FLAME - PANDEMYA

Save Me by Sigismund Freud She once said, she is barely Alive; and it was actually unbearable, but she tried to Value her existence, though she couldn’t find the Exit, where sadness has locked her in. She Merely understands why she has to be; and Every minute that passes, she has one plea. To read every first letter, from top to bottom

Lying on my bed I close my eyes and imagine that life isn’t unfair. Giving myself a false hope. Dreaming for a perfect life and pretending that problems are just a piece of cake, until I fall asleep because of fatigue. I was dreaming the unreal world where lovers are always romantic, where some families are not separated, where people have unity, no wars, no violence, no crimes, no poverty, no heavy burdens, no boundaries. For there is equality, unending happiness, faith, peace, and love. Once upon a time, I saw myself sleeping peacefully and I felt like my soul separated from my body. I decided to stare and give a glance to myself, laying on bed asking what is my purpose and why I exist? My soul returns to my body to figure out the answer. I wake up and realize that I am just dreaming a fantasy and this is the reality that no matter how life knocks me down I always get up and try again. The reality that life is unfair and not perfect. The truth is, problems are infinite and may encounter every day, the real world where lovers are not always romantic and some families are separated. Where other people does not have unity, where there is war between countries. The reality that crimes are everywhere and the increasing cases of poverty. The reality that there is no equality, there is pain and griefs, different faiths and beliefs, where peace is rare and love is fading. My purpose is to gain lessons from it, I am existing to conquer the world. And I am existing by God’s grace. Keep fighting...

reality by Ghianne Alonzo Photo from The Review

Artwork by Clark Justine Galiza

Flaw...less by Kristene Claire Lazo Freckles on my forehead Pimples on my cheek Pigmented brown/black lips A face full of imperfections and flaws indeed. Sometimes I face the mirror and tears will fall Why do I have this face, full of pimples, freckles and all I am tired of criticism and feeling so low Because of this ugly face nothing I can show. I wipe my tears and smile so wide I learn to chin up, instead of hide Nothing’s wrong with me, they are just blind They can’t see the beauty within, only rare person can find I embrace my flaws instead of pitying I’m tired of this and that, especially trying Trying to fit in place a full of everything So I should be myself, and please stop discriminating.

I Matter by Molecule I am not happy And, I would never say that I am contented with what I have The value of life I would ne’er understand. Will never say: What I have is a blessing, and I am grateful. I am unwanted And I don’t think I am worthy enough I am a failure And I won’t let anybody think that I matter, but I know it was hard I am barely alive and I know that The happiness that I’ve been wanting Holds back Sadness. -Now read it from bottom to top

Artwork by Rommiel Castres

Artwork by Rommiel Castres

IG Story by leesungcole I first saw you through my phone, unfiltered, but it was as though it happened in slow motion. For so long I’ve been alone-- a third wheel on hangouts; bitter, when I see couples. Through a friend, I got to know you. Now I don’t know how, exactly, should I talk to you. I feel confused, conscious, hyped, nervous. This infatuation is worse than the ones that came first -- a good kind of worse. The hype that this gets, is it because I’m here and you’re there? You’re far away; this is uncertain, confusing, beyond compare. It’s uncertain where this goes, but as friends, at least, I hope we’ll get to be.

Blasted Thy Hope by Romanticize Truly how blissful would it be to have someone to share all the burdens and downfall, to have someone to hold on with when the world seems to crumble, to have someone cover your eyes when things get chaotic and blurry. Though you said, ‘It has to be you,’ But I fancy someone who is no longer mine. And, you’re loving someone who will never be yours. Told you so, love is unusual the more we want convey what we feel, the more we end up hurting ourselves. Photo from The Review

Your confession has embedded into my mind, I might ne’er forget ‘bout it— it will always remind me that love is hard to express, but hard as well to suppress; the hardest part? —finding the right person to dedicate this unending affection. We share the same fate; yet, feelings aren’t mutual. As for the gravity of love, there are times, we end up parting ways with the person we think we’ll be sharing the lifelong journey with.

