PAYASO

The premier posT Literary and Art folio

Maharlikang Plutiel Volume 11, No. 1

Copyright reverts to the respective authors and artists whose work appears in this issue. No part of this publication may be produced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright holder.

This publication is not for sale.

Correspondence may be addressed to: Maharlikang Plutiel The Premier Post, Columban College, Inc. Olongapo City thepremierpost.cci@gmail.com Maharlikang Plutiel is the official literary and art folio published by The Premier Post of Columban College, Inc. Printed in the Philippines ThePremierPost Libertas. Integritas. Veritas.

Ang pabalaT Ni Hans Christer Arcilla Palaging may tatlong bersyon ang istorya…

Ang bersyon mo ayon sa iyo, ang bersyon niya ayon sa kaniya, at ang katotohanan.

Ito ba’y mga bagay na nakaukit na sa ating kaugalian?

O bunga ng pagiging sakim ng iilan?

Parang ang lahat ay taas noong nakamaskara, di alam ang tunay na katauhan.

Parang pagtatanghal sa isang engrandeng sirko, puno ng aliwan, lahat nagtatawanan Parang pagsakay sa isang tsubibo, paikot-ikot, wala namang patutunguhan Ang sigurado ako, ang maskara ay para lamang sa mga gumaganap sa tanghalan.

Ngunit hindi kailanman nito maitatago, ang katotohanan.

ForeworD People often say, “beware of those who wear masks”, For they are deceivers who hide behind facades of untruths and hypocrisy; but if we let them do or say as they please, it will never end.

To those who cloak themselves in lies, This is a message.

A message of warning, Because it is not the people who should beware of you; it is you who should cower in fear of the truths that will soon come to haunt you.

To the charlatans who have been blinded by their charade, This is a wake-up call.

How long does it have to take for you to realize that you have trapped yourself in the web of lies which you have spun?

To those who stand by their twisted views and distorted sense of justice, This is a witch hunt.

Soon you will all be unmasked and the world will see who you truly are.

It is the time when we should stop conforming to denial by covering up our evil deeds. Regardless of how painful the words that shall be put into your account, digest it, feel it, own it because you deserve it. Nevertheless, let yourself come forth to the possibility of change caused by your realizations. Mistakes aren‘t meant to be hidden, it must be exposed, boil the hell out of them, and restart. You don‘t have to be a Saint to do good, admitting you aren‘t one is already a start. We‘re all clowns, and we live in a circus, that‘s a fact. But let‘s move together and end it.

John cedrick misolA Literary Editor

Robert ivan john genesE Cathleen kimberly f loR Layout Artist

Features Editor

INFLU ? p.06—

DEAL BREAKER p.11

THAT FRIEND p.26

OPINION DOESN’T HAVE AN AGE p.33

RA p.37

UNPAINTED CANVAS p.52

MR. CLEAN IS DISAPPOINTED p.57

COUNTDOWN p.62

SIN p.82

HINDI LAHAT NG PAYASO NASA KARNABAL p.77

MET GALA p.92

AKUNAB p.16

SMILE p.21 THE DEBTLY HALLOWS p.42

AGRETS 7

NO? 2

TALA: ANG TUNAY NA KALAYAAN NG BAYAN p.47

VITAMINS BILLS p.67

THE BOTTOM LINE p.87

DOG ON THE LOOSE p.117

BULAG KA PA RIN KAIBIGAN p.72

ACT CLOWN OF

It’s been awhile since you arrogantly let yourself s

Photo Manipulatio

TI THE YEAR

speak the loudest voice. It’s time for you to zip it.

on by Charles Clark

SikE

By Nine-Nine The blind side of yours.

Kept you warm with my embrace, Yet I’m replaced.

Photo Manipulation by CK Flor > 03

02

UnlisteD

By Diplomat

‘Wag magpasakop Wala ka bang hiya’t pride? *Buys imported goods*

05

Photo Manipulation by Charles Clark 04

07

INFLU

?

By Citizen

You called yourself, what?

But can’t practice what you preach The audacity

< Photo Manipulation by CK Flor 06

09

Never trust a boomeR

By Ibarra

You said you won’t call But twenty minutes have passed Now look who’s calling

< Photo Manipulation by CK Flor 08

Deal BreakeR

By Pathetic Kid

Promised to do so But your words remained as words So, please do shut up

11

Photo Manipulation by Charles Clark 12

Iginuhit ni Danika Rañola 13

Juan, pedro, at josE: Ang makasalanang mga anaK Ni Jon Paul Minola

Pagsapit ng dilim si Juan ay lalabas ng lungga.

Maghahanap ng ilalaman sa kanyang sikmura.

Sa mga kumukutitap na ilaw siya’y pumupunta.

Mandadagit ng kalapating ang lipad ay mababa.

Panloloko’t panlalamang ang nakadikit kay Pedro.

Lahat ay kaniyang gagawin mabilog lang ang ulo, Hindi titigil hanggang mahulog sa istilo nito.

Akala mo’y totoo ngunit isa pa lang hunyango.

Si Jose na lulong sa bisyo ng droga at sugal.

Lahat hahamakin makapagbisyo lang itong hangal, Kahit na ang maging kapalit nito’y kaniyang dangal.

Mistulang demonyo ang pinakikita nitong asal.

Ang lahat ng kasalanan ay tao rin ang may gawa.

Na ang tanging solusyon ay lumapit sa Manlilikha.

Isuko ang sarili at humingi ng pag-unawa.

Ikaw ay patatawarin sapagkat mahal ka Niya.

14

AkunaB Ni Pantas

Nabubuhay tayo sa lugar na HIRAM, Kung sino may-ari, kakaunti lang ang may alam, Binayo ng bagyo, ngunit hindi pa din nag patinag, Kumapit sa taas at namulat sa sinag, Batid kong napakaraming hinaing nakahain sa hapag, Ngunit sino ang maglalakas loob na sa alon sumalag?

Hindi bakuna ang kailangan kundi karunungan, Para sa muli ay hindi na tayo mahirapan, Sa pag dating ng mamang naka puti na sa ulap natatakpan, Bakit naunang mag atrasan ang mga nasa harapan?

Hindi sakit na hindi nakikita ang siyang mag papaluhod, Sa bayang sinakop na ng mga gahamang uod, Bagkus ang mga unipormadong salot na kung manaksak ay patalikod, Sa pag dating ng inaasam na bakuna kontra sa sakit, Bakit madami pa din ang umaangking pilit?

Hindi na ba tayo nadadala sa nakaraang naka-ukit?

O sadyang mangmang lang tayo at napakahilig umulit?

