Liyab

Keluarga

Keluarga

DISTANT FIGURES giggled at the sight of my sister dragging me around, as they always do. But this time was different; I had so many things I wanted to say, yet all I could do was let her drag me around in this stifling heat. “Abang, Mom said that the…
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As Dawn Hits

As Dawn Hits

Heal thy troubles and woes  Knock on their wooden hearts Wipe tears with their cotton hems Plead to their beady eyes Heal sorrows with strands of hair   For when dawn hits No place is safe again   When everything is refused Cease to question yourselves When you refuse to…
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A heartfelt revelation

A heartfelt revelation

Photo by Jessica Luna/ THE FLAME EVERY 1st of November, my mother always insists on traveling from our hometown all the way to Cabanatuan. I never knew why we had to travel that far just to attend a mass, let alone was I interested enough to ask. Today is the…
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Catharsis

Catharsis

My head is a far cry from reality A place where hearts can wear out Freely, openly, realistically Where today is ours to keep As every other tomorrow will be    Among our pocket-sized visions Are remnants of my ambitious ones  Within which I conceal my fervor Within which you…
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Santan during sundown

Santan during sundown

It was dark outside as days went by quicker during October. I walked down the alleyway to my apartment after a tiring day. A bloomed santan caught my eye. Its crimson-red color is still the same as it used to be. Similar to the red cigarette I had on my…
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Mas Mahal ni Tatay si Emman

Mas Mahal ni Tatay si Emman

HINDI ITO mapapansin sa paghuma ng araw. Mistulang kailangan lang ito kapag aalahanin. Mabigat, magaan, komplikado at minsan bitak-bitak. Hindi gaya ng gripo na maaaring paikot-ikutin at basta-basta na lang gagalawin. Bawal ito hawakan kung wala kang lisensiya, mamaya madisgrasya ka pa. Iba-iba rin ang klase ng manibela, kapag nakakabit…
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Pakiusap, Poong Mayoras

Pakiusap, Poong Mayoras

IBAHAGI MO sa akin, Poong Mayoras, paano ko maisusulat ang diwa ng mundo nang wala ako sa pagkabihag mo? Sa tuwing lumilikha ako ng mga kwento, sumusulat ako para umani ng kaalaman at saksihan kung anuman ang haharapin ko; ngunit bakit sa dulo ng lahat ng ito ay mayroong wakas?…
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Sorbetes

Sorbetes

GA-GRADUATE NA ng kolehiyo si Jun. Sa wakas, matatapos na rin ako sa pagpapaaral. Sa kabila nito, parang mas gusto ko na lang na manatiling tagabayad ng matrikula. Nang makaalis ng kolehiyo, isa-isa nang nagsipag-alisan sa bahay ang aking mga supling… naglalakbay, nagsisilang ng sarili. Uuwing paminsan-minsan, padalang nang padalang.…
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Idle thoughts of a commuter

Idle thoughts of a commuter

HURRIED FOOTSTEPS cut through the noise of the bustling crowd. Once she spotted a jeepney, she slowed to a walk. Through the windows, it was obvious she had to wait for longer. She found a seat and settled inside. Her finger tapped repeatedly on her knee as she mentally counted…
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