Puto Bumbong

M U B B O O NG T U P The Holiday Issue

Cover by MICO GUECO (@mikokodesu)

Puto Bumbong Puto Bumbong is a holiday issue consisting of Christmas comic stories, poems, and arts of The Angelite, the official student publication of the Holy Angel University.

For comments and suggestions you may see or contact us: The Angelite’s Office, Mamerto G. Nepomuceno Bldg., Gr. Flr., Holy Angel University, Sto. Rosario., Angeles City, Pampanga.

Landline no.: [045] 322-6372 local 1490 Email Address: theangelite1937@gmail.com theangelite.putobumbong@gmail.com Facebook: fb.com/angelite Twitter: twitter.com/theangelite1937 Instagram: instagram.com/theangelite1937 This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmvitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of authors and artists except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews permitted by copyright law.

Portions of this book are works of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design by Mico Gueco Layout Design by John Maurice Cruz

Editor’s Note The red and green-lit streets we are familiar with have dimmed, Christmas carols have never felt this meaningful, and the bonds we have with other people have strengthened. The holiday season this year is unlike any other in modern-day history, a worldwide death toll of 1.62 million that changed the lives of millions more.

The global health crisis has gutted the most cherished holiday for Filipinos, it has taken out the merry and reminded us to hold on to the things that we value most.

We often think that Christmas is the time when we fill our hearts with joy and free it from any form of hatred. Yet again, almost ten months since the governmentimposed lockdown, the rage has formed into solidarity and militance.

In its third year, Puto Bumbong continues to portray the Filipino-way of Christmas festivity while staying true to the nation’s harsh social realities through various forms of art. As we venture to grimmer and harder times, it becomes a mandate to exhaust all mediums to expose the worsening socio-political situation of the country which is at the brink of decay.

It is almost impossible to get into that Christmas spirit without any implications of insensitivity and toxic positivity. The loved ones we lost, the unaffordable health care, and even the pandemic itself, stems from a deeply rooted systemic ill. As the readers flip through the pages of this book, may they come to terms with the fact that there are people that needs to take accountability. With the hell-like existence that we are in and the forced portrayal of a new normal, we should be at the forefront of upholding our civil liberties.

In the streets, countryside, factories, and mountains; there are a billion more stories waiting to be heard.

Klenia Ern B. Mendiola Editor-in-Chief, The Angelite

Table of Contents COMIC: The Christmas Project.................................................................................................. 1

ART & POEM: Power ................................................................................................................................. 7

COMIC: Pause ..................................................................................................................................8

ART & POEM: The Night Cares Before Christmas ........................................................................11

ART & POEM: The Christmas Facades............................................................................................. 13

COMIC: Rainbow Christmas..................................................................................................... 14

ART & POEM: Kinadenang Bahaghari...............................................................................................17

MAIN COMIC: Social Distance (Part 1) ............................................................................................ 18

ART & POEM: Mga Abo ng Langit .................................................................................................... 33

MAIN COMIC: Social Distance (Part 2)........................................................................................... 34 Acknowledgment........................................................................................................ 48

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The Christmas Project story by HEDY PICO and AYESSA AGUSTIN(@ayessaagustin) art by HEDY PICO

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My name’s benjo rivera. with me is my brother paulo rivera.

Nangangalakal kami para Makaraos

WE don’t make much, but we do it anyway to help our family get through this pandemuc.

IN DIFFICULT TIMES LIKE THESE, KUYA PAULO AND I ALWAYS FIND WAYS TO HELP.

Our bond runs deep!

Kuya paulo isn’t the talkative type but he’s really cool regardless!

A GOOD LISTENER: That’s kuya paulo!

Me? I’m the FAMILy’s Happy pill! Contrary to Kuya Paolo, i’m a good speaker! I’m also known for having a contagious smile!

But there are times that I really get bummed out too

Another thing you should know about kuya paulo... is his dream of giving us a better life.

Kuya paulo worked various jobs secretly, not wanting us to worry. He put aside his own health for our sake

It didn’t matter to him if he got himself into danger. What matter to him was us, his family

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I bought you one of the latest models! I hope you like it!

Merry Christmas, bunso!

I heard your old device broke so...

D-don’t you like it?

We can go look for another one-

To have someone as cool as kuya paulo to be my brother —

IS ALREADY THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER!

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by JOHN MANALASTAS (@jhnmnlsts)

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Power In someone’s feeling of emptiness, Your kindness can make a difference.

Lending a helpful shoulder to cry on Is compassion in deliverance.

Your smile is a blessing, Especially to those in need.

How kind your heart is, Showing love that does not mislead.

An act of your tenderness Brightens my darkest days.

In times when I feel doubt, Your kindness guides my way.

I thank you for all the love.

I thank you for your generosity.

