The Psyche Publication: SUGILANON

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor-in-Chief Secretary Finance Executive Officer Online Content Director Creative Director Writing Director (Acting) News Head Opinion Head Feature Head Fun & Literary Head Head Graphics & Layout Artist Head Illustrator Head Photographer Head Videographer

Esgana, Xennie Marie Sarabia, Lora Louise Catayas, Mitchel Niev Orate, Ria Jhen Papellero, Helen Pearl Doña, Abby Sofia Orate, Ria Jhen Mayol, Lander Van Lerio, Jullian Bernadette Matin-ao, Margrethe Ellaine Urgel, Kirsten Marie Mondejar, Kyla Bernadette Paloma, Jaztine Gayle Tomilluso, Remo Zuñiga, Marivic

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Graphics & Layout Artists Mondejar, Kyla Bernadette Doña, Abby Sofia Figuracion, Jharya Kaena Migriño, Joannah Mae

Photographers Tomilluso, Remo Pangan, Shennah Angeli Tangpos, Lucci Beneci

Illustrators

Videographers Zuñiga, Marivic Cabusas, Khylle Andre Gonzales, Iana Nuelle

Paloma, Jaztine Gayle Anito, Frichzy Nicole Catayas, Mitchel Niev Del Rosario, Joana Marie Maneja, Glydel Patalinghug, Mary Pauline

WRITING DEPARTMENT News Writers Mayol, Lander Van Moros, Decy Jayne Orate, Ria Jhen Rodas, Kesiya Villajos, Angel Caren

Feature Writers Matin-ao, Margrethe Ellaine Bayani, Julienne Gail Esgana, Xennie Marie

Opinion Writers Lerio, Jullian Bernadette Casuncad, Mary Gwen Libato, Eiwa Marie Papellero, Helen Pearl

Fun & Literary Writers Urgel, Kirsten Marie Calope, Keith Andre Sarabia, Lora Louise

ONLINE CORRESPONDENTS Frasco, Vashti Yvonne Papellero, Helen Pearl

EDITOR’S NOTE sugilanon [su. gi. lá. nun.] : story (n.); tale (n.)

Dearest readers, The Psyche Publication proudly welcomes everyone to the third volume of our e-magazine, where we show you a glimpse of the magical world that has been preserved for generations.

Starting with the story of creation and closing with a dark story of the afterlife, adventures await as we explore the wonders of the various mysterious creatures in our local mythology. Beware: this journey is for the curious minds, the lost spirits, the brave hearts, and the old souls.

Ang Sugilanon ay para sa mga kakaiba. Kung ikaw ay tila sirenang pilit itinatago ang iyong tunay na kagandahan, multong nais magparamdam upang masagip ang kaluluwa mong naliligaw, Bungisngis na pilit itinatago ang iyong mga hinagpis, diyos o diyosang pilit iniintindi ang kapangyarihan at kahinaan, o kung anumang halimaw ka man. Halina’t sumama ka.

Kuyogi mi sa pagsubaybay ning mga tinuohan sa mga katigulangan ug lantawon nato ning mga di ingon nato nga nagmatyag sa atong palibot. Dayon, sugiron nato ang paghanduraw sa mga bahandi ning atong kultura.

Created by a team of brilliant writers and artists, our editorial staff is proud to release this original magazine filled with English, Filipino, and Bisaya compositions that will surely leave a reminiscent mark of nostalgia within every one of us.

Through these tales, may you be inspired to release your inner psyche.

Listen to our story. Makinig sa aming kuwento.

Paminawa ning sugilanon.

Xennie Marie Esgana Editor-in-Chief

TABLE OF C ONTENTS

Earthen Pride Folklore: The Controlling Power of Fear Ang Pagtiyabaw ni Bungisngis The Fool Moon’s Trickery Tatlo Huwag Kang Pumikit, Maria

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Maleficent in White

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Ang Gahum ni Suklang Malayon

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Gayuma: A Mythical Love Solution

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DALIKMATA

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Nasalaag

29

Of Rejection and Erasure Hiwaga ng Takipsilim We Are the Most Beautiful Pagdilat ni Sitan

31 35 37 39

Written byJulienne Gail Bayani Illustrated by Mary Pauline Patalinghug Layout by Abby Sofia DoĂąa

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There are many versions of the story of creation. These stories each have distinct styles and themes unique to a culture.

The Visayan story of creation is one with themes of love, pride, and remorse.

Likalibutan is one of the four children of Lihangin and Lidagat. He is described as willful, strong, and built of molten rock and stone. When his parents died, Lihangin left the power over the winds to Likalibutan.

This power is where Likalibutan’s downfall begins. He becomes prideful about his strength and ropes his brothers into foolishly challenging their all-powerful grandfather Kaptan. This ended terribly with all siblings, including the innocent Lisuga, getting struck down with lightning.

After realizing what he had done, Kaptan and Maguayan reformed their grandchildren into the beautiful sun, moon and stars, except for Likalibutan who became the land.

Likalibutan’s downfall caused by excessive pride, misplaced confidence, and selfimportance is called hubris. While ordinary people do not have power over the wind or seas, people still overestimate themselves.

Hubris can disguise itself as that feeling of overflowing power that clouds better judgment, similar to the feeling of drunken confidence that results in irrational decisions and unnecessary risk-taking.

