Kayden

With failing feet, we stood on unknown waters. We spoke no vain but sung our silence to the God who gathered us in mercy and mended shattered vessels. Each syllable of worship, two fingers intertwined as the new wind began our mornings. At that point of reference, the oceans roared Your greatness, the stars worshiped Your name, and the mountains bowed in reverence. Then the waters went still, and I stood in awe – grateful to be fully know, and fully loved by You.

Like bees, hundreds of devotees swarm the Queen while she rests at the silver throne that promenades the streets every 9th moon of the year: Traslacion. The “oragons” face the brawn, blood, and bruises just to receive the blessing of the mother through white cloths brushed against her golden gown. Bikolanos are referred to as the “oragons” of the Philippines who signify confidence and bravery.

Capping the Orgullo festivity week among the HUGAS students, a sense of kinship and an ambiance of merriment emanate during the community merienda. Classes pledged different canapés, which everyone delighted in. Merienda, from the old Spanish word merendar, is a light repast taken between meal gaps.  

The night was in the hearts of people that had no avenues of ascertaining their conditions. The night was on the hands of doctors, willing to save but without adept means to do so. The night was under eyes of leaders who set aside their nation’s safety for a shift of patriotic identity. The night took shape in different forms but it only served one darkness. The darkness took 3 flags of surrender, and still is eyeing more. And at the tomb of every Lazarus was the light, abandoned for darkness to die.

On mornings, smart commuters catch the first sunup trips of jeepneys. Smarter commuters hitchhike with co-workers, schoolmates, or friendly neighbors. These smart ones steer clear from proof of the rapid-growing population of vehicles. While automobile businesses drag the quota of down payments lower, consumer demands grow higher. Now, almost every household owns at least one vehicle for private use, from motorcycles to SUVs. On evenings, at the strike of rush hour, these vehicles gather in the streets; some wait at the stagnant drives and others park at the extended roads. Stoplights blink uselessly as the traffic enforcers bend the flow of automobiles from four-crossed lanes. The lines of cars seem to go on the endless relay.

by Kim & Laika

The day began at dawn, with my phone flashing a 4 o’clock alarm. I immediately rose and began prepping for school. With finishing my paper works, eating my breakfast, and taking a shower all done within 2 hours, I left home at 6. Ideally, the ride to school should only take a maximum of 30 minutes; however, because of dense traffic, I arrived 10 minutes prior my first class, which meant that I traveled for an hour and 20 minutes. This brought me great frustration because despite my efforts to wake up and leave the house early, still, I was almost late.

They called me “home”, their blissful song. My smiles so real in their eyes. I was a sign of hope to them; to me, my own demise.

From his trainee years, the performer had begun writing songs with such hopeful and loving lyrics. he sung in front of audiences with a beaming smile on his face and a sparkling hope in his eyes. His performances conveyed passion that radiated towards the people who supported him. He regarded people with so much love and care that he was deemed to be a sunshine for the. But there came a night when he left a letter of sorrow, regret, and farewell. That night, he was found lifeless in his room.

