Tanglaw ng Claret

The Official Publication of Claret School of Quezon City

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Preamble

By Edward Allan Belen

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The Filipino Spirit Against Every Storm

By Charles Bautista

     Our country has been one of the most prominent places to be hit by typhoons all year around and major setbacks have struck us to lose our spirit. We lose the love of our lives and everything that we have worked hard on to make this present time better than we had expected.

     But through divinity, assistance, and optimism, we fought back hard to put a smile back to our faces. The series of hardships we endure through these calamities are beyond what one can imagine. We strive to put hope into our eyes despite the storms that rip our blood and sweat into pieces. Our history of typhoons may have created these sorrowful experiences but we Filipinos never fail to stand and see what’s better store for tomorrow.

     It may be that time of the year when we need to hold on tight together with our hands and become strong for one another as we are being hit by the strongest typhoon of the year but needless to say, we can take it all together. Hand in hand, let’s again show that we are unbreakable.

#rubyph #stay #safe #dry #filipino #spirit #hagupit

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It was love at first sight...

Like us on facebook - Claret Tanglaw

Follow us on twitter - @ClaretTanglaw

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Claret Cheer

On November 15, 2014, Claret Hataw will take the stage in the Skechers Streetdance Battle 10. To show some school spirit in the event, the Claret Drumline has prepared a cheer for our premier dance organization.

The cheer would be shouting out "Go fight, red and white!" four times and shouting "Go, Claret! Fight!" for the rest of the cheer.

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Sampung Kaibigan Mong Claretiano

By: Charles Bautista 

Illustrations by: Ding Allen Makasilang 

Sa pagpasok sa paaralang Claret, iba’t iba ang klase ng tao ang iyong makakahalubilo, makikilala at maituturing na kapatid at kadugo. Alam rin natin na ang barkadahang Claretiano ay pang habang buhay kaya sa paguumpisa ng panibagong blog ng Claret sa taong ito, gusto naming ilantad ang mga kaibigan natin na patuloy na nagbibigay kulay, pagaaral at liwanag sa bawat araw sa ating pangalawang tahanan.

Sila ang sampung kaibigan mong Claretiano…        

Sabaw

Ang kaibigan mong kamot ng kamot sa ulo at tumutulo na ang laway sa klase. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang mga nangyayari habang lahat ay nakikinig sa guro. Mahika para sa kanya ang paglabas ng numero at mga bagong konsepto sa pisara. Madalas ay binabaha niya ng tanong ang guro ngunit pag siya’y sinagot, tulo pa rin ang laway. Sobrang bilis niyang mawalan ng focus, minsa’y makikita mo nalang na nananaghinip na palang bukas ang mata. Magingat ka baka matuluan ka ng laway.

Mister Muscle

Umiwas ka na pag alam mong papakitaan ka na ng flex, baka maputukan ka ng t shirt sa mukha. Mga mala “Johnny Bravo” mong kaibigan na sobrang natutuwa sa pagbubuhat at pagpapalaki ng muscle sa gym. Sa sobrang laki ng katawan ay pwede na ring bayaran para maging part time bouncer. Nagmumukha na silang gurang at kayang upakan ang limang tao ng sabay-sabay. Hindi sila naniniwala sa kasabihang “Hindi ka na lalaki kapag nagbubuhat ka.”

Si Maraming Alam

Papasok pa lang ng guro sa silid alam na niya ang lahat ng isusulat sa pisara at sasabihin nito. Kala mo “mind reader” yun pala hindi, talagang marami lang alam. Pag humingi ka ng payo kala mo si Mahatma Gandhi ang kausap mo yun pala sobrang dami lang talagang alam sa buhay. Minsa’y maiirita ka at mapapatanong sa sarili, bakit ba ang daming alam nitong taong to?! Ito ang mga kaibigan mong “over achiever” at gusto talagang may mapatunayan at marating sa buhay.

Michaelangelo Claretiano

Simpleng gawaing upuan o proyekto lang ay gagawin nilang mala Mona Lisa ang gawa nila. Hindi mo maintindihan kung gaano ka artistic ang utak nitong kaibigan mong ito. Maaring magaling siya sa “digital arts”, umarte, sumayaw, kumanta, tumugtog o kaya naman sa pag guhit. Hahanap hanapin mo itong kaibigan na ‘to pag kinakailangan niyo ng taga hatak sa group project na hindi nangangailangan ng kaibigan mong si ”Maraming Alam”.

Papabol

Talaga nga namang umuuno sa biyaya ang kaibigan mong ito. Kahit saan ka magpunta ay may magtatanong na babae kung kilala mo ba siya. “Hearthrob ng bayan” ika nga, pati sarili mong guro nagkakacrush na ata sa kanya. Napakalakas ng dating at tunay na matinik sa babae. Madalas na bakla ang tawag sa mga papabol kapag nasa loob ng paaralan.