15

Iginuhit ni Charles Clark 16

Iginuhit ni Charles Clark 17

OsayaP Ni Nueve

Sa taas ng entablado ay nag tanghal ang isang payaso, Bitbit ang librong kaligtasan ang pangako, Mariing tinatak sa isipan ng mga nakikinig kung ano kanyang hangarin, Ang puksain ang mga peste at kapayapaan palaganapin,

Ngunit nang lumaon ay mistulang bumaliktad ang aserong pamasahe, At unti-unting nabura ang mga pinangako’t sinabe, Hindi kapayapaan ang lumaganap kundi karahasan, Hanggang sa dumanak ang mga dugo, utos daw ng kaitaasan.

Hanggang sa sumapit ang dilim at lahat ay nabulaga, Sa pagbayo ng hanging sakit na walang lunas ang dala, At ang payaso ay tila ba nabalisa, Dahil hindi na umobra ang mga biro niyang dala, Dahil hindi naman ito makapagliligtas sa nalugmok na bansa,

Ng dahil sa hangin ay umalingasaw ang bahong nakatago, At nabungkal ang lupa sa paglitaw ng katotohanan, Na hindi isang komedyante kung ‘di ang karapat-dapat ang dapat na mamuno, Dahil hindi malulunasan ang kalam ng tyan, Gamit ang mga biro at mga pabalang na salita na wala namang katuturan.

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ColorblinD

By Macaroni in A Pot

If I’m pro, I’m dumb But if I’m against, then I’m anemic I just don’t know where to fit in.

I’m pretty sure nobody wants to be both mentally-ill and physically-ill.

The gray area seems to be hard to find.

People will laugh at you when you stand in the line.

“There has to be one side for everyone, you can’t have both” I don’t want to have both; I only want what’s good for everyone.

Peace, basic human rights, equality, and harmony doesn’t have a color.

We will never achieve unity if we continue to make color that will divide us.

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Illustration by Charles Clark 20

Photo Manipulation by Charles Clark 21

SmilE

By Sparrow

From one ear to another, keep your lips up.

Make them laugh, with tears so you know they mean it.

Lower their guards then go for the punch-line.

Crack a lie or two to please their ears.

From one ear to another, keep your teeth shut.

Make them laugh so loud to the point where they can’t hear anything else, like the sound of pick-pockets tip-toeing their way through the audience or the sound of rats eating the popcorns off the floor.

From one ear to another, whispers are dangerous.

It means they’re paying attention to everything else but you.

Quick, grab a balloon, shape it into an animal.

In this tent, you are the star.

From one ear to another, keep your mask on, keep dancing, find a ball that you can dance on.

Juggle 3 fruits and let those keep their attention.

Keep them from finding out From one ear to another, you better keep it together Make them smile?

Give them their money’s worth?

That’s not this tent’s intention.

This whole show is a con, And you are nothing more,

than a distraction.

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Ceo of reciprocalS

By Kinesa

I am mad at your mistakes, not directly to you. I am in no position to dictate you or what you should’ve become, but as I get affected by your toxic traits, I am now talking.

It’s your mistake, not made a distance to one of your collateral if it offended you, you

mine. I just avoid being damage. So deserved it.

you

Gave you all the formulas but stand with your ego instead.

trying.

But in all fairness, I see you But you’re not consistent.

I just hated the way you turn the tables and claimed to be the victim not knowing that you’re the Joker and I’m just Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, now Harley Quinn.

We did try. We tried to make a parabola that even if our angle went on a curve, at least both ends made an equal point. But we didn’t, because you obviously don’t want to.

Or maybe I should sing Taylor Swift’s “Look what you made me do”.

To give more elaborations.

I tried to round off all your efforts to be appreciated but all you want are the credits to be owned by you. Isn’t that selfish?

You reciprocated everything, now look who’s under the table. Alone and sad.

It’s the sum of your pride and attitude.

You made the wrong calculations then you showed me your solutions, yes. But you don’t wanna be corrected.

first

But still, sentence.

Illustration by Aljon Ebero > 23

read the very Problem solved.

24

Photos by CK Flor 25

That frienD

By Designated Frontliner Maybe you’re just running out of sources. That’s why you chose me as a subject for fun. How convenient it is to be your friend.

We have that one friend who uses you or your other friend or every one of you in a row as his/her subject for humiliation and humor.

I’m not a toy to be played with nor an example to complete your sentence.

Well, for starters. It’s not funny at all.

I’m that friend who receives names and all whenever this friend makes me as a subject for humiliation.

I appreciate you trying to keep this friendship running. But you just don’t know how to do it the right way.

How terrific.

How I wish I could have the courage to be straightforward and tell you that you suck as a friend and I already forgave you for that.

Yes, I love to contribute and spread happiness to everyone. But not like this. Not in this way. I have feelings too.

But for now, I’m applying this social distancing more specifically to you. To let you know that I need to stay healthy and by means of being healthy - that is to keep myself away from what is making me sick.

And that’s you. You’re that friend.

You may define me as the clown of the circle but what does it make you? The hero?

The ice-breaker? Nope. You’re called the offender, user, the insensitive, the person who knows it all and the numb.

26

Another social girL

By Mia

November 12, 2020 – DIARY BLOG I’ve always liked the idea of creating uproar to my social media by posting pictures and creating my timeline with just my face. I have the embodiment of an actress without experience, but I make my face useful by being an influencer. Trust me, I know my job. I received enormous amount of likes and so on. Comments saying, I have a natural beauty. No cosmetics needed, no filter and edit. I have to say, I am part of the 70% of influencers or Instagram models that use this platform to gain money. A true hustle indeed for our generation.

But apparently, I started to notice people calling out influencers. Influencers who are apathetic or neutral in the issues between the Government. I saw a lot of my friends, have their own opinions and sided with the minority. They lost a lot of followers and PR packages coming from here and there. I feel so scared that my only job has become a world filled with eyes looking around for us to speak.

I aimed to be different, I have my political views which sides the minority.

Which is being on the side of the reigning political president in this year but rather than being vocal about it. I make myself educated with the other side, which is those who fight against the President. I come up with the solution to make an image that I am that social girl who knows where to stand. I continue making post about my fakery amongst my political view and gain appreciation more for my influence. The money I gained from this, really had me being the clown of the year.

Stupid influencers being stupid and using their platform to speak about their love for the President when they can just fake it and make it.

Earning cash. Earning respect.

But at the end of the day, I am just another social girl. Puts her life online just for the likes and the show.

Illustration by Aljon Ebero > 27

28

Photo Manipulation by Charles Clark 29

Manic buyeR

By Iskolar ng Bayan

I was laughing as I witness your downside.

closet that is now being resided with ants and dust.

Thinking, why do you think you got in that situation.

