Aequalitas

A

s

l a i u t q a e

Aequalitas [equality, similarity, uniformity]

Aequalitas October 2023 The Creative Anthology of Liceo Student GengGeng (LSGG) of HUMSS 12D Published by the students of Liceo de La Salle - Bacolod University of St. La Salle All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or any part or form Please note that the contents of this Creative Anthology are mostly works of fiction. Characters, locales, and events that resemble actual people, names places and incidents are either coincidental, products of the author's imagination, or used for fiction.

Tiara Marie A. Napagao LITERARY EDITOR Mary Kaira D. De La Victoria Mary Therese Dy Tiara Marie A. Napagao James Michael E. Navarro Jenny Mae M. Pasilaban Aaron Joseph D. Sangco LITERARY WRITERS Jenny Mae M. Pasilaban LAYOUT ARTIST Jenny Mae M. Pasilaban VISUAL CREATIVES

CONTENTS FOREWORD POETRY Soul's Unveiling Wonders of Time Distant Hearts Harmony in Equality Captain of my Own Ship No Chains Nor Ties

SHORT STORIES First Second

DEFINITION OF TERMS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

FOREWORD In a society where it is taboo for women to succeed over men, for men to show emotions, for gays to love their “fellow” men, and for women to have romantic feelings for their kind, six friends wander through a glitched journey towards equality. They unravel the realities of what it means to be in justness through a rip in space. The tear in their realities showcases the thoughts and lives of those who repress their innermost desires and dreams to fit their societies' norms. As they probe through the broken hollow, the group of friends indulge in different stories, from different perspectives and backgrounds of the repressed: The silent pining and distant admiration of a man for another whom he sees amid the crowds, yet never truly searching for him. It depicts the longing of a heart to another’s who is out of their reach mimicking those of Distant Hearts.

The uplifting words echo in the minds of the repressed, pulling the other to stand and embrace each other’s differences and imperfections. The loud repetitions of words push a group of people to step forward into a world where there are No Chains Nor Ties.

A woman who feels trapped in her own identity, unsure of her true capabilities. Until a day emerges when she decides to step out into the world, enough of sitting around and being trapped in the Wonders of Time.

The story of one who had been obedient to society’s norms. Not until they realized that they were capable of making a step of their own.

Without the input of anyone else, they thought to themselves, “I am the Captain of My Own Ship.”

One who encourages others to work together to achieve a common goal, without a care for each other’s differences. They preach a society that embraces one another, wanting the other to be treated fairly. In their togetherness, a hope of achieving true Harmony in Equality.

A story revolving around one who is hiding behind shadows and curtains, daydreaming of being seen and appreciated. Images of pure fantasy floating in their mind in hopes that one day, they could finally have their Soul’s Unveiling.

The pain of an unrequited love, due to the hindrance of society’s prying gaze. The story follows the heart of Ezekiel Rozier, who longs for the heart of another. Yet, their happily ever after could simply be Comme Le Vent – like that of a wind.

The eerie silence and seemingly unending pause when one drifts away from reality, and into the world of one’s own hopes and dreams. This perfectly narrates the story of Alliah who imagines a life of love with Michaella, until reality snaps her back into the realization that it was merely a Truncated Love.

From a society that is littered with broken souls who deem themselves superior to another, there exists a parallel world with colorful illuminated beings that only wish to be themselves and reach for the stars within their own identities. So, embrace yourself, celebrate the differences you have with others, and simply love.

Tiara Marie A. Napagao

More equality More hope More humanity More pride More acceptance More love -avalonandaiden

Poems

Soul's Unveiling

By Mary Kaira De La Victoria

Behind the curtains of fantasies There’s a wandering one who dreams eagerly They go with their flow Waiting for their true self to show The voice of an angel confines With a light within, it still shines An identity failed to be seen In the world, they wished to be free

Wonders of Time

By Mary Therese Dy

A little girl with big dreams In her head it felt like cloud nine As soon as she opens her eyes those dreams were only a illusion Playing scenarios in her head Wishing she was this and all that She knows within herself how she's capable Yet fears and doubts frontwards Took her a years that felt like forever As she questioned herself "until when?"

