The Seagull Official Literary Folio Of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo,Inc.

T H E O F F I C I A L L I T E R A R Y F O L I O O F J O H N B. L A C S O N F O U N D A T I O N M A R I T I M E U N I V E R S I T Y - M O L O , I N C.

IMPRINTS

ILLUSTRATION BY SENZUKE

IMPRINTS

T H E O F F I C I A L L I T E R A R Y F O L I O O F J O H N B. L A C S O N F O U N D A T I O N M A R I T I M E U N I V E R S I T Y - M O L O , I N C.

Volume XXIV NO. 4 | January 2021

SeAgUll

tHe

PU B LI CATI O N

ABOUT THE COVER Life is composed of the light and dark side of our true self. Sufferings are unavoidable and there are some points in our life that made us broken, to be in pain, breakdowns and regrets.

We learned to conceal our self-identity and disguise our intentions and actions like how our sorrows turned into sweet smiles and fake happiness. Some use it in order to be brave enough and survive but others kept on using it because they are not that brave to face everything.

Hence, the cover tells us that we should be willing to embrace our sufferings, acceptance of our true self, and moving on from the hurtful past. By then, our self would be truly free from certain things that made us coward and weak– truthful emotions and genuine love for self and for others would prevail.

Cover design by Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

Layout by Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado Jayrico A. Arguelles Niño Rey V. Llegue

Foreword There is so much more in literature and poetry as each page transports us to the worlds within the realms of life and myriad feelings, enticing experiences and carrying us deeper into our own lives. As our planet Earth muddled through this deadly pandemic and tribulations, reading literary works is something fun and worth it to do--- offering us new insights, momentous paused to the real world, and a sense of comfort.

The Seagull Publication especially brings to you comp i l a t ions of e nt hra lling beautiful word s s et into mo tion and pieces of art here in our latest Literary Folio.

This issue explores the theme of Carnival, a whole different world and viewpoints with stories and poems to intrigue your interest and blooms your wild, colorful imagination. Escaping and traveling you into another spectacle of adventure, love and romance, mystery,

horror, and fantasy into this year’s edition as all the humble writers of The Seagull Publication have looked and traveled into all aspects of the theme.

It feels like in a blink of an eye, a year has fleetingly passed by with all the terror and havoc caused by this Covid-19 virus however, life is full of things that will surprise you always with a whirlwind carnival of emotions and plot twists. We can get through this all together; we should always stay strongly grounded, full of hope, and have always faith in God in all walks of life.

The Editors

2020-2021 Seagull Folio: 'Carnival' 'Carnival'

CONTENTS POETRY Roses are Grey 12 When 14 Ang Tula para kay Inay 16 A Broken Heart's Sentiment 17 Cotton Candy 18 Love and Carnival 21 Tayo sa Ferris Wheel 22 A poet's statement 24 Lost Heartbreats 26 Passive 27 Imahe ng Kagandahan 28 No We're not There Yet 3O Pitong Letra 31 Unfathomed 32 The Second Time Around 34 How can I ? 35

IMPRINTS

Hindi Kinaya 37 Nakatabinging Ulo 39 Wheel 40 Lies 41 Pag-ibig Ni Rumulo Kay Estrela 42 Tinderong Nakamamatay 43 Severed 45 Sayaw ng Pag-ibig 46 Shomaylab 47 Clouds of Canival 50 Smiles of Joyful Children 51 Terrific Festival 52 Counting Circus 53 Memories Bring Back 54 Pistang Bayan 56 Pagkaing Pangmasa 58 Midnight Circus 59 Carnival

Masaya sa Perya 60 Piso 64 Wishing Well 63 Pangabuhian 64 Life: of our Own Ride 65 That's Life

66

Child of debt 67 Bayad Utang 68 Crestfallen 69 Ang Bulag na tagasunod na si Rosa 70 Beneath 72 Out of this World Party 73 When Red Liqour Pours 76

IMPRINTS

Ang naudlot na pangarap ni Anjo 77 The Man with a bag of Gold 80 Hope in Carnival 81 Colorful Night 84 Delightful Children 85 Are Fireworks Beautiful ? 86 Pennywise 89 Luha ng Kahapon 90 Clown Play

93

ANG IKALIMANG UPUAN 94 We Thought

Carnival

97

PHOTO BY JES MERCADO ABELLA

Roses are Gray Heather

Roses are red, Roses are blue Roses are yellow, Roses are rainbow Do I happen to give you flowers and make your heart mellow?

It doesn’t matter, because its thorns still make you bleed.

Carnival

13

When

Heather

When will be the time Where I’ll look into your eyes And tell you I love you?

When will be the moment?

Where I can intertwine Your fingers with mine?

When will be the time?

14

IMPRINTS

PHOTOGRAPH BY JES MERCADO ABELLA

Carnival

15

Ang Tula para kay Inay Bulaks

Ako’y musmos pa ng unang nasilayan Ang buhay na sa aki’y iyong inilaan Sa murang isipan ika’y aking guro Na handang gumabay at handang magturo.

Patawad Inay kung di ako naging mabait Na minsan ako’y pasaway at ika’y nagagalit Na sa bawat sermon at iyong pangangaral Ramdam ko kung gaano mo ako kamahal.

Alam kong kulang ang salitang salamat Para sa tulad mong gagawin ang lahat Upang kami’y maging matagumpay At di maranasan ang hirap ng buhay.

Mahal kita at ito ang iyong tandaan Lahat ng maabot ko sayo ilalaan Dahil ikaw ang nagbigay ng pagkakataon At nagturo sa akin kung paano bumangon.

Balang araw ay makakabawi rin ako sayo At maipagmalaki kita sa lahat ng tao Na ikaw Inay ang bayani ng buhay ko At ako ang pinakamaswerteng anak sa mundo.

16

IMPRINTS

A Broken Heart's Sentiment mairshamallow

His mellifluous voice echoed in the cold room freely Then I opened my eyes as I woke up from this cruel reality As I called out his name that I longed dearly No one answers and so I weep silently.

How I've missed looking into his espresso tinted eyes But those eyes of him hide a thousand unexpected lies I'm already weak and tired as we struggle to coincide And so to you my love, I bid my bittersweet goodbye.

Carnival

17

Cotton Candy Yaretzi

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANZ CHRYSLER MARIE C. DELGADO

18

IMPRINTS

M

insan, sadyang mapaglaro talaga ang tadhana. Palagi ka na lang sinusorpresa sa mga kaganapan na maaaring magbigay ligaya o pighati, payapa o gulo, at higit sa lahat, pagkahilom o masusugatan muli.

“Mama, gusto ko rin ng cotton candty!” nagmamaktol at mangiyak-ngiyak na hinaing ni Marie habang tinuturo ang kapwa nito bata na dumaan sa harap nila habang kumakain ng cotton candy.

Pasado alas tres na iyon sa hapon sa isang ice cream parlor dito sa Amusement Park, sinamahan ko ang aking Ate Florida at ang anak niyang si Marie na mag-aliw pansamantala.

"Nenet, bilhan mo nga ‘tong pinsan mo ng cotton candy at baka umiyak na yan mamaya," natatawang utos sa akin ni Ate. “Sige Ate. Nagsasawa na siguro itong si baby Marie kakakain ng ice cream!” tugon ko sa kanya at pilyo ring tumawa.

“Isama mo na yang si Marie sa pagbili upang hindi na magmaktol at umiyak yan habang naghihintay ng cotton candy,” dagdag pa nito.

“Sige Ate, halika ka na baby Marie bibili tayo ng cotton candy mo,” malamyos kong tawag sa bibo kong pinsan.

Habang hawak-hawak ko ang malambot at maliit na kamay ni Marie, napagtanto kong ‘tila ang bilis naman ng paglipas ng panahon at marami rin ang nagbago. Naalala kong, hindi pa pala ipinagbubuntis ni Ate noon si Marie noong kami pa ng kasintahan kong si Cristobal. Limang taon na pala ang lumipas magmula noong nagkalabuan kami at natuloy sa isang hiwalayan.

“Nenet, ikaw ba talaga iyan?” napalingon ako noong may pamilyar na boses na bumangit sa aking pangalan. Hindi nga ako nagkamali, si Cristobal nga talaga iyon at ang pares ng nanlalamlam na mga matang, hindi yata nagbago sa nakaraang limang taon.

“Nenet, kamusta ka na?” pero tila siya ay nakarinig ng isang magandang musika, tila lumundag ang kanyang puso sa pagkabangit lamang nito ng kanyang pangalan. Pilit niyang hinamig ang sarili kahit na hindi maipaliwanag na kahungkagan ang biglang namuo at muling naramdaman niya para rito.

“Heto, mas lalong gumanda noong wala ka na,” nakangiting sabi ko pagkatapos ay marahang tumawa upang pagaanin ang namumuong, presensiyang hindi kanai-nais. Nagbago na rin naman ako at natutunan ko na ang pagpapatawad ay isa sa mga dapat gawin upang mas maging tunay na payapa at maligaya ang isang tao.

Carnival

19

“Oo nga, mas lalo ka pang gumanda,” paggatong pa nito sa sinabi ko habang may mga ngiti sa labi na siya namang nagpasilakbo at waring nagpamula sa aking dalawang pisngi. “Alam mo bang matagal ko nang hinihintay ang pagkakataong ito? Ang muli tayong pagtagpuin ng tadhana ng hindi sinadaya katulad noong una nating pagkikita?” may kurot ngunit may halong lambing at pangungulila sa boses nito.

