28 years of life and still...

The 4 Non Blondes’ song What’s Up is a perfect lyrical metaphor of the story of each of our lives. We are always trying to figure out a destination. Whether it is the search for a concrete career path, a life-long partner, a sense of purpose, each one of us is in a continuing battle of figuring out what comes next in our lives. Some of us have definite plans while others tend to be very lax in putting weight on what comes after today. The truth is neither of these two is better than the other. 

Those who live for today and those who try to give up today for a better tomorrow are on equal footing as neither one is superior to the other. You may disagree with me on this, but let us just agree to disagree. I am in no position to lecture you on what is right and what is wrong because the truth is that there is no definite right and no definite wrong. Right and wrong are social constructs that we have imposed as a species to be able to uphold the very fabric that keeps our society. We have a catch-all term for this, morality. The truth is that morality was, is, and will never be absolute and resolute. There will come a time when what is right today will become unacceptable. That is how things have been and that will be how things shall continue to be. 

Climbing the great big hill…

Where do you stand on the hill that you call ambition? Have you reached the apex? Or, are you still figuring out how to get there? Chill… You will have your equal share of doubts – of questions as to whether you are doing the right things.  Again, do whatever you want to do. Because at the end of the day, it’s your life and no matter how much others will fiddle and get involved in it, you are the final arbiter and the final say will come from you. Just do what your heart tells you to do. Do not be afraid of judgment but don’t be cynical about other people’s opinions. These are born for reasons that are equally acceptable as the essentiality of your own belief. Just don’t let them dictate the story of your life.

The world is made up of brotherhood…

I always have this question in mind – would I be able to live without connecting to people? I tried. This year, I went to five countries alone with as little connection as possible. It was the best thing that I ever did, but it gave me this harsh truth that no matter how much you want to be alone, you will and will need people. The truth is that we only see connections that are essential to our lives without thinking that we are connected to a lot of people. The pilot that brought you from your point of origin to your destination was there not just for the job but also for the fact that there are people who rely on him including you. The small food stall owner who cooked that delicious laksa that you love was not just there for profit but also because she knows that people will need to eat good food. You see, this world is made up of brotherhoods of different sizes. You can never be alone and you will never be. As much as you hate people, you cannot stand on your own without the toil of others. 

I cry sometimes just to get it all out…

Like a glass filled to the brim, you will soon start spilling over. Our emotions can sometimes outsmart us. When these times happen, remember that it is perfectly normal. Get angry; shout the most demeaning expletives you can think of; say as many “fuck you” as you want, just let it all out. The more you hide your emotions, the more dangerous they become. Just spill it over. Be as mean as you can go as that is the best way to outgrow such emotions – for you to become better at handling them. Again, let it all out.

I’m feeling a little peculiar…

Be unique! And by that, I mean that you must be true to yourself. Don’t cripple your wings because society dictates that you have to be this way. Remember that the best reflection of yourself is observed by no other person but you. Remember that you don’t have to fit in some other person’s shoes. Remember that whatever you want to become, you are capable of doing so. The only limit that you have is the one that you set on yourself. Go further than what you ever want. Be your own motivation.

I wake in the morning and I step outside…

Consider each day as a gift. The more you put a value on what is happening today, the more you become focused on achieving something that will not just influence you right now but will also shape your future. Don’t be afraid to go beyond your norms. Keep that fire of desire burning within you. There is no such thing as a dead-end failure. Only that some people give up after a few tries. Never give up. If something becomes comfortable, then it means that you are no longer growing. Get going, no matter what.

I take a deep breath and get real high…

This may sound cliché but it is the truth – for most people, this world is too much to handle. The complexity of our existence makes us wonder if all these are worth the fight. But I tell you, when you come to a point of uncertainty, just shrug it off. Take a deep breath and remember one thing, you are here to please no other person but yourself. Whatever things you enjoy, immerse yourself in it. Get real high and be as happy as you can be.

So what’s going on?

Keep your own pace. The destination that you want might be miles away or just around the alley, but it doesn’t matter as long as you continue moving. Remember to ask yourself, what’s going on? Re-evaluate your goals. Be more proactive in doing things. Influence others to become better people. But don’t force your spoon into their mouths. Like you, they know what’s best for them. Keep a close connection with people but never intrude in their personal space.

Pray for a revolution…

At the end of the day, pray for a revolution - a revolution of ideas, beliefs, and aspirations. Continue to seek change. And be an instrument of change. This world is in chaos, so keep reminding yourself that “All is well”! 

So, here I am. 28 years of life and still... 

Adios amigos.

