Kwentong Gago

Sambakol ang mukha ng berdugo
Tuloy-tuloy ang paghagupit
Walang tigil ang pag-agos,
Naghalo na ang kahoy at laman
Dugo, alikabok at pawis
O kay bigat ng pasan ng gago
Bakit ba niya tangan
Ang troso mo?

hindi ako marunong magsulat

Dugo ang tintang naaninag
Sa papel na basa ng luha.
Dito ko nilalayong ilathala
Ang aking mga akda.

Walang akong pormal na kasanayan.
Mga likha ko’y bunga lamang
Ng mapaglarong isipan
At nag-aapoy na damdamin.

Salat ako sa karanasan
Bilang isang makata.
Mangmang kung ikukumpara
Sa lahat ng mananalaysay.

Ngunit,
ang akda ko ay akin.

Hindi natatangi ang aking pluma.
Subalit bawat sa marka nito,
Mababatid ang pangarap kong matuto;
At ang pagnanais na makilala ang sarili ko
sa likod ng mga kathang
bumubuo sa aking pagkatao.

wondering...

I’m really wondering how one person can stir my mind bigtime. Amidst my busy schedule, its so funny that I still get the opportunity to be enthused this way. Its seldom that I feel challenged and excited especially after that long healing process I had to go through a couple of months ago. And yes, I am again smiling! Is that good or bad? Hmmm, fair I guess. But I have to admit I’d like to stop wondering now. Two things could possibly happen if this continues: 1. I am going loose the composure that I recently acquired (I am really afraid of that, allowing myself to feel things) 2. getting hurt (I don’t want to go back to the dungeon again!).

Although, it doesn’t necessarily follow that I would fall for someone who makes me wonder, I think I should be cautious (better safe than sorry). I don’t even want to think what this person feels about me or how he sees me. Though I sensed that he is into someone else, it doesn’t really bother me. However, I am really fuzzing how he gives me this impression that I need to get to know him more. (duh!)

Call me a coward, but at this day and age, after all that I have been into, yeap, I am avoiding that feeling. I have never been this careful in my life. Still, I have to acknowledge the fact that I am but human, and whether I like it or not I will be free from control sometime soon. I will fall in love again. Yeah, maybe…. But maybe not now or maybe if a powerful shock can awaken me.

I am not closing my doors. I am just trying to balance things this time.

PAGKAMULAT

Paano nga ba nadungisan
ang malinis na batis
ng putik na mula sa mga paang
malayo pa ang nilakbay
matamo lamang
ang tinaguriang
rurok ng kaligayahan?

taglagas

walang tigil ang pamumulot
ng mga dahong
nagmamadaling humalik
sa mainit na lupa.

ilang tagtuyot na
.........ang nasaksihan.
kaunti na lang
.........sasapit na
ang pagsibol
na inaantabayanan

bukas.........
mamamangha muli
sa pagtubo
ng panibagong
bulaklak.

ngunit ang lahat.........
ng simula
.........hindi magaganap
kung wala
................................ang katapusan.

tumataas na ang bunton
nitong mga dahon
nagkukulay kape na
.........ang kalangitan


paalam na sa nakaraan

Ikaw ay Isang Tula

Di maarok ng kawalang-malay
Mga talinhagang nakakabit
Sa misteryosong pagkatao.
Bawat salitang binabanggit
Maaninag ang naiibang sining.
At lahat ng tinuturan,
Kumukurot sa puso
Lumilikha ng kislot sa isip.

Saklaw ng ritmo
Ang iyong mga galaw.
May imahen ang mga kilos,
Isang katotohanang
Hindi namumutawi sa bibig.

Kay tagal na sinuri,
Pinagbulayan,
Ang tema sa likod
Ng iyong mga ngiti.
Nakatitigalgal na malaman
Sa kabila ng mga metapora

---Natatago
ang iyong kalungkutan.

unexpected packages

Friendships develop thru interactions with others. It involves simultaneous acceptance and adaptation willingly given by two complementary/supplementary parties. Such premise has certainly fortified my existence. I have learned the value of life, love, trust and forgiveness with the aid of my comrades. I also understood that friends are different from acquaintances. They are the individuals whom are souls can go naked with. They come to us in unexpected packages. Some are nicely wrapped with silk ribbons and fancy papers, while others are placed in neat boxes. But no matter how they are parcelled, in the end what counts most is how we accept them especially when we become aware of their genuine contents.

In my 24 years of stay here one earth, I have met a few good souls whom I consider my allies. Once in my wayward life, it never came to me that we would be this close. As far as I can remember, we have all climb hilltops to be where we are now. Although I am not sure how long will this last, I am just grateful they came.

