english,

Literary (Submission): Shoot for the Stars

11/29/2017 09:39:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Pick up that tiny star
Lying on the ground
Take it, protect it, and give it something to eat

Be mindful of its flame, dimly lit

Silently... snatch that star! Throw it very far
Wish it a safe journey as it glides to Mars
A star doesn't belong here
It will suffer in your planet
That star's rightful place
Is with the asteroids and comets
Remember that star
Revel in those memories
Remember having that tiny star
Near you, beside you
Look up and see your little star
Together with another
Smile, because you know
That's the best for that beautiful star
Smile, teary-eyed
As you watch that little star,
Further away from you, she will fly

batman,

Literary (Submission): Masayang Kwento

11/29/2017 09:35:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

cecilia,

Literary (Submission): Numero

11/29/2017 09:25:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo
Sa rock bench sa likod ng puno,
Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa’yo.
Matagal ko nang itinatago,
Gusto kong malaman mong matagal na kitang gusto.

Apat, Lima, Anim
Ako’y namumutla na sa kaba.
Nanahimik ka’t ngumiti bigla.
At sinabi mo sa aking “Gusto rin kita.”
Ang hiling sa wakas ay natupad na.

Pito, Walo, Siyam
Naging tayo at umasa ako.
Kasi ang alam ko mahal kita, mahal mo rin ako.
Umasang ang tayo’y walang hangganan,
Ngunit ang walang hanggan ay nagkaroon ng katapusan.

Sampu
Anong nangyari sa ‘tayo’?
Akala ko ba mahal mo ako?
Ako ba ang may kasalanan?
Ako ba ang nagkulang?

Una, Pangalawa, Pangatlo
Sa rock bench sa likod ng puno,
Nilapitan mo ako.
Sabi mo’y gusto mo ako.

Pang-apat, Pan-lima, Pang-anim
Gusto mo ako’t gusto rin kita.
Sinagot kita.
Hindi para mahalin ka, ngunit para lumigaya.

Pampito, Pang-Walo, Pansiyam
Dumating sa punto na tinanong ko ang aking sarili.
Oo sigurado ka na mahal mo ako,
Ngunit sigurado nga ba akong gusto kong mahalin ang isang tulad mo?

Panghuli
Huli na ang lahat at iniwan kita.
Hindi para saktan ka, ngunit para itama ang mga mali na aking ginawa.
Patawarin mo ako’t huli na ito.

astraea,

Literary: Puno't Dulo

11/29/2017 09:19:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Ang bawat katagang nagsisimula sa salitang “huli” ay may kaakibat na katapusan
Mabigat sa damdamin ang makarinig ng mga pariralang nagsisimula sa ganito…

Huling Sayaw
Huling sayaw na ating pinaghatiang dalawa, ang siyang unang pasakit.
Tanda ko pa kung paano nagsayaw ang mga ilaw sa iyong mga mata.
Kasabay nito ang pagpintig ng aking puso sa saliw ng musika.
Ang unti-unti mong pagdiin sa aking mga bisig ang siyang naghudyat sa wakas ng kantang ating sinasayawan.

Huling Pamamaalam
Umalis ka’t lumisan habang ikinukubli ang totoo mong mga damdamin.
Inamin mong huli na ang lahat at dinala tayo nito sa huli nating pamamaalam.
Ang bawat pagpatak ng iyong luha sa sahig, tila mga karayom na sumusugat sa aking dibdib.
Ang pag-iwas sa isa’t isa ang nagtulak sa atin sa magkaibang landas.

Huling Pangako
Lumipas ang panahon, hindi rin natin natiis ang isa’t isa.
Ang muli nating pagtatagpo ay hudyat ng bagong simulang magkasama.
Kaya’t upang ‘di na maulit ang pagkakamali, ito ang huling mga pangakong aking panghahawakan:
Iyo lamang ang huling kamay na aking hahawakan at iyo lamang ang huling labing hahagkan.

Huling Pag-ibig
Ikaw ang naging dahilan sa panunumbalik ng pag-asa sa tila gumuguho kong mundo.
Hindi na sasayangin pa itong panibagong pagkakataong ibinigay sa ating dalawa.
Hindi ko maisip na sa aking kinabukasan, iba ang aking makakapiling sapagkat,
Ikaw lang, aking sinta, ang huli kong iibigin hanggang sa aking huling hininga.

Ang bawat katagang nagsisimula sa salitang”huli” ay may kaakibat na katapusan
Pero sa huli, bagong simula ang makakamtan sa katapusang may kaakibat na matamis na hinaharap.

filipino,

Literary: Huling Sayaw

11/29/2017 09:13:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Uwian
Simpleng buhay lang naman ang alam ko dati. Panik-panaog sa slide, habulan sa damuhan, kwentuhan sa clubhouse, tulakan sa swing.

Isang alas-kuwatro ng hapon, sa pagtunog ng bell, kumaripas na ako ng takbo sa playground. Unahan na sa swing. Uupo na sana ako kasi bigla mo akong hinawi.

“Ako diyan,” sabi mo. “Pero nauna ako,” sagot ko.

Bigla mong inilabas yung kanang kamao mo. Akala ko susuntukin mo ako. Sa laki ba naman ng braso mo, syempre natakot ako. Kababae mong tao, mas malaki ka pa sa akin.

Hahamunin mo lang pala ako ng jak-en-poy. “Isang bagsakan,” sabi mo.

“Hindi, sige, sa’yo na,” sagot ko. “Nauna ka naman eh. Basta pagkatapos mo, ako naman ah.”

Ngumiti ka bilang pasasalamat at napangiti rin naman ako dahil nawala yung mga mata mo sa laki ng pisngi mo.

At sa mga sumunod na alas-kuwatro ng hapon, sa pagtunog ng bell, kakaripas na ako ng takbo sa playground at hahanapan tayo ng swing.

Gulay Day
Ayaw ko ng gulay pero sa bawat Martes na dumaan, iyon ang lagi kong iniintindi.

“Hoy! Gulay ba ulam mo ngayon?” tanong ko.

“Of course! Ako pa ba? Lahat naman kinakain ko.” Inilabas mo ang baunan mo at naamoy ko na ang baon mong pinakbet.

“Pahingi naman ako,” sabi ko.

