Lampara - A Literary Folio

Foreword

Darkness. Only the clattering sounds and echoes of the chaotic outside could be heard. Just when all of the glimmer of hope proceeded to leave and make its way away from where it is needed, just when it all began to ebb, suddenly, the illumination of light filled the room. Held by a hopeful pair of hand, brightness shined.

Lampara, the official literary folio crafted by the BSEd 3A students of Biliran Province State University creatively meditates the wholeness of unexpressed feelings, emotions, and experiences which could only be materialized through the beauty of words. It radiates light to the deprived— light that dawned from within the blossoming brilliance of young hearts and minds. A collection of timeless tales, carefully inscribed and thoughtfully prepared, Lampara— all of the prettiest lights combined.

Lampara

A literary Folio

PART I Poetry

LIGHT

Jason Jay Lood

A lamp, a symbol of life’s embrace, Casting a glow upon each weary face. In its flickering flame, hope ignites, Guiding us through the darkest nights.

Through joy and sorrow, it softly gleams, A reminder that life is but a dream. For in the lamp’s gentle, radiant gleam, We find the essence of life’s grand theme.

LAMPARA

By; Rosebelle Abanes

Among balay sa una perting ngit-ngita, Kada Gabie wala’y makita, Sukad niabot ka sa amoa,

Kahayag sa amoa amo nang nakita.

Bisan ikaw gamay ra na butang, Among tibuok balay imo mapahayag, Kami nag pasalamat, Kay niabot ka sulod sa amoa.

Gamay ka man na lampara,

Dako ka na para sa amoa, Ug Wala ka ngitngit gehapon sa amoa,

Maong ampingan kutob sa musiga pa.

AGA

Stephanie Shane Diaz

Alas kuwatro hin aga

Masisirom pa an kalibutan

Nagtitikang na ak pagpabaga

Igsusun-ad na an mais ngan utan.

Kamingaw han palibot

Sugad man han amon panimalay

Karasa han hangin, mahubya ig gi-ot

Asya nala it akon pirme inaabat ha kada adlaw nga malabay.

Paglantaw ko ha kalangitan nagtitikapawa na

Igin haon na tak sinun-ad ngan kinmaon

Di maiha, ako magtatrabaho na

Magmamangno hin ugma para may pag aanihon.

LAMRAG

Manuel Apura

Waray angay ig limod nga makasisilaw

Bisan mangitngit bagan sirak han adlaw

Sirilya nga daraygon diri natutunaw

Bagan pangandoy han igka usa ngahaw.

Danay nahubas ngan napaparong

Pero nabalik kun ginpapa asusong

An lampara nga diri la para ha amon

Kini simbolo han katawhan han paglaom.

Sulo, suga, lamparilya ngan damo pa

An gin yayakan ngan gin ngangaran nira

Han butang nga didto ha libro han bayani ta Kaupod han balahibo ngan tinta.

Damo nan natabo nga maraot ngan nakarag

Pero bagan suga waray ha aton makababag

Masiga, masilaab ngan mahatag hin kahayag

Kay basta may kinabuhi mayda lamrag.

BEHIND THE CALM FAÇADE

Cheska M. Quinones

All alone in a room full of people

Badly want to get out from this trouble

I’m shouting for help, but no one noticed

Maybe, I still need a little practice

Late nights where everybody is sleeping

Depression, anxiety slowly creeping

Used the blankets to wipe away the tears

Unable to let go of all these fears

Flickers of the lamp keep my hopes alive

But the vague lights could not help me survive

I am in desperate need of the sun

All of these monsters I could not outrun

Faking smiles in front of everybody

For I cannot make one genuinely

I’m starting to learn how to care less

Fake happy is what I am now, I guess

Blowing this worthless light is now a choice

Just so I can able to stop these noise

Loneliness has now taken over me

And I can’t seem to fight this misery.

STARLIGHT

Francis Cañas

A mother’s light is something that no words could ever explain, It is the most precious thing more than a gem; and that is purest and certain.

No one can tamper nor take that light away, It is the brightest flare of hope that will glow irresistibly.