However, you are mostly sober, so the decisions you make have to be rational enough, right? Unfortunately, hubris is also associated with irresponsibility, unwillingness to consider other options, and loss of contact with reality, which all have detrimental effects on the individual and those around them.

Do these descriptions remind you of someone? How can we tell if it is pride or hubris? Pride is short-lived and has a good reason for it.

It is a positive emotion that is empowering and can be a source of strength. Hubris on the other hand is compulsive and overbearing. It seeps into everyday life and exhibits itself as subtle cues such as a disproportionate concern with image, excessive confidence in intuition, disdain for constructive criticism, exaggerated self-belief, and lack of accountability. It pushes people to isolate themselves out of spite and selfrighteousness. Hubristic people build walls of earth on the sand, blocking people who want to build authentic relationships with them.

Awareness is the first step in countering or avoiding hubris. When creating or participating in a project, be proactive and realistic. Take responsibility for both failure and success, and acknowledge the contributions of other people. Practice empathy and keep a solution-focused mindset. Actively counter your cognitive biases by trusting others to do well without you. If you find yourself micromanaging everything, ask yourself, “Am I doing this for the group or just to please myself?”

There is a difference between being bossy and being encouraging. Another way to foster a healthy amount of pride is to choose your company well. Notice the people you spend time with, do they motivate you to grow? Or do they offer empty praise and nitpick at mistakes?

Surround yourself with honest people who encourage you but also keep you grounded in reality. Chances are, they are the people who call you out, but they have always been there to help you rebuild.

Taking pride in oneself is crucial for self-esteem and performance, but always keep in mind that a humble foundation is always more impressive than an undue peak.

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FOLKL

THE CONTROLLING

Written by Lander Van Mayol 3

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Layo Jharya Kaen

LORE:

G POWER OF FEAR

Illustrated by Mitchel Niev Catayas

out by na Figuracion

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There is nostalgia in childhood; the memory of the afternoon siestas that parents force upon their children, lest they lose the chance to visit their favorite toy store. Little kids may be forced to sleep early at night or else some fearful creature from under their beds takes them away, never to be seen again.

Parents inflict fear into their young to make them obey and avoid unwanted behaviors. When one feels afraid or threatened, a specific part of the brain is triggered and results in an emotional reaction. The amygdala involuntarily activates the flight-or-fight response, which then sends signals that release stress hormones to tell the body to either fight the stimulus or run away from it. Experiencing fear is a primitive human emotion that helps our body detect and protect ourselves from danger. However, some parents use fear as a manipulation to make their children behave accordingly.

Growing up in a typical Filipino home setting, fear-based parenting is commonly used to instill discipline within the household. Given the hyperactive imaginative nature of children, they are forced to close their eyes and sleep early, believing the monsters that their parents scare them with. Starring in these prominent scary bedtime stories are our Philippine mythological creatures.

Number one on the list is a creature with sharp claws, fierce eyes, and razor-like teeth; the Aswang makes children tremble as it feasts on human flesh especially during the night.

Children who live near huge trees develop fear towards the Kapre, a hairy giant beast that smokes tobacco from atop. When bothered, the Kapres are strong enough to crush a person’s body. Many testimonies have said that once you smell smoke but no one nearby has a lighted cigarette or tobacco, a Kapre is smoking near you, ready for the kill.

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The Tikbalang is a bizarre beast known for its human torso and horse head and legs. Its appearance is so terrifying that anyone who sees it freezes in fear. Tikbalangs are said to have a preference for pretty and young ladies.

There are also malevolent creatures that use deception to prey on their victims like the Tiyanak and the Manananggal. The Tiyanak, also known as Impakto, is a vengeful creature acclaimed to be a fetus who died without being baptized. Other accounts say that they are actually demon offsprings.

They deceive their victims by appearing to them as normal and vulnerable infants. When they earn the trust of their prey, they reveal their demonic face and attack them using their sharp teeth.

While Tiyanak conceals its demonic look by imitating the face of an innocent baby, the Manananggal during the day appears to be a beautiful lady living a normal life. But as the night comes, the Manananggal stretches out her bat-like wings and changes her look into some ferocious creature. The climactic part is she dismembers her upper body from her lower body. She is a blood sucking monster that usually preys on pregnant women.

The mentioned folklore indeed narrates how children may be conditioned to fear negative concepts ingrained overtime – a rather cruel but effective parental tactic. Rest assured that these children will grow out of their childish fears, so long as they are not reinforced frequently and deliberately.

Inflicting fear to children is normal as long as it is not excessive to the point where it becomes a phobia. After all, it is better for a child to obey using free will than fear.

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ANG PAGTIYABAW NI BUNGISNGIS Gisuwat ni Xennie Marie Esgana Giilustrar ni Glydel Maneja Gihan-ay ni Kyla Bernadette Mondejar

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“BWAHAHAHA!” Madungog sa pikas bungtod ning misteryosong buhakhak nga naglanog-lanog. Kung paminawon og tarong mura kini og bata nga gigitik sa kalipay. Apan kinsa’y magtuo nga kining malipayong huni gumikan diay sa usa ka higante?

Siya, gikahadlokan sa tanan. Lawas nga balahiboon, kusgan ug andam mukalib-ay sa mga kabug-aton sa kalibutan. Ngabil ug ngipong pagkadako, makaplagan sa matag ngisi nga abot dalunggan. Hait nga pandungog ug mata nga budlat.

