filipino,
Literary (Submission): Anong meron?
Bakit ba nila ako iniiwasan?
Buong araw ko nang napapansin ‘yung kilos ng mga kaibigan ko. Pagdating ko pa lang sa PA, ‘yung first class namin, nakita ko na si James, ang best friend ko. Kasama niya ‘yung mga kabarkada ko sa sulok ng classroom. May secret yata silang pinag-uusapan. Hindi ko nga maintindihan kung bakit sinisilip-silip lang nila ‘ko e, kaya nilapitan ko sila.
“Anong meron?”
“De wala!” patawa niyang sinabi sa’kin nang tapikin niya ‘ko sa dibdib. “Basta!”
Kumunot ang noo ko, pero nagsitawanan at naghampasan lang sa balikat ang mga kaibigan ko. Nagkamot ako ng ulo at tinanong ulit sila. “Ano ba kasi ‘yun?”
“Basta nga! Ang kulet nito o.”
“Ok.” Naglakad ako palayo sa kanila at umupo sa desk ko na nagtatampo. Nakita ko na lang sila na nagbubulungan, humahagikhik, at tumitingin sa akin. Mas lalo tuloy lumalim ang pagtataka ko. Paano kung may nangyaring ‘di maganda tapos may kinalaman ako dun? May katawa-tawa ba sa’kin? S’an ba talaga nanggagaling ‘yung pagbubulungan nila? ‘Di ko ma-piece together, clueless ako!
Dumating ang lunch break pero ganun pa rin sila. Pinaghahampas ako ni James ng isang rolyo ng blue na cartolina para paalisin ako sa bilog ng barkada namin sa sahig ng 3rd floor hallway.
“Aray! Bakit ba? ‘Di ba pwedeng kumain dito?”
“Bawal talaga, Par,” umiiling na sabi ni James. “Sumunod ka na lang kasi.”
“Bakit nga, sabihin niyo na kasi! ‘Di ako aalis dito hangga’t ‘di niyo pa sinasabi sa’kin.”
Nagtinginan lang na nakasimangot ang mga kaibigan ko. Nagkibit-balikat si James at nagsitayuan sila. Nanlamig ang pakiramdam ko at nangirot ang dibdib ko. Ni kailanman nila ‘kong hinayaan lang nang ganito. Sinundan ko sila sa room 132, pero pinagsaraduhan nila ako ng pinto at nagkulong sila sa loob.
“Hoy! Ano ba!” Kinatok ko nang malakas ang pinto.
Binuksan ni James nang kaunti ang pinto para makasilip sa labas. “Ang kulit mo talaga, Daniel. ‘Wag mo nga kasi kaming guluhin!”
Pinagsaraduhan ako ulit ni James. Sumilip ako sa salamin ng pinto pero tinakpan niya ito ng itim na colored paper. Nakakabastos! Napasigaw tuloy ako sa manggas ng summer uniform ko at napasipa sa basurahan ng hallway. Iniwan lang ako sa labas na nagdadagbog at walang alam ng mga kaibigan ko... kung mga kaibigan ko talaga sila.
Ang akala ko’y kaya nila akong pagkatiwalaan sa mga usapin namin, pero mukhang hindi pala. Kung may problema sila sa’kin, pwede naman nila akong harapin nang maayos. Hindi ‘yung ganitong nangangapa lang ako sa kanila. Hindi naman ganoon kahirap gawin ‘yon diba? Hindi nila naiisip ‘tong pag-aalala ko!
Lumipas ang mga natitirang klase at ‘di pa rin sila nagbabago. Mas lalo pa nga yatang lumala e. Kapag napapadaan ako sa harapan nila, umiirap ako. Pero kahit ganun ang gawin ko, parang invisible na lang din ako sa kanila. Sila-sila na lang ang mga nag-uusap at nagkakatuwaan. Ang layo sa pagsasama namin kahapon. Gulong-gulo na talaga ako.
3:30 PM na at dismissal na namin. Haharapin ko na dapat ‘yung mga kabarkada ko e, pero ‘di ko alam kung saan sila pumunta nung mga oras na ‘yun. Mukhang ‘di pa rin nila ako pinapansin.
Gusto ko na kasi sanang makipag-ayos sa kanila. Na-realize kong naging makasarili rin ako kanina nung lunch. Baka dahil sa ganung attitude ko kaya sila umiiwas sa’kin. Ewan ko ba. Responsibilidad ko naman din kasi talagang makipag-usap nang maayos sa mga kaibigan ko. Kailangan kong makipag-ayos sa kanila.
Anyway, baka dahil sa pagtulog ko sa klase namin sa Physics kaya ‘di ko alam kung saan sila tumakas. Ang sama tuloy ng tingin ng ST namin sa’kin nung nag-gogoodbye and thank you na kami. Gayunpaman, lumabas na lang ako sa may ramp. Nakita ko sa may guard house ‘yung mga kabarkada ko, at nakita rin nila ko sa pwesto ko. May kinukuha ata silang gamit galing sa labas. Naisip kong puntahan sila ro’n.
Habang naglalakad, iniisip ko na kung anong sasabihin ko kina James, kung paano ako hihingi ng tawad sa kanila. Pagpunta ko sa guard house, wala na pala sila ro’n. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at nalungkot. Hanggang ngayon ba naman, ganito pa rin? Tatalikod na sana ako, pero bigla akong tinawag ni kuya guard.
“Ikaw ba si Daniel?” tanong niya sa’kin paglapit ko.
“Opo.”
“Sabi kasi nung mga kaibigan mo, bigay ko raw ‘to sa’yo pagpunta mo rito.” Iniabot niya sa’kin ang isang wamport na papel, nakatiklop sa kalahati. Kumunot na naman ang noo ko at binuklat ang papel. Isang note palang galing kay James.
“Sorry, Par, kanina ka pa namin iniiwasan. Hindi mo kasi talaga pwedeng malaman kaagad e. Alam mo namang mga kaibigan mo kami, kaya magtiwala ka naman sa amin kahit konti. Anyway, punta ka sa Room 111, nandun kami. Pag-usapan natin, ok?”
Napatulala ako nang ilang saglit bago ko ibulsa ‘yung papel sa slacks ko.
“Salamat kuya!” Nag-thumbs up ako kay kuya guard at nag-sprint papunta sa acad building. Parang TNF player ako sa bilis ng pagtakbo ko, walang pang hingal-hingal. Nakarating ako sa pintuan ng Room 111 at pumasok sa loob. Sabik na sabik na ‘kong makipag-ayos sa barkada ko.
Ang bumungad sa’kin sa loob ng classroom ay mga gupit-gupit na colored paper na parang mga makeshift confetti. Nakalat din sa sahig at sa buong paligid ang mga maliliit at makukulay na lobo. Nakaayos ang mahahabang table ng room na magkakadikit. Nakapatong dito ang mga box ng pizza, paper cups, paper plates, at softdrinks. Nakapaskil din sa pader gamit ang masking tape ang blue na cartolina. Nakasulat nang malaki sa gitna ang pangalan kong “Daniel” at may maliliit na talatang nakapalibot dito.
“Surprise!” sabi ng mga kaibigan ko.
“Sorry ulit, Daniel,” natatawang sabi ni James.
Napatulala ulit ako at bumagal ang mundo ko. Sa wakas, nabuo ko na rin ang mga nangyayari simula kanina hanggang sa mga nakikita ko ngayon. Bakit hindi ko kaagad napansin? Ako ata talaga ‘tong kailangang umintindi sa mga kaibigan ko. Bahala na si Batman!
Bigla akong napatawa habang nangingiyak-ngiyak. Tiningnan ko nang mabuti ang bawat isa sa barkada ko at nginitian sila.
“Ang aga pa guys,” sabi kong tumatawa. “Maling date talaga ‘yung nilagay ko sa Facebook... pero thank you.”
english,
Who are you when I’m not around?
What are you up to from dusk ‘til dawn?