Busog Lusog

Sila ang nagpapatunay na pagdating sa pagkain, hinding hindi magpapatalo ang mga Claretiano. Sila ang mga kaibigan na lagi mong nakikitang busog kahit di pa naghahapunan. Taga ubos ng baon pag di mo na kaya at suki ng lahat ng tindahan sa canteen, lalo na kay aling Sonia. Habang nagkaklase, di niya maiiwasan na sumingit ng onting malalamon sa bibig habang nakatalikod ang guro. Mabagal ang metabolism niya kaya siya lumalaki, masyado lang talaga naiipon ang pagkain sa tiyan. Sila ang tinaguriang hari ng paglamon.

Bungangero

Maingay at napakadaming kaya sabihin sa loob ng isang segundo. Maasahan mo sila sa mga bagong balitang nangyayari Claret, alam na alam nila ang lahat ng detalye. Nangunguna sa pag bibigay ng matitindi at bentang hirit sa mga guro. Ingat lang sa kaibigan mong ‘to lalo na pag kakakain lang, siguradong tatalsikan ka ng tinga at kanin sa mukha

Ahas

Delikado at di mo mapapansin kaagad ang pag gapang ng mga ito. Isang talikod mo pa lang ay madami ng di kanais-nais na sinabi tungkol sayo. Kaibigan mong may dalawang mukha at di mo alam kung tunay nga bang kaibigan. Siya ang pinakamasarap ichoke slam sa lahat ng kaibigan.

Mais

Sa sobrang corny niya, siya lang ang kayang tumawa sa joke niya. Hihirit na nga lang sa klase, bad timing pa. Kaibigan mong madalas na nakakatanngap ng matinding “wehhh” galing sa mga kaklase mo. Madalas ay pinapauwi na lang dapat ang ganitong estudyante habang maaga pa. Kahit kaibigan mo siya, di mo pa rin mapilit ang sarili na tumawa sa mga joke niyang kupas.

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Pacool

Taas noo, malaking hakbang at kala mo cool kid yun pala bugok. Mga kaibigang mayabang ngunit wala naman talagang maipapagyabang, Inisasapuso nila ang pagiging cool ngunit hindi naman talaga sila ganun. Gusto lang nilang magpacool dahil trip nila o epal lang talaga. Minsan siguro ay may problema lang talaga sa buhay.

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Tanglaw Online 2013-2014: Signing Off…

by Migs Gomez & Chino Dumatol

After nearly a year filled with prose, poems, drawings, photos, and other features, the “experimental” Tanglaw Online 2013-2014 has finally come to an end.

 Daily, it was. Every night, we posted different literary creations. Every night, we tweeted the works. Every night, we appreciated the works of Claretians. Every night, we continued on the spirit of literary’s beauty, and how Claret School of Quezon City promotes its wonderful presence and impact.

 Besides the regular basis, different features were also posted. There came the weekly Barkada Claretiano (An Original Tanglaw ng Claret Online Story), 12 Days of Christmas, Valentine’s Hashtags, Radiocast, Promposals Week, Featured Officers Week, and the End of the Year.

 Tanglaw ng Claret would like to extend its sincerest appreciation to all the Claretians who contributed; to all those who made this school year successful. This “experimental” project has been a success… and it will go on to continue as the next school years come.

 Thank you also to all our friends from other schools. Your support is very much appreciated; and you also serve as our motivation. Thank you.

 It has been a wonderful year. And now, everything’s worth missing. But, tanglawngclaret.tumblr.com will always be here for us… always. This has been your Online Editors Migs Gomez and Chino Dumatol saying thank you and goodbye. This is Tanglaw Online 2013-2014, signing off…

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One Last Message to My Dearest Claretians

by Migs Gomez

  Dearest Undergrads,

              Let me tell you, ngayon pa lang, you’ll miss Claret so much. It has been your home for several years, and leaving it for college won’t be as easy as you think. Well of course, it’s going to happen soon (and “soon” is as not as long as you think it is), but everything goes down to the matter of how you spent your high school lives in Claret School of Quezon City…

              All of us go through a system in Claret – a system that basically goes around our education; our academics. It’s the main point of being in Claret. Every time you think of something wrong with the system, just ask yourself – “Why am I here in the first place?” First thing: learn to follow it. It’s a good system, trust me, and you can learn so much from it. Whether it has to do with Claret’s education or its extra-curricular talks, study it and benefit from it. Don’t just wine and wine; you’ll get nowhere. In the end, you’ll realize, “It’s the system that made me a better person.”

              Study well, brothers. Start from 1st Year and never stop persevering until you graduate. Mga bro, please lang, para sa future niyo ‘yun. Pangako. ‘Wag na kayo umabot sa puntong magsisisi kayo sa huli. Start thinking of college as soon as now. Think of what you want; think of how you’re going to achieve it. Let your grades and extra-curricular activity determine how great you are. It’s the standard that’s followed, and we can’t do anything about it. Just compete on those aspects on high levels, and everything will pay off in the end. Aim for UP; aim for Ateneo; aim for La Salle; aim for UST; aim for the best school that you want for yourself. Aim, study, persevere, and achieve.

