night to be Creating solemn place for yourself Belonged to the wilderness of the forest Surrendering your thoughts to the core of this earth What a wonderful night to be Living the night even without a light Finding hope even if it’s in the dark And daring to dream every chance you got What a wonderful night to be Imagining things to have an alternative reality Covering the painful truths by the image of creativity Not speaking the language of loss for the sake of sanity 30

OF FREEDOM by Neil Aldous A. Biason Freedom is a flame that burns within A spark of life, a fire to begin A force of will, a spirit unbroken A journey of self-discovery, a path not spoken It flickers in the soul, a guiding light Shining bright in the darkest night It illuminates the path ahead A reminder of the choices we have made It's a symphony of passion and desire A crescendo of hope, a choir of fire It's a call to rise above the fray To break the chains, to pave the way It's a call to transcend the mortal bounds To reach for something more profound It's a call to embrace the unknown And to blaze a trail, a path of our own So let us all fan the flames of freedom And let its light guide us, let it be our beacon For freedom is a precious thing A gift to be cherished, a song to sing. 31

FBultitegrfhly'ts by Neil Aldous A. Biason From a chrysalis, a butterfly emerges With delicate wings and a heart full of urges Breaking free from its cocoon with strength and might Ready to take on the world, a new sight! The journey begins, a flutter and a glide The butterfly takes in the world, a ride Vast and grand, a symphony of colors and scents A journey of discovery, not just an event Twirling in the breeze and gliding on the rain The butterfly experiences new world, not mundane Flapping its wings with poise and charm A beauty to behold, sure to disarm Pausing to rest on a petal-soft bed A moment of peace, a moment well-spent A journey of growth, a journey of change A journey of life, strange but true The butterfly keeps on flying, not done With a purpose, a mission, an adventure begun A journey of self-discovery, to be A journey of the butterfly, to see. 32

The Hindrance: A Heart Seeks, Can Lovers Keep? by Franzyne Faith F. Caraan Ye, out of thousand souls that’s here and there, thy love and eyes should be known but not to be theirs. Drawn to thy grace and beauty, blemishes are not disgrace. Thou love hast given me ease, and made the heaven in hell in beg to please. But as I open now the question of gates, not to escape, but to see what my heart seeks; A portal in which letters for thee starts to leak, Can you wait ‘til I expelled the Death that made our love suffocates? 33

The Reborn of Mischievous Lad, Machiavelli (An Acrostic Poem & Taugtogram Prose) by Franzyne Faith F. Caraan The universe had shown empathy for my soul, permitting me to dominate the universe. At this point, godheads, from both heaven and hades, had bestowed their morale to heed for adequate success, and live fearlessly. I am Machiavelli, the current entrusted poetry chief, showing the gallery of letters. (M)ischievous spells are lips of a woman fortuner, (A)ncient mouths sealed, and thy soul won't tear. (C)ontagious tales will serve to make history here and there. (H)unted souls, thou shall not fear. (I)n this village, no death is to be seen. (A)larming wails were gone, fires will be upheld. (V)acation begins with craftswomen; (E)ar-splitting souls shall be prohibited. (L)ove will summon thy holy spirit. (L)osing life might be a gift, (I)nteresting reincarnation will be concealed. You see, poets, like the old nine-tailed fox, should either travel or survive. To display their embroidery before the people’s life expires; thou shall be a woman and well-versed in life's archive. Perhaps, I was bedridden when sherlock revealed no imprint of blood on my crown. Women wailed while wiping wrist-wounds – Why would we waste ways with wishes? When winning and poet’s soul is in our vision? I am indeed falling, but not into a pitfall of love, but rather, into the words of literature and art. 34

? ? Maling Akala LIroinfey by Janine B. Agno Maraming sugat na akala mo’y hilom na, Ngunit pilit lang pala ----- Na nagtatago sa mga alipala Upang hindi mo na maisip pa; Na kailangan mong damdamin ang sakit; Dalamhati’t pighati, Upang sa paglipas ng panahon, Ang paghilom ay totoo na At hindi na magkukubli sa mga akala. of by Janine B. Agno You wished for happiness, It gave you sorrow. You wished for success, It gave you hurdles. You wished for stability, It gave you uncertainty. You wished for healing, It gave you scars. Life gave you sorrow, You overcome. Life gave you hurdles, You succeed. Life gave you uncertainties, You assured. Life gave you scars, You healed. 35