Rise the Esteem for LGBT by Kristene Claire Lazo Represented by the rainbow color People that I always adore For they have showed their true color In a society full of commentators. They have fought their rights for years And I believe they have cried many tears They always have this fear Not being accepted by their family and peers. They didn’t choose to be different They just feel unique excitement No one has the right for judgment For they are humans like us starting a movement. A movement to be accepted Not to be discriminated Love them wholehearted And take note they deserve to be respected.

Photo by Clark Justine Galiza

© Google Image

GREAT WAVE OFF KANAWAGA by ky Waves of the sea Not like what you always see Underneath the flows With water hitting with deadly blows Waves of the sea, waves you goodbye, waves have eyes Special eyes that specializes in special lies Ocean is always deeper than it seems and people only looking at the surface Voice of the ocean cries but no one sees it in one gaze Had the chances of something beautiful But never took those, thinking I don’t deserve it like a fool Now the waves came crushing, the ever so hard stones were shattered Being in one piece or in many pieces never really mattered Go with the flow they said, it will be fun they said But never realized that I would be surfing with my tears before bed The waves of yours that I saw got conquered The clear blue water became full of fizz and now blurred.

The girl I just met by meanimalist I saw this girl, walking down the street Her jet-black hair was dancing with the air. Her lips were red, her eyes were deep, yet mesmerizing. Gravity was pulling us together, Enchanted, I saw myself pacing towards her. I stared at her pale cheeks, and rain started pouring. As people kept pushing each other She kept being pushed against me It felt heaven when our fingers touched, “Sorry,” her minute voice held my breath as a hostage, it was angelic I gasped, “I...like...I’d like to help you, look for a place to keep ourselves dry.” She smiled, I knew, it was really love at first sight. The rain has brought us together, From that day onwards, it has became my favorite weather.

Artwork by Rommiel Castres

Artwork by Clark Justine Galiza

White as Snow by ky You’ve got that dry ice vibe, so cool yet so hot Ain’t a teacher but you’re schooling them with the class you’ve got Lovable but to fall is a must not But behind those white skin and red lips is love’s wrath This world is full of fools Taking a bite from a stranger’s apple Knowing a person by just one night and fall Expecting efforts, texts, and calls Skin so white as snow Heart’s broken, family’s apart but still a complete smile tho But they know how many fights had been fought and stronger foes Hold my hand and come with me, we’ll go whenever you wanna go Those kind of smiles, starry than the night’s sky Aint promising promises not to leave coz I’m also tired of hearing goodbyes No more time for reasonings and lies Maybe times taught us as the time flies

Environment gave us everything Do we need to give back something? We are provided with every resources Limited, unlimited, and abundant in many cases. Every day, environment takes toll For every abuses and malpractices at all Deforestation and pollution, Earth is forsaken Climate and environment action seems to be forgotten. Youth rise up to the action Join different environmental organization Develop resolutions, projects, and initiatives to implement The love of the youth for the environment is evident. Clean up drives or climate strike Environmental forum or environmental action hike Even in the smallest activity Every youth can defy gravity. The role of the youth in the environment Will not be defined of can or can’t Every action is important in every possible ways Youth will revitalize environment action, always in all ways.