by Laika

“The church reiterated its stand against the rising population of the LGBTQ community. Leaving the quotation that says, Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, and queers are nothing but an illusion caused by the demon, the church firmly opposed those who support these individuals-” It was a sunny Monday morning at the Cullen’s residence where the family was eating their delightful breakfast while watching the news. “Those immoral beings should take note of what the church is saying.” Mr. Frederick, the stern head of the family, uttered as he cut a piece of bacon and placed it in his mouth. “Calm down darling, it’s a pleasant morning. Let’s enjoy this day, shall we?” Margaret, his lovely wife said while smiling. Her husband just grunted in agreement. Baxter Cullen, the youngest son of the family, cleared his suddenly dry throat as he said, “I’m late for my first class so I’m heading out now.” He mumbled his goodbyes and went to the garage. As he was putting his bag inside his car, he heard the familiar voice of his older brother who followed after him. “Hey, you okay?” Xander asked. “Yeah, I sure am. Why?” Baxter replied. “Oh, come on Bax, we both know about your secret. I’m sure you were hurt by what Dad said a while ago,” Xander said. “Well, it’s just the usual. I’m used to it by now and knowing Dad, he’ll surely go ballistic once he finds out his beloved son is actually a daughter.” The siblings looked at one another and both chuckled. “Yeah, I can imagine that happening,” Xander said, holding his stomach due to laughter. Bax hushed his brother and nervously said, “Lower your voice, dad will hear you.” “Oh yeah, sorry. Anyway, go now or else you’ll be late. Don’t think too much about what Dad said, you got me.” Baxter smiled and happily said “I know, thank you for understanding and being there for me even if I’m an ‘immoral being’.” They laughed once again. Baxter rode his car and played the song Shake it Off by Taylor Swift. He entered the gates of St. Nicholas Academy, a Catholic school, and parked his car in an empty parking space. He headed to his building and met with his friends, Paul, Mark, Tyrone, and Xyrylle. At home, he plays as the perfect son and even at school, the pretending doesn’t stop. Even his friends don’t know that he is gay. “I’ve no place here on Earth to be me,” he thought to himself. As they all walked to their building, Paul started a conversation. “Hey dude, how you doin’?” “Yeah, how’s everything?,” asked Xyrylle. “Doing good as usual.” the only words that came from Baxter’s mouth. “Guys, just want you to know that there will be a seminar later at the Convention Hall about the Gender Equality on the LGBTQ community.” Tyrone reminded the group. “Wait, what?” Mark was shocked. “Are they serious about this? I mean, who would waste their time to attend such a stupid agenda about LGBT? Those idiots should not even be given a chance to live! Geez.” “Hey man, calm down. It’s not required anyway so maybe no one will attend.” Tyrone said, assuring everybody. Baxter, on the other hand was just silent while listening to his friends’ rant about the said seminar. Though silent, his heart was screaming for equality since he, himself, knew that he’s gay and a part of the LGBTQ community. They continued walking until they reached the ground floor. They all headed to the elevator. Others got off on their respective floors and bid each other goodbye. Now that Tyrone and Baxter are the only ones left on the elevator, Baxter grabbed the chance to talk with Tyrone about the seminar. “Tyrone, I would like to ask a question.” Baxter started. “Yes, what is it Bax?” Tyrone asked. “What if I attend the seminar about the LGBTQ? Will your perception of me change?” Baxter continued nervously. Tyrone just stared at Baxter for a minute. “Ah! Wait, I’ll just get my phone. I think someone texted me.” Tyrone hurriedly got his phone from his pocket. “Okay, as you were saying?” “Will your perception of me change if I attend that LGBTQ seminar?” Baxter repeated. “And why would you do that?” Tyrone asked, confused. “B-because, because, be-because…” Baxter stuttered. Sweat ran through his temple. “Come on Bax, spit it out.” Tyrone uttered impatiently. The elevator stopped, a sign that they were already at their destination. Both of them went out. As they walked through the hallway, Tyrone continued their conversation. “Hey Bax, we still have an hour before class starts. Let’s talk about your question.” Tyrone insisted on continuing the previous topic. “Okay, since you’re my friend, I know you would understand me on this one and I trust you. Tyrone, I need to admit something...” Bax took a deep breath and finally said the words he had been meaning to confess, “I’m gay. And that’s the reason why I want to go to that fucking seminar.” Tyrone was just silent, still thinking if what he heard was right or if he was just dreaming. Baxter snapped his finger so that Tyrone would be back to the reality. “Aren’t you going to say something?” Baxter asked nervously. “Did I hear it right? You’re what? A gay?” Tyrone repeated in disbelief. “Yes, I’m part of the LGBTQ and I’m interested on the seminar.” Baxter admitted. “Woah, this is big news! Why haven’t you told us before? How did this happen?” Tyrone seemed to be too surprised and asked questions one after the other but there was a glint in his eyes that had gone unnoticed by Bax. “I’ve been hiding it for a long time now. I just didn’t want you guys to know since you might change your perception of me and avoid me.” Bax looked down. “I can’t change what I am, and I’m just really tired of hiding and just wanted to be honest about myself for once in my life. I figured that since you’re the one who knows me the most, you deserved to know. I was kind of wishing you would be able to understand and accept me.” He looked up at Tyrone hopefully. Tyrone was silent for a while until he finally said, “I’m very glad you told me. Are you also going to confess to the other guys?” Tyrone asked, keeping a straight face. “Seeing Mark’s reaction a while ago, I don’t think they’re ready for my coming out yet.” He made a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Anyway, if you want to go to the seminar, then just go. There’s nothing wrong about that, I guess.” Tyrone said. Baxter felt relieved like a heavy object had been lifted off his chest the moment Tyrone said those words. He smiled widely and he felt happiness like it was his first time. “Okay, I’ll take note of that,” Baxter said happily. “Now let’s go to the room, I’m fine now.” The two of them went to class. It was time for lunch and Baxter and his friends were now in the cafeteria. Baxter was so happy to the point that he treated all his friends for lunch. Everything was okay until Tyrone stood in front of them. “Guys, I would like to make an announcement,” he said a dark glint in his eyes. “Seems like we have a friend who’s not really with us, who lied to us.” he continued. Baxter was just listening as he continued eating his lunch when Tyrone said, “Baxter has something to say to us.” “Me? What are you talking about?” Baxter was startled and asked confusingly. “Let me do it for you.” a demonic smile was drawn on Tyrone’s lips as he put out his phone and pressed a button. A voice record of Baxter confessing to him a while ago started playing. Hearing this, Baxter’s e face turned pale and he dropped his utensils. A tear fell from his eyes from the betrayal as his friends listened to the recording. The recording stopped from playing and Baxter didn’t do anything but stand and turn away from his friends. As he turned, he saw his father who’s already looking at him with fire in his eyes. In that moment, Baxter knew his nightmares would soon start.