“Eh ‘di ba hindi ka naman kumakain ng gulay?”

“Mag-checheck na si Ma’am eh! Wala akong dalang gulay! Scrambled egg lang pinadala ng nanay ko.”

“Sige na nga. Pero mamaya ibalik mo sa akin ah!”

Kaya tuwing Martes, bago dumating si Ma’am, bibigyan mo na ako ng gulay. Ngunit isang beses, hindi siya umalis ng klase kaya kinailangan kong kainin ang ibinigay mo. Galit na galit ka noon kasi wala akong naibalik sa’yo. Kaya pagdating ng uwian, kinailangan pa kita ilibre ng kwek-kwek.

Powerdance
Lumabas na ang mga ugat sa leeg mo at mukhang puputok na sila.

Nasa gilid ako ng formation at nasa harap ka.

“OKAY! FROM THE TOP!” bulyaw mo. Sira kasi ang mikropono kaya kinailangan mong sumigaw.

Gigil na gigil ka sa pagtuturo ng sayaw sa batch natin kasi kailangan nating manalo. Isa ka sa mga choreographer at walang dumaan na araw ng practice na wala ka.

Kaya naman tuwing pagkatapos ng mga practice, palagi kitang hinihintay at yayain kumain. Alam kong ‘yun lang naman ang magpapawala ng stress mo—pagkain.

Dahil gabi na tayo natatapos, palagi kita inihahatid sa bahay niyo. Magkalapit lang naman tayo ng bahay, halos isang street lang ang pagitan. At palagi kang nakabilin sa akin ng magulang mo, lalo na ng tatay mo.

#MCPakisabi
Sa pagdaan ng mga taon, hindi tayo pinaghiwalay ng ating pagkakaibigan kahit na magkaiba tayo ng section. Minsan magtetext ka pa kung kumusta ako at magtatanungan tayo ng mga score sa mga quiz. Kahit nga magkaiba na ang track natin, nag-uusap pa rin tayo.

“Uy, malapit na pub namin. Submit ka ha!” sabi mo sa akin pagkapasok ko ng library.

“Ano bang theme?” tanong ko.

“Paborito mo yun, MCPakisabi.”

“Sige. Sa ‘yo na lang ulit ako magsusubmit ha. Ikaw lang naman nakakaalam ng penname ko eh.”

Simula pa nang malaman ko kung ano ang MCPakisabi, palagi na akong nagpapasa ng mga naiimbak kong hinaing na mula pa sa notes ko sa phone. Lahat ng lit na ipinasa ko roon, tungkol sa ‘yo. At ikaw itong palaging nag-e-edit ng mga lit, pero kahit kailan hindi mo nahalata. Inaasar mo pa nga ako na grabe yung mga hugot ng mga lit ko.

Ewan ko ba sa ‘yo kung bakit hindi mo mahalata. Hindi mo rin maramdaman.

Fil Drama
“Ano bang nangyayari sa ‘yo?” sabi mo. May mga luha na sa gilid ng mata mo.

“Wala kang pakialam!” sagot ko.

“Hindi na kita maintindihan eh!” pasigaw mong sinabi.

“Kailan mo ba ako inintindi?” Lumakas na rin ang boses ko.

“Diretsuhin mo nga ako! Dahil hindi ko kayang basahin kung anong nandyan sa utak mo. Matatanggap ko lahat dahil kaibigan mo ko eh.”

“Yes, kaibigan mo ko. Kaibigan mo lang ako. And that’s all I ever was to you, your best friend! Takbuhan mo kapag may problem ka. And I’m so stupid for making the biggest mistake of falling in love with my best friend! Dahil kahit kailan hindi mo naman ako makikita eh. Kahit kailan hindi mo ako kayang mahalin na higit pa sa isang kaibigan.”

Ilang linggo natin ‘tong in-ensayo para makapasa sa audition at mapasama sa mismong mga bida ng dula. Kinabog pa natin sina Jolina at Marvin. Ewan ko ba kung tadhana ba na nabunot kitang kapareha at itong eksena rin ang napunta sa atin. Oo, sinadya nating magpalit ng role kasi sabi mo dito masusubok kung gaano tayo kagaling umarte.

Hanggang sa araw ng audition, palakpakan ang mga tao dahil ang galing nating umarte. Dahil magaling ka talaga at akala nilang magaling ako. Pero ang totoo? Totoo lahat ng mga salitang binitawan ko.

Grad Ball
Ito na. Ito na talaga.

Dumilim ang mga ilaw at bumagal ang kanta. Linapitan kita at niyaya kang sumayaw.

Sa gitna ng dancefloor, habang yakap mo ako, ang bestfriend mo, nagtanong ka. “Bakit ngayon mo lang ako sinayaw?”

Hindi rin ako nakasagot. Patuloy lang nating sinundan ang mabagal na kanta. Handa na ako kanina pero ngayong napakalapit na ng mukha mo at nasa harap ko na ang ngiti mo hindi ko magawang sabihin ang mga salitang ilang beses kong inensayo.

Bahala na.

“Pwede ba umamin?” tanong ko.

“Oh my gosh, bakla ka?” sabi mo. “Kailan pa?”

“Hindi. Panira ka ng moment eh mo? Kita mo nang aamin yung tao tapos gaganyanin mo lang?”

Tumawa ka.

“Matagal na kitang gusto,” sabi ko.

“Alam ko,” sabi mo.

Tumigil ang kanta. Sinindihan na ang mga ilaw. Bumaba na ang mga braso mo.

Tahimik lang ako dahil hindi ko alam ang isasagot. Nakatingin ka lang din sa akin na parang naghihintay na may masabi ako. Kahit ano.

Pero nagkagulo na ang lahat. Nawala ka sa dami ng mga tao.

Hindi ako nakatulog pag-uwi. Patuloy na bumabagabag sa utak ko kung bakit ko ba kasi sinabi, paano mo nalaman at bakit wala akong naisagot.

Pagpatak ng alas-kuwatro ng umaga, tumunog ang cellphone ko. Isang text mula sa’yo.