Photo Artwork by Clark Justine Galiza Youth: Revitalizing Environment Action by Jezreel Larry Caunca

Imagination by SAV Photo by Clark Justine Galiza

I’m falling for you, can’t you see? Can’t fantasize myself shuddered like crazy It’s kinda ridiculous that in my dreams you’re with me We will be anything we want us to be Foodtrip in my favorite restaurant Roadtrip anywhere we want Walking along the oceanside Telling me that I am the prettiest woman alive Then I was awaken that it’s just imagination Future without you, I can’t envision I think we’re not the perfect match indeed Yet I would still choose you because you’re all I need

Corona by Novelyn Watson Ti simmangbay a didigra Gapu kenka corona ita nga agdama nagadu awan trabaho na ket kasla arbis a kunada adun ti tao a pimmusay a di man lang gapu kenka, masalida gapu kenka corona agaapa dagiti dadduma Sapasap a makuna panggep iti ayuda ta sangka lubongan ti agsagsagaba Ta no awan ka kuma corona Mapukaw payen ti pinagkakadwa awan ayuda ta pati marungay ken papaya a paggaapaan da ti karruba a kakaisuna ket awanen maala Ket sapay la kuma ta tumalna kan a corona Corona sika ti nangsawang tapno awanen didigra... iti amin a ganganaed no dika simmangpet awan kastuy a sagabaek

Artwork by Alvin Bartolome

Artwork by Clark Justine Galiza

Bullet by Jeanell Gorospe You’ll dodge the bullet and it would Love, deep down hit me I’d take a bullet for you But I’d still make an excuse for and you wouldn’t even notice myself that you and I know that you wouldn’t didn’t mean to do that, even take one for me That’s when I knew I love you That’s when I knew But I loved you more I’m not coming back. but I needed to let go Because every time because I know you dodge a bullet, I deserve a guy who’d take a It hits every part of me. bullet for me too And I’m worn out, But you didn’t see that All you saw was my complains, My rants, My cries, But you didn’t even bother to ask why Because all along, You were the one pulling the trigger For too long, I was in denial

Voiceless by: Juan Domzki Staring at those four walls again, Surrounded by silence, you will cry again. You don’t learn, do you? You can’t stand, can you? All those of whom you rely? Tell me where are they now? Man, why do you keep reticent? Come out, there’s a fortress sent, For you to confide on, to believe in, Much more powerful than a Herculean. Get out now, collate your hopes And dreams fascinated with kaleidoscopes. Really tired and exhausted? Can’t be Superman as expected? Take a break, stop, and think. Your world and theirs would link To something incredible and red-letter. Dry your tears, things will get better. Your influence is not important. But your voice that’s heard from a distant May change one’s life and inspires others. Consider the brighter sides and don’t falter. Though their shouts weren’t as loud as yours, Join them so the world will hear all your roars. (for those introverts who spent a long time in their comfort zones)

Photo by: Russel Joy Pascua

Photo by Clark Justine Galiza

Photo by Clark Justine Galiza

kabanata 3KABANATA 3

Maaga akong nagising noong umagang iyon. Mula sa tilaok ng mga manok at ang mahinang kalampag ng mga muebles sa aming kusina ang pumukaw sa mahimbing kong pagkakatulog. “Oh anak, gising ka na? Ang aga pa, sabado ngayon, may pasok ka ba?” tanong ni nanay habang ako’y nagmamano sa kanya. “Wala ‘nay. Pero gusto ko na po kasing magsimula ngayon kila Aling Maridet, para naman po makatulong ako sa mga gastusin dito sa bahay.” “Oh siya, anak. Basta lagi mong tandaan ang mga bilin ko sa’yo ha. Hindi bale nang kami na muna ang magtrabaho dito, basta yong pag-aaral mo, huwag mong pabayaan ha?” Habilin ni nanay. Simple lamang ang pamilya namin, sapat na ang makakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw. Pangalawa ako sa aming magkakapatid. Ang panganay namin ang siyang nagtatrabaho sa sangay ng gobyerno, ang bunso kong kapatid naman ay nasa sekondarya pa lamang. Hindi pinalad ang aking mga magulang na makapagtapos sa kolehiyo, kaya naman, mahigpit ang paghabilin nila sa amin sa importansya ng edukasyon. “Oh Jane, maaga ka ata ngayon?” Si itay, moreno, hindi katangkaran, marahil dahil na rin sa kaniyang edad. Sa pagpipintura ng mga sasakyan kumukuha ng budget ang aking tatay pantustos sa aking pag-aaral at maging sa mga gastusin sa bahay. “Opo itay, papasok po akong kasambahay diyan kila Mang Junjun.” Humarap na ako sa hapag.