I bet you haven’t worn that Zalora dress you ordered 3 days ago because you have no event to wear that to for the next 8 months.

Is it my fault?

I know, you worked hard for it. It’s your money, yes I get it. But I don’t see it’s all worth it.

I guess not.

Then why are you complaining?

Yes, it’s your pocket. It’s your wallet. It’s your life and I should stay out of it but, at some point I can’t stand seeing you suffer from your own stupidity.

You could’ve used your money for good.

I know, yes that sometimes you have to give yourself a reward. But according to you, your ‘sometimes’ are becoming more like ‘often times’ or ‘all the time’.

Good for you if you claimed to be blessed. If you have money that can suffice all your needs. Thank God for that!

I’m laughing at you because you’re complaining at your own corruption.

But, honey. You’re also a big spender.

It’s not practical, you’re basically trying to be like Oprah when you’re just simply you. An ordinary person who works hard and being paid sufficiently but doesn’t know how to value things properly.

I won’t be shocked if one day, you’ll gonna stare at all your branded shoes and bags thinking “how many times have I used every single one of these in a row?”

Ask me, I can answer that question.

Get yourself a Gucci bag when you know to yourself that money issues isn’t an issue to you anymore coz you’re now sipping cup of tea with Queen Elizabeth.

Honey, my ten fingers are too much to be used in counting.

You haven’t used ten pairs of your newly delivered shoes.

Your hoarding attitude is a disease, get well soon.

You have 15 new branded bags in the 30

ACT no more

The circle nobody ask

Illustration by R

T II e tricks

ked for. Disband, now.

Randell Palatan

Opinion doesn‘t have an agE

By Cursive Youth

I AM YOUNG, SO WHAT? YES, YOU ARE OLDER, SO WHAT? MY WORDS STILL MATTER

Photo Collage by CK Flor > 33

34

35

By the beacH

By Hermione

Ghost that lingers still Crazy; stoned. My head is blown.

Paradise, he was.

< Photo & Manipulation by LJ Espinoza & CK Flor 36

RagretS

By Little Black Book We can’t re-write things, What was written will remain; Engraved forever.

Photo & Manipulation by LJ Espinoza & CK Flor > 37

38

39

Other sidE

By Ontario

Don’t be so selfish, frown the other way around; enlighten the world.

< Illustration by Angelica Yap 40

The Debt-lY hallowS

By Expecto Patronum I am not your bank I’m nice, but do pay it back Don’t take advantage

41

Photo Manipulation by Charles Clark 42

Utang sa ina mO Ni Llednehw

Naapuhap sa sinapupunan Ang kahilingan sa kalawakan Ang ngiti na natagpuan Nasilayan sa dilaw na buwan Sanggol na lumaking marangya Magulang na tunay may paghanga Anak na may malaking kwarta Ngayon siya na ay may kwenta Humiram nang higit isang milyong sentimo “Anak, sa susunod ito ay mapapasaiyo” Ligayang naramdaman ng ina May pagbalak na hindi kaaya-aya Dumating ang araw na itinakda Bumaliktad ang naging singilan Mistulang komikerang ina Nagsimula nang magbilangan Hanggang kailan ang kabayaran Nang walang muang sa siyam na buwan Ako ang kahilingan na pinagkaloob Kailan matutuldukan ang utang na loob 43

Iginuhit ni Jared Perez 44

45

AhoN

Ni Mamang Makata Ang buhay natin ay para lamang isang bisekleta, Kung saan hindi lahat ng daraanan ay banayad, Kaya pwede kang mag-iba ng ruta, Pero sa pag-usad ay pawis naman ang katumbas, Ngunit kapag nakarating naman sa destinasyon, ay sintamis ng ubas,

Lahat ay kakayanin, kahit pa gaano kataas ang ahon, Basta mga turo ni Inay at Itay lamang ang pabaon, Sa agos ng buhay, lahat ay dapat tanawin, Ngunit hindi na uso ang puro ngawa, dapat lahat ay gawin,

Hindi baleng tumigil para magpahinga, Kaysa bilisan at pumalya, Tandaan na kahit sa anong paraan, Makararating ka rin mabagal man o matulin,

< Iginuhit ni Hans Christer Arcilla 46

Tala: ang tunay na kalayaan ng bayaN Ni Bagitong Kaliwete

Minsan nang ninakaw ng demonyong buwan ang liwanag ng mga tala.

Sila’y iginapos sa tanikala; binusalan, inalipusta’t pinahirapan.

Hinarangan at pinatay ang bawat liwanag na ang nais ay mailathala ang katotohanan, Hanggang sa unti-unting naubos ang liwanag ng mga tala.

Sumikat ang araw at ito ang ginawang sandata ng mga tala, Upang ang katotohanan ay kanilang maibahagi at mailathala.

Pilit man silang sugpuin ng demonyong buwan, Ang pinagsama-samang liwanag ng mga tala ang nanahan sa bayan.

Nanahimik ang demonyong buwan sa kanyang kasakiman.

Sa tagal ng panahon ay muling sumibol itong demonyo ng bayan.

Mga bayaning tala ay kinalimutan makuha lamang ang sariling kagustuhan.

Sino man ang humamak ay patatahimikin maitago lang ang kaniyang kabuktutan.

Dahan-dahang tinatabas ang mga talang kumakalaban sa kanila.

Lahat ng dahas ay gagamitin, makuha lamang ang kapangyarihang nais nila.

Muli na namang ninanakaw ang liwanag ng mga tala.

Huwag kang pumayag kaibigan na makuha ulit ito ng demonyong buwan na namamahala.

Iginuhit ni Randell Palatan > 47

48

UbusaN Ni Aristotle

Mahimbing ang tulog ni Kapitan Luplop dahil kumpleto sa gamit, Mainitin ang ulo at nanunutok kapag naunahan sa trapik, Sa ginto’t salapi siya ay sabik, Kaya kahit ang hindi kanya, hindi niya binabalik.

Sa panahong halos lahat ng tiyan ay kumakalam, Ang maingay na kapitan ay hindi na muling nagparamdam, Sapagkat siya’y nakahiga’t nakakulambo habang namamatay sa gutom ang iilan, Sa kanyang ubasan naninirahan ang mga alipin, Na todo halik sa kanyang mga palad sa tuwing siya’y may ibibilin,

Ngunit ang kanyang kaluluwa’y matagal nang sunog at nakalambitin, Dahil sa pagtalikod sa tungkuling pinangako niyang gagawin, Hindi sila ang problema sa lipunan, dahil ang nagluklok ay tayo rin, Dahil hinahayaan natin na ang mga tulad niya ay manatili, Kaya sa huli, kapag ang pinangungusap na lamang niya sa atin ay ang kanyang gitnang daliri, Ay tsaka lamang tayo makaiisip na magsisi.