Ngunit hindi talaga maipagkakaila, na ganoon pa rin karahas ang pagtibok ulit ng puso niya. Katulad ng dati niyang nararamdaman tuwing malapitan niyang nasisilayan ang lalaking, siyang lubos na nagpabaliw sa kanyang damdamin at pagkatao.

“Anuba!!! Baka maubos na iyong cotton candy ko!” nagmamaktol ulit at tumitiling untag ng batang si Marie sa pag-uusap ng dating magkasintahan na siyang nagpa-udlot sa dalawa.

“May anak ka na pala Nenet,” nanlulumong napasulyap ito sa batang kahawak-kamay ng dalagang, minsan ay naging sa kanya, ngunit ngayon ay may sarili na pa lang pamilya.

“Ay! Oo pala,” natatarantang sagot ni Nenet. Lumuhod ito sa bata at malamyos na hinawakan ang buhok nito.

“Pasensiya na baby Marie. Huwag ka na umiyak. Heto, bibili na tayo ng cotton candy, ha?”

Humahangos at mabilis na lumakad habang nakahawak-kamay sila Nenet at ang batang si Marie papunta sa pinakamalapit na cotton candy stall habang naiwan naman si Cristobal na nanlulumo at nakatulala. Bunga ng pinaniniwalaan niyang katotohanan na nakabuo na pala ang dati niyang nobya ng sarili nitong pamilya at wala ng pag-asa pang magkabalikan silang dalawa. Mas lalong pang lumayo ang pagitan nito sa kanya , ngunit hindi na si Nenet sa likuran lumingon pa.

20

IMPRINTS

Love and Carnival Bulaks

As time passes by, Darkness spilled its hue, And the golden sky, Began to feel blue.

With the sun setting in the west, And the moon commenced its rising in the east, And soon, Different lights began to shimmer and exist.

Laughter’s began to fill the space, In a place where happiness takes place, You’ve held my hand like we are in a race, As we continued to walk at a swift pace.

You took me first on a Ferris wheel in the brisk cool breeze, A dazzling moment that felt so surreal, A lover’s flying trapeze.

And when we fell, We fell forever entwined with each other, Onto each other’s ear, Whispering, “You’ll always be my lover”.

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

But the dawn has come, And so is our fantasy, Of our own child’s play, We began to take hold of the reality.

You began to slip and left me alone, And I was standing there, In the midst, Like a stone.

Carnival

21

Tayo sa Ferris Wheel D'Authentic

Habang tayo ay papalapit Dibdib ko’y sumisikip Kaba, saya at takot ang namumuo Tila, parang tatalon ang puso ko Biglang huminto at may bumaba Tayo ay sasakay na pala Ng pataas na ng pataas Ako’y biglang napakapit sa braso mong naninigas Ramdam ko ang mainit mong kamay Habang tayo ay pataas-pababang nakasakay Sa Ferris Wheel na kasing tibay Ng pagkakaibigan nating tunay Ako’y napayakap ng mahigpit Samantalang ikaw ay nakapikit Tanaw ko ang mga bituin sa langit Parang ikaw, kay ganda’t bait Napasigaw ako ng todong-todo Ngunit ika’y tulog sa braso ko Kay sarap ulit-ulitin at damhin Habang tayo ay magkayakap sa dilim Napakagandang ala-alang binuo Nating dalawa, ikaw at ako Tunay ngang lungkot ay mapapalitan ng saya Pag ikaw ang lagi kong kasama.

22

IMPRINTS

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

23 Carnival

A poet's statement

Mdpn. Jan Christian Altamia Star-crossed lovers And tale as old as time Lovers destined to each other But ran out of time A writer that always overthink Who somehow rans out of ink, He says “Try to steal a poet’s flower

And inks will bleed with meter and rhymes”

24

IMPRINTS

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENNETH GOHEL

Carnival

25

Lost Heartbeats Bulaks

The smile on the rain is so sad, I was alone in the dark reminiscing the moments, the rain

gave steam to my view. I was sitting at the park and no one cared, no one even tried to talk to me. I am depressed thinking of my problems. I am so wet, nobody knows that I am crying. I lost my mind, my father was gone and everything around me is so melancholic.

And here comes the moment that someone approaches me, he understands my pain, he asks

me if what is wrong then suddenly I have lost my control. I hug him so tight, crying so loud, he feels my pain, he hugs me back then he says everything will be alright. The situation became our reason to get close, we became best friends, and he became my crying shoulders, my adviser and my man. He always brightens my day, he never leaves me.

Cherishing the days of December, those lovely days that me and him were together. I be-

came closer and closer to him to the point we already fell in love with each other. I remember the time when he confessed, he was so nervous and then we became lovers. My story is so memorable that I’m so happy to be with him. I’m so in love with him. But then, it’s not a happy ending after all, feelings fade, this love is gone. I don’t know. I lost. Again, I lost everything.

26

IMPRINTS

Passive MJ

We rode the Ferris wheel together We ate streetfoods with laughter We tried the different coasters And we spent the night as lovers.

We shoot the darts on targets We guessed the right number on a bet We spin the huge roulette

We danced by the streets 'til dawn We sang our voices with every song Yet, you also didn't stay for too long After the carnival, you left me alone.

Carnival

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

And we saw the fireworks lit.

27

Imahe ng Kagandahan Bulaks

Sa isang lugar sa di kalayuan Napakagandang nilalang aki’y nasilayan Siya ay nakangiti at puno ng kasiyahan Parang isang anghel na nahulog sa kalangitan.

Tahimik ko siyang pinagmasdan sa gilid ng puno Siya’y napakaganda at ang mundo ko’y gumuho Nakatulala na parang natamaan ang aking puso Mahal ko na siya at wala nang planong sumuko.

Nakaupo ako nung biglang siyang umawit Tila nawala ang lahat ng naramdaman kong sakit Ako’y tumayo at gusto ko nang lumapit Parang may bumubulong at di ko alam kung bakit.

Lumapit ako ngunit siya ay tumakbo papalayo Hinabol ko ngunit bigla itong naglaho Ako’y tumigil sa pagtakbo at umiyak Siya pala ay likha lamang ng aking utak.

28

IMPRINTS

PHOTOGRAPH BY JES MERCADO ABELLA

Carnival

29

No, We’re Not There Yet Gee

It was Saturday morning when I woke up early to prepare. I wasn’t able to have enough sleep because of my excitement. But the adrenaline within me makes me energetic and lively for the day.

A smile plastered on my face as I see a white bus coming on my way. As the door glided open in front of me, I hurriedly hopped on, that was when I saw my best friend Tricia waving excitedly. I sat down beside her, we had a little chitchat for a while and then I took out my phone, plugged on my earphones and tried to listen to my favorite playlist to entertain myself for the long ride.

When we entered, we were amazed and fascinated by the carnival rides, funfair games, and several food stalls scattered all over the park. We couldn’t contain our excitement, that we both wanted to try all the rides right away. Surely, Tricia and I will try every ride that we can to enjoy this trip to the fullest. I was bouncing up and down looking all around me. Suddenly, I pointed out a giant wheel that is held together by beams and structures that make one huge wheel with carts or carriages attached to it. Yep, you got it right, it is the Ferris wheel, my favorite ride.

After enduring the long waiting in the line, finally it is our turn to board on to the carriage. As the wheel rotates and slowly lifted us up, giving us a good view of the area, admiration can be seen in our faces as we witness how beautiful the vicinity is.

After getting off, I pulled Tricia to run faster because the sooner we get there the sooner I can ride this exciting ride. When we got to it, I looked up to the roller coaster and smiled, but when I lowered my head there was a long line in front of me. Aww man! A whine with outrage came out of my mouth. I was so hyped to ride the roller coaster that I totally forgot that lines existed! I didn’t want to wait in line AGAIN so I start complaining about the wasted time we spent waiting for our turn. After what seemed like ages, we finally made it to the ride. Yes! I cheered when we made it to the front of the line. I almost exploded with joy as I hopped on to a seat. As we escalated upwards, I held a big smile on my face because this was the first time that I rode the roller coaster with my best friend beside me. We suddenly dropped down; it wasn’t very steep but it was pretty fast. I threw my hands up into the air and yelled to the top of my lungs. We suddenly began turning, and I could feel the rush of wind in my face. It was a very thrilling experience, so afterwards we rode it again, but after that we headed off to experience other kinds of ride.

As we were heading to the horror train a grin was painted on my face. My best friend is such a scaredy cat and I’m starting to imagine how hilarious her reaction would be. Tricia was trying to pull herself away from my grip but I won’t let go. Then she poked me… huh?

Poke?

Oh, Tricia was really poking me, which made me came back to my senses. I rolled my eyes to her because ugh! I was already enjoying my fantasy not until this best friend of mine interrupted me as I imagine myself in my own fantasy world. Oh well I guess I should stop day dreaming and have it experienced for real. And suddenly the bus stopped, an indication that we already outside The Enchanted Kingdom, which was our destination. I guess it is time to make my fantasy into reality.

30

IMPRINTS

Pitong letra Aer

Pag-ibig, pitong letra Libo-libong emosyon ang nakapinta Nakakalito at nakakatanga Kung bakit sa dinadami, siya pa?

Pag-ibig, pitong letra Ngunit paano nga ba?

Paano mapapalitan ang salitang ako Sa salitang tayo, at atin ito?

Pag-ibig, pitong letra Pero ano ang konsepto mo dito?

Ito ba ay tama?

O di kaya'y masama?

Pag-ibig, pito lamang letra Pero madalas nag-iiwan ng maraming marka Masasakit man o magagandang ala-ala Ang mahalaga,minahal niyo ang isa't-isa.

Carnival

31

32

IMPRINTS

Unfathomed Heather

Loved yet so lonely.

