Pulse
TIDAL TALES
STORIES FROM THE WATERFRONT
Foreword
When realities fade on the coast of the horizon, every whisper resounds with stories longing to be told. These are more than just stories of the seas; they are echoes of courage, struggle, and the persistent pulse of life along the coast.
The sea appears still, its surface a tranquil reflection of the heavens, yet the stories it tells are far from serene. Under its surface lies a world weighed down by silent battles and ecosystems ravaged by our neglect.
The waters pierce like shards of glass, it cries not out of spite but desire, yearning for us to mend what has been shattered. It does not seek to harm us, but the wrath of calm waters can turn to tempest if their cries remain unheard.
Listen to the resonance of the water, not merely as echoes but as an inner invitation. These tides not only convey narratives; they hold the burden of our deed and our shared existence. The stories of the waterfront reflect resilience, survival, and the urgent demand for change.
And so, the tides bring us here to listen, reflect, and act.
COLUMNS
TIDES OF CHANGE
A DIVE INTO TROUBLED WATERS
SAILING BEYOND WAVES OF DISAPPOINTMENT
PANAWAGAN NG KALIKASAN: PAKINGGAN HUWAG TALIKURAN
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Two Lives, Same World
by Ayesha Mikyllah Mayang
Now, Silent Waters
by Jasmine Cyrile Alave
Beneath the waves, my world began, A child, a dream, hand in hand, With salty air and ocean blue, I grew with Finn, my bond so true.
Each month he’d leap, a silver arc, Through sunlit skies, he’d leave his mark. My baby dolphin, swift and free, A loyal friend who swam with me.
But life, it pulls with currents strange, I left for shores beyond our range. Three years passed like tides at bay, Yet Finn, in dreams, still danced and played.
I raced back home, heart full of cheer, But fishermen’s eyes held quiet fear. They ran, they spoke, their voices torn, Of foreign ships and love now worn.
“Is it Finn?” I begged, my heart alight, “Yes,” they whispered, sealing night. Tears fell fast, like storm’s embrace, The ocean lost its tender face.
Finn, my friend, where do you roam? Without you here, I’m far from home.
Legend of Masungay
by Myron Joseph Yunsal
In the coastal village of Singcang, nestled along the shores of the West Philippine Sea, tales of the supernatural were as common as the tides. Fishermen spoke of mysterious creatures and unexplained phenomena, weaving a rich tapestry of folklore that captivated the community.
One such legend was that of the “Magusag,” a mythical fish with large horns believed to possess extraordinary powers. It was said that this creature could bring a bountiful harvest to those shores it visited , but only if approached with pure intentions. The story had been passed down through generations, becoming a cherished part of the village’s oral history
One evening, a young woman named Purang wandered along the shoreline. She noticed two large bamboo-looking pillars approaching its shore. Purang called the other fishermen to check the coming unknown object. As the fishermen got closer, they saw a large fish with big horns. The villagers were terrified of their discovery l, but Purang walked near the animal and gently touched its horns. The Magusag sang a melodious tune, her voice blending with the gentle lapping of the waves and its horns glowed beautifully. Suddenly, a huge school of fish leaps through shore that a shoreline could be flooded by it. The lively fishermen brought their baskets and they had a bountiful harvest that night.
In the days that followed, the villagers waited for the animal to rise up again on the shore, so that they would not fish on the sea. Unfortunately, the creature did not show for almost a month. The fishermen were planning to find the Magusag. Purang heard the news and quickly packed her bag. They assembled under the canopy and instructed everyone what to do. Purang heard that they will catch the Magusag and transfer it to their pond. She immediately conceited from the group and determined herself to find the Magusag alone.
One night, while the fishermen were searching for the fish, a huge wave strikes the shore. The villagers were alarmed by the wave. They gathered around the shore to know what happened. The Magusag suddenly showed. The villagers prepared their nets, bows and sleeping darts. One fishermen waved his hand and all of the villagers attacked the creature at the same time. The Magusag lost its consciousness due to sleeping darts hitting her body multiple times. The villagers applaud and shout in joy at their successful plan. Purang hurriedly ran towards the loud area. While the fishermen were transferring the Magusag, they noticed a very foul smell coming from the creature. They stopped the cargo and checked the Magusag. This has no response to any of the fishermen. Suddenly, it glowed brightly that it could blind a person. The Magusag horns fell off its head and she disappeared in a blink of an eye. Purang approached running towards the event. She never gets the chance to see Magusag again.
All of a sudden a noticeable crack between the village began to expand wider and wider, making a river-like path. In an instance a strange colored water appeared on the crack releasing an unpleasant smell. Plastics, rubber, and sludge coming out on the river resulting in polluting the sea of Singcang. By this time, the fishermen cannot fish again in the sea. Purang witnessed all of it. She named the river, “Magsungay,” taken from the name of the creature “Magusag” and “Sungay” from the horn-like formation of the river. Up until now, the legend of the Magsungay river was spoken through generations.
by Ayesha Mikyllah Mayang
Beneath the Tales
by Jose Neil Orbecido
Caught In Time
by Athea Grace Talanquines
Old Man Lito woke up before dawn, just as he always did. The salty breeze of the sea greeted him as he stepped onto his rickety wooden boat, the same boat his father had used decades ago. Its paint had faded, and its boards creaked with age, but it was the only thing he had. With a heavy sigh, he cast his worn fishing net into the dark waters, hoping for a decent catch.
