Awakened by Scorching Memories - An H Entertainment Issue 2022

An entertainment issue released by PnC Herald, Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Cabuyao.

All rights reserved © 2022 No part of this publication are allowed to be used in any way without the permission from the authors/writers.

Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Edilen Shane Villena

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Josh Anne Cipriano

FEATURE EDITOR Kenneth Alcoran Hannah Nicole Pioquid

LITERARY EDITOR Mclyn Rose Saliba Jey Rens Simo

EDITORS

Josh Anne Cipriano Shane Villena

COVER ART BY THE Creatives

ARTISTS

Christine Pliego France Ailo Moratillo Jazel Gonzales Jeunice Bea Landicho Justine Dacocos Reymark Hernandez Vince Miranda

ISSUE LAYOUT BY Blesselle Ramirez

/pncheraldnewsonline @pncherald pncheraldeyst@gmail.com

This entertainment issue entitled “Awakened by the Scorching Memories” is an avenue for our writers’ to look back at memories in form of art, literature, and features. Recalling memories varies from experiences and perception. Sometimes it comes in form of melancholy, agitation, thankfulness, or waves of body heat, hence described as scorching. Reminiscing seems cliché but it isn’t really. Everything that happened in the past has an impact to what we have right now.

There are foods we used to dislike before but became our favorite because someone convinced us to try them. There is a film in the cinema we do not really enjoy but learned to love them after selecting the less queued lines. We suddenly remember certain people after hearing a song that reminds you of them. Reminiscing keeps our mind preoccupied into somewhere lightyears away, but close to where your heart used to stay.

However, looking back at memories is not limited to sunshine and rainbows. It can be also an opportunity to awaken sleeping hearts through factual history and experiences. Little did we know that some of the things we enjoy now cost blood, sweat, and tears in the past. The disheartening struggles we have before taught us how to withstand them the next time they happen again.

We are made of memories.

You and I still carry the pieces of the past.

Edilen Shane Villena EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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“Sa Likod ng Silab” Photo by Christine Pliego

Dilim, Sindi, Silab ng Kandila Kabataang puno ng ala ala Aninong pinagmulan ng kasiyahan Sa likod ng silab, tayo’y nagkasama...

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TABLE OF CONTEN FEATURE 14

How to be a Paper Boat: A Short Guide to Buoyancy Written by Candy Lozada

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Sounds and Stories of the Philippines: A Podcast Collection of Enchanting Filipino Folk Tales Written by Hannah Nicole Pioquid

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Dose of Inspiration: PnCian’s CoVID-19 Stories that Will Fuel Up Optimism Written by Kelly Rose Valenzuela

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Salt Bread and Caffeine: The Filipino Breakfast Staple

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The Amazing Madrigals Written by Kenneth Alcoran

Written by Candy Lozada

NTS LITERATURE 28

Living in a Dreamland Written by Ana Marie Cantalejo

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Lucy’s Sanctuary

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Mirror, Mirror on the wall.

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Roll a Dice and See

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USAPIN NOONG 1965 Written by Acea Paster

Written by Mclyn Rose S. Saliba

Written by Crystal Anne Cruzat

Written by Candy C. Lozada

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How to be a Paper Boat: A Short Guide to Buoyancy Written by Candy Lozada Illustration by Reymark Hernandez

The month of May is considered as one of the driest months alongside April with a particularly high temperature and humidity nationwide. People find ways to cope with the heat like visiting their provinces or other towns to tour around and enjoy the sea with their loved ones. There must be something about summer that makes it so nostalgic but not as much as we long for the rainy days.

If one cannot do any of it, some of us would make paper boats. It is a boat constructed from light materials such as paper of any color and variation, with instructions on how to fold and arrange each corner to make it at least durable from the running water we are going to set it to. It gives this sudden gush of nostalgia we all crave for.

A certain childhood memory struck us the most only if it creates this sense of hope during the times that we are hopeless. When it rains, it pours, and the more we resist, the more that it would hurt us in the end.

How does a fragile paper boat handle rivers, puddles, and running water? It has everything to do with buoyancy. It refers to the ability or tendency of an object to float on the water no matter what it was made from, and it can teach us a thing or two about life.

Most people would take it as an opportunity to rest and sleep, some found it an inconvenience. When we have our doubts for the future, we sometimes find ourselves reminiscing about the past so why don’t we go back a few years and remember when we didn’t have to bend over backward for things which we had no control over?

A trip down memory lane, some would say. As a child, as once we all were, we cannot wait to grow up and do all the things the adults do, and now that time is here and if you ask most of them, they want their innocence back. The rainy season for a child was a mix of joy and all the things in between--canceled school and staying in bed watching cartoons, perhaps playing in the middle of the rain with friends.

Perhaps a great practice is to perform regularly, or just when your heart desires that it should is the time where you unpack the heavy baggage that you have been carrying for so long yet do not have the courage to tell another soul, then put everything into words

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onto a paper and fold each corner until you have a paper boat. Each fold is a concrete reminder of your submission to the universe and its wonders. A reminder that in the middle of this vast unknown is a sailor who may or may not be in control of their journey and that is where life begins.