“Ganoon ba? Oh siya, ikumusta mo na lang ako kila Mang Junjun. Tanungin mo rin kung may papapinturahan ba sila ha?” Pabirong sambit ni itay. Alas sais na ng makaalis ako ng bahay papunta kila Aling Maridet. Nakasalubong ko ulit sa daan ang mga tanod na magdamag na nagbabantay sa mga pasukan sa aming barangay. Natanaw ko na si Aling Maridet na naglilinis sa harapan ng kanilang bahay. Bukas na rin ang tiangge at maging ang computer shop. “Jane, magsisimula ka na ba ngayon, iha?” masayang bungad na tanong niya sa akin. “Opo, para po makarami ako ng gawain.” Sinamahan ako ni Aling Maridet papasok sa kanilang bahay. Marangyang namumuhay ang pamilya nila Aling Maridet, ang asawa nitong si Mang Junjun ang kapitan sa aming barangay. Likas na matulungin ang kanilang pamilya, kaya naman mahal sila ng mga taga rito sa sitio namin. “Ineng, linisan mo na lang muna itong sala sa ngayon, wala pa namang tao sa computer shop.” “Opo. Ako na pong bahala Aling Maridet. Makakaasa po kayo na walang makakatakas na alikabok sa aking paglilinis.” Pabiro kong sagot sa kanya. “Nako ineng, gusto ko ‘yang fighting spirit mo!” tugon niya habang nakataas ang kanang kamay nito sa hangin na parang nagwagi. Wala na akong sinayang na oras at sinimulan ko nang inayos ang sala nila Aling Maridet. Hindi ito mahirap linisan dahil parang hindi rin naman ito masyadong nadadapuan ng alikabok. “Ano? Sigurado ka ba diyan sa pinagsasabi mo?” Narinig ko ang tinig ng isang lalaki na parang nakikipag-usap sa telepono. Bahagya kong iniangat ang aking ulo mula sa pagpupunas ng sahig. Si Mang Junjun.

“Siguraduhin mo muna anak, hindi naman puwedeng padalos-dalos kami dito, baka kung ano pa ang sabihin ng mga tao.” Nababahalang sagot ni Mang Junjun. Kasabay ng kanilang pag-uusap ay ang unti-unting paglakas ng tunog ng isang ambulansya mula sa labas. Hindi ko maikakaila ang biglang pagtibok ng aking puso. Mula sa aking mga kaklase, ang tunog ng ambulansya sa kanilang lugar ang siyang pumupukaw sa kanilang pansin. Lumakas ang tunog nito na parang papasok sa aming barangay. “Jun! Halika rito sa labas!” Nababahalang sigaw ni Aling Maridet. Nagmadaling lumabas ni Mang Junjun. Dumungaw ako mula sa bintana at sumilip ng bahagya sa nangyayari sa labas. Tumigil ang ambulansya sa mismong tapat ng bahay nila Aling Maridet. Kila Mang Pablo ang bahay na iyon. Balita ko mula sa aking nanay na umuwi na raw ang kanilang anak na galing sa Saudi Arabia dahil nawalan ng trabaho. Nabahala ako, isa lamang ang ibig sabihin nito. “Maridet, ito na siguro ang sinasabi ng anak mo,” pagbasag ni Mang Junjun sa katahimikan. “Tumawag yong anak mo, may isang…” hinila ni Mang Junjun si Aling Maridet papasok sa kanilang tiangge. “‘yong anak ni Mang Pablo na galing Saudi, positive raw.” Natigil ako sa pagtanaw sa nangyayari sa labas ng bahay. Bigla akong nabalutan ng takot. May isang taong lumabas sa ambulansya na naka-PPE, dahil maaga pa noong mga oras na iyon, kaunti lamang ang mga naki-usyoso.