As the sun rose higher, Lito noticed the distant hum of a large fishing vessel. It glided smoothly across the waves, casting its wide, modern nets that sparkled under the sunlight. He knew that boat would haul in more fish in one hour than he could in an entire day. Lito’s heart sank as he pulled up his net, finding only a few small fish tangled in its frayed ropes. He stared out at the bigger boat, feeling a pang of envy. How could he compete against such power and speed with his old tools?
By evening, Lito returned to shore with a meager catch. The market vendors barely glanced at his fish, favoring the bulk supply from the larger operations. He packed up his things, tired and defeated. As he sat by the water’s edge, watching the other fishers head home, he wondered how much longer he could keep doing this. Without a way to upgrade his gear, his future seemed as fragile as the old nets he mended each night, slowly unraveling with every passing day.
Ang Huling Liham ni Julio
by Rhyza Sion
Minamahal kong Ligaya,
Nahihimigan ko ang boses mo sa hangin, namukhaan kita sa mga ulap, at ramdam ko pa rin ang iyong init sa buhangin. Nakaukit na ang iyong alaala sa dalampasigang minahal mo, natin.
Ngunit mahal, ibang-iba na rito sa baryo natin magmula nang lumuwas ka ng Maynila.
Ang dating banayad ng alon na dating tahanan ng ating mga pangarap ay dinadaluyan na ng takot. Sa tuwing papalaot kami, haharap kami sa malalaking barko ng mga dayuhan na kung sumagasa ay walang pakundangan sa maliliit naming mga bangka. Sinong bulaan naman ang magbabadyang kalabanin ang pagaspas ng halimaw nilang makina?
Kapag kami ay lumapit, parang silang mga aninong sumusunod, at kung kami’y pumalag, walang pagdadalawang-isip kung kami ay kanilang itaboy at takutin. Ang mga katulad naming nagnanais lang maghanapbuhay ay nagiging tagasalo ng galit ng mga hindi naman kami kilala.
Kasabay ng maniobra nilang masigabong humahalakhak, ang pagutay sa sanlibong ku- makaluskos na sikmura. Kung hindi gutom, ito kikitil sa amin dito.
Kung nandito ka, mararamdaman mo ring mabigat ang puso ng karagatan. Unti-unti nang nawawala ang dalisay ng dagat. Ang laksa-laksang isda ay kumabayo, tila nagtatago sa kailaliman ng tubig. Kahit ang paborito mong tawilis ay madalang ko na ring makita kung meron man kaming huli.
Hindi naman namin hangad ang gulo. Ang tanging hiling namin ay makapangisda nang payapa at makapag-uwi ng sapat na huli upang mabuhay. Ngunit tila bawat huli ay may kaakibat na takot na baka hindi na kami makabalik dahil sa digmaang hindi naman natin pinili.
Nakakangitngit, nakakagalit. Paano nila nakuhang maghamak sa katubiang hindi naman sa kanila?
Tuwing nagtatangka kaming magsumbong, para naman kaming mga tulingang sumisigaw sa ilalim ng tubig. Ang mga mata nila’y nakatuon sa iba, at ang mga labi’y nakabukas lamang sa mga pangako na hindi naman natutupad. Itong umaalingasaw na sangsang ng pagsasa- mantala at pagsasawalang-bahala sa karahasang higit tayo ang nakasasagap, nakakara- nas tayo’ng buhay ay nakakintal sa karagatang ito ang siyang halimaw na lulunod sa atin sa kailaliman ng dagat.
Ngunit ano’ng palag ng nagbibingi-bingihan sa kumakalampag na tiyan? Bakit nga ba tayo ang pipihit kung tayo mismo ang nagigipit, naiipit?
Ngayon, muli akong papalaot dala ang libong baldeng dalamhati sa dating karagatang minahal mo, natin.
Kumpulan man ang mga alon, labis man nilang harangin ang aming bangka, patuloy ang pag-aapuhap ang paghahanap. Habang nagkukumahog ang kadiliman, siyang palakpak ng sanlibong liwanag, at kasabay nito ang panalangin para sa masaganang huli, hindi lang para sa kita, kundi para na rin sa pag-asang maibabalik kita rito.
Labis na nagmamahal, Julio
Coastline
by Arben Jeyk Da-anoy
In dawn’s soft light, the nets unfurl, Folks cast lines where waves twirl. As salty air whispers tales of old, Scales and fins, and dreams untold.
Keen minds up for a catch, hearts steadfast, Boats unanchored, tough storms they’ve passed. Set to sail with each passing wave, In the rhythm of tides, thousands were safe.