Closing her eyes with pounding heart Surely trusting herself this time around Opening her doors She began to conquer her fears She's now okay with things she was not okay with Exploring wonders of what the world has to offer

Distant Hearts

By Tiara Marie Napagao

In the midst of a crowd, I will always find you there, A man I see everywhere.

Though I never searched for him, He's always there, never dim.

His eyes, like stars, shine so bright, Guiding me through the darkest night.

His smile, like sunshine, warms my heart, Melting away the world's every part.

I wonder if he feels the same, If he knows my secret name.

For in my dreams, we’re hand in hand, Walking together on lovers’ soft sand.

But reality is a different place, Where I hide behind a smiling face.

I watch him from afar, Knowing we’re connected by a distant star.

In the crowd, we’ll always be, Two souls forever dancing free.

Though we may never truly meet, Our love is real and oh so sweet.

Harmony in Equality

By James Michael Navarro

In a world where minds and hearts are one, Gender equality serves as our beacon.

No restrictions imposed by society, All will be treated equally in this world A pair of men and women, Removing biases while being completely transparent.

Equal in opportunities and rights, We work toward a true world together.

Every field blossoms with diversity, Unveiling a symphony of abilities.

Our strength increases when we work together, As progress toward gender equality is made.

Let's embrace similarities and celebrate differences.

On this path leading to the flame of equality.

Because when we all join in this battle, We create a world that is actually just.

Captain of my own ship

By Jenny Mae Pasilaban

Here I am, alone in this tiny boat of mine Sailing in a swallowing deep and vast ocean where I have grown Journeying life that is hard to define Rowing my oar, going into the unknown “I’ll just go with the flow”, I whispered to myself Not realizing that I am the captain of my own ship I doubted and even questioned my own self Yet, I have no choice but to face it without a skip I struggled to swim, water had entered my throat I faced challenges but that didn’t bring me down Gigantic waves crushed my humble boat But even in the strongest storms, I shall never drown I witnessed the rising of the sun the next day I continued sailing armed with hopes and dreams I stand steadily in every challenge that comes my way I conquered the tides and the extremes

No Chains Nor Ties

By Aaron Joseph Sangco

Where minds unfurl, their brilliance bright, No gendered ties to dim the light, Together we rise, an unbroken height, In the dance of day and the shroud of night Each soul a gem, a radiant star, No matter who we truly are, Together we'll reach, we'll go far, In the journey toward a world unmarred

Embracing differences, we'll find, A harmony that's intertwined, No judgment cast, no chains to bind, In a world where love is signed With empathy, compassion, and grace, We'll build a world, a welcoming space, Where every soul finds their rightful place, In the tapestry of equality's embrace.

Short STories

Comme Le Vent

By Chara Tiara Marie Napagao Just like the wind on that rainy Wednesday afternoon. Your presence, a cool breeze that caresses my suffering body. The cold tips of the zephyr graze my cheeks as I stare in awe at a view, so beautiful that all sense escapes my mind. It has been what, weeks, months, a year? Since I last felt this way. Since I last felt my feet planted on the ground, unable to move.

My breath hitched in my lungs. My mind is fully awake yet so lost.

“Let’s watch the basketball game.”

And that was where it all began. A simple invitation to a stupid basketball game, to show support for a poor soul who carried the weight of his team. Was this how my Valentine’s Day was going to be spent? Watching an event, I could care less about?

But who knew that a simple game could change so much?

There he was. A man who glowed in the midst of the crowd. He resembled that of the God Apollo. His charisma plays a gentle yet beautiful sonata in my ears. And when he smiles, oh my. His eyes crinkled along with his beautifully sculpted lips. When the ball spun in his hands, before making a shot – oh what a sight. It was as if carefully curated poems were whispered in my ears with every basket that counted.

And there it was. Silly me, falling once again.

People around me probably thought I was wrong in the head; for I was soaked in the rain that afternoon, yet I had a goofy smile playing on my lips. A smile that meant a thousand words. A smile that has never been worn for a long time. I did not expect much for Valentine’s day but meeting him was certainly much more than I had longed for.

“There’s another game, let’s watch.”

Just when I thought the day could not go any better. Another invitation to watch a game of ego-fed teenagers clash with equally as troubled kids.