Dreaming yet still feels empty.

Kissed but lips remained dry.

Sung yet no song.

Happy yet still so sad.

Yes, darling—you’re my roller coaster.

33

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

Carnival

The Second Time Around Bulaks

We started as friends, became lovers, then we ended up as enemies. Do you know how it feels being

treated by the one you love as a stranger? Much worst, like an enemy? It is something that I haven’t expected to turn out. We were so inseparable, almost every day we were together, spending the day with each other, doing nothing but still happy.

I’m so in love with her, her eyes, the way it sparkles every time that she’s happy. Her lips, so soft and

pouty. I’ve been wanting to kiss that every day. Her laugh, it’s like music in my ears, I will never be tired of listening to it.

I don’t know why we end up so wrong. I never thought that one day she would see me as her greatest

enemy. The love that we have is so contagious. It’s like a fire, it will light up your world but it will hurt you along the way. I know that I will burn, but I don’t know why I end up playing with it, even loving it at the same time.

It hurts every time she sends me her dagger looks, it could kill me. It hurts even more when she thinks

that all I want to do is to hurt her. I mean, how could I hurt the love of my life right? Until that day comes, I was so enraged that I forced her to tell me the truth. It turned out that she thought I was cheating on her. Maybe that’s why she’s treating me like this. I was so happy that I hugged her so tightly.

I pampered her face with kisses until she told me to stop. I ask her if she still loves me, and she shut-

ters. Telling me that she doesn't love me anymore, and it hurts so much. I feel my heart has been reaped out of my chest. I started my way out, letting the tears I’ve been holding for so long. I thought she still loves me, words that keep on replaying on my mind like a broken recorder.

34

IMPRINTS

How Can I ?

Mairel

As the carnival lights start fading And the ferris wheel stop turning, Our love story have also ended, It ended in the place where it all started.

Yet, how can I forget your smile, When it makes my world stop for a while?

How can every single word, Makes me feel so good?

How can I move on?

When I want you for my own?

How can I stop holdin’ on?

When you’ve already occupy my emotion?

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

How can I continue living?

When you are my everything?

How can I live my life and cope?

When I’m lost and out of hope?

HOW CAN I?

Carnival

35

36

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANZ CHRYSLER MARIE DELGADO

IMPRINTS

Hindi Kinaya Ñino

Sorry Sa pagbitaw ng aking kamay Sa pangakong pang habambuhay.

Sa paalam na matalim at mapait Ako pala ang unang sasambit.

Sorry, hindi kinaya.

Carnival

37

Nakatabinging Ulo Ñino

Dear Imprints, Gusto ko lang ishare yung kababalaghan na nangyari sakin dun sa peryang pinuntahan ko.

Opening yun ng perya at syempre ang saya-saya dun. Yung Horror House ang pinakapaborito ko kaya yun agad ang pinuntahan ko. Bumili ako ng ticket at saka pumila na. Habang palapit ako ng palapit sa entrance ng Horror House, napansin kong nagtatayuan ang mga balahibo ko. Naisip ko na baka nga excited lang talaga ako so i ignore it.

Pagpasok sinalubong agad kami ng lola na may hawak na itak at pugot na ulo. Syempre props lang yun. Nagtakbuhan kami. Kung ano-ano ng nakakatakot ang mga sumunod naming nakita. Pero may napansin ako. May isang babae dun na paulit ulit kong nakikita.

Hindi ko tuloy malaman kung part ba sya dun or what.

Medyo nakatabingi ang ulo nya at nakanganga sya. May dugo ding lumalabas sa mga mata nya. Umiiyak sya. Naririnig ko yun sa kabila ng ingay ng tilian sa loob ng Horror House, which freak me out.

Sobra ang kabog ng dibdib ko paglabas ng Horror House dahil sa excitement, tuwa at takot. While walking palabas ng gate ng Horror House muli kong nakita yung babae. This time nakatayo sya sa gilid ng puno na ahead sakin. Paano sya napunta don? Nahinto ako sa paglalakad at napatitig sa kanya.

Nagulat ako ng may nagtap sa likod ko at makitang nandon yung babaeng tabingi ang ulo. Napatili ako sa takot at nagtatakbo palabas ng perya na yon. Since then, di na ako pumapasok ng Horror House at di na din ako bumalik sa perya. Nakakatakot yun sobra.

Hanggang dito na lang po ang horror story ko.

With Love,

From,

Atchoy

38

IMPRINTS

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

39 Carnival

“Wheel” Bulaks

As I go wandering around I see something in the round I wonder if I can give it a sound Even it stays on the ground The shaking if it’s on a rough road The dizziness in carrying this heavy load The steadiness in plain terrain Makes to ease some of the pain Knowing the path you’re taking Figuring if you can take all those lanes Where and when, still, can you stand?

The wheels are fragile in the dark land

It will turn you sometimes down But you shouldn’t get to be frowned Coz it will surely get you to the top That’ll definitely give like a perfect nap Life is like a rolling wheel Unlikely, it can’t be controlled at your will But one thing is for sure With God, you’re secure.

40

IMPRINTS

Lies

Heather I closed my eyes, for you to see ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

Covered my ears, for you to hear I cried your pain and spared you sadness But I was blind not to see And already deaf not to hear That you have put a dagger behind my back And speaking of words that made weakly Oh Friend, you truly are a wolf on sheep’s clothing

Carnival

41

Ang Pag-Ibig Ni Rumulo Kay Estrela Yaretzi

Bigla na lamang bumagsak ang malakas at masagang ulan sa kalagitnaan ng mainit sanang kasiyahan sa Corazon Theme Park, linggo iyon ng mga alas kuwatro sa hapon habang ipinagdiriwang ng mga tao ang Araw ng Puso.

Lahat ay kanya-kanyang nagsipagtakbuhan upang makahanap ng masisilungan ngunit balewala naman sa iba ang pagbuhos ng ulan bagkus mas lalo pa nilang kinatuwa ang pagtatampisaw rito. At kanya ring nakita, mga magkasintahan na magkahawak-kamay at masayang tumatakbo sa gitna ng ulan.

"Aking Estrela, ganito rin siguro sana tayo kung hanggang ngayon ay nandirito ka pa sa piling ko?" may pighati at nanlulumbay na mga salitang namutawi galing sa bibig ni Rumulo pagkatapos masaksihan ang mga sunod-sunod na kaganapang nangyari sa kanyang paligid dahil sa biglang pagbuhos ng ulan.

Sino ang mag-aakala, na ang may katingkaran at nagdadapyong sinag ng araw kani-kanina lamang ay biglang mapapalitan ng tuloy-tuloy na pagpatak ng mga tubig galing sa kalangitan. Na animo'y daang-daang luha ng mga anghel na nakikisimpatya at nakikipagdadalamhati mula sa kanyang kabiguan.

Simula noong tuluyang nawala si Estrela katulad ng unti-unting pagkaupos ng munting kandila laban sa kadiliman.

Mistulang iyon ang naging umpisa at naging dahilan upang hindi na siya kailanman naniwala sa totoong kahulugan ng pag-ibig. Palibhasa'y masakit pa rin talaga, sobra-sobra ang sakit. Na magpanghanggang ngayon, ay naninikip pa rin ang kanyang dibdib tuwing nababangit ang pangalan nito at tuwing naiisip niya ang magandang mukha ng tanging, nag-iisang babaeng sumakop sa kabuoan ng kanyang puso.

Malungkot at mag-isa siyang umibis papalayo habang mahigpit niyang hawak-hawak ang payong na kanyang sinisilungan sa gitna ng pag-ulan. Nilibot na niya ng mag-isa ang buong parke at yaong parehong masasaya at masasalimuot na gunita at ala-ala lamang ng nakaraan, na kasama si Estrela ang pawang kanyang nakikita.

Nag-unahan sa pagtulo ang mga luha galing sa namumula at namamagang mata ni Rumulo. At napakagat-labi na lamang, bunga ng madamdamin at ibayong sakit na dulot ng paglisan sa kanya ni Estrela. Napakuyamos siya sa malaya niyang kamao sapagkat kayraming mga bagay ang hindi niya pa nagawa at bagay na hanggang ngayon ay patuloy na pinagsisisihan.

"Mahal na mahal pa rin kita Estrela. Lumipas man siguro ang sampung taon o higit pa, hindi ka mahihigitan ninuman dito," saad pa niya at marahang hinawakan ang tapat ng kanyang dibdib.

Sa pagdaan ng bawat araw na wala si Estrela ay hindi manlang nabawasan miski isang kudlit ang pag-ibig dito ni Rumulo bagkus, mas lalo pa niya itong minahal gayong kahit alam niyang wala na ito sa mundo.

42

IMPRINTS

Tinderong Nakamamatay Ñino

Dear Imprints,

Nais ko lang sana po na mag share ng story ko about sa person na na meet ko kahapon, super nakatitig talaga ako sa kanya while he is doing benta-benta ng kwek kwek at fishball sa perya, as in super kilig talaga ako. Nang bumili ako sa kanya nang tag pipisong fishball nya, inabot ko kaagad ang baryang hawak ko sa kamay, syempre dumikit ang malambot at makinis kong kamay sa matigas at pawisan nyang bisig.

Habang kumakain ako ng kwek-kwek na binabalot ng sobrang lagkit na sauce, walang humpay ang pag papapansin ko sa kanya. I do the ubo-ubo teknik para ma notice nya ako, sabay bayo ng makailang beses da dibdib para maging effective na kunwari nabibilaukan talaga ako, pero he did not mind me kahit sobrang to the highest level na talaga ang acting skill ko, like sa sobrang galing feeling ko talaga nominated na ako Grammys.

