future,

Literary: Sana

9/30/2016 09:59:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Sana, noong huling beses na ako’y iyong hinatid,
niyakap kita nang mas mahigpit.
Mas mahigpit pa sa lahat ng yakap
na ibinigay ko sa ‘yo bago ka umalis.

Sana, noong huling beses na tayo’y nagmeryenda,
nag-usap pa tayo nang mas matagal.
Mas matagal pa sa lahat ng pagkakataong sinabi ko sa iyo ang aking mga sikreto
na ang nakakaalam lang ay ikaw at ako.

Sana, noong huling beses na tayo ay naghapunan,
nagtawanan muna tayo at hindi agad umalis.
Bakit kasi ang dami nating kailangang gawin?

Sana, noong huling beses kang umakyat sa aking kwarto,
nagtagal ka pa nang ilang segundo.
Sana, hindi nakaharang ang aking mesa.
at ako’y niyakap bago ka bumaba.

Sana, sa huli nating araw na magkasama,
mas matagal pa sa bente kuwatro oras.
Dahil hindi sapat ang mga alaalang iniwan mo,
at ang gusto ko ay bumalik ka sa piling ko.
Sana, noong huli nating pagkikita,
hindi ka inatake.

Sana, noong sumunod na araw,
ikaw ang masayang magbabalita na suspendido ang klase.

Sana, noong hapunan,
nasa bahay ka at ikaw ang nagluto.
At wala ka sa ospital na may nakasaksak na mga tubo.

Sana, noong pumasok ako,
ikaw pa rin ang naghatid sa akin.
At mangangako ako na mag-aaral nang mabuti.

Sana, noong pag-uwi ko,
ikaw ang naghihintay.
Sana, noong pag-uwi ko,
magkukuwentuhan tayo at magmemeryenda.
Sana, noong pag-uwi ko,
hindi balita ang iyong paglisan.
Sana, noong pag-uwi ko,
hindi babati sa akin ang ama kong luhaan.
Sana, noong pag-uwi ko,
ang mga mata ko hindi namamaga at ayaw tumahan.

Sana, hindi ko kailangang sabihin kay Bunso na wala ka na.
Sana, hindi ko narinig si Lola na umiiyak dahil nauna pa ang kanyang anak sa kanya.
Sana, hindi ko kailangang sagutin ang aking mga pamangkin na nagtatanong kung nasaan ka.
Sana, hindi ko nakitang umiyak sa unang pagkakataon ang aking ama.

Sana, noong gabing iyon,
hindi ako nagdudusa at hinahanap ang yakap mo.
Hindi ako umiiyak dahil ikaw naman ang laging nagpupunas ng luha ko.
Hindi ako naghahanap ng pagsasabihan ng lahat ng nararamdamang kalungkutan.
Hindi ko binabalikan ang lahat ng alaalang iyong iniwan.
Sana, noong pagtulog ko,
ikaw ay aakyat na sa aking kuwarto at sasabihing, “Goodnight, Ate.”

Sana, hindi pa iyon ang huli.
Sana, hindi ko kinailangan na makita ka nang ganoon,
na ibinababa sa isang malalim na hukay
at doon na sa mahabang panahon.
Hindi ako handa,
na makita kang nakahiga,
sa isang kahon na ang sabi mo, matagal pa nating bibilhin,
dahil ang pagtatapos ko sa kolehiyo ay iyo pang hihintayin,
dahil gusto mo ulit umakyat sa entablado at sabitan ako ng medalya,
dahil ang sabi mo ay sabay pa kayong tatanda ni Papa,
dahil manunumpa at magiging abogado muna ako,
dahil ihahatid pa ninyo ako sa altar,
dahil gusto mo pa ng apo
at dahil nangako ako sa ‘yo na ibibigay ko lahat ng pinapangarap mo para sa akin,
ang panganay mo.

Sana, noong nangako ako, nangako ka rin.
na hindi ako iiwan nang wala man lang pasabi.
Sana, noong nangako ako, nangako ka rin,
na hindi ako iiwan at dito lang sa aking tabi.
Sana, noong nangako ako, nangako ka rin,
na hindi ako iiwan at hahayaang luhaan tuwing gabi.

Ang dami kong ‘sana’ pero isa lang ang aking hinihiling.
Sa bawat alas onseng madatnan,
sa bawat kaarawang dumaan,
sa bawat pilikmatang mawawala,
isa lang ang ibubulong gabi-gabi sa langit at sa mga tala,

“Ma, sana, nandito ka pa.”

literary,

Literary: Anino

9/30/2016 09:55:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Hiniling kong maging bahagi ng iyong buhay,
ngunit sa akin, di mo naibigay.
Ako’y nanatili bilang isang anino –
binabalewala mo lamang, wala kang kamalay-malay,
palaging nakabuntot, at sa tabi mo’y hindi nawalay.

Hiniling kong ako’y iyong ibigin,
ngunit alam ko, hindi ka mapapasaakin.
Sapagkat lagi kong nasasaksihan,
tuwing kinakain ka ng dilim,
akong anino’y napapawi, tila ba tinangay ng hangin.

Hiniling kong malimutan ka na,
habang ako'y hindi mo nakikita,
gusto kong malaman mo na nais kong kumawala.
Ngunit nahanap mo muli ang tanglaw,
sa gitna ng dilim, natagpuan ko, aking kaagaw.

Hiniling kong mapalayo na sa iyo
ngunit hindi makahiwalay, kahit anong pilit ko.
Noong ang ilaw, iyong natagpuan,
akong anino'y hindi makayang bumukod,
wala na akong magagawa kundi sumunod.

Hiniling kong lumingon ka,
tumalikod ka sa iyong tanglaw,
nandito lang ako sa bawat mong galaw.
Di ba ang lapit lang natin, pero di mo ako tanaw,
maaari bang minsan, ako’y iyong maaninaw?

Hinihiling kong sa karimlan na lang ako,
sapagkat dito lang ako naglalaho.
Hinihiling ko rin, tuluyan na tayong magkalayo,
dahil marami pang ilaw ang iyong maaaring makatagpo,
at may iba pang anino na susunod sa iyo.

At hindi mo na ako magiging anino.

elora,

Literary: Mga Binitiwang Hiling

9/30/2016 09:49:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Sana hindi na lang kita nakilala,
bakit ba kasi sa dinami-rami ng tao, ikaw pa?
Tadhana yata ay nagkamali,
oras at tao ay mali ako ng pagpili.

Sana hindi na lang tayo nagkita,
dahil pagtingin sa ‘yo’y lalong lumalim pa.
Nang ang mga mata natin ay nagtagpo,
biglang bumilis ang tibok ng aking puso.

Sana hindi na lang kita nilapitan,
napigilan pa sana ang paglalim ng nararamdaman.
Hindi na dapat umasa,
lalong hindi na rin sana nagmukha pang katawa-tawa.

Sana hindi na lang tayo naging magkaibigan,
kung alam ko lang na ‘yon na ang hangganan.
Naiwasan pa sana ang sakit at pighati
ng ating mga pusong nagdadalamhati.

Pero sana, hindi ka na malungkot
kahit ang puso ko’y punong-puno pa ng poot.
Masaya na ako kung masaya ka na
kahit minamahal mo man ay iba.

Ito lamang ang mga hiling ko para sa ‘yo,
mula sa nagdaramdam kong puso!
Ngayon sana ika’y masaya na,
mga hiling ko’y binitiwan ko na.

literary,

Literary: I Hope You Knew

9/30/2016 09:39:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

I hope you knew
I have always wished for you

I guess what I’m trying to say is
I still cherish everything we had together
Even though it always kept me up all night.