49

Iginuhit by Charles Clark 50

Unpainted canvaS

By Cole Barry

Creation is a gift; the ability to do it, even more so.

Connecting lines and conjuring shapes to form the most intricate designs.

Creating life from raw emotions.

Everyone is an artist,

From the buzzing bees of honey,

To the great little weavers we call spiders,

We each have a story to tell,

We are all bestowed with the gift of creation.

51

Artists are vessels of complex emotions,

They are embodiments of chaotic yet organized ideas,

Catalysts for change and growth the way death fertilizes soil.

We create light.

Alas, not a thing exists without contrast.

Darkness exists, oh indeed it does.

It lives quietly like sneaky little mice that forage for food,

It hides in every nook and cranny of our hearts, corrupting it.

Caged in our deepest consciousness are little imps.

Telling us, dictating us to act and speak in ways one should not.

It tells us to murder the artists that we are.

These devils that whisper may be weak but they are persistent.

They multiply and multiply until they have colonized the heart, our center.

The world grows dark, and it does so in every second of every minute of every hour of every day.

This darkness corrupts artists, turning them into wardens that hunger for

silencing the voice of creation.

The world is at war, artists against wardens,

colors against red,

roses against its thorns,

an internal turmoil.

The world is now a black canvas and its shade deepens with each passing sun,

As its artists, it is our duty to breathe life to it with screams of colors and clay.

To inspire, to illuminate, though dim it may seem

To give sight to eyes that will behold its beauty. < Illustration by Charles Clark 52

Counter clokwiSe

By Tiktokerist

Who loves this generation?

you represent your stand makes you look like a retard trying to educate a lawyer.

As we face this fast phase, the slower we get in touch to these young people.

Not because we’re too hard on them but because they build walls to separate themselves from us.

You? Then you can’t sit with me.

If I could only illustrate how disappointing this generation is, then it’s the end for everyone.

I can be held accountable for the actions of these youngsters but they also need to grow up and start acting like an adult.

These entitled young sinners has too much to say. They’d be complaining to a lot of stuff yet they can’t even fold their own clothes.

They can’t use Little Prince as their rebut all the time, where the older ones are being skeptic and nuisance in all aspects.

You will grow up soon and you need to practice being a grown up man.

I am so close to eliminating this people on the face of the planet. I ain’t giving a single care if some of y’all get suspended at school because of your annoying behavior.

You lack rationalism but at some point you overflow of it. You can’t even keep the balance.

Yes, that’s right! Fight for what’s right!

But is it right for everybody or maybe you’re just doing it, because your ego got hurt?

The youth of today cannot be touched, because if you do, it’s your funeral.

You can’t flow on the mainstream that’s why you keep making unnecessary ones and forces people to blend into your dimension. Okay, that’s dope but the way

Tell me I’m wrong.

53

Photo Manipulation by Charles Clark 54

55

More than a celebritY

By Tiktok Analyst

No photo ops today, sorry.

made you stay at home.

I’m more than like Queen Elizabeth, you can’t touch me but the difference is, nobody really wants to.

I got the crown but nobody likes me.

Dude, I’m viral because I’m in the news!

I guess 2019 really is my year. I got discovered by my handler from China.

My name is known internationally. I guess Oprah nor the BTS can’t handle my fame.

Or..

Maybe I should join X Men instead.

I have this powers that can get inside of anyone and eliminate them as my defense.

The downside is, I’ll end up being the bad guy.

The truth is, I am now.

But..

Am I to be blamed?

I’m here but you can’t see me.

I guess not.

I’m not a dictator but my presence

Talk to my handler instead.

< Illustration by Aljon Ebero 56

Mr. clean is disappointeD

By Doofenshmirtz nose”

Our society is fed up with us, reactive people.

People be hoardin’ stuff like disinfectants and other related antibacterial products yet never even bothered to smell their pits and soak their selves in a soap.

We make actions against whatever is bothering us right after it affected us.

Our hands have underwent in all angles inside our mouths before we consider washing it thoroughly before sipping and licking it like a lollipop.

We pretend to be clean, but Mr. Clean says “you’re a millennium too late to be sanitized, bats are already on the top of the food chain before you considered batman isn’t bathing on a soup leaving Joker no choice but to laugh at you all day long.”

We disinfect ourselves right after we went on a procrastination realizing that “damn, I should’ve done it before I pick my

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Photo Manipulation by Charles Clark 58

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Academic freezE

By Majiko

Students are protesting for academic freeze yet we’re here, doing our modules and continuing to rant about it.

We enrolled this semester to not stop another year because we want to finish but compassionate and understanding?

Nowhere to be found.

Students are protesting for academic break yet we’re still doing the same old sequence of works to pass a requirement of the day.

Here we are begging for consideration in taking a break, but they keep on telling us that they’re willing to understand our

concerns.

Where do we belong in this new-normal situation?

To be caged and unable to move through rough decisions.

Once you stopped passing requirements, you’ll end up failing.

your

Once you stopped a year, you’ll end up being left behind.

Where is “together” in education this academic year?

< Photo Manipulation by Charles Clark 60

ACT A SUDDEN

The circle nobody ask

Illustration b

T III COMEDIAN

ked for. Disband, now.

by Jared Perez

CountdowN

By Student of the Year Move aside, mental Dates are important, not you Countdown to your death.

63

Illustration

by Danika Rañola Photo Manipulation

by Charles Clark 64

65

Baby nueZ

By PJ How can you be blind if you felt the chills inside; She was gunned down, dead.

< Photo Manipulation by CK Flor 66

Sleeping grampS

By Pinxy

YOU SAID WE CAN SPEAK NOW YOU’RE MAD AND WANTS TO KILL? HATE YOU, MORE THAN DRUGS

67

Illustration by Michael Jon Tolentino 68

Illustration by Danika Rañola 69

Vitamin billS

By Mr. Phil

Health is wealth, that’s true But they stole my health away Bring it back, scammer!

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Huling hantungaN Ni Atong

Payapa’t mahimbing na nakahimlay, Bangungot, dalawin nang nawalan ng buhay, Hinahanap ang nais na presensya, Buhay pa ba ang iyong konsensya?

Mistulang bahaghari ang buhok, Pisngi niya’y mapula ngunit maalikabok.

Binitawang pangako’y napako, Ngayon sinasampal ng pagbato, Sambahin nawa ang “panginoon”, Kasama’t kapiling saan man naroroon, Mga nagawa’y pinapalakpak, Animo’y ‘di marami ang palpak.

Tugon sa hiling na lutasin, Bulkan ay tuluan, abo’y lamunin, ‘Di makitang kalaban ay suntukin, Umaapaw na tubig ay languyin.