There is surely a way to see hope out of chaos, as the saying goes “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” We are somehow a paper boat in these seemingly violent waves we call life.

There is no other way to be, but we shall remain afloat.

This paper boat lets itself float and flows with the water, a humble return to mingle and be part of nature itself. It stays true to what it is and fears no one.

It might have its fragile and delicate characteristics, but it is free, no matter what it is made up of--our past mistakes, wrong deeds, and a bad reputation.

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Imagine it is a fine Sunday afternoon; children are scattered in the backyard playing different games, making noises, enjoying every moment with their friends. After playing for such a long time, parents will come rushing to get their kids home. Then, the day will end with the kids terribly tired but still wanting to continue playing. So, the energetic kids will run and go to their favorite grandma because what is the better way to end the day than to listen to grandma’s most enticing stories.

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Sounds and Stories of the Philippines: A Podcast Collection of Enchanting Filipino Folk Tales

Written by Hannah Nicole Pioquid Illustration by Justine Dacocos

As time passes, the use of the Internet and the emerging influence of social media are very rampant.

Most kids spend their leisure time using gadgets and browsing the web. However, that very use of devices will also become the avenue that will connect them to the world of the legendary enchanting Filipino folktales. In what way? Through a podcast.

cent and astonishing tales and culture of the Philippines for its locals—the younger generations and for the rest of the world. This podcast collection includes folk tales such as The Legend of Mariang Sinukuan, The Fairy of Balete Tree, The Mystical Mountain of Banahaw, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, and Ang Alamat ng Antipolo for its latest and 20th episode.

A podcast is a digital audio file available on the Internet wherein the listeners were taken on a journey.

Listening to a podcast is similar to reading - imagining what the storyteller wants to convey and connect with them. Due to its emerging usage, especially with the fame of Spotify - one of the most significant audio and music streaming platforms available today, GMA News and Public Affairs has launched the “Sounds and Stories of the Philippines,” a collection of captivating Filipino folktales. Sounds of nature accompany each story with traditional Filipino musical instruments.

In his classic work “The Science of Fairy Tales,” Edwin Hartland said that the art of storytelling had been cultivated in all ages and among all nations that have no scientific record because it is the result of the instinct of the human mind that was embedded down universally. Filipinos love storytelling and sharing it with other people, especially its learnings to the younger generation. These stories give a glimpse of the simple life of our ancestors. Even though these stories were mostly word of mouth, these folk tales open the door of our past and enable us to deepen our cultural identity. It is undeniably considered a reminder of the beginning of our roots.

The ongoing podcast includes the collection of Filipino myths and folktales voiced by the veteran voice actor Shirley Escalante, bringing to life the magnifi-

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Dose of Inspiration: PnCian’s CoVID-19 Stories that Will Fuel Up Optimism Written by Kelly Rose Valenzuela Illustration by Jeunice Bea Landicho

It has been two years since Filipinos were heavily shaken when CoVID-19 avalanches the country.

People know for a fact that the CoronaVirus Disease, also known as CoVID-19, has already claimed tons of fatalities in the health of mankind across the globe. To restore the life that people are longing for, authorities and experts are pulling it together since they are aiming for a common purpose. Different vaccine brands were formulated, and their implementation is a leeway to, at least, lessen the burdens of mankind’s sufferings brought by CoVID-19. Its availability offers them stepping progress towards the chaotic times.

CoVID-19 vaccines so far. In addition, for instance, if a person is injected with 2 doses, that would be sufficient enough for about 68.8 percent of Filipinos to get vaccinated. In this city, there are still 60 active cases and thousands of confirmed cases (10,040) going on, according to the report of Gov. Ramil Hernandez, the current Governor of Laguna, in a Facebook post last March 3.

CoVID-19 has made a huge turning point in the world where people live. Now let yourself delve into a series of stories to combat a disease by injecting a dosage or two of vaccine in their bodies that changed their lives in the current time.

According to Reuters (2022), the Philippines has already administered more than 148 million doses of

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Winning Streak of Hope Life is a game that is not easy to play. All you have to do is to learn the cycle of life and play it because if you dwell on losing forever, you will never reach the top. Just like Aaron Gabriel Belonza, a Grade 12 PnCian, in his game of life. Instead of quitting and dwelling on the downs, he let his positivity dominate when the CoVID-19 struck him, which made him earn a reward of happiness by winning over some lessons and bonds that he will cherish as long as he lives.

As far as he can remember, he was doing an assignment in one of his subjects in school when his aunt gave him an Indian mango and Nutella to eat. He took it without knowing that his relative has CoVID-19 already.

He was never certain that he was positive at first since he has not been tested due to the cost of CoVID-19 testing. But when he started experiencing the symptoms such as absolute body pain, colds, and coughs, he built assumptions in his mind. When his father was confirmed as positive in testing, he realized that his intuitions were right: that he is an asymptomatic CoVID-19 carrier alongside his mother. “‘Yung ubo ko, umabot siya ng 5 months, and kahit anong gamot ang ini-intake ko, hindi pa rin maayos ‘yung pakiramdam ko,” Belonza revealed the span of the symptoms he experienced. In addition, his colds lasted for about a month, and when he eats something in every first bite, it tastes like medicine, which makes him lose his appetite.