All The late night calls that never happened
The ever short replies I never asked for
All the painful messages I tried to ignore
The unsent drafts that could’ve made things better

How we wrote every chapter together.
How you’ll always be my last dance and no other.
How we quoted song lyrics indirectly for one another
How we kept chasing deadlines but not each other
How our mutual feelings were the only things we didn’t see
How I kept saying sorry, for crossing the overthinking boundary
How I gave meaning to our late night conversations at three.

After all the memories of you and me
After the signs told me it was meant to be

Yet here I am, still having these second thoughts
Maybe you’re a wish that’ll never come true

(Now read it from bottom to top)

literary,

Literary: Mockumentaryo

9/30/2016 09:29:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Sa episode ng Mockumentaryo ngayon, pupunta tayo sa isang makulay na lugar, kung saan may makukulay na gusali, bubong, kalsada, pader, tubig, at hangin. May makukulay na tao na nagsasalita ng makukulay na salita. Nagsusuot ng makukulay na damit at may makukulay na isip. Tinanong namin ang bawat isa: “Ano ba ang wish mo?”

“Ang wish ko ay mangyari ang mga sinabi ni John Lennon sa kantang Imagine.” – isang hippie

“Wish ko lang, sana yumaman ako.” – starting entrepreneur

“Hay. You know my wish ko po is magkaroon ng cool car at imported Havaianas slippers at Apple products and of course, Starbucks, endless supply of it. Yes, ‘yun lang.” – social climber

“Ano ang wish ko? Wish ko na patumbahin ang mapang-aping pasismong rehimen ng kasulukuyang administrasyon.” – makakaliwang aktibista

“Ang wish ko ay mas maraming pondo para sa aming research.” – taong eksperto sa larangan ng agham

“Ano ang aking hiling? Ang hiling ko lamang ay mapansin kami ng gobyerno. Dahil kami’y naghihirap sa bukid pero hindi namin mapaaral ang aming mga anak.” – magsasaka

“Ay, ano ang hiling ko? Ang aking hiling ay mahalin ng mga kabataan ang kanilang nasyong sinilangan at ipagtanggol ito sa mga magsasamantala.” – nasyonalistang aktibista

“Ako? Gusto kong bumilis ang daloy ng trapiko.” – tsuper

“Wish ko lang na bumilis ang internet natin.” – computer shop user

“Wish ko magka-love life.” – forever alone

“Wish ko, sana makapag-move on na ako.” – heartbroken

“Hay, naku! Hiling nang hiling! Kung gusto n’yong makuha ‘yang mga hiling n’yo, kumilos kayo at huwag humiga diyan at tigilan na ang pananaginip habang gising!” – malamang hindi ito millenial

O, di ba? Makulay sila, parang isang box ng krayola: hindi parehong-pareho mag-isip, may mga sariling adyenda, pansariling interes, at iba’t iba ang opinyon at hiling. Bakit mo ba sila huhusgahan kung ano gusto nila? Pero eksepsyon na lamang ang paghiling ng “endless supply ng Starbucks” dahil walang endless, pare/mare. At iyon lang po. Ito ang Mockumentaryo and see you next time!

literary,

Literary: Paruparo

9/30/2016 09:16:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Naaalala ko pa ang kahapon kong makulay
Pinuno ito ng pagmamahal ng aking Lolay
Ngunit panandalian lang pala ang ligayang ito
Di ko naisip, ang oras pala'y tumatakbo

Payak lang ang pamumuhay ng aking kamusmusan
Mainit na yakap, kokoa, at kakanin lang ang sagot sa ulan
At pagtapos kumai'y sasamahan ko si Lolay maggantsilyo
Habang ako'y nahihimbing sa huni niya ng “Paruparo”

Pero tulad ng isang paruparo, siya'y mabilis na pumagaspas
Ang dumapo sa kanyang sakit, mabilis kumalat, kumaripas
Tadhana, kalawakan, bakit ganito?
Binawi niyo sa ‘kin ang aking paruparo

Di ko man lang nagawang magpasalamat sa lahat ng ginawa niya para sa ‘kin
Tanging luha lang ang pabaon, nasambit ko lang ay paumanhin
Umaalingawngaw pa rin sa aking isipan
Ang sabi niyang "Huwag na huwag mo akong kalilimutan"

Tadhana, kalawakan, bakit kay pait ng hinagpis?
Tila nasanay ako sa kokoa at kakanin niyang matamis
Tadhana, kalawakan, kung mayroon man akong isang hiling
Kahit isang araw lang, ibalik mo si Lolay sa ‘king piling

Nais ko lang kumain muli ng kokoa at kakanin
O sumayaw sa tunog ng radyo, o tumawa sa mga magasin
Alaala naming dal’wa'y nais kong sariwain
Kahapong di malilimutan, iaasa na lang sa isang hiling

literary,

Literary: Happy Birthday

9/30/2016 09:12:00 PM Media Center 1 Comments

People, smiles, and balloons
Gifts and pastries on trays
Greetings with love and promises
All on his special day

He turns a year older
With friends who stuck through thick and thin
Family that's more than just family
And people who believed in him

They celebrated with everyone
It seemed perfect as they played the song
And surprised him with his birthday cake
While clapping their hands and singing along

Then he blew his candle
Whispering the last birthday wish he'd spend
Closing his eyes and thinking
He wanted his life to end

His illness grew worse
As he laid himself in bed
All the cells within him gave up
And the fire inside him left

His body laid still
His soul already broken
He finally put himself to sleep
Never to be woken

A year older, and now dead
Happy birthday, wish granted

literary,

Literary: Of Life and Wishes

9/30/2016 09:06:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

“Happy birthday to youuuuu!”

A huge smile spread on my face as my friends and family excitedly told me to make a wish. I closed my eyes, wished on the burning candle, and blew it. Everyone cheered and clapped. My parents removed the now smoking candle in the shape of the number three, and everyone moved to slice the cake. A friend went over to me and asked me what I wished for. I said, “It’s a secret!” I gave her a toothy grin. “But I’m sure it’ll come true!”

My parents lift me up and put a small toy tiara on my head. They called me “princess’ and I knew the candle had done its job.

~~~

The wind whispered in my ear as I laughed and talked with my parents.

The picnic in the park was great, and the food was really good! The grass tickled my feet when I stretched them beyond the picnic mat. I held onto the tiara I’ve always worn since I was three years old. It already fell, I wasn’t going to let it get dirtied! Mommy then pointed to a fluffy looking flower and said, “Look sweetie, a dandelion!” she plucked it and handed it to me. “Make a wish, then blow the dandelion.” I curiously stared at it, made a wish, then blew. I watched in awe as the fluffy-looking strands danced in the wind. I wondered where my wishes went.

We went home with me holding that toy sold in the park that I’d always wished my parents would buy me, but with my dandelion wish not granted.

~~~

I sat at the table writing a Christmas list.

I had to include every friend, every family member, and every relative in the list or else someone won’t receive a gift. My mom walked up to me. “Why don’t you make a wish list? Santa might give you what you want, you’ve been a good girl this year.” I smiled up at her. “Okay, after I finish this list,” I said. She walked away and I smiled to myself, knowing my parents have always been the ones who gave me my wish, not Santa.

That Christmas, my friend told me the gift I got from my parents was really cool. I only smiled, knowing I didn’t put what I really wanted on my wish list because my parents couldn’t give it to me.

~~~

“...987, and this is 988…”

I just learned a bit of origami, and at the moment, I was making paper cranes. I heard of a story about making a thousand paper cranes to make your wish come true, and I wanted to try it out. I know there’s a chance, a huge chance, that my wish might not be granted and this whole crane thing was just a fun, little story, but I still wanted to try it out. There’s no harm in trying, right?
I finished the thousandth crane after some time. I made a wish and hoped for the best.

Months, years later, I was still waiting and hoping in vain. I picked up a crane and tore it to pieces.