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The best thing that I can do

I start my daily routine at 5:00 AM when most of the people are still sound asleep. I would walk around five and a half kilometers to reach Umapad Dumpsite. Not even a typhoon could stop me from doing this daily regimen. After all, I have seven young mouths to feed. I'd rather get wet than hear the hungry sounding stomachs of my three girls and four boys. 

All of my children are schooling. I feel that education is the only escape I can provide them against this hell that we are right now. When I was their age, I did not mind my studies. I saw no sense in scrambling numbers trying to figure out products and quotients when at the end of the day I and my brothers would still go the plantation to harvest pineapples. 

I was born in Mindanao, specifically in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. As glamorous as it sounds, the place is actually of no single glitter. Most people live on a one-day-one-eat scheme. Kids spent their days not in school but in large pineapple and banana plantations doing hard labor to earn a few centavos. We do not have a functioning hospital in our community. It was like, when you suffer an illness, the best that you can have is to implore the heaven that you get healed. 

I lived in Manolo Fortich, the entirety of my teenage life. I think I have harvested more than a hundred thousand pieces of pineapples that now I can't even think of smelling one. Maybe it's true that when you have too much of something, you will start to dislike it. 

When I turned 23, I decided to seek better opportunities in Cebu. I packed up my stuff, which translates to two shirts, one puldoroy, and a dog tag that my grandfather gave me. He said that it was a gift from an American friend during the second world war. It was a treasure that he wanted me to keep and give to the next generation of our kin. It's the only treasure I have with me up to now. Well, at least, I am not that poor enough not to own even a single treasure. 

The first time I arrived in Cebu, I marveled at its modern look. It was so chic to a probinsyano like me. I've never seen such a vast crowd gathered in one place. It was all good until the harsh reality of life slapped me. I tried looking for work, but everywhere I go, they'd ask me for a high school diploma. I don't have one. The truth is when I was in Mindanao, I never cared for my education. After all, why would you need to know how to divide large numbers when you are only earning a few centavos for a hard day in the plantation? 

I started sipping my coffee and ate two pieces of pandesal. The shanty which the eight of us lived was still shrouded in darkness. We do not have electricity. We couldn't afford such a luxury. My children are fast asleep except for Lando, who must go to school early as he is a working student. 

After I was done eating, I rolled two empty sacks, got my kalakay, and started heading to the dumpsite. You would barely recognize me in my scavenger costume. My entire body is generously clothed. I walked unceremoniously but filled with hope that I might hit a pot of gold in the dumpsite. I mean it. I am tired of this life. I don't care about myself anymore; I can't bear it looking at the suffering faces of my children. 

Two trucks arrived, and the witch hunt for plastic and tin cans started. There were 8 of us who would typically come early in the dumpsite. When we are not scavenging, we are the best of friends. But when we start collecting sellable trash, it's a different story. 

The minutes of sorting trash became an hour, and the hours became a day. Filled with exhaustion, I walked towards the junk shop where I would sell my sacks of plastic and metal scraps. That day, I did not hit the pot of gold I was expecting, but I was fortunate enough to have 49 pesos in my pocket. Half a kilo of rice would be 23 pesos, two packs of noodles at 16 pesos. I still have 10 pesos that I saved to give as baon of my kids for the next day. 

Just a few blocks to the slum area where I lived, I've seen many people gathering. The smoke is still rising mightily to the sky. There was a fire, and it was a humungous and devastating one. I ran as fast as I could. 

"My kids! Help me! I need to find my kids." I shouted in despair as I struggle to navigate through the crowd that has gathered. 

There was nothing left. It was like a vast football field, but only that everywhere you look was filled with ashes and debris. I started crying. I was baffled, but then a familiar voice came to my ears. 

"Pa, naa sila tanan sa Gym. Tana adto ta." It was my son Lando who, after hearing the news from his friends, rushed to aid his younger brothers and sisters. 

It was the best feeling that I have had in my life. Knowing that my kids are safe filled my heart with joy. Maybe, I did not hit the pot of gold in the dumpsite, but still, I was blessed for my family is safe. It was at that moment that I realized that it is not money that can bring us genuine happiness. It is seeing the people we love safe and sound. Material things may provide us comfort, but you can never put a price tag on true happiness. 

I am Ondo, a scavenger, a fire victim, a widower. I don't know what's left of the thinning pages of my life, but as long as I live, I will forget all these to focus on the one best thing that I could do… being a father. 

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The three wise monkeys

(A persuasive speech)

Good morning everyone!

The proverbial principle of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” is wonderfully expressed in the image of the three wise monkeys which is a very profound pictorial maxim. I’m here today to talk about it and how right now, most of us are becoming the irony of the three wise monkeys.