A love that is as clear as the water, As soothing as the wind that never falters. Your smile is my vision and strength; Your presence is my drive and support that will go to any length. You’re the only one who will always understand, and who truly cares.

You’re maybe gone from my sight, And now you’re one in a billion stars that shines from up above. And I always whisper every night. I wish I could turn back time.

MIDNIGHT

Christine Cabradilla

As I always sit alone

Beneath the light of the moon

Loneliness can be heard, and felt

The same pain is left

Tears streaming down thy cheeks

Only the stars are thy witnesses

Again, how I wish to be home

In your arms, feels like a foam

My Midnight, how I long for you

But, you’re already one of those stars

Where midnight is our hours

Where moments are few

Our love will remain

Despite the distance we are in

CELESTIAL ECHOES OF LONGING

Irish Genotiva

Beneath sea’s embrace, stars witnessed our night, Home found in your presence, a celestial light, Memories treasured, though distant you roam, Longing persists, my eternal soul’s home.

– a siren’s lament

I LIT A LAMP

Rutchin A. Baribe

I lit a lamp to shed some light

On the darkest time, emboldens me to strive A lamp that spurs me to fight Amidst all the stinging hives.

I lit a lamp to survive

Auspicious in the thick of degrading criticism

Radiating to tell I’m still alive Hoping by leaps and bound, I’ll gleam.

I would still lit a lamp Albeit everyone keeps putting it out Averring endeavors for revamp I will standout.

COMPANION

Ma. Krizzia Mae R. Codera

Designed to emit light throughout the glooms of day, A witness of a life that’s depressing and gay, A source of warmth on a night that’s cold, eery, and gray, Oh come, dear light, provide me the way!

When life’s been tight and I long for an embrace, You freely caress my soul with your soothing flames. In the dark that’s hovered, you have allowed me to see, Yes, you were there, able and willing to set me free.

They say the stars are not for you to hold, But I wonder, how come in this isolated room you effortlessly behold.

No, you are not the light at the corners of these four walls, Because you are the light of a dim path not letting me stumble and fall.

Many may have succumbed to the dullness of the world, But your glowing heat dominated through your radiance of copper and gold.

So warm and inviting like the feeling of a comfortable home, Like a friend who accompanies, a source of strength and hope.

I am a lamp designed to emit light throughout the glooms of day, I’m a witness of a life that’s depressing and gay, Am a source of warmth on a night that’s cold, eery, and gray, Yes, dear friend! I will provide you the way.

PADAYON

Penny Ann De Sevilla

Kami na mga pobre duro na an balhas, Pag inalog na gamay an awas.

Mag aringasa na an mga manok han amun silingan

Na karasa lapwaan kung diri la masasakpan.

Waray pa gani nan hikay ha sulod balay, Nag kagawas na an mga tambay na nag pipinanhimantay

Gin huhulat ka nga masayop sanglit pag hinay-hinay

Padayun kita sa kinabuhi nga waray klaro usahay.

Siring amun ginikanan, padayun bisan nakukurian

Ang importante waray ka gi hihimo na dautan

Kai an tanan na kakurian na gi agihan,

Masasalyuan han kalipay, waray imposible ha atun Amahan.

Sanglit nag papasalamat ako ha akun ginikanan

Pasalamat ha tanang sakripisyo tikang katikangan

Waray iba na ge hahangyo kundi ang kaupayan

Makabalos gihapon kami sa tanan, akun Ginikanan.

SIMBOLO SA KINABUHI

Lovely Torlao Sa gabii nagasilak ang lampara, Sa kagahapon, kanunay siya’y nagaanod. Sa baybayon, nagatanyag og kahayag, Padulong sa kaluwasan, kini nagtuyok.

Kuyawan man sa kadulom sa kinabuhi, Apan ang lampara sa atong agi, Hulagway sa paglaum sa kaugmaon, Dala sa gugma ug kalingawan.

Sa mga mata, kanunay siya’y nagsubay, Sa mga damgo, nagdalit sa kagahapon.

Lamdag sa paglaum, paglingaw ug kahayag, Lampara, sa among kasing-kasing nagpuyo.

Kon gabii moabot ug magtikas na ang kangitngit, Higugmaon ang lampara, sa paglamdag, nangilid.