~~~

I looked away from the ceiling to check the time on my phone.

11:09 PM, it read. I sighed and went back to staring at the ceiling because I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t sleep, even though my eyes were already bloodshot. My mind wandered. I was stressed and tired from school, but my mind was as active as an athlete in training. Sighing, I looked at the time again. 11:11, it read. Almost automatically, my brain sought for a wish. I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now, ever since I learned about the 11:11 magic, but none of my wishes have come true. I think of this now as a sort of ritual, something to fool myself that there’s still hope. I stared at the ceiling again.
My mind repeated the wish I made like a mantra until 11:12 came.

I didn’t expect anything to happen. Nothing did.

~~~

I walked out of a restaurant with my friends, laughing.

We had decided to hang out today, as a break from all the things we’ve been doing. We were at a mall, window shopping and buying food and other things. We passed by the decorative part of the mall where a wishing well stood. My friends’ eyes lit up. They approached the well asking each other for coins. I gave one of them a coin so they could make a wish. Her face lit up as she took it and thanked me. My friends threw their coins in the well and turned to me. “You aren’t making a wish?” one of them asked. I shook my head with a small smile. “I don’t do that anymore.” They turned to me and looked at me with odd expressions, one of them bordering on hidden sympathy.

~~~

I sat down on the grass and let the cool night air touch my cheeks.

I closed my eyes, trying to calm my distraught self. How can life be so merciless, apathetic? Everything was stressful, there’s so much to do. Life is moving too fast and I can’t keep up. I always felt hopeless, helpless, as if I’m swimming against a strong current. I opened my eyes, feeling tears falling down. I wiped them off. Why was I in so much despair? I pulled my knees closer to my body, wrapping my arms around them. I felt the wind, the grass, the dandelions swaying gently in the breeze. This park was as beautiful as the day my parents and I hoped. I had not hoped nor wished in years.

I looked up at the sky and looked at the stars. I wonder how many people still hoped, still dreamed. I wonder how many people have wished upon these stars.

A shooting star passed by to my surprise, and I hurried to make a wish. The action seemed almost alien to me. But maybe it was time to hope again.

literary,

Literary: Munting Kwento

9/30/2016 09:01:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Isang araw, may sumulat ng istorya
kung saan ang buhay ng bida’y mala-pantasya:
naisipang iaalay sa kanya ang prinsesa
isang perlas na ningning ay kakaiba,
ipagkakaloob sa kanya isang pangalang dakila
at... ginawa akong kalaban.

Ako lang naman ang patalo sa laro,
kapag may naganap na masama, sa akin ang turo.
Wala akong magagawa kung panira ako ng eksena,
para bang hindi inaasam na dalaw sa itinatanging alaala,
ako lang naman ang nahirang na basura ng istorya.

Maaari ngang ako’y napakasamang nilalang,
nilalang na mali ang pagkalikha kaya isinantabi na lang.
Ngunit, batid niyo ba na ako’y tao rin lamang?
At hindi niyo ba natanto, kahit minsan,
kahit isang saglit ba, sa isip niyo’y napadaan,
kung ano ang aking nararamdaman?

Sana, ako’y inyong pakinggan.

Takdang oras ay sumapit, aaminin ko na ang totoo:
ang buhay ng kalaban ay hindi ko ginusto.
Sa dinami-rami ng isda’y ako ang nahuli,
naakit, nalinlang, wala nang takas sa tali.

Sana iba na lang.

Nagsimula ang lahat sa isang maaliwalas na umaga,
umagang dinaig ang dilag ng isang estrelya.
Pagdilat ng mga mata’y nasilaw sa sumalubong na pag-asa,
pag-asang makalikha ng isang simula,
simula ng aking istorya.
Ngunit biglang dumilim
nang hablutin ang aking hiling,
nang malamang nasimulan na ang kuwento,
at iba ang sumulat, hindi ako.

Kung maaari lang balikan ang panahon at alaala,
kung maaari lang lokohin ang sanlibutan, matagal ko nang ginawa.
Gusto ko sana ng isa pang pagkakataong magsimula muli,
para maayos ang lahat ng gulo, maitama ang pagkakamali.

Ngunit, nasulat na ang katha mula umpisa hanggang huli.

Isang araw, sumulat sila ng munting kuwento,
wala na akong magagawa, maniwala kayo,
puno na ang blangkong papel ng aking pagkatao.
Ang lahat ng ito’y isang pandaraya
pandarayang hindi na mabubura...
Sana alamin niyo muna ang lahat bago basahin ang istorya.

cinnamon bun,

Literary: Tabi

9/30/2016 08:57:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Minsan, naaalala ko
sabay tayong naglakad sa ilalim ng karagatan ng mga tala.
Umupo, nagkatabi tayong dal’wa
at tumanaw sa mga bituing kumikislap
parang ang iyong mga matang kumukurap.

Pinatahimik ko ang paligid
pinatagal ko ang oras
para makinig sa ’yo, sa tinig mo,
at sa mga sandaling iyon
nakilala kitang lubusan.

Ikinuwento mo ang sikreto ng nakaraan
sinagot kung paano, kailan, saan
ang masasaya at malulungkot mong karanasan,
ating pinakamasasakit na iyakan
hanggang sa pinakamatatamis na tawanan
hinding-hindi ko malilimutan.

Sa pagbukas ng iyong bibig
nagmistulang tanghalan, ating inuupuang sahig
nagsimula kang umawit,
sinaliwan ko ng tugtog
‘tug-tog’…’tug-tog’ – tibok ng aking puso.

Pinakinggan ko ang iyong pagkanta
awit na isinulat nating dalawa
rinig ko ang bulong, paghinga
ramdam ang talinghaga ng bawat salita
habang sinasabayan mo ang kislap ng mga tala.

Dumating na ang oras upang magpaalam sa isa’t isa
kailangan ko nang tumayo sa inuupang entablado
sa ilalim ng kalawakan.

Ngunit ayoko pa.
Nais ko pang makita ang iyong kumikinang na paningin
nais ko pang marinig ang iyong awitin
nais ko pang subaybayan ang iyong mukhang kasinliwanag ng mga bituin.

Gusto kong ihinto ang oras
upang masabi ko
ang nararamdaman
para sa ’yo:
Sa dinami-rami ng mga bituin, minsan, isang gabi
ang pinakamagandang tala ay nasa aking tabi.

impreza,

Literary: Takane no Hana

9/30/2016 08:51:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Out of someone's reach
An unattainable flower
"Takane no hana"

A rose that no one has dared to touch,
Afraid of failing and getting hurt too much.

In a garden where all I can see is grass.
I saw a flower standing elegantly in the distance,
A delicate flower that yearns care and protection.
You captivated me.

Another day of looking at you from afar,
Surrounded by fences and interferences, everything is bizarre.
I wish I know how I could reach you.
I don’t know how it will happen but I know it will happen.

A month has passed and I’m thinking of a way for you to see me.
I wish I could show you what my feelings were for you,
Someone who would absolutely love and take care of you.
But I still don’t know how it will happen but I know it will happen.

A year went by and I’m beginning to feel hopeless.
I wish even for a little while, I can be with you.
But until now, I don’t know how to.
I only know that sooner or later, it will happen.