Sumigaw ako ng makailang beses ng “tulong…tulong… na cho-choke ako… nabibilaukan ako… tulong..” then doon nya palang ako napansin. Humandusay-handusay ako sa sahig sa harap ng tindahan nya nang kwek-kwek para mas mag mukang makatotohanan ang acting ko. Mabilis nyang dinakma ang leeg ko sabay kapit ng kanyang malalaking daliri sa balingkinitan kong katawan. Ramdam na ramdam ko talaga ang init nya like as in talaga te!, super-hot ng situation nayon.

Matapos ang nangyari, he bring me sa liblib na parte ng perya, madilim, maraming puno at walang masyadong dumadaang tao. Binigyan nya ako ng water at pinaupo sa maumbok na chair then kumuha din sya ng chair nya at ipwenesto sa tabi ko. Nag-iinit ako sa mga time nayon te! super… parang inaapoy ako ng lagnat. Then sa kalagitnaan ng katahimikan he told me na “you like me right?” then he smirk, parang mahihimatay ako sa kilig.

Ilang sigundo mula nang binitawan niya ang word naiyon, unti-unti niyang nilapit ang kanyang mga labi sa leeg ko ramdam ko ang mainit na hanging lumalabas mula sa butas ng kanyang ilong. Hindi ako maka move sa mga oras nayon magkahalong kilig at saya ang nararamdaman ko. Then I closed my eyes ng paunti-unti pero while nakapiit ako, I feel something is wrong so ayun dumilat ako at tumambad sa aking harapan ang labi nya na may matutulis na pangil na unti-unting lumalaki.

Natauhan ako ng akmang iba-bite nya na ako!, “like hoy!... not now!... ayaw ko pang mamatay no!” at habang tumatagal ang sitwasyon ay unti-unti ring nagbabago ang mukha at katawan niya. nag muka syang halimaw!!! at balak na lapain ang sexy at masarap kong body.

So, I run… tumakbo ako te! mabilis… sobrang bilis… as in para akong cheetah that time. Hanggang sa makalabas ako sa gate ng perya, nanginginig at naninisay sa takot, bigla, at pangamba. Hindi nya ako na abutan at nagpapasalamat ako don. Mula noon hindi na ulit ako nakatapak nang perya at hinding hindi na aapak pa. Hanggang dito na lamang po ang perya story ko at maraming salamat.

With Love, From, Heather

Carnival

43

PHOTOGRAPH BY JES MERCADO ABELLA

44

IMPRINTS

Severed HEATHER

Let’s sit on the moon And talk to the stars, About the love that was never found.

Let’s lay on the gray sheets of sky And feel the droplets of rain through our fingertips, And when dawn comes, Let’s go see the sun And paint the universe yellow Right now, I’m drowning in your fantasy

Carnival

45

Sayaw ng Pag-Ibig Yaretzi

Kinain ng kadiliman ang liwanag para sa isang gabing mahiwaga, Ito’y pagtitipon para sa mga dalagingdig at soltero na kay halaga, Mga mananayaw ng kutilyon ay pumupol sa ilalim ng nagkikislapang tala Ako’y maginoong yumuko sayo, “Simulan na natin ang pagsayaw, Sinta”.

Sa pagdaop ng ating mga palad sa waring tilamsik ng munting sandali, Nasa alipalap ang yaong nadarama at puso’y pawang tahimik na tumitili, At animo’y lumabo, hindi na lubos maaninag ang mga tao sa kapaligiran Ikaw ang tampulan ng mga mata ko, bukod-tanging aking nasisilayan.

Maingay, mabilis, at eratikong pagtahip ng yaong dibdib ay ramdam Grabeng bugso ng damdamin at kasama’y mga matang nanlalamlam, Ibayong saya, mamalas siyang pagsilay ng mayuming ngiti sayong labi Sayong kagandahan, hindi alam kung anong salitang dapat na ihahabi.

Kung maaari lang hilingin na kaagad tumigil ang oras, ngayon mandin Kung maaari lang magtagal pa sana, ang siyang taimtim na panalangin Kung maaari lang na manatili tayo, kahit sa ganoong sitwasyon pa rin Gayunman, may mga bagay na sa huli’y kinakailangang bitawan natin.

Sa pagsayaw ng kutilyon, nangangailangan ito ng pagpapalit ng kapareha Pero sa bawat katambal na aking kaharap, ikaw siyang nakikitang mukha Matiyagang maghihintay hanggang sa susunod na pag-ikot, aking Hirang ‘Pagkat saliw ko sa ating sayaw, pusong sinasamba’y tanging ikaw lamang.

46

IMPRINTS

Shomaylab Shai

“Pila imo Lik?” “Walo gani akun kabilog.”

“Baw? Libreha kami bi ‘Lik.” “Indi na, ginpadala lang na ka tiyo ko kay matilaw man sa.”

“Sige, salamat gid ‘Lik sa pagbakal. Partner, didto naman ta sa mini-forest, basi ato ‘to mga friendship ta?”

“Sige ah, lakat ta.”

Bitbit ang tunga sang tunga ka sako nga kadamuon nga amon inugbaligya, amo man ang kadamulun sang amon guya para mamilit sa ila nga magbakal sang amon manamit nga produkto nga makabusog sang ila mga lugay sa tiyan.

Gina- agwanta ang pila ka piso nga amon maginansya para lang makabulig sa nanay sang partner ko. Tanan nga mata nagatulok sa amon nga duwa samtang nagarampa sa tunga bit-bit ang pang-buwas damlag ya, ukon pangbuwas damlag namon? Biskan ano pa man ina, ang importante - ang subong. Ang subong nga mapaubos namon ang mga manamit nga produkto namon nga makapadala man sa amon subong kag sa buwas nga adlaw.

“Partner, ato si Nang K ho, baligya-e sa bala kag ang mga katropa ya.”

“Sige, kadtuan ko sila bala.”

“Nang K, bakli nyo man kami bi.”

“Ano na haw? Namit na sa haw?”

“Huo eh.”

“Sige isa lang akon. Bakli nyo man sa ho.”

“Ano na haw? Tagpila ni ang siomai? Tagpila ni ya ang lumpia?”

“Ikaw ya nang, ano imo?”

“Pwede ikaw, To? Tagpila ka ya?”

Carnival

47

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

Clouds of Carnival Show Gee

Each cloudy day, pleasure is found; When seeing a clown that goofs around, Then acrobats do tumble up and down, Where laugher and happiness are bound.

Oh, so incredible a scene of carnival I saw, Behind those clouds hidden are full of awe.

Unable to escape from the visions I draw, From these clouds of carnival show.

50

IMPRINTS

Smiles oF Joyful Children Reynard

On a dim pallet of our expressions Millions of laughter are ignored But the end is the prevailing joy that we shared together Smiles of a Joyful children Riding in a carousel Making ourselves better Jumping in a trampoline Trying to release the pain About to reveal the hidden face Joy and felicity will unmask Another voice will be heard And another personality will uplift

Carnival

51

Terrific Festival Reynard

Swaying the hammock of life I perceived how humanity works Sometimes is just a carousels Just go round and round Setting ourselves to be free Is it a very big achievement that we made?

Putting ourselves on the right path Is an accurate decision

Echo into the crazy night.

Such joy and delightful, Truly a terrific festival.

52

IMPRINTS

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

I have heard the parting loud voices,

Counting Circus D'Authentic

One black Dog

Four bears dance

Sitting along with the table.

Sway, as their signature move.

One white Cat

One got crazy to the beat

Runs and jumps off the bouncing ball.

As the children dancing to the groove.

Two funny clowns

Five balloons fly

With a funny red nose.

Up in the sky and away.

Juggles two balls

Five balloons fly

In their big, yellow clothes.

But I wish they could stay!

Three children laugh

It`s now six o`clock

At the Circus Show.

And it`s time to go.

Saying, “Oh no!”

Happy, yet amazed

“Tiktok”, it is time to go.

To the Circus Show!

Carnival

53

Memories Bring Back Aer

It feels so nostalgic.

How old days went well How every morning become excitement And how afternoons turned to be the happiest moment.

Climbing up a tree Hiding at the count of three Crisscrossing in the mid-street Playing Simon says and crack the whip.

Yowling at 3 o'clock Cause it's time to nap Til' your mom first falls asleep.

And there you go, escaped.

Old but gold days Unadorned yet classic ways But time passes hastily moments became memories.

54

IMPRINTS

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANZ CHRYSLER MARIE C. DELGADO

Carnival

55

Pistang Bayan Yaretzi

Makukulay na mga banderitas ang nagniningning sa kunig na aninag nireng sikat ng araw na siyang nakahanay sa maulap na kalangitan ng Baryo ng Cabugao sapagkat kanilang ibinubunyi ang pinakamamahal at sinsamba nilang patron na si Sta. Medalla Milagrosa.

Ang paligid ay abala sa pagpapaganda ng simbahan, paglilinis ng kani-kanilang bahay, at paghahanda ng iba’t-ibang putaheng ihahain sa mga darating na dayo’t bisita habang ipinagdiriwang ng lahat ang kapistahan ng bayan.

Sa kabilang dako, makikitang akay-akay ni Anecito ang isang tungkos ng malalantik na pulang rosas, na kanyang palihim na kinuha sa harden ng kanyang may pagkamasungit pa naman niyang Nanay Solidad. Buo at sigurado na talaga siya sa kanyang desisyon na ngayon, sa kalagitnaan ng pistang bayan habang lahat ay abala, aaminin na niya sa wakas ang tinatagong pagtingin.