You expect no reward— For that, I admire your humility.

There is nothing to lose With having a kind heart.

It shows your true character And more kindness it does impart.

Strength I cannot fathom a world Where kindness doesn’t exist.

A society full of hatred, And only evil persists.

But I cannot doubt the world For its possibilities.

I know there is room for change Where we can spread positivity.

For every word I speak, For every action I do, My goal is to be kind; The goal to pursue.

My compassion is not my weakness, It is my strength.

In a world where there is hate, My kindness can go great lengths.

The world can be tough And there will be bad days, But just make sure To live life in the kindest way.

by ANDREA FELLER 7

Pause story by XIA XINJIE (@_xiaoluna) art by BERNZ DOMINGO

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by CARLOS DANTING (@lolong_artisan)

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The Night Cares Before Christmas

by ARLIN SALONGA Yellow ducklings on my blue PJs, Little Santas on my fuzzy socks.

The rain falls, the wind howls— If I close my eyes, They serve as my lullaby But do you see what I see?

Within is a spirit I could not get into.

I wish for the warmth This season brings Loneliness Is the only one To cradle me tonight Put me to sleep— It is then a white Christmas dream.

With lights and smiles and Laughters and greetings and Carols and red pockets and A joy that never ends.

Times have been tough Yet I still wish For the little drummer boy To bring the same cheer As last year's.

But until then...

Until this wave crashes over, I am left in my worn-out socks And oversized PJs, Wishing for tomorrow To be as joyous as before.

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by AIKEN FERNANDEZ (@_ikeyn_)

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The Christmas Facades

by JAY-AR TURLA I love crossing out dates 'til the 25th, Along with setting up belens and lanterns.

Remembering the home from the standards, Firing up the hearth then hanging the stockings onto the fireplace.

I adore how my twig could light up my mood, From a blissful color down to its twinkling vibe.

The hymn of the carols soothing the neighbors.

Ho ho ho, beware of dogs as they become aware of you.

For your wish to be granted, Finish up the nine nights of prayer and masses!

Attending Misa De Gallo before awaiting for our Noche Buena.

"Mano po ninong, mano po ninang" while they sneak my aguinaldo.

Perhaps Santa Claus later comes through the chimney to fill my stockings.

Tonight, I sleep, wondering about this year's monito-monita.

I fancy the season of cold breeze waking me up at dawn, Dusk sees me savouring the aroma of bibingka and puto bumbong.

I crave my all-time favorite lechon As I get the scrumptious apple to initiate a cut.

I wake up in the midst of the night, The alarm clock rings.

And I feel the pang of missing another Pasko sa Pinas for them.

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Rainbow Christmas story by XIA XINJIE (@_xiaoluna) art by WINSTON LEJARDE (@weenton_)

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Wow, ang sweet mo naman para ba sa asawa mo yan?

Love, I'm home! Merry christmas!

Opo, mahal ko po yun eh.

?!

Merry christmas din love!

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by SHARA COMULLO (@siningniara) 16

Kinadenang Bahaghari I Sa mundong aking kinagisnan, Namulat ako na hinuhusgahan ang mga taong naiiba at walang kasalanan.

Mata sa mata, kitang-kita kung gaano sila kutyain at pandirihan.

Salat sa kaalaman, buong akala ko normal lamang ito sa mundong ginagalawan.

IV Ngayong alam mo na ang aking munting sikreto.

Sa ating samahan ay mayroon bang magbabago?

Kung “oo” ang iyong sagot, Wala naman akong dapat ikabahala’t ikatakot.

II Pagkalito at krisis sa pagkakakilanlan ay pinagdaanan.

Sino ba ako? Ano ba talaga ako? Ano ang aking mga karapatan?

Kinimkim ito sa hinaba-haba ng panahon, Dalangin ko sana’y mabigyan ng linaw at pagkakataon.

V Isa lamang din akong hamak na likha ng Panginoon.

Hindi ko pinili at ginusto maging ganito ang aking sitwasyon.

Ngunit laking pasasalamat ko na maging iba man sa karamihan, Lubos kong natutunang mahalin ang aking pagkakakilanlan.

III Ilaong taon hinanap bago nakita ang sagot.

Kaba, pagkabalisa, at takot saki’y bumalot.

Ngayong may isip at munting tatag ng loob, Siguro ay oras na upang ihayag sa piling tao na kabilang din ako sa binabansagan nilang salot.

VI Isa ako sa nakararami na nagnanais mahalin Sa lipunang mapanghusga’t minamata ng tingin.