Ilabas ang isang dangkal na dila, Itali na’t malayang tatahol, Sumama sa among tsina, Ito na ‘yong huling hatol.

Tumungo na sa’yong tahanan, Magkulambo sa huling hantungan, Kahilingan ng karamihan, ‘Di ikaw sa trono’y kailangan.

Photo Manipulation by Hans Christer Arcilla 71

Illustration by Hans Christer Arcilla 72

73

Bulag ka pa rin kaibigaN Ni Jon Paul Minola

Harapang [NILAMON] ang kaban [NG] bayan, Nitong [MGA] [PINUNO]ng taksil sa lipunan.

Ngunit nanatiling bulag [ANG] taong bayan, Sa kahayupang ginagawa sa [LUPANG SINILANGAN].

< Iginuhit ni Angelica Yap 74

ConvicT

By Sparrow

I sit in the middle of town,

ear nailed to the pillory,

“Thief!” they scream

Despite the pain,

Despite my dripping blood making its way down my face

to the wooden platform on which I sat,

like a calm stream of red,

I laugh.

They are sheep blindly following a shepherd,

Putting him up a pedestal,

“All hail the wise king!” they say.

It is easy to claim a throne and pretend to be king,

To hide a heart darker than coal behind garments of gold and silver.

To act kind without letting the ill intentions show.

I sit in the middle of town,

Nailed to a pillory that retains fear,

because of laws justified by lies,

I am labeled a thief,

For stealing an apple to eat.

and what of them?

I too was robbed; of a future I was promised but then denied.

I look at the pedestal I sit in as bitter agony laces my heart.

Countless are those who bled.

I cannot help but laugh at the sight of the red stained wood.

Funny, how the world works.

A criminal belongs to the pillory,

the guillotine, the dungeon, and the rope.

while monster sits comfortably on a throne.

75

Illustration by Hans Christer Arcilla 76

77

GanaliW Ni Anim

Mundong ginagalawan, ay napakaliit lamang Kaya hindi maaalis na pwede tayong magkasagian, Sa lakas ng sigaw ay hindi mo pa ba naririnig?

O sadyang bingi na tayo sa lakas ng mga tinig?

Ang huling hantungan na ating pupuntahan balang araw, Ay nakahanda para tayo’y paalalahanan, Na ang buhay sa lupa ay pansamantala lamang.

Hindi naman masama kung sigawan mo sa mukha ang mamang nambalasubas sa bayan natin, Sapagkat paraan din iyon upang ang mga taong tulog ay gulatin, Huwag kang matakot sa dala nilang mga lansenta, Dahil wala iyong talab sa mga anghang ng ating mga salita, Sa mundong ito, dalawa lamang ang daan upang makagawa ng liwanag, Ang silaban ang apoy sa gitna ng kadiliman, O tayo mismo ang maging liwanag.

< Photo Manipulation by Hans Christer Arcilla 78

Hindi lahat ng payaso nasa karnabaL Ni Bagitong Kaliwete

Sa may karnabal, Mga payaso’y nagtatanghal.

Tuwa sa lahat ang dinudulot, Ngunit nilamon ng galit at poot.

Sapagkat mga payaso’y ginawang tanghalan, Itong pamahalaan.

79

Illustration by Jared Perez 80

Illustration by Danika Rañola 81

Kinupko’T mo’T pinalaki, ngunit ika’Y pinagbilI Ni Jon Paul Minola

Ilang taon ka ng sa kaniya’y hindi espesyal, Bagkus pinili mo pa ring manatili kahit wala na siyang pagmamahal.

Ipinagbili ka na sa dayuhang hangal, Nitong mga buwayang sa sarili’y walang dangal.

82

SinO? Ni JD

Marami ang hindi nakaririnig ng mga hinaing, Ngunit marami rin ang mga nagmamagaling, Sa panahon na burado ang mga antas at hindi masyado makalabas, Sino na kaya ang makalulutas?

Gamot na lunas, ang pinakahihintay, Para manumbalik ang dating sigla, Ngunit hindi pa rin maalis ang pangamba, Na baka hindi pa tapos ang giyera,

Maraming nagsasabi na panalangin ang sandata, Ngunit may kasiguraduhan na ba na lahat tayo ay maisasalba?

Kaya naman marami ang hindi nakaririnig ng mga hinaing, Kaya halos lahat, magaling makiangkin.

Iginuhit ni Michael Jon Tolentino > 83

84

Photo Manipulation by Charles Clark 85

The worst earth-bendeR

By Earth Worm

Long ago, the four nations lived in harmony The pasture was well loved by everyone with symphony Everything was great and the manna was many Until this greedy earth-bender showed up, the sky stopped being sunny The four nations were forced to make four walls Turning soil into cement whenever she calls Green meadows suddenly turned into halls An old lady so greedy, even had to seat upfront coz she has the balls I don’t know how to bring back everything When all I can see are stupid reasons, she’s defending Farmers, nature lovers, and even mother earth herself are crying But it is something we all shouldn’t be begging

Apparently, the witch hates green That’s why whenever she sees one, we can see that hideous grin Limiting the production of rice, she wants us to follow that sin I just hope she stops, before the earth curses her kin

86

Black carD

By Queen Mother of Pink I’m totally not a fan of Jessie J since she released her lead single ‘Price Tag’ on 2011.

kidnappers, terrorists, yes let’s include corrupt politicians, even the immortals out there who can’t seem to find peace in life.

They absorb the manna that is supposed to be fed to the people.

In her song, she said that “money can’t buy us happiness” which indeed totally renowned her as the queen of hypocrisy.

They have the power and connection, that’s why.

Who wouldn’t be happy for a bunch of money? Right?

While we’re here, sitting in the couch, thinking why Jessie J sings as if she already figured a luxurious life to have the audacity to preach and say “money can’t buy us happiness” and demands us “can we all slow down and enjoy right now, guarantee we’ll be feeling alright”.

Some logical people out there would find this a little annoying but truth hurts, right?

“You can’t buy me” or “I’m not for sale” or “No amount of money can shut me up”.

Those line are rare. I don’t even know if they still exist in our vocabulary.

Well maybe she really did. But we still don’t. So lucky for her and too bad for us.

C’mon, ask me if I’m being paid up to do something I actually not fond of doing but when we started talking about survival and practicality, it gives money its queue to enter into the conversation.

The point here is, fortunate ones get everything on the shelves, while the less fortunate gets what’s left; sadly, sometimes they get nothing at all.

Desperation. The number one reason why we give in. Why we tend to be more dependant on what satisfaction and ease money can give us.

