ALEGRIA - A Literary Folio by LELLS | Vol. 2

Acknowledgment

The League of English Language and Literature Students

would like to express their deepest gratitude to Mr. Guiller T. Marila for his endless support in making this Literary Folio possible. From ideas to planning and the execution, you have been there until the end and we greatly appreciate you for that. Thank you for your guidance and support that no one can ever measure to. You have and always will be a great inspiration to all of us.

The LELLS would also like to thank everyone reading this Literary Folio, to the literary committee and graphic designers, the LELLS officers and of course, the people behind the pen names who contributed to this literary folio. We appreciate each and everyone of you, this would not be possible without your existence.

Thank you and God bless.

Gabrielle Neil S. Bulda President, LELLS

Editor's Note

Hello there!

In line with National Literature Month, I am proud to present you the first-ever literary folio of the League of English Language and Literature Students entitled "ALEGRIA: Define Your Own Joy," it is a great privilege to manage this literary folio as the Head Editor despite having hectic schedules with various events taking place.

While editing with the team, I read some of the entries and witnessed how they define joy that sparks within them creatively with illustrations, experiences, and deeper meanings you'll never expect to see.

I'll never forget the sleepless nights I have in finalizing this book with the Executives.

I'd recommend listening to a dreamy playlist to feel the experience of this book. Take a glance. Enjoy and read, what joy means for you and me.

Matthew Jullian C. Naval External Secretary, LELLS

Wordsandphrasesthatspark thoseunwaryhearts thatsetsindividualstoembark anddefythemeaningthatmarks.

Willjoygiveyouaspark?

I Asked Myself: On Happiness

“Whatishappiness,littleman?Praytell,”I askedpast-self.

Itmockedmewithaderisivelaugh..Ifindit difficulttorememberwhathappinessis,or morespecifically,whatIthoughtittobe whenIwasyounger.Icouldverywellhave changedintotheverypersonIneverwanted tobe.DidIhatemyselfforbeingme?AmI trulynothappy?Whatexactlywasjoy?

AsIponderedthesamequeries,Icouldn't helpbutfeelabsurdandmad.Thereasons behindmypastactionseludeme,amystery thatremainsunsolved.Whenprompted aboutmyaspirations,myanswersarevague, tailoredtomatchtheiridealofcontentment.

EachtimeIreflectonmychoices,Iamleft withmorequestionsthananswers, wonderingifIamlivingalifeworthliving, ormerelygoingthroughthemotions.ThenI wasnothappy,Ithink?

Thevagariesofemotionhavelongperplexed me,twistingandturningmyheartuntilI'mleft unsureofwhattofeel.Onceuponatime,Iwas happy,butnowIfindmyselfadriftinaseaof melancholy.Thisafflictioniscommon,butI refusetoromanticizeit;Ispeakthetruthwhen Isaythatsadnessiseternalwhilehappinessis fleeting.However,whenIsharethis perspectivewithothers,theyregardmewith suspicion,asifI'velostmymind.Tothis,Ican onlylaughinresponse,forwhatelseisthereto dointhefaceofsuchincomprehension?

IwillbeconfrontedbyquestionsIcannot answer.What,precisely,ishappiness,and howcanitbeattained?Theseenigmatic questionswilllingerinmymind,evading simplesolutions,andbeckoningfurther contemplation.Despitethisperplexing quandary,Ifindsolaceintheknowledge thatIhavefoundmyowndefinitionof happiness,onethatisuniquelymine,and bringsasmiletomyface.So,Iwillanswer myselfwithourdream:

Happinessis:wanderingalone,inthe countryside,darkthenshining.Wewillsee thegood,thebad,theugly.Wewillseethesun smilingeveryday;thestarstwinklingaswe fallasleep.Wewillhavenoregretsevenifwe dieonthesameday.Wewillbealone;butwe willbehappy.Ourcompanionswillbethe windandnature,nothingmore;ourfoodwill bethefruitsitwillprovideus.Wewon’tbe likeourpeers,withtheirloftygoalsandideas ofsuccess,butwewillbehappy.Inourown way,wewillbehappy.Then,atthatpoint,we willsmilewhenwesleep;wewillcryinour dreams,‘Whatwashappiness?’”