              We go to the extra-curricular part. Let me share to you the quote I said to myself, “Life beyond Claret is just so amazing.” It doesn’t literally translate to the life outside the grounds of our institution, but it basically pertains to what we do outside our academics. Learning isn’t just boxed into the four (4) corners of the classroom. You learn when you serve the Lord (Liturgical, YFC, Prolife), when you serve the youth (CMLI), when you serve for Science and Health (Red Cross, Ban Toxics), when you involve yourself into literaries (Tanglaw), when you serve for the school (CBS, CAT), when you compete for the school (ACTP, Varsity, Robotics, Hataw), etc. Develop your full potential through involving yourself into Claret’s organizations, and share what you can contribute to the nation. Become your “++” self.

              Train yourself on the grounds of excellence. Become the best, and retain being the best. BUT, ALWAYS REMEMBER TO STAY HUMBLE. “Fly high but always remember to return to the ground,” as we say. The values in Claret that you live out, never ever forget to practice them. Make your good side be your whole self – excellent and humble. Because after all; kahit gaano kagaling ka pa, kapag mayabang ka, wala ring pakialam sa’yo ang mga tao. Live for God. Live with your family. Love yourself, your neighbors, and appreciate what you do. Because at the end, you’d want to say, “Everything’s just… fulfilling.”

              Gather ‘round, ‘o sons of great Claret; and let me say to you - make the most, brothers. Your stay in Claret will be full of amazing memories. Aim for the best; expect the worst; persevere; and succeed. Guided by Anthony Claret; live out the best high school life ever.

                                                                                                                          Minamahal kayong lahat,

                                                                                                                                                            Kuya Migs

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The Judge

by Matthew Lacambra

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My Final Steps

by Kristofer Purnell

  It was June of 2003 when I first stepped into Claret School. I was a small and timid boy. I was afraid of the shadows I saw in the hallway dimmed by the sunlight piercing the windowsills. I didn’t expect that this place would one day become my home.

  The kids around me, who were mischievous little things, would one day become my brothers. We came from the same background, uncertain what this institution would have in store for us. I never thought I would grow to care and love something that never had a life.

  Over the years, I began to feel the hidden soul that Claret had within its corridors. It gave me a warm sensation that I would be safe. Here, nothing could harm me. In Claret I experienced the best moments of my childhood. I met people that have made an impact in my life. I discovered the sport that I cherish to this very day. My whole being was mashed together by Claret.

  There were times I wanted to punch the windows because of a sudden outrage, but what could I do? I loved this school too much. I can’t even bear leaving without looking back. As my days in Claret grow thin, every minute seems to count. It was only yesterday that I entered 1-Masipag under Ms. Gladys Samson, 2-Concern under Ms. Almyra Talatala, 3-Honesty under Ms. Jennifer Barcarse, 4-Confidence under Ms. Estrella Sia, 5-Veracity under Ms. Rochelle Hilador, 6-Virtue under Mr. Robert Dela Cruz, 7-Marian under Mrs. Maria Ann Verdey, I-Saint Anthony of Padua under Ms. Paulyn Alaer, II-Saint John the Evangelist under Ms. Maricar Rigor, III-Saint Philip of Bethsaida under Ms. Wilchie Olayres, and IV-Saint John of the Cross under Mr. Christopher Satiada. All those sections were more than classes, they were family.

  So many things have changed during my time in Claret. The huts are gone, the doves are gone, there are grills on the ledges, there are LCD projectors… they’re signs that I’ve aged with this school. And even after I take off my toga, the wrinkles on my face will be the reminder of what Claret has done for me.

  As I take my final steps, I will leave my legacy to everyone who read this. It’s now March 2014, almost 11 years when I first stepped through Gate 9. The ride has been fun and worthwhile. I am not going to sign off because my story will continue, with or without my beloved Claret. So instead I will say then the cherished words of our batch song, “‘til we meet again.”

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“Thank You, Claret!”

by John Philippe Josue

  Within the 9 years that I have been studying in this institution, I have learned so many things. Not only was I able to know the different formulas to find the hypotenuse or the gravitational force exerted by an object, and even the story of the famous book of Dr. Jose Rizal "El Filibusterismo,” but also the values that I can use in my everyday life especially when I encounter problems. Claret also molded me to become the person I am today. It helped me know my strengths and weaknesses in academics, and also enhance my skills and talent in music, writing, and in volleyball.

  I would like to thank all those people who have been part of my journey here in Claret…

  First, to the staff of this school - the janitors, guards, and the concessionaires in the canteen - for our security guards inside the campus, for cleaning our classrooms everyday, and also for providing us food every recess and lunch break.

  Next, to my teachers, especially to my advisers in my high school life - Ms. Marlene Arboleda (1st), Ms. Rosana Diwa (2nd), Ms. Melody Payumo (3rd), and to Mr. Dennis Hermoso (4th) - for teaching me all the lessons and values you have taught, not only to me but to the whole batch. I thank you for always being there for me whenever I am in need of assistance in my academics. All of you never failed to help me with all my problems, even if it's about my friends and classmates.

