Poetry by Angelo Lenard Yu | January 6, 2025
nilingkod mi sa balas sa Kaputian,
sama sa hilom nga bato sa baybayon,
hinay-hinay nga misaka ang adlaw,
gisugdan ang tibuok hapon nga sonata.
hayahay ang tingog sa tapya sa balod,
nindot ang panaghoy sa mga langgam,
nipakpak tanang dahon sa punoang talisay,
misabay sa hoyohoy sa tugnaw nga hangin.
Uncategorized by Paolo Andreo M. Sandalo | January 6, 2025
Ang Atong Ulahing Pakighinabi
Mahinumduman nako ang ulahing higayon nga kitang duha nagkaistorya
Miingon ka nga limpyo kaayo ang mga bungbong sa among panimalay
Ug misulog-sulog ka nga mapuno na kini og mga buling puhon
Misulti ka nga hapinan og panapton ang mga mahait nga mga kilid sa lamesa ug aparador
Kay paspas managko ang mga bata ug basin mapakong
Mihangyo ka nga dili paraton ang mga sud-an
Ug magluto gyud ko kanunay og law-oy
Pagkahibalo nako sa panghitabo duha ka adlaw bag-o mag-Pasko
Dili na nimo makita unsa na kahugaw ang among mga bungbong
O kon unsa na katangkad ang mga bata
Abanse, among pinalanggang Nora
Akong kunsuylo kay nagalupad ka na kauban ang mga Anghel
Our Last Conversation
I remember the last time we had the chance to talk
You complimented me on how clean the walls of our house were
And joked that they won’t stay that way for long
You told me to keep the sharp edges of the cabinets and tables covered
Since the kids are already getting taller
You asked me not to put a lot of salt on the viands
And always cook vegetables
When I received the call just two days before Christmas
I knew you would never see how the walls would become dirty
Or how tall the children are going to be
Move forward, our dearest Nora
My only consolation is the fact that you’re already flying with Angels
Paolo M. Sandalo is an avid fan of music, comics, and video games. He has Taps, Mochi, and Sushi as his inspirations to wake up each day.
English Translation: paolo Sandalo
Illustration : Noy Narciso
Poetry by May A. Mundiz-Laquihon | January 6, 2025
The Bricklayer
There will be no family picture–
As I fall apart by myself tonight
That gnawing thought of happy faces on a canvas
Or just a faded print with you seems real as it was
Surreal.
Yes, there will never be a family picture
I have forgotten I was just the spare tire
In family dinners, birthdays, or Christmas
I was just around to fill a space
I have always loved family photos
But I have never owned one
May Mundiz- Laquihon is a mother, a teacher, and a budding artist. She thrives for creativity, and peace. She lives in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
Illustration : Noy Narciso
Poetry by Teresa May A. Mundiz-Laquihon | January 5, 2025
There will be no family picture
As I fall apart by myself tonight
That gnawing thought of happy faces on a canvas
Or just a faded print with you seems real as it was
Surreal.
Poetry by Alden Arsèn | December 30, 2024
Usa ka dangaw ang mipataliwa
sa atong kapalaran.
Nagtapad ta niining dyip
nga naglatas sa kadalanan sa V. Rama.
Kulongon ang imong buhok
nga gipaak sa pulang pugong,
samtang ang imong duha ka itom nga ariyos
giduyan-duyan sa huyuhoy.
Poetry by Jay Bryan La-ag | December 30, 2024
Sa dihang may nakahinabi ako nga biyuda,
walay mga luha nga midayan
sa iyang mga mata,
ug ang kanal-kanal niini gauphag pud. Gani,
wala puy pagpanghupong sa iyang ubaog,
walay gabitay nga dag-om
nga mingkumpayot sa iyang tabon-tabon,
ug wala pud mopakita og pagkalarag
ang tabonon niyang liryo.
Nonfiction by Jewel Mansia | December 30, 2024
I was around eight when my mom told me she wanted a grandchild with blue eyes. We were just hanging out in the backyard, sitting beside each other on a hammock, when she said, “Gusto ko ng mestizong apo!” She told me she wanted to see them in person, as blue eyes aren’t something you typically encounter in ordinary Philippine settings.
“Mestizo” is a Spanish word that originally described a person of Spanish and indigenous descent. Over time, the meaning evolved to a broader definition: a person of mixed race. In the Philippines, a mestizo is someone who is half-Filipino and half-foreigner, or, in simpler terms, a “tisoy”—someone with evident Caucasian features who is conventionally attractive.
Fiction by Iona Mendoza | December 16, 2024
You said goodbye to Attorney Ramos when you clocked out. The solid pine doors of the firm were expensive, heavy under slim hands. But you are healthy. You take good care of your body. You pushed them open easily and walked over to your Jeep, a pretty white thing.
You drove to that gym in Sta. Ana, the one you don’t like. You always complain that it’s too crowded by the time you get off work. Still, you go inside, strip off your blouse, and swap the skirt for a pair of tight leggings. You grew up nicely, didn’t you? Wide hips, full lips, long legs. I could stare at you every day. I do.