Ang bawat araw sa swing ay ‘di malilimutan.
Ang bawat alaalang ating pinagsaluhan, aking tatandaan.
Alam ko kung para kanino ang bawat kwento’t tula.
Alam kong totoo ang bawat binitawan mong salita.
Pero ang ating unang sayaw ay iyong huli na.
Dahil ‘pag kaibigan, kaibigan lang talaga.

filipino,

Literary: Pananatili

11/29/2017 09:09:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Sa aba
Ng isang
Iniwan


LARAWAN
Kumukupas
Namumuti
Humuhulas

PINTO
Nakabukas
Pinanonood lamang
Kung sino ang susunod na lalabas

KURTINA
Nakasiwang,
Sumisilip,
Kung may babalik pa

LUHA
Pumapatak
Sa bigat
Ng sakit --

PUSO
Nasaktan,
Umaasa,
Kung may manantili pa

ALAALA
Nakatanim
Ang bawat pag-alis
Namumukod tanging naiwan

Alaala
Na tanging nananatili
Sa lumisan,
Nilisan,
At paglisan

crescencia,

Literary: Sa Huling Pagkakataon

11/29/2017 09:04:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Na makikita
Mga salitang pinagtagpo ng panahon
Isang pagtatapos

Ang pagkalas
Ang pag-iwan

Hindi kakalimutan

Iiwan ang bakas



Narito na ang dulo

emanon,

Literary: Sunset

11/29/2017 09:00:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

5:24 pm
We were lilacs and tangerines
In a perfectly painted sunset sky
Luck must have worked its magic when
Two shades at far ends of the color wheel
Met to parade their otherworldly glow
Each time the sun begins to slow

11:11 pm
The overcast inches hastily
Turning the warmth of the afternoon
To bleakness of the gloaming
What once were lilacs and tangerines,
Now tenebrous hues of blue
And to plead was all I could do

2:00 am
The moment our blues turned to blacks
Is when I knew we’ve lost to luck
Luck’s a filthy foe for chancing upon us
At sunset
Which lasts but a few minutes
But burns everything with it in its hellish glow

5:55 am
Till cockcrow I tend to the burns
From the radiance
We thought as serendipity
Still I ponder,
Was the sunset our destiny
Or a sign of how we are not meant to be?

barcode,

Literary: Walking Down Memory Lane

11/29/2017 08:56:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Stage 6: The Break-up
I’ve decided
And I think, you did too.
The more I try to get to you,
The more we hurt each other
I hate how we reached this point
Full of regrets
As if we never found love in the space of one another
I hate how my heart and body keep
Remembering all these stages we’ve been through
Even though, in the end, I did lose you



Stage 4: Comfortable
Every time you are around
All I feel is you
You-- and the love that you have
Your arms wrapped around me
Just to make me feel safe

But

Sometimes, it doesn’t
Sometimes, it breaks me
Too tight and I’m falling to pieces
Too loose and it doesn’t feel the same
Whenever I close my eyes,
I wonder what if our stars weren't aligned?


Stage 2: The Chase
I won’t forget how I loved you.


*inspired by Wong Fu’s Strangers Again

english,

Literary: What I Never Told You

11/29/2017 08:51:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Before us
I want you to know that I fell for you first. Right after your soothing voice filled the room with magic and joy the day I went to see you perform. I didn't know how good I was at trying to contain myself and keeping a straight face, but seeing you close your eyes as you sang those words and moved to the rhythm of the beat made my heart flutter. And since then, it has always skipped a beat whenever I saw you.

When there was still an us
I want you to know I meant every word I said, I hope you know that. Every word of all the letters and poems written to and for you was from my heart. And even now when both our feelings have changed, those things prove that at one point in our lifetimes, we had each other.

I want you to know I always thought about you. Heck, I still do. Even more when it’s midnight and the memories come rushing back. It makes me remember the conversations we had and I always wonder where we went wrong. How it slipped just right out of our hands, not knowing we would eventually let go. You fill my thoughts every time, whether or not I have a lot going on in mind. You will always be someone I care for and think about. You own a special place in my heart.

After us
I want you to know I still hope it’s you and me in the end. No matter how many signs the universe gives me, telling me otherwise, and no matter how far away we get from each other. I still hope the broken pieces fix themselves and put us together back again. I am willing to leave what’s meant for me, if ever I realize we’re not meant to be. I'll make it work. We'll make it work.

I may never get the chance to say this to you, but I still want you to know that I miss you the most. I miss you before I sleep, and whenever there’s dead air or when something comes up and reminds me of you. I miss you when I look at the stars, and even more when I listen to that song we danced to. Everything makes me miss you, and I know there’s no quick escape to that. All I can do is hope that time would heal things to the point when something reminds me of you again, I won’t miss you anymore.

audio,

Literary: Promises to Keep

11/29/2017 08:47:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

You promised her so many things.

The Seas
You promised her its vast, deep blue
The ever shifting surface
And the endlessness it imbues

The World
You promised everything you’ve seen
The late night drives, the travelogues
The places where you’ve been

The Stars
You promised her the moon, galaxies, and all
You wanted to show how much you’ll give
Just to make her fall

Your Time
You promised her all your minutes, all the hours of the day
You said you’d spend them together
Come what may

Your Love
You promised her your love and to love only her
You vowed to give a love so pure
Through vast seas, wide worlds, through time, it will endure

But can you keep your promises?

In the end, you should know,
Promises are not dreams you wish to come true
They are true things
You wish to give to someone you value

A promise should be made
Not with the things you wish you had
If you promise her everything,
Then promise her what you have

filipino,

Literary: Aking Mundo

11/29/2017 08:43:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Lupa
Hindi ko inakalang mangyayari ito sa akin. Ngayon ko lang ito naranasan at masasabi kong oo, first love nga kita. Kakaiba ka. Kapag naririnig ko ang boses mo, parang wala na ang bigat ng mundo sa balikat ko.

Nakakainis dahil naging kumportable na ako sa’yo. At dahil sa labis na pagkakumportable, naramdaman ko na sa iyo, ako ay nakauwi na. Ginusto kong ikaw ang laging makausap, ikaw ang puntahan sa tuwing may problema ako, at higit sa lahat, ikaw mapakasalan balang-araw. Nais kong manirahan na kasama ka, sa tahanang nag-uumapaw lang sa pagmamahal.