Years have passed and I’m still hoping my wishes will come true.
I know that moment will come when I could finally reach you,
Finally express my feelings to you,
And finally be in the garden with you.

leo,

Literary: Bes-Zoned

9/30/2016 08:46:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

“Huy, Bes!”
‘Ayan ka na naman, mauulit na naman.
Magkukuwento ka na naman. Masakit na naman.
Isang “Hi,” binalik ko sa ‘yo at isang ngiting nagtatago.
Bawat kuwento mo (mga salitang tungkol sa minamahal mo) ay tila binabaril ako.
BES!
BEST!
BESTFRIEND.
Tanging mensaheng tumatakbo sa isip,
“Kaibigan lang kita, ha?”

“Huy, Bes...”
Tumutulo ang ulan mula sa iyong mga mata, nagiging bagyo na yata.
Di makatayo sa sakit, tindig mo’y nanginginig
na parang isang lindol, winawasak ang loob ng puso mo.
At nang huminahon, ika’y nagkuwento tungkol sa nabigo mong pag-ibig.
(Pareho lang pala tayo, e. Kaya lang, naging parang isa lang akong dingding, isang harang, sa kaligayahan mo.)

“…”
Hindi na nakarating sa ‘yo ang mga nararamdaman kong kay tagal na kinimkim.
Maligaya ka na kasi, nahanap mo na ‘yung bagay na magpapasaya sa ‘yo.
Bagay rin naman ako, a,
di lang bagay sa ‘yo.
Hay.
Sana kasi. Sana ganoon.
Sana pala, di kita hinayaang tadtarin ako ng balang hindi na matatanggal.
Sana pala, pinayungan kita sa bagyong paparating at prinotektahan sa lindol na yayanig.
(Sana, nasabi ko ang mga salitang baka nagpabago sa puso mong hindi tumitibok para sa akin.)
Sana pala di ko itinago.
Baka sakaling di ako na-
bes-zoned sa ‘yo.

literary,

Literary: Sa Ilalim

9/30/2016 08:41:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Napakasarap pagmasdan
ng mga bituing nagsasayawan, nagkikislapan,
mga ilaw na patay-sindi sa kalangitan,
nagsisilbing gabay sa mga hindi alam ang patutunguhan,
tulad ko na nakawala ng mapa
dahil tangay-tangay mo ito
noong sinabi mong “Ayaw ko na.”
Tuloy, napadpad ako sa pusod ng gubat,
walang karamay, nag-iisa
di alintana ang panganib na kaakibat,
dahil iyan ang ginawa ko noong minahal kita.

Lumalalim ang gabi,
sinubukan kong ipikit ang aking mga mata,
baka pagod ko’y kaya nitong mapawi,
baka maglaho ang sakit at pighati.
Pero hindi ko magawang mahimbing
dala ng bangungot ng nakaraang madilim.
Di alam kung bakit nagkakaganito
siguro ikaw pa rin ang laman ng puso at isip ko.

Mga mata’y muling binuksan,
pagtingin ko sa karagatan ng mga bituin,
may bulalakaw na nagdaan,
pikit-mata kong sinabi ang mumunti kong hiling,
na sana ay isabay nito ang bigat ng aking damdamin,
pati na rin ang mapapait na alaala ay maglaho na.
Kaya naisipan kong sumulat ng tula
sa ilalim ng buwan at libo-libong tala –
mga letrang napakadiin ng pagkakasulat
gamit ang luhang tumutulo sa aking mga mata.
Bawat luhang pumapatak, laman nito’y aking hiling
na sana bukas wala na ako sa kagubatang madilim...

dawson,

Literary: My Celestial Love

9/30/2016 08:36:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

literary,

Literary: Second Star to the Right

9/30/2016 08:31:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Stuck and bored, day and night
Never left my zone, not even for a mile
To work till it's morning and bright
A life I had known for quite a while

Sighing and longing are no use to me
But I love looking out my window sill
To the stars spread out as far as my eye can see
A view so beautiful and so surreal

As soon as I feel like turning around
A boy, suddenly appeared, no older than me
With feet, not gravity-bound
And laughter so careless and free


“How could I? I don’t know you.”


With a naïve heart, I followed him and flew



I waited and waited and waited
For the promise that he vowed
To never forget me as if we were fated
But the cry of my heart is too loud


But the memories of you
Were the only proof you were real
And my broken heart is evidence too
To the emotions I feel

But I’m still going to continue
To jump off the plank
Because I’m hoping you are still true
And to safety, you’d fly me back

contre jour,

Literary: Lamentation's Facade

9/30/2016 08:20:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Streaks of white against the midnight sky,
A sign of hope for those below;
Whispers and shouts come from the vale,
Wishes and calls for better days.

Wishes, o wishes, bastions of hope,
Whose marble face of endless dreams,
Betrays not that plaster which is your core:
Lamentation and pain and endless grief.

Wishes, o wishes, you marks of want,
Are you not but calls for help?
A honeyed lament against what is;
A sweet-sung song of tormented woe.

Wishes, o wishes, you declamations loud,
Whose sound is wasted on an empty hall,
Echoing, echoing for an absent crowd,
Unheard, unnoticed, unheeded.

Streaks of white against the endless black,
Fading as they speed along;
Swallowed by darkness in their path,
Lost forever to the void.

literary,

Literary: Guniguni

9/30/2016 08:15:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

literary,

Literary: Ay Bastos!

9/30/2016 08:10:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Pagsapit ng kadiliman,
may isang bituin na naghahari sa kalangitan.
Dali-dali ko itong dinadasalan
bago pa ang iba’y maglantaran
dahil kahilingan ko'y baka hindi na maisakatuparan.

Pagsapit ng Pasko,
sa aming kamag-anak ako didiretso.
Ako'y manghihingi ng mga pamasko
palagay ko, ako na'y isang milyonaryo!

Pagsapit ng aking kaarawan,
ako'y pinalilibutan ng mga mahal ko sa buhay,
tinititigan ako hanggang mahipan ang apoy sa harapan
nasa isip ko lamang makuha na ang materyal na bagay.

Minsan ako'y nasa isang paglalakbay,
mata ko'y hinila ng balong malumbay.
Ako'y lumundag sa tubig na parang buwaya
upang tubusin ang hinagis nilang barya.
Wow! Ganoon lang pala kadaling kumita
ngayo'y doble na ang pera sa aking bulsa!

Minsan na akong nangialam ng lampara
upang ikuskos ito sa madudungis kong paa.
Hinintay kong lumabas ang nagkukubling nilalang,
ngunit ang lumabas,
kumukulong mukha ng aking ina!

Minsan, ako'y inutusang magtiklop ng tagak,
ang sabi sa akin, "Sige pa, sige pa,
bilisan mo pa, huminto ka lamang kapag sapat na..."
Naku naman, isang libong papel, inaksaya!

Pagsapit ng Linggo,
iniluluhod ang paa, iniyuyuko ang ulo.
Magdadasal lamang upang humiling,
bilis ng bulong sa hangin
sa takbo ni Usain Bolt, tumataginting!

Sinusunod ko, mga pamahiin sa paghiling
nagbabakasakaling mga mithi ay akin ding kamtin.
Ngunit paglaon, aking binibiro, ginagawang kalokohan,
sapagkat alam ko na hindi sila magkakatotoo, kailanman.

MC2019,

Ang mga minimithi'y ibinubulong sa hangin...

9/29/2016 09:35:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

MC2019,

Meet #FutureMC

9/29/2016 09:29:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Members of MC 2019, this year's guest editorial staff.

mc staff,

Meet #TeamMC

9/29/2016 09:22:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

feature,

FEATURE: “Ang Katatawanan at Kalituhan”: Tawanan, Hagikhikan sa Labo-labong Tanghalan

9/29/2016 09:00:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Kasiyahan. Kalituhan. Pagkamangha.