One night stand

Marahilkayo'ynagulatatnaguluhansa titolongakingtula, Ngunithindi'toanginisipmo,ibatohaha!

Isanggabingpag-iibigan, Nagbitawngmgasalitangnarinigmonapero pilitpadingpinakinggan.

Sabingutak"narinigkonayan,gasgasna", Ngunitsabingpuso"ibasiya,bakabagona".

Nagmahalannaparangwalangkatapusan, Nagsimulalangsahihellosaisangaplikasyon.

Akalamomagkakilalanangilangtaon, Hindipalaalamkungyungangtunayna kaanyuhan.

Sabiniyasakin"mahalkitaAna,mahalnamahal kita", Perobakitnasapilingkaniya?

Nasapilingngiba, Yungtaongsinabimo"kaibigankolangsiya".

Angtamisniyongtignan, Parangdatitayoyungnaggaganyanan.

Angsayaniyonaman, Parangtayodatikasoika'ynang-iwan.

Isangarawsabimomahalmo'ko, Bukaswalakanasapilingko.

Isangarawtayo'ymasaya

Dumatingangbukasmaymahalkanangiba.

Angsakitnabinuhoslahatngpagmamahalko, Ngunitwalakangginawakundi lokohinako.

Binigyanmoakopangassurance, Perosaginawamoparangikamamataykosana

insurancenalang.

Peromaymagagawapabaako?

Walakanasapilingko.

Ibananagpapasayasayo, Yungtaongpinagselosanko.

Minsanpalamagandang makinigsakutobnatin, Malaymotamapala.

Hiraphindiisipin

Assuranceassurancepa,iiwanmo dinpala.

Isanggabingpagmamahalan, Nauwisakalimutan.

Alam kong walang tayo

Alamkongwalangtayo, perotilabakitganito

Kungumastaakonaparangmayikawatako, Naparangsadibdibko'ymayroongnamumuo,

Kahitnaalamkongbabalewalainmolangako

Hindikoalamkungbakitikawpa, tilaisipko'ygulonggulona

Dapatpabangito'yituloypa?

pagka'talamkongmasayakanasakanya

Anghiraplangkasingumiwas

dahilnasanaynaako, sinanaymokongsumayangganito

Kahitnaanongpilitkongiwasanka, kahitnaalamkongako'ynasasaktanna.

Perohetoparinako

patuloyparinbinabagabagangisipmo

S***!kasi'dikotalagamaiwasan, Nayungnararamdamanko'ymulingtakasan Napamahalkanakasisakin, kaya'dikosukatakalain

nakailangannapalatalagakitanglisanin Dahilalamkongmaymasasaktanlangsa'tin.

Sorrykungmedyonagpilingako, Alamkonamangsinasakyanmolangyung nararamdamanko!

Perosalamatnalangdin, dahilkahitpapano'ynapalapitkasakin.

Hanggangditonalangsiguroangtulang'to, Kasabayngnararamdamankosayo Dahilhindinatamakung

ipagpapatuloykopa'to, Kasiaasalangakosasalitang"Tayo"

rapture

weenduptearingeachother'shearts; breakingeachotherapart

butwealwaysendupbending

forallweknow whatwehad hasanending istillmissyourtouch

asIclosemyeyes andimagine whatcouldhavebeen, ifwechose what'sworthfighting

babyIcanseetheending

alittlebitsweet

butheartbreaking

longingforyourkiss

asitmadeitswaytomylips

rememberuswatchingthedawn

holdingthefingeridonotown

howcanamemory

besocrueltous

i'mshuddering

whilelookingatthepast

timerunsslow

walkingdowntheroad withmybarefeet

ithoughtIsawyou

holdingmyheartanditspieces

Joyful Alchemy: Transforming Life's Moments into Magic

Joyisthemagicthattransformsourmundanelives intosomethingextraordinary.Itisthefeelingofbeing fullyalive,ofexperiencingtheworldinallitsglory andwonder.