Dali-dali siyang nagkubli sa kanyang kwarto upang doon mas pagandahin pa ang pagkaka-ayos ng bulaklak na siyang iaalay niya sa babaeng nangangalang, Adelfa. Walang iba kundi ang kaisa-isang babae na siyang dumakip sa pihikan niyang puso, ngayo’y nakakulong na sa rimarim ng baliw na pag-ibig.

Ubod ng bango at kaysariwa ang halimuyak na dinadala sa hangin nering mga rosas na yaong nagpabago sa takbo ng pang-unawa ni Anecito- marahan at masuyong dinala siya sa kaulapan ng kanyang mga hangarin at kasabikan...

“Kayganda naman ng mga ito, salamat Anecito!” matamis na wika ni Adelfa at tinanggap ang tungkos ng mga rosas.

“Ngunit wala pa ring mas gaganda sa iyo, Adelfa,” malamyos naman na tugon ni Anecito habang mapagkit na nakatitig sa dalaga sapagkat natatakot na kapag siya’y kumurap, mawawala na ang magandang wangis sa kanyang pagmulat.

Mayuming ngiti lamang ang ibinalik ng dalaga at pinatayo na ang binata mula sa pagkakaluhod nito. Pagkatapos, masuyong inamoy-amoy niya ang mga bulaklak na bigay ng kanyang binatang manliligaw.

“Matagal na kitang iniibig ngunit naduwag lamang akong aminin sa iyo ang tunay kong nararamdaman. Makaaasa kang tunay at totoo ang pag-ibig ko sa iyo, sayo lang talaga ako umibig ng ganito, Adelfa.”

“Anecito, ako rin. Matagal na rin kitang iniibig. Hinihintay ko lang naman na una kang magparamdam ng iyong damdamin sa akin,” bagaman nahihiya at nakayukong sabi ng dalaga pero nagawa naman nitong sa huli, tumitig ng tuwid sa mga mata ng binata.

“Mahal na mahal kita, Adelfa,” madamdamin at matapat na banggit ni Anecito habang dahan-dahang itinawid ang puwang sa pagitan nila at maingat na hinawakan ang kamay ni Adelfa.

56

IMPRINTS

“Mahal na mahal rin kita, Anecito,” sagot naman niya kay Anecito at kaibig-ibig na ngumiti.

Nagyakapan ang dalawa, matatawag na bagong magkasintahan sana kung hindi lang naabutan ni Nanay Solidad ang kanyang anak na nakatayo sa sulok ng kanyang kuwarto habang nakapikit pang yakap-yakap nito ang isang tungkos ng bulaklak ng rosas! Si Anecito ay waring sinabuyan ng malamig na tubig nang napagtanto niyang, isang guni-guni lang pala ang lahat!

“Anong mahal na mahal ka riyan, Anecito! Diba’t sabi kong linisan mo ulit iyong harapan ng bahay natin dahil nakakahiya sa mga bisita mamaya! Napakatamad mo talagang bata ka!” umuusok sa galit na sigaw ni Nanay Solidad habang may hawak hawak pang walis-tambo sa may pinto ng kuwarto ng anak niyang si Anecito.

“Nanay naman! Bakit ka nanloloob bigla ng kuwarto nang hindi manlang nangangatok!” dali-dali naman itinago ng binata ang mga bulaklak na hawak niya sa may likuran nito “At saka, Nay naman, hindi na ako bata pa. Binata na ako, oh!” sagot pa ni Anecito habang malawak na ngumingiti na siyang nagpa-ismid bigla sa mga labi ng nanay niya.

"Aba't! sumasagot-sagot ka na sa akin, Anecito!” masungit na sigaw ulit ni Nanay Solidad pabalik kay Anecito. “Akin na yan, ibalik mo sa akin! Huli na para itago mo iyang mga rosas!”

“Nay naman, kahit ngayon lang, oh,” pagmamakaawa ng binata at nagdrama na halos maluha-luha na ang mga mata sa harap ng kanyang nanay ngunit hindi talaga ito tumabla.

Sa katapusan, naglinis na si Anecito sa harap ng kanilang bahay at ang tungkos ng mga rosas ay inialay sa kanilang patron na si Sta. Medalla Milagrosa na idedesenyo na lamang sa karo nito sa prosisyon. Marami ang pumuri sa matingkad at pulang-pula na rosas ng mag-ina, isa na sa mga pumuri nito ay ang iniirog niyang si Adelfa. Tuloy pa rin ang kasiyahan sa pistang bayan at patuloy ring umaasa si Anecito na balang araw, darating rin ang pagkakataon na maaamin na niya sa wakas ang pag-ibig niya sa babaeng kanyang pinapangarap.

Carnival

57

Pagkaing pangmasa D'Authentic

Mula ito sa isang mais Maliit, pero pag nainitan lumalaki ng labis.

Kung atin itong tignan ay may iba`t ibang lasa Cheese, caramel o asin lang ay pwede na.

Pagkaing kay sarap kainin Nakabalot sa plastik, atin na`t bilhin.

Kadalasang mabibili ito kung saan may perya Dala habang sakay ng Ferris Wheel, “oh diba kay saya?”

Oh popcorn, halika`t ako`y pabusugin…

58

IMPRINTS

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

Paborito ng lahat, bata man o matanda Sa murang halaga, tiyak mabubusog ka talaga.

Midnight Circus gee

Appear upon me midnight circus, Were nightmare come and pursues.

Land unto pitch-black future, Like a clown, a smile made from the suture.

Ride to a precarious roller coaster, If you look down, it's really over.

The spot where the colors dance in lights, People gathered like a swarm of butterflies.

There I met a friend that comforts me, An escape from dread thought it might be.

Yet secretly, you laugh when I cry; Ironically, your warmth was a lie.

Resembles a falconer like a tragic comedy, Then I stumbled into this great misery.

‘Til I dare to stand to fight this anxious, I can bid my farewell to this midnight circus.

Carnival

59

Masaya Sa Pery REYNARD

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANZ CHRYSLER MARIE DELGADO

ya

P

inalaki ako ng mga magulang kong sobrang masunurin. Yung tipong kung ano ang sasabihin nila, ay yun ang aking gagawin. Not once did I try to disobey

them. Hindi dahil takot ako sa kanila pero alam ko lang sa sarili ko na ang kung ano mang sa tingin nilang ginagawa nila sakin, ay sa tingin ko rin nararapat at tama lang rin lalo na't bata pa ako at marami pang dapat matututunan sa buhay kaya't ginagabayan nila ako. At naniniwala ako, na sa pagsunod ko sa kung ano mang sasabihin nila ay magtutulak din sa akin sa tamang daan tungo pagiging responsableng bata. Kaya, kahit na ang dami nilang pinagbabawal sa akin, sinusunod ko ito, gaya na lamang nang pagbabawal nila sa akin na tumungo sa kung sa perya

na hindi sila kasama pagkatapos ng klase, imbes ay dumiretso kaagad ng uwi dahil baka may kung anong mangyaring masama sa akin doon lalo

pa at napapalibutan iyon ng mga estranghero at wala sila sa tabi ko. At alam kong para ito sa ikabubuti ko. Kaya kahit kailan,hindi ko sila nagawang suwayin, dati...

Kaya nung hapong iyon, halos ang lahat ay nagulat nung sinabi kong sasama ako. Nagkaroon rin naman sila ng katanungan kung nakapagpaalam ako, ngunit sinabi ko na lang na oo, kahit yung totoo ay hindi. Alam ko namang kung magpapaalam man ako ay hindi ako makakasama. At di matutuloy ang ninanais ko.

Nang makauwi ako sa bahay ay niyakap ko agad ang mga magulang ko dahil sa pasasalamat lahit pa napagalitan ako dahil iyon ang kauna-unahang pagkakataong ginabi ako ng uwi nang hindi nila nalalaman ang dahilan. Sinabi ko nalang na may ginawa laming proyekto sa paaralan at nalowbat ako kaya di ko sila nasabihan kaagad. Nang makapasok ako sa kwarto ko ay doon ko napagtanto kung bakit ganoon na lamang ang pagbabawal nila sa aking magpunta sa perya nang hindi sila kasama. Dahil mas sigurado ang kaligtasan hindi lang ng sarili ko kundi pati na rin ng mga gamit na mayroon ako. Tunay ngang napakasaya sa perya dahil marami kang pwedeng gawin ngunit hindi mo rin sigurado na habang ikaw pala ay nagsasaya, may nawala na sa iyo.

Carnival

61

Piso

D'Authentic Nakakapagod pero masaya Bagay na tila gusto kong ulit-ulitin pa Nilibot ang buong circus ng mag-isa Sumakay sa rides na abot langit ang ligaya.

Nang matapos ang lahat na nangyari Ako`y napadukot sa bulsa para bumili Kay sarap ng popcorn at milktea Tumingin sa relo, “oh no! Oras na para umuwi!”

Habang ako`y naglalakad malapit sa exit Isang bagay ang nakita ng mata kong singkit Bilog na pilak na nakapatong sa damuhan Isang PISO, kay liwanag tignan.

Pasakay na ako ng jeep Dumukot sa bulsa para kunin ang wallet Kumuha ng pera para ipamasahe “Kulang ng piso”, sabi ng driver sabay ngiti.

Maraming salamat PISO Dahil sayo ako`y nakauwi ng sigurado Tunay ngang kay halaga mo Isang salapi na maituturing na ginto.

62

IMPRINTS

Wishing Well: The Jubilation Yaretzi

Hearsay said, there’s an enchanting well that grants one’s wishes Found at the centermost part of the oldest map of Seventh Heaven, Even though, this tale is already lost in the mists of time and vanishes Determined- I’ll find it like a lone voice in the wilderness, now and then.