Mao kini ang nawong sa higanteng nahimamat, ug didto sa bukid nga gipuy-an nagpabiling malinawon ug wala’y kaguol ang kinabuhi.

Sa pagbudlat ning mata, makita ang kaanindot sa kalibutan – ang bidlisiw sa haring adlaw, ang pagbuswak sa mga rosas, ug ang mga mananap nga malipayong nag-ginukdanay sa basakan dayon pahuway ilalom sa payag.

Sa pagmatikod ning hait nga pandungog, mabati ang tanang kasikas sa palibot– ang pagtilaok sa manok, paghaguros sa hangin, ug ang pagkatam-is nga tono sa iyahang kaugalingong bungisngis.

Ang higante nga adunay mabaw nga kalipay, dili gayud mahutdan og rason para mukatawa. Ang bugtong tumong sa kinabuhi: ngisi lang gayud bahala’g nagkalisod. Inosente ug wala’y intensiyon nga dautan, tinuod nga kalipay nag hinaot makaplagan.

“Oh, Bungisngis. Kinsa’y magdahom nga tim-os diay ka og kasingkasing?”

Apan kung siya nagpuyo sa panahon karon, magmalipayon ba kini gihapon?

Sa matag budlat sa nag-inusarang mata, makita ang kagubot sa kalibutan – ang kinabuhi nga dili patas, ang pag-abuso sa gahum, ang mga oportunidad nga nagtuyok para sa mga adunahan lang samtang ang mga pobre padayong nag-antos niining bulok nga sistemang kanunay giatubang.

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Sa pagmatikod ning hait nga pandungog, mabati ang tanang kasikas sa palibot – ang desperadang paglinabwanay sa tingog ug pagsiyagit sa katawhan nga nagpakiluoy, sila naghinaot nga paminawon ug mahatagan hustisya taliwala ning nagpabungol-bungol nga katilingban.

Matag adlaw masaksihan ang pagkahugno sa kalibutan. Angay pa ba nga mukatawa ug magpabuta-buta? Bawal ba atubangon ang negatibong realidad sa kinabuhi?

Mao kini ang sekreto ni Bungisngis. Likod sa kusog nga buhakhak ang gitipigang kakulangan. Kusgan man ug malipayon, apan paspas maratol ug mailad. Dali pakataw-on, apan dali ra sad pahilakon.

Kitang tanan nakasuway magpaka aron-ingnon nga malipayon. Pero ngano patuyang ang pagluom sa kaguol? Ngano adunay kahadlok kung masakpan man gani nga dili kusgan?

Gisuwat kining sugilanon para magpahibalo nga dili sayop ang paghilak. Ang pagsadya dili pirmi tungod kay maabot gayud ang panahon sa kasub-anan. Busa, dili angay ikauwaw ang pagpahuway ug pagpangayo og tabang.

Ang paghilak dili kamatuoran sa pagkatalawan. Ang hingpit nga pagsalig ug pag-atubang sa problema ang tinuod nga sukdanan sa kalig-on.

Ug kung ikaw mawad-an og paglaom, hinumdumi kini. Samtang may kinabuhi, padayon ang pagsinati sa kalipay ug kasakit, pahiyum ug pagmug-ot, pagkatawa ug paghilak, pagtumba ug pagbakod. Padayon sa gibati, hangtod sa hangtod. “HUHUHU...� Madungog sa pikas eskina kining paghagulgol nga naglanog-lanog. Kung paminawon og tarong mura kini og bata nga giilogan og duwaan. Oo, ang kanhi malipayong higante, nagyaka sa kaguol.

Sige lang, pasagdi. Tanang kalagot ipagawas. Ayaw pugngi ang luhang nagawas awas. Sama ni Bungisngis, ayaw kauwaw kung ikaw mutiyabaw.

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THE

FOOL MOON’S

TRICKERY Written by Lora Louise Sarabia Illustrated by Glydel Maneja Layout by Abby Sofia Doña

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O

nce upon a time, there was a merchant who traveled across the lands with no more than the pack on his back, straw slippers and a hat. One evening, he set up his camp by the water-side and sang himself to sleep. When his fire died out, he lay on a blanket and kept his eyes to the moon, bright and blinding. He closed his eyes and heard rumbling beneath the earth. Was it an animal? He wondered. He sat up and saw nothing but the full moon in the sky and ripples across the lake’s surface.

Twisting and curling into the clouds, there roared a serpent with vicious glowing eyes and crooked teeth. It bore no wings but its snake-like body rose into the sky. The traveler watched in fascination as the beast unhinged its jaw wide enough to swallow the moon. “It is the Bakunawa!” cried the merchant, shivering at the sight, “I did not know the creature resided here!” He thought to pack his bag and move further down the road and deeper into the wood.

Suddenly, cries and shouts erupted from a nearby island. Metal banged upon metal. The serpent hissed at the noise and twisted itself in a fit. Arrows and spears bolted and curved gracefully in the air, making their marks on the wicked creature. For a while, this violent exchange continued until the Bakunawa could no longer bear the pain in his wounds and slithered back into the waters from whence he came.

Lo and behold, the creature stretched its neck in greeting, “Human,” His deep voice rumbled in the water and the ground on which the merchant slept. “Would you be so kind enough as to help me tend to my wounds?”

