T H E O F F I C I A L ZI NE O F WI K I PILIP IN AS.ORG
in this issue
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Philippine Mythical Creatures • Aswang • Manananggal • Tikbalang Tiyanak • Kapre • Pugot • Nuno sa Punso • Scariest Places in the Philippines Ang Babae sa Asotea • Usok • Bedtime Story • Kakila-kilabot na Gabi •
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NOTESFROMTEAMWIKIPILIPINAS WikiPilipinas is about Filipinos, for Filipinos, and by Filipinos. The spirit of revolution is action, and it was the action of the millions of Filipinos who went to EDSA in February 1986 demanding to be heard, armed with nothing but prayers, yellow shirts, and the courage to change things together, which ignited the People Power Revolution. The spirit of EDSA lives as long as Filipinos continue to come together, believing in the idea of a world that is common to all, revolutionizing our society even as we keep on building it. WikiPilipinas provides us with a place where our histories and memories can be represented, where we tell our stories and document our society through collaborating with fellow Filipinos all over the world. Memory is the basis of a nation’s survival, and the store of its knowledge is the true measure of its worth. Animated with the spirit of action, empowered by WikiPilipinas, the revolution comes alive.
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from the editors Many enduring tales about untamed spirits, ghouls, monsters and other supernatural creatures have originated from ancient Philippine myths and legends. This November, WikiPilipinas presents the Guide to Philippine Horror issue: a compilation of articles about mythical creatures, haunted places, and untold ghost stories. Face your fears and learn a few tips to battle against the supernatural. Discover the stories behind the mysterious sightings. And let stories of love, life, and death keep you reading until the clock strikes midnight. Also featured in this issue are two of Vibal Foundation’s newest websites: E-Turo and the Philippine Online Chronicles. E-turo (www.eturo.org) is a resource site for Filipino teachers and learners that offers accessible educational materials for free. The Philippine Online Chronicles (www.thepoc.net) is an online publication that presents the latest in politics, government, economy, sports, and entertainment from a variety of perspectives. With this WikiZine, we bring you the pleasure of reading and knowledge sharing, Together, let us read more, write more, learn more, and share more.
There’s no such thing as ghosts. No wandering spirits, no bizarre creatures. The only thing that makes them real is you. Now the question is… CAN YOU STOP BELIEVING?
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philippine mythical
creatures
hilippine folklore is filled with tales about supernatural creatures. Some of these
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have been discovered in books while others arise from personal encounters. Belief in monsters that transform to continuously hunt the living and eat unborn fetuses generally creates havoc among people. Stories of these mysterious beings often leave youngsters sleepless and terrified. There may be no scientific evidence of these creatures; but Filipinos, especially in the rural areas, firmly believe in their existence. Paranormal events that scientific professionals can’t explain are sometimes attributed to these creatures. Whether they exist or not, they still continue to captivate imagination and interest.
aswang 5
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h e asw angis considered the most feared supernatural creature in Philippine mythology. According to popular belief, aswang are shapeshifters who appear as ordinary human beings during the day. At times, they take the guise of animals like cats, dogs, and pigs. As night falls, they turn into blood sucking monsters who prey on sick people, pregnant women, and little children.
Myths, legends, and superstitions
Myths pertaining to the existence of aswang are common both in rural and urban areas in the Philippines— except in the Ilocos region where no such myth exists. Aswang are believed to have originated from the Western Visayas, particularly in the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, and Antique. Superstitious Filipinos often attribute cases of miscarriage, sudden illness, unexplained death and other maladies to aswang. Stories of aswang are also commonly used by parents to keep their children home at night. Likewise, such stories are a common tabloid sensation.
Appearance and activities
Th ere is a wide variety of stories and beliefs from different regions that detail the characteristics of aswang. In Philippine folklore, “aswang� has become a generic term referring to various types of ghastly creatures like manananggal, mangkukulam, tiyanak, and werewolves. Popular stories describe aswang as regular townsfolk employed as common butchers during the daytime. Th ey live in secluded areas of barrios, usually isolating themselves from the public, appearing as quiet and shy individuals. As dusk falls, they transform into monstrous creatures and feed on unborn fetuses and children, especially their hearts and livers. Th ey have bloodshot eyes as a result of staying up late at night searching for victims.
especially in rural areas. Aswang are usually blamed for lost children, unexplained deaths and other unfortunate incidents. Local and foreign films have portrayed aswang in villainous roles, such as Aswang: A Journey into Myth, a documentary film about the aswang starring Janice Santos Valdez; Aswang (1994), a German horror movie; Aswang (1992), a film by director Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes; and Shake, Rattle and Roll 2 (1990), the third episode of which is entitled Aswang and stars Manilyn Reynes. Aside from serving as topics of movies, stories revolving around aswang also land in several publications, including books and newspapers.