Padayon siya, bisan unsa pa’ng hamugaway, Kay sa among dughan, ikaw lang ang mag-aliw.

Kini nga lampara, simbulo sa kinabuhi, Gawasnon nga suga, sa among paglakbay. Magpadayon kaming magbukal og kahayag, Sa bisan unsa pa’ng dahunan nga dalan.

ILLUMINATING UNCHARTED PATHS

Jubelee Rose Sulla

In the realm of learning, where knowledge blooms, There walked a student, facing silent gloom. An irregular soul, burdened and behind, But a lamp ignited, a light to bind.

With footsteps soft, her journey commenced, Yet her peers surged forward, their minds intense. She traversed a path not prescribed nor known, But her lamp burned steady, a light she owned.

And as she neared the end of her quest, Her lamp revealed a truth, the very best. That irregularity was not a curse, But a blessing to nurture, a strength to nurse.

So let us celebrate those who stray, The irregular students who pave their own way. For their lamps burn bright, defying the norm, Illuminating paths yet to be transformed.

BEACON OF LIGHT

Lovely Torlao

In the twilight’s hush, where darkness dwells, A beacon emerges, its tale it tells. A guiding light, through shadows it glows, An ethereal presence, a solace it bestows.

In the vast expanse of the midnight sky, A celestial jewel, shining on high. A sentinel of hope, a gentle guide, It whispers secrets the stars confide.

With every flicker, a message it imparts, A compass for wanderers, lost in their hearts. A lighthouse of dreams, a beacon of might, Guiding us forward, through the darkest of night.

Its radiant beams paint a path to pursue, Unveiling the possibilities anew. It illuminates dreams, once obscured by doubt, Kindling our spirits to rise and break out.

When doubts cloud the mind and dreams lose their way, Look up to the heavens, where the beacon holds sway. For in its shimmering glow, strength can be found, A steadfast companion, forever around.

Oh, Beacon of the night, illuminate our way, With your gentle brilliance, never sway. Guide us through storms, with unwavering might, Leading us towards dawn’s resplendent light.

MIDST OF DARKNESS

Jhon Albert Corpin

Been standing alone in the middle of darkness with no hope and someone to lean on Continuously thriving and pursuing every drop of hope. Yet sometimes for me, it isn’t enough.

Felt so weary and hopeless, so long as I could remember I’ve been seeing the same situation for a couple of years.

Feel so happy that as time goes by, I can see glittering lights that became very vivid as I become nearest.

Those glittering lights became my guide, as it connotes the dream that I’ve been pursuing since I can remember it. Though all alone I can’t face it. Kind faces that either help me or not too.

Still, my immense passion has been pushing me to follow my dreams. I cannot waste years and minutes in my life. All I could possibly it to make every minute of my life become by building block of the future.

Amongst all that I’ve been through. God’s biggest plan for me is something that I am looking forward to knowing. It breaks my heart or complete bliss. Still, I commend him for furnishing my life to become great.

As I am totally aware that all of these superficial things cannot survive forever, nothing last forever only our fate that’s indestructible will make it through.

LOLA

Christine Cabradilla

Mahirap mawalan ng ina

Ngunit ito’y iyong pinunan

Hindi mo man labis na maradaman

Ako’y lubos na nagpapasalamat sayo lola

Sa lahat ng oras ikay nariyan

Upang ako’y iyong gabayan

Sa aming buhay na walang patungo

Ikaw ang siyang nagsilbing direksiyon nito

Sa liwanag na dala mo sa aking buhay,

Sa madilim na daan, siyang nagsilbing gabay

Saan man magpunta o makarating

Lahat ng ito’y dahil sa iyong paglalambing

Saan man ako dalhin ng daloy na ito,

Lola sa iyong piling ako’y babalik parin

LAMPARA

Ma. Krizzia Mae R. Codera

Ang lampara dako kaayo’g kapuslanan, Makahatag kini ug lamdag diha sa kangitngitan.

Sa matag higayon kini gikinahanglan, Kay importante kini alang sa tanan.

Gitandi ko ang lampara sa usa ka ginikanan, Nga kanunay naglamdag sa mga kabataan.

