Liyab

THE supermarket is filled to capacity and every shopper is frantically moving about. Beyond each checkout lane are long queues of people that almost reach the grocery aisles. The bagger’s movements remain languid as he places people's groceries in paper bags and cardboard boxes. He has been there since 9…

HE takes one last sip of coffee before preparing to leave. As he enters the kitchen, the sight of unwashed dishes in the sink greets him; a result of having too many consecutive late-night dinners. He adds his coffee mug to the pile. On his way out, he passes by…

IN a day’s time her snugly clothing will be replaced by a wedding gown and her loose braids will be covered by a bridal veil. However, despite the upcoming occasion, she cannot help but escape to the place where her heart feels most at ease. She had always felt that…

BY the time I have shed hundreds to thousands of calendar pages, I want our lips to curve upwards, reaching our ears. Whenever the wild gush of wind makes you shiver, my arms will be there to wrap around your shoulders. If the moment is nothing but magical, I will…

EVER since the suspension of in-campus and off-campus activities, the sudden change in the university's atmosphere became axiomatic. He noticed that most students head home right after their classes. It was apparent; the specter of an outbreak has indeed engendered fear in the hearts of many. It was impossible for…

I was in class when news broke of the virus finally reaching the country. My classmates who were mostly laid back, suddenly became more vigilant of their health: putting on masks and spraying alcohol on their hands. Most healthy people are unlikely to be infected but the uproar about it…

EVERY corner and street of Binondo is awash with scarlet; from the way the people are dressed, down to the ampao that is handed out to their friends and loved ones. From above, the lanterns give light to everyone’s path — even to the ones who are lost. Eliza stands…

NO one expected this to happen. After all, it had been 43 years since they last felt its wrath. But now, the smoke billowed overhead and ash avalanched their homes. Sparks of lightning flickered within the volcano’s fumes. He feels the dust sting his eyes. The air became too toxic…

MY child, you must run away from the woodlands and towards the north. It is only a matter of time before the blazing fire engulfs our defenseless habitats. it already conquered millions of acres; there is nothing stopping it from destroying a million more. Flee to safety, my child, and…

I am on a quest to swim in every lake in the world. I have overcome many lakes - deep and shallow. I have swam on rainy days and windy nights, whether alone or with companions. A decade has gone by since I first began to practice and with each…