The merchant narrowed his eyes at the beast, “Why should I help you?” He asked, “You will only rise from the sea to eat the moon again.”

It was the creature’s turn to show disdain, “The moon is useless to you. You do not eat it.”

“The moon gives us light in the evenings and makes the tide rise and fall.”

“You have your fires, and what good is there in water rising and falling?”

There was no hesitation in the merchant’s reply; “It gives us food. It makes us rich. You would not understand. You are a dragon, you would devour everything in your path. ”

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The Bakunawa snarled, baring its jagged teeth “You humans are so picky with your lives,” He growled turning and curling around the shallow waters, “I have only one occupation–” said the dragon, “To guard the seas and take what I please. Your kind must always make a fuss over what occupation you must have; you cannot decide between being a farmer or fisherman.”

“I am neither.” cried the human. “Look, I carry pearl and gold with me! I am far richer than them.”

The merchant opened his satchel to reveal the gold coins and pearls he had gathered from his quarry. The man did not notice the creature widen its jaw, showing the cave that was his mouth.

A feeling stirred within the beast’s stomach. Deep into the dragon’s eyes revealed an abyss that reflected the shimmer and shine of the merchant’s wares.

“How beautiful!” cried the dragon. “I must have it. It shall adorn the walls of my cave, give it to me!”

The merchant snapped his bag shut. “No! Why would I give it to you?”

The Bakunawa snarled “It is a small compensation to trade, your ‘precious’ moon for those pearls and gold.”

“The moon has nothing to give me. The same way this gold and pearl are useless to you.”

The creature rose from the water, towering high over the merchant, “Look at me,” he said. “For all of my majesty and power, many creatures fear me and look at me with disgust. I must not be beautiful,” He turned his back to look at the moon. “I must take whatever beauty is around me and claim it as my own.” He lunged at the merchant, the force sending him to cower on the ground, “You humans are the same. You do not see yourselves as beautiful, so you protect what you think is. You too are ugly, and so you covet gold and silver. In that regard, you are no different from me.”

He slid closer towards the trembling merchant, its serpentine physique crushing the crunchy sand.

“Now, heed my warnings traveler, and give me what I desire.” The merchant refused him again – and he would not be able to refuse him a third time.

Later, a hunting party from the neighboring village found the merchant’s camp. It seemed undisturbed, except for the footless sandals the lay strewn haphazardly across the sandy beach.

Drops of scarlet trailed from them, into the quiet waters. As they tried to make sense of the scene before them, the Bakunawa rose from the abyss from whence he came, eager to claim the moon once more.

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TATLO

Isinulat ni Helen Pearl Papellero Inilarawan ni Mary Pauline Patalinghug Inilatag ni Joannah Mae MigriĂąo

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Sa lansangan sila’y nag-aabang, naghihintay ng masasakyan.

Sa mga gubat sila ay umaaligid, nagmamasid sa ligaw at sawi.

Sa ilalim ng hukay sila ay namamahay, nagpaparamdam upang hindi gambalain.

Batid ang lungkot, takot, galit, at hinagpis.

Bangkay na walang kaluluwa.

Multong hindi mo na masasagip.

Wag kang maingay.

Ipikit ang iyong mga mata.

Bumilang ka ng tatlo, at mawawala rin sila.

Isa. Dalawa..

Ngunit hindi ako marunong magbulag-bulagan...

Sa lansangan ako nag-aabang, naghihintay ng masasakyan, umaasang ako ay mapuruhan.

Ngunit sa tunog ng preno at busina, ako’y bumabalik sa katinuan; agad tatabi sa daan, sabay paumanhin lamang.

Sa gubat ako ay umaaligid, mag-isang naglalakad, nakamasid sa paligid.

Nais kong mapahamak, matuklaw, maligaw sa mga pasilyo ngunit sa biglang pagkampana, lahat ay pumila na papasok sa mga silid.

Mahinang bulong, taimtim ang dasal: sana ako ay makapasa man lang.

Sa ilalim ng hukay gusto kong ako’y matagpuan nakalibing sa galit, paghihirap, sakit, at kalungkutan.

Gusto ko na lamang mahulog sa kadiliman, ngunit dahil sa pamilya’t kaibigan, ako’y pilit tumatahan.

Kailangang tumahimik at baka baliw ako’y mapagkamalan.

Huwag na lang daw akong mag-ingay.

Ipikit ko na lang daw ang aking mga mata.

At bumilang ako ng tatlo.

Gusto kong mawala ang lahat ng ito.

Isa. Dalawa..

Ayaw ko na...

Ako ay malungkot, takot, galit, may hinagpis.

Taong walang kaluluwa.

Multong maaari mo pang masagip.

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Isinulat ni Jullian Bernadette Lerio Inilarawan at Inilatag ni Joannah Mae MigriĂąo

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Written by Keith Andre Calope Illustrated by Mitchel Niev Catayas Layout by Abby Sofia DoĂąa 21

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Did you think I would be overcome?

Death imitates art too.

Pathetic whelps.

Sculptures of fear My enemies: Men and their taxis.

Fat men.

And their fat taxis.

I’m maleficent in white, Hooded by a shadow curtain Spectrally hovering With Balete under me.

The tree is my castle And the night is my muse.

I land in the street To hunt for the one.

Whether you’re a cop Or a perverted driver, Beware.