  Also, to all those who have been my classmates in first year (SJB), second year (SSM), third year (SSC), and to my fourth and final section here in Claret (SDG), thank you for all the memories that we have made with each other; for all the happy and sad moments, the fights, the tears, and all the laughs that we have shared. This is one of the memorable moments that happened in my life and I will never forget that. I am glad that I was able to share & spend my whole life here in high school with all of you. As our batch song says, "What was worthwhile was the time with peers. The laughs, the jokes, the bliss was clear. It will never be the same again after here..." This time with our friends is so memorable that we should cherish all moments with them. Because as soon as we leave our alma mater, the friends that we will be meeting in college will not that be the same as we have experienced it during high school.

  Lastly, to my alma mater & to our patron saint, St. Anthony Mary Claret, I thank you for letting me study here in this beautiful school. I also thank you for giving me my teachers, my classmates, and my friends, who made my whole journey a memorable one. I am so happy because if it wasn't for my previous school, I will not be here. I feel like I was really destined to be a Claretian.

  I promise that after I leave Claret; I will forever remain in me the values of a true Claretian. No matter where I go, no matter how long it has passed, I will never forget and will always be proud to be called a true blooded Claretian.

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Real Exposure 2

by Russell Santos

  Education is of key importance to the society and for the country. It is important for the country’s development and the society growth and maturity. With education, the people will not be easily fooled by corrupt politicians and “go with the flow;” instead, be aware, and stand up for change for the betterment of the country.

The youth is the key for the country’s true development. They must be trained and taught with the highest of quality. They must be given the awareness and be empowered for them to take initiative and do action. Moreover, they must be taught on who is God and help them realize what God has for them.

Last March 4, 2014, our class went back to Barangay Kaingin-Bukid to teach children Mathematics and empower them by having fun with them. The class taught the children basic Math – tricks, shortcuts, procedures and multiplication. After, the class had fun with them through a dance craze and parlor games like musical chairs and stop dance.

In this activity, I further realized the importance of the youth and what the youth is facing right now in reality. I’ve realized that the youth is in a bad condition. They don’t have much school materials. Some of them don’t have much knowledge about the different subject areas in school. This goes to show the disappointing quality of education provided by the government. I’ve also further realized that these children, the youth, are the future fore runners of the country; and, if they don’t excel, the country wouldn’t as well. I have learned that it is part of my responsibilities to help the other children in their education. I must help them understand their lessons in school and empower them their importance and their education. Together, we all stand, and if one falls, the tendency is that we all fall.

The activity has been indeed an eye-opener. It exposed us with the real condition of the majority of the Filipino Youth. Moreover, it helped us realize our responsibility to act to this situation. I recommend this project to the other batches; and, hopefully, they will, as well, realize the things that I’ve realized and act towards having a Filipino Youth community that will be assured as the future of their Motherland.

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Real Exposure

by Mikoy Fernandez

              The second part of the exposure trip to Barangay Apolonio Samson was a better experience than the first one simply because we were more prepared and we also got to play with children. By “being prepared,” I mean that we were prepared physically and emotionally for the situation since we’ve done it before.

            The more we get exposed to the realities of the urban poor, the more I feel depressed and pitiful for them with regards to their situation. I feel helpless knowing that I don’t have the power and will to truly change their lives for the good. It is a massive problem that needs multiple situations and a student like me has no control over it. No matter how much I know about their situation, unless I or someone else acts upon it, then nothing new will happen.

            The least I can do is to give them hope and inspiration; or, I can share with them all that I can give. Of course, I can’t really give all my physical belongings except for the things that I don’t use any more like toys and clothes; and that’s just about it. I am too young and inexperienced to really serve as a beacon of light for them.

            The best thing this exposure has given me is the eye-opening experience. Reading and watching about poverty is nothing compared to actually seeing and feeling it. I am happy to say that I am not oblivious and ignorant of the unfortunate situation of my fellow Filipinos and that maybe in the future, I can do something that will make things better for most of us and for the country. 

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Sa Isang Sulyap Ngayong Pasko

ni Nielsen Arenas

  Mahal na mahal ko ang bestfriend ko. Kahit ang iksi lang ng aming pagsasamama, mahal na mahal ko siya bilang isang matalik na ka-IBIG-an. Ngunit, hanggang doon nalang ba ang aming pagsasamahan? Hanggang doon nalang ba ang tingin ng iba sa amin? Ay teka teka, ako nga pala si Liam, at ngayon ikwekwento ko ang aking masalimuot na Pasko kasama ang aking bestfriend...

  Isang araw, inutusan ako ni Nanang na bumili ng patis sa may kanto para pang Noche Buena namin mamaya. Syempre pag-inutusan ni Nanang, katamaran ang umiiral. Dahil doon, nagpasama ako kay kuya Pangtee para siya nalang ang pag-utusan ko. Okay lang naman sa kanya eh, si "Pangtee" naman ‘yun at halos lahat sa barangay kilalang kilala niya. Mapagkakatiwalaan kumbaga.