The Golden Compass

a movie review

The Golden Compass is one of the much awaited films in 2007. The trailer is definitely overwhelming especially if you are a fan of Nicole Kidman (Mrs. Cutler in the story) and Philip Pullman (the author of this famous book). Like many other, movie buffs, film critiques and book worms I have great expectations for the movie. I had so much hope that Chris Weitz (writer and director of the screenplay) would break history with his script and direction of the movie. Sadly, the screenplay didn’t even reach one third of my expectation. Weitz was not able to give justice to the work of Pullman. The film failed miserably to deliver any semblance of the author's story. The film was not able to deliver the most important points sighted in the book. Also, the abrupt shifts in the movie confused viewers regarding the message embedded in the screenplay.

If we separate the book from the entity of the screenplay, the movie will fail to stand on its own. Although, its cinematography is certainly commendable, the totality of its content is execrable. The story was truncated beyond the necessity involved in translating a book to film, the intricacies of the characters (especially Lyra) were swept over with a series of single scene expositions that do not readily allow viewers to explore the depth of each pesrona. Despite the talents of all the actors involved the direction of Weitz failed to show his audience the connection of one character to another.

All in all in a scale of 1 – 10, 1 being the lowest and ten being the highest, I’m giving the movie a rating of 2. A point goes to the cinematography and another point goes to Wietz for his efforts.

At the moment, it is one of the most disappointing films I have seen this year.

BASAG

Walang takot na sinalubong
Ang matatalim na bato.
Buti’t galos lang ang natamo
Sa biglaang pagkakaluhod.
Muntik ng sumabasob
Ng tangkaing saluhin
Laman ng mesang tumaob.
Kahit halos mabangasan
Pagkahulog ay di napigilan.
Pira-pirasong sumambulat.
Mga himaymay ay nagkalat.

Sa isang iglap,
Ang kristal na pinakaiingatan
Walang patumanggang nawasak
Inagaw ng anino
Kawalang-malay ng tunggak.

space

If in between heartbeats
Lies the flame of perpetual darkness,
Can drops of blood
Quench the thirst
Of a lost soul?
Indeed,
It was adrenalin rush
That provoked awakening.
The flesh is again
At its finest
The scars,
Yes, the scars
The scars of yesterday,
They can no more be seen.
Then, amidst ambiguity
Surprising,
Yet unwaveringly true
A faint throb
Activated a bomb
That blasted the emptiness away.
Suddenly, everything is at a halt.

Boyhingi

His shirt was painted with mud, his hair was dry and sticky; if my calculations are correct his is between seven to eight years old. But I am certain that his eyes showed the burdens of an adult. Let’s call him Boyhingi.

I saw him yesterday afternoon standing in front of the main entrance of SM North. He was begging for alms. I was relishing my snack. He looked at me. His gaze was filled with hope. I actually guessed what he wanted even without saying a word. So, I came near him and leaned forward; I told him to wait for me. His lips were small and dark but then that did not prevent him from smiling at me when he heard what I said.

My mouth quivered as I hurriedly ate the shawarma sandwich in my right hand. I was quite disturbed with the thought that he is watching me savour the taste of my snack. He patiently stood there. Perhaps, he was wondering why I asked him to wait for me. When I finished my sandwich I grabbed his left hand without any hesitation. I told him to come with me. We were about to enter the mall when he suddenly said “Bawal po kami diyan sa loob.” Being taken aback by what he said I asked him “Kumakain ka ba ng donut? Ibibili na lang kita sa loob ha. Dito ka lang.” So I had to leave him there as I purchased donuts for him. I don’t have much money yesterday and I wished I could give him more. I felt so guilty that with God’s many blessing I could only do so much for this boy.

After coming out from the donut store, I went straight to him to hand the bag of donuts. I was about to ask him where his parents were, but he went away after receiving what I gave him. I was left there hanging and wondering what will happen to him some years from now.

Many times, I encounter children like Boyhingi in the streets. I see them coming up jeepneys wiping the shoes of strangers they don’t know. I meet them in the church selling sampaguita garlands. I see them everywhere. We see them everywhere. Some people would just give them coins just to avoid the nuisance they bring whenever they ask for alms. Others would blame their parents for their misery. Tsk! Tsk!

With the naked eye, he might look less of a darling to any of us. But he is an angel in the eyes of God. When you see him around, think of him as God’s little messenger. He is inviting you to do good.

steadfast

“Uy, ang tagal na nating di nagkikita. Kamusta?”

“Mabuti. Pero mas mabuti nga ngayon kausap kita eh.”

“Toh naman, ngek, kaw nga diyan kala ko nakalimutan mo na ako.”