Mizaru – the monkey who covers his eyes and sees no evil.

Today, we are at a very crucial period in the history of our country. We are in an oblivion marred by the lack of peace, the lack of rule of law, and utter disrespect to our constitution. Yes, most of us have just turned blind against the injustices that pervade our society today.

To see no evil is good but to act blind and ignore what is happening in our country right now is an utter disregard for the moral and ethical standards that our nation was built upon. What is happening right now is unbecoming of a society. We are in a state of regress instead of progress.

But why are we acting blindly as if everything is okay? Why are we being quiet? Are we really being responsible citizens when we do not support dissent? When we ignore the obvious disregard for the rule of law? When we think that killing is a justified means of eliminating the menace of our society?

Most of us have become ironically like the wise monkey who sees no evil. We see no evil because we are acting blind. We have embraced the idea that these crooked ways are fine because they are what we need to instill order in our society.

Niccolo Machiavelli in his book The Prince said that the end justifies the means. But is it really okay to stick with these unscrupulous methods in order to achieve a safer and sounder society? Is it fine that we are living a Machiavellian society?  

The answer is no! Let us stop this foolishness and act. We need to open our eyes and recognize that these things are wrong. Again, we need to act.

At this point, allow me to move on to the second monkey.

Kikazaru - The monkey who covers his ears and hears no evil.

Today, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of you will turn out to be monkeys - monkeys who hear no evil. We have come to a point where most of us have become deaf of the truth. We are not just acting blind but we have also turned deaf about the reality - about the truth.

We are at a point that fake news is more appealing to most than the real news that is based on facts.  Let us not become the monkey who hears no evil. Let us be open to the truth even if it is something bad. Let us try to listen to the credible source of facts instead of basing our truth on posts on social media.

Let us not be afraid to hear something evil especially if it is the truth. For it is in knowing the real state of things that we are able to better our actions and do what is right.

The last monkey among the three wise monkeys is Iwazaru. The monkey who covers his mouth and speaks no evil.

Today, the moment you voice your opinion on something that is against the current administration or about a pressing issue, you are oftentimes placed in hot waters. People would label you as someone who is anti-government as if what you are saying is pure evil.

But remember that the most dangerous threat to a democracy, to the truth, is when dissent is being labeled as evil. When public opinion is propelled by propaganda, by strategies to sow confusion and disparity, a democracy is on the brink of extinction.

I tell you. Let us not stop speaking of the evil. Let us continue to be vigilant, to speak the truth regardless if it is bad. Let us remember that dissent is an essential ingredient in a democracy. When nobody questions a decision, when nobody is there to say that something is wrong, even the evilest lie can become the most pious truth of all.

Today, I ask all of you. Let us not become the three wise monkeys. Instead, let us be wiser than them. As the youth of today, we play a pivotal role in nation-building. We are more than capable to make a change. We need to stop these absurdities that we are seeing and hearing and we need to have a voice. Remember that even small ripples, when collectively acting, could become the wave that can topple even the strongest wall.

As an ending thought, I would like to leave you this. The worst enemy of the truth is when everyone embraces a lie and accepts it. I pray that there will be no more monkeys among us. No more wise monkeys. Instead, let us be wiser. It’s high time that we make loud of our voice and fight for the truth.

Thank you.

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The sound of death

A cousin rushed to inform us that Romnick, our neighbor, is about to face the repercussion of his sins. 

We hid at home and listened to the audible footsteps of the cops who are going to “tokhang” our young neighbor. A few moments of deafening silence followed as cops walked towards their house. We did not dare to see how many cops were there as we have secured ourselves knowing that there is a possibility of fuss. From our home to Romnick’s abode, you will be passing five houses, our house, the houses of two of my aunts and another house owned by Romnick’s brother. Considering that our house has plywood walls, we know that we were also in imminent danger should the police and Romnick exchange fire. We were calm, but deep inside I know that all of the family members are worried.

It did not take that long before we heard four gunshots followed by the wailing of a woman. That woman was Romnick’s live-in partner. She begged for the life of her husband, but there was no stopping on the police operation. We thought it ended that fast, but then we heard another gunshot. In less than 5 minutes, Romnick is now reduced to a lifeless body. He is nothing but dead. 

Our hearts were beating fast, and our bodies were trembling. It was like we were inside those news reports of witnesses and their accounts of the drug-related killings of today. To others, it was just one of the EJKs to curb the rampant drug trade in our country. But to us, it was an EJK just five houses from where we live. It was an EJK that was scary enough for us to reconsider house renovation. It was an EJK that befall to a neighbor we thought was the most pious among his siblings.