Waders’ cries resemble the ocean’s roar, As the journey awaits, captive moments they store. By lantern’s glow, under starlit skies, Out they sail, though on stormy tides.
Weaving salty waters as they traversed with hope Guided by the Polaris, they’d always find their way home Along the coast, where waters blend Stories of fisherfolks, life, and tides mend.
Waterfront Journeys
by Amiel John Orciada
Bagaton
by Angelee Valencia
Sa akung panglakaton
Indi ko malikawan nga hibaluon
Ang isa ka tao nga ga dala pusil
Kag wala dala nga tahod
Grabi ang iya pagtulok sa akon
Dungan pa sang bagusbus ka balod
Kabalo ko nga gina kulbaan na ang akon upod
Pero sa gobyerno kami nagasunod
Pangisda ang amon ginkadto
Kusgon ang pagtuo sa amon ulubrahon
Sa amo ni nga tion
Na ga lantaw kami sa lalaki nga pution
Ga amat amat dula nga paglaum
Gindungan pa sang delikado nga pangimon
Sa amon pagpanilag
Pilas ang sa amon ginhatag
Ang pagtatap ka gobyerno
Hindi maglayo sa ga bantay kabayo
Hindi ma bayluhan ang amon kamingaw
Sa amon ubra nga daw kami ang gina-uhaw
Wala untat kami na daw gina silotan
Mapadayon pa ta? O ma untat na lang?
Ano nalang ang amon kan-on
Sa tig adlaw adlaw na tion?
Mas mayo nalang nga mamala ang dagat
Kaysa ang mga isda mabagat
Maayo nalang na ara kami sa halalban
Mananom, mamuhi, kag puno sang kasadyahan.
Daughter of the Deep
by Kashina Ashley Gatilogo
Face the truth. Life will break you in ways you can never fathom. It is like a sea, tranquil yet so turbulent; it carries both duality of love and loss.
Then there you are, standing like a rock, eager to withstand the waves that crash against you. I know you. You will never back down.
“Am I the daughter of Poseidon? ”You ask yourself.
Each time you trip, you rise like the tide at dawn. Call yourself the daughter of the deep.
With each wave that crashes into you, your feelings drift aimlessly around them like unanchored boats, searching for somewhere to rest.
Keep in mind that even the ceaseless ocean shapes the toughest rocks.
Let every challenge shape you, carving coral-like bruises in your heart that become symbols of your battle scars.
So, when the storm rages and the ocean threatens to swallow you whole, surrender to the currents. Float and don’t resist; let the waves guide you to the shore.
by Dahlia Belle Flores Ay, Napalid
The Lament of the Sea
by Anicar Frias
Deep within the water, where solitude reign, The air whispers the ocean’s pain, A once full of life, now slowly strain, The echoes fade of ancient chain.
The nets are now a trap, School of fish vanish in a snap, Face the void as nature makes a gap, Now life is a mishap.
For every catch, a story lost, Fishermen sigh in a heavy cost, Confused of how and what caused, Now we are hanging uncrossed.
The call of the ocean says it all, Echoes recede, a gloomy thrall, Leave them some time and stand from the crawl, Listen to their fragile plea before everything fall.
We’ve taken much from the shore, But why do we still want more? Imagine the next generation who want to explore, We never listen and always ignore.
For in our choice, the future lies, There is always a room to reflect and rise, Cast our hopes beneath the skies, In harmony, we can restore a bright future for our paradise.
Familiar Abode
by Ayesha Mikyllah Mayang
Voice Beneath the Waves
by Bobby Magdaraog Jr.
In the southernmost part of Negros Province, nestled along the coastline, lies the serene municipality of Hinoba-an. Here, the salty water mingles with the scent of gentle breezes, and life revolves around the rhythm of the ocean. As the first light of day breaks over the horizon, the world awakens to the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore. This tranquil embrace of nature is where Wilfredo, a seasoned fisherman, has lived his life, his existence intricately woven into the very fabric of the sea. For decades, he has cast his nets into the azure depths, bringing forth the bounty of the ocean.
However, today, Wilfredo is more than just a fisherman he is an active steward of the waters he grew up with and loves, now confronting the grim realities of climate change, depleting marine stocks, and widespread marine pollution. His journey is a testament where resilience is accompanied by transformation, as well as it foster the primal relationship between human and nature.
Wilfredo’s story dates back before the rest of the planet woke up to climate crisis. He recalls the time his nets overflowed with fishes, shimmering with silver and vibrant orange color, like stars glistening in the sun. Each catch embody the sustenance for his family and a vital contribution to his community. He remembers the laughter of children playing on the shore, the sound of their tiny feet running along the coastline, their giggles echoing through the backdrop of the waves. The sea for him was not just a source of livelihood, but also a place where it embody stories and traditions that will be passed down through generation.