  "Uy Liam, bilisan mo! Masusunog na ang niluluto kong Kare-Kare!" tugon ng kanyang ina habang abalang-abala sa pagluluto.

  "Papunta na si Nanang! Kuya Pangtee! Tara na!"

  Habang naglalakad sila papunta sa tindahan, nag-open up si kuya Pangtee.

  "Liam, may crush ka na ba?"

  Biglang napangiti si Liam at sinabi,

  "Wala pa kuya Pangtee. Masyado kasi akong gwapo kaya maraming nahihiyang lumapit sa akin. Hahaha!"

  "Weh! Feeler talaga ‘to! Seryoso, wala ka pa talagang crush kahit isang beses?"

  "Well Kuya, actually meron pero last year ko siyang nakita. Nakalimutan ko na kung saan ngunit alam ko December 24 ko siya nakita."

  Napahinto bigla si Pangtee at hinarap si Liam.

  "Sino ‘yun? Anong itsura niya?!"

  "Malamang hindi ko siya kilala, pero sa tingin ko, isa siyang simpleng babae. Maganda, sexy at higit sa lahat mukhang matalino kasi may glasses.”

  "Ayieee!"

  "Teka teka, porket may glasses matalino na? Pwede namang malabo ang mata diba? Hahaha!"

  Nagtawanan silang magpinsan na tila walang katapusan...

  Sa tindahan, nakabili na si Liam ng Patis; at sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari, may nakita siyang isang magnanakaw. Dinukutan nito ang isang babaeng nakatayo lang sa kanto. Agad-agad niya itong hinabol at sinubukan pa niyang bugbugin kasama ni Pangtee bilang assistant.

  "Huli ka boy! Amin na ‘yan, alam mo bang masama ang magnakaw! Kuya Pangtee, humanap ka ng tanod!"

  Feeling Superman, isinoli niya ito sa dilag.

  "Salamat po..."

  Napatulala si Liam at nabigla nang makita niya yung babaeng tinulungan niya. At ‘yung babaeng nakita niya nung isang taon ay iisa lamang.

  "Uy! Kuya, salamat ah!"

  "Walang ano man, miss..." (malaginoong boses na sinabi)

  "Yssa Cayatano, at sino ka naman aber?"

  "Liam Gonzales, aking binibini! Haha!"

  Nahuli na ‘yung magnanakaw sa tulong ni Pangtee at nagpaalam na rin si Yssa at muling nagpasalamat.

  "Uy! Napa’no ka? Bakit parang nabugbug ka ata?"

  "Ay!" malambing na sinagot ni Liam.

  "Uy! Bakit nga! Napa’no ka?"

  "Nakita ko siya..."

  "Sino’ng nakita mo?

  "Siya..."

  "Sino nga tol?!"

  "’Yung babaeng naka-glasses, ‘yung pinag-usapan natin kanina."

  "Weh! Ayiee, nagkita na sila ni first crush!"

  "Biruin mo kuya, niligtas ko siya sa magnanakaw. Ano ‘to, sign o nagkataon lang?

  "Destiny yan tol! Kaya pagingatan mo..."

  Lumipas na ang ilang buwan at tila ayaw parin maalis sa utak ni Liam ang paulit-ulit na pagingkwetro niya kay Yssa. Lahat ginawa niya - lagi siyang nagpupunta sa kantong iyon at isang beses nga nakita niya ulit ngunit madalian rin nawala. Isang araw, chineck ni Liam ang Facebook ni Yssa. Inadd niya na parang tinamaan ng pana ni kupido. Bale mahigit isang buwan bago inaccept ni Yssa yung "friend request" nito...

  Magpapasukan na ulit, subalit kahit minsa'y hindi na niya nakausap si Yssa. Pero may nangyari...

  June 2011, napunta si Liam sa section B ng kanilang eskwelahan. Malungkot dahil, natangal siya sa section A at wala siyang kilala sa bago niyang section. Pero sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari, nakatabi niya si Yssa...

  "Yssa?"

  "Uy! Kuya, napa’no ka?"

  "Ok lang naman, teka lang, dito ka pala nag-aaral."

  "Whew! Matagal na! Hindi lang talaga ako masyadong kilala sa batch natin."

  Sa anim na buwan silang magkasama, naguusap at nagkukulitan, at hindi makaila ang pagiging mag "Bestfriend" nila ni Yssa. Walang araw silang naguusap sa phone. Walang araw hindi sila nagkikita at nanood ng mga paborito nilang mga movies. Mayroon nga silang mga "Fri-is-Movie-Guy!" na tema eh.

  Pero! Hanggang magbestfriends lang ba sila? Wala pa bang itataas yan? Dahil sa katanungan na iyon, minungkahi ni Liam na umamin na kay Yssa. At gagawin ninya yon kung saan sila unang nagkita't nagkausap...