I am beguiling.

And ethereal.

And lethal.

I perform a haunted burlesque To take you to the joke of death.

Out of the blue, I’m bloody & grotesque.

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Ang Gahum Ni suk uk lang malayon

Gisuwat ni Margrethe Ellaine Matin-ao Giilustrar ni Frichzy Nicole Anito Gihan-ay ni Jharya Kaena Figuracion 23

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Singgit sa kasakit nagpalibot sa kalibutan Paglaum nako anam-anam na mikunhod “O diyosa Suklang Malayon hatagi ko’g kusog!”

Ako isa ka inahan, nagpaduol sa katapusan.

Gibuhian nako ang kahadlok Kabubut-on nako akong lig-onan Diyosa kong Suklang Malayon, saksihan mo ang akong kadasig.

“O palangga ko karung wala na naghilak.”

Human nadungog nako ang imong hilak.

Ang kasakit nalimtan, paglaum naulian “O anak ko, diri ka na sa duol ko.”

Hilak lang sa gakos ko “O anak nadunggan ko ang pagtawag mo Nabati ko ang kahadlok mo.”

Apan puhon mubalik na sa imong kabubut-on Mahulog ka, magduda ka, musinggit ka sa kasakit Puhon imo ning bation Ang akong panamilit kanimo, ayaw og undang.

Human nadungog nako ang imong hilak.

“O palangga ko karung wala na naghilak.”

Ang kabubuot nahadlok maayo Unsa kaha imo maagian sa kinabuhi?

Daghang tao mamakak kanimo palangga ko Mga tao mutan-aw nimo nga wala kay kusog Pero anak ko ipakita nila tanan Ang kusog na mahatag lang sa mga tao nga sama kanato.

Human nadungog nako ang imong hilak.

“O anak ko pagbantay sa katilingban, kini intawon ang kaaway mo.

Apan di ka dapat mahadlok niini Diyosa natung Suklang Malayon dili ta biyaan.”

Puhon hibal-an ko kining katilingban Muhatag nato og panag-angay “O anak di lang ka magpaluya sa kapit-os sa kakuyaw.”

Tan-awa ang kapunawpunawan kung asa ang kalipay.

Hatagan tika og kusog hangtod sa mahatagan nimo og kusog ang imong kaugalingon.

Hatagan tika og panghunahuna nga maoy makasalbar sa pamakak sa kalibutan.

Hatagan tika og gugma, gugma nga mahatag nimo sa uban aron dungan kamo sa kahayag sa umaabot.

Tungod kay nadungog ko ang imong hilak Hatagan tika niining tanan Aron puhon ikaw ang magsilbing instrumento nga muhatag sa imong palangga.

Puhon, ang palanggang sunod na makasaksi sa atuang gahum.

Human nadungog nako ang imong hilak.

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Illustrated by Frichzy Nicole Anito Layout by Abby Sofia Doña

GAYUMA: A MYTHICAL LOVE SOLUTION Written by Decy Jayne Moros

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Love Potions or pharmalokia refers to the use of drugs and elixirs to tap into the spiritual powers and manifest them in the physical world. In the Bible, such acts are called spiritual adultery and are considered grave sins that go against nature.

In the early ages up until the 16th century, the Greeks and the Spanish popularly used a variety of flora and fauna to create these concoctions. Grounded orchids, blistered beetles and magical obscured texts paved the way for love potions to become known throughout the world.

Here in the Philippines, gayuma is brewed by witch doctors or mananambals, and the mixture is believed to be the solution for a love that seems too impossible to have. Ranging from five hundred to a thousand pesos, customers are willing to pay for the antidote for unrequited feelings, sexual awakenings, or even lasting fidelity.

Despite its decline in popularity with centuries past, this forgotten heritage still thrives in various places, such as in Siquijor and Quiapo. In his article for the Esquire Magazine, Mario Alvaro Limos narrated about how this occult practice still captivates Filipinos. In fact, this serves as a source of livelihood for some. The writer cited stores in Quiapo Church, Quezon City which were managed by a few secretive and mysterious mananambals who offered all kinds of superstitious services: tarot card reading, kulam to cast spells on enemies, pangontra or protective charms, barang or black magic, and dasal or Latin incantations.

Unfortunately for gayuma, science has become the forefront of medicine. With it comes the disheartening truth of these love potions. As enticing as they may seem, the Federation of Drug and Authority warns that any over-the-counter drugs containing ingredients for use as an aphrodisiac cannot be generally recognized as safe and effective. Dr. Michael Krychman, a clinical professor and sexual health advocate, generally informs the public to be cautious as ingestion may affect one’s overall health.

Undeniably, love potions reflect how some people are willing to go the extra mile and pay for the cost of a love that defies logic. Perhaps, for them it is a fair price to satisfy the yearnings of the soul. This depicts a kind of passion that can make anyone senseless and wild.

Now, let me ask you. If you had the chance to make someone fall in love with you, would you brave the consequences?

Reference Limos, M. (1970, January 01). Quiapo Gayuma: How an Occult Practice Still Captivates Filipinos.https:// www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/searching-for-gayuma-in-quiapo-a00293-20200207-lfrm

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On a cold windy night, the God of the world Likalibutan held his red-faced wailing daughter for the world to see. Randomly springing out of her father’s eyes, the world poured vigorously in time with her cries. Her little body was unnaturally covered in eyes.