As the alarming inclination embarks, he noticed a troubling shift. The oceans that had been so abundant with life now reverberated to the sound of emptiness. The fish stocks that sustained his community dwindled, ravaged by overfishing and the rising threat of climate change. Fresh catches in the local markets were not doing well, and the vibrant community spirit dimmed. He felt the weight of the world on his shoulders as he stood on his battered boat. He realized he could no longer keep quiet in that desperate time. The ocean was calling him to action.
Empowered by his new sense of purpose, Wilfredo began to mobilize his fellow fishermen to tell them about his vision for a sustainable future. They established community actions, where stories of ocean’s plight were exchanged. They created initiatives to teach responsible fishing practices, highlighting how to consume only what was necessary and leave some ecosystem to flourish. They also began clean-up drives, collecting plastic waste that infiltrated their sacred waters.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the horizon with pink and gold stains, Wilfredo stood with his friends, hanging out and feels the gentle breeze of air. The sea was laden with stardust of water; a promise of battle for their beloved is inevitable. In that moment they conclude, their nets are not just a tool, but a symbol of stewardship, a pledge to nurture the ecosystem he believe that lies in the gentle hands on the bottom of sea.
In the battle against climate change, Wilfredo emerged as a beacon of hope. He is a regular speaker advocating the vitality of marine ecosystem for a sustainable future, inspiring the next generation and teaching them to care for the sea, recounting tales of survival. Every voice matters from a single fisherman to a whole community of them, uniting hearts and minds in the effort to preserve our seas.
The ocean is not just a resource to exploit; it is a living entity that deserves respect and protection. As Wilfredo throws his nets once more, he is not just fishing for the sustenance of his own household, but the future tides of the planet. In Hinoba-an, amidst the salty air and the whispers of the sea, a community of dedicated individuals stands ready to protect their heritage and waters, a gentle movement of the waves that brings not only sound but a story of hope, strength and the opportunity to have a clear future for years to come.
The Death of a Myth
by Kelby Bonilla
The Last Catch
by Kashina Ashley Gatlogo
The sky painted itself in soft blue pastels. He stepped onto the shore where memory dwells. His heart raced with joy as the boat rocked free. The sea called his name, a wild melody.
In worn, weathered clothes, he was ready to set sail. Following the path, his same old familiar trail. The water shimmered like jewels in the sun. Igniting with a glow, his quest has begun.
But he felt a sense of peculiarity. Perhaps it is the quietness of the sea? His heart pounded harder than ever before. But he shook it off, heading out to explore.
Now ready to cast, his hands steady, unsure. Right then and there, he was ready to secure. He hooks a monstrous fish, a prize of great cost. In that moment, he knew this was worth much lost.
He hooks the final fish, its life torn and worn. The last one to surface, broken and forlorn. He scanned the water, lost in thought and regret. A lifetime of mistakes he cannot forget.
by Karl Josh Collarin
Hibik sa Dalampasigan
by Jantzen Lumanog
Sa isang kalmadong karagatan
At marahang haplos ng panghapong hangin
Akala mo’y isang normal na araw lamang
Na tila’y walang nangyaring isang hagupit
Dahan-dahan, paa ay pilit iginiya
Tungo sa sirang bangkang nakabaligtad
Bigat ng puso ay ‘di maiwakli
Kasabay ng alon, ang syang unti-unting pag-ingay ng sariling hikbi
Bagyo, limang letra
Subalit hanap-buhay ko ay sinira
Pamilya ay wala ni isang tinira
Bahay ay winasak at pinahalik sa lupa
Parang kailan lang ang saya-saya pa
Tulong dito, tulong doon
Kagalakan di mapigilan , huli ng isda ay nag-uumapaw
Ngunit sa isang iglap ito’y nawala ng parang isang bula at napalitan ng pagluksa.
by Jose Neil Orbecido
The Epitome of Greed
by Angelee Valencia
I tend to let myself sink, As the soft water guide me. Numb and unable to think, To my solace I like to see.
Swallowing my freedom. Constricting my coelom. Hungry gaze and shaking nerves, Waiting for a dinner to be served.
A slap of synthetic, Making my home pathetic. The deep blue sea, For once I wish to flee.
All that is left is nothing, Because of greed and wanting. Conquering with triumph and laughing, Left us with scraps and cravings.
Getting caught up in a net, With the things I fully object. The sounds of rustling and blasting, Made the sea quiver and rumbling.
Why poison the place I call home? The sea I could freely roam. Much cruelty and fatality, Killing me so slowly.
Restricted action. Abandoned passion. Silenced freedom. Stolen decretum
A
the Sea
by Rhyza Glen Fornolles
Day's End by
by Jan Daniel Biñas
Seaside Alley
Transcending the Tides
by Jasmine Cyrile Alave
From the moment I took my first breath, the sea became my constant companion. Its whispers and roars filled my childhood with wonder, a place where dreams mingled with the salty air. Growing up in a coastal town, I watched countless souls fall in love with the ocean. Among them was Mang Jani, a devoted fisherman whose weathered boat was a tapestry of family memories, adorned with playful drawings made by his children over the years. The oldest drawing, a vibrant depiction of a sun smiling down on a boat, dated back more than twenty years older than I was.