Where are you when you’re nowhere to be found?
When are you going to stop from being gone?
Why can’t we just reach a common ground?
How can we fix this for our little son?
Literary (Submission): 5WH (from Wife to Husband)
Who are you when I’m not around?
What are you up to from dusk ‘til dawn?
Where are you when you’re nowhere to be found?
When are you going to stop from being gone?
Why can’t we just reach a common ground?
How can we fix this for our little son?
filipino,
Literary (Submission): Caffeine
Ang init-init. Kagigising mo lang mula sa isang mahimbing na pagtulog. Buong araw ka na sanang ganito pero hindi na kinaya ng katawan mo. Napakatindi na ng temperatura, mga 40°C. Tulo nang tulo ang pawis mo mula ulo hanggang likod. Kahit ang kili-kili at tiyan mo ay basang-basa rin. Nangangati na ang iyong anit. Namimintig na rin ang ulo mo sa pahamak na migraine. Itatanong mo sa sarili kung paano nga ba umabot sa ganito ang panahon.
Kailangan mong humanap ng paraan upang kayanin ang tindi ng init. Sasagi sa isip mo: ano pa bang mas magandang solusyon dito, kundi ang isang malamig at masarap na inumin?
Pumunta ka sa pridyider ng inyong bahay. Dito bubungad sa ‘yo ang isang simoy na kay sarap at ginhawa sa pakiramdam. Bagamat presko sa balat ang hanging dadampi sa iyo, kailangang isara kaagad ang pridyider para hindi sayang sa kuryente. Bago isara, kuhain mo muna ang pitsel ng iced tea mula sa loob.
Maputi’t makintab ang ceramic na lalagyan. Mararamdaman din ang malamig na pamamasa sa labas nito dahil sa halumigmig. Kay sarap talaga. Kumuha ka ng baso at isalin ang mamula-mulang kayumanggi na likido dito. Ibang klaseng saya’t kilig ang daranasin mo sa tunog ng pagpatak. Tunggain mo ang iced tea.
Mabilis na kakagat sa gilagid at dila mo ang manamis-namis na lasa ng mansanas. Sisipa sa ulirat mo ang sayang mahirap ipaliwanag. Gagaan ang iyong loob at luluwag ang paghinga mo. Pipikit ka.
Ilang saglit lang at biglang manunuyo muli ang bibig at lalamunan mo. Mauuhaw ka ulit kaya magsasalin ka’t tutungga na naman ng iced tea. Mararamdaman mo ulit ang saya kanina pero mawawala na naman. Mahuhumaling ka kaya’t paulit-ulit mo itong gagawin hanggang sa maubos ang timpladong inumin. Hahapdi ang iyong mga mata at lalabo ang iyong paningin. Tutulo ang iyong mga luha.
“Bakit ba ganito?”
filipino,
Araw-araw ginagamit ako
Kamisetang laspag, gulagulanit
Gamit na gamit, ayaw mo na
Masisira lang ako
Ang tela ko’y matibay
Hindi kailanman nasisira
Sinungaling ang nagbenta sa’yo
Nandito pa rin ako
Bawat patak ng pawis
Dugong lumalabas
Tulo ng luhang dumaloy
Nadudumihan, pero kaya pa
Kailan mo ako lalabhan?
Tulo na naman ang luha dahil sa dumi
Ayaw mo na akong makita
Gagamitin mo pa rin
Kay puti ko noon, kay puti ko ngayon
Hanggang kailan ang kaputian kong ito?
Literary (Submission): Zonrox
Araw-araw ginagamit ako
Kamisetang laspag, gulagulanit
Gamit na gamit, ayaw mo na
Masisira lang ako
Ang tela ko’y matibay
Hindi kailanman nasisira
Sinungaling ang nagbenta sa’yo
Nandito pa rin ako
Bawat patak ng pawis
Dugong lumalabas
Tulo ng luhang dumaloy
Nadudumihan, pero kaya pa
Kailan mo ako lalabhan?
Tulo na naman ang luha dahil sa dumi
Ayaw mo na akong makita
Gagamitin mo pa rin
Kay puti ko noon, kay puti ko ngayon
Hanggang kailan ang kaputian kong ito?
filipino,
Hindi, hindi na tayo masaya. Pwedeng ikaw, oo, ako, hindi.
9:45 PM
Matagal naman na akong sumuko. Ikaw na lang ang lumalaban.
10:15 PM
Itanong mo na ngayon, dahil bukas, wala nang tayo.
10:30 PM
Kasi ayoko na. Tama na. Tapos na.
10:43 PM
Wala na akong oras sa’yo, hindi na tayo tulad ng dati kasi pagod na ako.
11:00 PM
Hindi mo ba naiintindihan? Hindi gagana ang one-sided na relasyon.
11:05
‘Wag ka na maghintay, hindi na ako babalik.
11:11 PM
Literary (Submission): Chat
Anong nangyari sa atin? Masaya naman tayo diba?
9:30 PM
Hindi, hindi na tayo masaya. Pwedeng ikaw, oo, ako, hindi.
9:45 PM
Ano ba kasing nangyari? Magtatatlong taon na tayo o. Ngayon ka pa ba susuko?
9:46 PM
Matagal naman na akong sumuko. Ikaw na lang ang lumalaban.
10:15 PM
Ganun na lang? Mawawala na lang tayo bigla? Ang dami kong tanong sa’yo.
10:16 PM
10:30 PM
Bakit?
10:31 PM
Kasi ayoko na. Tama na. Tapos na.
10:43 PM
Bakit nga?
10:44 PM
11:00 PM
Pagod ka lang naman pala e, magpahinga muna tayo.
11:01 PM
Hindi mo ba naiintindihan? Hindi gagana ang one-sided na relasyon.
11:05
Kapag ba naghintay ako, babalik ka pa?
11:05 PM
‘Wag ka na maghintay, hindi na ako babalik.
11:11 PM
english,
Why do I enjoy my solitude?
I want to stay away from people–
Invading my precious privacy
Demanding me to notice them
Forcing me to please everyone
How exhausting it is!
To belong with the noisy crowd
And be pushed by others
Why do I enjoy my solitude?
I want to spend some time for myself–
Restoring my enervated energy
Listening to peaceful classical music
Taking a break from social media
How relieving it is!
To recharge the drained batteries
And spend the whole day alone
Why do I enjoy my solitude?
I want to reflect upon my thoughts–
Pondering over my self-beliefs
Assessing my strengths and weaknesses
Setting my plans for the future
How empowering it is!
To have some time for self-talk
And become the master of my dear life
Indeed.
Staying away from people
Spending time for myself
Reflecting upon my thoughts
I enjoy my solitude.
Literary (Submission): Enjoying My Solitude
Why do I enjoy my solitude?
I want to stay away from people–
Invading my precious privacy
Demanding me to notice them
Forcing me to please everyone
How exhausting it is!
To belong with the noisy crowd
And be pushed by others
Why do I enjoy my solitude?
I want to spend some time for myself–
Restoring my enervated energy
Listening to peaceful classical music
Taking a break from social media
How relieving it is!
To recharge the drained batteries
And spend the whole day alone
Why do I enjoy my solitude?
I want to reflect upon my thoughts–
Pondering over my self-beliefs
Assessing my strengths and weaknesses
Setting my plans for the future
How empowering it is!
To have some time for self-talk
And become the master of my dear life
Indeed.
Staying away from people
Spending time for myself
Reflecting upon my thoughts
I enjoy my solitude.
english,
To write a poem is a landscape of the past and
the future at the same time. Yet it is nothing
but a mere poem even now, is it not? As if
we are left with nothing but our capacity
to think, to feel, to love in experiences where
we are the only ones who can. Experiences
in which we are the only ones who understand,
that in questioning the context we have and the
language we use, we get to see a different world.
Even if we are bound to the limits of our
own minds and forms, and our memories, we still see
this. This poem. And without a doubt we feel at home.