Upon arriving at the court, my eyes were scouring through the entire playing field.

And voila.

A random smile curled on my lips. My eyes immediately latched onto the alluring figure that stood in the middle of the court. He was wearing a matching pair of black shorts and a dri-fit tee. And I would be lying if I did not say he looked absolutely ravishing in it.

This man simply had me on a chokehold. He could make me stare at him, despite doing nothing. He was like a man covered in gold. Lustrous, heavenly, yet dangerous to handle. Touching him would be like dipping your finger in lava. It will burn and damage you, yet you can feel a tiny tingling sensation linger.

And when the festivities ended, a part of me shattered. I met him on that rainy afternoon when the cool breeze grazed my skin. And just like that, he was gone. Just like how the wind travels, with a swift feeling of tenderness, before it disappears.

Or so I thought.

“It is him!”

Those simple words echoed in my mind, like a mantra on repeat, like a prayer recited by an audience. My eyes quickly diverted from my friends to the building that stood across from ours. And there he was. Earphones plugged in both ears; his white mask strapped onto his arm. Once again, a stupid smile crept up my lips.

And I found myself falling, once more.

There it was again. That same cool breeze engulfed my body. It felt as though the wind was dancing, and I swayed along with it. He just had this beautiful, calming effect on me. Seeing him, simply made my problems float away. Just like that cold gust on the 14th day of February.

As I took small steps through the crowded hallway, my eyes ever so slightly flickered to his figure. With every glance, the smile on my lips grew bigger and bigger. My necktie twirled around my fingers as I ease myself from the growing nerves in my chest.

I have always prided myself on the fact that I am adamant and astute.

These are some of my greatest strengths. And yet, this man made all that mean nothing. For this man, I would grovel at his feet, and allow him to make a fool out of myself. This man had a strong hold on me, and I did not want to break free from it.

Cain Everson. He was perfection. As if carefully curated by the gods to wreak havoc in the lives of mere mortals. His physique seemed as though he towered over simple men. His skin glowed as if it were speckled with gold dust. His lips were plump and beautiful as if they were meticulously molded by the goddess Athena. His eyes gleamed in the crowds as if there were stars littered in them.

He was heavenly.

The thought of him could puzzle even the brightest minds, calm the stormiest seas and light up the darkest galleries. He was a creation that fused heaven and hell. He was bewitching, yet dangerous. He was oh so dreamy, yet he could make your entire world collapse and cave into itself.

He was Cain Aleksander Everson. The man who stole my heart on that cold and rainy afternoon. It was Valentine’s Day, and with him, went my fractured little soul.

For days, I stole tiny glances at him whenever I saw that he was walking about in their hallways. And each time, that same innocent smile curled at my lips. A smile that my friends have pointed out to be so special.

“Every time you look at him or speak of him, your whole aura changes.”

“That smile, it is not your regular smile. That one speaks volumes.”

And there it was. The biggest sign that I have once again, fallen into the bottomless pit of Tartarus. Otherwise known as, love. A feeling I have long been trying to deny. But this, the smile, the glances, they were indisputable.

My friends were right.

And he was gone, again.

Unfortunate circumstances led us into being unable to see one another for several days. And this tugged at my heartstrings. A vague feeling of sorrow lingered in my mind as I thought of how I would not be able to steal those glances at him anymore.

And there it was again. Another sign.

Another indication that I have fallen for him.

But of course, with the fall comes the hurt.

You did not think there would be a happily ever after, right? I sure hope not.

Realization struck me when I heard those words.

“I think he has a romantic involvement with a girl in his class.”

And that shattered my naïve little heart.

How foolish of me to think that someone as perfect as you, would be unloved.

How foolish of me to think that I stood a chance in your pool of choices.

A man like me, with a man like you?

How foolish of me to cling onto false hopes.

In a society where judgemental gazes burn on the skins of queer individuals who just want to love.

And there I stood in that unemptied but lonely room. Images of him flash through my mind, making my head spin. The pounding in my chest, so loud as if I could hear it ringing in my ears. My breath hitches in my throat as I tap my fingers on my leg, trying my best to bring myself back into reality.