Tome,joyisthesoundofwavescrashingontheshore, thefeelingofsandbetweenmytoes,andthesaltysea aironmyskin.Itisthetasteofaperfectlyripepeach, thescentoffreshlycutflowers,andthesightofa rainbowafterastorm.

Joyisnotjustafleetingemotion,butastateofbeing thatwecancultivateandnurturewithinourselves.It istheresultoflivinginalignmentwithourvalues,of pursuingourpassionsandlivingwithpurpose.

Sometimes,joycanbefoundinthemost unexpectedofplaces,likethesmileofa stranger,thewagofadog'stail,ortherustleof leavesinthewind.Itisareminderthatthe worldisfullofbeautyandwonder,ifonlywe lookforit.

Butjoyisnotjustaboutfeelinggood;itisabout connectingwithsomethinggreaterthan ourselves.Itisaboutexperiencingthe interconnectednessofallthings,theonenessof theuniverse,andtheinherentgoodnessof humanity.

Intheend,joyiswhatmakeslifeworthliving. Itisthefeelingofbeingfullyalive,of experiencingalltheupsanddownsoflifewith anopenheartandasenseofwonder.Itisa reminderthat,nomatterwhathappens,there isalwayssomethingtobegratefulfor,and alwaysareasontosmile.

- C.M. Rodelas

nyctophile

Afterallthelongwalks, Throughallthelatenights, Thebeautyofdeeptalks

Underthesestreetlights

Longcamethecoldwind

Perfectforacoolmood;

Abeautifulplacewe’vebeen:

Thewondrousviewofthemoon

Duringthosedarkpaths

Cameacrossgoodtimes;

Formorecries,morelaughs

Tobemadeinmidnights.

Brightstarsinthesky

Allsparklingonus, Moonlightinmyeyes

Shiningdownforus

Thecoolnessofthenightbreeze

Acrosstheglimmeringseaview, Alwaysmakemefeelpeace

LikeeverytimeI’mwithyou -

Ikaw ang buwan

Kagayangbuwan,

Kahitgaanokapapahirapanngulapnanagdaansa iyongharapan

Kahitpanauubusankanangpagasangkuminang sagitnangbigatngkadiliman

Ikawaymananatilingmaliwanag Magsisilbikangsimbolo

Ngbuongkalawakangnakapalibotsayo

Nakahitsobranaangulapnadumaansabuhaymo

Ikawaynanatilingmaganda

Angkislapmoaymananatilisakanilangmgamata

Samatangmgataongalamkungpaanoang pahalagahanka

Mgataongnakikitaangkatangianmonghindi matutumbasanngiba

Angliwanagmoangsiyangnagigingsimbolo

Ngpag-asaparasasarilimoatparasaibangtao

Kaya'tkahitmagingitimmanangkalangitan

Kahitmaramdamanmomannamag-isakasa

kadilimanKahitmatakpankamanngmgaulap

Hadlangankamanngmgaproblemangiyong

kinakaharap

Tuladngisangbuwan,nakayangpanatilihinang

angkinnitongkagandahan

Ikawaykakayaninmorin

Kakayaninmoringpanatilihinang'yongsariling

gandaat'yon,ayangkatatagan

Tandaanmo,ikawangbuwan

Atkayamongbigyanngliwanagang

malawaknakadiliman.

1th Encounter

sHesmilesatmeasanystrangerdoes. smilesthateffortlesslywonmyaffection atthatcertainmoment,Ifeltanudgeatmy back

me?Bewildered,Ipointedtomyself astheirwordsofinvitationunconsciously feltlikeakey anyofmyrestrainwasabandoned,utterly fallingintopits stranger justameresecondagoyethere Iam... dOessomethingl∞pyasgrinninglikea föôlbesidethem

Kaulayaw

Isangmadilimnagabi, Kaulayawko'ynasaakingtabi.

Dinaramaanghanginnasaakinay nagpapaintindi, Naangmgataoayparangpinagtagpi-tagpi.

Hindikomawari'ykunghanggangsaanba, Angpagsasamanatingdalawa,

Pagka'tsatambisnangatingpagkakabiyak, Waringmgapusoaynagkakaiyak.

Sanaayatingmakayanan, Mgapagsuboknaatingpagdadaraanan.