Literary (Submission): A Poem Cannot Be Read The Same Way Twice
To write a poem is a landscape of the past and
the future at the same time. Yet it is nothing
but a mere poem even now, is it not? As if
we are left with nothing but our capacity
to think, to feel, to love in experiences where
we are the only ones who can. Experiences
in which we are the only ones who understand,
that in questioning the context we have and the
language we use, we get to see a different world.
Even if we are bound to the limits of our
own minds and forms, and our memories, we still see
this. This poem. And without a doubt we feel at home.
english,
We looked in the mirror
My mother said I looked pretty
With my smile so wide
And fake
And my cheeks so red
From crying
I looked in the mirror
To see if it’s true
But it seems as though
Every time I look at it
I see nothing
I’m not there
Where did I go?
Do I exist?
Am I here?
Can you see me?
Am I real?
If mirrors show truths
Then I’m not it
If I’m here
Wouldn’t I feel it?
If only I can feel me
If only I am here.
My mother smiled and said I looked pretty.
Literary (Submission): Pretty Mirror
We looked in the mirror
My mother said I looked pretty
With my smile so wide
And fake
And my cheeks so red
From crying
I looked in the mirror
To see if it’s true
But it seems as though
Every time I look at it
I see nothing
I’m not there
Where did I go?
Do I exist?
Am I here?
Can you see me?
Am I real?
If mirrors show truths
Then I’m not it
If I’m here
Wouldn’t I feel it?
If only I can feel me
If only I am here.
My mother smiled and said I looked pretty.
english,
I sit atop my cotton candy throne
High above the clouds and the bumblebees
Wondering, cupcakes or chocolates?
A madness spreading over me
Take me gladly
I won’t utter a plea
But dearest,
Would you take me at all?
If you knew that in reality
That I am quite mad
Darling, don’t you know?
I’ve a penchant for poems and coquetry
Take me gladly
I won’t utter a plea
But dearest,
Would you take me at all?
Even when my ears are filled with cotton
My heart, a rosebush wrapped in thorns
Sweetheart, would you hold these shaky hands?
Add to that my mind always high above the clouds
Take me gladly
I won’t utter a plea
But dearest,
Would you take me at all?
I promise I won't bite
And if you ask around, you'll find I can be quite nice
But honey would you take the leap?
If you would, my love, tell me please
For if you take me gladly
And you nor I utter a plea
Then dearest,
We can take it all
Literary (Submission): A Letter to Who I Hold Dear
I sit atop my cotton candy throne
High above the clouds and the bumblebees
Wondering, cupcakes or chocolates?
A madness spreading over me
Take me gladly
I won’t utter a plea
But dearest,
Would you take me at all?
If you knew that in reality
That I am quite mad
Darling, don’t you know?
I’ve a penchant for poems and coquetry
Take me gladly
I won’t utter a plea
But dearest,
Would you take me at all?
Even when my ears are filled with cotton
My heart, a rosebush wrapped in thorns
Sweetheart, would you hold these shaky hands?
Add to that my mind always high above the clouds
Take me gladly
I won’t utter a plea
But dearest,
Would you take me at all?
I promise I won't bite
And if you ask around, you'll find I can be quite nice
But honey would you take the leap?
If you would, my love, tell me please
For if you take me gladly
And you nor I utter a plea
Then dearest,
We can take it all
english,
The room turned bright when she said, "You missed me little boy, didn't you?"
She raised me up and up above her head then held me close to her chest and shoulders. I didn't think that anything could make this room any brighter until she said, “I have a surprise for you.”
“What is it? What is it?” I asked, but of course all she heard were my giddy “arfs” and “woofs.”
I sniffed her bag. Nope, not my favorite treat. I sniffed again. Nope, it does not smell like a brand new toy.
On the third sniff, I gave up and barked at her. “Okay, okay. Calm down,” she said as she put me down. She unzipped her big, big bag to let out a small, small surprise.
What is it? It looks like a ball of fluff--a toy afterall!
...But it seems a bit different compared to the ball she gave me on my last--what did she call it?-- bow-day? bird-day? birthday? Yes! I think that's right.
She put it down next to me and I noticed that it is quite odd with those two shiny beads embedded on it. I ambled towards it to take a closer look. Wah! It moved! Am I seeing things right?
And a one, two, three--it does move!
I stared at it and it let out a little “woof.” It looks just like me!
“Are you glad to have a new friend?” she asked.
Literary (Submission): Sharing This Room
The room turned bright when she said, "You missed me little boy, didn't you?"
She raised me up and up above her head then held me close to her chest and shoulders. I didn't think that anything could make this room any brighter until she said, “I have a surprise for you.”
“What is it? What is it?” I asked, but of course all she heard were my giddy “arfs” and “woofs.”
I sniffed her bag. Nope, not my favorite treat. I sniffed again. Nope, it does not smell like a brand new toy.
On the third sniff, I gave up and barked at her. “Okay, okay. Calm down,” she said as she put me down. She unzipped her big, big bag to let out a small, small surprise.
What is it? It looks like a ball of fluff--a toy afterall!
...But it seems a bit different compared to the ball she gave me on my last--what did she call it?-- bow-day? bird-day? birthday? Yes! I think that's right.
She put it down next to me and I noticed that it is quite odd with those two shiny beads embedded on it. I ambled towards it to take a closer look. Wah! It moved! Am I seeing things right?
And a one, two, three--it does move!
I stared at it and it let out a little “woof.” It looks just like me!
“Are you glad to have a new friend?” she asked.
english,
*This is part of the 'Confide in Me' Series: https://upismc.blogspot.com/2019/04/literary-confide-in-me.html
Literary (Submission): Tell Me
13/4/2019
Mi querido amiguito,
¿Cómo estás? I have neither seen nor talked to you for almost four years. To be honest, I thought you already forgot me as your mejor amigo.
It is such an agony, considering that we have shared a lot of memories since grade school. Not to mention, we would pluck some herbs from the lush arbustos of Alhambra Park. Then we would talk about the secrets of your favorite Latin restaurants in Los Ángeles. When we get home, we would cook our favorite achiote-filled tamales. And most of all, we would indulge in them.
Through those eight years, we have built our friendship. We are like that sticky piece of tamale, I would tell myself every now and then. I would imagine our bond with each other is indestructible. Time, distance, and other people might do everything to pull us apart, but we would remain close to each other. Remember the promise we had before graduation? We pledged we would be juntos amigos, ¡para siempre!
The time zone acá might be different from yours. Manila and Los Ángeles might be miles away from each other. We might have made new friends now that we study in different schools. Pero I swear, I did everything whatever I could so that we could still keep the friendship.
I would contact you via Facetime and Messenger hartas veces, but you would not respond. I would tag you in the posts I share in Facebook, but you would neither comment nor like them. You would insist before that I go back to Los Ángeles, pero cuando I requested you to go here every verano, you would refuse to. At this rate, we might not be able to rekindle our so-called “tamale moments” anymore.
I have a lot of questions in my mind right now. But I am afraid to ask all because I might be tactless in doing so, and we might eventually cut off the friendship. Solamente una pregunta. Dime. Tell me why you would not want to talk to me.
Is it because you’re demasiado ocupado in your projects as vice president of Alhambra High School? Is it because of your hectic schedule in worship service? Or is it because you decided to make your tamales with someone else?
Te lo pido. ¡Porfa! Tell me, would you still want to be my friend?
*This is part of the 'Confide in Me' Series: https://upismc.blogspot.com/2019/04/literary-confide-in-me.html
english,
Lupa is starving
Meat is her craving
She stalks prey on the roads and fields
Large fangs and claws she wields
Is Lupa bound to the ways of a primal beast?
Lupa leads her pack
Coordinating their attack
Using generations of evolutionary instinct
Her primal will survives those now extinct
Is Lupa strong for clinging to the past?
