Liyab

THE breaking of light rings like sirens put on full blast, rousing the people from below in bewilderment. With their eyes inflamed and cushioned by wrinkles of exhaustion, they heave in defeat. Day has just began tapping her nails on the windowpane, and she continues to loom over their sleepless…

“AGBIAG ni Apo Lakay” they proudly shout in Norte. Behind those cheers are the agonizing howls of the victims of Martial Law. The dark figure the blind ones vainly praise is a man whose sagging skin is stained with blood. September 21, 1972 was the date the Philippines became an…

TODAY, he has decided to take the long route so he can clear his head. In his middle 30s, his life is still a far cry from successful; being stuck in a dead-end job with no family of his own. He strolled around the bustling city, yearning to find comfort…

SHE was a long way from home. All the children were. The government had shut down their schools due to the possibility of armed conflict and traveling here was the only way they could continue studying. When they arrived, we were encouraged to chat with them. She stood alone in…

NAKASANAYAN na niya ang init ng araw na bumabalot sa kanya. Malakas ang tagaktak ng kanyang pawis; ito ay nagsilbing patunay sa malupit at nakakapagal na walong oras niyang pagkakayod. Tulad ng dati, binalewala niya ito at nagpatuloy sa pagbabanat ng buto. Ganito ang takbo sa gulong ng kanyang buhay.…

NOONG ako ay bata pa, imahe mo ay siyang dinasalan. Lumuhod ako sa iyong harapan, at nanalangin para sa iyong pagdinig ng aking mumunting hiling. Maliit lamang ito na bagay — isang bagong laruan. Ayaw kasi ako bilhan ni nanay, kaya ikaw muna ang inasahan. Sa aking pananalangin, mahigpit ang…

MASASAYANG ingay at tawanan ang sumalubong sa akin paglabas ko ng fakultad. Daan-daang estudyante ang nakaabang at nakapila para dumaan sa arko. Tumungo ako papunta sa kanila, nagbabalak na makisingit sa makikipot na espasyo ng kanilang pila. Mayroon akong pupuntahan, at sila ay nakaharang sa daan. Sa aking pagbagtas, tanging…

It was that time of the day when the roads were scarcely bestrewed with vehicles and people - when the morning light has just manifested into the streets. He hopped onto his bicycle and proceeded to go along his usual day. As the day progressed, the peaceful streets he was…

AMID the crowd of supporters on that rainy day, I stood out. I was soaked from head to toe while others enthusiastically held on to their umbrellas. As I made my way in the rambunctious crowd, I heard raised voices of support for a man covered in blood, fear, and…