Romnick’s brothers and family are famous in our place for the suspense and drama they have displayed through the years. There was one time when a brother in combat mode chased an elder brother with a bolo. There was one time when the youngest brother destroyed the Utility Pole and hit their mother causing the poor old lady to lose her left eye. There was one time when the daughter of the wife of one of Romnick’s brothers and the said brother got into a heated argument. The girl stated that she was molested by the new live-in partner of his mother while she was asleep. It was a frenzy of expletives coupled with a series of stone throwing. 

As you can see, Romnick’s family is famous enough because of their doing. When it comes to Romnick, it was actually different. We never saw him cause disturbance or menace in the neighborhood. We never saw or heard of him being in conflict with anyone in the area. He seems to be the pious one among the brothers. We thought he was the rose among the thorns. We were actually wrong. Romnick indeed was a drug pusher. In fact, one cousin of mine who has been battling drug addiction confirmed that he was able to buy drugs from Romnick. Indeed, some wolves are dressed in sheep’s skin. 

People started to gather, and the inaudible gossips of the chismosas and chismosos began to roll out. I went out of our house and looked towards the direction of Romnick’s house. There was a sizeable crowd, and one media outlet was able to send a TV reporter. Romnick’s wife was still crying. The police were already gone, and operatives have started to process the crime scene. It did not take that long before the onlookers began to dispel. A few hours later, it seems like everything has gone back to normal.

When it comes to what happened that night, all I can remember is the sound of death. Five gunshots that claimed the life of someone I know. Five shots that ushered fear among us who were there.Five shots that sealed the story of a drug pusher. Five gunshots that confirmed how staying away from drugs can extend one’s life. And five gunshots which showed to us that sometimes to rid the society of evil, extreme measures need to be executed.

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Snappy, the dog who saved my life

Once in a while, we are tested by life itself. If we triumph and succeed, we become better. But if we let the bitterness of the moment drag us down, we will be blinded by hatred… by feelings far worse than death.

“Jim, let me go with you. I wanna join your practice game.”

“Sure… we need a watery boy”

“Well, if you want someone as good as Kobe Bryant as your water boy, then I’m in.”

“Hahaha… You wish”

When people say ball is life, they usually are not that serious about it. But for our family, ball really is life. My father is a retired professional player who once represented the country in the Olympics. My mother is a courtside reporter during her younger days. Now, my father is a coach and my mother is a sports columnist. Their sons, Jim and I, are part of our respective school’s varsity team. Yes, we really love the game, but sometimes what you love can break your heart.

“Kevin, you hurry! Your brother was injured. He has been rushed to the hospital.”

These were the words of my father when he called to inform me about the demise that got my brother Jim. It has been three years since that awful afternoon. When I get to see the crutches that have become part of my brother’s daily living, I cannot stop but curse life for being too bad for him. I myself have stopped playing basketball despite my parents’ disapproval. I hate the game more than ever. I don’t want to let my brother see me inside the court because I don’t want to add more to his sufferings.

When I see my brother pretend that everything is okay, I feel so much disgust. I don’t know but I guess, more than him, it was me who blames the game for what he is right now.

“Kevin, your coach called that you can still catch up for the next season. He said that you are very much welcome to return to the team.”

“Mom, let’s not talk about this again. You know my decision…”

“Well… Just reconsider. By the way, check your room. I have a surprise there for you.”

I was excited when I heard this. I thought mom finally gave me the latest gaming console I was asking. Actually, when I stopped playing basketball, I became addicted to computer games. These games are better as there is no chance that I’ll get injured.

“Wow… a dog!” I exclaimed as I really have been asking my parents for a dog also, but they have been reluctant to give me one.

When I went to see my new pet, my excitement turned into disgust.

“What is this… why are they giving me a crippled dog? Is my brother not enough of a reminder to me of how miserable life can be?” I shouted in disgust.

At first, I did not mind about the crippled dog. The thing looks to me was a failure, a thing that is hopeless. I don’t want to offend my parents, so I just let the dog stay in my custody. The crippled dog would come close to me, trying to get my affection, but my heart and mind have been fixed. It is a useless dog. There even came timed when I would forget to feed the crippled dog for days. But then everything changed one afternoon.

I was at my desk writing a report for school when a golf ball on top of my desk fell and rolled on the floor. The crippled dog ran fast and bit the ball and bumped on my foot. I took the ball and threw it far and the crippled dog brought it back again. This was the start of my affection to the crippled dog. At that moment, I realized that the dog deserves not of condemnation or of pity. A crippled dog does not make it any lesser as a pet. The crippled dog changed me. I realized that if I dwell on the imperfections and forget about everything, it’s not the world that’s failing me, but me failing the world. We live in an imperfect world, and it is with these imperfections that we are able to appreciate more of its beauty.