Langit
Ikaw ang gusto kong makasama sa mga simpleng gawain tulad ng pagpunta sa palengke, tapos magluluto tayo pag-uwi. Ikaw ang gusto kong makasama sa pag-abot ng mga pangarap ko, at sasamahan rin kita sa pag-abot ng mga pangarap mo. Ikaw ang gusto kong makasama sa paglibot ng buong mundo. At higit sa lahat, ikaw ang gusto kong makasama habambuhay.

Wala eh, ang sarap mong mahalin.

Saksak Puso, Tulo ang Dugo
Pero, mukhang maisusulat ko na lang din ‘yun sa listahan ng aking mga pangarap. Sabi nga nila, hindi mo palaging makukuha ‘yong gusto mo, o kung sino ang iyong gusto. Ngunit kahit na ganoon, lagi kitang uunahin. Lagi kitang uunahin dahil importante ka sa akin. At, lagi kitang pipiliin. Lagi kitang pipiliin dahil ikaw ang nagpapasaya sa akin.

Kaya’t salamat na lang. Salamat sa mga panahong nagkasama tayo. Salamat sa pagkakataong nakilala kita.

Palagi kitang ipagdarasal, mahal ko.

Mag-iingat ka palagi, aking mundo.

CP3,

Literary: Ako Ba Talaga'y Para Sa'yo?

11/29/2017 08:40:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Nagustuhan agad kita,
Ang ganda mo kasi,
Laging may ngiti sa iyong mga labi
Baka pwedeng maging tayo kung sakali
At ayun, noong magsimula akong umasa
Nalaman kong may nauna na pala




Matagal din tayong ‘di nagkita
Natuwa ako nang malaman
Na break na pala kayo
Napuno ako ng pag-asa
Pero torpe nga pala ako
At ‘yun naubusan na ng oras
Mayroon ka na namang bago



Ngayon, muli ka na namang nag-iisa
Ang pag-asa ay muling nabuo
Ayoko na sanang palampasin
Ngunit parang malabo
Bumabalik na naman ang pagkatorpe ko
Ako ba talaga ay para sa’yo

bridge,

Literary: Pagpapasko sa Amin

11/29/2017 08:35:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Pagbibigay
Nandito na ang malaking biyaya ng Pasko!
Tuloy na tuloy na ang selebrasyong ito
Nakatanggap na ng bonus ang ama ko
Matutustusan na rin ang aming mga gusto

Pamimili
Mabibili na ang laruang robot na minimithi
Maibibigay na rin ang sapatos na hinihingi
Kumukutitap na presyo sa’ming mga mata
Bibili nang bibili hanggang mabutas ang bulsa

Pagbabakasyon
Sa pagdating ng mahabang bakasyon
Sa mall lang matatagpuan ang aming lokasyon
Kakain at gagastos sa kung saan-saan
Mahalaga lang naman’y kami’y masiyahan

Panreregalo
Maghahanap ng panregalo ang aking ina
Ibibigay niya ‘to sa lahat ng kanyang kakilala
Bobonggahan ang bigay kung para sa pamilya
At mumurahin lang kung para sa iba

Pagsasama-sama
Mas masaya ang selebrasyon kung kumpleto
Kaya lahat ng kamag-anak namin ay imbitado
Maging ang mga hindi na namin kakilala
At mga ninong at ninang na matagal nang di nakita

Pagkita
Pasko na, asan na kaya sila?
Hala! Nagtago na naman yata
Tuwing may okasyon bigla na lang silang nawawala
Ang mga hihingan dapat namin ng regalo’t pera

Pagkakaisa
Ayun! Naroon lamang pala sila
Nagsisipag-inuman kasama ni ina’t ama
Brandy, Gin at Vodka ang kanilang mga hawak
Na agad-agad naman nilang tinutungga

Paggalang
Ngunit kailangan pa rin sa kanila’y magmano
Maging magalang at mag-“po” at “opo”
Sapagkat kailangan makakuha ng aginaldo
At tumakas agad pagkatanggap nito

Pagkain
Pumunta na lang kaming mga bata sa’ming mesa
Kasama ang kalaro kong si Alyas Taba
Lamon nang lamon ‘di man lang magtitira
Para sa ibang kumakalam din ang sikmura

Pagsasaya
Agad kaming napatingin sa bandang kanan
Naroon ang mga tiya at tiyuhing nagsasayawan
Isama pa ang nasa bidyoke’t nagkakantahan
Nakakabasag-tengang mga tugtugan!

Pag-aayos
‘Di rin pala nawala ang fashion show
Magagarang damit at mamahaling sapatos itinatampok
Patok na patok sa mga mata-pobreng tao
Nagpapayabangan ng kani-kanilang luho

Pangangaroling
“Saylent nayt, huli nayt” karoling namin
Sa malaki at magarbong bahay sa may amin
Agad lumabas ang katulong, sabay abot ng sampung piso
‘Di bale nang sintunado, nabigyan naman ng aginaldo

Pagdiriwang
Nariyan na naman ang patarpaulin ni Mayor
Na nanakawin lang naman ng mga tricycle drayber
‘Eto ang tradisyong nangyayari taun-taon
Ito ang pasko ng buhay sa bayan ko.

Pagpapasko
Natapos ang gabi na pagod na ang lahat
Lustay na ang salapi, ubos na ang enerhiya
Tapos na ang pabonggahan, tapos na ang saya
Ng mga taong nagdiwang sa panandaliang ligaya.

contre jour,

Literary: Reign of Silence

11/29/2017 08:32:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Darkness
The darkness is absolute, silence reigns above all,
There’s nothing to see, and nothing to hear,
There’s nothing that’s said, for no more can be said

Everything is as everything is,
But everything isn’t as everything should

Embers
And so,
Hesitant embers glowed in the hearths of men,
Trying to turn ablaze from timid coals,
But as slivers of color began to show,
The dark but simply reclaimed its black abode

Fire
But then,
A sole flame, sanguine, took its turn,
Fighting back with words of fire,
And yet despite its courage, strength,
‘Twas still snuffed out by th’opressors’ will

Extinguished
All which burn brilliant against the dark,
Are swallowed by the eternal night,
So now not even flickers stir;

Through such the spectres at the helm,
Keep all beneath their sceptred sway,
Despite their thoughts being known to none,
Naught can be done but to obey