  Habang lumisan ang ilang buwan, lalo pa silang naging magclose. May tawagan nga sila eh..

  "Uy Yssa pwede ba kitang tawaging geek?"

  "Ouch naman! Bakit geek?"

  "Kasi, ang laki ng salamin mo eh, tuloy nagmukhang geek ang iyong gimik. Haha!"

  "Ikaw ah! Mabiro karin! Utot mo!" pasigaw na sinabi ni Yssa.

  "Geek pala, a! Pwes, ikaw, tawag ko sa iyo ay T-rex!"

  "Uhh? Bakit naman T-rex?!"

  "Haha! Kasi ang liit ng kamay mo, e! Hahaha!"

  *Ouch x100!*

  "Haha! Tara na nga geek, ihahatid na kita sa bahay mo. Baka mahulog pa salamin mo, e. Haha!"

  "Sus, bibirit ka pa dyan T-rex, a! Baka maabot mo salamin ko pagnahulog? Haha!"

  "Tara tara! Andami mo pang sinasabi, e."

  Magpa-Pasko na ulit at tila handa na ang lahat ng mga inihanda ni Liam kay Yssa. Naroon ay isang kwartong punong-puno ng mga regalo - mga regalong habang sila'y nagsho-shopping ay laging tinitignan niya sa mga pamilihan. Inipon niya ‘yon pang birthday gift na rin.

  "Yes, nabili ko rin ang lahat ng gusto niya! Kulang na lang ang puso ko!"

  Para mas madamdamin, gumawa siya ng tula para kay Yssa para sa kanyang regalo ngayong Pasko:

                                  O, Yssa ikay kay gandang twina!

                                Makulay ang aking pagtila

                                Nang aki'y nakilala!

                                Sana ika'y aking mahagkan!

                                  Best! Geek ! O, Yssa!

                                Tara na't palawakin na

                                Isang pag-iibigang malaya

                                Sa bituing nariyan si twina!

                                  Bundok, nayon hanggang sa burol

                                Ika'y aking kasama sa tabi ng parol

                                Hanging nangingibabaw sa lamig

                                Nang iyong kamay at iyong pag-ibig!

  "Sana magustuhan mo ‘to," tugon niya sa kanyang sarili habang nakahiga't paulit-ulit niyang inuulit.

  Nagdaan na ang ikahuling linggo ng December. Handang handa na si Liam ibigay ang isang regalo. Ngunit...

  "BAKIT?!" paiyak na isinigaw ni Liam.

  "Yssa!” (umiiyak)

  Nalaman na lang ni Liam na inatake sa puso si Yssa dahil mahinang mahina ang kanyang puso. Dahil doon agad-agad siyang pumunta sa ospital at sinamahan ang pamilya ni Yssa sa ICU...

  Dumating na ang doctor ni Yssa at sinabi...

  "Ikinululungkot kong sabihin na hindi na kaya ng puso ni Yssa ang pagtibok ng puso niya. Makina na lang ang nabababuhay sa kanya sa ngayon.”

  "Ano pa ba ang pwede naming gawin doc?"

  "May dalawa tayong pwedeng gawing solusyon, isa ipasanalang natin ang kanyang buhay sa makina o i-heart transplant nalang siya."

  "Magkano naman at paano naman ‘yun?"

  "Mahal siya, bale mga 20K ngunit sa panahong ito mahirap maghanap ng puso..."

  "Ano ba ang pwedeng puso doc?" tanong ni Liam...

  "Basta malusog at ang blood type dapat ng taong iyon ay AB..."

  "AKO! Ako ang mag bibigay sa kanya!"

  "Uy Liam! Salamat, pero huwag! Bata ka pa... "

  "Mahal ko siya! At ayaw ko siyang mawala sa piling ninyo!"

  Napagpasya na ng dalawang pamilya nina Yssa at Liam ang pagpalit ng puso. Mahirap ngunit,

"Para kay Yssa! Handa akong mamatay! Para kay Yssa, ibibigay ko ang puso ko!"

  Para sa huling paalam ni Liam ay isinulat niya sa kanyang liham. Sinabi niya sa papa ni Yssa na pagkagising niya, idadala niya si Yssa sa kanilang apartment. Sa kanya ‘yun at binili para lamang sa kanya at naroon ang mga regalo niya. Para sa huling pagkikita nila ni Yssa, iniwan silang dalawang sa kwarto.

  "Yssa, kahit hindi mo ako naririnig, bilang bestfriend mo, mahal kita!"

  "Simula noon, ika'y aking crush. Ikaw pa lang..."

  Hinawakan ang kamay at hinalikan!

  "Sa huling pagkikita, Geek!"

  Niyakap niya at umiyak tila umuulan ang kalangitan...

  Nagdaan na ang operasyon, natapos at nagising si Yssa.

  "Pa? Anong nangyari? Pa’no ako nabuhay?!"

  "..."

  "Pa! Paano ako nabuhay?!" pasigaw inulit ni Yssa.