Though submerged to the lapses of hopelessness, unending contends Each dully night, intoxicated in titanic oceans of loneliness and lushes I’ve explored a myriad of ancient villages, fathomed their urban legends Finding wishing wells, to grant at least one of my most desired wishes.

Now calmly standing in my own, throwing caution to the flurry winds Learning to take risks, in spite of added disappointments and heartaches I’m tired of dreaming the same nightmares, phobic conscience whirlwinds Seeking refuge, I wish to correct chains of my past cardinal mistakes.

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

Through the genuine help of elders, leading the way where the wind blows They said there’s no such thing as an old map, it was long gone already But there I found, the truest form of the Seventh Heaven’s well that flows Made of white marble, with clear and crystalize water inside- truly holy.

As I enter the sacred ground- there I touched, divine water of the well Drops of water wet my face and chest as I did the sign of the cross, I’ve to kneel, wholly cried in front of Him, and only silence could ever tell Warmth filled my heart, I looked up to Him and smile, “Thank you, Jesus”.

Carnival

63

Pangabuhian Shai

May adlaw nga daku akon madilihensya Apang may ara man nga wala gid benta Kon suwertehun may alahas pa nga dala Aritos kag kulintas, sari-sari ang tag-iya Wala ako pili, estudyante man ukon may ubra Ang importante may nakwartahan kag pwede maprenda Thank you nalang kag pasensya kon ikaw mabiktima.

Akon man lang ini nabuhat kay ako nagakinahanglan Kag kon ako hinali man nga madakpan Ok lang, at least ang mga switik mabuhinan.

64

IMPRINTS

PHOTOGRAPH BY MIGUEL MAGLA

ANTAY

Life: Our own Ride Bulaks

Life sometimes can be paired with rides, How it changes slow pace into a sudden downturn, Without any knowledge or any guides, Life can make an unexpected U-turn.

In a Ferris wheel, there’s a continuous rotation, Just like in life we keep in motion, Knowing that sometimes we are atop or below, Still, we tend to ride its flow.

A Roller coaster is an exciting ride, And life sometimes share the same drive, Despite its fast unexpected movement, We tend to hold as we witness its bewilderment.

A Carnival is full of rides to try, Like life how it’s mysterious as poetry, Continuing to surprise us every time, With unexpected rides in life to climb.

Carnival

65

That’s life Heather

Many times you cry in vain, Because life’s not always the same, It’s entangled in blame, And lurks underneath the pain.

But it’s not just a phase In the end, It's still gameover Because that’s life and you just have to get over.

66

IMPRINTS

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

There are times you think it’s over

Child of debt Shai

Prestige is what I give I went home with pride As I enter my crib The debt was what I received When will I end Paying all those borrowed?

When will I stop This role of compensation?

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

Carnival

67

Bayad-utang Shai

Sa murang edad na labing-lima ay namulat sa siya sa realidad ng buhay. Ang pagkakaroon ng sugarol at lasenggong ama, at inang sunud-sunuran ang nag-udyok sa kanyang mamasukan bilang isang kasambahay. Ang katalinuhan at kariktang tagla’y niya’y nabalot ng agiw at alikabok.

Isang gabi habang binabagtas niya ang daan pauwi sa kanila, malayo pa lamang ay dinig na dinig niya na ang pagtighaw at pagsusumamo ng ina. Tumambad sa kanya ang paglalapastangan ng ama sa walang kalaban-labang ina. Marahil ay nanghihingi na naman ito sa kanya. Agad niyang pinuntahan ang inang nasa sulok at nasapo ang sinturong nagliliyab na pinanghahampas ng walang-pusong ama. Bumakas ang latay ng sinturon sa maputi at walang kagalus-galos niyang mga binti.

Kumislap ang mga mata ng kanyang ama at mabilis pa sa tren siyang hinablot na animo’y manikang manhid sa sakit. Kinaladkad siya nito patungo sa pasugalan, doon pala’y naghihintay ang pinagkakautangan nito sa sugal. Inip na ito sa kahihintay sa bayad ng kanyang ama. Oras na ngayon ng paniningil at ang mala Hudas na haligi ng kanilang tahanan ay siya ang nakitang pambayad-utang.

68

IMPRINTS

Crestfallen Max

Laugh as hard as you can in front of everyone, Then go home and remove your makeup quickly, now it's gone.

Gone the wide smile, red nose and beaming eyes of a clown, All I can see is tears, anguish and you that is cast down.

A Crestfallen.

Let me see you perform on stage, Let me see you hide yourself on a cage.

Let me see you make everyone happy and amaze, Let me see your broken face.

It's okay to be sad, don't put that smiling mask anymore, I can sense your loneliness, agony and more.

Plastered is a happy clown, Inside is a beast wearing a crown.

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

Carnival

69

Ang bulag na tagasunod na si Rosa Max

Napakaganda ni Rosa.

Akin iyong naisip habang nakatingin sa isang babae na nakaupo sa entablado ng peryang ito. Simula

bata pa lamang ako ay kasa-kasama ko na si Rosa na magtanghal at magpasaya ng mga tao. Sabi nga nila parang asawa na daw ang turing ko kay Rosa kahit na kami ay bente uno pa lang. Naging matalik ko siya na kaibigan, nagsilbi rin na tagapakinig sa mga oras na nilulunod na ako ng problema. Paano na lang kaya ang buhay ko kung wala si Rosa?

"Hoy Dex kasama mo na naman si Rosa hindi ka ba nababahuan jan eh ilang araw na yan na walang ligo?" Kutya ni aling Lita sa amin ni Rosa. Palibhasa kasi nalulugi na yung negosyo niyang pop corn dito sa loob ng perya.

Marami na kasing tusok-tusok na mas mura at patok talaga sa mga bata.

"Itaga mo pa sa bato hindi kami mapaghihiwalay aling Lita. Diba Rosa?" Ngumiti naman siya sa akin ng malapad.

Eto yung gusto ko kay Rosa. Ginagawa niya lahat ng pinapagawa ko. Kapag sinabi ko na malungkot

ako nalulungkot din siya, kapag sinabi ko na masaya ako, masaya din siya at kapag sinabi ko na huwag siyang makipag usap sa iba maliban sa akin ay sinusunod niya. Mahal na mahal mo talaga ako Rosa. Salamat ha? Sabay halik sa pisngi niya.

"Dex hindi ka pa ba nagsasawa sa ginagawa mo? Nagmumukha ka ng tanga kapag kasama mo ang Rosa na iyan."

Binalewala ko lahat ng sinabi ng mga tao. Hindi ako nakinig kahit kanino. Basta ang alam ko masaya ako kasama si Rosa. Masaya ako na kasama ang puppet ko. "Bukas na bukas magpapakasal tayo Rosa, mahal ko."

70

IMPRINTS

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENNETH GOHEL

Carnival

71

Beneath

gee

You only see the smile, But never saw the misery.

You only appreciate for a while, But never thought how weary.

You only get the parody, But never recognize the reality.

You only see the beauty, But never notice the agony.

You only want the glee, You only feel the gaiety, You only please your fantasy, But never recognize what’s beneath is difficulty.

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

72

IMPRINTS

Out Of This World Party Yaretzi

IT WAS ALREADY BLOODY 2:00 AM when these two best friends namely, Jane and Rosemarie, both a third-year college students got out in Twilight Disco Bar near their neighborhood- heavily drunk, exhilarating with hyper activeness, and crazily dancing as if they were under an exorcism because they just passed in their Finals!

As they walk home, their silent neighbourhood street is now filled with their uproar as their hoarse voices nonetheless manage to hideously sing, absurdly curse, and utter nonsensical words. As they were still under the enormous influence of alcohol, they did not hear the deafening horn sound of an upcoming motorcycle.

"Whoopppps---!" Jane exclaimed as she was almost got hit by the motorcycle but then peculiarly giggles like nothing just happened.

"Hey, look Jane! He left something for us!" Rosemarie exclaimed as she pointed out a golden, twinkling envelope beaming in the moonlight that was dropped off from the motorcycle by accident.

"Woahhh!!! Really?" Jane replied intriguingly as they both straightway opened it up.

The letter inside the envelope says, "YOU'RE INVITED! SEE YOU AT DAWN!" along with it is the venue address which is only a few houses away from their neighborhood. Though they cannot help but have some sudden questions grew from their disbelief, however, both agreed to come to the party because why not?

AT THE PARTY...

"Jane! This is one of the best decisions I made in my life!" Rosemarie dauntlessly screams in the top of her lungs after she thirstily drinks the radiant blue, lemonade vodka.

Carnival

73

People did not mind both of them, just simply continued performing their most dynamite dance steps and break dance- carefree partying all dawn as if they are in their own little world, not troubling or concerning others.

So suddenly, time flies so fast, a blast of a 6:00 am alarm loudly rang from the old, large ornamental wall clock and everyone got instantaneously crazy- a commotion of murmur was heard!

"Rosemarie, what was that? Why are they behaving like that?" Jane confusedly asked her best friend to confirm that they both saw and heard the same thing.

The alarm still continues ringing that the mansion becomes much more inflicted with unruly panic behavior that some keep on screaming for crying out loud! They decided to ask the old man sitting near next to their table who is nicely sipping a foamy pitcher of beer.

"Oh, you two look different. Did you enjoy staying here for a while? I think, both of you can still go back to your real world," the old man answered nonchalantly.

“I don't understand. What is different? What world are you talking about?" Jane spoke with skepticism and suspicion.