Instead of overthinking that they carry the viruses inside of their bodies, Aaron and his family were never rattled. He shared that his father knows how to manage the things that they should be afraid of, and because of his father’s principles, he was also influenced by this. “I’ll take it as a positive way na rin. At least I know na rin na mayroon akong confirmation na nagkaroon ako [ng CoVID-19], and also, beforehand, alam ko na kung paano ko siya iko-cope up. Kasi, hindi naman ako nag-iisa, eh. I have parents by my side to guide me whatever happens,” he said with regards to his reaction when he had the disease.

Being an extrovert and having a knack for socializing, Aaron became close to his classmates, instead of being alone. Another trivia is that he learned how to play first-person shooting (FPS) games such as Valorant. “‘Yung friendship, even though online, and ‘yung camaraderie ng bawat isa, parang doon na-boboost yung confidence ko to appreciate what is ahead. Kahit you feel lonely in the edge of your room, it feels safe and happy na rin na may napag-kukuwentuhan ka ‘nung mga stories na gusto mong i-share sa ibang tao,” the 18 year-old STEM student confessed.

Vaccination also helped him more in his life. “Back then, ‘nung wala pang vaccine, mas mahigpit, bawal makalabas. Pero ngayon, alam na natin, na after interacting with other people with how many hours, alam mong secured ka. Every single person na nakakapag-take ng vaccine is nakakatulong to be protected to the people whom you interact. However, I do not recommend vaccination as a mandatory for all of the people kasi binabypass natin ‘yung ability nila to have freedom.”

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Ride or Die: Gamble of Safety Everyone will do what it takes just to ensure that their life will still prolong as long as they can. Life is a crazy ride, and, if they want that thing to happen, they are ready to gamble all they have. Shareen Eauoui Perez, a 1st year Bachelor of Science in Psychology student of PnC is one of those individuals who happened to be playing with fire to achieve safety in this time of the pandemic since medicines and her body does not mingle with each other.

She was at her school back then and she felt dizzy, and her vision was spinning. “Umiyak na ako nang super kasi hindi ko na maramdaman ‘yung sarili kong katawan,” she said. In addition, the numbness of her body dominated later that night. She felt the coldness and pain in her joints. The reason why it happened is due to her insufficient Potassium count in her blood, which is caused by her 3-hour or less daily sleep routine. Then 2 months later, during their thesis defense, she tried to take Mefenamic, a painkiller for her aching tooth, and the bloating of her body parts happened.

It has never been easy for her to be vaccinated as much as possible since beforehand, she needs to cope with her allergies with different kinds of medicines.

The effect of medicines is not good for her body, according to Perez. Whenever she takes it, she usually feels bloating in some parts of her body (especially in her eyes, mouth, gums) and numbness alongside it.

That’s why when CoVID-19 vaccines have been released into the limelight, it took her 7 to 8 months (after it has been accessed by the public) to prescribe to her doctor for availing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is only composed of 1 shot. “Sabi ko kay Mama, i-take na natin ‘yung risk kasi kung hindi pa ako magpapa-vaccine, baka mas lalo pang lumala

This condition of hers is not innate in her childhood, not until an incident during her 9th grade happened.

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kapag na-apektuhan ako ng mismong virus,” Shareen said. She added that the reason why she did not easily avail it is due to financial matters for frequent checkups, which are necessary for her condition. “It already cost me, like, a thousand pesos just to have that signature from my doctor and to have the approval na pwede na akong magpa-vaccine”.

“‘Yung paghinga ko, parang pilit na lang.”

Despite the higher chances of trouble, Shareen still gambled just for the safety of hers and more importantly, her family. The preceding deaths of her family relatives urged her to get vaccinated immediately due to the fear that one of them might be the next to knock on death’s door. “Mahirap sa amin ng family ko na mabalitaan ‘yung pagkamatay nila, especially those na nasa malalayong lugar. Nakakagulat and nakakalungkot at the same time, siyempre, matagal din namin silang hindi nakikita, then after ilang years of that, uuwi na lang silang abo rito sa amin,” Shareen revealed sorrowfully. Additionally, it is also not a good thing that there is a big chance of transmission of the lethal virus if ever she got infected with it due to frequent exposure outside the household.

Two weeks after the prescription of her doctor, she immediately availed the vaccine. After being vaccinated, her first night was fine, feeling the heaviness of her left arm where she was injected. Then after 2 days of vaccination, she immediately told her mother that she might not make it due to the overloading symptoms such as fever, headache, and dizziness brought by the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. She cannot take it anymore, so she took Paracetamol, and her fear, as well as her family’s, occurred. Shareen also added that she cannot breathe at that time when she and her family are in the car while on the way to the hospital.

“Instead of thinking of my safety, I also think of my family’s safety,” the 1st year college student expressed.