  "Nagdaan ka sa isang heart transplant dahil sa sobrang hina na ng puso mo. Hindi na rapat kakayanin, ngunit ika'y mabuhay."

  "Pa! Pakitawag nga si Liam, may sasabihin ako, e."

  "..."

  "’Tay! Akin na cellphone ko!"

  "Yssa..."

  "’Tay? ‘Tay wag mo sabihing..."

  Nagsimula nang tumulo ang luha ni Yssa...

  "'Nak, ito o, susi, bigay ni Liam... Hindi ko alam kung anong meron dito pero sabi niya, ‘pag DECEMBER 25 na raw, punta ka sa kwarto. May surprise daw siya sa iyo.”

  Hinawakan ni Yssa ang munting susi ni Liam. Tumingala at sinabi'y “Best! Alam mo ba? Mahal kita! At Salamat sa puso mo. Ako'y nabuhay nang dahil sa iyo!”

  DECEMBER 25, pumasok si Yssa sa kwarto at doon nakita niya ang kwarto na punong puno ng mga regalo at mga paboritong bagay ni Yssa. May gitara, may mga CD ng One Direction at iba pa. Mayroon ding mga damit, tablet at isang liham.

  "Liam... Hay... nag-abala ka pa! Utak T-rex ka talaga."

  "Ugh, may liham?"

  (To Yssa, bestfriend/geek/mahal kong tao)

  Sinimulan nang basahin ni Yssa ang napaka habang liham ni Liam,

  Hi Geek!

                                Alam ko ngayong taon lang tayo nagkakilala ng lubusan. Ngunit, napamahal na ako sa iyo, e. Naramdaman ko ang isang panginoorin nang ika'y makita't nakilala kahit ang pangit mong kumanta at minsan amoy putok ang kilikili mo! Haha! Hindi, joke lang; ang bango bango mo nga, e! Nariyan ka lang at hindi mo ako iniiwan! Ngayon, hawak mo ang puso ko. Pag-ingatan mo Yssa at napakayaman n‘yan; napakahalaga n’yan sa akin sahil nariyan ang aking pag-ibig! Isang kayamanang ihahatid... Natatandaan ko ‘yung mga date natin (nanonood pa tayo ng movie), ang saya mo nun kasi diba sabi mo sa’kin, first time mong manood ng may kasama! Naaalala ko pag nilalamig ka, niyayakap kita sa gitna ng sinehan. ‘Yung ‘pag kumakain tayo, dapat ‘yung sa iyo ay laging large ang coke... Nalugi nga ako roon, e. Masaya, e. Kahit sa panahong iyon ay hindi Pasko, naramdaman ko pa rin na Pasko pag ika'y laging kasama... Pasko ko'y nagbago nung ilang taon nang makita kita at nung huling taong nakita kita at iniligtas kita sa magnanakaw. Na-Pasko ako roon, tol! Ngayon, ikatatlong taon na ng ating Pasko at ang masasabi kong ito ang pinaka hindi ko makakalimutan dahil naging mag bestfriends tayo. Naging magkasintahan? Kahit hindi mo alam, may pagtingin ako sa iyo!

  Ah! Oo nga pala, may tula ako para sa iyo. Kung malungkot ka, basahin mo lang ‘yan. Kahit hindi masyadong maganda, naggaling kasi ‘yan sa puso ko, e.

                                                                O, Yssa, ika'y kay gandang twina!

                                Makulay ang aking pagtila

                                Nang aki'y nakilala!

                                Sana ika'y aking mahagkan!

                                  Best! Geek ! O, yssa!

                                Tara na't palawakin na

                                Isang pag-iibigang malaya

                                Sa bituing nariyan si twina!

                                                                                Bundok, nayon, hanggang sa burol

                                Ika' aking kasama sa tabi ng parol

                                Hanging nangingibabaw sa lamig

                                Nang iyong kamay at iyong pag-ibig!

                                                Hala, napapaiyak na ako. Sayang kasi, hindi man lang kita hinarana ng aking tula. Ganun, eh; may pagkakataon talaga sa ating buhay na kailangan mong gamitin upang mahalin ka ng isang tao. Geek! last na! Ang cute mo! Napaka-cute mo kaya huwag kang umiyak d’yan (napatawa si Yssa). Hindi bagay eh, so tama na baby Yssa, nandito na si T-rex. Tara Yssa, tapusin ko na ‘tong liham. Basta tandaan mo lang ‘pag malungkot ka, isipin mong nariyan lang ako. Inaakap, kinakausap, at minamahal sa twina!

Tingin ka lang sa kalangitan ‘pag Pasko! Ako ‘yung pinakamaliwanag na bituin katabi ng buwan! Kaya huwag kang mawalan ng pag-asa! Mahal kong Yssa! I love you best! Sa muling pagkikita!

                                                                                                                                  Nagmamahal na ka-IBIG-an,

                                                                                                                                                                Liam Gonzales <3

  Ngumiti si Yssa at tumingala sa bintana! Nakita niya ang bituing tabi ng buwan na lumiliwanag sa kalangitan! At sinabi'y...