Lumabas sa kanilang bahay ang anak ni Mang Pablo na kararating lamang kahapon matapos ang kanyang 14-day quarantine. Ang takot na aking naramdaman ang siyang nagpatigil sa akin sa kagustuhan kong magtrabaho. Ang balita ko sa mga barangay na nagkakaroon ng mga kaso ay nilalockdown. Wala ni isa ang pinapayagang lumabas ng kanilang bahay. Naisip ko kung paano nito maapektuhan ang aking pag-aaral. Mula sa pagkakatanaw ay lumapit na ako sa mag-asawa. “Mang Junjun, ano po ang gagawin natin?” tanong ko. “Nandiyan ka pala iha.” Gulat na sagot ni Mang Junjun. “Hintayin lamang natin ang sasabihin ng ating alkalde. Hindi naman kase tayo puwedeng maglockdown agad-agad na wala silang pasabi.” Pagpapaliwanag ni Mang Junjun. “Iha, hayaan mo muna ngayon ha? ‘Wag mo na lang munang ituloy ang paglilinis mo. Mas mabuti sigurong umuwi ka muna sa inyo.” Lumapit sa akin si Aling Maridet at iniabot ang isang daang piso. “Nako, Aling Maridet, huwag na po. Kaunti pa lang naman po ang nagagawa ko.” Pagsalungat ko sa kanya. “Kunin mo na anak, pangmiryenda mo lang.” Hindi na ako nakatanggi dahil siya na mismo ang naglagay sa bulsa ko. “Salamat po Aling Maridet, Mang Junjun. Kung kailan naisipan ko na pong magtrabaho, ngayon pa nangyari ito. Hayaan niyo po’t susuklian ko po ito.” Sagot ko sa kanila. Lumabas na ako sa kanilang bahay at mabagal na naglakad habang nakatitig sa kawalan.

Sa dinami-dami kasi ng mga bagay na puwedeng mangyari sa amin, ay ito pa ang dumating. Sa aking paglalakad ay napagtanto ko na may mga bagay na kailangan nating bigyan ng pansin o kailangan nating pakaingatan dahil hindi tayo nakakasiguro kung kailan ito mangyayari. Umuwi ako noong araw na iyon na puno ng tanong sa aking isipan. “’Nay.” Yumakap ako kay inay pagkapasok ko pa lamang ng pintuan. Nag- aayos na siya ng mga oras na iyon ng kaniyang lalabhan. “Oh anak, bakit ang aga mo namang umuwi?” Nagtatakang tanong ni nanay. “Nabalitaan niyo na po ba kila Mang Pablo?” sagot ko. “Oo anak, nakakalungkot nga e. Kaya kailangan nating magdoble ng ingat sa ating mga galaw.” Payo ni inay. Humigpit ang pagkakayakap ko kay inay. Nagpapasalamat sa aking isip na nasa piling nila ako sa mga oras na iyon.

Padayon by Opelac, Reymarc Jericho M. It’s about living your life and staying home Praying for the fast recovery of the world Waiting for the sunshine in these darkest days And a hope - That this pandemic will end someday The villain is invisible And we are able We will get through this Keep the faith, keep fighting Salute to all the heroes This is not the endgame.

Artwork by Alvin Bartolome

Picturesque Misery by Kashen Sarmiento-Saoit Photo Art from The Review

what seems to be a where people doesn’t care of anything happy place where time runs slowly creates a frown on the face you dance along with it gracefully a tinge in the heart you were the turtle in the fast lane a missing part you watch them chase the time you ask yourself what’s wrong it wasn’t really how you perceived you’re somewhere most people it to be, wish have gone you know, life? colorful walls and luxury they say the grass is greener here but for you is picturesque misery but you see no grass you sighed So fed up you watch people you drained the cup come and go you stand buzzin’ and amazed you left while you sat on resto confused maybe it wasn’t for you, and dazed nor for me you ask yourself you took a good photo “what are you here for?” of the colorful wall you think it was the colors took the final walk on the the polychromatic paint you expensive floor wish you feel internally it’s enough for a memory as you think of someplace else for your heart was lonely where laughter is elicited from in what they say small things is the place to be; Apparently for me, is a picturesque misery.