Ganito ang mga naramdaman ng mga manonood sa “Ang Katatawanan at Kalituhan”, isang pagtatanghal ng Dulaang UP bilang pagbubukas ng kanilang 41st season.

Isa itong pag-alaala sa ika-400 taong pagkamatay ni Shakespeare. Naging basehan ng dulang ito ang kanyang “The Comedy of Errors”, na isinalin sa Filipino ni Guelan Varela-Luarca at sa direksyon ni Alexander Corte.

Umani ng maraming papuri ang pagtatanghal. Kinilala ang Arabian design ng entablado nito na pinamunuan naman ni Ohm David. Naging swak dito ang makukulay na kostyum ng mga karakter, na idinisenyo naman ni Gino Gonzales. Lalo pang nabuhay ang dula sa sigla ng koreograpiya ni PJ Rebullida at sa kasiningan ng lights production sa pamumuno ni Melliton Roxas Jr.

Nagsimula ang kuwento sa bayan ng Efeso kung saan ipinagbabawal ang mga taga-Siracusa. Nililitis ang isang taga-Siracusa na si Egeon, na nagpunta noon sa Efeso upang hanapin ang kanyang nawawalang kambal na anak. Kasabay nito, dumating ang isang nagngangalang Antifolo, kasama ang kanyang aliping Dromeo. Nagpanggap silang mga taga-Efeseo gayong taga-Siracusa talaga sila. Lingid sa kanilang kaalaman, may kapangalan at kamukha-kamukha sila sa nasabing lugar. Dahil dito, napapagpalit ng mamamayan, maski na ng asawa ni Antifolo, ang kanilang mga pagkatao na siya namang nagdulot ng matinding kaguluhan at kalituhan sa istorya.

Simula pa lamang, damang-dama na ang pagkakabuhol-buhol ng kuwento at ng ugnayan sa pagitan ng mga tauhan. Pinatingkad pang lalo ng mahusay na pagganap ng mga aktor sa kani-kanilang karakter ang nakaaaliw na banghay ng dula. Kinilala sina Gabo Tolentino at Khen del Prado para sa kanilang katangi-tanging pagganap sa kambal na Dromeo. Napukaw rin ang atensyon ng mga manoonod dahil sa mga matatalinghaga ngunit nakakatawang linya ng mga tauhan. Marahil ito ay dahil sa mahusay pagkakasalin sa Filipino ng istorya sapagkat napanatili nito ang estilo sa pagsulat ni Shakespeare.

Mag-iiwan ng ngiti sa inyong mga mukha ang nakalilitong banghay , mga rebelasyon nito at maging ang paraan ng paglutas sa mga suliranin sa dula. At Kung inaakala mong alam mo na ang buong kuwento, mabibigo ka ng iyong maling akala. Lilituhin at patatawanin kang lalo ng pagtatanghal hanggang sa dulo. Sa paglabas mo ng dulaan, siguradong magbabaon ka ng isang malaking ngiti, sabayan mo pa ng masakit na panga sa iyong kakahalakhak.

// nina Rachel T. Siringan at Fiel Delos Reyes

feature,

Feature: What type of Poke-Student are you? (Part 2)

9/29/2016 08:44:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Last time, we shared with you 7 different Poke-Student types. If you weren't able to find your type in that list, here are 7 more:


1. Grass types are still alive but barely breathing. The lack of sleep has turned them into zombies. They want to be normal type students but they can’t. Often they are mistaken as high, but in all honesty, they just want to get high grades.

2. People’s impression of Steel types is that they are arrogant and such extreme show-offs, with their maskels in their #Gainz Instagram posts. When you meet them, they’re actually really fun to be with and maybe a liiiiittle arrogant. Beware: they will take every chance to show you their gunz.

3. Flying types are those who are ready for anything, whether it’s a class presentation, a group skit, or even an individual monologue. They’re extremely enthusiastic and optimistic about their tasks and they always execute in an extravagant way. Anticipate a perfect score in group projects with them.


4. People never seem to notice the presence of Ghost types until something hilarious happens. They are the masterminds of tricks and pranks that make the whole class crack up in laughter. Usually, they come up with all of the surprises and contribute out-of-this-world ideas for reports and projects which are never too hard for them to pull off.


5. Fairy types manage Tumblr blogs that are perfect examples of a e s t h e t i c s, with galaxy-themed notebooks and inspirational phone wallpapers to match. Their school supplies look as if they came from a National Bookstore from outer space and it’s likely they won’t tell you how much they cost. They’re the people you’d ask to do lettering for a love letter, written report, or visual aids because their penmanship is #OnPoint.


6. Bug types just can’t stop talking. They ask their fellow students questions about drama they aren’t even a part of. They love hearing and spreading tsismis even when it’s evident that you’re not interested. If you hear your group chat notifications blowing up, you know it’s them asking what the requirements for the next days are.


7. We usually look up to Fighting types for the way they pursue and work hard for the things that they either want or love doing. Academic achievers and student-athletes are perfect examples of this type. They have a great perspective on life, but it is difficult for them to balance their priorities.

Image Source: http://elliespokemonworld.tumblr.com/post/143795978207/i-love-them-all-but-i-do-think-my-favourite-one-is

hillary fajutagana,

Opinion: The Point of No Return

9/29/2016 08:31:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

(c) Jem Torrecampo

Have you ever felt so hungry and you wanted to buy food outside but you can’t because you still have something to do in school? Or have you ever had to do school requirements outside but you can’t because you will no longer be allowed back in campus once you leave?

Everyday, for these and other reasons, some students are faced with this dilemma. Many of them ask, “Why aren’t we allowed to return to school once we have left?”

First, we have to understand the rule in its entirety. The policy on Dismissal Time is in the Code of Conduct for Faculty, Staff, Parents and Students which is usually given at the start of the school year and also printed in the UPIS Handbook. The Code of Conduct states that “students should stay within the campus until they are picked up by authorized person/s.” In fact, students should have been picked up or should have gone home 30 minutes after dismissal time because loitering in the campus is not allowed. Therefore, students who leave the school premises at the end of the school day are no longer allowed to re-enter the premises because it is expected that they are on the way home.

According to UPIS Principal Dr. Ronaldo San Jose, this policy has been in effect since 2013 but perhaps students feel it now more than before because of the strict implementation. This no-returning policy is most strongly felt by varsity players who have to jog at the Academic Oval as part of late afternoon training or by students who are dismissed early and prefer to buy food or do requirements outside school.

This policy is made to ensure the safety of everyone at UPIS and is implemented to prevent incidents which can be caused by letting the students in and out of school at their own leisure. For example, if rules on dismissal were loose, there is a possibility of bringing in non-UPIS people or prohibited substances which can then be a security concern. Since the school is responsible for the students while they are in the premises, UPIS may be held liable for such incidences. This policy is for the welfare of both students and the school.

In the first place, why would students want to leave the campus, only to come back?

As mentioned, one common reason is doing requirements or buying materials which can only be done outside school. However, it is expected that students are responsible enough to have done requirements and have bought materials before going to school.

Another reason is that varsity players sometimes have to go outside of school premises for training. Many have training outside of school but they have to come back to train inside as well. They are having a hard time since almost every school day, they have to get a gate pass if they want to train outside and come back to school again. This gate pass can only be issued for valid reasons and should be signed by the student’s Adviser, Grade Level Coordinator, Assistant Principal, or Principal. One possible solution for this is to give the guard a roster of varsity players who are training in school. Another is to assign special IDs or long term gate passes for the student athletes who frequently have to go in and out of school. But, should this be implemented, students should not abuse it and use it only for official reasons.