People recoiled in fear as they took in the sight of the girl who would soon be called Dalikmata, the many-eyed diwata.

Dalikmata grew up with the Spring of Truth which helped her become a deity full of kindness and honesty. She grew to love humans so deeply that she wept for those who performed inhumane acts. She, who was once feared for her appearance, became revered by the people. Everyone loved the gentle diwata for the favors that she gave the people. She even placed a few of her eyes on the wings of butterflies, sending them across the village, in order to look after humanity.

For a time, all was well.

As the village teemed with life and bustled with movement, some began to whisper about another legend. The Flower-of-Make-Believe, the first plant on Earth, had sprung from the first tears of the famous and fabled Tungkung Langit when Alunsina left him. Coveted by many, this can give whoever’s lips touched its nectar whatever they desired. To protect mere mortals from this stunning power, it was guarded by Dalikmata who kept an ever watchful eye, or rather, eyes.

The wind sang the flower’s tale unto the notoriously greedy Sultan Barom Mai’s ears who immediately started to plan for the flower to be his. Consumed by his rapaciousness, he asked the Goddess of the Wind, Hangin Bai, to put the watchful goddess into a deep dreamless slumber. Besotted by the Sultan, Dalikmata’s friend did as he commanded and brought the deity to sleep with the help of her soothing wind.

Sultan Barom Mai’s nefarious plan would have worked if not for the thousands of eyes that covered Dalikmata’s body. She awoke from her friend’s wicked spell enraged and hysterical, the heartbreak of betrayal etched into her heart. She vowed that no such disloyalty would ever happen again against her or the creatures of the earth. In order to keep this promise, she placed her eyes on all of the forest moths and butterflies and sent them forth to be her guardians.

So goes the legend of the diwata of a thousand eyes. If she ever happened to fall asleep again, her dreams would be filled with the works of spirits as she watches over humanity and protects them with her kindness and grace.

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Written and Illustrated by

Angel Caren Villajos Layout by

Jharya Kaena Figuracion

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Gisuwat ni Eiwa Marie Libato

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Giilustrar ni Mitchel Niev Catayas Gihan-ay ni Abby Sofia DoĂąa

Sa panahon karon, Asa ba kita padulong?

Unsa ba ang pulos sa kinabuhi?

Kini ang pangutana sa kaugalingon.

Mga higala, masabtan ba kining gibati Nga wala damha ug ako wala kahibalo Kung aduna ba’y paingnan ning kinabuhi Nawala ba sad mo karon?

Sama ba mo nako nga wala na kasabot?

Unsay angay natong buhaton?

Aduna ko’y kaguol sa kamatuorang Di nako makita ang kaugmaon Kung unsa gayud ang nag atang kanako Puros kangitngit ang nasugatan Nag hinaot nga aduna’y mutabang Muhatag kahayag niining dalan Kinsa ba ang angay kong tawgon?

Dakong pasalamat ko Ikaw nibati ning pagsampit Diyosa Agolanay, diyosa sa mga nawala Ania ka para mutabang kanako Kini nga diyosa mudungog kanato Sa mga tao nga nasalaag, siya mutabang Muhatag kahayag sa ngitngit nga kadalanan Kay siya usa ka diyosa nga naay kaluoy Diyosa Agolanay, ikaw ang among pag-asa Ning hunahuna nga pwerting gubota Busa ayaw na kamo kaguol Dia na ang atong diyosa, Dili kita niya pasagdan Maong paglaum lang Dawata ang kahayag Para kanato nga nasalaag

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OF REJECTION AND ERASURE Written by Mary Gwen Casuncad Illustrated by Glydel Maneja Layout by Kyla Bernadette Mondejar

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L

ibulan was the god of the moon, who came about after being struck with a lightning bolt by his grandfather, Captan. He was one of the three male sons of Lidagat and Lihangin, god of the sea and goddess of the wind, respectively. His two other brothers, Licalibutan and Liadlao, were described as more muscular and rather large; Libulan, on the other hand, was described as more slender and graceful, and he was known to be closer to his sister Lisuga, goddess of the stars.

Although he was designated as a god, some Tagalog myths mention Libulan as a goddess, whereas other accounts say that he was a hermaphrodite, or a transvestite, which may be the best way to explain his gender. Another story from Visayan mythology, tells of how Libulan fell in love with Sidapa, the god of death; in the end, they happily resided in Mt. Madjaas for the rest of their lives as husbands. With these woven tales, Libulan is usually considered the god of homosexuality and the patron god of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines.

The idea of homosexuality, the transgender identity, and other related aspects, were embraced in the world of Philippine mythology. Lakapati, deity of agriculture and fertility, was presented in some myths as a hermaphrodite man. Bearing another name, Ikapati, Lakapati was also sometimes regarded as a transgender goddess. Other times, people separated the two names such that they represented different identities: one a hermaphrodite man, and the other a goddess with the ability to bear children.

Defying gender norms in the past was not something limited to myths and legends; there has long been a recognition and acceptance of a ‘third gender’ in pre-colonial Filipino society, strongly suggesting that gender norms were less strict and more liberal compared to the colonial period. Some Spanish accounts point towards transgender women who were recognized as cisgender women, and given the right to practice roles and take the same social status of the other female members of the community.