  "T-rex! Abutin mo ko, a!"

[tanglawngclaret]

When Love Stood Still

by Nielsen Arenas

  The day we talked - the day we kissed and the day we shared all of our intimate feelings - that is the day I awakened my heart to beat for someone... not for something. I was weak to fall in love with you. I was so foolish to sit beside you and share my secrets. Nothing I do now matters to you anymore. I cried, but you never listened to it. You just left me alone in the cold of inner shadows of life. And for that, I love you.

  When love stood still, I became more stupid than ever. Thus, I became more reluctant to you! I remembered the time you said that you will never hurt me; but instead, you gave up to your words like a smug that collides, down to earth. I also remembered how you coated me your jacket every time we dated and feel cold. It was a memorable feeling. It's like I am a princess who loved a prince! But now, you just hung me up to freeze. I hate you for that; but I still love you...

  It's not easy to answer your "panliligaw" to me. You've waited 1 year and two months just to talk to me. I laughed when you walked beside me and said, "May I court you?" but i always say, "I don't love you!" You shredded into pieces - broken like a jar of empty sensation. You did not remember, you did not notice that the courtship you did made me realize that from the start, I love you too. I just danced away like you, then to me. This is so awkward! It's like I want to fill myself and never stop filling it.

  It’s promposal week and you with your friend asked me. It was so grandeur! I cried not because I hated it but it's because I loved it. I hugged you tightly for 2 minutes and did not let you go! I don't know why? But that day, I answered you. You are now my boyfriend; but everything changed...

  It's prom day... You came to my house and I saw your smile in depression. I don't know why but I sensed something wrong. I am a girl, I sensed something even though I fake reality. I never outburst emotionally but I really know. All night I thought it would be my best night since my last, but you did not even talk to me at all. Are you afraid? Or did you just regret my love? Ugh! I became naive.

  It's slow dance time and still you didn’t talked to me. I approached you like the gentleman and dragged you to the dance floor to dance. He started to dance with me but still no spark arrived. With that, I started to talk. "Hey! Why aren't you talking to me?" He did not respond...

  After endless steps, he began to talk...

  "Sorry! I have to go! I don't love you! I will never love you! I hate you!"

  I slapped him in the face countless of times. I cried and wept like a river flowing down a spring.

  "Why! You waited a year just to hear me say "I do" all this time! And this, how could you? Coward!"

  "Basta... I don't love you, please let me go or I will go!"

  I cried and cried, shouting...

  "Get out! Get out! Yes! I am breaking up with you!"

  His final words to me created shame... I don't know why but I felt like there is a reason behind all this...

  "I love... Hey! Goodbye!  I just want you to know that we can make many mistakes in our lives, apart from one: the one that destroys us!"

  I glanced at him and stopped crying while he walks out the ball. My mind is saying that stay and hate him but my heart? My heart wants to run down to him, hug him and forgive him!

  The next day, I was the topic of gossips. I don't know if he is present but I know, there is something going on. At home, I stood in front of the things he gave me. Those bears, chocolates and an amulet that said, “PROM?” This is too sudden; I said and I questioned... “Why?”

  Love defines what? Does it stand or he stood? Love what makes? Love that breaks!

  Many months later, I haven’t heard from him since the ball. Graciously I was not able to remember that this is my last year before I graduate high school. But, I never saw him. Stories occurred that he was addicted to drugs but I never believed it!

  Soon before my graduation, a stem from a flower was hanging on my door's wall. It's from him saying,

  "I love you my princess; I will never stop loving you. The things I said at the ball was never true. Today I will die so please don't follow me. When you graduate and step on the stage... I will be there beside you and saying “Congratulations to my princess...” You did not notice me again for every second you walked pass the front gate of the school; I was there making sure you are okay... Uhm... the truth is... I was forced to join the fraternity just to bring you that lovely amulet you always wear even though I embarrass you in front of those selfish people. And for that I thank you. Lastly, I want you to have this flower. Keep it ‘til you die because first love never dies, right? If you missed me, here, take this and pray. It's me listening and courting you all the way like always. Well, goodbye and now, I will not walk away... I will face this. Love will stood still...”

  Tears did not run down. I concealed it like Elsa's Song "Let It Go" but rather letting it go, I did not feel it. Why? Because, I love him... I am right that he did not mean it. I was right.

    It's time for my name to be called... I stood up walked to the stage. I got my diploma and shut my eyes and heard him say "Congratulations my Princess." I awakened, cried, and a text message just popped up saying that he was struggling at the hospital.

  I ran.

  I cried.

  I left the stage.

  Arriving, seeing him lie down dead...

  I cried and cried, touched his bloody hands and said,

  "I will always love you."

  And the nurse gave me a note saying...

  "When love stood still, me too will always love you!"

From Alexander to Alexa…

[tanglawngclaret]

Istatwa ni Nielsen Arenas