Ikawangkaulayaw, Samgapanahongatingmatatanaw.

Naikawangkaulayaw, Sagabingitoaymapanglaw.

Huwagkasanangmagalit, Kungakoayminsangmapanglait.

Bawattulongmalinggawa,

diretsosaumaalingasawlawa.

Gayangnatuyongpangako, pinutolngbalisongnakatago.

Sanaayhindimoakongmalimutan, Pagka'tikawlangangdinadamdam,

Salamatsapagkakilalanatingdalawa, Naibigkosanang'wagnangmatapospa.

Malayang Minahal

Hindikoalamkungsaanngabamaguumpisa, Sisimulanbasakungpaanokitanakilala?

Osakungpaanomoipinaramdamsaakinangganda ngtala?

Abasta,sapusoko'yisalangangtiyak,atiyonay angmahalka.

Ngunitmahalpangabatalaga?

Sapagkatangmahalatminahalaydalawang magkaibangsalita.

Mahigitapatnataonnarin,Osinta,kumustaka?

Hindimankapanipaniwala,peromasayaakong makitakangmasayasapilingniya.

Napakaramirinnatingpinagdaanan, Iyakan,pikunan,kalokohanatkasiyahan.

Nakakatuwangbalikbalikanangatingmga pinagsamahan, Nahaloslahataynagingpartengakingmakulayna kabataan.

Naiskongmahagkankangmuli, mayakapatmakausapnangwalangpasubali.

Kaytagalnapanahonna,sinongabangmagaakala?

Naangdati'yhirapkongpakawalan,aymasayako ngpinapalaya.

Kungbibigyanngisapangpagkakataon,Na magkitaulitsatamangpanahon,Sana'ybigyan akonglakas, paramasabisa'yongsalamatattayo'ynagwakas.

Salamatsapagkatangakingsarili'ymasnakilala pa, Akayakopala..kahitwalaka.

Salamatsapagkatangakingsarili'ymasminahal kopa, Atsalamatsapagkatako'ynagingmalaya.

Colliding Stars

Abeautifuldarkabyssnightsky, Fullofbrightandlovelystarsconqueringthe night.

Thoughthereisonestarthatisutterlylost, Lostinthemildwildernessoftheonesheloves themost.

Eachandeverystarhastheirperfectionof beauty, Butthisstarhasbeenlookingforsomething lately.

She'sbeenventuringaroundthedarkalley, Tryingtofindlightthatisaroundthevalley.

Asshefoughtallofherbaddecisions, Shewastednotimefollowingforwhatit seemsrightinallofherimperfections.

Despitewithherundefinedemotions, She'sreadytowaitforthatlastchanceto collidewithfateinmotions.

Intermsoftimeindefyingtheirgravity, Injustalightyeareverystarconnectswith eachotherineternity.

Byknowingtheirtrulypatience, They'llbeconnectingwitheachothereven ifittakestheirownexistence.

Finding Joy in Life's Beauty and Connections

Joyisafeelingthatfillsourheartswithlight, Awarmththatshines,andmakeseverythingfeel right.

It'safeelingthatcomesfromwithin,andspreads outlikeaflame, Envelopingoursouls,andleavingnoroomfor shame.

Forme,joycomesfromthebeautyofnature'sart, Fromthecolorsofthesunset,tothesongsofa lark'sheart.

Ifindjoyintheconnectionswemake, Intheloveoffamily,andfriendshipsthatalways stay.

Butthegreatestjoycomesfromfollowingourdreams, Frompursuingourpassions,andexploringnew themes.

Forjoyisnotfoundinanymaterialthings, Butinlivingalifethathaspurposeandwings.

SoIseekoutjoyineverymomentIlive, Inthesimplepleasures,andthethingsIcangive.

Forwhenjoyispresent,lifeisasong, Amelodyoflove,thatcancarryusalong.

Ifindjoyintheconnectionsweshare,

Andthegreatestjoycomesfrombeingtrueto ourselves, Fromlivingalifethatisauthentic,andnotfor anyoneelse.

Forintheend,joyiswhatmakeslifeworthwhile, It'sthelightthatshines,andthewarmthofasmile.