"If the alarm goes off and you still remain here, you're going to stay here..." he utters in a serious tone and piercingly looks at them. "forever!"

The old man right away pointed their clothes completely smudged with murky red blood stains- indicating they were injured or dead already! Before they hurriedly ran together away from the huge mansion, they asked him to come along with them back to the real world. However, he instantly rejects their offer because he is old already and the world would no longer want him but most of all, he does not intend to come back- firmly believing that the world is still bad like how bad it was when he left it.

It took almost three days for Jane and Rosemarie to finally wake up in the real world yet by that long period of time, the perpetrator who dashingly hit them in the street is still being tracked down by the police. Though they extremely miss that out-of-this-world party experience but there is still no greater party that celebrates another gift of life given to them by God- with that, Jane and Rosemarie is so much grateful and happy.

74

IMPRINTS

Carnival ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

75

When red liquor pours Heather

You held my throat with your hand like a Sharp knife and squeezed my neck while I gasped for air.

The voice in my head asked over and over Life or Death?

I stared at th e flickering lights while drowning in tears ‘I want neither—but something in between’ My skin turned blue and gray But you still hold on to my body Life or Death?

My breath was running short but mumbled ‘take me somewhere beyond the stars’

76

IMPRINTS

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

And waited for it to break.

Ang naudlot na pangarap ni Anjo By: Mdpn. Jan Christian Altamia

Si Anjo ay maagang namulat sa realidad. Sa mausok na siyudad, sa masikip na eskinita, at sa mataong lugar. Walang permanenteng tirahan palipat lipat kung saan, kung saan ang piyesta.

Sa pitong taon ni anjo ay ito na ang kaniyang naging buhay, ito na ang normal para sa kaniya at dito siya naging masaya--- sa perya. Ngunit sa kabila ng ganito nilang pamumuhay ay nagsusumikap si Anjo na makapagtapos ng pag aaral at maging Pulis. Para sa huli sa ay makatulong siya sa paghuli ng masasamang loob lalo na sa perya na siyang nagsisimula ng gulo at kumikitil ng panandaliang saya.

---------------Ika-tatlo ng Pebrero isang araw bago tumumtong si Anjoy sa edad na walo ay naisipan siya ng kaniyang Ina na dalhin sa divisoria upang bilhan ng unipormeng Pulis bilang regalo sa kaniya.

Matapos bilhin ng kaniyang Ina ang kaniyang pinaka inaasam-asam na uniporme ay hindi na nakapag hintay si Anjo at kaniya na itong sinuot pauwi. Di maitago ang galak sa ngiti at mata ng bata habang ito'y nakasuot ng unipormeng pampulis.

Hawak hawak ni Anjo ang kamay ng Ina ng dumating sila sa Perya ng biglang nagkagulo at mayroong mga Pulis na tumatakbo. Hindi alam ni Anjo ang gagawin at napakapit nalang ito sa Ina ng mas mahigpit. Laking gulat ng mag-ina ng bigla silang nakarinig ng putok baril.

Napatingin ang kaniyang ina kay Anjo nanginginig ito sa takot ng makita si Anjo na untiunting bumabagsak at may tumutulong dugo mula sa kaniyang tagiliran...

“Nay, binaril ako ng Pulis Nay.”

Carnival

77

PHOTOGRAPH BY MIGUEL MAGLANTAY

The man with a bag of coins Shai

A hundred gold coins filled his bags When he was once done selling rags.

He worked doubly hard And opted to make saddlebags.

80

IMPRINTS

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

To earn him a bank card -

Hope In Carnival Reynard

Beneath the showily bright skies There is a season of merrymaking Lively lights and wondrous rides Coming along with the tranquility of night A sweet melody of a carousel Like the moon rode in the sky A kaleidoscope of colorful sugars Left a good taste in the mouth Pretty children squealing in delight Every stranger laughing with hearts Powerful magic is everywhere A state of felicity is so genuine

Carnival

81

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANZ CHRYSLER MARIE C. DELGADO

Colorful Night Reynard

Trampoline is like the life of everyone, Sometimes at the top and sometimes at the bottom.

The memories that we made together, Will always reminisce.

Floating with the big waves, Is just riding at the carousels.

We received many treasures on our roller coasters expedition, Gift of guidance and a lot of inspiration.

Ferries wheel is one whole adventure, As we students ride on our own journey.

Even though many times that we go round and round, Still, we survive.

84

IMPRINTS

Delightful Children Reynard

Let your eyes open in the night, And see the different colors of light.

Relish the circling carousels, As the children delighted to ride in.

Free yourself from this tight rope, To see the colorful ferries.

Enjoy the winter breeze And listen to the different loudly voices.

Set your wings open and free, Imagine that you fly sky-high.

Hear the loud of music, And listen to its beat.

Carnival

85

“Are Fireworks Beautiful?”

Yaretzi

It is not every day that a person gets to see the vibrant brilliance of fireworks. Celebrating the very first day of the year with fireworks which makes up all the wonder and magic!

"The fireworks are so beautiful!" a happy and small, mellow voice of a young girl exclaimed beside me as we watched how the fireworks rushed upward in the air and spectacularly bloom in rainbow colors at the pitch-black sky of the Public Square Capitol Plaza.

"Yes, it's perfectly beautiful!" I agreeably said as we are both looking up, admiring the fascinating beauty of the New Year’s Eve public fireworks display with a blissful smile.

“Yep, Manang! It’s so beautiful as you!" she cheerfully replied back which made me instantly turn around.

I slightly hunch down to see the child in a closer view. She is naughtily smiling and giggling at me like a cute, innocent little baby!

“Thank you!" I softly responded, mimicking her small voice and smiled at her sweetly.

I saw a lovely couple beside the child, it must be her parents, so I slowly raised my hand to wave at them and smile. They also smile back at me and I think that's a go signal that it’s okay for a pure stranger like me to interact and talk with their daughter.

We enjoyed talking for a while when I realized that the couple beside the child which I thought were her parents had already gone away.

“Hey little woman, where are your parents?” I immediately asked her in a calm way.

“I don't know, Manang? It's just that the fireworks are so beautiful that I want to watch it more closely,” her honest response with a smile as she still manages to remain bubbly. “Your spot here is so perfect for viewing, Manang!” she continued.

86

IMPRINTS

“Hey, your Mom and Dad must be worrying so much right now finding you,” I spoke in a low tone and gently tapped her hair... "Don’t worry little woman, we will find your parents soon."

“Thank you, Manang!" she said with a genuine and charming smile. "I think it's also beautiful Manang, that some people are destined to meet because of a reason. Just like us!"

“That’s right! There must be a reason…” I commented and warmly smiled back at her. “But you should have not gone too far away from your parents or something like this would happen again.”

“Something like this? What do you mean, Manang?” the child confusedly muttered.

“You know, not all things we see that are beautiful are real, beautiful. Perhaps, there is more than the beauty itself,” I meaningfully blurted out. “And the beauty that made us lost ourselves.”

“Manang, I don’t understand,” she puzzledly answered with eyes full of curiosity.

“Little woman, you don’t need to understand it now because you’ll understand it soon.” I sneered at her and lightly chuckled then suddenly, I heard something. “Oh, did you hear that?” it was a faint but audible wailing echo of a man and woman looking for their lost child.

“It's them! It’s my Mom and Dad's voice!” she gladly shrieked and straightway looked around where the sound was coming from.

Her parents come running and crying towards our direction with those red, puffy eyes and pale faces as evidence of how worried they have been to lose their precious daughter. I saw how both their eyes glowed in overjoy and wrapped each other with a very, very tight family hug. Right there, and once again, I’ve come to behold the beauty that even millions of fireworks could not match. It’s love.

Carnival

87

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANZ CHRYSLER MARIE DELGADO

88

IMPRINTS

Pennywise Max

Would it be better to just imprison my feelings?

To just keep quiet and make everything a secret.

What if I speak, I confess, and he doesn't feel the same way?

Will he still smile for me everyday?

Would it be better for us to just stay as we are?

Because I think I'm going to end up with another scar.

Would it be best if you feel the same way?

Or it would be best if I'm going to end up with nothing to say.

I'm confuse by his actions more confused by his words I don't know what to believe anymore, He's lying but what for?

And there I saw the truth When he first aimed and shoot My heart who's aching for his name, He shot me because he can't feel the same.

Would it be better if I stayed quiet and keep everything to myself?

I guess it would.

Because he's like Pennywise Don't be fooled by his smiling cries.

Carnival

89

Luha Ng Kahapon Reynard

ILLUSTRATION BY: JAYRICO ALVAREZ ARGUELLES

IMPRINTS

90

Ano nga ba ang kaya mo isakripisyo para sa pagmamahal? Hanggang kalian mo kaya ipaglaban ang inyong relasyon? Mga tanong na maaaring madaling sagutin ngunit minsa’y kay hirap panindigan.

Kaya maraming nabibigo at nasasaktan.