Now, I and Snappy are close as ever. He is not just my dog, but also my savior. I have now returned to playing basketball and got way closer to my brother. I realized that the world does not end with every failure, with every lost opportunity. In fact, there is always a reason to be excited for tomorrow.

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A Mother's Legacy

People say that age is just a number and that it is utterly irrelevant. While I see this as an indisputable truth, I cannot stop myself from thinking of something special to give to my Elaine. In three days time, she is turning 50. She's an independent woman who seems to have no need for people to look for her. She is special and I cannot fathom how I would have survived in this world without the things she has sacrificed for me.

I reached through my pocket before releasing an audible sigh. Will she love the gift I will be giving her? I was contemplating as I looked at the worn-out boots that I am wearing.

“How many years have you been working as a garbage collector?”

“It’s my twentieth year in this job. I am just happy that I will not die a garbage collector John.”

“Good for you! You are doing something noble man. I salute you for doing this.”

I drank the remaining beer and pondered on the remarks of my new partner. John is a young man and I really envy his dedication. Was I like him when I was young, I may have given my daughter and my mother a comfortable life. After the short stay in the pub, I decided to head home.

Along the alleys of this city, I get to feel the presence of Elaine. She is not a famous celebrity. She is not a renowned person. Few knew her. Few knew her story. It was this few people whom I can vouch will stand proud of the real Elaine de Grass.

It was one fateful night of December 1980. Elaine was on her way to the dorm when a group of four college students forced her to hop into their car. Unable to fight, Elaine submitted herself and was brought to the big blue house on the corner of 32^nd and 33^rd Avenue. She wanted to shout for help but her fear capsized her desire to flee. She was drugged up and was raped. The next morning she was found out lying naked near the central plaza. But rather than being cared as someone in distress and a victim, she was labeled a slut. Her parents died fighting for the justice that Elaine deserves. Sad to say, the money and connection of her captors overwhelmed the truth that lies behind that blue house.

Fifteen years forward, Elaine is a single mother. She struggled to work on three jobs to give her son a good life. In the morning, she would deliver harvests from farms in the southern plains to fresh shops in the city. After all these, she would proceed to her next stop. She’ll need to remain standing for 8 hours as a cashier in one of the stores she delivers vegetables. When the store closes, she will hurriedly go to reach the 5 pm log-in time to the restaurant where she works part time.

The young son she had was never appreciative of Elaine’s effort. He despised her mother for raising him alone. He has been rebellious for he felt that it was Elaine’s fault why he never saw or knew who his father was. He stopped schooling at the age of 14 and went to join a gang. It was typical for him and Elaine to just see each other in prison or police station. Elaine bails him out and he walks away. This is the life he has lived for 10 years until he finally settled with the woman who has changed him. This woman was really amazing but then fate is just a bitter thing. The day she gave birth to a girl, the woman died. Nevertheless, everything that has become of the rebellious boy is owed to this woman. It was this event that made the boy realized how much she has failed his own mother. He reopened his heart to the mother he has never considered to be one.

I can clearly recall how my tears were like never ending as Elaine tells me the truth behind my existence. Elaine, the ever naïve and selfless mother was mumbling as she narrates to me what happened that day. This encounter was exactly 10 years ago but I can still remember how the atmosphere of that day has struck a lightning into the very soul of mine. I was a failure as a son. I failed to treasure the very person who saw my existence as a gift more than a curse. It was that time when I realized that I owe Elaine more than what she has received from me.

Up to now, I still feel the intense sense of guilt and remorse when I see Elaine. I tried my best to make it up with her. Nevertheless, Deep in me lies this haunting of conscience that constantly reminds of how I deprived Elaine the chance to become a mother to a young boy. Being a parent, I know that I could never go beyond what Elaine has done to me. I just don’t know how I can show Elaine the gratitude that is in me. And now, she is turning 50. Alas! 50 years of existence in a world which tried her beyond what she could have taken. 50 years filled with sufferings she did not deserve. I know I have to find something that would make her smile, something that would make her happy. I cannot buy the years back but I can surely do things right now to make this woman know that she is special. 

I came to look at the odds and possibilities. I need to do it now. I have saved enough money for Elaine to start her bakeshop. Every since my younger years, I saw her as a very good baker. She has the flare to make bread delicious beyond taste and smell. I will throw her the best birthday surprise, a bakery of her own. Everything is set. I will be serving my last duty tomorrow as a garbage collector. The resignation which I handed a month ago will take effect and I will be able to get the separation pay which I could add up to finance the bakery.