When you have the right amount of money, they you’re listed to the VIPs. You’ll get the best treatment and the fastest results. While us, the broke ones, need to patiently wait and risk everything before we breathe calmness.

In these hard times, we can’t just keep “laughing at our problems and be optimistic”. We need to move and start thinking of some ways on how we can survive every single day.

Is it a crime to steal something stolen from a thief? Or is it just taking back something they took from you in the same manner? Funny, right? People loves to play games.

I’m not saying we should steal or do any crime just to feed our pockets.

But- why are there murderers, thieves, 87

In our society, the poor becomes poorer, and the rich uses the poor to become richer. Manipulation is a disease, don’t catch it.

Rich people should fall in line not always being in front of the line. They should be the one asking people to fall in line. To share what they have and to help people immerse from the

depths of their struggles. Not to make this as a habit but only to be one of the shoulders we can lean on in times of hardships. Not the ones who eats everything on the table until you get bloated. Learn to share and care.

Because your black card won’t take you to heaven. I guarantee you, there’s no Grab that will fetch you and drop you off in the pearly gates of heaven and ask Jesus for a first class suite.

Illustration by Michael Jon Tolentino 88

Illustration by Jared Perez 89

The bottomlinE

By Mia

giving away a part of my life. My mental.

I moved from city to city. To enjoy my freedom of having to choose where to study along the way and have a degree in a proper school that can help my abilities shine even more. I was ready to hold the pen and paper in a different environment and make this place, a time for me to learn.

I suffered severe depression into moving away. Giving away my weekends to do organizational works just to survive the weekend being alone and seeing half of my members go home but due to being afraid of going saying “no”. I was given the responsibility to suck it up and go along with it.

I had no friends. I had to survive a month with me alone. I had problems trying to fit in a different culture, a powerful one indeed. It was a crazy roller-coaster, half enjoying being away from your hometown but at the same time, given the pressure of having to handle different organizations that was given and handed to me without saying no. It led to the bottom line of my life,

The bottom-line was, I was tired of being treated as if I should have no choice. I was forced to be happy when I’m not.

I should’ve said no until I no longer feel the urge to live.

90

I Bymarried a tsM Queen Mother of Pink I married him, why? Because I love him.

A cheater.

I married the man I met 4 years ago, the sweetest boy I ever met.

A heart-wrecker.

I married a sad-boy. Always being sad about his mistakes, making me think he can change.

I married him. Knowing he can hurt me as much as he loves me.

A mental wrecker.

A manipulative. A sad-boy. A Toxic.

A heartbreaker.

I married a toxic one. He used to encourage me to wear clothes that aren’t revealing.

But still, I married him. I believe in chances and that my love can make him change into someone I want to be with.

It attracts men as he says.

Even if it causes my heart,

I hid my body from the world.

Even if it causes my mental,

I married a manipulative. Trying to guilt me that the reason for him cheating was my fault. I never cared for his artworks or even pushed him to be better.

I married him.

91

Illustration by Michael Jon Tolentino 92

Illustration by Michael Jon Tolentino 93

Met galA

By Dora, Now the Explorer

Hi. Masyado akong ma-gala so, here I am.

I can’t really talk right now, so you’re basically just reading my thoughts at this point.

Positive and fighting.

I thought I was leading you to our final destination wherein we’ll find the a But I led my very own self to my ending point.

My name is Dora, not the explorer but yes I did explored that’s why I got into this situation.

My lungs are failing so read this very closely.

Swiper got me as I keep making gala.

“I’m sorry and never do what I just did. “

Adiós!

94

I SAID FRAPPE NOT FLOPPED

By Under Quarantine

Most of you knows me for being like this—a selfishly devoted to my own statements. Call me entitled for my words but I stand legitimate with my reasons.

Unlike this morning, a typical coffee ruined my sunshine stretch out.

Okay, this morning got crazy. A cup filled with chocolate that has been added to the espresso and hot milk just suddenly change the whole thing and turned it into whatever-it-is-fighting-for.

Can I be real for a moment? Annoyed as I become, but when this talking cup spilled

its coffee, a slapstick laugh I gave and the whole nation chant with me claiming its clumsiness got contagious and humorous.

Hallucination, that’s your problem. You can’t be even realistic. I’d rather see you spilled than sip your unblended existence.

Audacity to make statements regardless of your knowledge makes you look so... I don’t wanna say it. You’ve crossed the line a hundred times already. I think it’s best for you to get cold and be thrown into the sink where you belong. Hush!

Illustration by Jared Perez > 95

96

ACT THE JOKE

I have to be honest, becaus

Photo and Manipulation b

T IV E’S ON ME

se I wasn’t the whole time.

by LJ Espinoza & CK Flor

AuditioN

By Kuyatong They deserve shutdown We don’t need their stations “Hi Big Brother, I’m...”

99

Illustration by Jared Perez 100

101

MetrO

By Seventeen This isn’t the plan.

You’re not even included.

How come I’m in this?

< Photo & Manipulation by LJ Espinoza & CK Flor 102

AlteR

By Atony

Don’t share the videos Give respect to the victims Wait, I have copies

Illustration by Jared Perez > 103

104

105

BrokedowN

By Furawa

This is it, I guess; No one wants this day to come.

Yet we welcomed it.

< Illustration by Jared Perez 106

2020

By TTSC Something ‘bout ‘20 It will tear you up, apart.

Apart from the world.

Illustrations by Jared Perez > 107

108

109

But it feels so gooD

By Thatdumbkid

It’s not good for me But it makes me feel alive So, maybe next time

< Illustrations by Danika Rañola 110

Iginuhit ni Danika Rañola 111

SinungalinG Ni Aris

Ang mundo ay napupuno ng kasinungalingan, Dahil lahat tayo ay may bahid ng karungisan, Maskarang pangharap ay hindi na kailangan, Sapagkat ampaw na rin naman ang ating katauhan.

Umaasta tayong makapangyarihang nilalang, Ngunit naririto lang naman tayo para sa oras at minuto magbilang, Sa kaalaman, lahat tayo ay mangmang, Dahil hanggang ngayon hindi pa natin alam ang tunay na kahulugan, Lasing sa kasalukuyan, ngunit lutang naman sa kinabukasan, Perang inipon ng isang buwan, ubos sa isang araw dahil sa pampalaki ng tiyan, Mga araw ay pare-parehas simula no’ng sa mundo tayo’y naisilang, Puro ngawa na lamang ang naiaambag sa bayan dahil takot lumaban, Ngunit ang lakas magsabing “gusto ko nang mangibang-bayan”, Maiging maging takot huwag lang maging duwag, Sa kahit anong laki ng alon, kayang sumuwag, Para balang-araw, lahat ay maisasama mo sa paglalayag, Nakabibingi man ang ingay ng mga barilan, Basta kapag mahal mo ang bayan, hindi ka tatablan, Dahil mas tumatagos sa tangke ang pagmamahalan, Kung naliligaw man sa buhay ay tiyagain mong hanapin, Ang daan palabas, ngunit mag-ingat sa mga hangarin, Pero bago mo tawirin ang ilog at magsambit ng panalangin, Pagmasdan mo muna aking mga sinabi’t maiging usisain, Sapagkat isa rin akong katulad mong sinungaling.