Mang Jani’s love for the sea was matched only by his determination to provide for his family. He often shared stories of how he pushed his children toward education, telling tales of sacrifices made to see them thrive. His eldest son had recently graduated summa cum laude, a shining achievement that brought pride to the entire family. Despite the boat's age and the wear on its wooden frame, Mang Jani wouldn’t trade it for a new one. This boat, battered by storms yet steadfast, held the essence of their journey a vessel of love and perseverance.
One serene morning, as the sun painted the horizon in hues of gold and coral, I wandered down to the docks, eager to greet the day and perhaps share a moment with Mang Jani. But as I approached, I noticed his eldest son standing alone, tears streaming down his face. My heart sank. I hurried over to him, a sense of dread rising within me.
“What happened?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“My father” he choked out, “he was hit by a big ship. The boat tipped over. He’s in critical condition.”
The words hung in the air like a thick fog, heavy with grief. My heart shattered at the thought of Mang Jani, a man who had given so much to his family and to the sea, now fighting for his life. Together, we stood by the dock, a mix of shock and sorrow enveloping us. I wept alongside him, feeling the weight of loss settle in my chest.
As the day wore on, we learned that Mang Jani was at the hospital, clinging to life. All he wanted, we heard, was to fish one last time before his son departed for Canada. The thought pierced my heart; the sea was not just his livelihood, it was a part of him, a place where his spirit thrived.
Days passed like waves rolling onto the shore, each one bringing new whispers of hope and despair. The community rallied, offering prayers and support, but the reality remained Mang Jani’s condition was grave. His eldest son felt the burden of impending separation and loss, a bitter combination that weighed heavily on his heart.
One evening, under the fading light of the setting sun, I visited Mang Jani at the hospital. His frail body lay in the bed, a shell of the vibrant man who once filled the air with laughter. As I held his hand, memories flooded my mind: the countless mornings spent watching him mend his nets, the stories he told of the sea’s magic, and the pride in his eyes when he spoke of his children.
“Fight for them, Mang Jani,” I whispered, tears pooling in my eyes. “You’ve given so much; don’t let go now. They need you.”
Days turned into weeks, and though his condition fluctuated, Mang Jani’s spirit remained unyielding. He would often drift in and out of consciousness, sometimes murmuring the names of his children, other times calling out to the sea. Each time I visited, I felt the weight of his love for his family, the deep connection he had forged with the ocean.
Finally, the day came when his eldest son had to leave for Canada. It was a bittersweet farewell, filled with promises to return and keep his father’s spirit alive. I watched as he bent over Mang Jani’s bed, whispering words of love and gratitude. “I’ll take you with me, Dad. I promise to make you proud.”
As he stepped out of the hospital, I joined him, my heart heavy with loss but filled with hope. “He’s with you, always,” I said softly. “In the waves, in the wind, he’ll never leave you.”
The ocean remained a part of our lives, a constant reminder of Mang Jani’s legacy. Over time, the scars of loss began to heal, and his children carried forward the lessons he had instilled in them. The sea, once a backdrop to their sorrow, transformed into a canvas of memories, laughter, and love.
In the years that followed, the community honored Mang Jani’s memory by gathering by the shore, sharing stories of his life, his wisdom, and his unwavering spirit. They celebrated the bond he had with the sea, a love that transcended time and space.
The heart of the sea continued to beat, filled with echoes of Mang Jani’s laughter and the love he had for his family. And I knew, as the tides rolled in and out, that his spirit lived on, guiding them through life’s storms, forever a part of the ocean he cherished.
Are You Well Fed?
by Vicia Mae Bacurnay
Above the Surface
by Rhyza Sion
Beneath the waves, my world began, I held my head above the surface as murky water filled my nose, my lungs, and soon enough, my very soul.
The currents have always cradled me to comfort but this one felt like death sweet, crippling, aching death. And you had no way of knowing I was drowning.
As I reach for the light, it slips through my fingers, taunting my desperate grasp and futile attempts to hold onto you.
So I would simply part for I would surely die if I stop moving, but my arms are scorched and my body weary from treading in the water.
Yet I’ll keep my head above the surface though it feels like I'm breaking for even in this struggle,
I cling to the hope of return to the shores we once stood together and maybe just maybe find my way back to you
Sikop
by Lance Joshua Satojito
What Once was A Specimen, Now
by Vicia Mae Bacurnay
A Memory
Above Uncharted Levels
by Amiel John Orciada
by Kelby Bonilla
Sad
by Jalyn Rose Elizan
Clown Paradox
by Khyle Zedrick Anasta
Contra sa AGOs
by Rhyza Sion
Sa ngalan sang Trinidad nga balaan
Amay, anac cag Espiritu Santo, Ang amon cabuhi amon iunong sa imo. Nagapangamuyo nga ang amon diotay nga salag indi malubad sa mga balud nga nagaluntad.