Ang siga sa katarong ug maayong pamatasan.

Usa ka bahandi nga dili makalimtan.

Sama sa lampara aduna usab kini pag-awop, Kinabuhi sa matag-usa aduna’y pagtikyop.

Apan ang siga sa kaputli ug kaligdong, Mao’y magdala sa kinabuhing Diosnon.

NAGLAMRAG NA PAGLAOM

Rutching Baribe

Sa kinabuhi kanunay naay kalipay ug kasakit

Apan usahay mapildi ang nauna

Kay kining kinabuhi-a, urog ang ikaduha ang maambit

Walay hunong na mga problema.

Ang mga kasinatian ug pag-antos, maoy makapalig-on

kanato

Sama sa lampara, na imo bobo-an ug petrolyo, mas

musiga

Dili magpatugyan sa mga kasakit

Bisan kanunay ang kinabuhi mangitgnit, sa paglaom may kahayag.

Naglamrag na paglaom ang palabi-a

Himo.a kining mubutho sa atong kasing’kasing

Aron ang kalipay maoy muusbong

Apan ang kasakit mapungis.

PART II Prose

A CHINK OF LIGHT

Zyril Brun

As though, standing in the middle of a densely cloying blackness. No real light is seen; it seems that the light has been snuffed out by the darkness. As it melts away the sanity and can feel it sticking to the skin. Unrelenting sighs outweigh the soul. Making to fear something unfamiliar since it was suffocated by the thick mist of its entirety. Often wonder if there are bizarre threats might be hiding in the light. In celebration of the dread of the light, the gloominess stirs. It provides lies, which have grown to have a firm belief. That the ultimate intent is to tear out hope, and it has successfully done so with most of it. Hence, must flee in terror as the biggest fear is actually the very thing that the soul’s avidity. Though, the lamp can somehow garner a bit of hope. A desire that one day, they might muster the strength to ignite autonomy. To extricate themselves from the prickle and lament that has been clung to their heart for quite a while.

The Eternal Light of Hope

Gwen Marc Basti Cordeta

Amidst the darkness, a towering structure stood tall and grand, exuding a warm and gentle glow that illuminated the surrounding. It served as a beacon of hope, symbolizing an unwavering commitment to light up the hopeless path of life. No matter how daunting the journey may be, it remained steadfast and unyielding, driven by an eternal devotion to its cause.

As the light continued to radiate, it gave birth to a guide that offered solace and comfort to those who felt lost, broken, and empty. It reminded them that life should continue to shine even in the face of adversity, and that no difficult journey was insurmountable. With a steadfast fidelity and graceful demeanor, it became a lifeline that reassured the lost and wandering souls.

Despite the passage of time, the lamp remained as committed and determined as ever to light up the darkest nights. Its surface may have grown crusty and dusty, but its light never faded, continuing to shine as long as it takes. To the lamp, it may have been a simple piece of art, but to those who beheld its brilliance, it became a guiding light and a source of hope. Standing tall and proud, it embodied the human spirit that never gives up, and served as a testament to the immense power of hope and determination in overcoming darkness.

An Paglambo

Jessa Mae Yapan

Onen, siya usa ka yano nga tawo nga adunay taas nga pangandoy. Nagbaton siya sa salabutan nga naghari sulod sa ilang klase, apan biktima usab siya sa kakabus. Sa usa ka suok sa ilang balay, nagtuon alang sa mga pasulit gamit ang gamay nga lampara, nga naghatag kahayag sa gamay nga nagdamgo. Walay hagit sa kinabuhi nga nakababag sa iyang mga pangandoy, tungod kay ang iyang agos nagdagayday paingon sa gitinguhang presente. Hangtud nga ang mga adlaw, mga bulan ug mga tuig sa paningkamot, molabay ang resulta mao ang katagbawan ug kahupayan. Dili malimtan nga ang kanhing gamay nga lampara mao lamang ang nagatubang sa mga hagit sa kinabuhi.

Dancing in Shadows: The Enchanting Lamp

Alice Genoguin

A lamp stands tall in a calm area of the comfortable room, gracefully illuminating the area with its pleasant glow. Its slim body, which is painted a gentle shade of antique gold, emits a timeless allure that soothes the tired spirit.