But most students who complain about the policy cite that the main reason for going out of campus is to buy food. Lately, probably due to the additional amount of students this year, canteen food is sold out even before lunch time ends. So some students, who go home at a much later time, cannot buy from the canteen after dismissal because it is already closed by then. To solve this, students could bring their own lunch or snacks to school, but since not everyone practices that, the canteen could provide enough to serve everyone and be open until 5 PM when all classes are dismissed. If so, students will have no reason to want to leave campus to buy food.

The students’ sentiments are acknowledged but they must understand that these rules were developed for a reason. They were made in the spirit of ensuring the safety of students and to prevent the unfortunate occurrences that have happened before. Even if students are issued a gate pass, they need to understand that the person who signs the pass is accountable should anything happen to him/her. Therefore, there must be a legitimate reason for leaving the premises before dismissal or returning after dismissal.

The policy is reasonable but its implementation must also be consistent. Some students are still allowed to return to school even if they do not have a gate pass but some need to have one to be allowed re-entry. To address this confusion, the rule on leaving and re-entering campus should be clear to everyone. Granted that it is partly the students fault for not being totally aware, the information must be properly disseminated for them to completely understand. Perhaps a notice can be put up near the guard house where all students can see it. They can also be reminded during homeroom.

To conclude, the policy of not allowing students to return after they have left the UPIS campus is reasonable and valid. Its goal is to ensure the security and safety of the students. Students have to be reminded of the exact guidelines and it is expected of students to follow. However, it is hoped that the school also addresses the students’ concerns regarding its implementation. A reasonable compromise that will be respected must be reached.

julian taloma,

Sports: UPIS Table Tennis Team prepares for UAAP battle

9/29/2016 08:24:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

The UP Integrated School (UPIS) Table Tennis team will start their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 campaign on the first week of October at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagle Gym.

Ranking 5th last season, the UPIS Table Tennis Team has been preparing for six months with expectations of a stronger finish this season.

This season, they acquired three new recruits, including rookie Jasper Pacis who added firepower to their already intact core. Pacis is expected to make an explosive debut after ranking first in the pre-season team evaluation. He reinforces the experience of returning seniors Rene Rollon II and James Ecito.

The Girls team, which is mostly composed of VAAS recruits, is also looking forward to a better UAAP campaign.

When asked about what UPIS can expect from the team this season, team captain Rollon said, "Mas naghanda kami ngayon at mas nag-improve dahil mas united kami." They practiced in-game techniques by playing against other schools in tune-up games.

"Win or lose, we'll fight,” their seniors promised. “Pero ito na ang last year namin kaya ibibigay na namin ang aming buong makakaya para manalo," they added.

The table tennis team goes up against six other UAAP schools, including last year’s champions, De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ). The whole tournament spans seven days with the first round starting on October 8 and 9.

// by Maica Cabrera and Julian Taloma

beca sinchongco,

Sci Dept. muling idinaos ang BEST

9/29/2016 08:18:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Muling isinagawa ng University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Science Department ang programang Building Excellence in Science Teaching (BEST) noong Setyembre 17 at 24 sa gusali ng UPIS 7-12.

Inilunsad noong 2009, ang BEST ay isang extension program ng Science Department kung saan sinasanay ang mga guro mula sa iba’t ibang paaralan. Nilalayon nitong mahasa ang kanilang mga estratehiya sa pagtuturo at mapalalim ang kanilang kaalaman sa iba’t ibang paksa sa Agham. Ngayong taon, nakatuon ang nabanggit na programa sa temang Energy in Focus III.

Ang naturang gawain ay dinaluhan ng 40 guro sa elementarya at sekundarya mula sa 11 paaralan sa iba’t ibang probinsya tulad ng Bulacan, Olangapo at La Union.

Ito na ang ikatlong BEST kung saan katuwang ng paaralan ang Phinma Energy Corp., isang kumpanyang nakapokus sa oil and gas exploration at power generation.

// nina Chesca Santiago at Beca Sinchongco

batch 2019,

Gatchalian bags 2nd in Elevate Feature Writing

9/29/2016 08:12:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Storm Gatchalian of 10-Molave won runner-up honors in the feature writing for beginners contest at the recent Elevate V: Understanding Biases and Objectivity held last Saturday, September 24 at the UPIS 7-12 grounds.

Gatchalian wrote a feature article titled “Memorable Yah!” about how one can be remembered. His piece was chosen among more than 20 works of other high school students who also joined the competition.

UPIS REPRESENT. Storm Gatchalian (center) humbly accepts his runner-up award in Elevate V’s feature writing competition. Photo credit: Nica Desierto

Elevate is an annual event organized by DZUP Radio Circle, one of the student organization in the UP College of Mass Communication. The event aims to promote responsible journalism among high school students and future practitioners of the field. Around 500 students from various schools nationwide joined this year’s workshop and competition.

UPIS was represented by 21 Grade 10 students from the Social Sciences and Humanities track. They were assigned to different parts of the competition such as editorial writing, radio broadcasting, layouting, and photojournalism.

“Marami akong natutunan….very educational, but at the same time very fun kasi parang pwede mong matutunan kung ano yung skills mo na magagamit mo din sa real life,” Gatchalian said of the event.

Aside from Gatchalian, Josh Santos’ group also won first place in the radio broadcasting event wherein groups of students from different schools were tasked to create a 5-minute radio program.

// by Hanzvic Dellomas

bryan lina,

UPIS Gym first phase eyes October completion

9/29/2016 08:05:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

The first phase of construction of the UPIS Gymnasium is expected to finish this October 2016, four months since it commenced last May 26.

PHASE ONE. The UPIS gym cover is nearing completion after almost 4 months in the making. Photo credit: Gelleen Esposo

The first phase covers the foundation, walls, columns, and roof of the gymnasium. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) funded the expenses of construction through the P10 million benefaction of Cong. Sonny Belmonte. RE Orlina Construction Corp. is the chosen contractor.

The second phase of construction is set to begin immediately and is expected to conclude in February. It shall cover the remaining parts of the gymnasium such as the lockers, flooring, and bleachers. Senator Chiz Escudero subsidized P15 million for this stage.

Construction was first scheduled in March but was delayed due to budget complications.

// by Bryan Lina and Chesca Santiago

MC2019,

Ang lahat ng puso'y may kinikimkim...

9/26/2016 08:15:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

bella swan,

Literary (Submission): Hanap-hanap*

9/23/2016 10:03:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Kung mayroon akong pinaka-inaabangang araw sa buong taon, ‘yun ay ang birthday ko. Laging special ang birthdays sa pamilya namin. Kahit wala o konti lang ang handa, panigurado meron pa ring simpleng regalo o sorpresa. Higit doon, nararamdaman ko ang pagmamahal ng mga tao para sa ‘kin.

Pinakapaborito ko ring araw ‘yan kasi napansin kong halos lahat ng hilingin ko pag birthday ko—mula sa mga simpleng chocolate cake o strawberry ice cream hanggang sa mga life-changing events kagaya ng pagkuha ng scholarship abroad ng Ate ko at pagbabalikan ng nanay at tatay ko—natutupad. Minsan matagal bago maibigay sa ‘kin o sa pinag-wish ko, pero natutupad pa rin.

Feeling ko nahihiya ang Universe na hindi ako pagbigyan sa araw na ‘yan. Madalas kasi parang pinagtitripan niya ako dahil kung ano ang kabaliktaran ng gusto ko, ‘yun ang nakukuha ko.

Halimbawa, minsan pag gustung-gusto ko ng Milo, ang meron lang kape. Tapos madalas kung ano pa yung pinag-iipunan ko, ‘yun pa ang hindi ko mabibili. Tsaka tuwing excited ako sa summer outing naming magkakaibigan, panigurado hindi matutuloy.