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You Are Not Alone With CoVID 19 Pandemic being around in today’s century, there has been a sudden piling of fears, anxiety, and sadness. One thing that people who have CoVID19 fear is facing the feeling of being stigmatized by other individuals who might perceive them as a virus, instead of being a normal person who concurrently exists with them. Aska Villaseñor, a Grade 12 Senior High School student of PnC seems to have forethought this situation, making her temporarily distant to the people around her.

At first, when she found out that she tested positive for CoVID around August or September, she panicked, since all of them inside their house were affected by the disease that started with one family member. According to her, “Usually before, kapag nalaman po nating may CoVID tayo, parang everytime kapag nakakaramdam ka something like hindi ka lang makahinga ng kaunti, may pakiramdam na ‘hala mamatay na ako’,” she said.

way around.

The moment that she confessed made their friendship tight. She was flattered and grateful that her friends are ready to support her in down-heartening times. The Grade 12 STEM student added that it was her mistake that she hid it from them.

Thanks to the support of her family, she easily recovered from the disease, although all of them inside their house experienced having CoVID-19. “Siyempre masaya sa part ko. Nakita ko na nagtutulungan kami bilang pamilya, na inaalagaan namin ang isa’t isa,” Aska happily added.

Before Aska experienced having the disease, the thought of hesitancy in vaccination popped into her mind. The spread of fake news all over the world contributed to that feeling. However, due to the symptoms that she felt, she was determined to be injected with the Moderna vaccine, and as of now, she got better and back on track to finish her tasks as a student.

To have motivation, she just imagined that the disease was just a simple flu that will be treated eventually, but as the days passed by, she experienced more symptoms such as extreme coughs and colds, loss of taste and smell, and nausea. She added that she cannot walk properly and had rashes all over her body and experienced diarrhea, making her cry over and over in her situation.

Having CoVID-19 vaccines in today’s timeline is vital for the daily living of everyone. It may not instantly make the disease vanish, but it may lessen the sufferings that the people are experiencing. It is not mandatory but is recommended for ensuring the safety of everyone. These stories of PnCians are an eye-opener to the harsh realities and truths brought about by the CoVID-19 Pandemic. However, it should not be feared and lose hope because this is the time to be rational and establish solidarity. Through this, the old normal world can hopefully be redeemed. You are not alone in this life’s ride because through unity, all will be in a winning streak of hope.

She admitted that having the virus at first was difficult for her to share with her beloved friends that she had one. “I was really scared na ma-discriminate.

Hindi naman po sila ganoon. It’s just that mayroon sa mind natin na baka matakot sila kapag magaling ka na.” The thought of revealing it to the people she has close connections with made her assume that she might break their established friendship, one thing that she is afraid to do, but apparently, it is the other

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Salt Bread and Caffeine: The Filipino Breakfast Staple Written by Candy Lozada Illustration by Vince Miranda

The Philippines is a diverse country with a variety of cultures and values. An example would be how we acquired dishes and made them our own for years to come. A country with a dark history from the colonizers, we fought our way out to be free and now our cuisine is highly influenced by them if not most.

Some people prefer them to be soft and fluffy or toasted and buttered. You name it, and your local bakery probably has it. This delightful baked good partnered with your preferred caffeine is what starts every morning along with the infamous cock-a-doodle-do of most of our dads, if not then most likely the neighbors’ rooster in the morning of our early school days.

We Filipinos are innately hospitable when it comes to food, so we share them with people to show how much we love and care for them. In terms of food, it has often been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, no doubt because it literally means breaking the fast the night before as you replenish your body with the energy you might need to accomplish the day.

It sure is fun to look back then and now, where you have something constant to look forward to every morning. We grew up, so did our parents and everyone we know but to have a part of your past that is filled with good memories is something else. Our mornings now are made up of adult responsibilities and ambition, but a freshly baked bread from your local bakery partnered with hot and creamy coffee that brings the family together even before dawn is indeed a core memory.

A typical Filipino breakfast usually consists of eggs and fried rice from the leftover the night before, but for most people back in the 16th century during the Spanish colonization, it was pandesal. Pandesal means bread of salt in Spanish for the little amount of salt in the dough and is the Spanish counterpart to the baguette of the French. It is also considered the “bread of the poor” as it was viewed as an alternative to rice during the Philippine revolution.

As the old saying goes “walang matigas na tinapay sa mainit na kape” which translates to there is no hard bread over a hot coffee. That if a toothless grandmother can chew the hardest bread as it turns soggy because of the coffee then there are ways to solve every problem with perseverance. No matter how strong and prideful we may seem, no tough man can withstand tough situations without the warm unconditional love and support of a relative, like how one cannot go on with their day without a taste of salt bread and caffeine. Our own family is that sweet coffee that we need to get up in the morning and make our hard adult life bearable.

In competition with baked goods from around the world, the pandesal can be thought of as a blank canvas, but despite its plain flavor, it is an excellent choice for Filipinos searching for a versatile snack because it works with every type of fillings for a sandwich one could grab a hold of early in the morning. In certain provinces nationwide, different versions and twists of this salt bread just prove how a blank canvas is an opportunity for endless possibilities.