Paisuga ang amon mga calag cag camot sa mga hangin cag balod nga gapangacuig, sa mga pusil nga sa amon catilingban gapanghalit.
Cada pagbulubaliscad sang amon mga bangca amo ang paglagas sang pagcaon sa amon lamesa.
Cada pagcawat sang amon mga lambat cag isda amo ang pagpatay sa bwas damlag sang amon bata.
Sining tiempo sang cagamo cag tacos.
¡oh! Señor, protectahi cami sa tanan nga cahimtangan.
Paisuga ninyo ang ila mga casingcasing nga cabay ang amon singuit cag pangamuyo mabatian sang mga dalungan nga dapat gapamati. Cabay pagtamdon cami nila cag cami tabangan
Sa mga banta nga nagatuhaw sa cadudulman.
Ang pagtoo cag paglaum ang amon lamang huptan
Sa gahum nga langitnon cami lamang gatugyan.
Cami nagaluhud sa pagbaton kag hinadcan yadto.
Sa ngalan sang casingci, abuso, kag pagpalimbong, dalayawun ang dayuhan nga mapanghalit.
Bahala na cami magutom sang ila pagdaug-daug basta ang prinsipe sa palasyo may mahungit samtang cami padayon sa pagcapcap sang paglaum hasta amon pangamatyan ang tubig nga gabuhi sa amon.
Amen.
Panaghoy sa Dagat
by Lance Joshua Satojito
COLUMNS
Tides of Change
by Jeri Mae Terry
Adventure awaits by the sea, where moments of renewal and reflection come naturally, carried by the rhythmic waves and expansive horizons. Grains of sand brush against my feet as soon as I step out of the car, slipping inside my slippers, and the salty scent that embraces me in this journey. The thick sea air lingers around my skin, leaving a faint and dewy layer that mixes with the sand and would stay with me even after leaving the shore. Even before you see the aquatic hues, you could already feel its presence pulling you to its deep waves. The anticipation builds as I get closer to the shore, entering a place where I can reflect and be one of the waves.
Excitement fills, yet something feels wrong by the smell of the air and the looks of the sea, it's not what I could remember from when I was a child. From seeing crystal clear water while playing in the sand to transitioning as a muddy-like water surface. Toxic materials like pesticides, plastics, and oil spills which lead to the contamination of the sea can harm marine life. Marine animals could mistake plastics as food and could be trapped in it, causing suffocation and hunger. Sea turtles are a great example of endangered species because of ocean pollution. Ingesting plastics could harm their digestive systems, hinder their ability to swim, and lead to slow reproductive processes.
Moreover, overfishing or illegal fishing could also be a factor in affecting our marine resources. One could be considered doing these acts if they violate the local, regional, and international standards in fisheries, punishable by the Republic Act No. 10654. Threatening marine resources through the usage of banned gears and vessels, catching protected fish which could lead to possible extinction, and fishing without a license from LGUs could possibly lead to the depletion of fish stocks, and most importantly, affect our marine resources.
As I am about to conclude my trip to the beach and step back to my daily life, I encourage you to explore the waves take a moment of silence and self-refection. Allow the waves to wash away the chaos while you are in the sanctuary. Give time to immerse yourself with nature and see the beauty in it, let it control the fast-paced world you are living in to a calm dimension wherein it’s just you and the soothing sound of the aquatic waves.
A Dive into Troubled Waters
by John Renz Delim
In a country of fertile grounds and farmlands, our fisherfolk opt to explore the vast marine protected areas and live in the tides of the Philippine sea. Their development from the past years up to the present time is a testament of how the waves of the sea shaped them into adept and resilient coastal communities. Yet resiliency, rooted from negligence and a broken system, is not resiliency at all.
Our fisherfolk have long relied on the sea for sustenance from food to jobs, and even exports. Without the support they desperately need, these communities are on the brink of uncertainty as real change requires more than romanticizing the bright side of indifference; it demands comprehensive actions, efficient solutions, and adaptive policies.
Last July, a peaceful coastal community in Bataan was disrupted when a vessel carrying 1.5 million liters of fuel capsized. Until now, Pamalakaya, a fisherfolk group, is still in search of accountability for the incident that affected the harmonious lives of coastal communities living nearby. The municipality was placed under a state of calamity for months and little to no efforts were made to address the disaster, which jeopardized the livelihoods of the fisherfolk as they lost their primary source of income.
As the 2024 fiscal year concludes, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) allocated a total fund of 200.19 billion for the Department of Agriculture (DA) to be used next year. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), as one of its subprograms, had
a proposed budget of 10.2 billion. These government organizations are the principal groups responsible for preserving these coastal communities by promoting sustainable fishing practices, small-scale fishing subsidies, and different coastal management to ensure that the ones who put food on our table also get their share.