Soletusseekoutjoyinallthatwedo, Andmayitfillourhearts,andcarryusthrough. Forwhenjoyispresent,lifeisadance, Asymphonyoflove,thatfillseverychance.

Andmaywealwaysremember,thatjoyisnotjusta feeling, Butawayoflife,thatistrulyrevealing.

- C.M Rodelas

The Contributors

Matthew Jullian C. Naval makes digital graphic designs. He is currently a second-year student taking a Bachelor of Secondary Education | Major in English. He was part of the 2019 DSPC Filipino Broadcasting in Tapinac Senior High School as a Radio Broadcaster, 1st Place in "The Search for Mr. and Ms. ICONS 2022 in the Department of English, and was cast as the main character in the teaser, "LELLS Confess" in February 2023. He writes film scripts for fun and aims to be a rookie model in the future.

Gabrielle Neil S. Bulda is currently a second-year student taking Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in English. She was a Senior Sports Editor, Proofreader and a Co-Anchor in Radio Broadcasting in Olongapo City National High School's Official English Student Publication, The Anchor. She is currently an English as Secondary Language (ESL) Teacher at iYES Language School.

The Contributors

Ma. Melissa D. Merlas writes fiction and poetries. She is currently a second-year student taking a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in English. She was a Senior News Editor, news writer, and radio broadcaster in Olongapo City National High School's Official English Student Publication, The Anchor, and Gordon College Senior High School Department. She aspires to be an author and a broadcaster alongside her career as an educator in the future.

Criscel M. Caingal is a third-year student from Gordon College taking a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. She was part of the student publication; during her elementary and high school days. Now, in her college, she is part of the League of English Language and Literature Students as one of the business managers and one of the online committees.

The Contributors

Izzy Mae Tiozon, a student of Gordon College, under the Department of College of Education, Arts, and Sciences, is taking the course Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in English. She is one of the editors under the Online Committee of the League of English Language and Literature Students.

Aeros Raphael N. Morales is a freshman taking the Bachelor of Secondary Education majoring in English at Gordon College. He is currently one of the members of the Online Committee of the League of English Language and Literature Students (LELLS).

The Contributors

John Christian J. Rocero hails from Nasugbu, Batangas, and is a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree, majoring in English. He has demonstrated his exceptional communication skills and passion for the English language through his role as an English Radio Broadcaster at the official student publication unit of Gordon College, The Forefront. In addition, he is a member of the Media and Documentation committee of the highest standing council of the institution, the Gordon College Supreme Student Council. Furthermore, he is a proud member and part of the online committee at the League of English Language and Literature Students (LELLS). John is poised to become a notable figure; in the field of education and communication.

Matthew Jullian C. Naval Literary Editor

Aeros Raphael N. Morales

Criscel Anne M. Caingal

Gabrielle Neil S. Bulda

Izzy Mae N. Tiozon

John Christian J. Rocero

Ma. Melissa D. Merlas

Matthew Jullian C. Naval

Layout and Graphic Artists

Gabrielle Neil S. Bulda

Ma. Melissa D. Merlas

Matthew Jullian C. Naval Literary Committee

LEAGUE

OF ENGLISH

LANGUAGE

AND LITERATURE STUDENTS

President

External Secretary

Internal Secretary Treasurer Auditor

Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer

Business Manager Business Manager

1st-year Representative

2nd-year Representative

3rd-year Representative

4th-year Representative

Gabrielle Neil S. Bulda

Matthew Jullian C. Naval

Ma. Melissa D. Merlas

Atasha Kei L. Alejandro

Elaine M. Viray

Abigail D. Avelino

David Eman S. Simsuangco

Criscel Anne M. Caingal

Chrishelle Mae R. Agustin

Jeremiah A. Tañamor

Jasmine Alliah D. Silvido

Jasper Andrei D. Silvido

Mina D. Miranda

Guiller T. Marila Adviser

In a world that is cold and dark, where there is a tiny spark that warms the palms of these authors' hearts.

Words and phrases that spark those unwary hearts that sets individuals to embark and defy the meaning that marks. Will joy give you a spark?

May you define your own meaning of joy in writing that sparks within you.