Darkness
The darkness is absolute, and silence reigns above all,
There’s nothing to see, and nothing to hear,
There’s nothing that’s said, for no more can be said

english,

Literary: Prophecy

11/29/2017 08:27:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Weapon
Weapons once used to protect and unite
Now a hand to divide and conquer

Assassination
If killing was once a crime
Once barbaric, brutish
With the order as is
It will be legal in time

Guiltless
Then, man was seen as innocent ‘til proven guilty
Now kids innocent and carefree
Are not exempt from such scrutiny

Fate
They can be killed at night
Despite watchful eyes and oaths to right
Day by day
We're slowly taking away their life's light

Phase
This generation is reaching its end
Another era approaches, new and cold
One where man will no longer care
Where each straight path in life will bend
Where every man will preach
Repent, repent

Remains
But when they walk past the ashen fields and rotting sea
Plagued corpses with hollow core
They will stare.
Nothing more.

azwraith,

Literary: Disparate Countries

11/29/2017 08:23:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Pre-Summit Events
It was a chilly afternoon, with the weather and all. The people on the streets were scurrying from one street to another, eager to be over with the day’s activities. One such person stops, however, as something from the nearby electronics shop catches his eye. He stands in front of the window, watching as the various TV screens put on display broadcast the same thing.

“Today is an important day,” says a loud, cheerful voice, coming from the screens. “The two conflicting nations, Natione and Natiotwo, have finally decided to attend the Association of States Summit to try and mend the ever-growing rift between them.”

At these words, a trickle of people formed around him, curious to see what they meant.

“Mediated by the New Republic of Slavic, Iberian, European, and North Mediterranean Nations (or the NRSIENMN for short),” continues the voice, “and with the assistance of the representatives of the other attending countries, it is with great hope coming from both Natione and Natiotwo’s people that peace between the two countries can be finally be achieved. I am your host, Richard Mane, and this is the Communication Universal Network Triumvirate, live at the Association of States Summit!”

For the growing crowd watching, a single thought passed their minds: “Took them long enough”.

Two Sides of the Same Coin
Natione and Natiotwo, for all of their bickering and antagonism towards each other, are very, very similar countries. From their towering architecture, to their fashion statements, to their aggressive performances of music – heck, even their flags are similar, with one being an upside-down version of the other – one might think that they are the same country.

Truth be told, however, they both used to be the same country, ruled by twin brothers who were never liked by the people they ruled over. Each brother never liked the other: in public, they always bickered and argued, while in secret, they orchestrated numerous botched assassinations towards their counterpart.

Ironically enough, it wasn’t because of their bickering did the nation split apart, nor was it because of the various assassination attempts. It was because one of them spilled his drink on the other. It was never clear on who spilled on whom, but with this final straw, Natione and Natiotwo were born.

Now, four hundred and twenty years later, both nations have finally decided to make peace, and become one country once more. Except that, well, it still isn’t going smoothly.

Peace Talks with a Ticking Time Bomb
Richard Mane can be heard saying, “Now, the NRSIENMN would like to ask you both that, should you reunite as one nation, which one of you should be the unifier, and why would you deserve to be the unifier?”

The leader of Natione quickly stands up, signaling a person near the back of the room. In response, the screen behind him lights up, showing a presentation on the various aspects of the culture of Natione, and why it is better than Natiotwo. From the architecture, the language, the military – “Every part, every aspect of our culture is what makes us better than them,” he concludes.

“What a ripoff!” yelled the leader of Natiotwo. “Since when were you lot the superior country? All that you people are is a bunch of copycats!”

“Excuse me?” replied the leader of Natione, “Us, copycats? Tell me, then. Who was it that developed everything that your people has? Who was it that actually tried to put the two nations back together? Oh, that’s right – us.”

“Oh, please. It was your people who wanted to stay separated in the first place!” exclaimed the leader of Natiotwo. “It was your people that led to the destruction of BOTH of our capital cities!”

“Whose idea was it to have his country’s capital right next ours, anyways?”

“Ha! Your ancestor thought that it was a great idea to cut the old city in half, one for each country, in case you didn’t remember!”

While the two leaders bickered, Richard Mane’s attention has been taken by the leader of the NRSIENMN. Shortly after, he addresses the unseen audience.

“Well, folks,” drawls Richard Mane, “It looks like NRSIENMN has decided to break it up. What do you say, sir? Do you think that this meeting can still be salvaged?”

“I say . . . ENOUGH!”

Both nation leaders immediately cease arguing and glance at him, one in incredulousness, the other in anger.

The Late Trigger Warning
“Hold on, what makes you think – “ the leader of Natiotwo tries to say, but is quickly interrupted by the leader of NRSIENMN.

“Absolutely barbaric,” he says, seething with barely controlled anger, “We came here to try and mend the peace between your countries, and instead of actually helping, you try to prove yourselves the better one while squabbling like children. And to think that either of you wants to rule over the other? Preposterous. No wonder your countries are in shambles.”

And with that remark, the Summit ends in an uproar, and the screens switch to another program, while the disappointed audience trudges back home.

An Ironic Reunification
Several weeks later, however . . .

Richard Mane then appears onscreen, looking slightly disheveled as he delivers the evening news.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have some breaking news coming from the newly-formed alliance between Natione and Natiotwo. You heard me right folks, they have done the formerly unimaginable: they have decided to make peace with each other. However, don’t be overjoyed just yet, as they decided to unite to declare war against the world. Following the events of the Association of States Summit, both country leaders have taken offense at NRSIENMN’s scathing remarks towards them, stating that ‘That’s what you expect from an imperialist state’ and that ‘It all starts with an insult. When they come, we will be ready’. Since then, both countries seem to be preparing for war. Stay safe out there, ladies and gentlemen. This is Richard Mane, reporting for Communication Universal Network Triumvirate!”

However, it turns out that all of their preparation was all for naught. Despite waiting day in and day out for any would-be invaders, the united forces of both Natione and Natiotwo never had to bother with anyone trying to get in, except for a few oblivious tourists. As it turned out, the international community plainly ignored their threats of war, as the news that two nations at each others’ throats were allied with each other seems to have shaken the world more than the prospect of war.

Even more weeks later . . .

“I’m telling you, if it weren’t for the scathing remarks of NRSIENMN, we wouldn’t be making peace right now!” said the leader of Natiotwo.

The leaders of both Natione and Natiotwo, along with various members of their respective cabinets, have decided to create a formal peace treaty in Switzerland, the cradle of neutrality. Following this, they decided to reunify as one nation yet again, ruling alongside each other as the country was formerly ruled four hundred and twenty years ago.

According to them, the statement that NRSIENMN said about their countries struck them as the reason why nothing good ever happens to their country.

“He was right, of course,” the leader of Natione was heard to say, “Our ancestors’ petty squabbles were what lead to our countries being at constant conflict with each other. So now, we have decided to mend the country back in to one whole nation.”

Only time will tell, however, on what the future holds for their newly reformed country. For now, let the future begin.

AMY,

Literary: Palarong Pinoy

11/29/2017 08:17:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

filipino,

Literary: Social Media Friends

11/29/2017 08:13:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Para sa mga kaibigan kong mas madalas magparamdam sa social media at bihira kong makausap sa personal, #Goals pa rin tayo kahit ganito, sobrang solid niyo! Peace out!

Para kay Myspace
Okay ka na ba? Sapat na ba ang space na ibinigay namin sa’yo? Sorry na kung ngayon lang ako naglakas loob na mag reach-out sa’yo. Miss ka na ng buong tropa, paramdam ka naman. Kung sakaling gusto mong malaman ang mga pinagkakaabalahan namin, pwedeng-pwede mo kaming i-message ni Facebook para maisend niya sa’yo ‘yung My Day namin. Sabihan mo lang siya kung gusto mong sumama sa mga lakad. Pero kung pipiliin mong hindi magreply at magsolo diyan sa maliit mong space, huwag mo kaming sisihin kung malimutan ka na namin. #sorrynotsorry. Syempre, joke lang yun. Hang out soon pls!

Para kay Facebook
Uy pre kamusta? How are you feeling right now? Paki-pusuan naman ‘yung dp ko oh. Pa-share na rin hehe para ma-like ng libu-libo mong friends. Alam mo namang lodi kita pagdating sa dami ng likers. Oo nga pala, ang benta nung meme na tinag mo sa akin. HAHAHAHAHA. May tinag din ako sa’yo, tignan mo. Last na talaga, may ginawa akong bagong group. Mga petmalu ‘yung andun so mag-join ka na dali! Sigurado akong magiging famous ka doon.

Para kay Twitter
Hey bro! When will you update your thread, #hugotseries? It’s been like a week since you last updated it. I’m missing your feels na. Nako, you will lose your followers, baka magsisi ka. ‘Yung ratio mo will get ugly. Tsk. Btw, I’m at Starbucks Katip rn, baka you want to come and chill. Alam mo naman I’m so #stressedthesedays kaya I need to relax once in a while. Ooops, I gotta go, ma-t-tweet limit na.

Para kay Instagram
Outing-outing na lang inaatupag mo ah? Grabe, can’t be reached ka na talaga. Isama mo naman kami sa travels at escapades mo. Palagi ka na lang naka #solotraveler, mas masaya kaya kapag marami! Ikaw lang ba may afford mag-LA, HK at SG? Teach me how to take the perfect shots too. Inggit ako sa #feedgoals mo.

Para kay Gmail
Masaya ako para sa’yo. Mabuti at naka-move on ka na rin dun sa ex mo na hindi ka sineryoso, puro paglalaro at pakikipag-usap lang sa iba ang inatupag. Pero brad, medyo kasalanan mo rin eh, puro ka kasi business talks tapos may pa sincerely at yours truly ka pasa dulo. Huwag masyadong seryoso sa buhay. Sumama ka sa mga gala minsan at i-enjoy mo ang lyf, brad.'

Para kay Yahoo
Napag-iwanan ka na ng panahon at ng tropa. Ikaw na lang ang hindi pa rin nagbabago hanggang ngayon. Wala ka bang balak umayos? Ang gusto ng mga tao ngayon ay ‘yung maaasahan at kayang maging responsable. Eh ikaw? Ang bagal-bagal mo pa rin at puro kalokohan at spam lang ang inaasikaso mo.

english,

Literary: The Ballad of Change

11/29/2017 08:09:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Once I was but a mess
A dissonance of angry melodies
With my head held high
I sang a solo piece
Of lines filled with pride

I pretended I was fine
Claiming anything I wanted mine
Until you came along:
A favorite song
I was never meant to sing

You changed me.

I had a taste of truth
So I did everything to keep you
I let myself know defeat
Familiarized myself with its beat
And wrote a song from it

To you, I sang my heart out
It was an offering,
Gratitude for what you've done:
You changed me to your only one
Until---

You changed.

You tried in all earnest to reach me
But only to reach, and never to keep me
You left and it became a habit
Though I always told you not to try it
It became a song you could not help but sing

The only thing that's constant
Is change, as people say
But I pray, that though we may change
We will always go back
To the songs we used to sing
But until then, I will wait,
Singing the only song I know now:

You.

english,

Literary: Temperature of Love

11/29/2017 07:59:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

100 degrees
We were boiling hot
And flaming bright
We melted in each other's arms
And flowed into each other's lips

70 degrees
You caressed my skin
And I felt the warmth of your embrace
As you brush your fingers along my edges
To feel the softness that I am

60 degrees
Our love still burned
But is starting to abate
As we realize that we turned into something
We thought we could escape

30 degrees
The nights turned colder
I curled under a blanket
As I craved for your warm touch
But all I can feel is the chill

20 degrees
A shiver ran through my spine
From the coldness of your touch
I can sense that ice is starting to form
From the water that once was boiling

0 degrees
We both knew that the fire will not last forever
It will be extinguished by the rain
A cold wind will come in exchange
And the same thing will happen again.

english,

Literary: Missing

11/29/2017 07:52:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Case #1 Coffee, no Creamer
     Has not made contact since Sunday night.
     No messages regarding the requirements to be submitted.
     Possibly working, but has left partner perplexed.

Case #2 Foiled Plan
     No known sighting in the past week,
     Has not sent any explanation or excuse for absence.
     Belongings were left with apprentice last Thursday.

Case #3 Karma Chameleon
     Displays unusual behavior.
     Different ghost in the shell.
     All possible means of contact have been done to no avail.

Commonalities between Cases
     Missing person has made no progress whatsoever on activities supposed to be done in the past.
     4-7 days, as far as people concerned are aware of.
     Last observed signs of life of the missing person are messages sent to him having been marked as       “Seen”.
     Usual activities are sparsely done if ever begun.

Conclusion
     While there are reasons to think that the missing person is in trouble, reasons to believe he is
     Only avoiding contact also exist.
     All cases lead to one missing person.
     Missing person is alive but refuses to live.

english,

Literary: Midday Musings

11/29/2017 07:50:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Teachers
They tell me to look beyond my sights
But all I see is nothing but the shivering night
Coming, coming, but gone way too fast
Yet it comforts me knowing nothing will last

Classmates
They stare aimlessly in front
Not so much a sound, not so much a grunt
They're zombies that walk in the great empty halls
Forever trapped inside these comforting walls

Blackboard
In it, words are written in chalk
We’ve written the words, but words never talk
It tells me what to say, what to think, what to do
It's pointless to me, is it pointless to you?

Notes
In these notes I write with my hand
And a pen that I puppet through unspoken commands
I have to memorize each word and line
Reading the letters in ink thin and fine

Myself
In this classroom, I sit all alone
With desks and windows that I call my home
I sit in a vast endless darkened abyss
Unsure if I'll get out or just find it endless

english,

Literary: Elixir

11/29/2017 07:47:00 PM Media Center 1 Comments

The Wish in a Bottle

Have you ever wanted to fix a problem but couldn’t? Have you ever wanted life to be easy?
Have you ever wanted a wish to come true?

I once had a wish, a wish in a bottle.

All it took to grant a wish is a little sip. Any wish—from high grades, to class suspensions. Even getting my crush to like me.

All I had to do was take a sip.

But I never did.


The Wishes

My friends and I received one Elixir each. One day, we just found it on our tables with a note. No name was written, only instructions.

It said, “Think of a wish, then drink with care.”

Of course all of us were skeptical, we didn’t believe it. We thought that the bottle was shady, and dangerous. But over time, my friends got more and more desperate. And they finally took the sip.

My first friend was an athlete. This year was his last season competing. He wanted to at least get a medal. So he drank it.
He crushed the competition and set several new league records.

My other friend was just a normal student. He simply wanted to get high grades for the sake of pleasing his parents. He consumed the Elixir, to make them proud.
He got near perfect scores in all his tests and made it to the top 10.

My last friend wanted to become a popular person so that his crush would notice him and fall for him.
He tried the Elixir because it worked for our other friends.
It worked for him, too. Now, maybe even his dreams would come true.

But all those good things came with a price.


The Consequences

After the competition, in exchange for his success, the athlete broke his leg while running
He went to the doctor to have it checked.
A week later he learned that he would never run again.

My second friend made his parents really happy.
But suddenly he was called to the principal’s office
He was accused of cheating, copying from one of his classmates
Days later, he was suspended from school.

In exchange for popularity, our last friend’s arrogance grew.
He thought he was better than everyone
And because of this, all of his true friends left him.
The ones who remained are those who don’t care about him.

Just one sip and their lives became a great success,
Just one drink and all their dreams are fulfilled.

Without knowing, they paid the price for their wish.
They lost the things that were most important to them.

I wanted to bring back the old days
When we were all just having fun
Just trying to work hard for our dreams

Now that everything’s broken, I have but one wish
Please, bring us back together like the old times

So I finally took a sip.

filipino,

Literary: BFF's

11/29/2017 07:43:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

“Best”
Magmula noong bata pa, tayo na ang magkasama,
Sabay tayong naglalaro sa’ting mundong gawa-gawa.

Isa lamang ang pangarap na ating nais makamtan,
Para sa’tin, walang mahirap basta tayo’y nakakapit sa isa’t isa.

Walang sikreto sa pagitan nating dalawa.
Walang lihim na itinatago sa bawat isa.

Nagsisilbing lakas sa tuwing nanghihina.
Nagbibigay ng yakap sa tuwing lumuluha.

Kung ako ang tatanungin,
Wala na akong hahanapin.

Sa isang kaibigang tulad mo,
Ako’y nagiging kumpleto.


Magmula bata pa, tayo na ang magkasama.
Hindi ko namalayan na gusto na pala kita,


‘Di ko malaman kung paano ko sasabihin,
Dahil baka hindi naman ito pag-ibig.

Ako’y lumapit sa’yo at mahigpit kang niyakap.
“Patawad dahil ako’y hindi naging tapat”

“Hindi ko na kayang maging magkaibigan tayo,
Kailangan ko munang humiwalay at lumayo”

dimples,

Literary: Pwede Pala

11/29/2017 07:39:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Unang tingin ko pa lang sa'yo
Agad nag-init aking ulo.
Doon ko nasabi sa aking sarili
Na dapat kitang iwasan palagi.




Di maitatanggi,
Na ika’y isang taong di mapirmi sa iisang tabi.
Halos sa lahat ng gawai’y
Nais mong makisali.


Di lingid sa karamihan
Na ang ulo mo’y puno ng hangin at kayabangan.
Akala mo lahat ay nadadaan
Sa salita’t usapan.

Sa di inaasahang pagkakataon,
Pagkatapos ng mahaba - habang panahon,
Doon ko lang lubos nasilayan,
Ang itinatago mong kabutihan.

english,

Literary: Once Upon a Dream

11/29/2017 07:33:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

A Whole New World
Closer to the stars
Far from down below
A prince once took me
To a world I ought to know


Before Midnight
Stars will dwindle
And spells may die
A dance out of beat
Is a dance out of time















Braveheart
Like an arrow primed for passage
This heart has been readied for voyage
Without a prince I’ll find bliss
To prove that happiness is not just from a kiss

teaser

Together the universe is ours.

11/28/2017 08:00:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

christmas,

Feature: 5 Perfect and Budget-friendly Gift Ideas for Secret Santas

11/13/2017 08:25:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go! Wow, can you believe Christmas is just around the corner? Time flies and so will your money this holiday.

And of course, before Christmas Day, most of you will have an annual Christmas party. As a Secret Santa, do you know what to get for your assigned partner? If not, don’t worry! Here is a guide to help you find a perfect and affordable gift for your assigned buddy.

I asked a couple of people from UPIS, from the bakers, artists, athletes, and bookworms what they would want for Christmas that is worth Php 300 or less and these are few of the things that they suggested:

• For your sporty friend, you can buy them a pair of weightlifting gloves, a gym ball, yoga mat, a jump rope, a pair of hand wraps, or an elastic cotton headband. Surely, your friend is going to be thankful for one of these. You can buy them from Lazada and JB Sports’ online store.



• For your buddy who is into baking, you can buy them a spatula, measuring cups, mixing bowls, a whisk, cupcake tins, and many more. These can really help with their baking. You can often find these at Gourdo’s in malls and Chocolate Lover in Cubao.


• And for your artsy amigo, you can buy some art materials such as a Corona sketchpad, a set of Faber Castell coloring pencils, Prang water color set, Mitsubishi drawing pencils, a set of Dong-A metallic pens, and more. Art materials are often expensive so imagine your friend having to buy a lot of them that’s why you can help them significantly by buying some of the materials as a gift. You can find them in book stores such as National Book Store and Fully Booked.



• For your chum who is a bookworm, you can find a lot of second hand books in tiangges specifically in UP Diliman and Bookay-Ukay in Maginhawa. For Php 300, you can buy 2-5 books that your friend will surely enjoy reading.



• But if you really can’t think of anything that your friend would like to get, don’t be ashamed to give your friend money because honestly, who wouldn’t want money? Giving money as a gift for Kris Kringle is probably the most underrated thing because it can be really helpful and especially useful for your partner. But don’t forget to put it inside an ang pao for good luck!



• At the end of the day, it is still your decision on what you would want to give to your partner. As long as it came from the heart and you really thought about it, then they will surely appreciate your special gift because really, it’s always the thought that counts. //by Max Salvador

costume ideas,

Feature: 10 Simple But Unique LLD Costume Ideas

11/13/2017 08:23:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

The Literally Literary Day (LLD) is fast approaching! It’s that time of the year again where students and teachers are given a chance to bring their chosen literary characters to life by dressing up and acting like them.

Since this is one of the most-anticipated school events, students plan and prepare for their costumes as early as they can. While others spend a lot to look exactly like their character, there are also some who choose to spend less and let their creativity take over.

If you still don’t have any ideas on who to be and if you’re looking for a costume that isn’t complicated but still imaginative then look no further! Here are some LLD costume suggestions that are easy to recreate but will surely make you stand out.

1. Waldo from Where’s Waldo




Costume: Striped red and white long sleeve shirt, Red and White beanie, blue pants and cane
Waldo is from the famous puzzle book series “Where’s Waldo” where the goal is to find him in the crowd. What makes it difficult to spot is his red and white striped shirt which helps him blend in the background. But no matter how simple his get-up is or how well he blends in, people can certainly notice him from afar.

2. Mitsuha or Taki from Kimi no Na wa (Your Name)




Costume:
Taki - White short-sleeved polo shirt, green neck-tie, black slacks and leather shoes
Mitsuha - White short-sleeved polo shirt, red ribbon, black skirt, black socks and brown shoes

Kimi no Na wa is one of the most popular animated films this year. It has garnered a lot of fans for its unique plot and characters, Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu. This is a story of two strangers who find themselves linked because of a bizarre phenomenon. Fans can easily identify these characters just by looking at their signature uniforms.

3. Chihiro from Spirited Away




Costume: White shirt with green stripe, pink shorts, yellow shoes
Also a fan favorite Japanese animated film is Spirited Away, a film centering on Chihiro, a 10-year old girl who accidentally wanders to a strange world. Her costume only needs a little effort but is eye-catching enough for people who grew up with this film.

4. Matilda Wormwood from Matilda




Costume: Any blue Sunday dress and a bow (optional)

Matilda Wormwood is a six year old bookworm with unusual abilities from Roald Dahl's novel Matilda. In the film adaptation she's always seen wearing a blue Sunday dress with a bow which is simple yet notable to don.

5. Auggie Pullman from Wonder




Costume: Pants, hoodie and a mask

Auggie Pullman, a boy with a deformed face who is often called “a medical wonder,” is a character from R.J. Palacio’s novel Wonder. The most important key to imitating his costume is the mask that looks like the illustration from the cover. It is a witty substitute for copying Auggie’s facial features and can be easily recognized by others.

6. Greg Heffley from Diary of a Wimpy Kid



Costume: White shirt, black pants, and a mask that looks like Greg Heffley (optional)

Greg Heffley is the star in the book series “The Diary of a Wimpy Kid”. He has one of the simplest looks which can easily be mistaken for another character. So to make this character stand out, create a mask that looks exactly like him!

7. Boo/ Mary from Monster’s Inc


Costume: Pink oversized shirt, purple leggings, and white socks

Boo is from the animated film Monster’s Inc. She is a three-year-old girl who stumbled upon another world full of monsters. Her costume is pretty simple to copy but imitations of her adorable actions will make you stand out from the rest.

8. Darla Sherman from Finding Nemo




Costume: Purple sweater, black skirt, white sock, black shoes, and braces.

Darla Sherman is an antagonist from “Finding Nemo.” She may not be the main character of the film but fans remember her as one of the most fun characters. Her costume requires more garments, but the most important piece in her costume is her braces that go around her head. This is what makes her scary and it's the one that makes her stick with our memories.

9. Mario from The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. Comic Series




Costume: Red long sleeved shirt, blue overalls, and red cap

Mario has a very distinct costume that only consists of a red long sleeved shirt, a pair of blue overalls, and a red cap. The costume can quickly catch people’s attention because everyone is familiar with this character.

10. Georgie from IT




Costume: Yellow raincoat, paper boat and/or balloon (optional)

Georgie, a known character from IT has one of the easiest costumes because all you need is a yellow raincoat, a paper boat, a red balloon, and to make it even more noticeable (spoiler alert), a severed arm.

These are just a few suggestions for this year's Literally Literary Day. Hopefully, these will give you ideas on who to portray. Remember to always go for the character that you like and not because of its simplicity. This event only happens once a year, so be sure to make it worthwhile.

Happy Literally Literary Day! //by Elane Madrilejo