However, fortune does not favor our fisherfolk because despite the towering number of distributed funds plus the collective efforts and initiatives, they remain at the lowest of the basic sectors to receive institutional and financial aid from the state and at the highest in the poverty incidence every year. With the continuous pressing challenges brought by commercial factors, alongside the elusive support of the current administration, the million-dollar question stands firm: “Where does all the money go? ”
It is high time for the state to change these surface-level programs into a more effective and sustainable approach. These coastal communities play a vital role in a country whose economy is heavily reliant on its rich resources. The strong waves they brave everyday demand courage, and now is the time to match that courage by recognizing the efforts that these vulnerable and marginalized sectors do.
The welfare of our fisherfolk demands urgent attention as systemic issues continue to undermine their well-being. It is essential to establish a baseline of care and provide better assistance for the people who form the backbone of our country's survival as it not only amplifies their voices but also addresses their needs that are crucial in breaking the persistent cycle of neglect they have endured for years.
Sailing Beyond Waves of Disappointment
by Theresa Mae Dulman
Rising tides of misery are made when sound waves echo in the disputed Philippine waters. It is a home to striving marine ecosystems, a supposedly prime fishing ground beneficial in sustaining the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolks. And nothing is the way it should be.
As the fishing industry feeds the country, however, there are two things that the sector needs to sort out after docking the boat in the port, the catch of the day and the issues that are drowning the hopes of the filipinos, such as reclamation projects, conversion, and privatization in coastal communities and fisheries, China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea, and interference in the livelihood of small-scale fishermen due to fishing ban.
Earlier this year, fishers group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakayang Pilipinas filed a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) due series of alleged harassment of the Philippine Army against fisherfolk in Zambales who joined a two-day collective fishing expedition, some were even accused of being a New People’s Army recruiter.
In addition, the increasing geopolitical tension in the West Philippine Sea significantly impacts the country’s fish production. Based on Philippine Statistics Authority data, fish catch in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) continues to drop, with the first half of the year falling by 6.78 percent to 101,039.54 metric tons from 108,392.48 MT. According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), territorial issues and the effects of climate change are the main causes.
This is a classic instance in which we should advocate in securing our territorial waters and the safety of our fishermen sailing not just against the dangers of the sea, but also against their rights being watered down by those who hold more power.
As for the state, instead of addressing the crisis in the fishery sector, it chooses to ignore the grievance of its people, instead they opted to prematurely campaign for the 2025 midterm elections. While the administration brandishes themselves as Bagong Pilipinas, we are still stuck with the same old problems. What we need is a new voice from the sector who will free us from the chains of foreign policy that are making the resources of our west coast inaccessible.
Ultimately, our call must go beyond a slogan. While we drumbeat the call Mangingisda Naman, an immediate step to support our fishermen, it is not the endmost solution as long as the crux of the issue is that we offer the seats to the same old “trapos”. We will remain stuck in a whirlpool, and worse, smallscale fishers will continue to drown in waves of disappointment. Watching the same names come and go, navigating the ship to the same old tactics. It’s a ride we can no longer afford to be on.
As we defend the rights of our fishermen, the collective voice of the youth and the masses must continue to clamor against the pirates of the broken system. In the stormy and dangerous sea, we are in the same boat.
Panawagan ng Kalikasan: Pakinggan, Huwag Talikuran
by Elnie Anjelie Flores
Sa gitna ng patuloy na panawagan para sa responsibilidad sa kapaligiran, tila patak pa rin ng tinta sa karagatan ang mga ideyang ito.
Ang salitang "polusyon" ay paulit-ulit nang umuugong sa tenga ng mga tao. Tila hindi pa rin natitinag ang karamihan sa tindi ng mga sakuna na ating nararanasan, dami ng ari-arian na nawasak, at dami ng buhay na nawala sa inaasta ng karamihan. Lalo na sa usapin ng polusyon sa ating mga karagatan at ilog, kung saan milyon-milyong buhay ang nakasalalay. Ang patuloy na edukasyon at paalala ay nagiging tila mga aral na naririnig ngunit hindi tunay na napakikinggan.
Bilang tugon sa panawagan, nagkukusa ang iba't ibang organisasyon na kumilos hinggil sa usaping pandagat. May mga grupong nagsasagawa ng mga clean-up drive sa iba't ibang panig ng bansa. Gayunpaman, mahalagang tandaan na ang problemang ito ay hindi malulutas sa isang iglap. Higit sa lahat, hindi agad-agad makikita ang resulta ng mga aksiyong ito. Ang mga clean-up drive, bagaman kapuri-puri, ay pansamantalang solusyon lamang sa mas malalim na suliranin.
Marami nang batas ang ipinatupad upang sugpuin ang patuloy na paglala ng problemang ito, lalo na para protektahan ang mga inosenteng hayop na nagiging biktima ng kapabayaan ng tao. May mga patakarang nakatuon sa pagbabawas ng paggamit ng plastik at pagbabawal sa mga mapanganib na kemikal, upang masigurong malinis ang ating mga katubigan. Ngunit, ang mga batas na ito ay walang saysay kung hindi maigting ang pagpapatupad. Sa kawalan ng tamang implementasyon, nawawala ang bisa ng mga patakarang ito, nagiging plano na lamang; isang pangarap na kailanman ay hindi matutupad.