It feels so heavy and nothing seems to make the pain go away i wish i was better, wish i was more than something you can simply throw away Will being who i am make people stay? No, changing for others is the only way No one wants someone to be real Or at least being me is something they just can’t deal So i guess pretending to be something else isn’t sad It would just kill me inside, that’s not so bad Maybe if i talk less they will like me Maybe if i’m pretty they’ll like what they see Maybe if i’m dumber approaching me would be easy But all those are just what they are, a ‘maybe’ Loneliness is different from solitude And how hard I wish it was the latter But no, it isn’t and it’s because of my attitude That it’s much easier for them to be a hater It’s been piercing my heart like an arrow The difference between united and untied is but a letter And the sad truth has always been the hardest pill to swallow That when it comes to friends, their enemies i am no better

My monsters came for a visit tonight They reminded me of my flaws and incompetence, of the things i lack We play this game of rejection and acceptance Over and over until naught is left but pain, and pain, and pain They accompany me in my darkest hours They are my comfort when i could not even look at myself in the mirror, disgusted at the soulless being i might face there Afraid to see a pair of empty orbs, devoid of the life which has been so brutally torn from my grasp by the very same people whom i loved but betrayed me. Knowing that my suffering is of my own doing, there is no one else to blame For allowing my monsters to consume me, Fueling my hatred and cruelty towards others and even more to myself For not being able to love one’s self for there is nothing there to love “When will the hurting stop?“ I asked, desperate for the pain to end The monsters whispered,  “never“.

A mixture of joy and sadness filled their young hearts as they end a memorable stage of their lives and although are eager to continue in their journey, are also hesitant to part with the memories.

Though seasons have passed, the manner in which your innocent eyes twinkled, reflecting the glow of the brightly-lit city remains vivid in my memory.

The sweet aroma of fresh strawberries wafts through the air as I savor the flavors that melt into my taste buds.

Dali-dali na nagsiluwasan sa eskuwelahan an mga estudyanteng pano nin kapagalan kan madangog an bagting kan orasan na minatapos sa saro nanaman na aldaw nin pagtios.