112

Ano ba ang itsura ng bahagharI? Ni Snal

Masarap makakita ng kulay pulang

Sa bawat siesta sumasabay ang hangin na

mansanas,

nakaka-relax ng pagkatao.

Sa bawat kagat, ang ngiti ay wagas.

Masarap makakita ng kulay berdeng insekto,

Masarap makakita ng kulay pulang rosas,

Na nakamamanghang obserbahan kahit na

Na sumisimbolo sa pag-ibig na ‘di maagnas.

hindi ito perpekto.

Masarap makakita ng kulay kahel na

Masarap makakita ng kulay asul na dagat,

pongkan,

Maghapong magtampisaw kahit ito’y

Na nasa palengke makikita mo kung saan-

maalat.

saan.

Masarap makakita ng kulay asul na unan,

Masarap makakita ng kulay kahel na dapit-

Na saksi sa mga pangyayari na ito lamang

hapon,

ang kanlungan.

Tinitignan habang pauwi sa nakapapagod Masarap makakita ng kulay indigong kurtina,

na hapon.

Para masaksihan ang init ng araw at taglay Masarap makakita ng kulay dilaw na araw,

nitong halina.

Kasabay nito ang paghigop ng mainit na

Masarap makakita ng kulay indigong langit

sabaw.

ng gabi,

Masarap makakita ng kulay dilaw na

Na tinitingala kapag nalalasing sa hating

kwaderno,

gabi.

Kung saan isusulat ang bawat tagpo ng Masarap makakita ng kulay lilang cake,

buhay mo.

Habang nag-e-enjoy sa mga birthday na iyong na take.

Masarap makakita ng kulay berdeng puno, 113

nakakikitang pisikal.

Masarap makakita ng kulay lilang pandesal na ube, Na masarap na kapares ng mainit na kape.

Ano ba ang bahaghari?

Ano ba ang bahaghari sa tulad ko?

Dito lang magiging masakit ang katotohanan, Masakit na hindi ko saksihan ang ganda

Masarap mabuhay na walang tinatapakan, Hindi

naghahari-harian, Inosente sa

kayang ng

paligid at mga kulay pero,

Masasabi kong may SARAP, Dahil akoy binigyan ng PAGKAKATAONG MABUHAY, Ano ba ang bahaghari?

ANO BA ANG BAHAGHARI sa katulad kong bulag at hindi nakakikita?

Ano nga ba ang itsura ng bahaghari?

paningin ng taong bayan.

Ngunit lahat ng ito’y magiging masarap kung ika’y normal.

Paano naman kaming mga hindi Iginuhit ni

114

Jared Perez

115

I said thaT?

By Tempura Batter

I told myself to work on it so I grabbed a seat Will give my all, so the time I shall beat It wasn’t easy so why not cheat?

But I’m still watching while I eat.

I sat to eat but did not even dared to read Myself is procrastinating so I tried to do the deed I promised to keep my head on the book, so I started with the lead But my head’s spinning as if I smoked a weed

I want a future with a financially stable life Lovely kids with my wonderful wife But sadly, I hate facing sudden strife So here I am again, playing with my fife

I want good grades to leave a good mark But here I am, tweeting while I bark Stalking my crush like a hungry shark I forgot what I should do, but I’m watching videos in the dark < Illustration by Danika Rañola 116

May trauma sa kiliG Ni Snal

May trauma sa kilig, Sa Facebook nakatitig, Kaibigang online, Taong sobrang fine, Always Filipino time, Pero sa Messenger always on time.

May trauma sa kilig, Sa Tiktok nakatitig, Mga content mo’y aking pinupusuan, Ako kaya kalian mo pupusuan?

Na saan ka na ba sinta?

Ako’y nagtataka na.

May trauma sa kilig, Sa Instagram nakatitig, 5 months na may parehong nararamdaman, Pero ‘di pa nagtatagpo ng harapan, Video call ang puhunan.

May kakaiba ng tawagan.

May trauma sa kilig, Sa Messenger nakatitig, 1 month no reply, Baka busy lang sa buhay, Handa na akong sumagot ng oo, Sa tanong na “sagutin mo na ako”.

May trauma sa kilig, Sa Snapchat nakatitig, Masayang masaya ka sa stories, Kasama pa ba ako kahit sa memories?

Di ko kayang ako’y iyong natitiis, Magtatampo ba ko? Hays ika’y nakaiinis.

May trauma sa kilig, Sa Kumu nakatitig, Enjoy together sa ls, Kasama ang friends, Maski sa slots magkatabi, Mga puso’y waging wagi.

May trauma sa kilig, Sa Youtube nakatitig, Gustong kasama manood ng bands, Habang ako’y ka-holding hands, Kaso may bagong upload na larawan, Kayo pala’y nagkabalikan.

May trauma sa kilig, Sa Zoom nakatitig, Kay ma’am ka man nakatingin, Ang mukha mo sa screen ko ang naka-pin, Ang cute mo pala ‘pag nakikinig, Sana gano’n din sa akin.

May trauma sa kilig, Sa salamin nakatitig, Walang laban sa bumalik, Sa pagkikita natin ako’y sabik, Handa ka na ngang sagutin, Pero ako’y talo pa rin.

Ngayon ayoko nang kiligin Panigurado sigurado, oo, totoo na ngayon may trauma na ko sa kilig.

May trauma sa kilig, Sa Twitter nakatitig, Ang Twitter ang saksi, Sa mga emojing nakangisi, Sa Patama quotes tayo ay suki, Pag-ibig ko kaya sayo’y may sukli?

117

Iginuhit ni Danika Rañola 118

Illustration by Michael Jon Tolentino 119

Dog on the loosE

By Rawr Rawr

I was said to sit and play with my balls

He tied me up and took me in their place.

Fetch here, fetch there.

I got kidnapped with these people wearing masks.

Bouncing balls everywhere!

Scolding me.

Until that big white ball in the sky appeared as the shining one drowned in the sea.

Telling me that I was told to stay put in my house.

The place was quiet.

I told them,

So I put my balls in a bucket.

“But as a dog, it’s my nature to cut loose.

The outside world is screaming like a Muppet.

It’s our style as a dog!”