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The Amazing Madrigals Written by Kenneth Alcoran Illustration by Jazel Gonzales

A family is called a family because it has imperfections. If it does not have any, then one can and shall call it a system or a program. That being said, no family is flawless, even the gifted and seemingly impeccable Madrigal family, from Disney’s 60th animated movie called Encanto.

Abuela Alma, the head of the matriarch, was a stern yet loving mother and an even better grandmother.

But throughout her life, became blinded by her responsibility, their family’s legacy, and feared change.

It mirrors today’s old but not so gold ways grandparents still try to control family decisions by always bringing up age and experience. Thus, the start of generational trauma.

Encanto is set in Colombia and is about the multigenerational and amazing Madrigal family and their unique gifts, a miracle they got during a ceremony when they reach five years of age, all except Mirabel.

To make it worst, her Uncle Bruno saw in his vision that she will destroy their home, Casita—a magical house born from a magical candle with everlasting flame, which is the source of their abilities.

The only son of Abuela Alma, Bruno, has the power to see a glimpse of the future. But the future is not always good and when he talks about his visions, it would come true. Eventually, since his powers were not being helpful and were not making his family proud, he was branded as bad luck both to the family and the town. That’s why he left, or specifically, go into hiding.

However, despite their miracles, their story is also our story, and their family is not entirely different from our family: some problems need to be talked about, but no one seems to be able to because they are perfect, or at least they are supposed to be, all because they have to make their family proud. Although, on their own, making your family proud is not a bad thing since we all want to make our family proud.

Isabela, the eldest sister of Mirabel, is the perfect child any parent could dream of. Her gift is being able to grow perfect-looking roses and other types of plants, as well as controlling them. She must always look graceful, elegant, beautiful, pretty, gorgeous, presentable, lovely, stunning, charming, stylish, and

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wonderful. But because of that responsibility and the perception of everyone that she is a perfect person, she became afraid to look ugly, to look sad, to create horrible-looking plants, and to try something new. So much so that the only perfect thing is her ability to fake being perfect. This should remind us that being beautiful does not mean being perfect, it just means being yourself for we are all already beautiful.

Then, there is Mirabel, a loving and enthusiastic person, who only has one goal—to make her family proud despite not receiving a gift, and her character symbolizes most of us: a simple and ordinary person trying our best to find our place in this ever-changing world. In the movie, she was surrounded by extraordinary persons troubled with common problems.

Regardless, it was her who was able to solve those problems and brought back the miracle to them by destroying their house, along with the impractical standards made by the generation gap.

On the other hand, Mirabel’s middle sister, Luisa, is the brawn of the family as she possesses super strength. She must carry heavy things, specifically the weight of pressure and burden that are placed on her shoulders. But being strong physically does not guarantee emotional stability. Ironically, many people try to hide their anxiety and depression by appearing tough because of so many expectations from the family. One should not cry, should not fail, and should continually produce better results. It is a decent mindset, only that it is unrealistic and unhealthy.

True strength means acknowledging your weaknesses and shortcomings.

Just like Mirabel, it is our generation’s responsibility to break the cycle of generational trauma. It is our turn to learn from their mistakes and become better parents. It is time to let our children choose who they want to be and what they want for their future. Remember, the only other person in the Madrigal family without a gift aside from Maribel is Abuela Alma, but they both can speak to Casita, and it is most likely that Maribel is the next head of the family since she cares for her family and was not afraid to take a step back to move forward, to rebuild the family.

In the case of Dolores, Mirabel’s cousin, her miracle is super hearing, which made her be able to listen from anywhere in their town. Although it was being used to listen to conversations that are not meant to be heard. On the contrary, it also means that she can hear things she does not want to hear. This situation proves that some talents and businesses are prone to be abused by relatives, wherein you cannot say no to them or their requests even if it is hurting your business.

Kids give us a chance to be better than we used to be.

They do not need another person who will direct and choose their path for them, but someone who will support their choices and love them no matter what.

A family does not need to be perfect; it just needs to be true. Because a family accepts you for who you are, not for who you can be or who you are supposed to be.

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Living in a Dreamland

Written by Ana Marie Cantalejo Illustration by Justine Dacocos

Imagine being in a paradise The world became imperialized Of peace and a total sublime Everything’s made with a blissful chime.

A ticket to visit strange places No endpoint to mountain bridges Where lions do not roar A dreamland that’s worth exploring.

No books with negative words Ignorance from the stressful world Abundance is stored, no need to hoard Which only in sleep I can afford.

Living in this promised land Since then is what I want People around with the strongest bond Any battle we could withstand.

In the middle of relishing this lovely tour I was awakened from my adventure And read from the top the very first line Of this poem filled with so much divine.

Imagination was my escape Whenever I fantasize to just evade Departing from a distressful land Evacuate to my dream dreamland.

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Lucy’s Sanctuary

Written by Mclyn Rose S. Saliba Illustration by France Ailo Moratillo

Si Lucy ay isang metikulosang babae. Mahigit sampung minuto na niyang inaayos ang mga bagong pitas niya na bulaklak sa bagong bili naman niyang flower vase. Malinis ang buong pamamahay at maaliwalas ang paligid.

Humuhuni ang mga ibon kasabay ng pag sayaw ng mga puno.