Sa malayong bayan ng Tambunting ay may isang babaeng puno ng pangarap sa buha. Siya ay si Betty. Kilala siya dahil sa galling sa pagluluto at pagkanta. Nangangarap siyang maipagpapatuloy ang kanyang pag – aaral sa kolehiyo kaya siya nag – iipon. Puno siya ng inspirasyon dahil ginagawa niya ito upang maiahon sa hirap ang kanyang pamilya. Hanggang sa nakilala niya si Joselito. Isa ring binatang puno ng pangarap sa pamilya. Sa paglipas ng panahon ay naging malapit sila. Hanggang araw – araw dumadayo si Joselito sa kanilang Brgy. upang makuha ang matamis na Oo ni Betty. Naging masaya sila sa piling ng isa’t – isa. Nangarap silang magkasama. Kay raming masasayang ala – ala ang kanilang nabuo. Isang magandang oportunidad ang dumating para kay joselito. Nakapasa siya sa isang unibersidad at naging iskolar, kaya kailangan niyang lumuwa s ng Maynila. Nangako siya kay Betty na kahit magkalayo sila mananatili siyang tapat at patuloy niyang pipiliin si Betty. Nanatili ang tamis ng kanilang pagmamahalan hanggang matapos ni Joselito ang kanyang pag – aaral sa kolehiyo. Habng si Betty naman ay nagbabahagi ng kanyang talento sa pagkanta sa isang peryahan. Paminsan – minsan na lang sila nagkikita ni Joselito dahil sa Manila na rin ito nagtatrabaho sa dahilang mas maraming oportunidad doon. Ang kanilang tanging komunikasyong ay ang pagtawag sa telepono. Isang gabi ay nagkaroon ng pagtitipon sina Joselito at ang kanyang mga kasamahan sa trabaho. Dahil sa sobrang kalasingan ay may nangyari sa kanila ng isang niyang kasamahan na may lihim na pagtingin sa kanya. Apat na buwan ang nakalipas, bumalik si Joselito sa probinsya at masaya siyang sinalubong ni Betty. Ipinaghandaan siya ni Betty ng kanyang paboritong ulam. Tumulo ang kanyang mga luha at sabay sabing, “ Mahal, ako’y patawarin mo, dahil nakabuntis ako ng babae.”

Tumakbo si Betty sa peryahan sa sobrang sakit ay gusto na lang niyang tapusin ang kanyang buhay.

Sa gitna ng masaya at makulay na perya ay hindi niya Makita ang liwanag. Dahil natakpan ito ng masakit na katotohanang ang lalaking pinakamamahal niya ay kailangan niyang isakripiyo at isuko dahil ito ang tanging magagawa niya para sa batang walang kamuwang muwang sa mundo. Walang pagdadalawang isip niyang inakyat ang sirang ferris wheel. Hindi niya namalayang sinusundan siya ni Berto, isang operatr ng nasabing ferris wheel at kaibigan din niya. Nakita pala ni Berto na umiiyak siya nang walang tigil.

Dito nagsimula ang kanilang pagmamahalan. Pagmamahal ang muntik nang makapatay sa kanya, at pagmamahal rin ang sumagip sa naliligaw niyang puso.

Carnival

91

92

IMPRINTS

PHOTOGRAPH BY JES MERCADO ABELLA

Clown Play Yaretzi

It all started when I thought, there’s something between me and you, Feelings arose from a small glisten of spark, wondering if that is true?

That somehow, you also felt those heartstrings- linking and intertwining But are we just another clown play ended, for it’s not any more exciting?

You made me believe we had those fires, blazingly burning our hearts Yet truthful words still hurt like blades, shredding my heart into parts As you said it was all a child’s play, clown you once love will begone My mistake is when I thought, our love was a lovely spontaneous one.

I know I was deeply caught up, with this pretentious charade you setup You’re the clown and you think it’s fun, having many hearts broken up?

I’ve been blinded by fake love all this time or I’m just used to, despair?

Wrong intentions, fooling out one’s feelings- wouldn’t get you anywhere.

Now I’m entrapped, facing the truth that no one can deny nor reverse Achingly- I still clung into the small thread of hope left in the universe To be concealed with fakery, people around sailing under false colors May people still be genuine, though we’re all stage actresses and actors.

Slowly from this day onwards, time will surely heal my painful wounds Forgetting and burying all lonesome memories on a pile of soil mounds Mustering courage to get through despite past trickery and deception Soon I’ll walk in the memory lane, with a victorious smile as a possession.

Carnival

93

Ang Ikalimang Upuan D'Authentic

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANZ CHRYSLER MARIE C. DELGADO

94

IMPRINTS

“Inay, gusto kong sumakay sa ferris wheel,” sabay hila ng bata sa Inay nito patungo sa kanto ng perya kung saan naroon ang ferris wheel. Nang sumakay na sila, kitang-kita ko sa mukha ng bata ang labis na saya at pananabik nito na makasakay sa Ferris Wheel na iyon. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng lungkot na tila bang tutulo ang luha ko sa inggit habang tanaw sa malayo ang mag-ina. Napapikit at napaisip nalang ako bigla, pano kung buhay pa ang Inay, ganito din ba ako kasaya ngayon?

Napaupo nalang ako habang ang mundo ko ay umiikot at nakatuon na lang sa mag-inang iyon.

Habang minamasdan ko sila, bigla na lang akong nagulat sa aking nakita. May isang babae na puti ang pananamit nito at mahaba ang buhok na naka upo sa ikalimang upuan ng Ferris Wheel. Pilit kong isinara ang aking mga mata at pakalmahin ang aking sarili na baka na nagmamalik-mata lang ako sa aking nakita. Huminga ako ng malalim, unti-unting kong binuksan ang aking mga mata at totoo nga ang aking nakita, isang White lady!

Napadasal na lamang ako sa sobrang kaba, ewan ko ba, basta ang alam ko lang, nakita ng dalawa kong mga mata ang White lady na iyon. Kinuha ko ang aking cellphone para kunan ng picture ang White lady, pero bigla na lang itong nawala ng parang bula. Tinutok ko na lang ang aking kamera sa mag-inang iyon, habang tanaw sa malayo ang saya, ang ngiti ng bata habang yakap-yakap ang kaniyang Ina. Ang mga pangyayari iyon, ay isa lamang sa magaganda at nakakatindig balahibong naganap sa aking buhay. Di ko akalain na ang isang tulad ko ay makakita ng di pangkaraniwang tao o multo (White lady) at ang tunay na pagmamahal ng Ina sa kaniyang anak.

Carnival

95

96

PHOTOGRAPH BY JES MERCADO ABELLA

IMPRINTS

We thought Aer

We thought of the same world same odyssey, same endpoint.

With a string that binds us, no one can shatter us apart.

We thought of the same direction, left or right We will stay on each other's side, no matter what.

We thought of the same future, fears, blues, mires no more.

Even how cruel the world is, we can make the best out of it.

We thought we could end up together that I will be waiting at the altar.

As you walked in an aisle, but I was left alone, lying at your graveyard.

Carnival

97

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS In our burning passion to publish high quality articles, The Seagull would like to commend the collective efforts of every person who served as zephyr to move and bring forth the Lacsonian legacy.

We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Mary Lou L. Arcelo and Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian for their undying support, and also to Mr. Robert O. Parcia, MMM for the encouragement.

We would like also to extend our appreciation to Engr. Eliseo I. Jamolo Jr., Engr. Edmundo Q. Pragados, C/ E Agustin Bedia, Dr. Angeli L. Sebastian, Dr. Lily S. Sumbi, Dr.Mari Ann D. Sarroza, Mrs. Nancy Rose R. Pelopero, and Mrs. Ive D. Sta. Ana for sharing their expertise, availability, proficiency, and tenacity to the truth that inspire and uplift us in every step of the way. To Mr.Marve Velasco, Mrs. Lucia G. Magramo, Mrs. Rogelia S. Castro, and Mrs. Kristine Jhane C. Flores, for their accessibility and for boosting our proficiencies to set our best in serving the Lacsonian community.

To our parents who are always there to support us in the best way they can.

To our readers who serve as our motivation in doing our work with utmost dedication.

And most especially to our God, the creator who always give us the strength in doing what we do and the guidance we need all throughout this journey.

Christine Jean O. Diopita

Jes Mercado Abella

Miguel Maglantay

Kenneth Gohel

S P E C I AL T H A N K S There will be no great work that was ever done without the outstanding contributions of the following persons.

The Seagull would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Christine Jean O. Diopita for being our featured cover model for this Literary Folio Edition 2021. Also, we would like to show our thanks and sincere appreciation to Sir Jes Mercado Abella, Sir Kenneth Gohel and Sir Miguel Maglantay for allowing us to showcase their amazing and remarkable photography masterpieces. Most especially to the old staff of The Seagull, Mdpn. Jan Christian Altamia and writers under the pen name of MJ, Ñino and Max for their article contributions.

Carnival

99

EDITORIAL POLICY The Seagull is published at least twice every semester by the publication office at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University- Molo,Inc., Molo, Iloilo City.Articles Contained herein are personal views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views and opinions of the staff and/or provide an open forum for discussion.We accept original articles and contributors from students, faculty, and staff.Comments and suggestions regarding our issues are warmly welcomed.Articles submitted must be typewritten with sufficient space and margin.

SeAgUll

tHe

PU B LI CATI O N

EDITORIAL BOARD 2020-2021

SHAIRA A. AGREGADO ERICA F. OPINION MA. HEATHER C. BACERA MAIREL A. GERZON JAN REYNARD L. GALILEA RENGEE GWYNETH E. BALDEVISO JESSIEA B. FLORES FRANKLIN KYLES M. MATRICULAR ROSE ANTONETTE A. RAMOS NIÑO REY V. LLEGUE

Editor-In-Chief Associate Editor MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITOR NEWS WRITER FEATURE EDITOR FEATURE WRITER SPORTS EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST CARTOONIST

FRANZ CHRYSLER MARIE C. DELGADO JAYRICO A. ARGUELLES

LAYOUT ARTISTs

MRS.FEBE ROSE L. TORRES

ADVISER

The Seagull (Official Student Publication of JBLFMU-MOLO) theseagull.jblfmu.molo@gmail.com Issuu.com/The Seagull