Pero kahit ganyan, matindi pa rin ang paniniwala ko sa Universe. Naniniwala ako sa signs, sa fate, sa destiny. Naniniwala ako na may mga tao at bagay na meant to be. ‘Yun bang kahit ilang beses mo nang iniwasan at ilang beses mo nang tinanggihan at di pinaniwalaan, ‘yun pa rin ang mangyayari sa’yo. ‘Yung mga makailang beses mo nang naiparating sa Universe na hindi ‘yun ang gusto mo, sadyang ‘yun pa rin ang ibibigay sa’yo.

Parang ikaw.


Hindi ko malilimutan ang araw na dinala ka ng Universe para gambalain ang buhay ko. Grade 7 Filipino class, binibigay ni Ma’am ang groupings. Ilang araw ko nang hinihiling na maging kagrupo ko sa kahit isang subject man lang si gwapong-swimmer-happy-crush kaya hindi na ko mapakali. Finally! Matutupad na yata ang hiling ko!

Dalawa na lang ang kulang sa second to the last group. Tinawag na ako ni Ma’am tapos… tapos… tapos… tinawag niya si crush!!! Gusto kong magtatalon sa tuwa! Pero………. Tiningnan ulit ni Ma’am ang hawak niyang papel at binawi niya. Sorry raw, nagkamali siya ng tingin. Sa last group raw pala si crush. Ayun…….. ipinalit ka. Hay naku! Biyaya na, naging bato pa.

Mula noon, it’s like you’re everywhere. Katabi na nga kita sa maraming subjects na alphabetical ang seating arrangement, madalas pa kitang maging kagrupo sa projects. Kahit bunutan na ang labanan, nagiging magkagrupo pa rin tayo. Tapos kasama pa kita sa YLO.

Okay naman sa ‘kin ‘yan. Naging close nga tayo agad kasi kwela ka, madaldal, at masayang kausap. Kaya lang, yung mga pasaway nating kaklase at kaibigan, maya’t maya tayong pinapansin.
“Uyyyy… magkagroup na naman kayo!”
“Yiheeeeee… magkatabi na naman sila!”

Tapos nung nalaman nila na magkasunod ang birthdays natin, hindi na tayo tinantanan.
“Yes namaaaaan! Meant to be talaga!”
“OTP! OTP!”
Hay. Kahit ano na lang, basta makapang-asar. Nakakainis!

Kaya dumating tuloy sa point na minsan pag kinakausap mo ako, short answers lang binibigay ko. Kahit sa chat hindi kita masyadong pinapansin. Ayokong lagyan nila ng malisya. Una, baka isipin ni gwapong-swimmer-happy-crush totoo yung mga sinasabi nila. At pangalawa, wala lang. Nakakailang eh.

Aminin mo man o hindi, alam kong ang pag-ilag ko ang dahilan kung bakit nagsawa kang mag-reach out. Kaya minsan man tayo naging close, hindi talaga natin masasabing naging friends tayo.

Kaya lang, makulit talaga ang Universe. Biruin mo, nung sumunod na dalawang taon, hindi tayo magkaklase, hindi rin tayo pareho ng club, pero madalas pa rin tayong nagkikita. Halimbawa sa sakayan o sa Ikot mismo, papunta man sa school o pauwi. Nagkakasabay rin tayong magsimba pag Linggo. Tapos, paminsan-minsan, binibigyan pa tayo ng Universe ng moments.

Nung socials nung Grade 8, nagkataon tayong dalawa lang ang naka-pula kahit kung iisipin ang common naman ng pulang damit. Kaya nung isinayaw mo ako, tinutukso na naman tayo: “Niiiiceeee… couple outfit.”

Nung 15th birthday ko, nag-Enchanted Kingdom kami ng mga pinsan ko. Nandun ka rin pala kasama ang mga kabarkada mo kasi advanced celebration mo naman. Nagkita tayo sa pila ng Space Shuttle.

Nung English Week, yung tula mo ang naibigay sa ‘kin sa poem exchange. Pero hindi ako sigurado kung alam mong ako ang nagsulat ng reply sa’yo.

Nung prom, isinayaw mo ako nung Can’t Help Falling in Love ang kanta. Yun rin ang kanta nung sumasayaw tayo nung socials.

At nung bakasyon, inenroll ako sa voice lessons sa College of Music. Naka-enroll ka rin, sa piano naman. Sabay ang schedule ng lessons natin kaya medyo naging close tayo ulit. Mas nakilala natin ang isa’t isa. Hanggang sa chat nag-uusap tayo. Marami ka kasing kwento. Kung ano ano lang—yung mga nabasa at gusto mong basahing mga libro, yung pangarap mong makasulat ng magandang kanta, yung ex-MU mong lahat pinagseselosan pero nagagalit sa’yo pag ikaw naman ang nagseselos, yung mga naririnig mong pinag-uusapan ng nanay mo at mga amiga niya pag nagzu-Zumba sila sa inyo.

Narealize kong mas okay talaga pag walang nang-aasar sa paligid. Mas nakakapag-usap tayo. Pero narealize ko rin na mahirap pala. Mahirap umilag. Mahirap na hindi ka maging crush. Mahirap hindi ma-fall. Mahirap na hindi bigyan ng meaning ang signs. Lalo na’t ngayong Grade 10, magkaklase na naman tayo at magkasama na naman sa org.


Kaso ngayon, pag tinothrowback tayo (which is often), di ko maintindihan kung anong reaksyon mo. Minsan sinasakyan mo naman. Minsan parang iniisip mo kung ngingiti ka ba o tatawa o sasagot o deadma na lang. Pero madalas meh, wala lang. Poker face. O kaya sasabihin mo lang “weh” o “hala.”

Samantalang ako, tawa o ngiti ang default setting ko sa mga ganyan. Mabilis pa ko magblush. Mukha tuloy akong kinikilig palagi kahit hindi naman. Medyo lang.

Pero akala ko bilang friends na tayo at mas mature na rin, hindi na tayo apektado ng mga ganito. Kaya lang nabaliktad na yung mundo kasi parang ikaw naman yung umiiwas sa ‘kin. Biglang hindi mo na ko masyadong pinapansin at kinakausap.

“Yan! Di mo kasi pinapansin noon! Hu u ka tuloy ngayon!” tumatawang sabi ng mga kaibigan ko.
Eh ganun talaga ang buhay. Tsaka ganito talaga ko pagtripan ng Universe. Pero okay lang naman kung di mo ko gusto. Akala ko lang kasi friends na tayo.
“Di pa ‘yan naka-move on.”
Sa ka-MU? Okaaaaaaay.
“Ayaw niya sigurong umasa ka.”
Grabe! Haba ng hair? Gwapong gwapo sa sarili? Azar ha.

Pero sa totoo lang, naguguluhan ako. Naguguluhan na ako sa feelings ko, sa mga sinasabi ng mga kaibigan ko, sa mga kalokohan ng Universe, at higit sa lahat, naguguluhan ako sa’yo.

Kaya ngayong taon, alam ko na kung anong hihilingin ko sa birthday ko: ang mawalan ng paki sa’yo.


Tumapat sa pangalawang araw ng camping ang birthday ko. Pinagpapartner sana tayo sa isang station ng amazing race. Tumanggi ako dahil bukod sa di ko masyadong type ipagawa ang activity na ‘yun, nakakahiya namang humiling sa Universe ng hindi ko naman gagawin ang part ko.