Pauwi na siya!

Sa loob ng ilang taon, binalot ng takot at kadiliman ang mundo dahil sa panganib na dala ng ikalawang digmaang pandaigdig. Nakiki dalamhati ang puso ni Lucy sa mga pamilya ng kapwa Pilipinong sundalo na nasawi sa digmaan ngunit mas lamang ang saya at ginhawa sa kaniyang dibdib dahil ligtas na makakauwi si Menting.

Narinig niya mula sa mga kapitbahay na ngayon daw ay darating na ang sasakyang galing sa Maynila, sakaysakay ang mga sundalong Pilipino. Labis ang pananabik niya kaya naman ay inihanda niya ang mga paboritong pagkain ni Menting.

Halos napalundag ang puso ni Lucy ng matanaw sa malayo ang pigura ni Menting. Kitang kita ang kakisigan nito kahit nasa malayo at kahit magkanda kuba man sa dalang mga bagahe. Hindi na nagpatumpik tumpik pa si Lucy at patakbo niya itong sinalubong.

“Menting!”

Tinawid ni Lucy ang distansya sa pagitan nila ni Menting sa pamamagitan ng isang mahigpit na yakap.

“Tapos na ang digmaan, Lucy. Maari na tayong bumuo ng sarili nating pamilya.”

Ang mga salita ni Menting ay halos tumunaw na sa kaniyang puso, tuhod, at kasukasuan. Labis ang saya niya dahil nasa bisig na siyang muli ni Menting.

Bumuo sila ng maliit na pamilya. Biniyayaan ng dalawang supling na nag ngangalang Sandra at John. Taon ang binilang at pumasok sa militar si John samantalang pumasok naman sa kumbento si Sandra. Kapwa mabubut29

ing bata, ni minsan ay hindi nila binigyan ng sakit ng ulo at sama ng loob ang kanilang magulang.

“Paano ba ‘yan, ‘ma. Tayong dalawa na naman sa huli.”

Napalingon si Lucy sa kaniyang likuran at tumambad ang isang bungkos ng bulaklak – daisies. Ang paborito nilang bulaklak ni Menting.

“Tayong dalawa na naman sa huli.” Saad ni Lucy kasabay ng pag tanggap niya sa mga bulaklak. Niyakap siya ni Menting mula sa kaniyang likod, at mabagal silang umindayog kasabay ng hangin at mahinang tugtugin na nang galing sa radyo.

“Masaya ako dahil naka uwi ka sa akin ng ligtas.”

“Syempre naman, uuwi ako dahil alam kong nag aantay ka sa akin.”

Labis na kasiyahan ang nararamdaman ni Lucy. Nag uumapaw na pag mamahal ang nararamdaman niya para kay Menting, ang unang lalaki na minahal niya at sigurado naman siyang ito na rin ang huli.

Sinulit ni Lucy ang bawat sandaling kapiling niya si Menting. Lahat ng pinag samahan nila ay hindi niya malilimutan. Tumanda man sila at mawalan na ng memorya, ito ang sandaling hindi niya ipag papalit sa kahit ano pa man.

“Sister Sandra, maigi at naka dalaw po kayo. Kumusta po?” bati ng nurse pagkapasok ni Sandra sa loob ng institusyon.

“Kaawan ka ng Diyos. Ang mama Lucy ba ay gising?”

“Opo, nasa garden po siya ngayon. Tara po, samahan ko po kayo. Oras na rin po ng pag inom niya ng gamot.”

Naramdaman ni Lucy ang banayad na pag haplos ni Menting sa kaniyang buhok dahilan upang mapatingin siya rito.

“Kailangan ko muling bumalik sa serbisyo, mahal ko.”

Sa isang iglap ay napuno ng luha ang mga mata ni Lucy at tila bumilis ang tibok ng kaniyang puso. Kumalas siya sa pagkakayakap sa kaniya ni Menting at nabigla ng mawala na ang daisy na hawak nito. Bagkus ay napalitan ng isang tableta.

“Akala ko ba’y tapos na ang digmaan, Menting? Bakit aalis ka na naman? Bakit iiwan mo akong muli?”

Bakit mag iisa na naman ako? Gusto sanang ituloy ni Lucy ang kaniyang sasabihin ngunit pinili nalang niyang huminto sa pag tatanong. Mahirap man ay naiintindihan niyang kapag serbisyo ang tumawag kay Menting ay

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kailangan nitong tumalima.

“Babalik ako palagi sa ‘yo, Lucy. Heto oh.” Binuksan ni Menting ang pakete ng tableta. Pamilyar ito.

Eto ang tabletang pinapainom ni Menting sa kaniya sa tuwing siya ay aalis para sumama sa digmaan.

“Inumin mo ‘to para hindi mo muna ako maalala. Para hindi ka masyadong mangulila habang nasa digmaan pa ako.”

At parang isang manikang de susi, ininom ni Lucy ang tabletang hawak ni Menting. Tiwala siya sa mga salita ni Menting dahil tinutupad nito palagi ang kaniyang pangako. Ilang beses na rin silang ganito.

Makailang sandali pa ay dala-dala na muli ni Menting ang mabibigat na bagahe nito at tuluyan ng naglakad palayo sa kaniya.

Panginoon, gabayan Mo po ang kaisa-isahang lalaking minahal ko.”

Niyakap ni Sandra ang kaniyang ina matapos niyang mapainom ito ng gamot. Ang kaniyang ina ay siyamnapu’t pitong gulang na. Naging mahirap para sa kaniyang ina noong masawi ang kaniyang beteranong ama sa digmaan noong 1945.

Tumanda itong mag isa at hindi malaon ay nadiagnose na mayroon pala siyang Dementia.

Hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na nasubaybayan niyang umiiyak ang kaniyang ina matapos nitong inumin ang kaniyang gamot.

At parang isang koro, saulado na niya ang mamumutawi sa bibig ng kaniyang ina bago ito maka tulog dala ng pag iyak.

“Aantayin kitang muli, Menting. Bumalik ka ha.”

“Aantayin kitang muli, Menting. Bumalik ka ha.”

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Mirror, Mirror on the wall.

Written by Crystal Anne Cruzat Illustration by Justine Dacocos

Grace’s Ruffled hair, flushed cheeks and dark circles under my eyes were evidently visible.

I stared at my face in my reflection but all I could see was a blank face wearing a creepy smile.

I blinked twice trying to erase the girl in front of the mirror but she wasnot going away. She wasright there, staring.

She has eyes the same as mine and hair as messy as mine too.

Is this me?

I closed my eyes tightly and when I opened it again, the girl suddenly disappeared.

I was there staring at the mirror, but I couldn’t see my own reflection.

All I could see was darkness in this pitch-black room.

I started to feel alone in my presence in this room and I didn’t know why, but it suddenly irritates me.

I don’t like it, I don’t want to be here.

The room wasfilled with deafening silence, I could feel my heart thumping so loud and it gave me the urge to pull it out so it would stop.

I looked in the mirror slowly and was taken aback when I saw her again.

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Who is she?

She lookedso mad.

“Who are you?” I mumbled, her mouth muttered the same words I uttered a while ago and she started to look so furious.

I’m all alone in this pitch-black empty room, but I could feel a silhouette beside me.

I shook my head as I started feeling the fright slowly starting to grow up in my heart.

Just a few moments later I started hearing whispers which always make me lose my mind.

You’re nothing!

Wala kang silbi!

Pabigat ka!

Bobo!

Inutil!

Hindi na kita mahal!

Wala na akong gana sayo!

Tumigil ka na.

Kalimutan mo na ko.

Those words kept running in my mind, it’s like tearing my head apart and it hurts.

Tanga!

Pabigat!

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Stop! I don’t want to hear it anymore!

Hindi na kita mahal Kalimutan mo na ako “AAAAAAAAAAA!” I screamed trying to surpass the noise they were making.

But it seemed like I just pulled out the trigger that made them whisper louder.

This time I couldn’t understand all the muffled whispers, it was just like static sounds that made my ears hurt like a stereo by its very loud volume. All I could understand was that they wanted me to disappear.

“Stop!” I screamed on top of my lungs.

I heard footsteps outside my door together with countless knocks that made the noise even louder.

I couldn’t take it anymore, it was so loud.

I covered my ears, but the noise just started to play harder than what I had expected.

Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear.

Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear.

They were saying the same words repeatedly, tears started to escape my eyes like a faucet who had been left by someone open.

“Please. Stop,” I whispered, but the same words just echoed in my mind repeatedly.

Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear.

Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear. Disappear.

“I know, stop it. stop!”

I looked at the mirror and I saw the same girl again, her hair was messier this time and her eyes became deeper with visible tears that made her look even worse.

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I removed my hands that were covering my ears and the girl in the mirror did the same.

That’s me.

That’s me!

I laughed when I realize how stupid I am.

I cried hard, letting the whispers and echoes consume me.

It became louder, more painful, more stabs of undefined knife inside my chest.

I shook my head to remove them but still, it stayed like a leech trying to suck up my blood.

I clutched my chest when I felt like I’m starting to lose my breath.

Pain is consuming me.

I screamed on top of my lungs as I punched the mirror in hopes that it would remove the pain that I’m feeling.

The mirror broke into pieces, I chuckled as I realized that the mirror is exactly like me.

Torn, destroyed, messed up.

I saw blood slowly dripping in my knuckles and I felt so contented at the sight of it.

DISAPPEAR GRACIE! “Grace! Please open the door!”

I hurriedly picked up a torn piece of a mirror with trembling hands.

I cried, I cried vigorously but the pain wouldn’t stop.

Stop. Please stop.

And the last thing I knew, a torn piece of shattered glass penetrated inside my chest.

The pain st--

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Roll a Dice and See

Written by Candy C. Lozada Illustration by Jazel Gonzales

Maybe there’s another universe Where my hands never shook My knees were never weak Happy with all the chances I took

There must be another reality Where two young lovers Decided to try again after twenty years All their what ifs now replaced with happy tears

An alternate universe where The sun sets in the east Maybe I could have liked you the least That way I would not be in despair

Perhaps a world where a cousin Never lost the battle Inside one’s own mind that left my family rattled So, we could still bask under the setting of the sun

Oh, what a life it must have been Where the sky is always pink And every game is a win No ship will ever sink

Imagine the earth spinning backwards That nothing ever mattered Not even love for that matter Would we ever thrive to survive?