Literary (Submission): Lupa and Princess
Lupa is starving
Meat is her craving
She stalks prey on the roads and fields
Large fangs and claws she wields
Is Lupa bound to the ways of a primal beast?
Princess is starving
Dried pellets are her craving
She awaits her master’s return
Obedience to her master is her only concern
Is Princess a slave to her master’s feast?
Coordinating their attack
Using generations of evolutionary instinct
Her primal will survives those now extinct
Is Lupa strong for clinging to the past?
Princess dons a pink skirt and dances
On a long log she balances
Learning new tricks everyday
Training with master the whole day
Is Princess smart for having knowledge so vast?
Lupa and Princess both have needs
That they achieve through their own deeds
In their own way, they are strong
To them, what they do is not wrong
Is Lupa bound to the ways of a primal beast?
Is Princess a slave to her master’s feast?
These bonds do not place them among the least
Is Lupa strong for clinging to the past?
Is Princess smart for having knowledge so vast?
Looking back and forward does not place them among the last
english,
Once upon a dream,
I heard the gentle melody of a dearest tune
As the sunlight filtered through above me
I lay upon the cotton sheet
And the lull of notes do put me to sleep
Because of a dream,
It was quite right
After all, it had to be
If not they, then who could it be?
You, The One, who'd play the piano for me
But it was not a dream,
The unsteady clunking of nervous keys
As the cloudy night sky twinkled idle by
You invited me upon the creaky seat
And together we deciphered the tune
Are you not a dream?
It wasn't quite right
In the end, did I care for it to be
If not they, then who could it be?
You, The One, who'd play the piano for me
Literary (Submission): Is It You?
Once upon a dream,
I heard the gentle melody of a dearest tune
As the sunlight filtered through above me
I lay upon the cotton sheet
And the lull of notes do put me to sleep
Because of a dream,
It was quite right
After all, it had to be
If not they, then who could it be?
You, The One, who'd play the piano for me
But it was not a dream,
The unsteady clunking of nervous keys
As the cloudy night sky twinkled idle by
You invited me upon the creaky seat
And together we deciphered the tune
Are you not a dream?
It wasn't quite right
In the end, did I care for it to be
If not they, then who could it be?
You, The One, who'd play the piano for me
filipino,
Literary: Musikero
Ang tugtog ng puso ko
Naririning mo ba ito
Para akong musikero
Na nagtatanghal sa entablado
Binibigay ko ang lahat sa aking palabas
Kung saan tinutugtog ko ay piano
Ang iyong paborito
Pero ang iyong kilay ay tumataas
Tayo’y lalong nagkakakilala sa bawat araw na lumilipas
Pero parang ang lakbay nati’y walang wakas
Dahil ako’y walang pupuntahang landas
Hindi masisigurong magiging maganda ang bukas
Dating kaibigan ng kaibigan lang kita
Dahil hindi pa talaga tayo magkakilala
Pero ngayong magkaklase na
Pasimpleng umaasa sa pag-uusap nating dalawa
Para akong nagbabasa ng bagong nota
Hindi ko alam kung paano ito mapapaganda
Dahil hindi pa kita ganoong kakilala
Parang bagong bili na nota
Sapagkat ako’y iyong napapasaya
Sa ating munting pagkikita
Sa paaralan o sa group work makita
Dahil sa personalidad mong kakaiba
Ako’y nahulog sa’yo, o aking diyosa
Kahit ikaw man ay kakaiba
Mamahalin kita taos-pusong nawa
Pero may hinihintay ang munting makata
Kapag sinabi ko ba sa’yo ito ay pag-iisipan mo pa ba ako
O magiging estranghero na ako sa mata mo
Dahil sa onting oras na nakilala kita
Kakaiba ka talaga, o aking diyosa
Kaya tinatanong ko ang aking sarili
Aaminin ko ba ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo
O itatago ko na ito mula sa mata mo
Dahil ayokong mawala ang kaibigan ko
Ang relasyon natin ay tulad ng isang piano
Kapag napatid ang isang teklado
Mawawala ang tunog nito
At ikaw ang tunog sa aking puso
O diyosa na aking nakita sa mundong ito
Sasagutin mo ba ang tanong ko
Kung mamahalin mo rin ba ako
Dahil ikaw ang kumukumpleto sa musika ko
english,
Here I stand in the grasp of the light
It pierces my eyes as it glows so bright
This fire “definitely” burns what’s true
Then it attacks when it’s close to you
Before it attacked, I inched way too close
Reaching, it’s flame’s burning, I didn’t know
Like a firefly, allured by the light that I’ve seen
‘Til I did learn that it’s hostile and mean
Fire, why does your body burn when I touch it
And keeps me at bay whenever it’s lit?
I’m suffering, yet you are still ablaze?
Do you not see my struggles in this constant haze?
Why do your embers dance all around me?
Taunting me with all the red that I see
This inferno sizzles my very bones
As you throw me all of your sticks and stones
Literary: Burnt
Here I stand in the grasp of the light
It pierces my eyes as it glows so bright
This fire “definitely” burns what’s true
Then it attacks when it’s close to you
Before it attacked, I inched way too close
Reaching, it’s flame’s burning, I didn’t know
Like a firefly, allured by the light that I’ve seen
‘Til I did learn that it’s hostile and mean
Fire, why does your body burn when I touch it
And keeps me at bay whenever it’s lit?
I’m suffering, yet you are still ablaze?
Do you not see my struggles in this constant haze?
Why do your embers dance all around me?
Taunting me with all the red that I see
This inferno sizzles my very bones
As you throw me all of your sticks and stones
filipino,
Literary: Pagod na.
Mabilis. Masyadong mabilis ang takbo ng paligid sa aking buhay, sa bahay at sa eskwelahan. Ang isang tulad ko’y halos ‘di na makasabay. Para bang patuloy akong pinapaikot-ikot ng isang malakas na buhawi. Magulo at mabilis ang paligid at wala akong magawang paraan para pahintuin lahat.
Mabilis.
Mga gawain sa eskwela, matapos pagpuyatan ang isang deadline, kinabukasan ay may paparating na naman na para bang walang pahinga. Matapos ang mahaba at magulong araw sa eskwela, magcocommute para makauwi. Makikipagpatintero sa mga jeep para lang makasakay, malalanghap ang usok ng mga kotseng dadaan na parang kidlat sa iyong harapan saka ka pa lang makakarating sa bahay.
Magulo.
Pagod na ngunit bawal huminto. Oras nang magluto ng hapunan. Di pa nakakauwi si Mama. Wala pa kaming kakaining magkakapatid. Pumasok ako sa kusina saka ko lang napagtantong naputulan na naman pala kami ng kuryente. Parang kababayad lang kahapon, may bagong bill na naman.
Siguro kailangan ko nang mag part-time para matulungan si Mama sa gastusin, halos di na nga siya umuuwi katatrabaho. Isang siyang kasambahay na bumubuhay sa tatlo. Hinding-hindi talaga kasya ang sweldo. Naisip ko nga minsang huminto na sa pag-aaral para mabawasan na ang gastusin sa pamilya ngunit umaalingawngaw ang mga salita ni Mama. “Hindi anak, iyan lamang ang ating pag-asang makaahon sa hirap.”
Matapos pakainin ang mga kapatid ko ay dumiretso ako sa likod ng bahay. Malamig na pawis ang tumulo sa aking noo habang naglalaba ng kaisa-isa kong uniporme. Kailangan ko nang patuyuin ito agad para masuot bukas kaso imbes na bilisan ang paglalaba ay nalunod ako sa dagat ng pag-aalala.
Sobra na.
Marami akong tanong at masyadong mabilis ang mga pangyayari sa aking buhay. Kulang ang dalawampu’t apat na oras. Umiikot ang aking pangingin. Mabilis at magulo! Kailan kaya gagaan ang buhay? Saang mundo ba natatagpuan ang pahinga at kaginhawaan? Pwede bang ihinto ang oras kahit panandalian? Kasi ako’y…
english,
Who are you?