However, it was to no avail. My mind was like a broken tape recorder, just replaying him. His smiles in those successful baskets. His little victory actions. How his hand rubs the sole of his shoes to get rid of the slipperiness caused by sweat. How he takes a deep breath before every shot.

Everything at that moment was about him.

And there it was again, the cool breeze. However, this time it was not comforting.

It was a piercing gale that clawed at my skin. It suffocated my lungs, and the cold air pierced through my insides. A hand digs into the cloth of my shirt and grips it tightly, a measly attempt at calming myself down. It hurt.

And that was the moment I knew I needed to let these silly little feelings go.

I need to relinquish the idea of adoration because he was never mine, to begin with. He was simply someone I met on that forsaken day of love.

Someone whom the gods wanted me to meet, to fill up a gaping hole in my heart.

And he left my grasp, too quickly.

Maybe someday, I could be the one that wipes his tears when he is drowning in that bottomless pit of blue.

Maybe in some other universe, I could be the one that holds the torches to light up the pavements when he treads in the darkest galleries.

Maybe in some other reality, I could be the one that shows up to his basketball games and whom he flashes those twinkling eyes of his whenever a successful shot is scored.

Maybe he could have been mine.

But for now, allow me to be the cold breeze that engulfs him in his stygian nights. The zephyr that caresses his cheeks when tears trickle down. The wind that blows his soft hair away from his face. The gale that cools his mind when it is clouded with the most cynical thoughts.

Let me be that cool breeze on February 14th.

The cool breeze that he’ll always feel, but never see.

A love that’s like the wind.

Truncated Love

By Kaira, Therese, James, Jenny, and Aaron Midnight, while lying down in her bed, staring at the ceiling, Alliah couldn’t stop to wonder what her future holds for her. “I’m actually set with the plan of being an artist, there’s no other profession that I want to do hmph”.

Then she began to question, “What more does life have to offer for me? "Then a thought popped into her mind: “About love? Mhm, I seriously don’t know.” with a deep, heavy breath.

"Eh, never mind about that; I can’t even be healed with my heart problems, and I'll even look for someone to love?” Facing reality was hard for her growing up. Her heart failure is what hinders her from pursuing the dreams she wants to fulfill. The only dream that she wants to fulfill 10 years from now, is to have her own art exhibit.

While on the way to school, staring out the window, the song “When I Met You” began to play. Her chinky eyes opened at how good the song was.

Alliah's mom mentioned, “Isn’t it good, Lia? This was the love song that your dad sang to me while he was courting me on the day of our wedding. Oh, to be in love”.

Alliah asked her mom, “What is it like to be in love, mom?” Her mother replied, "Oh, you’ll just know it when there’s a sudden spark when you see a person." She added, "It starts with your heart pounding *as she touched Alliah’s heart*, but please be careful with what you feel because your heart is weak, alright, Alliah? then to your mind when you can’t stop thinking about that person”. Alliah replied, "Oh, so that’s how love is.”

Waving her mom goodbye and closing the car door while walking to her classroom, Alliah couldn’t stop thinking about what she talked about together with her mother. Then she began to ask herself, “Am I ready to be in love, mhm, but with whom? "Looking lost as she wonders, she bumps into Michaella. "Oh, I'm sorry," they both say at the same time. They stared at each other for 8 seconds. Then suddenly, Micheaella’s classmate approached her, saying, "Michaella, let’s go; our class will already begin."

And they both went on.

As Alliah was walking down the hallway, she realized that there was a spark in their fast interaction. She was mesmerized by how she couldn’t help but think of that happening. She went straight to the sink and looked in the mirror, then washed her face. “Is this true? ”. She walked into the classroom still thinking about what happened; she could not focus well in class and suddenly shouted, “Am I in love? ”. With all the eyes of her classmates looking at her, she was so shocked that she shouted, her heart pounded like crazy again, and she stated, “So sorry, classmates”.

As Alliah attended numerous classes, she had no intention to listen to whatever the teacher was discussing. It was not until their philosophy class that her teacher called her attention to answer the question "When do you feel the spark for a certain person you like?” With her eyes wide open, Alliah passionately answered as her heart was pounding like crazy again, tapping it gently to ease the tension. “Spark for a person who, oh, wait, someone who you just feel instantly connected with. Despite the small interaction, what mattered most was how the connection was between the two people." As her teacher replied, "Ooh, Lia, you must be in love," with a smirk in her eyes, she slowly sat down and wondered.

