Cheesecloth and I

Nonfiction by | September 4, 2011

When it comes to reminiscing about one’s childhood, most people would not look back, fondly or otherwise, on the underwear they have worn over the years. But since I was never really in the category of “most people” but rather in the “weird ones,” I would like to share a few thoughts on this particular subject because it has been percolating (or more aptly: fermenting) in my mind for the past two months. 

Recently, a friend posted his embarrassing underwear moments on his blog site. Funny enough, while I was reading his article, all I could think of was this particular pair of undergarment that has haunted me from 4th grade, all throughout high school, and even up to now.

Continue reading Cheesecloth and I

Farmer's Outburst

Poetry by | September 4, 2011

Translation of Bugiot san Parag-uma by Harold Mercurio

My neck now stiffens
Looking up at the sky
For the rain to fall.

The mounds are now stricken by black ants
Where corn is planted
For it to grow.

The carabao wallows
In its bed of clay
To cool its body burning from heat.

When will the water system
Flow in the rice field
As promised by those in power?

Bugiot san Parag-uma

Poetry by | September 4, 2011

Nagtig-a na akon liog
Paghinangad sa langit
Kun san-o mahuhulog an uran.

Ginhantik na an mga luho
Nga gintamnan mais
Paghaluna nga tumubo.

Lumukot na la an karabaw
Sa galot niya nga higdaan
Pagpapinit san nasusunog nga lawas.

San-o daw la maawas
Sa danaw an patubig nga
Ginsaad san mga gamhanan?


Phil Harold L. Mercurio is a faculty member at the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) in Calbayog City and an NCLA Coordinator for Eastern Visayas.