Who is that in front of me?
Standing beyond the reflecting wand
To seem as if I've somewhere to go
But somehow, someway
I've found that I'm naive
Where am I?
Where's this place I've come to be
A strange unfamiliar land
Someplace I never thought I'd go
But somehow, some way
I don't think I want to leave
What is that?
What's all these things I've come to see
Something strange upon my hand
An oddity I love it so
But somehow, some way
There's more of this I want to perceive
Is it me?
Is it you I see in front of me?
A sorry one? An odd new brand?
It rattles me to and fro
But somehow, someway
If you left today I'd grieve
Literary: An Ode to Who I've Become
Who are you?
Who is that in front of me?
Standing beyond the reflecting wand
To seem as if I've somewhere to go
But somehow, someway
I've found that I'm naive
Where am I?
Where's this place I've come to be
A strange unfamiliar land
Someplace I never thought I'd go
But somehow, some way
I don't think I want to leave
What is that?
What's all these things I've come to see
Something strange upon my hand
An oddity I love it so
But somehow, some way
There's more of this I want to perceive
Is it me?
Is it you I see in front of me?
A sorry one? An odd new brand?
It rattles me to and fro
But somehow, someway
If you left today I'd grieve
filipino,
Alin ang unang papansinin?
Kung sa paggising sa umaga,
trapiko ang bubungad,
Pipigilan kang maging maaga
sa pag-aaral o trabahong iyong hinahangad.
Pinapaalalahanan kang maging problemado
sa bansang kinabibilangan mo
sapagkat isa lang ito sa mga problemang
kinakaharap din ng libu-libo
Alin ang unang papansinin?
Kung sa bawat pagkakataong babagsak ang ulan,
mapupuno ng maruming tubig ang mga daan,
kung saan samu't saring basura ang lulutang
hihilingin mong sana ay umaraw na lamang
Alin ang unang papansinin?
Kung ang pagiging parte ng kabataan ay kababaliwan
papasok ka ng napakaaga pero tulog pa ang katawan
sa taas pa ng temperatura,
uuwing mabaho at tagaktak ang pawis
At dahil wala kang sasakyan na susundo sa'yo
mamamasahe ka kasama ang 'di mo kilalang mga tao.
'Di mo malalaman kung kailan ka tututukan ng baril o kutsilyo,
at sasabihan na lang bigla ng "Holdap 'to."
Kaya’t ano ang unang papansinin?
Tingnan ang sarili sa salamin
Kakayahan nati’y ating alamin
Antas sa buhay, ‘wag munang isipin
Ating potensyal ang unang pansinin
Kaya’t mahirap o may kaya,
Huwag magtiis sa maling pamamahala
Isantabi ang pagkakaiba at tayo’y magkaisa
‘Pagkat bansa nati’y may pag-asa pa
Literary: Alin ang Unang Papansinin?
Alin ang unang papansinin?
Kung sa paggising sa umaga,
trapiko ang bubungad,
Pipigilan kang maging maaga
sa pag-aaral o trabahong iyong hinahangad.
Pinapaalalahanan kang maging problemado
sa bansang kinabibilangan mo
sapagkat isa lang ito sa mga problemang
kinakaharap din ng libu-libo
Alin ang unang papansinin?
Kung sa bawat pagkakataong babagsak ang ulan,
mapupuno ng maruming tubig ang mga daan,
kung saan samu't saring basura ang lulutang
hihilingin mong sana ay umaraw na lamang
Alin ang unang papansinin?
Kung ang pagiging parte ng kabataan ay kababaliwan
papasok ka ng napakaaga pero tulog pa ang katawan
sa taas pa ng temperatura,
uuwing mabaho at tagaktak ang pawis
At dahil wala kang sasakyan na susundo sa'yo
mamamasahe ka kasama ang 'di mo kilalang mga tao.
'Di mo malalaman kung kailan ka tututukan ng baril o kutsilyo,
at sasabihan na lang bigla ng "Holdap 'to."
Kaya’t ano ang unang papansinin?
Tingnan ang sarili sa salamin
Kakayahan nati’y ating alamin
Antas sa buhay, ‘wag munang isipin
Ating potensyal ang unang pansinin
Kaya’t mahirap o may kaya,
Huwag magtiis sa maling pamamahala
Isantabi ang pagkakaiba at tayo’y magkaisa
‘Pagkat bansa nati’y may pag-asa pa
filipino,
May mga tanong sa isip ko kung bakit ako ganito ngayon,
Mga tanong kung bakit sa paggising ko’y masakit ang aking puso,
Mga tanong na magbibigay rason kung bakit pa rin ako umiiyak,
Mga tanong kung bakit bigla ka na lang nawala sa piling ko.
Ilang taon ang lumipas bago ko nararamdaman na unti-unti na akong nakalalaya.
Nakalalaya ako mula sa malala kong pagluksa.
Ilang taon bago ko mapigilan ang mga maalat na luha,
Ngunit ang sakit pa rin ay malala.
Bakit ka nga ba nawala?
Bakit mo ako iniwan?
Bakit hindi mo ako hinintay?
Bakit, Mama?
Ilang minuto na lang bago ako makarating sa’yong kwarto,
Ngunit bakit hindi mo ako hinintay?
Hayaan mo,
Malaya ka nang namamahinga.
Mapayapa.
Tahimik.
Ito na ang simula para tanggalin ang sakit na nararamdaman ko,
Kahit anong mangyari’y hindi ka mawawala sa isip ko.
Paalam, Mama.
Ikaw ang forever love ko.
Literary: Mga Tanong Na Hindi Ko Masagot
May mga tanong sa isip ko kung bakit ako ganito ngayon,
Mga tanong kung bakit sa paggising ko’y masakit ang aking puso,
Mga tanong na magbibigay rason kung bakit pa rin ako umiiyak,
Mga tanong kung bakit bigla ka na lang nawala sa piling ko.
Ilang taon ang lumipas bago ko nararamdaman na unti-unti na akong nakalalaya.
Nakalalaya ako mula sa malala kong pagluksa.
Ilang taon bago ko mapigilan ang mga maalat na luha,
Ngunit ang sakit pa rin ay malala.
Bakit ka nga ba nawala?
Bakit mo ako iniwan?
Bakit hindi mo ako hinintay?
Bakit, Mama?
Ilang minuto na lang bago ako makarating sa’yong kwarto,
Ngunit bakit hindi mo ako hinintay?
Hayaan mo,
Malaya ka nang namamahinga.
Mapayapa.
Tahimik.
Ito na ang simula para tanggalin ang sakit na nararamdaman ko,
Kahit anong mangyari’y hindi ka mawawala sa isip ko.
Paalam, Mama.
Ikaw ang forever love ko.
feature,
Feature: Exploring Malaysia's "Historical City"
Without a doubt, we Filipinos have grand historical sites. For instance, our Calle Crisólogo (Vigan), Fort Santiago (Intramuros), and Cruz de Magallanes (Cebú City) brag the Hispanic heritage we have preserved for more than five hundred years. Sites such as Biak na Bato National Park and Zapote Bridge serve as commemoration of our heroes who liberated us from colonial rule.
It is important that we appreciate our own jewels of history. However, it would be nice if we explore other places having a deep sense of history as well, even if some of those may be "unpopular". Doing so not only expands our knowledge about different countries, but also instills a sense of appreciation of their culture and history. One of those "unknown" places worth exploring is Malacca (or Melaka) City. It does look like a typical city at first, but in reality, it brags a rich sense of history and inter-cultural heritage.
LANDSCAPE. A bird's eye view of a sunny afternoon at Malacca Square. Photo credits: James Tolosa
This city is located in the southwestern coast of Malaysia, near the Strait of Malacca. It was dubbed by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) as a "World Heritage Site" eleven years ago. Founded by Parameswara, a prince who fled from Majapahit Empire, it had attracted Asian traders (Chinese and Indian) and European explorers (Portuguese, Dutch, and British) for about five hundred years. Such foreign influence has remained in the architecture, cuisine, customs, etc. of the Peranakans (local Malaysians).