The streets are filled with spirit of Christmas. The colorful displays of the stores and music somehow consoled my soul. I came to pass a jewelry store and saw something peculiar. There is this necklace which is somehow similar to what Elaine has when she was young. The necklace which I once stole and pawned during my younger years somehow reappeared in front of me. Was this coincidence or a work of fate, I do not know. I have decided to purchase this tomorrow and give it to her. She will surely look gorgeous with this necklace.

My last day at work came and everything went as planned. It was a day of joy and sadness. I am happy to start a new life and I am sad to bid farewell to people who have valued and treated me as a man of dignity. I went to the shop and bought the necklace. On the doorstep of our apartment, I felt something eerie and that feeling exemplified when I found out that nobody is inside. I found a note from my daughter telling that Elaine is hospitalized and that she is accompanying her. I hurriedly grab a cab and went to the hospital. The documents of the bakery and the necklace I wanted to give Elaine are still with me. I am still holding my gifts. I went inside the morgue to see her lifeless body. I was in a state of confusion. I took Elaine to my arms and cried. I once again failed Elaine. I just don’t know. I think it was always meant like this. Maybe, I am really a curse to her and I should have never existed in the first place. It was a long period of grieving and I was just lucky that my daughter was there. She was the one who supported me. If not, I could have not known what to do next.

Two months after Elaine was buried, I am still feeling the pain. I am entering Elaine’s room for the first time after her passing. I was surprised as to how organized it is. Elaine died of cancer. She did not tell any of us but she was aware that she was to die that month. It was devastating. Elaine has remained to her character until the end, an independent woman who tries to do things on her own. I pulled one of the drawers and saw a letter addressed to me. Tears were rolling in my cheeks when I reached under her bed and open a box containing the pair of boots she bought me as Christmas gift. I took the necklace from my pocket and smiled. “Elaine, you will always be the best.” I said to myself. I carefully place the boots back and push the gift box back to where it was.

I just learned that the necklace I was about to give to her is actually the real necklace she once owned. She was actually able to recover it from the pawnshop before and kept it hidden for years. Two days before she died, she sold the necklace to the jewelry store to buy me and my daughter gifts. They are all under her bed… The truth behind Elaine, they all are found under her bed. I just did not mind checking them for I already know enough about this woman… Elaine was the mother I missed to have. Elaine was the mother every child would wish for. Elaine is just extraordinary.

I left the room and went to open the bakery. Now that I have more reasons to be happy, I feel rejuvenated. Everything is set inside so I flipped the sign which reads “Welcome to Elaine’s Bakeshop!”

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Ang Wika

Walang hihigit pa sa salitang kaloob sa isang bansa.
Wika ay natatanging yaman na maipagmamayabang.
Walo, sampu o ilang libu man ang kawikaan,
Sila’y diwa ng yaring bayan.
Wika ay mahalaga, ito’y kalaluluwa ng ating bansa.

Isang libung pulo man ay kaya nitong pag-isahin.
Lahat ng pagsubok kapag nagkakaintindihan ay kayang hamakin.
Iisa ang ating tinig kapag sariling wika ating ginamit.
Ano man ang ating minimithi ay tiyak na makakamit.

Ang wika ay sandata ng yaring bayan.
Kahit ano mang lipi’y nagagabayan.
Kahit milyon ay madadala sa tamang daan.
Kapangyarihan ng wika ay ganyan.

At kung pag-unlad ang pag-uusapan.
Ang wika ang siyang tunay na gabay ng bayan.
Tiyak na may pag-unlad ang mamamayan
Kapag wika na ang nagbibigay daan.

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Another November

Here comes another November

trying to take away one more year.

Its coming is becoming haunting

Building in me an ounce of despair.

Relinquished, I fall to its danger.

Another time for me to ponder,

To think, to wink and to breath

To feel life and enjoy the breeze.

Here comes another November.

Its coming is something I fear.

Telling me that sand is filling,

That I might be left with nothing.

I still do not know if I owned it,

Or was I just a passerby of regrets.

I do not know how far I can go,

Or what to look forward to.

Succumbed by a gloomy mist,

I wish to find the final phase;

To find the point for me to rest,

For my soul to become at ease.

Here comes another November

Announcing to me the nearing end.

Teaching me nothing but to mend;

Not to forget but to remember.

Remember the joy of each moment,

Accept each one as an endowment.

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Life is a Big Ha!