With them not being able to have biological children of their own, they were then seen as ‘more spiritual’, and were able to practice as religious leaders or babaylan. In doing so, they donned the clothing of a babaylan, following in the footsteps of Libulan, being a transvestite himself.

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During the Spaniards’ arrival in 1521, along came Catholicism, together with backwards beliefs towards women, animism, and the ‘third gender’: the empowerment and high status of women in the community clashed with their ideal of the ‘humble and obedient’ Maria Clara. People were forced to renounce their faith in their deities, homosexuality and other controversial concepts that were viewed as sins. As a result, women, who used to be regarded with high authority, were now looked down upon by the Spaniards as ‘weak’. Anyone who practiced homosexual acts, such as sodomy, were viewed as if guilty of crime and burned in the Inquisition in line with a degree being imposed by Pedro Hurtado Desquibel, President of Audiencia.

In a country that gives high regard to its culture and origins, it is disheartening that we look back on a part of it and shun it, considering it unholy. Although the world has somehow progressed in belief, many of us still use it as an excuse to ostracize a group of people as if they are not valid humans like us. Sure, the LGBTQIA+ community is slowly being embraced in society. However, the discrimination still lives on, as a minority, they are only tolerated, not accepted, as if they are an inconvenience to keep up with; an elephant in the room.

Libulan, Sidapa, and Lakapati may all be mythical deities, but their representation of the society at present is just as real, just as valid as every other representation of mythology in reality. It is also one being condemned, being erased, one falling on deaf ears. Many of us nowadays subconsciously frown upon the LGBTQIA+ community, and it is something we should unlearn, slowly and surely. Discrimination is not a myth, it is a reality; we should believe it is real as much as we used to believe in fairy tales.

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TAKIPSILIM

H I W AG A N G

Isinulat ni Ria Jhen Orate Inilarawan ni Joana Marie del Rosario Inilatag ni Joannah Mae MigriĂąo

Magulo, tila’y sinakop ng dilim ang mga kalangitan.

Masalimuot at kahindik-hindik, walang mapagsidlan ang galit.

Ang buong daigdig ay naging saksi sa isang malubhang digmaang naganap sa bulubundukin ng Arayat at Pinatubo.

Dumagundog ang sangkalangitan at nayanig ang sangkalupaan nang isinumpa ng dalawang makapangyarihang diyos na sina Sinukuan at Malyari ang isa’t isa.

At sakop ng sumpaang ito ang isang pag-iibigang pilit tinututulan ng langit at lupa.

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Malamig ang hanging humaplos sa mala-porselanang balat ni Sisilim habang siya’y nakaupo sa tabi ng ikapitong ilog sa paanan ng Pinatubo. Tahimik siyang nagmumuni-muni, pilit pinapatahimik ang mga boses sa kanyang isipan. Pakiramdam niya’y may makakarinig sa mga hinaing at palaisipan na kanyang ikinukubli.

May kakaiba sa muling pag-ihip ng hangin kaya’t napagtanto niyang hindi na siya nag-iisa. Ilang sandali pa’y nakarinig siya ng mga yapak ng paa at naalarma ang kanyang pandama.

“Tila’y nabagot ang dalaga ni Apung Malyari.” Pagbati ng isang boses mula sa kanyang likuran.

Huminahon ang loob ni Sisilim nang marinig ang boses na iyon. Hindi na niya kinailangan pang lingunin kung sino ang dumating sapagkat tinig pa lamang ay pamilyar na.

Higit na pamilyar—ani mo’y may mahikang taglay sapagkat nilunod nito ang ingay ng mundo ni Sisilim.

“Nag-iisa ka yata, hindi ka ba natatakot?

Mapanganib sapagkat malayo ka sa inyong kaharian, mahal na prinsesa.” Panunukso nito.

Hindi na pinansin ni Sisilim ang pang-aasar sa tono ng mga salita at sa halip, gumanti pa ito.

“Kung mayroon mang nanganganib sa ating dalawa, ikaw iyon Gatpanapun. Hindi ka ba natatakot at naririto ka sa teritoryo ng mortal na kaaway ng iyong ama?”

Si Gatpanapun ang makisig at mapanuksong diyos ng pahinga at libang; ang bunsong anak ni Aring Sinukuan ng Arayat.

Batid ang biro sa paghahamon ni Sisilim kung kaya’t hindi man lang nag-alala ang diyos bagkus ay lumapit pa ito sa diyosa.

“At sino ang magiging banta sa aking buhay? Ikaw, Sisilim?” panunukso pa ni Gatpanapun. Humawak siya sa kanyang dibdib na parang nabigla at dumugtong: “Matatalo mo kaya ako sa duwelo, aking tinatangi?”

Humarap si Sisilim sa kaniya at itinaas ang isang kilay.

Pilit niyang itinatago ang ngiti at aliw na sumisilay sa kanyang labi.

Humalakhak ng malakas si Gatpanapun at hindi na rin nagpigil pa si Sisilim.

Saksi ang mismong lugar na ito sa unang pagtatagpo ng dalawang itinadhana ngunit pilit pinaglalayo ng pagkakataon.

Siglo na rin ang lumipas matapos naganap ang digmaan sa pagitan ng kanilang mga ama. Pero siglo man ang nagdaan, hindi nagmaliw ang galit at poot ng dalawang diyos sa isa’t-isa.