Here are some tourist landmarks you may consider in your historical trip in Malacca:
1. A'Famosa (Porta de Santiago)
STROLL. Locals and tourists saunter around the former Portuguese fortress. Photo credit: James Tolosa
A'Famosa was built by Portuguese explorer Alfonso d'Albiquerque in 1511. After he overthrew the sultan during that time, he needed a bastion that could protect other Portuguese colonizers and traders. Moreover, this construction was used to validate Portugal's control of the Asian spice trade.
As soon as the Dutch defeated the Portuguese in 1641, the new colonizers decided to renovate the A'Famosa and engrave the coat of arms of the Dutch East India Company on the edifice's gates. However, in 1806, the British nearly demolished the place. A year after, those new colonizers decided to save Porta de Santiago, one of the gates that was not yet completely destroyed.
2. Stadthuys
Stadthuys literally means "city hall" in Old Dutch. Situated in the center of Malacca Square, it is considered to be the "oldest" Dutch building in Asia. It is known for its heavy wooden and salmon red walls. It also served as the office of Dutch governors.
According to a museum guide from the History and Ethnography Museum, "During the British and post-British era, some museums, including History and Ethnography, were established here." The mentioned museum presents the lifestyle and artifacts used by various communities who have resided Malacca.
MARVEL. The History and Ethnography Museum boasts the spectacular architecture of the Stadthuys (left) and statues of the European explorers of Malacca (right). Photo credit: James Tolosa
3. Christ Church
Located near the Stadthuys is an Anglican establishment called the Christ Church. It replaced St. Paul's Church (during that time, a Roman Catholic establishment; now a museum) as the principal place of worship. Striking features of the Christ Church include pink bricks plastered with local red laterite, ceiling beams, a brass Bible, and a frieze of the "Last Supper" in glazed tiles.
When Malacca was administered by the British, they added a weathercock and bell tower near the place. Nowadays, it is governed by the Anglican Diocese of Western Malaysia.
IMPRESSIVELY LOOKING. The Christ Church stands erect with its magnificent, red bricks, weathercock, and bell. Photo credit: James Tolosa
4. Malacca River
Together with the Strait of Malacca, this body of water was one of the main routes of both Asian and European traders. According to a tourist, "If you really want to enjoy the 600 years [and counting] of history of Malacca, better take a cruise along the river."
In fact, there are daily river-boat cruises of the river. Bookings can be made at Taman Rempah, which is near the Stadthuys. With a 45-minute ride, one can see old godowns, fish markets, and other settlements of the Peranakans.
SIGHT. Cruisers enjoy the breathtaking view of the Malacca River. Photo credit: James Tolosa
Other historical landmarks you may consider include the Proclamation of Independence Memorial (a museum having a Mogul-inspired architecture), Flor de la Mar (a replica of a famous Portuguese ship), Jalan Hang Jebat (a street were collectors have sold relics for more than 300 years), and Kampung Mosque.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN MALACCA CITY
Aside from touring the aforementioned historical sites, try eating in kopi tiams. Kopi tiams are traditional Malaysian coffee shops that serve local delicacies. You may consider the following appetizing dishes:
• Bandung – a drink made up of condensed milk and rose cordial syrup. Grass jelly is often added to this drink.
• Nasi goreng pattaya – a chicken fried rice wrapped in omelette and glazed with chili sauce. Cucumber, anchovies, and sambal (Malaysian chili paste) are often added to make the dish spicy.
• Kaya toast – a snack filled with organic coconut jam, pandan, and butter. It is often served with teh tarik (Malaysian milk tea), tea, or coffee.
LOCAL FAVORITES. Enjoy the cuisine of Malaysia as you indulge in the (from left to right) bandung, nasi goreng pattaya, and kaya toast. Photo credit: James Tolosa
In addition, be familiar with the slangs the Peranakans use. Some of the most popular ones include lah (used to emphasize verbs), boleh ("can?"), alamak ("wow!"), and geli ("how disgusting!"). Moreover, in informal Malaysian English, the subject may be omitted as seen in the colloquialisms "can?" and "where got?".
Lastly, enjoy the street markets around Malacca. They usually open before early evening and close around midnight. Be sure to have at least 20 Ringgit (about 250 PHP) if you want to shop a lot of items. Vendors usually sell local deserts, souvenirs, clothing, and handiwork.
Avoid pointing items you want with your index finger because such gesture is considered disrespectful among Malaysians. Pointing with your thumb and using the mentioned slangs may increase your chances of successfully bargaining with the vendors.
MARKETPLACE. Locals and tourists pass through the entrance of Pahlawan Walk. Photo credit: James Tolosa
Now that you have been given an overview of the historical sites of Malacca and its heritage, go, and satisfy your wanderlust. Explore those sites, eat in kopi tiams, familiarize yourself with the slangs used, spend your time in the night markets, and be respectful of the culture of the Peranakans. Enjoy your trip on Malaysia's "Historical City"! //by James Tolosa
feature,
Feature: Food Trip in Lilac Food Strip!
If you are a foodie, you surely have heard of Maginhawa Street (Quezon City), Aguirre Street (Parañaque), Corner Market (Taguig City), and different food parks in Metro Manila. Those are just some of the places known for their original delicacies and colorful architecture.
If you want to explore more cuisines and widen your food options, you may add this on your to-go food places list: Lilac Street, or simply Lilac. Located in Concepcion Dos, Marikina, Lilac serves as the boundary between Marikina and Antipolo (Masinag). It boasts different restaurants and offers a spectacular food experience.
Lilac Street on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Photo credits: James Tolosa
A BRIEF HISTORY OF LILAC STREET
The origins of Lilac as a food outlet are quite vague. Before 2011, it was mainly a residential area. During that time, there were some subdivisions (Rancho Estate and Hacienda Heights), business outlets, carwash hubs, and churches (St. Paul of the Cross Parish and Living Word United Methodist Church) nearby.
In May 2011, Mr. Cliford Tiu established a small Mexican cantina called Burrito Brothers near St. Paul of the Cross Parish. Initially, he only had a few customers and struggled to break-even. In order to attract more customers, he decided to build "brother branches" of Burrito Brothers, namely Kebab Brothers (2012), Breakfast Brothers (2015), and Burger Brothers (2016; closed in 2018).
The specialties of Burrito, Kebab, and Breakfast Brothers are: 10-inch chicken burrito (119 PHP), beef kebab (170 PHP), and brother's tapa (160 PHP for sirloin; 185 PHP for US Meat), respectively.
A customer (inside the car) is about to go down and order food in Burrito/Kebab/Breakfast Brothers. Photo credits: James Tolosa
A few months after the establishment of Kebab Brothers, Mary Jane Rebaldo expressed her desire to run a restaurant specializing in Italian and American cuisine. Since she is "very fond of flowers", she decided to name the restaurant Forget Me Not. Her lutong-bahay, particularly Roast Beef (320 PHP) and Nutella Cheese Cake (155 PHP per slice) were a favorite among customers. Eventually, Forget Me Not added more delicacies and became popular for its comfort food. It recently added a cake outlet in Ayala Malls Marikina, and a restaurant (Café Perene) in Ayala Malls Feliz (located in Marcos Highway, Pasig City).
Forget Me Not has several customers every lunch time. Photo credits: James Tolosa
According to Rom Miraflor, current manager of Forget Me Not, "Dahil sa mga gawang-pagkain namin, naganyak namin 'yung mga tao na pumunta sa Lilac at kumain sa aming restoran. Naging word of mouth tuloy ng mga kustomer namin na masarap ang mga pagkaing sine-serve sa Lilac." ["Because of our comfort food, we were able to entice people to go to Lilac and eat in our restaurant. Customers eventually spread the word of mouth that the food served in Lilac is delicious."]