Attracting me to enjoy the streets as I put my sausage in my pocket.

But then they responded.

“Dog style is prohibited at this tragic times, know your limits.”

As I walk along the streets (which I was told not to) I took my sausage and ate it.

They made fun of me.

As the street gets colder and darker.

I couldn’t bark back because I know to myself that I was really wrong.

I saw someone who is full of anger.

I man running after me with his thick stick, he’s a runner!

I couldn’t help myself but to cry.

I barked.

He got me and tried to slap his thick stick to my face.

I howled.

But that’s what I thought.

I should’ve stayed in the house and play with my balls. I miss my balls.

I was ready to give in.

And so I did.

120

Chess piecE

By Yuno

like.

The world does not revolve around you.

You know your worth, and you know that there are people who are always there for you, people who truly care about you.

You complain about the pile of workloads you have, but you procrastinate.

You rant about running out of money, when you spent it all on the things you don’t need.

You know that we should not fear death, and that you should begin to live…

For real.

You grumble about people wasting your time, but you waste your time on people who don’t care about you.

You know that things will not always happen the way you want it to be, you cannot control the situation, but you can control your reaction.

You whine about how life is short, but you spend every single day like you’re gonna live forever.

You know your potential. You know you can do it. You know what to do. You know how to start.

You go on about how things are not doing well for you, but you do not do anything about it.

Stop lying to yourself. Stop pretending to be blind.

I am so sick of hearing about your ideas, your plans, what you want to do, but you only talk. You say a lot of empty words.

You always tell me that you don’t know where to start.

If you just sit and wait, nothing’s gonna happen.

You are not special. The universe is not responsible for your success. Life is not a movie. It doesn’t mean that you suffered a lot in the past, the universe will be kind in the present.

But deep inside, you do know.

You know that you will never accomplish anything if you keep scrolling through your feed and consuming useless social media contents.

The world does not revolve around you because you are part of this world.

You know that you can save money.

You know that you don’t need to buy these things to impress people you don’t even

Now, do your part.

Move.

121

Illustrations by Charles Clark 122

123

Deaf but louD

By White Spaghetti

Admit it, we also have similarities.

Similarities you shouldn’t deny.

You feel me? Of course you do.

If you’re in my age or close to it then there is an 80% chance that you have this trait too.

You honestly hate arguments, but the fact that it’s already served at the table, you need to win it.

Are you ready? Well, you should be.

You must keep your record as ‘undefeated’ right? Keep the crown in your head? Well that’s nice. But let’s see how many people you can call as your own. None.

Have you been in an argument wherein you only hear one voice, and that’s yours?

Yes, you did, don’t deny it. Just say yes.

It feels good, right? To be heard and to have the ability to elaborate your thoughts without someone hindering you from doing it.

Yes, that’s extremely heaven.

You always win the arguments.

Yes, reality check. It happens. The more you keep your options to yourself the higher the chance you’ll end up being alone.

You’re too loud to hear other people.

It’s not an accident it’s a choice. A choice you made because you love your ego more than you love other people. Or are you even capable of loving someone, besides yourself?

I bet not.

You’re always on the right side.

You see, we’re just the same.

Admit it, you feel powerful and righteous.

Yes, it’s because you’re deaf. Or you chose not to listen.

Hearing someone’s opinion is your kryptonite. And losing an argument is a disgrace for your ego.

What if we argue, who’s gonna win? Let’s see. The loudest voice wins. But I guarantee you, we’ll be alone for the rest of our lives.

And everyone will be happy not hear an ounce of our voice for life.

So listen.

< Illustrations by Danika Rañola 124

What self-quarantine taught mE

By Yuno

I know that being under quarantine is not an excuse to help other people. There are so many ways on how you can give a helping hand but sorry, my hands aren’t available this time. Social distancing it is.

But kidding aside. I am also one of those people who are just bored and hungry all the time. Making no use inside the house and being impatient to these people on social media.

I took my meds, of course to lessen tactlessness but at some point I just wanna raise my statements and put these entitled people into their place. But sadly, I’m one of them.

Hypocrisy has been wiped off of my mirror so this time I’ll try to be more authentic.

Realistic as they say.

I’ve been swimming around the fish bowl of twitter, seeing all these tweets about who’s to look up to and who’s to drag down.

Sadly, these people might be following the rules, staying inside their houses but still manage to get into other people’s lives. I’m one of those people. And I don’t wanna be part of it anymore. But how?

Maybe being open-minded would help.

Be rational. Be realistic. But how? What’s my outline?

“Don’t judge a book by its cover” a famous line in which every single human being knows but doesn’t apply. So now, I guess I will. I’d scan the whole book first, read between the words and be more specific with my own understanding.

It might take some time but judging someone won’t? Imagine that.

But when it gets to staying low-key or being silent about some sort of thing makes you insensitive as well.

Where on Earth am I gonna put myself into?

You can’t stay quiet for a very long time, if you have something good to say, spill it. But if not, keep it shut.

Someone asked me when is the right time to listen and speak?

I said.

Every time is the right time to speak and/ or listen. But the things is, we should be more particular on who we should speak to and who we should listen to. Give yourself some time to listen, then you speak.

Maybe I should apply my own words instead of giving it all away as an advice? I’m not being paid for this anyway. Might as well use it for my own development.

So as a went back on Twitter. Monitoring some tweets, comprehending them and voila! I actually have nothing to say, because I honestly don’t know the issue and it’s okay, rather than punching something in the air with my eyes closed. It’s better to shut up if you don’t know.

Wash you hands, y’all!

Illustration by Michael Jon Tolentino > 125

126

ClouT

By Don’t Come @ Me it, because I wanted to feel relevant.

Therefore, to make things easier for me, I chose to believe on the number one trending in Twitter, whatever it was, then it gave me the stand to fight for. Yes, it’s stupid and ridiculous. But now, having the awareness to research and study a particular issue first before I come up with my comprehensions then make my own stand about it is truly helpful, not for my ego; forcing myself to be relevant but the growth I deserve in order for me to fully become aware of my purpose in our society.

Twitter is basically the online rally for those people who can’t join outside.

Yes, I have been tempted to join them but for what reason?

I don’t know the roots of what they were fighting for.

Why would I join something I truly don’t know?

So, as an 18-year-old high school student, I went to Twitter, thinking I might get the info about whatever they’re fighting for.

I’m sorry for being a clout. I admit and there’s a lot to be ashamed of. I did it, before. But the most important thing is, I’m not doing it anymore.

But I still don’t get it, I mean, there’s a lot of truths to believe in. I don’t even know where to begin.

Moral lesson is, “you don’t get to talk if you don’t understand.”

I still wanted to tweet something about

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Illustrations by Danika Rañola 128

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