“ Kahit kelan, di kita makakalimutan.”

“Talaga lang ha? Di ka kasi nagpaparamdaman.”

“ Lagi lang naman akong nandito para sayo. Ikaw ang naging abala sa mga ginagawa mo kaya siguro akala mo nawala ako.”

I thought I was all alone all this time,
I thought you have forgotten me
But, it was I who neglected your love
But, it was I who left you
Yet, without hesitation
You still care for me.
Now with you,
I am home to stay...

Minsan ganyan tayo. Akala natin iniwan NIYA tayo. Akala natin nag-iisa tayo. Akala natin pinabayaan NIYA tayo. PERO MARAMING NAPAPAHAMAK SA MALING AKALA.

When we fail, when we are hurt, when we loose in the game of life we blame HIM; we accuse HIM of leaving us behind, when in truth HE was standing right beside us all this time. The problem is, we are too busy to notice HIM; we are too pre-occupied with so many other things to take note of HIS presence. In most cases, we place HIM in the bottom of our priority list and with 99% certainty we suddenly remember HIS role in our lives when we are in the pangs of agony and despair. We treat HIM like a bank, wherein we are always on the verge of withdrawing even without depositing. Still, HE gives us what we need because he is merciful and loving.

Sometimes, we think he cannot hear our calls but HE does! Believe me or not. HE is available to hear us out 24 hours 7 days a week. Walang palya yan! Daig NIYA ang suncellular mo 24/7 di lang call and text ang available… madami pang iba. He can reach the far ends of the globe… because with him LAHAT POSSIBLE. Ganyan SIYA katindi.

Our relationship with HIM should never be limited to ritualistic activities prescribed by religion. Our bond with HIM is a pact that should be carried on in our day to day existence.

In my 24 years of stay here on earth, I have witnessed HIS unending love. He has shown me the colors that are beyond what the naked eye can see. HE is the light of my eyes amidst darkness. I never thought I would make it this far. But because HE is with me every step of the way I was able to see the sun at night...

GOD is more than enough...
_________________________________

Isang pangakong di mababali kailanman

“Basta ikaw chelle, BASTA IKAW!”

“BASTA IKAW LORD! BASTA IKAW!”

Ikaw,Ang Hangin At Ang Ulan - by: Vener Santos

para kay salamangkera

ikaw...

sa bugso ng bagabag na sa isip mo'y tumutulak,
sa gumuhong pusong 'di kinaya ang bigat,
sa napiping panalanging hindi makalipad,
lagi silang naririyan,upang ika'y tulungang
ihakbang ang iyong mga paa,ihele
ang damdaming nasasabik sa panaginip.

ang hangin...

laging nakaalalay sa bawat mong galaw,
tahimik mang nakamasid sa iyong paligid,
laging may hatid na ginhawa sa bawat
mong langhap,kumakalas ang taling
sumasakal sa 'yong pusong naninimdim.

ang ulan...

sa tuwing ika'y nauuhaw sa paglaya
ng damdamin mong napupugnaw,
sa init ng luha na asidong tumutunaw
sa 'yong puso,naririyan siya
upang lunurin ang lumbay,
at sa tuwina'y kaagapay mo
sa pagdidilig ng punla
ng pag-ibig sa iyong puso.

___________________________

"sana makatulong to sa paglutas mo sa gusot ng lovelife mo...hehe." - Vener Santos (Posted by vener santos last 2007/9/25 9:30:00 at penster.fyi.ph)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
well, i guess veny is one of those few people who knew what i felt back then.... thank you so much for being a friend vener santos....

Fallen Cleft

specially made for japhet's mom

I heard the wind whisper my name,
The echoes bounced back and forth
And left my ear a resounding melody.
The gentle murmurs cascaded
Like an old memory -
I miss your bosom,
That flowery bosom,
Oh, that flowery one;
Where seeds of music
Came to life;
No one can disturb
Her silent lullaby.

Departure from my side
Was not part of the prophecy;
For your hand
Is my sanctuary.

I miss your bosom, Mom
I miss you.

(a collaboration between Japhet Calupitan & SaLaMaNgKeRa)
___________________________________________
Japhs, whereever she is... I bet your Mom is proud of you.

LUMOS

Sa ilalim ng itim na ulap,
Maaninag ang naiibang kislap
Ng mga luhang nabuo
Mula sa walang tigil
Na pagtangis.

Habang unti-unting
Nahihimlay sa karimlan,
Patuloy ang pagindayog
Upang bigyang buhay
Ang napapagal na kaluluwa.

At sa kanyang pagyao,
Maiiwan ang mga bakas
Ng natunaw na sera
Na minsang nagpainit
Sa malamig na gabi.