With a delicate twist of the switch, the lamp awakens, its luminous spirit embracing each corner of the room. The and flickers, casting ethereal shadows that play upon the walls, like mystical figures in a silent ballet.

The lamp can occasionally transform into a beacon of hope, a guiding star that drives away the shadows and fills the space with a soothing embrace during the deepest of night. Its lights serve as a constant reminder that there is hope, patiently awaiting discovery, even in life’s most trying circumstances.

The lamp invites us to explore the limits of our imagination through the dance of its light. It offers a serene environment for dreams to soar. Allowing one’s thoughts to stray among the entrancing tales that literature’s best wordsmith has woven. Stories come to life and the universe of infinite possibilities opens up beneath its gentle light.

The light becomes more than just an object as it serves its intended purpose. It develops into a friend, a silent witness taking in the happiness and sorrow that take place in its bright embrace. It captures beautiful moments of laughter and affection, as well as peaceful seclusion and reflective nights.

However, the lamp’s true beauty rests not just in its power to illuminate, but also in its capacity to foster a quiet and serene atmosphere. It emits a calming radiance that calms the spirit and releases the day’s tension like a balm for a worn-out spirit.

But unlike all stories, the lamp’s radiance gradually dims by dawn’s first rays. After completing its task, it waits obediently for the darkness to re-envelop the globe so that it can illuminate the mysteries of the night.

So let’s not ignore the lamp’s modest presence, which stands for hope and light among the darkness. It rises tall and emits a steady radiance amidst the clamor of life. reminding us that happiness and consolation may be found even in the most trying circumstances.

To Break The Curse

Jonalyn Albasin

In Buntoc, there lives a very wealthy and kind couple, Mr. Armando and Mrs. Maricel. The couple became well-known in the Buntoc region for their giving personality since everyone who was there asked them for assistance, be it personal or financial. A few months later, the couple was blessed with a baby girl. They named her Meryll. However, Meryll’s actions are the exact opposite of her parents, notwithstanding how pleasant their personality is. She destroys all of her toys when she gets tired of playing, so nothing material will last her for very long. As she grew older, she became more and more obsessed with having all of her desires fulfilled and satisfied.

One day, while she was picking berries in the back of their house, an old man with disheveled clothes and scars on her face approached her. “I am thirsty and hungry; can I ask you for some berries?” said the old man. “You surprised me. Go away, you stink!” she added. “Just buy this lamp of mine; have mercy on me. I just want to eat at least some bread because I’m very hungry,” said the old man. “That’s no longer my concern; do you think a well-dressed girl would want something from a poor and ugly beggar?”, “Who would want such an old and useless lamp?” she added. Meryll yelled and stomped on the old man, causing him to fall on the ground. When the elderly man she was speaking to abruptly changed in appearance and grew younger, Meryll was horrified. The elderly man said, “You are not kind to others; you only care about yourself. From now on, you will be locked inside this lamp. If no one accepts and takes care of this lamp within thirty days, you will be imprisoned here for life.” The wand has been swung in the air, and the curse has begun.

The one who picked Meryll first is the drunkard, she was not treated well by him. The second was a little youngster who shares the same temperament as the first and enjoys breaking things. Twenty days have passed, and the lamp has never been kept in a good manner. Meryyl almost loses hope. Not until a mother picked it up. The mother was happy to see the lamp, for it could still be useful in their house. They have no electricity, so seeing the lamp, which can still be useful, is a huge blessing for them. The lamp has received good care for the first time. Meryll was moved by the way the woman and her daughter treated the lamp well despite their predicament. The curse has been lifted, all thanks to the new owners’ kind and good character. Meryll expressed gratitude for their kindness.” I was cursed, but you set me free, and I’ll never forget how you treated me” . “ I owe you a lot” she added.

Meryll only realized one thing: that being good can help create a brighter and more positive world for everyone. This will serve as a light to others because it sets a positive example and inspires others to act in a similar way.

“Always remember to never let your wealth serve as justification for mistreating others. Money doesn’t solve all problems, but kindness does.”

IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS

Bella Mateo Quinte

In In a world shrouded by darkness, hope emerged like a flickering candle, casting its warm glow upon weary hearts. It whispered tales of possibility, reminding souls of their inherent resilience. With each passing day, hope grew stronger, illuminating the path towards brighter tomorrows. It danced through the shadows, painting vibrant hues of optimism across desolate landscapes. Its gentle touch mended broken dreams, igniting a spark of determination within those who had lost their way. Hope became a beacon, guiding lost souls towards the embrace of light. For in its presence, even the darkest corners of existence were transformed into realms of possibility.

Quotes as Life Lessons

Rhea Mae Retanal

Ronald and his family’s modest home was among the several homes in Almagos that burned in an early-May fire. Everything changes when their house vanished. Alters the entirety of his existence, including his life and faith. By doing the things that could distract him and divert his attention away from the things that upset him, he is fighting his silent battle. Ram Dass once said, “The shadow is the greatest teacher for how to come to the light,” and Ronald keeps contemplating this while he completes his task in the middle of the night. The lamp next to Ronald is the only source of light. As he looked into the deeper meaning of the quote, he came to the realisation that the world is so harsh to him that he even questioned God about his existence—why does he even exist? His Mother’s death makes him anxious, and for him, it is stressful, but despite all the things he has been through, he still looks into the beauty of life around him. He learned from the quotation that the beauty and meaning of life can be found even in the depths of darkness, and that numerous doctrines are not quite what they are cracked up to be. Darkness is beautiful; it needs light and provides that light.

We tell ourselves stories in order to live.

- Joan Didion

PHOTO | FRANCINE DEA SARMIENTO

PART III Short Story

The Bittersweet Taste of the Unexpected

Jean Nikka Rose D. Aque

Pink. Two lines. She did not know what to do. All of the colors in her eyes had been entirely focused on those pink lines— already knowing that it would suck the vibrance in her leaving her feeling gray and her thoughts in black and white. Just when her world seemed to turn upside down, just as when she was about to call the accomplice that committed the crime, her mother called her from downstairs.

“Shi! Come here and help me count the store’s sales for the day!”

She had no choice. She composed herself. Wiped the nonexistent tears in her eyes and combed her hair. Later that night when she and her mother had finished the task and her having to end her pretension, her mother said, “This is the last of our money, Shi, and this is alloted for your tuition.”

She never responded. Just nodded. Left the room and decided to cry on her own.

She called him. 6 times. Never answered. She sent him the picture— as proof of the problem she thought they created. A few minutes later she received a reply, “Whoever you are, do not even think of trying to call this number again, he has a family of his own. He does not need another one.”

She felt all of the coldness of the world rushed through her. Her already cracked sensibility, now already shattered into million pieces. It is as if the world knew of her sufferings and decided it was not yet enough.

A decision had been made. She was in a room— a white room which atmosphere reflected death and sadness. Clutched in her hand is the money her mother gave her for her tuition fee.

Take good care of the money Shi, that’s the last of ours. Ace the exams, too. I am proud of you.

She could close her eyes as she imagined the doctor doing all sorts of things to her body to expel the foreign thing inside of her. She thought she could take that. For how dare she create and bring a life when her own life has not even started yet?

But all of that changed when she first heard the heartbeat of the life she created. A rhythm much in tune with her own.

The moment of realization struck her. She prepared herself for the worst and for the best all the same. She went to her classroom— acquainted with the fact that all of her classmates were there, admiring the instructor talking in front. Placed the proof of adultery he committed.

A loud gasp is all she could hear. The handsome features of the man in front of her turned to something sinister for a second and became indifferent the next. She said, “If I were you, I would not try to run.”

She could still remember that 3 am phone call.

Tell everyone about this and you’ll be dead. Who would believe a sl*t compared to a respectable teacher like me?

He could not manipulate her like that. Now she could see a different path, the path which she herself chose. A silver lining. Now, she knew what to do. She would follow the cliche trail of her life. Just like in the movies, she will rise.