Ngayong kapaskuhan at sa araw-araw, magtanim sana tayo ng pang-unawa, Nang sa gayo’y mag-ani ng pagmamahal sa ating kapwa.

ni DAKOTA JOHNSON 17

Social Distance story by HEDY PICO, AYESSA AGUSTIN, and XIA XINJIE art and script by XIA XINJIE (@_xiaoluna)

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Part 1

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END OF Part 1

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by CARLOS DANTING (@lolong_artisan)

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Mga Abo ng Langit

ni ARLIN SALONGA

Ang kabataan ko Ay paghihintay sa pagbagsak ng Nyebe sa daan.

Sa pagtanda, naiwan

Ito na ang huli, ang siyang aaminin...

Ang mga marka at sa dilim ng

Pero hindi ang susundin.

Gabi na lang nakatingala.

Iiwan ang senaryo,

Naghihintay ng kahit

Babalik sa daan,

Isang talang bibitaw sa langit,

Titingala sa mga ulap.

Upang ibulong ang aking pagbati.

May pag-asa bang bumagsak ang nyebe?

Sa pagsapit ng Pasko, Ang isipang kailangan akong

O mga hiling ko'y katha na lang ng isip?

Makisabay sa kanilang pag-awit

Pipikit, bubulong,

Ay iniiwasan at itinatanggi.

Isa pang hiling...

Ngunit sa simbahan pa rin tutuloy,

Tyansa man ay malabo,

Kukumpletuhin ang siyam na gabi.

Maniniwala pa rin sa pagkakataon.

Upang sa huli,

Dahil ang mga pangarap

May pagkakataong pumikit,

Na sana ay matupad

Magsambit ng ninanais.

Hinahadlangan ng kaharap

Ihuhulog pa rin ang barya

Na malamig na reyalidad.

Sa balon sa likod ng mga nagtitinda

Kaya hihiling na lang

Ng mainit-init na puto at bibingka.

Sa nyebe, sa tala, sa langit, sa oras,

Piso'y hahawakan nang mahigpit

Sa Diyos, sa balon, sa mga ulap.

Kung saan may nakikinig, Lagi't lagi.

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PART 2

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FIN

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Acknowledgment This pandemic has taught us many things - you try to find a single amount of happiness in four walls and a roof. And even look for the essence of Christmas while scrolling down your feed. Barely a sun lights your room and only the internet and social media are your source of comfort. This book would like to be part of that comfort to add light to your Christmas. Without them, the writers, we wouldn’t be able to make this project. Without the artists, we wouldn’t be able to produce this magnificence. And without you, our readers, we wouldn’t exist and hope for a brighter and happy Christmas. Thank you for being with us.

Special thanks to the following, this project won’t be possible without their help: Mico Gueco: @mikokodesu John Maurice Cruz: @memaurice.ko Hedy Hazelene Pico John Manalastas: @Jhnmnlsts Carlos Danting: @lolong_artisan Bernz Domingo Ayessa Agustin: @ayessaagustin Winston Lejarde: @weenton_ Shara Comullo: fb.com/siningniara Aiken Fernandez: @_ikeyn_ Xia Xinjie: fb.com/officialxiaoluna

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G/F MAMERTO G. NEPOMUCENO BUILDING, HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY, STO. ROSARIO ST., ANGELES CITY HOTLINE: (045) 322-6372 • 888-8691 LOC. 1490 EMAIL: THEANGELITE.HAU@GMAIL.COM

KLENIA ERN B. MENDIOLA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • JAY-AR M. TURLA MANAGING EDITOR • JHON MARCO D. MAGDANGAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR • CATHRIONA JENE D. RAMOSO SENIOR EDITOR • ARLIN G. SALONGA SENIOR LITERARY EDITOR • MARIENEL C. CALMA ARTS EDITOR • JUSTIN P. BASCO HEAD PHOTOJOURNALIST • ERICA CLARE B. GARCIA NEWS EDITOR • FERCY EHDZON O. LANCION EXCHANGE EDITOR • HANNAH RICA L. PINEDA CIRCULATIONS MANAGER • KAREN C. SALUNGA, ALESSANDRA D. VALENCIA, RUSSEL ESPIÑOSA PHOTOJOURNALIST • CALVIN KENEDY Q. TUAZON, ANDREA FELLER, PRECIOUS JOY MEDINA, PRINCESS PAYUMO, MCGIORGE S. DAVID STAFF WRITERS • SHARA P. COMULLO, AMBER DAWN D. DEL ROSARIO, SHEILA MAE S. TORRES, BERNARD T. DOMINGO, JON AIKEN A. FERNANDEZ, MICO ADRIEN M. GUECO, IAN RODNEY G. SONGCO, AYESSA AGUSTIN, HEDY HAZELENE VASQUEZ, CHRYSTAL GAYLE MALLORCA, MARIA ANGELA T. MANALOTO, WINSTON ADAM LEJARDE GRAPHIC ARTISTS • CARL JAY A. CUNANAN EDITORIAL CARTOONIST • GLENN CARLOS B. DANTING CONTRIBUTOR

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