Disgust across thy broadest heavens
‘Tis never ending flow of heavy fears
Anger within thy hearts has broaden
A resonance of madness and tears

Ha! Life is surely a maze of mess
A dazzling wagon in a lonely street
There are those who quench with success
Others bathe in the bitterness of defeats

What’s the use of fighting for survival?
When in the end, all must rest in peace.
We are just part of the world’s disposal.
Bear no more, in rest we’re at ease.

Life is Big Ha! Eternally filled with disgust
With lust and the trivial things unmasked
Life is Big Ha! It’s a never-ending holocaust
One is bounded to move along this track

But live not in fear of the mundane end
Oust yourself from thy comfort zone
Stand, get stumbled and learn to bend
Take its dooms, enjoy each storm.

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The Last Man Standing

Sun rays are striking straight to my skin as I get to walk another mile to reach the demilitarized zone. It has always been like this ever since the great nuclear disaster of 2020. The explosion which was able to wipe out 95% of the human population is still haunting the entire world as mutant animals and high level of radioactivity makes everyday living a nightmare. I was one of the lucky few who have survived the explosion. Working as an underwater scientist, we were having a deep water exploration in the pacific when the accident did occur. I can barely think how chaotic it must have been atop the ocean.

“Beep Beep Beep”, my phone started ringing.

“Hello Lieutenant X775A! You are directed to proceed to the laboratory of biological studies.” a synthesized voice said on my radio.

“What nightmare shall we face this time?” I asked myself.

Ever since we abandoned earth and decided to establish a settlement on the surface of the moon, we have been visiting it to check for signs of human life, but what we have found for the last 10 years are mutant animals possessing mutated characteristics. A fish with feathers swimming in the ocean floor, a dog with x-ray vision, a rat as big as a 3-storey building and a carnivorous tree - these are few of the bizarre things we have found on earth. Out team have scanned most of the places, but we have found not a single human who was able to sustain under such amount of radiation.

“Hey Lieutenant X775A!” lieutenant X346Q greeted, “I have been anticipating your arrival.”

“What’s the fuzz all about?” me asking Lieutenant X346Q.

“We are tracing some abnormal microbial activity near the pacific ocean.” my lady partner uttered.

“What now?” I exclaimed, “We have been tracing such activity in the past. I was thinking of some new findings regarding our search for human life.”

I was a little bit disgusted to hear it, but my interest was caught after seeing the satellite images. A big pit filled with corpses of dead mutant animals. I was even surprised to see that the imagery was taken from a group of island on the western board of the Pacific Ocean. The nuclear disaster which did occur 20 years ago happened there. So if this is a sign of survivor, how did they survive?

The chief of the settlement ordered us to conduct investigation on the event. Earlier, a robotic fleet was sent to gather specimen from the pit. It is 1800H and we decided to conduct survey the next morning. Feeling a little bit uneasy, I decided to check the specimens.

“I am examining specimen A-01 from the pit. It appears like the genetic structure of the specimen is somehow similar to that of a water buffalo but with some genetic modification.” me recording my voice.

While my eyes were on the ocular of the microscope, the sound of the alarm has brought me to a state of panic. (What is wrong?) I immediately rushed to the command center to execute certain protocols.

“Sir, our engines are destroyed. The power center is damaged and we are currently running on back-up.” Lieutenant X346Q reported.

The uneasy feeling I have been hiding all this time is starting build up on my face. I can feel that something is wrong. I went to check the surveillance video and was startled by the scenes I came across.

“Attention Command Center this is lieutenant X775A. I am sending some footage regarding the inflicted the damage on our ship.” I voiced over the radio.

“This is Command Center; please inform your captain that your ship is placed on a Code Red status. You cannot proceed nor do any action without authorization from the Command Center. Do you copy that?” The command center officer said.

“Yes sir, copied.” I replied.

I was just about to report to the captain when my surrounding went black. I am not able to see not even a single drop of light. The image of a child levitating and throwing some metal like pieces to machine was flashing in my memories. I was worried that the child entered our ship and that he is about to kill us all. With so much fear in me, I manage to find my way back to my quarter where I have my personal emergency kit. Having grabbed the flashlight, my next move was to load my laser beam shooter with ion rods.

Kaboom! The sound of a big explosion has demobilized me as I nervously see the flame rushing straight in front of my eyes. Before it gets to burn my body; I was able to grab a large sheet of metal, probably debris coming from the explosion, just in time to secure me from the scorching heat. In no time, the flame started to subdue and I was forced to drop the flaming hot metal I was holding earlier.

By the time the metal landed on the floor, I started seeing the silhouette of a child. This has brought me so much terror that I grabbed my laser beam and started shooting towards that direction. It’s getting closer to me and I can now barely see the face of an innocent child. Who is this kid and why is he doing this to us? The leaser gun got depleted but nothing has happened. I was in a close distance from the child and was filled with terror.