Batid ito ni Sisilim at ni Gatpanapun, lalong-lalo na si Gatpanapun na minsan nang maparusahan nang mahagilap ito sa lupain ng Pinatubo. Alam ng diyos kung gaano ka delikado ang pagtapak niya rito dahil sa mga matang nakamasid sa kanila.

Ngunit hindi ito naging dahilan upang hindi hamakin ng dalawa ang takot at panganib para sa pag-iibigan nilang tutulan man ng langit at lupa, ay siya namang may basbas ng tadhana.

Sa isang kumpas ng kamay ni Gatpanapun, nag-iba ang tagpuan. Dinala silang dalawa sa pamilyar na dalampasigan, sa harap ng palubog na araw. Tahimik ang kapaligiran at tanging ang kalmadong paghampas ng alon sa buhanginan lamang ang kanilang naririnig.

Ito ang kanilang sikretong tagpuan. Dito, hindi sila anak ng dalawang makapangyarihang diyos. Dito, sila’y sina Sisilim at Gatpanapun lamang.

“Nakabibighani ang dapithapon,” Mahinang sambit ni Sisilim habang nakatitig sa nag-aagawang kahel, rosas, lila at bughaw sa langit. Ngumiti ito, ninanamnam ang mga nakaw at lihim na sandaling kapiling niya si Gatpanapun.

Napalingon naman sa kanya si Gatpanapun. Mapupungay ang mata ng diyos, tila’y kinakabisado ang hulma, bawat linya, at hugis ng mukha ng kanyang iniirog.

Sa takipsilim hinango ang ngalan ni Sisilim at gaya ng kapayapaang hatid ng takipsilim, siya ang naging pahinga ni Gatpanapun.

“Siyang tunay,” tugon nito habang nakamasid pa rin sa wangis ng diyosa, puno ng pagmamahal at pananabik. “Sadyang mahiwaga ang takipsilim.”

“Ako ba’y minamaliit mo, lapastangan? Baka nakakalimutan mong minsan na kitang muntik mapaslang sa kagubatang ito?”

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Written by Keith Andre Calope Illustrated by Mitchel Niev Catayas Layout by Abby Sofia DoĂąa

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We Are the Most Beautiful I lounge on the rock To strike a pose.

I vogue.

“O dearest sailor!

Have you lost your way?”

Then it occurred to me how my question Ricochets a spear.

It hits a wondrous memory.

My history Flashes into a playback.

I used to gobble up the water in the drum.

Aqua of aversion, I swallow towards death.

But I was not overcome.

Instead I opened this drum to an ocean And I made it my home.

Behold!

I have found my way to live my life.

I carry a box of crayons and splash them Into a marine utopia Where rainbows convene.

Freedom arching around the Shangri-La, I dance and sing.

Don’t be put off by my extravagance, stud.

You know our war’s not over.

I’m not the only siren in these waters.

Our song continues to sail.

A kaleidoscope of words navigates Around the world To outweigh fear For love and hope to prevail.

My brothers and sisters We have an extraordinary quest.

The waters are evolving.

We mustn’t fall against the current.

We are wild and wildering Against tradition And the sharks of religion.

Our mothers and fathers And their blind eyes.

We prove ourselves To those that dragged us into the inky-black depths.

We rise.

And flaunt our shimmering pearls.

Our tails of gold.

And glittering clams (should you cover your man-tiddies).

We are the most beautiful.

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Pagdilat Ni Sitan Isinulat ni Kirsten Marie Urgel Inilarawan ni Joana Marie del Rosario Inilatag ni Kyla Bernadette Mondejar

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Sa pagmulat ng mga matang nakamatyag sa Kasanaan, Dumampi sa akin ang galak bagkus taga-lupa’y nasilayan Ako’y napaisip habang sila’y nagnanamnam sa sigla Ako kaya’y naaalala pa?

Habang ako’y nakamasid sa yapak ng iilan, Kapansin-pansin ang pagkagambala ng sangkatauhan.

Umalingawngaw ang pagsigaw “Huwag buksan ang lagusan!”

Huwad na pinuno’y naging bingi, ngayon taumbayan ay nabalot ng pighati Pilit kinalampag ang pusong bato ng mga naghahari-harian, Subalit sila’y bigo at nanaig ang ikinukubling kasakiman.

Nasaan ang panangga? Bakit tila’y mga burgis ang inuuna?

Kalasag ay ipinagdamot kaya’t mga sugata’y nagmamakaawa.

Hindi maitago ang aliw nang itinuon ko ang paningin sa kabilang dako, Imahe ng pagtangis at pagkalugmok ng kanilang mga puso.

Lunas na hinihiling sa mahapding kasalukuyan, Di wari ng mga mortal ang pagtukoy ng kasangga o kalaban.

Kailan kaya hihinto ang galamay ng orasan?

Bakit tila ni anino’y di na maaninagan?

Daliri’y di na makagalaw bunsod nang walang humpay na pagbibilang, Nakamaskarang hari, nasaan na ang pangako mo sa mamamayan?

Sa aking mga nasaksiha’y di ko magawang ipikit ang mga mata, Ramdam sa halakhak ang tamis ng aking pagwagi at pagkatuwa Mga nilalang, halina’t mangyaring dinggin ninyo ang aking diwa, Ipagpatuloy niyo lamang iyan, Nakahanda na ang mga upuan sa tabi ni Sitan

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