In another life where I live The word almost does not exist Thirteen percent was the possibility, but he still took the risk And it gave a father of two another day to live

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USAPIN NOONG 1965 Written by Acea Paster Illustration by Jazel Gonzales

“Limangpu’t anim na taon na ang lumipas at hanggang ngayon ay patuloy na binibilang ang araw na dumadaan. Maraming nagtatanong kung ano nga ba ang sagot sa mga tanong kung bakit nahihirapan ang taong bayan. Payak na pamumuhay, tulong, masaganang pamilya ang laging sinasambit ng mga bibig nila, ngunit bakit hanggang ngayon ang sagot sa bakit ay nananatiling hindi sigurado. Ano nga ba ang mangyayari sa mga susunod na taon, kung pareho lamang ang pamamalakad na ating pipiliin.

Panahon na upang itigil ang lahat ng kasiraan at kasinungalingan na laganap sa ating bayan.” Aniya ng isang tagapag-salita sa pangagampanya.

Nandito ako ngayon sa isang programa na kung saan idinaraos ang pangangampanya. Ako nga pala si Nanay Myrna, animnapung gulang. Siguro kayo ay nagtataka kung bakit sa tanda kong ito ay sumasali pa rin ako sa mga gantong uri ng programa. Ako ay isang mamamayan na may pakialam sa bayan lalo na sa aking mga apo na dadanas ng mga susunod na pamumuno ng gobyerno, marapat lamang na alamin ko ang plataporma nila at kung sino talaga sila.

“Lola Myrna, kanina ko pa po kayo hinahanap. Tara po uwi na tayo.” Pangungulit ng apo kong si Jana.

“Jana, ‘wag kang makulit. Malapit ng matapos ang programa, maupo ka.” Singit naman ng aking isang apo na si Marco.

“Marco, napagisipan mo na ba kung sino ang iboboto mo? Nalaman mo na ba kung sino ang dapat at tama

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para sa posisyon ng pagiging presidente? Dapat mong malaman ang kanilang mga kakayahan at hangganan,” tanong ko kay Marco.

“Opo naman, Lola. Bente tres na po ako at alam ko kung ano ang dapat hanapin sa isang namumuno,” sagot niya.

Napangiti naman ako dahil mayroon siyang kaalaman patungkol sa mga ganitong bagay na dapat lamang pagtuunan ng pansin at hindi dapat ipagpasawalang bahala. Dahil nasa kamay nila ang kaunlaran, hindi lamang ng bansa kundi ang mga tao na sakop nito.

“Aling Myrna, andito din po pala kayo. Napaka-aktibo niyo po talaga sa mga ganitong usapin. Kayo ho ba’y nakadanas ng hirap sa mga nagdaang taon sa mga namahala sa ating gobyerno?” Tanong sa akin ng kapit-bahay na andito rin.

“Ay oo, dahil kailangan din nating mga taong bayan ito. Maraming taon ang lumipas at masasabi kong maraming nagbago sa ating bansa, marami rin ang naghirap na tao. Matanda na ako at naranasan ko ang mga iyan, iho,” sambit ko sa kaniya.

“Siya ho ba ang iboboto niyo?” Tanong niya sa akin. Siguro ay tinutukoy niya ang babaeng ito na nangangampanya ngayon sa lugar namin.

“Oo, iho.” Matipid na sagot ko.

“Naku! Babae lang ‘yan, wala siyang kakayahan na pangunahan ang bansa natin. Hindi niya kayang mamuno nangmatiwasay at iahon ang bansa dahil isa lamang siyang babae,” bulong niya ngunit malinaw sa aking pandinig ang lahat ng sinabi niya, at habang binubulong niya iyon ay umalis na rin siya.

Bilang isang matanda na mamamayan ay nais ko lamang ipaalam sa inyo na dapat habang maaga pa ay imulat na ninyo ang inyong mga mata sa kinabukasan niyo at ng ating bansa. At huwag i-base sa kasarian ng isang tao ang kakayahan niya na manguna at mamuno, hindi basehan ang kasarian para magkaroon ng oportunidad upang iligtas sa pagkakalubog at pagkakaalipin ang kapwa natin. At bilang isang mamamayan, dapat lang satin na magbigay ng mapagkakatiwalaang impormasyon na ipapakalat dahil hindi katulad ng aking panahon noon ay mas nananaig ang kasinungalingan.

Bigyan din natin ng karapatan ang kapwa natin na pumili at iwasan ang pagbibigay ng masasamang komento patungkol sa mga kanilang napili. Ayan ang aking natutunan sa aking nanay na wala na ngunit ‘yan ang tumatak sa aking isip patungkol sa tamang pagpili at pagboto.

DISCLAIMER: This non-fictional story doesn’t promote certain individual, but promotes right choices in terms of electing.

This is also true conversation 56 years ago.

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