Those who live in Marikina thought they could become successful as well if they would serve their own delicacies. Over the long haul, they took business ventures and set up their own restaurants and food parks. You may want to try other popular and newly-established restaurants aside from the two restaurants mentioned above:
POPULAR RESTAURANTS IN LILAC STREET
1. Dapo at Tisa (77 Lilac Street)
Clockwise: Dapo at Tisa's exterior, menu for seafood, and interior. Photo credits: James Tolosa
Dapo at Tisa is a Filipino restaurant established in 2016. Formerly an old house, it was turned into a restaurant by Dapo and Tisa's family residing there. The family members believe that one celebrates life with good food. In addition, they give outreach programs and serve leftover food to street children for free from time to time.
Some of Dapo at Tisa's must-trys include Sizzling Tofu (190 PHP), Sinigang na Lechon Baboy (285 PHP), Beef Kare-Kare (465 PHP), Baked Cheesy Salmon (225 PHP), and Sigarilyas (175 PHP). Most entrées are good for sharing.
2. Miguel and Maria (89 Lilac Street)
Clockwise: Miguel and Maria's exterior, specialty (chicken wings), and interior. Photo credits: James Tolosa
Miguel and Maria is a restaurant established four years ago. As engraved in a board adjacent to its entrance, it is known for mixing comfort food with European cooking "executed with precision and well-sourced ingredients". Miguel, Maria, and the crew are committed to "putting [their] hearts in motion from kitchen to table and perfecting every detail [in cooking] to make [their] customers closer to home".
Miguel and Maria is often praised for its modern interior design, particularly the panoramic glass windows. Some of the restaurant's must-trys include signature wings (240 PHP; buffalo, BBQ, or salted egg), pumpkin soup (80 PHP), baby back ribs (280 PHP), mac and cheese (230 PHP), and grilled cheese sandwich (220 PHP).
NEWLY-ESTABLISHED RESTAURANTS IN LILAC STREET
1. Dawg's (60-C Lilac St.)
Customers play some board games while eating lunch at Dawg's. Photo credits: James Tolosa
Dawg's is Lilac Street's first boardgame-inspired café. It opened last May 2018. According to Cyrine Decena, a waitress from the restaurant, "Gusto kasi naming maglagay ng mga board game para ma-relax ang mga kustomer namin... makakatulong 'to para ma-enjoy nila ung mga kinakain nila." ["We want to put board games to relax our customers... this helps them enjoy whatever they eat."]
Some of Dawg's must-trys include Creamy Carbonara (149 PHP), New York Streetstyle Sandwich (150 PHP; with fries and iced tea), Crispy Pork Sisig (149 PHP; with buttered garlic rice, egg, and iced tea), and milo ice cream milk shake (150 PHP). Dawg's also offers a promo wherein customers who spend a minimum of 500 PHP can play board games with the staff. Those customers who win get special prizes.
2. Jiyuu (Ground Floor, 10 Lilac Bldg.)
Jiyuu's exterior (left) and grand opening decor (right). Photo credits: James Tolosa
Jiyuu is a bistro specializing in modern Japanese Cuisine. Originally located near Maginhawa Street in February 2018, it moved to Lilac Street six months after. Its owner John Paolo Tolosa expressed how he was inspired to establish the restaurant, "Kapag pumupunta ako sa Japan, nagagandahan ako sa mga design at pagkain [ng mga Hapon]... gusto ko, lumikha ng isang negosyong maglalahad ng aking karanasan." ["Whenever I go to Japan, I am attracted by Japanese design and food... what I want is to create a business narrating my experience."]
Some of Jiyuu's must-trys include Salmon Poké (280 PHP), Kani Kani Wave (188 PHP), Spicy Volcano Maki (198 PHP), Ashigaru (228 PHP), and Pink Sakura (88 PHP for glass; 178 PHP for pitcher).
OTHER SUGGESTED PLACES ON LILAC STREET
• Calle Lila, a food park,
• Chubbies Qcina Café, a restaurant known for experimenting dishes,
• Gui-Gui, a Korean buffet-style restaurant,
• Hunchos, a Mexican cantina,
• Pink Chiffon, a bakery and a mini-restaurant,
• Red's Fish Heads, a restaurant specializing in seafood, and
• Yellow Lantern Café, a restaurant specializing in international cuisine.
Clockwise: Gui Gui, Calle Lila, Yellow Lantern Café, Red's Fish Heads. Photo credits: James Tolosa
Lilac Street is home to various convenience stores and supermarkets such as Generika Pharmacy, Mercury Drug, Puregold, and Watsons. Aside from having branches of Goldilocks and Crazy Katsu, it even has boutiques, laundry shops, and law firms. In addition, you may have a haircut or massage on some salons, spas, and barber shops along the food strip.
Now that you have been given another option for your food adventures, it is high time that you go to Lilac Street. Enjoy the comfort food served and bring at least 350 PHP if you want to make your food trip in Lilac Food Strip memorable! //by James Tolosa
anuba!,
Literary (Submission): ❤?
Hala, paano na ‘to?
Anong pakiramdam ito?
‘Yung puso kong tibok nang tibok…
Tuwing ikaw ang kasama
At tuwing ikaw ay nakikita
Pakinggan mo o.
Dug dug, dug dug…
Rinig mo ba?
Ano kayang gagawin ko?
…
Ugh ‘di ko alam!
BAM, bigla niya nalaman,
Kung bakit tuwing nakikita siya,
At tuwing kasama siya
Ay nagkakaganito ang kanyang pakiramdam.
Na sumisikip ang dibdib,
At ang gaan-gaan ng pakiramdam.
Lumilipad-lipad.
At pangit ngiti nalang...
Is this love?
Hala, oh my god!
Gets ko na.
Gets ko na that...
I Love yo-
IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Persona
December 5, 1999-April 2, 2019
‘Yung persona ay namatay dahil sa isang heart attack napasobrahan ang pagkain ng lechon noong kaarawan ng kanyang kaibigan. Ang kanyang lamay ay dinaluhan ng kanyang magulang, mga kapatid, mga kaibigan, at ang kanyang bagung-bagong mahal sa buhay.
At nakalagay sa kanyang tombstone.
“I love yo-your food. Maraming salamat dahil namatay ako habang kinakain ang paborito kong food.”
4ever,
Literary: Tikab
Paulit-ulit na nasasaktan
Paulit-ulit na tinatanong
Paulit-ulit na nagtatanong
Paulit-ulit na tanong
Bakit?
Hindi kita makalimutan?
Bakit
Mahal pa rin kita?
Pero bakit
Ayaw mo na?
Bakit
Nawala ang dating nararamdaman?
Bakit
Tama na?
Bakit
Tapos na tayo?
Bakit
Dahil may iba na?
o
Dahil ba pagod ka na?
Nagsawa?
Bakit
Biglang nawala?
Bakit
Nagbago?
Bakit
Bakit?
Paulit-ulit na tanong
Paulit-ulit na nagtatanong
Paulit-ulit na tinatanong
Bakit?
english,
Love, why is my heart so heavy?
It fills to the top, reaches my head
Then comes down to acid and dread.
Love, why do my feet feel flight?
Weightless in a floating state
Stateless with nothing to wait.
Love, do you still feel me?
The ghost of skin in fingertips
The reach of what reality grips.
Love, are we alright?
I dream about old mornings
Presently foreboding.
Love, what do you see?
The world’s humour is clever
When you found someone better.
Love, is this our last night?
The dark sky is closing in on me,
I’m stuck in branches of toxic trees.
Love, help me out here. Please?
Literary: Love?
Love, why is my heart so heavy?
It fills to the top, reaches my head
Then comes down to acid and dread.
Love, why do my feet feel flight?
Weightless in a floating state
Stateless with nothing to wait.
Love, do you still feel me?
The ghost of skin in fingertips
The reach of what reality grips.
Love, are we alright?