PaghilombyZoeSmith(Mr.A) Ayokong simulan sa isa dalawa tatlo ang piyesang ito Pero sisimulan ko ito ng mag isa Habang ang dalawa kong mata ay malayang luluha kasi wala ka na Susundin ko ang tatlong buwang pagitan bago muling kikilala na mag papatibok ng puso ko Pero alam kong hindi ito magiging sapat para makatagpo ng tulad mo Mahal marupok na kung marupok Pero araw araw kitang hinahanap kahit ako'y lugmok na lugmok Nangungulila sa presensyang dulot mo noong panahong okay pa Hinahanap sa tuwing pagod ako dahil nagsisilbi ka na aking pahinga Naghahangad na muling masilayan ang malaporselana mong mukha kapag tumatawa tayong dalawa kahit sa mababaw na kadahilanan pa Pero wag kang mag alala wag mong isipin kung san tayo nag simula Isipin mo kung nasaan ka Kaya't hayaan mo na lang akong ibigin ka kahit na magkaiba na tayo ng mundong ginagalawan Literal na langit ka at lupa ako, hindi ito eksena sa pelikula, ito'y isang reyalidad na di natin ginusto at inasahan Kaya't hayaan mo na lang akong mahalin ka Kahit alam nating Siya na ang kalaban kasi kahit anong pag labang gawin kung Siya na ang pipigil sa atin, wala na tayong magagawa kundi tanggapin 36

Anong laban ko mahal kung pinili mo ang pagsama sa Kanya. Kaya't hayaan mo akong manatili sa mga mabulaklak mong salita na \"tayong dalawa hanggang pagtanda\" \"Ano ka ba hindi ako sa'yo mawawala\" osige sa'yo ako'y maniniwala pero paano na at pa'no pa mangyayari yan eh wala ka na Hanggang pagbabalik tanaw na lamang sa mga dating usapan at plano habang nakikita kang napapalibutan ng mga puting halaman Kasabay pa ng mga taong nag iiyakan. Kaya't patawad mahal kung hahayaan ko din ang oras na mag silbing piyesa ko Piyesa na sakin ay muling bubuo alam kong oras ang naging kalaban, kung bakit may tuldok ang kwento nating binubuo. Ngunit oras din ang magiging dahilan kung bakit may kwentong magpapatuloy. Hayaan mo akong ilagay sa taas ang punto, at koma ang isama sa ibaba nito para makapagpatuloy ko. Hayaan mo munang saktan ko ang sarili ko hanggang sa matapos ang paghinikahos Hayaan mo akong ikulong at igapos ang aking sarili sa pag asang ibabalik ka pa sa'kin ng Diyos Dadating ang oras at panahon na mawawala ang sugat at sakit na iniwan mo Mag titiwala akong maghihilom ang lahat ng ito at darating ang panahon na lalaya ko Sa pagkakagapos sa mga ala-ala nating dalawa na nabuo Alam kong gusto mong makitang muli ang pagbungisngis ko Kaya't subaybayan mo ako, dungawin, mula sa mataas at malawak na lupain kung nasaan ang mga bituin ay nagniningning Habang inililipat ko ang kwento sa mga susunod na pahina Sana'y matupad ko ang minimithi nating dalawa, kahit na sa paglalakbay na ito ay ako na lamang ang natitira. Alam kong kasama ka na Niya at ibulong mo na lang sa Kaniya na sana'y gabayan ako ng matapos ang kwentong ito. Heto na tatapusin ko na itong tula ng buong puso at walang halong pagkabigo Wala akong pake kung abutin man ako ng taon sa paghilom Malugod kong nanamnamin at lalasapin ang paglipas ng panahon dahil ang paghilom ay inaabot ng mahabang proseso at panahon Hindi sapat ang pagtakas sa oras na mabigat ang sitwasyon Magpatuloy ka, may magandang nag aantay sa'yo at hindi ka na mag iisa kasama mo Siya 37