I used to have all the things I was supposed to have, and yet I gave them all up. Sickness may make both our moods gloomy, but that doesn’t stop us from lighting up our own sky. Yes, we can beat COVID-19 together. We are powerful not because we’re not scared but because we went on so strongly despite the fear. The only thing to survive is to become strong, because our story isn’t over yet. Our relationship isn’t it two imperfect people refusing to give up on each other. I wish for a magic pill which could cure our disease. The sun hasn’t been out for days, the birds refuse to fly, and the rivers are dry. But still I’ll hold your hand and we both beat the pandemic.

Artwork and Text by Russel Joy Pascua

Photo Art from The Review Kabataan: Katalista ng Pagbabago by Jezreel Larry Caunca

Kabataan tayo’y makiisa Pagbabago’y hindi dapat iasa Simulan sa sarili at komunidad Patuloy na pag-asa’y uunlad. Halina’t tumindig sa laban Pagbabago sa lipunan ating simulan Makiisa sa halalan, ito’y ating gawin Pagpaparehistro ating sundin. Sangguniang Kabataan ating palakasin Pag-pasok ng kabataan sa pulitika ating pagtibayin Makabagong plataporma kanilang dadalhin Magandang epekto ating kakamtin. Kabataan ang magiging sentro Pag-tindig sa bawat karapan sa konseho Paglikha ng bawat makabuluhang proyekto Makikita sa komunidad ang tiyak na epekto. Tayo’y magkaisa at magbuklod sa iisang layunin Bawat organisasyon o grupo ay pagtibayin Pagtutulungan ng mga kabataan ay mamalagi Kumunidad at bayan ating ipagmalasakit Sa kasaysayan ating iukit Makiisa sa ating hangarin na tayo’y lumago Kabataan tayo’y katalista ng pagbabago

Hades’ Touch by Ky Ain’t no saint Inner sins over innocence Soul got taints No sign of beneficence Choices are quaint Being fiend costs no cent Obscure to paint For other it makes no sense Life’s an anecdote But full of poison Though without an antidote Searching it is the reason Bring blight was the oath Sinister made the blood crimson Hands on everyone’s throat The start of grim season

Artwork by Rommiel Castres

Artwork by Clark Justine Galiza

Backstabber by Dyan Rae Rapacon Hindi mapigilan ang bunganga sa kakasalita May dagdag ang kuwento, may natanggal ding iba May paakting pa si mayora, krayola kuno Kunwari, aping-api; siya naman ‘tong di totoo. Ang kuwento mo, ikukuwento sa iba Walang tinitirang chismis, lahat nakakawala Para tuloy broadcaster ang dating Pero walang basehan ang pinaparating Kaibigan mo ‘pag nakaharap, pero sa iba’y kaaway mo Ang dila niya ang sisira sa’yong pagkatao. Pakitaan mo man ng kabutiha’y patuloy kang sisiraan. Mag-ingat, baka isa siya sa ’yong mga kaibigan.

Cherish Blemish by Kristene Claire Lazo Connecting dots upon my face I’m no longer confident of my own pace I’m trying to escape this place With a dress full of lace. Insecurities occupying my mind Because of these dots and freckles making me blind No one sees the beauty of my kind Even I can’t see the beauty behind. I look in the mirror again Staring at my reflection and complain I can’t stop but one thing is certain I need to fight what’s inside my brain. I have beauty of my own I should smile and stop this frown My imperfections won’t let me down I will smile and be proud till the sundown.