In popular culture
At present, the Filipino belief in aswang persists. Many still testify to their existence, For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Aswang
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manananggal 6
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h em anananggal is a ghoul in Philippine mythology that resembles a woman with the ability to detach the two halves of its body at the waist, with the upper half then sprouting bat-like wings enabling it to fly in search of prey. It feeds on human blood and viscera, which leads to it being compared to the Western vampire.
Appearance
By day, the manananggal seems to be a normal, attractive woman. At night, especially midnight or during a full moon, it applies a special oil on its body while chanting a prayer. Fangs, claws, and wings sprout, and the upper half of its body (head, arms and torso) separates from the lower half (hips and legs), with its guts hanging out. It has long, matted hair and big, wild eyes.
Origin
Stories about manananggal (meaning “one who can remove”) originate in the island provinces of the Visayas like Capiz, Iloilo, and Antique. Th ere are also similar stories about these creatures in the neighboring countries of Indonesia and Malaysia.
its lower half in a safe place to keep it from being discovered while the upper half is at large. Many believe that sprinkling salt, ashes or crushed garlic on top of the lower half of its body would cause it to burn. Th us unable to rejoin with its lower body, the manananggal must remain out until it is eventually killed by the rays of the rising sun. Garlic cloves and onions hung around doors and windows are said to keep mananaggal at bay. Ashes and ginger are also said to repel them.
Activities
Like the aswang,, the manananggal isolates itself from the townsfolk, residing on mountainsides or in deep woods. During the day, it lives among people, searching out prospective prey. Its usual targets are pregnant women and children. At night, it flies to the roof of its victim’s house and looks for holes where it can insert its long, thin, proboscislike tongue. With this tongue, it is able to suck the blood of sleeping people, and even pierce a pregnant woman’s belly to feed on the fetus inside. Th e victim usually dies as a result. In some stories, a manananggal trails and kills its victim, devouring the heart and inner organs.
Countermeasures and antidotes
When the manananggal’s upper body is detached, the lower body is vulnerable. Because of this, the mananaggal tries to hide For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Manananggal
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tikbalang 7
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h e tik balang is a half-man, half-horse creature in Philippine mythology. It is known as the local counterpart of the centaur in Greek mythology. It is commonly described as a tall, bony, humanoid creature with disproportionately long limbs, such that its knees tower over its head when it squats.
Habitat and behavior
Like the kapre, tikbalang are also known to inhabit mountains and forests (particularly big trees like the balete) or swamps. Th ey usually take human form. Th ey scare travelers and lead them astray. When targeting someone, the tikbalang mimics the appearance, voice and mannerisms of someone close to the person, such as a friend or relative. Th us, the victim is tricked into following the disguised creature to an unfamiliar place or going around in circles until he ends up getting lost, possibly never to be seen again.
Countermeasures and superstitions
One can supposedly counter the tricks of the tikbalang by wearing one’s shirt inside out. Another countermeasure is to verbally ask permission to pass by or to simply refrain from making too much noise while in the woods so as not to offend or disturb the tikbalang. According to folk beliefs, a tikbalang has sharp spines on its mane. Th e three thickest of these spines have special powers that can be used as anting-anting (talisman) to keep the tikbalang as a servant. To acquire these, a person must first learn how to tame the creature by tying a specially-made cord around its neck while riding on its back until the tikbalang is finally defeated. A common Filipino expression says that when there is a sudden downpour on a sunny day, a tikbalang is getting married. Tikbalang take baths only during the full moon. Moreover, some people say tikbalang were once beautiful women who have grown old. For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Tikbalang
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tiyanak 8
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h e tiyanak (also known as patianak) is a creature in Philippine mythology that resembles a human infant. It is said that a miscarried or aborted fetus, or a baby who dies without being baptized, becomes a tiyanak. Evil spirits use the infant’s body to attack victims, eating their inner organs and drinking their blood.
Appearance and behavior
During the day a tiyanak might appear to be an ordinary baby. By night, however, it grows sharp teeth, long fingernails, and black and hairy skin. It lures its victims by imitating the cries of an abandoned baby. Anyone who makes the mistake of approaching or picking up the “baby” is attacked. Aside from slashing victims, the tiyanak also delights in leading travelers astray or in kidnapping children. In some instances, it is said that once given the chance to suck milk from the breast of a mother, the tiyanak will drain all her blood.
* Tianak (1953) - Th e first movie tackling the tiyanak theme. Filmed in black and white, it starred Nena Cardenas, Rosa del Rosario, Ramon D’Salva and Pedro Faustino. * Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko - ABSCBN fantaserye series which in its 10th episode featured the tiyanak. Starring Matt Evans, Juliana Palermo and Denise Joaquin in guest roles.
Types
* Th emantianak is described as a baby with a long beard. Pregnant women who hear its cries end up having a miscarriage. * Th emuntianak is a baby who died in the womb. It lives in the forest and terrorizes people.
Popular culture
Tiyanak have appeared in various movies and television shows. * Tiyanak (2007) - Directed by Mark Reyes starring Rica Peralejo, Mark Herras, and Jennylyn Mercado. In this version, tiyanak are featured in three forms—those that thrive on land, water and air. * Tiyanak (1988) - Popularly called “Ang Anak ni Janice”, Janice de Belen being the lead character who portrays the mother of the monster baby. Also starring Lotlot de Leon, Ramon Christopher, Mary Walter, Carmina Villaroel, and Smokey Manaloto. Directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes. For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Tiyanak
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kapre 9
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h e kapre is a Philippine mythical creature with the appearance of an unnaturally tall, long-legged, black and hairy man, that sits in big trees and smokes. It is often seen waiting for people as they walk down a path, to scare and cast spells on them. It enjoys drinking, smoking, and gambling. It has also been described as being similar to the North American “bigfoot,” but with more human characteristics.
Etymology
Th e term kapre was derived from the Spanish word kapfre, a term the Spaniards used to refer to Moors, and from the Arabic kaffir, a non-believer of Islam. Early Arabs used it to refer to the non-Muslim Dravidians, and the term was later brought to the Philippines by the Spanish conquistadors who had previous contact with the Moors.
* Th e kapre indulges in human vices such as drinking, gambling and smoking. * Kapre are said to be harmless if not provoked, and can be kind creatures if not offended or taken for granted. * One must ask permission (“tabi-tabi po”) when passing by big trees, so as not to offend the kapre.
Habitat
Kapre are said to live in large trees or in abandoned houses or ruins. It is believed that they appear only at night. Th ey are commonly seen sitting atop a tree, usually an acacia, bamboo, narra, banyan (known locally as balete) or mango tree, while smoking a trunk-sized cigar that never burns out. Sometimes they can be seen sitting unmindfully under those trees as well. Most consider them as just a figment of the imagination, but a growing number of people especially in the countryside have reported sightings of these mythological beasts.
Appearance
A kapre is usually described as a tall (seven to nine feet), brown or sometimes black and hairy man with a beard, wearing a bahag with a band that goes around the waist. Th ey have big eyes, sharp teeth, long fingernails and huge trunk-like legs. Th ey smoke big tobacco pipes, whose strong smell attracts human attention.
Superstitions
* A glowing ember means the presence of a kapre in a mischievous mood. For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Kapre
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pugot 10
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h e pugot or “decapitated one” is a black, gigantic, headless creature popular in the myths of the Ilocos region. It dwells in dark places, abandoned houses and trees. In particular, pugot prefer to inhabit the duhat (Eugenia cumini), santol (Sandoricum koetjape), and tamarind trees.
Abilities
Pugot are shapeshifters. According to popular belief, pugot have the ability to transform into various shapes such as dogs, hogs, and humans in an instant. Th ey also have the ability to become invisible from victims and to move at great speeds. In some cases, pugot may cause insanity to the person who sees them. Pugot are relatively harmless compared to other Philippine mythical creatures. Th ey usually feed on snakes and insects by thrust-
ing such through the hollow base of their neck. Th ey are also said to have a particular fetish for women’s lingerie.
Popular culture
In the Ifugao myth Tulud Nimputul: Th e Self-Beheaded , the human hero encounters a pugot. He feeds the creature with chicken meat mixed with blood. Th is crea ture was also featured in an episode of ABSCBN’s fantaserye series Si Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao.
For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Pugot
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nuno sa punso h e nuno sa punso, also known as duwende, is a dwarf-like creature in Philippine mythology.
Characteristics
Th e worst punishment a nuno can enact is Th e actual size of the nuno is disputed. possession. Th is would cause the victim to Some claim that it is invisible to the human act as though insane and possibly hurt himeye, while others claim it is about the size of self or others. a small insect. Its appearance is that of an old man. Th e word “nuno” is also how old relatives or great-grandparents are referred to in certain dialects.
Habitat
Th e nuno lives in an anthill called a punso. It will harm those who disturb or damage its punso. If someone were to trample or kick the nuno’s home, the offender’s foot would swell. Nuno sa punso are also found in other places, such as under large rocks or trees, along riverbanks, inside caves, or even in people’s backyards.
Abilities
Nuno have the ability to curse trespassers. It is said that people who purposely trample around in tall grassy areas or urinate on suspected nuno anthills in order to display dominance over the nuno are likely to become victims of curses. A curse may induce the following symptoms: * Swelling or pain in any part of the body * Vomiting blood * Urinating black liquid * Excessive hair growth on the back If the trespasser is within range, the nuno can spit at him. Th e effects of the curse are localized to where the spit lands on the person’s body. For example, if the nuno decides to spit at the trespasser’s stomach, he will have stomach problems; if it spits on the elbow, he will have elbow joint pains, or possibly have his arm fall off. For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Nuno_sa_Punso
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cariest Places Scariest Places in the Philippines in the Philippines T
Residents in the area claim to have heard screaming and howling even during the daytime. Former hotel employees even say that there are headless ghosts walking the halls carrying their heads on platters. At Teacher’s Camp, a popular venue for company meetings and school seminars, visitors claim to have heard mysterious voices and seen weird shadows. Legend has it that the camp, constructed as a tent-city for teachers during the American Occupation, was built on an old battleground for Baguio’s indigenous citizens. It seems that some of the warriors who lost their lives have never left. And lastly, in the Philippine Military Baguio City – Diplomat Hotel, Teacher’s Camp, Philippine Military Aca- Academy, phantom platoons are said to be heard marching on the grounds. Th e ghost demy Th e City of Pines is not just about cold of a uniformed man appears too. weather and strawberries; it seems to be the place for a whole lot of paranormal activity Balete Drive too. Some of the best known haunted sites Balete Drive, a street in New Manila, Queare found here. Th ere is the Diplomat Hotel, zon City, gained fame during the ‘80s beh ere are certain places in the world whose mere mention invokes fear and shuddering. Th ey are what everyone calls “haunted”—locations that are said to be frequented by ghosts, ghouls, and other supernatural creatures. We can never attest to the authenticity of the stories surrounding these places, as the claims are just word-of-mouth and subjective. Nevertheless, these tales can at least inform one where to not get lost next time. Following are some places considered as among the spookiest spots in the Philippines.
cause of a certain lady dressed in white who was reported to hail cabs, ride for a while, then mysteriously disappear. Legend has
an abandoned structure in Dominican Hill that allegedly saw the beheading of nuns and priests during the Second World War.
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it that this woman was a rape victim unceremoniously dumped on the street. It didn’t help that Balete Drive was poorly lit and lined with numerous balete trees, which in myth are homes to supernatural creatures. Th ey say that the whole story was just a fabrication, but people avoid driving there anyway. Manila Film Center Th e Manila Film Center was erected dur ing the Marcos regime as a venue for a film festival to be attended by international movie stars. During construction, an accident happened—the upper floor collapsed, sending the workers down into the freshly laid concrete below, burying them alive. It was a tragedy; but with the deadline for the venue’s construction looming, Imelda Marcos allegedly instructed that the buried victims be left unearthed, and just covered with another layer of concrete. Th us begins the urban legend of the Manila Film Center, whose walls are said to “talk.” Because there are really people inside them.
it is also situated at the foot of the mysterious Mount Makiling, a spooky, supernatural combination. Th ere are sightings of Philip pine mythical creatures like the kapre. Th ere are bridges that seem to take forever to cross at night. And there is the infamous Baker Hall, another former Japanese war camp where ghosts of garroted prisoners are said to appear all the time.
UP Los Baños Probably all campuses and universities, especially those that have seen and survived the Second World War, are claimed to be
Clark Air Base – Clark Air Base Hospital, Home Plate Canteen, Clark Museum Clark Air Base, being an American settlement, experienced some major bombing from the Japanese during the Second World War. One such case reportedly happened during Christmas of 1941—an air raid that caused the death of merrymakers inside the Home Plate canteen, who were then celebrating Christmas. Th e souls apparently have not lost their party spirit, as early morning joggers have reported hearing party music and excited talk inside even when the building is obviously empty. Other paranormal activities are reported in the camp. In the abandoned Clark Air Base Hospital, for instance, apparitions and mysterious voices are common occurrences. Violent spirits have rendered the area off limits to everyone. And in Clark Museum,
haunted. However, the Los Baños campus of the University of the Philippines seems to outdo all, for not only had it seen the war,
the ghost of a serviceman who committed suicide still haunts the place where he hanged himself.
For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Haunted_Places_in_the_Philippines
Ang babae sa asotea May mga pangyayaring hindi ganap na mabigyang paliwanag ngunit nangyayari para sa isang dahilan. May mga krimeng nabibigyan lamang ng hustisya matapos maganap ang isang kababalaghan.
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akita ni Vina ang sarili sa gitna ng isang pusikit na karimlan. Dinala siya ng mga paa hanggang sa asotea. Pumunit ang malakas na tili ni Vina sa nakita-isang babae ang umiiyak na nakasalampak sa tabi ng isang lumang baul. Naaagnas na ang katawan ng babae. Suot ay lumanglumang damit pangkasal. Pagmulat ng mga mata ni Vina ay nakahiga na siya sa sariling silid. Sinalubong niya ang mga mata ni Joel. “Aano ang nangyari? Paano ako napunta rito?”magkakasunod ang kanyang mga tanong. “Nanaginip ka na naman kagabi. Inabutan kitang walang malay tao sa asotea,” kaswal na sagot ng lalaki habang nag-iinat ng katawan. “Kailangan ka na talagang magpatingin sa doktor.” “ Wala akong sakit, Joel. Totoo ang mga sinasabi ko. Ilang ulit ko nang napapanaginipan ang babaing iyon-kalansay na halos. Nakakatakot ang itsura. Umiiyak. Gabi-gabi niya akong dinadalaw sa panaginip ko.” Napa-
Tingnan ang artikulo sa http://fil.wikipilipinas.org/index. php?title=Ang_Babae_sa_Asotea
hagulgol na siya nang tuluyan. Parang walang anumang tumayo si Joel sa kinauupuan. “Magpahinga ka na. Mamayang hapon ang schedule natin kay Dr. Licos.” Matagal na ang kakatwang pangyayaring iyon. Una niyang nakita ang babae sa asotea isang gabing umuulan. Nang nilapitan niya ito ay parang bulang naglaho. Naging palaisipan kay Vina kung ano ang mensahe ng naturang babae sa kanya. At lagi na, sa tuwing babanggitin niya ang bagay na iyon sa asawa ay binabalewala ito ng lalaki. Biyudo si Joel nang mapangasawa niya. Ayon sa impormasyong nakarating sa kanya, nagpakamatay daw ang una nitong asawa. Pero iba ang sabi ng kanyang matalik na kaibigan. “Hindi ako naniniwalang nagpakamatay si Divina. Kaya kung ako ikaw, gumawa ka ng sarili mong imbestigasyon.”
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Pinag-isipan niya ang huling sinabi ng kaibigan. Iyon ang unang gabing hindi siya nanaginip. Iyon din ang unang pagkakataong lakas-loob niyang pinuntahan ang silid na mahigpit ipinagbabawal ni Joel na pasukin niya. Hindi nagkamali si Vina. Sa loob ng silid na nababalutan ng isang libo at isang hiwaga ay may kababalaghang bumulaga sa kanya: isang lumang baul. May nginig sa bawat hakbang ni Vina nang lapitan niya ang baul at unti-unting buksan iyon. Maliwanag ang mga ebidensiyang tumambad sa kanyang harapan-mga clippings ng isang nakatagong lihim. Lahat ng mga lumabas na balita tungkol sa mahiwagang kamatayan ng unang asawa ni Joel. Ang lumalabas na impormasyon ay ang mala-bangungot na katotohanang may nagtulak kay Divina kaya nahulog ito mula sa asotea. “Matigas ang ulo mo, Vina,” binulabog siya ng galit na tinig ni Joel. “Hindi mo dapat pinakikialaman ang gamit ko!” “Dahil natatakot kang malaman ko ang totoo? Limang milyon ang insurance ni Divina. Kaya pinatay mo siya, hindi ba?” Halo ang takot at poot sa tinig ni Vina. Ngumisi si Joel. “Mali. Pinatay ko siya dahil maingay ang bibig niya. Ayoko ng babaing maingay. Kaya ikaw ang isusunod kong patatahimikin!” Bago pa nakatakbo
si Vina ay nakita niya ang pagbabago ng anyo ni Joel. Tila nahintakutan ito. Paatras. Nang lingunin niya ang direksyong tinitingnan nito ay nakita niya ang babae sa kanyang panaginip. Naaagnas na bangkay. May talim sa mga mata. Palapit kay Joel! Tumakbo si Joel hanggang sa umabot sa asotea. “Pinatay na kita! Patay ka na!” sigaw nito. Ngunit nagpatuloy sa paglapit kay Joel ang babae hanggang sa nasukol na nito si Joel. Napapikit si Vina nang makitang tumalon mula sa asotea ang kanyang asawa. Pagkuwan, parang walang anumang nangyari, naupo ang babae sa naroong silya. Tila kuntentong-kuntento. Umihip ang mahalumigmig na hangin at banayad na tinangay ang ilang hibla ng buhok ng babae sa asotea… Wakas
Usok Ang tunay na pagmamahal daw ay tumatawid hanggang sa dako pa roon. Maging kamatayan man ay sinasabing hindi magiging hadlang upang magpatuloy ang isang pag-ibig.
Waring tumalon ang kanyang puso! Hindi kayang tanggapin ng kanyang utak na pumunta pa ng New York ang kanyang tatay para lamang siya igawa ng kapeng barako! Noon niya natanaw sa ibabaw ng kanyang dining table ang umuusok pang thermos ng tila ba bago pa lamang kalulutong kape. Nagpalinga-linga si Connie! “Tatay…?” Tumunog ang doorbell. Nang pagbuksan niya iyon ay ang masayahing mukha ng kanyang landlady ang bumungad sa kanya. “Happy birthday, Connie! Naku, ang bango naman ng amoy ng kape! Nagkita ba kayo ng bisita mo?” pagbati nito. “Bisita po?” namamangha niyang baliktanong. Nakangiting sumagot ang kanyang kausap. “Oo, isang matandang lalaki. Naku, siya siguro ang gumawa ng kape, ano? Baka nga tatay mo, kamukha mo, e. Nakita ko siyang pumasok sa kusina. Nananabako pala siya, ano?” Siyangapala, dinalhan kita ng donuts. Bagay ‘yan sa kape mo.” Pag-alis ng kanyang landlady ay mabilis niyang tinawagan ang kanyang kapatid sa Pilipinas. Iba ang uri ng kaba na bumundol sa kanyang dibdib. “Kuya, nandito ang Tatay! Iginawa niya ako ng masarap na kape. Pero wala siya dito sa bahay. Ano ba ang sabi niya? May pupuntahan ba siyang kakilala dito?” sunod-sunod na tanong ng di- magkandatutong si Connie. Garalgal ang tinig na sumagot sa kabilang linya. “Connie… h’wag ka sanang mabibigla. Si Tatay… wala na si Tatay. Inatake siya kanina. Pero kagabi pa niya pinasabing tawagan ka namin at batiin ng happy birthday….”
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ung may isang bagay man na walang katapusang pinagtatalunan ng mag-amang Connie at mang Jose, ito ay ang hindi pagkaawat ng huli sa pagkahumaling sa tabako. Minsan pa nga ay nasabi ng kanyang ama na kung mamamatay man siya at mabubuhay na muli, hindi pa rin niya ipagpapalit sa kahit anong uri ng yaman ang pag-ibig nito sa kanyang tabako. Isang taon na si Connie sa New York. Dito siya pinalad na magkatrabaho matapos makapasa sa board at makakuha ng lisensiya sa pagiging nurse. Ito rin ang unang taon niya na magseselebra ng kanyang ika-28 kaarawan na malayo sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay. “Happy birthday, Connie!” bungad-pambati ng kanyang malapit na kaibigan at Pilipina ring si Shasta. “Saan ang celebration?” kasunod na tanong nito matapos humalik sa pisngi ni Connie. Matamlay niyang sinagot ang tanong na iyon. “Salamat, ha? Sa bahay lang ako. Wala naman akong hilig na gumimik. Magsisimba muna ako bago umuwi.” Hindi talaga siya masaya. Kahit na anong pilit niyang sumaya ay lubhang naging maramot ang ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. Nami-miss niya kasi ang kanyang mga kapatid lalo na ang kanyang biyudong ama. Malapit siya sa kanyang tatay Jose. Higit niyang nami-miss ang sarap nitong magluto lalo na ng paborito niyang nilasing na hipon. At ang kapeng barako na mismong tatay niya ang gumagawa. Pag may problema sila, kapeng barako ang pinagsasaluhan nilang mag-ama. Ngayon, higit kaysa dati ay ramdam niya ang pangungulila sa mga yakap at pagbibiro ng kanyang tatay. Gabi na siya nakauwi sa tinutuluyang boarding house. Tulad ng dati, hungkag at malamig ang kabuuan ng kanyang flat. Solo siyang naninirahan dito matapos na umuwi ng Pilipinas ang flatmate niyang si Donna. Ngunit kakaiba ng gabing iyon, sinalubong si Connie ng dalawang pamilyar na amoy: amoy ng kapeng barako na nakikipaligsahan sa amoy ng paboritong tabako ng kanyang tatay Jose.
Wakas
Tingnan ang artikulo sa http://fil.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Kape%2C_Tabako_at_si_Tatay
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Bedtime Story May kasabihan na habang nabubuhay pa ang isang minamahal ay dapat na samantalahin na ang pagkakataong sabihin ang mga salitang “ I love you.” Tunay na maikli lamang ang oras natin sa mundo kaya nararapat na gugulin ang kapirasong panahon sa paglalaan ng pagmamahal at pagbibigay ng atensyon sa mga taong nangangailangan sa atin.
ni Cinderella?” Nang umagang iyon ay kinausap ni Josephine ang asawa. “Magbakasyon kaya tayo, Dan? Wala na tayong panahon sa sarili nating pamilya. Lalo na kay Camille.” Sinulyapan ni Dan ang asawa. Abalang-abala ang isip niya sa ihahandang presentation para sa umagang iyon. Nasa biyahe sila patungo sa kani-kanilang opisina. “Sige. Itapat natin sa summer vacation ni Camille sa school. Nagi-guilty na nga ako sa anak natin. Pareho tayong laging subsob sa trabaho.” Sa narinig ay natuwa si Josephine. Mas naging excited siya para sa anak kapag nalaman nitong magbabakasyon silang tatlo. “Mamaya, pag-uwi natin ay susurpresahin ko si Camille,” may ngiti sa mga labing tugon ni Josephine sa kausap. Alas dos ng hapon nang tumunog ang cellphone ni Josephine. May garalgal sa tinig ng nasa kabilang linya. “Ma’m, n-nandito po ako sa ospital. Si Camille po kasi…” Hindi na halos narinig pa ni Josephine ang ibang sinabi ni yaya Tes. Nawalan siya ng malay tao. Nang muli niyang idilat ang mga mata ay nakita niya si Dan na halos ay mugto na ang mga mata. Ilang ulit siyang tila sinaksak ng balaraw sa dibdib nang malaman ang katotohanang patay na si Camille. Lasing ang drayber ng truck na bumangga sa school bus ng bata nang pauwi na ito. Gabi. Magkatabing nakaupo sa gilid ng kama sina Dan at Josephine. Sabay napaangat ang kanilang paningin nang bumukas ang pinto ng kanilang silid kasunod ang pagihip ng malamig na simoy ng hangin. Kinagat ni Josephine ang kanyang mga labi upang hindi mapahagulgol. Dama nila kapwa ang maliliit na hakbang at ang tunog ng tsinelas. Papalapit sa kanila. Huminto sa mismo nilang harapan. Nalaglag sa paanan ni Josephine ang teddy bear ni Camille, marumi at putikan. Gumapang ang kilabot. Tandang-tanda nilang yakap ni Camille ang paborito nitong teddy bear sa loob ng kabaong nito. Nagmamadaling kinuha ni Dan ang storybook ni Cinderella sa katabing mesa. Agad na binuklat. Madamot ang tinig na naglagos sa kanyang lalamunan.
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sang inhinyero si Dan at mataas ang katungkulan sa kumpanyang pinapasukan. Ang kanyang asawa, si Josephine, ay isang pediatrician at gaya ni Dan ay alipin din ng kanyang propesyon. Anim na taong gulang ang kanilang anak na si Camille na halos ay lumaki na sa pag-aaruga ng kanyang yaya Tes. Palagi na, sabik ang batang si Camille sa atensyon ng kanyang mga magulang. Tuwing gabi ay pumapasok ito sa silid ng mag-asawa upang maglambing. Kilik nito sa dibdib ang paboritong teddy bear. “Story time, Mommy. Bangon ka na,” pangungulit nito sa ina. Pinilit idilat ni Josephine ang namimigat na talukap ng mga mata. “Pagod pa si Mommy, eh. Gusto ko pang magpahinga. Si Daddy mo na lang, ha?” Sumibi ang bata. Sanay na siya sa ganoon. Sa tuwing maglalambing siya sa kanyang Mommy ay ipapasa siya nito sa kanyang Daddy. “ Daddy, basahan mo na po ako ng storybook kasi pagod pa si Mommy.” Ibinaba ni Dan ang hawak na lapis at ginusot ang buhok ng anak. “ Go to yaya Tes, Baby. May tinatapos pa si Daddy.” Nagpalipat-lipat ng tingin si Camille sa mga magulang. Sa murang isip ay hindi niya maunawaan kung bakit salat siya sa atensyon ng kanyang mommy at daddy. Muli ay nalungkot siya. Lagi na lang si yaya Tes ang nagbabasa sa kanya ng storybook. Mabuti pa si yaya Tes, hindi nauubusan ng panahon sa kanya. “Yaya…” basag ang tinig na yumapos ang mumunting mga kamay ni Camille sa baywang ng tanging taong kakampi niya. Inihinto ni Tes ang paghuhugas ng mga plato. Dumukwang upang hagkan ang alaga. “… yes, baby ko?” Iniabot ng bata ang hawak na storybook. Naunawaan ng kanyang yaya ang pangungulila ng bata. “ Halika, dun tayo sa room mo. Ano ba ang gusto mong basahin ko sa iyo? Yung tungkol sa nawawalang sandalyas
Wakas
Tingnan ang artikulo sa http://fil.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Bedtime_Story
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Kakilakilabot na gabi Totoo bang nagbabalik ang kaluluwa ng isang yumao na? Sino nga ba ang makapagsasabi kung ano ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit may mga kaluluwang dala-dala hanggang sa kanilang hukay ang paghahangad na manatiling nakikipag-ugnayan sa kanilang mga mahal na naiwan sa daigdig ng mga mortal? Ang kasagutan ay naganap sa loob lamang ng isang gabi… isang kakilakilabot na gabi.
ako mangangamoy-bawang habang nagluluto,” bulong niya sa sarili habang ang isang kamay ay akmang magbubukas sa refrigerator. Nang maya-maya ay may naulinigan siyang maliliit na hakbang na tila tumatakbo palapit sa kanya. “ Kathy?” inakala niyang kay Kathy, ang anim na taong gulang niyang anak, nagmumula ang mumunting tunog ng tsinelas. Ngunit pag-angat niya ng paningin ay natuklasan niyang nag-iisa siya. Mula sa bintana ay natanaw niya ang mga nakasarang bintana ng kalapit-bahay na wala pang nakatira. Umiling-iling si Diana sa kanyang maling akala. Nasulyapan niya ang orasan sa dingding kaya minadali niya ang ginagawa. Inihanda ang mga rekado ng iluluto. Nagpabaga ng uling. Naghain ng tatlong plato sa mesa. Naging abalang-abala na siya at mayamaya lamang ay hinihiwa na nang maliliit ang nalutong liempo matapos gumawa ng suka, toyo at kalamansing sawsawan. Muli, kumunot ang noo ni Diana nang may mapuna. Nang sulyapan niya ang mesa ay apat ang nakahaing plato gayung tatlo lamang ang inihanda niya kanina! Sinarili ni Diana ang mga tanong hanggang sa sumapit ang gabi. Aywan kung bakit kakaiba ang kanyang nararamdaman. Bumangon siya upang puntahan ang silid ni Kathy. Narinig niyang may kausap ito. Untiunti… dahan-dahan, itinulak niya ang pinto. “Kathy...?” may garalgal sa kanyang tinig nang makita si Kathy na nakaupo sa kama, may dalawang manikin na nasa kandungan nito. Niyakap niya ang anak. “Kathy, bakit hindi ka pa natutulog? Gabi na, a! Bukas ka na maglaro, ha?” May kislap ang mga matang sumagot ang bata. “Ka-
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ng malaki at mayabong na puno ng mangga sa harapan ng kulay puting bungalow ang unang umagaw ng pansin ni Diana. Kalilipat lamang nila sa kanilang bagong bahay. Mula sa kinatatayuan ay sumilay ang isang maaliwalas na ngiti. Sinundan ng kanyang mga mata ang maluwang na bakuran na natatamnan ng iba’t ibang halamang namumulaklak. Hinaplos ang kanyang puso ng isang di-matingkalang pananabik. “Ano ang ulam natin mamayang tanghalian?” ang tinig ng asawa ang gumambala sa kanyang pag-iisip. “At para sa dessert, gusto ko ng minatamis na saging na saba na nagsu-swimming sa gatas at yelo, ha?” Nakangiting sumagot si Diana. “Maggagata po ako ng alimasag saka mag-iihaw ng liempo. Huwag mo akong sisihin pag hindi ka na makagulapay sa busog, pagkakain mo.” Binigyan niya ng isang matamis na halik sa pisngi si Bart bago humakbang ang mga paa upang pumasok na sa loob ng bahay. Malamig ang hanging sumalubong kay Diana sa kusina. “Presko dito, hindi
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kaalis lang po ni Yeyet, eh! Sabi ko nga dito na siya matulog kasi wala akong kasama sa room.” Sinawata ni Diana ang kilabot na gumapang sa kanyang balat. “Sino si… Yeyet?” sumunod na tanong. “Friend ko po. Umuwi na siya pagdating mo.” Kinaumagahan ay may kababalaghan na namang naganap sa loob ng bahay. Nawala ang kaliwang pares ng tsinelas ni Diana at nakita niya ito sa ibabaw ng tokador. Nang umidlip siya at magising ng bandang hapon ay may tatlong rosas na kulay puti sa kanyang paanan. At may imaginary friend si Kathy na siyang dahilan ng matunog na halakhak nito sa buong maghapon. Hanggang sa ipasiya niyang kausapin ang asawa tungkol sa isang maselang paksa. “May… may gusto sana akong ipagtapat sa iyo. Ngunit humihingi muna ako ng kapatawaran dahil sa ginawa kong paglilihim,” pambungad ni Diana kay Bart ng gabing iyon. Ginagap ng lalaki ang nanlalamig na palad ng asawa. “Makikinig ako.” Nagsimulang pumatak ang mga luha ni Diana. “…bago tayo ikinasal, may naging boyfriend ako at nang malaman niyang bbuntis ako ay… ay tinakbuhan niya ang responsibilidad niya sa akin. Magulo ang utak ko non, Bart… kaya… kaya ipinalaglag ko ang bata. K-kung nabuhay siya, marahil ay sampung taong gulang na siya ngayon.” Nakita ni Diana ang pang-unawa sa mga mata ni Bart. “Kung kapatawaran ko ang hinihingi mo ay iginagawad ko na iyon, Diana… ang iniiisip ko lang sa ngayon ay ang tungkol kay Yeyet na kalaro ni Kathy. Hindi kaya ang anak mong namatay at si Yeyet ay iisa? Hindi kaya nasasabik si Yeyet sa kanyang kapatid?” Napahagulgol si Diana. “Iyon din ang pakiramdam ko, Bart. Anak ko si Yeyet. At nanghihingi siya ng kahit kaunting pagmamahal mula sa kanyang kapatid.”
Lumamig ang hangin at niyakap nito ang kabuuan ni Diana. Mula sa pintuan ay tumambad ang anino ng isang batang babae na may hawak na manika. Humigpit ang kapit ni Diana sa mga palad ni Bart. “Diana, humingi ka ng kapatawaran sa iyong anak.” Lumuhod si Diana at pumikit. Alam niya, nadarama niya sa puso niya na ito nga ang sanggol na walang awa niyang pinatay. Nakikiamot lamang ito ng atensyon at pagmamahal mula sa kanila. “Anak, patawad. Patawarin mo ako…” impit na wika ni Diana. “ Pero matagal ko nang pinagdusahan ang kasalanan ko sa ‘yo.” Nang muli niyang imulat ang mga mata ay nakita niyang kumakaway ang anino palayo. At alam niya, pinatawad na siya nito. Ibinulong ito ng hangin gaya ng isang halik na dumampi sa kanyang mga pisngi. Wakas
Tingnan ang artikulo sa http://fil.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Isang_Gabi..._Isang_Kakila-kilabot_na_Gabi
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