it's okay by Denise Alexa M. Africa I’ve faced a lot of challenges and those make me strong Life is really fragile and sometimes I don’t have courage to move and grow I was once a victim of being pessimistic but there’s one thing that I keep holding on Those are the trust and love from significant persons whom I can lean on Sleepless nights, breakdowns and failures might persuade me to change I’m afraid of being incapable of doing something, I think it’s a kind of shame I am that someone who was very sensitive ‘til my shining armor came A person who heals everything and one who don’t want me to blame She told me that every stair has a challenge Every step of ladder has a purpose I’m too young to feel tired and pessimistic but I know I’ll learn Experiences would bring us to improvement and lessons from life will remain I’ve realized that life would be challenging, but everything will soon be worthwhile It’s okay to cry when your heart feels so heavy but don’t get tired finding your wings to fly It might take too long to slay but nothing can hold us back to try Just like a flower, there’s always a designated time to bloom and shine There will be myriad reasons to suffer from loneliness Sometimes you wouldn’t understand yourself but to escape from emptiness It’s really okay to be at the saddest point of life but make sure to seek for happiness Go to the place where you could unwind somehow you can feel peacefulness. 38

serendipity by Shery Mae Gerobin Waking up feeling there is something missing Void in my chest keeps on growing Tried to search for someone to fill it in Like a missing puzzle piece that might fit in Wander around and find someone Believed that the missing part is in their hand Gave my trust, I let them in Told myself, I needed them For the meantime, I feel complete Felt that I gained the missing piece Days have turned blue Then you take it back to you I was left hanging Can't stop my self from crying Feeling betrayed, you left me broken Realized that some part of me has been taken Stand up again trying to be strong Fixing myself up all alone Put myself back then find out, I don't need someone For that missing part of me is already in my hand. 39

hhhaaaiiikkkuuussssold by Joe Vincent M. Fernandez OUT gabok PSLaauitm‘kaianyngkgistsialaildamnainluma Caged inWthitIihswfnoookreehvouepprehaalootmnaeell pause HILING BUYeonaudteibnregtchiasemsbeeretmiarteyhsiponamgu, esecycles, LisaniSnaHaninlaign’ygkmashaagaapakwoinna witness IIWstehaswattifwiyfhIfooarmism, wtyohotor?uth 40

AYESS

OGORRUUGGOORRUbyMarkJosephLamoriza \"Magandang umaga/hapon, mahal kong mga estudyante\", sa mata ng isang estudyante may walong uri ng pangalawang magulang. Sila ang ilaw ng paaralan. Ang nagbibigay kulay at liwanag sa apat na sulok ng silid- aralan. Ating bigyang oras upang kilalanin ang ibat-ibang uri ng guro. Sa ating unang asignatura sa umaga, madami ang sa kanya ay pumapalya. Madami ang natatakot pumasok dahil sa nagbabaga nitong mga tingin. Kaya kailangan mo nang gumising ng maaga para maunahan mo siya sa pagpasok sa klase. Ngunit kung atin talagang kikilatisin, gusto lamang niyang lahat tayo ay makaabot sa kanyang oras upang maturuan ang lahat ng sabay sabay. Ito ang unang uri na kung tawagin ay si Teacher Alarm Clock, dahil siya na ang magsisilbing tagagising mo sa umaga kung ayaw mong matikman ang kanyang parusa. Sa susunod namang asignatura isang tao naman ang bubuhay sa inyong umaga. Kilos niya'y sumasayaw simula pintuan hanggang sa kanyang lamesa. Mapapasabay ka sa indak dahil sa masigla niyang awra. Siguradong di ka aantukin dahil tiyak gagawin ni Teacher Dancefloor ang lahat para oras niya at pasiglahin. Kahit anung ingay ng iyong mga kaklse wala siyang pake dahil misyon niya lamang ay maihatig sa inyo ang sapat na kaalaman at di ang sapat na katahimikan. Naniniwala kasi siya sa kasabihang \"Di bale na ang maingay basta't utak ng estyudante ko ay buhay\" Pero sa pangatlong asignatura, kung anung isinigla ng pangalawa, sya namang ikinatamlay ng pangatlo. Si Teacher Sleepwalk naman ang babalanse sa enerhiya ng mga estyudate sa maghapon. Ang sa kanya lang naman ay masamang oras-oras masigla ang awra baka pagdating hapon wala nang enerhiya. Siya ang guro na di na tumatayo sa upuan at nagsasalita na parang pinapatulog niya ang kanyang estyudante. Kaya sa oras niya walang natatakot umuob at matulog dahil kampante sila na di sila sisitahin. 41