Liyab

Used, with love

Used, with love

I USED to like the idea of having new things. As much as I appreciated hand-me-downs, my eyes gleamed brighter upon receiving brand new items. My grandparents often gave me gifts. They got me my first faux ballerina shoes when I was seven, my first phone when I was 14…
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The Somali’s Yowl

The Somali’s Yowl

THE SUN is barely up. Yet here they are, already basking in its light while adorned with synthetics, sly and sleek. I thought my red ribbon was decent enough, but the soles of their paws still blinded me. Their gaudy garments hurt my pockets more than my eyes. I barely…
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Paaga

Paaga

  Ang langit ay kulay abo; ang tubig sa lupa ay nalabusaw. Tahimik na ang mundong kanina tila lahat ng panginoon sa langit ay sabay-sabay na bumulyaw.   Kinuha niya ang kaniyang bota, itak at sumbrero. Ang sumbrerong binigay sa kaniyang kamusmusan, ngayon ay nalamurit na ng panahon.   Sa…
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The Fifth Rite of Passage

The Fifth Rite of Passage

LARA ALWAYS knew that there were only four rites of passage in life: birth, puberty, marriage and death. Her mother reminded her once more as their tricycle drove along España Boulevard in anticipation of the Thomasian Welcome Walk.  “May isa pa akong gustong sabihin sa’yo,” the mother started. “Hmm?” Lara…
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Pikit Mata

Pikit Mata

WALANG KAKAIBA o espesyal sa Lunes na iyon. Walang nagdiriwang ng kaarawan, anibersaryo, o napanalunang timpalak. Bitbit ang aming mga bag, naglakad kami mula sa eskwelahan, sabik sa makukuhang tsismis mula sa isa’t isa.  Hindi nagbabago ang ruta namin. Didiretso ako, habang sila ay isa-isang hihiwalay mula sa grupo patungo…
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Limas

Limas

Naglilimas ako ng tubig-baha. Tumila na ang ulan at mayroon ng malamlam na sikat ng araw pero naglalawa pa rito sa unang palapag ng bahay. Kaya ngayon, pinapalis ko ang kulay-kapeng tubig na may nakalutang na iba’t ibang basura: saranggola, wasak na dollhouse, pati bote ng beer na basag at…
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Alas Singko ng Hapon

Alas Singko ng Hapon

ISANG BAGAY na hindi natin maikakaila ay ang takbo ng oras. Kadalasan, hindi na natin pinagtutuunan ng pansin ito, sapagkat sari-sari na ang mga nagaganap sa ating buhay. “Ang bilis ng panahon, ‘no?” wika ni Gemma. “Parang kahapon lang, nagkakagulo tayo sa mga grades natin. Tapos bukas…” unti-unting humina ang…
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Kababata

Kababata

“ANG TAGAL mo naman gumising, kuya!” Iyan ang palagi kong naririnig sa umaga sa tuwing ikaw ang nakatoka sa pagluluto ng pagkain. Pagkatapos, mag-uunahan tayo sa maliit na kotse kasi gusto mong hinihila kita patungo sa tabing-dagat. Ilang taon na nga ba ang nakalipas noong huli akong umuwi sa Pangasinan?…
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Among Markets and Epiphanies

Among Markets and Epiphanies

WITH EXCITEMENT in his voice, my father decided to take me to the night market as I had spent most of my days inside our house. Although I have been there several times, I avoided it as much as possible because of the overwhelming crowd.  I dragged my feet and…
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A Botanist’s Study

A Botanist’s Study

Indian clock vines hang freely  from steel bars as I walk along the stone pavement  of a botanical garden.   From spring to autumn, the vines depart from their slumber. I must study them and quench curiosity.   I do not regret  the strain in my neck as I stretch…
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