Tawad: A word for the season
Every December, Filipinos become fluent in one particular word: tawad. A simple and familiar term, but one that branches into meanings that stretch across markets, streets, homes and hearts. Each…
Literary
15 posts
Pasko ba, Sinta ko?
Isang araw na lang bago sumapit ang araw na pinakahihintay ng mga bata. Ang panahon ng kasiyahan, pagbibigayan at pagmamahalan. Ngunit sa halip na tuwa, pangungulila ang aking tanging nararamdaman. …
UP Naming Pamahal Nang Pamahal
Mula sa patnugot: Ang tauhang nagsasalaysay sa unang panauhang pananaw ay kathang-isip lamang. Tawanan, kwentuhan at sunod-sunod na mga yabag. Palubog na ang araw pero buhay na buhay pa rin…
In Loving Memory of Someone Not Here
I stare at the designed concrete in front of me. “In loving memory of …” I read as my family lit candles and prepared offerings like we do every year. …
The Bloody Trees of Samar
Trigger Warning: Contains graphic descriptions of sexual abuse, physical violence, and death. They hailed Him a conqueror, His reign “The Golden Age,” His territory the “Tiger of Asia,” His name…
Oda ng Tulay San Juanico
Ang likhang ito ay kathang-isip lamang. May bagong tulay raw, sabi sa balita Dal’wang kilometro, ‘sang milya ang haba Oda para sa reyna Gawa sa bakal at kongkreto Para sa…
The First Lady is Not My Mama
This is a work of fiction. My Mama always wears her favorite bakya. It is a pair of sandals made of shiny wood, with big swirls carved on the heels…
Hindi na lulubog
Marami akong oras tuwing Biyernes. Isa lang ang klase ko at alas-kwatro pa ito ng hapon. Pero ngayong linggo, iba ang naging takbo ng Biyernes ko. Gumising ako nang maaga…
When love comes unscheduled
I have always adored painting dates. My heart warms from the intimacy of sharing a color palette, playfully competing whose artwork is prettier, and creating a treasure unique for the…
Homesick for the Holidays
This is a work of fiction. Waving my hand with a smile and warm holiday greetings, I bid my classmates farewell for the last time this year. As I make…
Ang Parol Naming Pundido
Ang likhang ito ay kathang-isip lamang. “Pundido na ‘to, ‘lo. ‘Wag na ho natin isabit at baka pumutok pa.” Tinanggal ko ang parol naming nakasabit sa ibabaw ng pintuan at…