LAMPARA

Ava Mae Trapal

Ini nga estorya basi ha tinood na panhitabo

Ako diay si Gabriel taga Leyte. Hadtun high school pa man gusto ko na muskwela ha college. Gihingyap man ni nako bsag gamay pa ko hadtun ni dako na, na makatapos ko sa akong gisudlan na kurso na BSED-ENGLISH, gihingyap man jud ni nako ngan ni mama nga makatapos ko. Si mama gayud tong tawo na unang nitapod sa ako sarili na makaya ra ni nako tanan ug ang among kusog ngano naniniguro mi skwela.

Usa ka adlaw, si Gabriel nakakarawat han email.

Nakasurat sa email na “Congratulations! Welcome to Biliran Province State University. We are looking forward to seeing you soon face to face.”

“Mama! Mama!”, malipayon gibiling ni Gabriel iya mama. Nakapasar ako ma!

“BSED-ENGLISH, Ma! Kay amo la mas masayun-sayun na kurso ma. Ano ito nak?

“Education, Ma, na nagtudlo han English subject!”, baton ni Gabriel.

“Wow, nak! Marisyo itun, basi maaram ka mag English, nak! Basi makabiling ka pud Kano, nak!”

Nahimuot katawa iyang Mama. “Alagad pud ma!” baton ni Gabriel. “Congratulations, nak!”

(Nag hug silang duha ug gikiss nila usat-usa ha pisngi.)

Niabot han bulan na nagstart na han klase, malipayon hi Gabriel umuskwela. Nakakilala niya iyang bag-o na sangkay ha college na hira Essa, Anuel, Ason, Issang ngan hi Rhea. Sila pirme nagkakauban ha klase. Niabot han finals nira.

“Wowww! Congratulations, anak!”, yakan mama ni Gabriel. “Ano man na kurso imo gipili nak?”, yakan han mama.

Dae pahuram ko imo notebook kay magsurat

ko atong leksiyon ni ma’am kay bangin ta ani mabagsak, maguba na aton kabubuwason”, yakan ni Issang kan Ason.

“Ngaman dri ka man nagsusurat uyy tig leksiyon,

ni ma’am. Ano ka ba Issang, yakan ni Ason.”

“Sige na gad, Ason,” baton ni Issang.

Gipahuram ni Ason si Issang.

Duha ka adlaw naglabay, nag exam na hira. Tanan hira nakapasar ha exam.

“Dae, pera imo score?, yakan ni Essa!”

55/60, yakan pud ni Issang.

Ikaw dae?

43 la yakan ni Gabriel.

Nibaton pud hi Anuel ngan Ason na 42 ngan 39.

“Ikaw, pera ka man Essa?, yakan ni Issang.

40 la..Basta imo la gi give imo best, okay na ako ato, yumakan ni Essa.

nag Dean’s Lister. Tanan hira naapil.

Tumawag hi Gabriel iyang Mama!

Ma! Dean’s Lister ko ma, proud na yakan ni Gabriel. Adto Naval, Ma! Ikaw ang masabit tak medal, yakan ni Gabriel.

Yumakan iya mama: Oo gad nak, ikaw pa ba!

Congratulations, nak! Salamat kaayo!

Bumaton hi Gabriel, “Salamat pud Ma! Sige ma, akon na ni patyon tak cellphone kay muadto pa ko balik eskwelahan.”

Niabot ang adlaw han Recognition 2022 sa college. Kapot na kapot ni Gabriel iyang Mama habang naglalakad.Nitawag ang ngaran na: GABRIEL

CAÑAS, BSED-ENGLISH 2, DEAN’S LISTER!

Nipaso hira ha stage, hi Gabriel kumarawat sa medal ug gibutang o gisabit niya ha iyang Mama!

Nikiss si Gabriel iyang Mama.

Hantod nagsecond year, sila la pud ang magkakabarkada.

Nihuman ang program, nag Jollibee hira duha.

Ngan niabot an adlaw na mag award na han mga

Yumakan an mama, “Nak, pili dida!” “Ano imo

gusto?”

“Ma, sundae ngan spicy fried chicken ngan fries, Ma!”, baton ni Gabriel.

“Sige, lingkod la anay didto,” yakan han mama. Niabot ang order. Ngan nikaon sila.

“Marasa talaga Jollibee, Ma!” “Labi na ira chicken!” “Sobra lagi imo palit ma?”