“Am I truly in love? Is this what Mom was talking about with the spark?"

She murmured. Her philosophy teacher asked “What was that?” and she replied "Oh, nothing, sir”. Going home, she couldn’t stop thinking about the certain connection she felt between her and Michaella. With thoughts inside her mind, “should I tell mom? But I haven’t opened up to her yet about my gender identity—that I like girls more than guys. What if she wouldn’t support me? What if she’ll just judge me? Eh, I should just not tell her and just keep it to myself.”

Going home, after that eventful day and unforgettable happening. She laid down on her bed, slowly closing her eyes. Being nervous about what may happen, Lia opened the door in front of her without thinking about what awaited her on the other side. As the doors were finally opened, she could sense her body shaking, and her thoughts were scattered, not being able to explain what she really felt. She felt joy yet couldn't fathom what she saw because the moment looked unreal—it was a dream come true!

She stepped inside, wearing a long white dress detailed with jewels, matched with a pair of shiny silver heels and precious stones on her neck. Everyone's eye was on her as she walked beautifully in the church aisle. She was teary-eyed as she saw her parents and the other guests giving her a proud smile. She goes closer and closer to the altar, and there her lover, Michaella, awaits.

"Dear beloved, we are here gathered today to witness the union of our dear friends, Alliah and Michaella, also known as Lia and Mikay."

With the rhythms of their hearts and the silent cheers from their guests, the moment has finally come to express their true love for each other through their vows. "As soon as our eyes met, I always knew that you were the one the heavens sent for me," Alliah said, making Michaella's heart flutter and beat faster. “You made my life brighter, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you,” Michaella said, expressing her love to Alliah.

All the days they've shared have come to this point. As the priest finally let go of the words that everyone was waiting for, "Alliah and Michaella, I now pronounce you a married couple. You may now kiss your bride".

Mikay removed Lia's veil. Their eyes meet, and despite looking at it multiple times, they can't help but fall in love more deeply. Mikay held Lia's cheeks with her right hand and her chin with her left. She was about to lean for the kiss, but then...

“Alliah, Alliah, wake up!" with her mom’s worried voice.

Alliah’s heart dropped. She opened her eyes and looked around, saying, "Mom, was I only dreaming?" with her mom replying, "Yes, Alliah." All of those didn’t happen, but it felt true.

"All of those didn’t happen, but it felt true. No, this can't be, no! My wedding, my wife, Michaela," she whispered to herself with a breaking voice and tears overflowing from her eyes as she hugged her mom tightly. Her heart was pounding like crazy to the point that she was struggling to hold her breath.

With a heavy heart, it has come to a conclusion for the mom of Alliah what she was concluding over the past years. She has finally confirmed it. “It’s okay, Lia; one day your dreams may either come true or that dream will serve as a lesson for you”. Alliah distanced herself from her mother. "Wait, mom, you knew?” With a reply, “I just confirmed it“ with a smile. She cannot believe what she just heard, “So you’re okay with it?”... “Of course, it’s your life; it’s your choice, and you have the freedom to be who you are and who you're going to love”.

Alliah came to her senses and immediately went back to reality. So it was all a lie: Lia walking down the aisle, approaching her, their supportive guests, the exchange of their vows—the whole wedding is a lie. It's just a product of a dream—a world that doesn't exist. That's why it seems unreal. Their feelings for each other are real, but the moment is nearly impossible as everyone, including their parents, doesn't support their relationship.

Day by day, Lia still dreams about being in love with Mikay, thinking about the times that she would get a glance of her face down the school hallways. Since their school graduation, she hasn't interacted with or seen her for years. She still thinks that she might have a chance of having a relationship that she'd always wanted with Mikay, but she's always one click away from sending a message because she gets goosebumps and her heart starts racing every time she thinks about it.

Ten years has gone by one day, Lia went on her art exhibit at a mall.

Music playing on her matte pink and white colored headphones, walking down the street pavements, her head in the clouds, and her skin caressed by the cold winds. As she arrives at her art exhibit, she passes by a familiar face, but suddenly, she feels the spark in her heart once again after years of searching for her the one that got away love.

"Is it… is it her? No, it couldn't be Mikay'' she stated hastily. She then proceeds to ignore what just happened but she couldn’t easily forget the feeling and connection she had with Michaella. .

A few hours later, Lia went around her art exhibit, heart pounding fast again and she sat down to ease the tension of what she was feeling.

Settling down in a bright red couch, infront of a painting she dedicated for Michaella.A painting of two girls passing by each other, with a background that feels like a fantasy rather than a dream.

Michaella recognized Lia and sat by her right side murmured “what a beautiful exhibit you have”. Lia slowly looked at Mikay “oo..ooh thank you Michaella, this is like a dream come true for me” with sparkle in her eyes. The word “word” dream in the statement meant both the art exhibit and she finally saw Michaella.

“Hon, let’s goo” a voice nearing the couch. Slowly glancing to who it was Michaella’s husband with little voices of “Mommyy” as her 2 kids followed. “Liaa, meet my family” then added “Kid’s say hi to your Tita Lia” as the kids gently hugged her. “Let’s go kids, i know you two are hungry na…” then added “what a beautiful art exhibit you have Lia it was really filled with emotions and feelings like you put your heart into the art”. “Aaa thankyou Mikay, take care” . As the scene in the painting happened, they past by with each other like the first time, with a happy and fulfilled heart.

Definition of Terms

Prepared by Tiara Marie Napagao, James Michael Navarro, and Aaron Joseph Sangco

Adamant - used to describe the character as someone who could not be easily swayed

Astute - describes the character as smart, cautious, and sharp-witted

Blue - a symbol of sadness

Chokehold - used to describe a strong attachment to someone

Darkest Galleries - symbolizes darkness, or a phase in one's life where they feel utterly alone

God apollo - used as a symbol for a handsome man that was tall, tanned from the sun, and had a radiant aura

Havoc - to create chaos, damage things greatly

Intertwined - To be closely connected or interwoven. In this context, it suggests the idea of different individuals and their unique qualities being intricately linked together, creating a harmonious whole.

Mesmerized - refers to a state of being deeply absorbed, captivated, or fascinated by something to the extent that one becomes almost entranced or spellbound.

Queer - non heterosexuals

Shroud - A metaphorical covering or veil that represents darkness, secrecy, or concealment. In the poem, it alludes to the challenges and difficulties faced in life, which are part of the human experience.

Sonata - was used in the story to describe ringing noises that were mellow

Stormiest Seas - symbolizes hardships in life that causes one to overthink many negative thoughts

Stygian Nights - symbolizes moments when one is alone in a room, and thinking of negative thoughts

Tapestry - A metaphor for a complex and richly woven fabric, which in this poem symbolizes the interconnectedness of humanity. It represents the collective story and experiences of people from all walks of life coming together to form a diverse yet unified whole.

Tartarus - another word for hell, wherein the author compares the feeling of love to hell, depicting that it was scary, harsh, and dangerous

Unfurl - To open up, expand, or reveal something, often referring to the spreading out of one's potential, ideas, or creativity without being restricted by societal norms or expectations.

Unmarred - Free from damage, harm, or blemish. In the poem, it signifies a world where there are no scars of discrimination or prejudice, where every individual is treated with fairness and respect.

Acknowledgements To Ms. Coleen Jamili, for your unwavering guidance.

Thank you for your patience, which has been a huge support system for us. You have embodied what it truly means to be a writer.

To the Writers, thank you for sharing your creative talents. This book would not have come into existence without your valuable insights. Your expertise and strength to explore this topic have paved the way to create such a powerful message.

To Jenny Mae Pasilaban, thank you for your artistry.

Your talent has added color to the realms of this book, providing it with your creative hues.

To Tiara Marie Napagao, thank you for your dedication. Your keen eye for the finest details has played a huge role in making this book the best that it can be.

To the LGBTQ+ Community, thank you for being a source of inspiration. The courage and authenticity you all have to show your true selves is a testament to your commitment to a more hopeful future.