Sa isang pindot, napakaraming impormasyon ang maaaring makuha mula sa internet. Nakalulungkot lamang isipin na marami ang hindi na interesado sa malalim na problema ng ating bansa. Hindi ito dahil sa kawalan ng access, kundi dahil sa kawalan ng inisyatiba. Totoong marami tayong magagawa upang iligtas ang ating karagatan kung gugustuhin lamang.
Masalimuot isiping kilala ang mga Pinoy sa pagiging mapanuri sa iba't ibang larangan, lalo na pagdating sa pageants, isports, at iba pang kinalilibangan subalit tila nawawala ang pagiging kritikal ng mga Pinoy pagdating sa usaping pangkapaligiran. Ang pagdurusa ng bawat pamilya dahil sa mga kalamidad ay tila nagiging pangkaraniwan na, na para bang bahagi na ng normal na buhay ng tao at hayop ang harapin ang mga unos na dulot ng kapabayaan sa kalikasan.
Panahon na upang bigyan ng sapat na atensyon ang mga problemang pangkapaligiran, bago pa mas maraming buhay ang madamay. "Consistency is key," ayon nga sa marami. Sa pagiging consistent, ang pagbabago ay hindi imposibleng makamtan. Wala namang mawawala sa pagtulong sa kalikasan, kundi pawang pakinabang lamang. Mahalaga na ang bawat isa ay maging mapanuri at gumawa ng mga programang makatotohanan at realistiko. Sa pamamagitan ng mga simpleng hakbang tulad ng tamang pagtatapon ng basura, aktibong pakikilahok sa mga clean-up drive, at pagpapalawak ng mga solusyon sa mga isyung pangkapaligiran, maaari tayong makapagdala ng tunay na pagbabago sa ating mga tahanan—mga hakbang na may pangmatagalang positibong epekto sa ating mga komunidad.
Ang pagligtas sa ating karagatan ay hindi nakasalalay sa isang tao lamang, ngunit ito ay tungkulin ng pangkalahatang mamamayanan isang responsibilidad na dapat nating gampanan bago pa malunod ng polusyon ang ating kinabukasan.
Unsealing
by Jalyn Rose Elizan
by Amiel John Orciada Lugayaw
Editor's Note
When a heart skips a beat, we believe it’s love. But when a pulse stops, that's when we realize we’re all tied to the same fragile thread.
As we journey into the ebbs and flows of tides, may we reflect on each passing tale we've encountered. The poems and stories woven together created an assemblage of the realities of life at sea. The artworks and photographs shared here made us see the tales behind the hands that fed millions.
In the launch of the first-ever volume of Pulse, we are reminded of the true essence of storytelling hastening change. The stories and artworks in here are not merely tales they're calls to action, a reminder to keep the delicate balance between the ocean and humanity.
May these pages inspire us to stand by the fishermen who, in some way or another, brought us life through their tireless hands. May these stories remind us to protect our oceans and the life it brings in each passing wave.
Pulse has been a labor of love, with a vision of crafting more advocacies in the future. This time, we explored the tales of truth and mysteries along the shore's forefront. Let this zine be an avenue for the changes we would love to hear from unknown stories, tales, and photographs as we venture into every pulse that is set to beat.
Until the next beat,
TOLENTINESTAR
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION
OF UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL-RECOLETOS INC. tolentinestar@gmail.com SINCE 1947
Editorial Staff 2024-2025
EDITORIAL BOARD
KASHINA ASHLEY GATILOGO Editor-in-Chief
DANICA ROSE QUINDAP Associate Editor
LANCE JOSHUA SATOJITO
Managing Editor
DESK EDITORS
Newspaper Editor RHYZA SION
Literary Folio Editor
ARBEN JEYK DA-ANOY
Magazine Editor JASMINE CYRILE ALAVE
WRITERS
Myron Joseph Yunsal
Theresa Mae Dulman
John Renz Delim
Elnie Anjelie Flores
Jeri Mae Terry
Angelee Valencia
LAYOUT ARTISTS
Athea Grace Talanquines
Dahlia Belle Flores
Jose Neil Orbecido
Kemuel John Villanueva
CARTOONIST
Kelby Bonilla
TECHNICAL EDITORS
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AMIEL JOHN ORCIADA
Graphics Editor
AYESHA MIKYLLAH MAYANG
Online Content Editor
PETER BIEN LUMAYNO
Editorial Assistant PRINCESS ALEXIS MORAÑA
PHOTOJOURNALISTS
Jan Daniel Biñas
Jantzen Lumanog
Karl Josh Collarin
Rhyza Glen Fornolles
Anicar Frias
VIDEOJOURNALIST
Khyle Zedrick Anasta
GRAPHIC ARTISTS
Jalyn Rose Elizan
Vicia Mae Bacurnay
HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT
Kaye Eunice Lamera, RSW
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
Alyssa Marie Arceño
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Engr. Ashraf Khater, ChE, MEnE
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