“Kay para sunod Dean Lister kana pud. Ngan sunod Cum Laude, yakan han mama.”

“Oo gad, Ma!” “Basta ikaw!”

Balit nak, bsag dri na Cum Laude, Basta pasar la. Pero ginado pud nak na ma Cum Laude ka!”

Nahuman ang school year. Naa duha ka bulan para mastart na pud ang klase han 2022-2023. Siyahan han klase, malipayon na malipayon hi Gabriel na nakit-an na pud niya iya classmates. Pero nawara iya kalipay na gisaburak hira han mga activities na kailangan nira ipapasa.

Naunsa naman ini uy, dri naman ak maaram unsa akon unang buhaton, yakan ni Gabriel.

“Amo gani, agihiii!, bumaton hi Essa!”

“Yot, kanus a ka man mapasa han Hamlet dae?, yakan ni Rhea.”

“Next year, yakan ni Anuel!” Nangatawa hira tanan.

“Bumaton hi Ason, Next Life!”

Dugang ang irang pagkatawa.

Nahuman an ira schedule han klase. Niuli hi

Gabriel ha Leyte.

“Ma, makadi anay ak akon barkada kay birthday niya!”

“Sino may birthday?, baton iyang Mama!”

“Si Jessica ba ma, classmate ko han high school, bumaton hi Gabriel. Sige makadi anay ak.”

Ikaduha ka adlaw, naa la sulod ha balay hi Gabriel. Sige sugot han sugo han iya mama.

“Nak, kuhaa gud ako tubig, nak! Ug biogesic!”

“Ma, adi na.”

Nak, kuhaa sad akong unlan sa kwarto kay mahigda ko gawas kay mapaso ha sakob.

“Ma, adi na.”

Napakabutuan na pagkatawo hi Gabriel at pirteng

love kaayo niya iya Mama. Tanan na sugo ngan gusto iyang Mama, pirme niya itutuman.

Pagka-AGA!

“Nak, patugtog gad akon peborit na tukar!”

Giayos ni Gabriel ang speaker ug nagpatugtog.

Pagkagawas ni Gabriel.

“Ma, okay la ang volume?” “Ma?”

Ma! Ma mata sa! Buhat gad Ma!

Ma! Sunod-sunod tumuro ang luha ni Gabriel.

“Ma, buhat gad! Ma” MAAAAAAAA!

Yaw pag-ing ana...

Mama ...

PagkaBuwas!

Ma ngano gibiyaan mo man kami. Dba, nagpromise pa ko na makatapos ko eskwela college. Ngano imo man kami bayaan! Unfair ka man kaayo ma!

(Niabot an adlaw sa paglubong.)

“Ma! Mama liwat dri nabaton!”

Ma, rest now. You are free. Watch over us. We never lose you, instead we just gain an Angel from heaven. Ma, I love you!! Mahal na mahal ka namon! Papa God, please take care of my Mama.

Ma magkita-kita ghapon kita. I love you.

Naglabay han duha ka dominggo.

Hi Gabriel naglingkod ha bangko na may lampara, na sige hinugtog.

Ma, paramdam ka naman oh, bsag isang senyales

lang ma, kailangan ko talaga. Dri ako maaram kun mapadayon ako han ako kinabuhi.

(May usa ka butterfly nidaop ha lamesa ni Gabriel.

Duro turo han hilak ni Gabriel.)

Ma, I promise, I will finish college, get my degree and have a stable job.

vI will make your dreams come true, Ma! Bubuligan ko akon kabugtuan Ma na makapagtapos ngan

ipapaayos ko aton balay, Ma. Ako na bahala Ma.

Kumusog han baga han lampara. Kaintindi hi

Gabriel na iyang Mama to na.

Salamat, Ma! Salamat han imo bulig ngan

sakripisyo. Mahal na mahal ka namon. I love you!

Ma, Nakapasar nako sa LET, adi Tak medals ma, nag Cum Laude diay ko, nag top ko sa akon klase. Para ini kanimo Ma. I miss you!

Five years later.

Become the person you were meant to be, light your inner fire and flow your heart’s desire.

- Leon Brown