Sa dami ng ginagawa, matatapos na ang socials (at ang birthday ko) nang maalala kong hindi pa pala ako nakakapagwish. Iniisip ko pa lang kung saan at paano kaya ang gagawin nang tinawag ako ng ilang cadets at niyaya ako sa labas ng Bulwagan.

Nang makalabas… “Happy birthday to you… happy birthday to you…” Kinakantahan ako ng mga cadets habang lumalapit ang best friend ko hawak ang isang mini-version ng paborito kong chocolate cake na may kandila. “Magwish ka na, bes,” sabi niya pagkatapos ng kanta.

Yes! Ang bait talaga ng Universe. Akala ko hindi na ko makakapagwish. “Sana makalimutan na kita,” isip ko at hinipan ko na ang kandila. Pero… ayaw mamatay! Humina ang ningas pero sumindi ulit. Sinabi kong muli ang wish sa isip ko, “Sana mawalan na ko ng paki sa’yo,” at hinipan ko ulit. Ganun na naman!

“Hahaha! Ayaw yata sa wish mo,” biro ng cadets.
“Hahaha. Re-lighting candle, beh, kaya matagal mamatay,” sabi ni best friend. “Isa pa, dali. Pumikit ka na. Bago matunaw yung kandila.”

Isa pa talaga dahil kailangang matupad nito. Pumikit na ko para muling humiling at naisip ko, “Lokong Universe ka! Kampi ka siguro talaga sa kanya! Ano bang gusto mong wish ko? ‘Sana wag na siyang magulo’ o kaya ‘Sana maging okay kami,’ o ‘Sana kasama siya sa surprise na ‘to?’ Gan—”

“Huy haba naman ng wish na yan! Hipan mo na! Tunaw na!” sigaw ni best friend.


Natataranta akong dumilat at hinipan ko ang halos upos nang kandila. Nagpalakpakan ang cadets at ilang senior scouts na hindi ko agad napansing andun pala. “Yiheeeeeee!!!” sigaw nila.

Hindi ko lubos na naintindihan hanggang inangat ko ang tingin ko…… Biglang uminit ang pisngi ko at kung maliwanag lang dito, makikita kung paano namula ang mukha ko.

“Hi,” nakangiti ngunit parang nahihiya mong sabi. Ikaw na pala ang may hawak ng cake. “Happy birthday,” wika mo. “Sana matupad ang wish mo.”

ITUTULOY.


*Inspired by James Reid and Nadine Lustre's Hanap-hanap

beyondMC,

Literary (Submission): Tadhana

9/23/2016 09:57:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Tadhana nga ba kung ito’y tawagin:
Sa walang hanggang kalawakan
Dalawang tao’y pagtatagpuin
At mabubuo pag-iibigan natin’

Baligtarin man ang mundo
Nakaplano na ang “tayo”
Nakatali ang dalawang puso--
Sa tamang oras, magkakatagpo.

Ipinanganak pa lamang tayo,
Ikaw na at ako
Magkaiba man ating mundo.
Tayo na hanggang sa dulo

Nakasulat na sa ating kapalaran
Ang pwedeng mangyari kinabukasan
Mga ‘di maipaliwanag na dahilan
Kung bakit tayo ang piniling magka-ibigan.

Mga aksidenteng pilit tayong pagtatagpuin
Marami man ang humahadlang sa‘tin
Maraming di planadong pagkakataon
Malay mo, bukas na ang takdang panahon

Maghihintay ako,
Hanggang sa dumating ka sa buhay ko
Dalawang pusong magkalayo
Pag-iisahin ng pagsuyo.

astraea,

Literary (Submission): Heaven of Hypothesis

9/23/2016 09:52:00 PM Media Center 1 Comments

"Cien, my dear, I made the sun as my first gift.
A luminous radiance on a somber midst.
I molded earth to the galaxy's center,
To let light blanket the place where you shelter."

"Theo, good sir, I'm afraid you're wrong
For the Earth is never the chorus of a song.
The sun you speak of is a mere imitation
Of gaseous balls of searing intoxication."

"On nights of qualm and unease,
To shooting stars pray your pleas.
When your voice refuses to speak your doubt,
The streaks of light shall heed you out."

"A falling star's promise, I have never believed.
By its name, I shall not be deceived.
For meteorites grant not a wish;
Only ravage when sparks extinguish."

"Near the flat world are two realms;
Above, euphoric peace and harmony helms.
Below, the netherworld of disarray;
An inferno I will never let you stray."

"The end is through a black hole’s darkness,
Obliterating life into nothingness.
Beware to end up betrayed
By the universe you claim you made."

beyondMC,

Comic Strip (Submission): Hello, Rocket

9/23/2016 09:47:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

beyondMC,

Literary: LDN 57

9/23/2016 09:39:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

“To have died once is enough.” - Virgil

Stars begin their lives as dense clouds of gas and dust that were pulled together by gravity. The attraction slowly causes these clouds to acquire mass, thus steadily increasing the gas pressure and the temperature of this protostar’s core. If the protostar gets dense enough and hot enough, a fusion reaction will ignite and the star lights up, turning into a very large, very hot, ball of gas which has hydrogen and helium fusing in the core.[1]

Throughout this process, a battle goes on in the core of the star between gravity trying to collapse the star and temperature-produced gas pressure pushing the material in the star outward. During the life of a star, there is a balance between the gas pressure pushing out and gravity pushing in.[2]

How long a star lives depends on its initial size.[3]

The same is true for the manner in which it dies.[4]

Stars bigger than our own become extremely dense and hot in the core, thus they have very high fusion rates. These large stars use up their fuel fastest, so they live for only short periods of time. “Remember that the biggest, brightest things burn out the fastest-” The size and nature of such stars usually cause them to burn nearby heavenly bodies. “-and their flames burn others around them.” When these massive stars die, they become black holes, shrinking down exponentially in volume while also keeping their huge mass. These dense objects have gravitational pulls so strong that not even light can escape from the body. “When they end, a constant darkness stays, snuffing out any trace of its previous existence.”

Stars smaller than our own live the longest. When these stars begin collapsing, they cool and then grow into only slightly bigger red giants. "Remember to take chances, and make every moment count-” These relatively cold stars then start blowing off their materials into planetary nebulae which dissipates into the interstellar medium, leaving almost nothing left of the star. “-so that once it’s over, you’ll regret nothing.”

A star like our own lives for a fair amount of time. Stars of this size, theoretically speaking, have the highest likelihood of having planets with liquid water, or perhaps even life. “Remember love as something that gives light to things that would otherwise be cold, dark, and barren-" When a star of this size begins to collapse, the core increases temperature to the point that the star can begin to fuse helium into carbon, and the outer portion of the star expands greatly due to the higher temperature. “-something that grows stronger in times when other things go darker." Eventually, the star turns into a supernova, a massive explosion accompanied by emissions of light and matter. Sometimes, a supernova can outshine an entire galaxy. “But ends-” Novae only last until the all the fuel of the star is exhausted. The remaining materials shrink into a white dwarf star. “-and leaves only but a spark-" After a certain period of time, the white dwarf loses energy and cools into a black dwarf. “-that eventually disappears.”

P.S. I am aware of the factual errors, discrepancies, and omissions. I made it that way.


This is my universe.
1. And as nothing did we too once exist, only to be pulled together by something greater than ourselves, until that force became powerful enough to hold us together.
2. What glowed and radiated on the outside hid what was happening on the inside. The constant struggles to understand and to find reason constantly pushed us to our absolute limits, but somehow we kept it all together for a while.
3. I knew. You warned me. You know I listened. I took the risk anyway. So we leapt.
4. And somehow, it all just fell apart, just like you told me. There’s an end to even the best of things.

beyondMC,

Literary: Seat

9/23/2016 09:34:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments