Bugsay Literary & Arts Folio
Foreword
In the vast ocean of human experiences, a word encapsulates the essence of resilience, determination, and the spirit of exploration. “Bugsay,” a term deeply rooted in Filipino culture, transcends its literal meaning of paddling or rowing; it embodies a metaphorical journey of navigating life’s challenges with unwavering resolve and courage.
Within these pages, you will board a voyage to uncover the layers of meaning behind the Bugsay of every SICCian. Through anecdotes, reflections, and wisdom drawn from diverse cultures and perspectives, this exploration seeks to illuminate the universal truths embedded in this seemingly simple word.
As you explore the depths of Bugsay, may you find inspiration to navigate the currents of your existence, embracing every wave and turbulence with the grit of a seasoned navigator. Let Bugsay be your guiding star in the vast expanse of life’s ocean, guiding you toward the shores of fulfillment, purpose, and inner peace.
Bon voyage, Ang Bangay
The Official Student Publication of Samal Island City College (Academic Year 2023-2024)
Literary & Arts Folio Staff
Head Oarsman
Adelyn P. Calderon - BPA
OARSMEN
Mark Delfin- BSE
Jemailyn Taboada - BSTM
Kay Completado
Johama Bejod - BSE
Hanny Jane Ortilano - BSBA
Kay Marie Dancalan - BPA
Baby Lyn Tion - BSTM
Presco A. Rosal - BPA
Lenard Bataycan - BSAB
Kashmyr Yuko Osuyos - BPA
Louie Jones Castillo - BSE
Ferly Mae Masepequeña - BPA
Ms. Rodelyn Jane D. Enoc
Head Oarsman: Head Rower (Facilitates the Organization; Leader)
Oarsmen: Rowers (Row and paddle to ideas)
Rowing Artists: Interpret the rowers ideas
Coxwain: The Helmsman of the Folio
Rowing artist
coxwain
MYOPIA
Kashmyr Yuko Osuyos page17
ANG PAGLALAYAG PAGLALAYAG
by: Seersha
illustration by: Kashmyr
By: Louie Jones Castillo
ART #1 Mauve
ADMIRING FROM AFAR
By: J. Tabodia
IS THIS LOVE?
My feelings are inexplicable to others, giving the impression that love exists even though my feelings are unbreakable. For some reason, I am motivated by the fact that this is unrequited love. Something is bothering me, but my heart keeps saying, “Support how I feel.” With this kind of emotion, which only you can replace, because of your name, I’m fragile.
Should this be a lifetime? An odd thought crossed my mind: I’m afraid of our different paths, which will lead us in different directions, but I’m hoping that our paths will ultimately lead to the same destination. Could small acts of joy really be possible?
REJECTIONS
When you grow to like someone, rejections can even...
We are unable to make someone like us back because if they did, we wouldn’t need to beg for it. Even though I am aware that it is torturous to ignore how someone else feels, why do I feel blinded? There’s no reason to deny my affections for you, even though I’m not wearing a blindfold. An oddity that is the opposite, yet irreplaceable even.
I feel so weak, even though you taught me how to be tough. You attacked my weakest point while acting unaffected. Everything about you, excluding the specifics.
ACCEPTANCE
Is this the best thing? I wish I had known before I reached this position. But understanding that I am not here if I am not rejected. Though I am grateful, I am also more than half overwhelmed. It can absolutely make me feel like “this is it” when I know acceptance. The decisions I’m making during these difficult times, despite the high expense, my faith persisted. My genuine enjoyment comes from not caring about anything. Actually, I’m positive of it. Just dedication and desires, no regrets. A true, unadulterated love that only from a distance, I admire you.
Illustration by: Kashmyr
Ady’s love
(Acceptance, Denial & Yearning)
Illustration by: Ferly Mae Masepequeña
In the heart, every day continues, Love kisses my heart. Like the light of the moon, Love kisses my heart.
Then, in the light of day, love came, The heart waited for love.
In the light of day, words came quickly, The heart feared the situation.
My heart wept in sorrow, Rejected the love I yearned. Yet in the end, the heart remained, Hoping for love that floated in the breeze.
In suffering and endurance, in hopelessness, Love that was long sought continues. The heart, in its waiting, Knew that love persists.
Thus, in facing hardship and in prayer, The heart was built on love’s faith.
In prayer for a new day, loved, And the joy of the heart, endless.
Ang Kahayag Mo
Ang kahayag sa imong mata mura kog gibira, Pero bisan unsaug duol, ikaw dili maakua.
Pila ka bilyon ang tao pero gusto jud ipugos, Imong katawa tambal sa akong mga pag-antos.
Unsa ang pwede ug dapat himuon?
Ikaw sa iyaha akoang kawatun.
Adlaw-adlaw imong katawa ang permi pangitaun, Kuntento na sa layo, ikaw akong handumon.
Mawala man ang bulan pero mubalik gihapon, Pila ka gabie, ang kalibutan angkunon.
Parehas sa bulan, sa imong kilid ako di magpermi, Pila ka tuig ang mulabay, ikaw gihapon akong binibini
Illustration by: Kashmyr
Cunning
By:
Louie Jones Castillo
ART #2
Totga
To the first love, who slipped through time’s embrace, Whose memory still lingers in a sacred space.
In the dawn of youth, you were a gentle flame, Igniting passions that forever remain.
Your laughter was the melody of my days, In your presence, the world danced in endless plays.
But like a fleeting dream, you drifted afar, Leaving behind the echo of a distant star.
Oh, how your smile adorned the canvas of my heart,
A masterpiece of love, a timeless art. In the garden of my memories, you bloom, A fragrant rose, amid the silent gloom.
Though years may pass and seasons fade away,
Your essence in my soul will always stay. You are the architect of my first love’s tale, In your absence, a bittersweet gale.
So here’s to you, my one that got away, In my heart, you forever hold sway. For you taught me love’s tender embrace, And in that lesson, you found your place.
By: Seer Sha
In the depths of those windows, oceans reside, Reflecting the depths where emotions abide. Eyes, portals to the soul’s gentle grace, They speak volumes in the silent space.
In orbs of amber or pools of blue, They unveil tales, both old and new. Each glance a story, untold and rare, Whispering secrets, beyond compare.
In moments of joy, they shimmer and gleam,
Like sunlight dancing on a tranquil stream. In sorrow’s embrace, they glisten with tears, Mirroring heartache, amidst the fears.
They hold the laughter of a thousand springs,
And the weight of all the world’s sufferings. They convey love’s tender, silent vow, Or the ache of longing, here and now.
Eyes, the mirrors of the soul’s tender plight, Capturing feelings in their gentle light. For in their depths, emotions find their voice,
Guiding us through life’s tumultuous choice.
The Faceless Girl
There was a girl in my dream
A faceless girl, but one thing I can say,?
She is lonely,
As her thoughts are all over her head. The tone of her voice is shaking in despair. She’s always in my dream, every time I’m in my slumber.
One night I asked her, Who are you?
And she answered , “My dear I am you I am the girl who hides in your deepest chamber.
I’m the girl behind your loudest laughter.”
“Then how come you’re faceless?
Because this is how you want me to be perceived.
You want me to be faceless, because you are afraid to be called weak.
Of course nobody wants to be called weak! But I am you, so please reconsider me.”
“But.. I don’t want to be weak.
My dear, please don’t be so hard on yourself. Accepting what you truly feel is not a sign of being weak.
Instead it’s a symbol of how strong and great you are.
And please always remember that your’e not alone.
Because He is always with us.”
by: Kashmyr
Illustration by: kashmyr
By: Hanny Jane Ortilano
As the bus rumbled along the familiar route, a sense of unease crept over me, tightening its grip with each passing mile. The memories I had fought so hard to bury resurfaced, flooding my mind with images of that fateful night. The fear of darkness, once a distant memory, now loomed before me like a spectre, threatening to consume me once more.
I clenched my fists, willing myself to push through the rising tide of panic. But the lyrics of the song playing softly in the background seemed to mock my efforts, dredging up emotions I had long suppressed. “Hello, Darkness, my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again...”
Tears welled in my eyes as the weight of my past bore down upon me. Did I have the strength to face my fear once more? Did I dare to confront the demons that had haunted me for so long?
Remembering that day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow across the rugged landscape, I settled into my seat on the bus, exhausted from a long day’s work. The journey home promised to be uneventful, or so I thought. Little did I know, fate had something far more sinister in store for me.
As the bus wound its way through the narrow mountain roads, I stared out of the window, lost in my thoughts. “The world is beautiful,” I whispered. The gentle hum of the engine provided a comforting backdrop to the rhythmic swaying of the bus. But then, without warning, the calmness was shattered by a deafening roar, like monster behind those beautiful mountains. As I looked outside, the green highland became mud of death, running towards us!
My heart leaped into my throat as I realized what was happening. A landslide! Massive boulders tumbled down the steep slopes, crashing onto the road with terrifying force. Panic spread through the bus like wildfire as passengers screamed and cried out in fear.
“God, help me!” I screamed!
The driver smashed on the brakes, but it was too late. The bus skidded dangerously close to the edge of the road, teetering on the brink of disaster. Desperate shouts filled the air as we clung to anything we could grasp, praying for a miracle.
But there was no escape. With a sickening lurch, the ground beneath us gave way, and the bus plummeted into the abyss below. Time seemed to slow as we hurtled downwards, surrounded by a cacophony of twisted metal and shattering glass.
The impact was bone-jarring, sending shockwaves of pain coursing through my body. Darkness engulfed me as the world spun out of control. I could hear the tormented cries of my fellow passengers, children were screaming, looking for help, mingling with the sounds of destruction.
When I finally regained consciousness, I found myself buried beneath a mound of debris. The air was thick with dust and the stench of fear. My limbs ached as I struggled to free myself, the weight of the rubble pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket.
With each passing moment, despair threatened to consume me. Would anyone come to our rescue? Or
By: Seer Sha
were we doomed to perish in this tomb of stone and mud?
Hours stretched into eternity as we waited in the darkness, my hopes dwindling with each passing minute. Darkness spoke me, waking me up to feel the pain. I could not move, Darkness embraced me, whispering me to never shut my eyes. But then, just when all seemed lost, a faint glimmer of light appeared through a crack in the wreckage.
Rescuers had finally arrived! Their voices echoing through the blackness like a beacon of hope. With their help, we were pulled from the rubble, battered and bruised but alive. As I stumbled into the open air, tears streamed down my face, mingling with the rain that had begun to fall.
“Is this my second life?” I cried, kneeling and thanking God for the chance.
The nightmare was over, but its scars would remain etched upon my soul forever. The memory of that fateful night would haunt me in my dreams, a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the merciless power of nature’s fury…
Those beautiful mountains were already gone, replaced with memory of darkness and fears.
As I opened my eyes, ceasing myself from the remains of my childhood trauma, amidst the turmoil of my thoughts, a glimmer of determination flickered to life. I had spent a decade running from the shadows of my past, but perhaps it was time to turn and face them head-on. Perhaps, in confronting my fear, I could find the closure I so desperately sought.
With trembling hands, I reached out and switched off the music on my phone, plunging the bus into silence. In the darkness that followed, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.
As the bus continued its journey, I forced myself to confront the darkness that had once held me captive. With each passing moment, the fear that had once paralyzed me began to lose its grip, replaced by a newfound sense of courage and resolve.
And when the bus finally reached its destination, I stepped out into the cool night air, a weight lifted from my shoulders. Though the journey had been harrowing, I emerged stronger than I had ever been before; ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. had confronted my fear of darkness, and in doing so, I had reclaimed my power over it. No longer would I be held captive by the shadows of my past. No longer would I allow fear to dictate the course of my life.
With a newfound sense of purpose, I walked into the night, grateful for the opportunity to see the world once more. And though the darkness still lingered on the edges of my consciousness, I knew that I had the strength to face it, armed with the light of my own resilience.
(Inspired by the true story of JL Tecson, Masara Landslide Survivor)
Illustration by: Kashmyr
Equality
By: Louie Jones Castillo
Mirror
By: Baby Lyn Tion
I always see her with a stoic and cold expression and talk nonchalantly. Her taciturn nature made her seem mysterious and intimidating. I wonder what happened to her to suppress her emotions. I just know her from afar but no one knows her at all. No emotions at all.
She’s a living mystery, an enigma. I wanted to help her.
Not as a classmate but as a person I would like to become friends with.
At least made her pretty little lips to have a curve. Make her eyes shine every time she smiles like it should.
But, how can I do this if I don’t know how to approach her without being weird. I wanted to talk to her.
Make her smile or laugh even. I really wanted to.
Because no one….
No one wanted to befriend her. And I don’t even know where to start.
He doesn’t know as I do. I noticed them, him apparently. Every puzzled look, those eyes that haunt my thoughts every time I tried to catch the glance, the emotions that surrounded that only he could fathom. I noticed him. Yes, I do.
Half my life had been sadness, the rest a regret for something I couldn’t help; A wish or will to change the way things were, just for a while, so I could pretend everything might be superficial. Picture perfect.
But it was all faux reality.
Trust. That precious thing that I once had. Hard to get but easy to lose and cannot be used again for the second time.
I am dumb, deaf and blind like a mirror, wearing a facade however I like. Broken glasses and sharp stones do not hurt anymore. Words are venom whomever delivers and could stab to death anyone. Being around people is like being surrounded by thousands of venomous snakes. They crawl deep into your skin without being noticed, they make no sound until they hissed and bit.
Just like what he’s trying to do. I knew it, perhaps. Apparently I do. Trying to befriend anyone, gain their trust, make a faux loyalty and then… Just a single mistake. Either intentional or not, they expose their real color. Showing its fangs like a hungry predator. The prey you are, dumb as it is; does believe in sweet lies trying to give a kiss to their nozzles. You never believe until it happens. That’s just how human nature works. Never start a FRIEND cause it always END.
By: Mark Delfin
In the halls of academia, where dreams take flight, Amidst the struggles and the darkest of nights, There walk the students, with burdens to bear, Yet their spirits unwavering, their dreams they declare.
Through sleepless nights and endless toil, They push through the challenges, they refuse to recoil. With each setback they face, they rise once more, Their determination unyielding, to reach the distant shore.
They juggle responsibilities, their burdens immense, Yet they refuse to surrender, to fate’s pretense.
For they know deep within, there’s a spark aglow, Guiding them forward, through highs and through lows.
With resilience as their armor, and hope as their guide, They march on relentlessly, side by side.
For they are the dreamers, the seekers of light, In the realm of possibilities, they continue their flight.
Though the journey is tough, and the path may be steep, They persevere with courage, their resolve they keep. For in their hearts burns a fire, fierce and bold, Fueling their aspirations, as they unfold.
So here’s to the college students, courageous and brave, In the face of adversity, their dreams they’ll engrave.
For they are the embodiment of strength and grace, As they navigate life’s challenges, and triumph they embrace.
Hindrance
By: Louie Jones Castillo
ART #5
By: Kashmyr Yuko Osuyos ART #6
Myopia
Puhon Tayo
By: Seer Sha
Hindi man sapat ang naibibigay kong kailangan mo, Ngunit isa lang ang alam ko, Totoo ang lahat ng ipinakita’t ipanadama sa iyo.
Binigay ko ang lahat, kahit pa alam kong masasaktan ang aking puso.
Tahimik na sana ang aking mundo, Halos walang taon akong ‘di umasang sasaya nang ganito.
Sa iyo, hindi lang labi ang ngumiti Kahit na puso ay muling sumaya ulit.
Ang pagdating mo’y naging malaking dahilan, Puso ko ay umibig nang tuluyan.
Hindi inakalang sa iyo ay mababaliw nang ganito kahangal,
Ang puso ko na minsang nangakong hindi na kailan magmamahal.
Muling nabuhay ang pag-asa,
Na sa wakas, ako’y magiging masaya.
Binuo ko ang magandang kuwento sa buhay ko, Isinugal ko kahit na ang aking puso.
Masaya ako sa iyo, oo. Binigyan mo ng ngiti ang aking piso
Ngunit sa kabilang isip, ako’y nagbago.
Naging mas mapag-isip at nararamdaman ang kakaibang lungkot ko,
Dinalaw ng takot at pangamba na baka, ako ay iwan mo.
Mas lalo akong natatakot sa maaaring mangyari, Baka isang araw o makalawa, iwan mo ako masaktang muli.
Kaya naman ako’y naging mas madamot, Pati oras mo ay gusto kong maabot.
Ngunit agad akong sinampal ng katotohan, Naalala ko, sa ating dalawa, ako lang pala ang nagmamahal.
Naibigay ko man ang puso’t iyong kailangan, Ako pala ay hindi mo katipan.
Gusto ko ng kasiguraduhan na ika’y magiging akin Umasang mabigyan ako ng puwang sa iyong buhay at damdamin.
Kaya ako ay pauli-ulit na tinanong sa iyo, “Hanggang kailan tayo ganito?”
“Puhon, magiging tayo.”
Mga salitang ‘di man malinaw ngunit isa sa mga pag-asa ko.
“Puhon, magiging tayo.”
Hindi mo alam, sa buhay ko’y isang malaking epekto.
Patagal nang patagal, ako ay mas lalong umiibig, Ikaw naman ay patagal nang patagal ay tila nanlalamig.
Iba na ang bawat tono ng salitang binibitawan, Hindi mo ba alam, ako ay iyong nasasaktan?
Tanga man na isipin, Binalewala ko ang aking napansin.
Patuloy ako sa kabaliwan kong ito, Hindi ko namalayan, pinapatay ako ng pagmamahal ko sa iyo.
Masaya ako tingnan, Ngumiti, tumatawa sa karamihan.
Ngunit hindi nila alam, Patay na ang ang aking inipong kasiyahan.
Sa ikli ng pagkikilanlan ko sa iyo, Hindi ko inisip na ako ay gaganituhin mo. May kasalanan man ako, inaamin ko, At iyon ay nagpakabaliw sa pag-ibig kong ito.
Marahil ito ay isang pamamaalam, Para na rin ang kabaliwan ko ay may hangganan. Hindi man nabuo ang mga pangarap na nabuo kong kasama ka, Ngunit umaaasa ako na tuluyan kang magiging masaya na hindi ako ang iyong tadhana.
Minsan akong napapaisip at nag-aalanganin, Ano kaya ang mali sa akin? Ilan kayang oras at pera ang kailangan kong ulit na ipunin, Para ako’y seryosohin at mahalin?
“Puhon, magiging tayo.”
Mga salitang ayaw na marinig ko, Ngunit isa lang ang masasabi ko, “Puhon, mawawala ang sakit sa aking puso…”
Ito na ang huling talata ng aking tula, Sana pagkatapos nito ako ay maging malaya. Pagod na. Ako ay pagod na! Sana naman ako ay tuluyan na maging masaya
Autumn with You
By: Kashmyr Yuko Osuyos ART #7
Grow as We go
By: Kay Completado
Sometimes we lose people. Despite all our best efforts, we have to let relationships go. It is a hard fact of life. One that will happen many times over the course of our lives. And each person we have to let go hurts. It doesn’t necessarily get easier.
But we get stronger. Sometimes we waste time trying to hold on to a sinking ship. Staying in a relationship that isn’t right for you, for fear of starting over. Trying to make things works when they aren’t meant to. We hurt ourselves by doing this. We think we’re being strong, but sometimes it takes more strength to let go.
Let them go for the sake of your own heart. Because staying in the wrong place can hinder your growth. Let them go because you deserve more. You don’t deserve to stay stagnant.
If someone is not moving forward with you, it’s okay to let go. It’s okay to say goodbye, despite your best efforts.
Sometimes what we want so badly is not what’s best for us. And that’s okay too.
Let go. Tell them goodbye. Move forward. Peddling back and forth in a relationship that isn’t going anywhere, helps nobody. Sometimes it’s best to cut off contact if we can’t let go otherwise.
Letting go is tough. Change is hard, but unavoidable. We don’t know what we are capable of until we try. The best thing one can do is live life for themselves. Open up to new experiences. Be open to putting yourself out there. Realize that there is a time of hurt in life, and this may be one. Once we get past the tough times, we can move on to better things.
So do it for yourself. And them too.
Sometimes letting go is the best possible thing you can do for everyone. There is strength in letting go. You are capable. All you have to do is take that first step.
Laban ng Buhay
By: Hashibwar
Sa gitna ng digmaan, diwa ko’y nakalutang sa alapaap ng kawalan.
Hindi mawari yaring nais isigaw sapagkat damdamin ay umaayaw.
nakakapagod, nakakapanghina, nararamdama’y naiinis. nagmumukmok, nayayamot, natulala niring naiisip.
hindi ko batid siyang tunay na nararamdaman ng puso‚ tila’y nais na lamang sumabog na parang bulkan. isip ko rin ay litong-litong sa nangyayari sa mundo ko‚ para akong nakahilata’t duguan dahil nasagasaan.
nanginginig, nag-aapoy, naglalagablab nitong nababatid‚ nasasaktan, naiiyak, niyayakap namumutlang naisantabing nilalang.
siya ngang sumabog ang nasa kaibuturan ng damdamin‚ umabot sa dugo’y nag-iinit at maghahasik ng lagim.
lagim na siyang nabuo mula sa apoy — panggatong sa pagpatuloy sa laban ng buhay. kahapong nagdaang mga karanasan — hanggang sa naabot ko ang tugatog ng kariktan.
Magulang ANG PASASALAMAT
By: Mark Delfin
Sa dilim at liwanag ng aming buhay, Ang mga magulang ay walang humpay, Sa pag-aalay ng pag-ibig at sakripisyo, Ang aming mga pangarap ay kanilang pinipilit.
Sa bawat gabi’t araw na sila’y nagpapakahirap, Ang bunga ng kanilang pagod ay aming napapakinabangan,
Sa aming puso’y kanilang inilatag ang daan, Upang marating ang mga pangarap na hinahangad.
Kahit ang panahon ay mabagal at masalimuot, Ang kanilang pagmamahal ay di nagbabago, Sa hirap at ginhawa, sila’y nananatiling tapat, Sa mga anak na umaasang sila’y aasahan.
Di-mabilang na gabi’t araw na kanilang inilagi, Upang matiyak na kami’y walang kulang at sawi, Ang aming tagumpay ay kanilang tagumpay rin, Sa bawat hakbang na aming tinatahak sa landas ng buhay.
Kahit ang mundo’y magbago at lumipas, Ang kanilang pagmamahal ay walang kapantay, Sa bawat luha’t pawis, kanilang ipinamumukha, Ang halaga ng pagsasakripisyo para sa aming mga pangarap.
Sa tuwing kami’y nagtatagumpay at umuunlad, Ang kanilang ngiti at tuwa’y hindi napapantay, Sa aming puso’y patuloy na nananatili, Ang utang na loob at pasasalamat sa kanilang walang hanggang pagmamahal.
Kaya’t sa bawat araw, ang aming panalangin, Ay pagpapasalamat sa Diyos sa biyayang kanilang dala,
Ang pagmamahal ng magulang, walang katumbas, Sa kanilang mga anak, sila’y walang hanggang pasasalamat ang hatid.
Whalien
By: Kashmyr Yuko Osuyos
ART #8
Cover Illustration By: Lenard Bataycan
Layout By: Presco Rosal