I dream about old mornings
Presently foreboding.
Love, what do you see?
The world’s humour is clever
When you found someone better.
Love, is this our last night?
The dark sky is closing in on me,
I’m stuck in branches of toxic trees.
Love, help me out here. Please?
astraea,
Literary: A Somber Night
It is a somber night.
The lamp post gleaming a dim light, flickers as fast as your fickle feelings.
The dry night breeze that runs across our skin is biting cold. But it is nowhere close to your words that still chill my heart.
The distance between us when we sat down on this bench is nothing compared to the distance we are about to have.
But don't worry, I'm okay.
Now you turn your head towards my direction. Maybe you will take back what you said.
I wanted not to see your face again but I gave in just to see your eyes give me an apologetic gaze. I look back at you with eyes forming millions of questions, but all I could muster is:
"Why?"
edgewright,
Literary: Ganun Talaga
Sa panahon natin ngayon
Sa internet na matatagpuan ang bilyon-bilyong impormasyon
Na makikita lamang sa iba’t ibang libro noon
Pero sa dami man ng impormasyon dito
Limitado lamang ang kakayahan nito
Na kahit isang makina, hindi nito laging makikita ang hinahanap mo
Di’ ko lang talaga kasi maintindihan
Lahat ng kailangan mo, sa internet na daw matatagpuan
At kahit nga personal na impormasyon ko’y nalalaman
Pero malalaman ko ba sa pag-Google kung may pag-asa pa ako sa kaniya?
Mapapanood ko ba sa YouTube ang dahilan kung bakit ako’y iniwan niya?
O di kaya, nakasulat ba sa Wikipedia na hanggang kaibigan lang kami pala?
Sa lahat ng tanong na ‘yan, “hindi” ang sagot
Pero okay lang naman ito sa ‘kin
May mga bagay talaga sigurong hindi ko na malalaman ang sagot
Kahit napakaraming tanong sa isip ko’y bumabalot
12345,
Literary: Ikaw Ay Ako
Palagi tayong magkasama sa kahit na anong bagay. Kahit anong gawain, sa paglalaro, pag-aaral, pagbabasa hanggang sa paglilibang. Kahit saang lugar, tayo rin ay makikitang magkasama; sa eskwelahan, sa mall, sa bahay, at kung saan-saan pa. Alam mo, napagtanto ko lang na pareho rin tayo ng opinyon, parehong mag-isip, parehong magsalita, parehong kumilos, parehong manamit, kikay, at ang pinakamahalaga ay pareho tayo ng mga gusto. Ikaw ang pinakakilala kong tao sa mundo.
Tayo ang tipo ng taong walang masyadong kaibigan. Nakakatawa ka naman, siyempre nakakatawa rin ako. Ayos naman ang pananamit mo, astig nga e. Kakaiba, makulay at pansinin sa mata. Para sa akin lang a, cool naman tayo e. Kaya nga lang parang di ganoon ang tingin ng mga tao sa atin. Parang wala talagang gusto makipagkaibigan sa ating dalawa…di naman tayo wirdo, di ba? Alam mo minsan nalulungkot ako dahil di ko alam kung bakit nila tayo nilalayuan. Pero ayos lang, mayroon naman tayong isa’t isa... Ikaw at ako. Iyon na lang ang laging iniisip ko.
Sa kaiisip ko nga noon ay napansin kong nagbabago ka na. Iba na ang iyong pag-iisip, pagkilos, at di na natin ginagawa ang mga dati nating libangan kasi sabi mo ‘di ka na tulad ng dati. Iba na ang hilig mo. Iba na rin ang pananalita mo, madalang mo nang sabihin ang mga biro natin. Sabi mo ay di nakakatawa. Iba na rin ang pananamit mo, di na makulay, di na kapansin-pansin, sumusunod na sa uso. At alam mo, iba na rin ang iyong mga hilig at gusto. Ginagawa mo na ang mga bagay na di ko akalaing magagawa mo. Madami ka na ring bagong kaibigan, kung saan-saan kayo pumupunta at kung anu-ano ang pinaggagagawa ninyo. Bagong mga libangan, bagong mga kaibigan, at bagong mga hilig. Para ngang ‘di na ako ang prayoridad mo.
Pero ayos lang, tanggap ko lahat ng iyon. Pilit ko lang ding binago ang aking sarili kasi kung ano ka, iyon din ako. Di ba, pareho nga tayo? Pareho ng pag-iisip, pagkilos, pananalita, pananamit at gusto. Basta, dapat ay pareho tayo…
Ganoon nga pero parang nahihirapan na akong makisabay sa iyo. Minsan, masyado na akong nalilito...
Para tapusin na ang kalituhan kong ito ay umupo ako sa harap ng malaking salamin ng aking kwarto. Kinatok ko ang repleksyon at tinanong, “Ako pa ba ito?”
“Akala ko gusto mong lapitan tayo ng tao? O heto,” sagot ng aking repleksyon.
filipino,
Literary: Prom
Journal #1
February 14, 2019
O…M…G… ayan na nag-prompose ka na, hindi ko alam gagawin ko. Sige, pipigilan ko itong kilig ko kahit kaunti lang. Ay ano ba? Hindi ko na alam. Ang lakas ng kabog ng puso ko.
“Will you be my promdate?”
Syempre, oo agad. Gusto kita simula pa noong grade 4. Ngayong niyaya mo na ako sa prom, tatanggi pa ba ako? Malamang hindi.
Teka, ang pagaya mo sa akin sa prom, ibig sabihin ba nito ay gusto mo ako? Baka naman gusto mo lang ng promdate pero wala kang ibang maaya kaya ako na lang? Sana naman hindi ganoon, pero may pag-asa kaya ako sa’yo?
Journal #2
February 24, 2019
7:00PM
Prom na! Dala-dala ko pa rin ang maliit na journal na ‘to. Witness siya sa lahat ng mangyayari ngayong prom.
Ang gaganda ng gayak ng lahat-- shining, shimmering, splendid. Pero isang tao lang ang nakakuha ng atensyon ko-- ikaw. Oo, ikaw.
“Promdate ko ba talaga ‘to? Ang swerte ko naman.” ‘Yan ang paulit-ulit kong sinasabi sa sarili ko nang magkita tayo.
“Ang ganda mo.”
Ano daw? Ang ganda ko daw? Muntik yata akong himatayin doon.
Ito na ba talaga iyon? Nalilito ako, posible ba? Posible bang maging tayo?
Journal #3
February 24, 2019
11:30PM
“Last song na. Isayaw niyo na lahat ng gusto n’yong isayaw.”
Inaya mo ako papunta sa dance floor.
Hanggang prom, litung-lito pa din ako. Aamin na ba ako? Paano kung hindi naman pala kami pareho ng nararamdaman? Paano kung iniisip ko lang na may gusto siya pero wala naman pala? Paano kung—
“Gusto kita.”
Tulala. Tulala na naman ako.
“Ano ‘yun?” Siguraduhin muna natin baka mamaya hindi ko lang narinig nang maayos.
“Gusto kita. Dati pa,” nakangiti mong sagot.
Hindi na ata kinakaya ng puso kong ikaw ang sinisigaw—ay!
“Sure ka ba? Bakit ako? Anong nakita mo sa akin?”
Natataranta na ako.Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko. Tatakbo? Tatalon? Isisigaw ang pangalan mo? At sasabihing akin ka na? Ang harot!
“Ang daming tanong. Basta gusto kita, ‘yun lang ang alam ko. Gusto mo rin ba ako?” Nag-aalala mong tanong.
Sumabog na yata ang heart ko. Parang hindi ko na kinakaya lahat ng nangyayari. Ang dami kong tanong sa unang dalawang entry na sinulat ko pero nasagot mo lahat ngayong gabi. May pag-asa ba ako sa’yo? Oo. Mayroon. Posible bang maging tayo? Oo. Posible. At oo, gusto din kita.
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