“Why did you leave us?” The child started crying.

No matter how much I struggle to utter words, my lips are incapacitated to do so. I was in a state of total shock. Though filled with fears, I grabbed the child and hugged him. I was then crying and memories from the child’s past started flashing in my mind.

“Lieutenant X775A can you hear me now?” a strange female voice asked me.

“Who are you and what is this place?” I replied.

I later found out that I was actually lying in a hospital bed back on the moon settlement. The nurse informed me that I was the only survivor rescued from the mission sent to earth. This has caused me so much sorrow that it felt like my heart was bleeding. Why have I not just died? I started recalling fragments of memories from what has happened to me and I then realized what happened that very moment I hugged the child.

Days have passed and I have fully recovered. I was tasked to report to the investigation committee regarding the mission. I will tell them what happened and what I have found out about the world. I want to shed light to the mysteries of the nuclear disaster 20 years ago.

As I was about to speak I get to remember the last few words of the child.

“...Mistakes of the past can no longer be corrected. If you want to help us down here, do it by commemorating the past and making sure that it shall not happen again. You can salvage this world and find us, but let me tell you this - Your quest of finding the last man standing will not make the sacrifices of a large part of the human population serve its purpose. You continue living for us, that’s all we ask.”

I decided to respect what the child has delivered in a collective thought for the people down there. In front of the investigation panel, I made my explanation short.

“What exists down there is a product of our past mistakes. Finding and knowing more about them will only aggravate the sorrow of their hearts. The earth may have our past, but living in the past is surely not good. Let us move forward and make sure that the sacrifices they have made will shed to a better human civilization.”

I walked out from the investigation room full of hope, reformed and ready to forget the past to look for the better future.

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Live Like a Butterfly

Fly high! Fly High!

Span your wings up to the sky

Reach the heavens, touch the moon

Look down to earth, see its doom

Be Colorful! Be Colorful!

Live a life of rainbows

Forget all your sorrows

Paint thy earth’s meadows

Paint it good and Let it Glow!

Live Well! Live Well!

Make the most of each day

Don’t worry and be happy

Accept defeats, but thirst for Victory!

Yes Transform! Yes Transform!

Change, but always for the good

Afraid not be to take new roads

Make thy dreams so broad

Sleep in Peace! Sleep in Peace!

Beauty can be permanent

But in peace one must rest

For life is nothing but a journey

It ends just a smile away

Live Like a Butterfly

Dream Big, Fly High!

Be Colorful, Live Well!

Learn to transform

Get out from your norms

Yes Live! Live like a Buttery

Be Happy and learn to smile

You got to conquer a thousand miles

For in the end, you can beautifully die.

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A Weapon of Great Power

The most powerful weapon
In changing every nation.
You are the greatest possession
We can use in reaching our ambition.

You've made us smart.
You gave us our math.
You've made us learn every word.
And  let us see the beauty of world.

Why can't you be free?
Be cheaper than a drink in a spree.
How can less fortunate people acquire you
If takes walking in the walls just to have you?

It's said that nothing hinders us to success,
And that you are a stepping stone to it.
But how will we be able to reach the top
If a step is missing in our path?

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THE BIG "B" OF LIFE

Freedom is the greatest thing to every nation you bring.
Peace and Democracy are your greatest achievements.
You're God's greatest blessing to this world of famine.
Chaotic it is without you, Prosperity is their when we have you.

You are one of the principal causes of war,
Yet we admire you in that war.
You give us the strength to fight.
You give us the courage to search for the light.

When we are afraid it is you who counsels us.
Whe we are in distress it is you who urges us to continue.
When we see no hopes you give us hopes.
When we see no chance you give us chances

Maybe God loves us that much
That He hath given you to us.
You've save us from the devil.
You've let us overcome our fears.

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Anger

Yes! Indeed I committed a crime

I killed him with my own hands

These stains of blood are proofs

Alas! I killed him with my own hands!

The blood rushes as my heart beat

It was the glory of once soul that I feel

Satisfaction! Death in my hands!

I made it. I killed him with my own hands!

Have I not been hauled by my conscience?

Yes, I have, but the glory of my soul

I feel worthy of doing such action

Joyous! I killed him with my own hands!

And what has driven me to such action?

It’s the fierce in my heart

That flaming fury of my eyes

Success! I killed him with my own hands!

Now that I made my revenge,

Let this death be my judgment.

Alas…I made it joyous and successful!

I killed him with my own hands!

And now I have to end my life.

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