Noli Me Tangere Alternate Ending: A Mistake for Love

              The merriment brought on by her impending marriage to Linares continued to sour Maria Clara's spirits. Exasperated with all the laughter and music from the party, Maria Clara went outside to be alone in the azotea. When she finally cannot withstand the heavy betrayal and hurt that stirred in her heart, she broke down and cried her heart out. 

When finally alone with her thoughts, Maria Clara began to despair over the unfortunate news that she carried with her – the truth of her parentage and the horrifying future that Ibarra has in front of him. She sighed dejectedly and anxiously mulled over her troubles underneath the night sky.

“Oh, dear Lord, no one can ever replace Ibarra in my heart. I am nothing but a hopeless fool who will forever love him,” Maria Clara thought to herself. “If I truly did love him, how did I ever let such misfortunes be brought to him by myself, nonetheless? Tell me Lord, will he ever forgive me for the mistakes that I made?”

A rustling sound from a nearby boat broke Maria Clara out of her reverie. She turned her head towards the noise and was surprised to see the man she prayed for only a mere moment ago. “Crisostomo,” she gasped in disbelief and out of fright.

A few paces from her, the man in question looked unsure and grave – a tremendous change from how he carried himself before. He cleared his throat and replied, “Yes my love, it is me, Crisostomo.” He carefully took a few more steps towards Maria Clara, and reached out to hold her hands.

Maria Clara recoiled and covered her mouth to stop another wave of sobs from erupting. “Is this a dream? Has God sent you here to redeem me of my mistakes or has he sent you here to spite me further than I have already been?” Tears welled in her eyes and she angrily wiped them away.

“I am not here to hurt you Maria Clara. I am only here to tell you that I have forgiven you and you must not despair anymore. I am to go away and leave this place forever. A man called Elias helped me escape but I felt the need to tell you that I hold nothing else but love for you. Truly, I hope that you live a happy life with Linares. Be happy and be well forever, my love.”

A heavy hush fell between the two lovers and the resounding laughter from the house seemed to drown them into oblivion. Crisostomo took one last step coming to Maria Clara and closed the gap between them. He breathed in her scent and clinged on to her as if she was the only tether he has left to keep himself grounded to the earth. “I will always love you, Maria Clara,” he whispered into her ears.

“Take me with you then,” she replied fervently. “I have nothing else to live for if you leave my side forever. Linares will never be able to take your place in my heart. My family may not understand my choice to abandon them now, but I know that they would eventually. My father, no, Kapitan Tiago will forgive me, and I him, in time.”

Confusion clouded the eyes of Ibarra; he cannot fathom why Maria Clara called her father by his name. “What do you mean by calling your father Kapitan Tiago?”

“He is not my real father, Crisostomo. I found out that my life is built on a lie. My real father is,” before she was able to tell Ibarra the real identity of her father, Maria Clara was cut off by the rapping sounds that came from the door connecting the house into the azotea.

“You can tell me the whole story soon, my love. Would you truly go away with me?” Ibarra asked her. Hope seeped out of his voice and his trembling hands showed her how desperate he was. Maria Clara nodded and her eyes shined with unshed tears, she took a deep breath and said, “You were sent here for a reason and that is to rescue me from my despair. I will follow you anywhere as long as I am alive.”

        

              Crisostomo took Maria Clara’s hands grasped them tighter, “Then we must go right away. Elias is waiting down by the riverbank. We must hurry at once.” Crisostomo carefully climbed down the azotea and held up his hands for his lover, “Come here. Be careful of your footing.”

           

              Maria Clara spared one last glance towards her house and went after Ibarra. With a newfound hope, she set off into the night with her one true love. Selfishness be damned, Maria Clara thought, but this moment is the first time that she can positively say that committing a mistake is the best decision that she will ever make in her entire life.

To the Philippines

For every life that has fallen

In exchange for our liberation.

Lovers and lives were taken,

In the midst of this valiant fight.

Perhaps this plight,

Is only an illusion we made, and

Nothing else will matter

Over time, everything will pass

From A Young Woman of Bulacan: An essay reacting to Rizal’s To the Young Women of Malolos

by Rachelle Herrera

In Rizal’s letter to the twenty (20) young women of  Malolos who petitioned to the Governor-General that a “night school” be opened so they could be taught Spanish, he praised the courageous character and good judgments of the Filipinas and at the same time encouraged them to play their role in the deliverance of the people from servitude. Despite the church’s objection to their proposal, these women managed to secure permission to go on a “night school” with Señora Guadalupe Reyes as their teacher. Back in their time, the women doesn’t have the same status as men have. They are not given the privilege to vote nor to have a formal education. The only things they are being taught at home and in the church are prayers and invocations. They are also taught to submit themselves to men such as their father, the priests, and even their husbands.  Hence, this act of the young women from Malolos is surely one of the courageous acts taken by women in the past to forward gender equality in the society.

As a Filipina who lives in the 20^th century when we are no longer under the rule neither of Spain nor of any country, this act of bravery done by the Filipinas in the past is truly admirable. I feel sad though because Filipinas today are passive and complacent. Despite of the many success stories of Filipinas excelling in fields usually dominated by men, there are still a majority of our fellowmen who are content in being just a housewife and has no intention of further improving themselves. The only thing they care about is their daily survival and fails to take into account the future.  Rizal also said in the letter that there is no tyranny if there is no cowardice and negligence on the part of others. Even though Rizal said this many centuries ago, this statement still rings true today. Domestic violence is rampant among the Filipina housewives and the law cannot protect them from their abusive spouses because they let their abusers get away with what they did to them. This might be out of love but in my own opinion, I see it as the cowardice and negligence that Rizal has mentioned in the letter.

 He also mentioned that God would have wanted men to decide for themselves and not rely on others on what they must do or say. He emphasized the ignorance is servitude; meaning a man  who think is a man while a man who lets other people judge him or make decisions for him is like a beast led by a halter. He even pointed out the difference between the God in the Bible and the God being worshipped by the friars. It was a good comparison of how far they are from each other. I also agree that God created men to be equal and that He is the source of wisdom. He wouldn’t want man to be hoodwinked and led like a beast in a halter. If that’s what He wanted, He wouldn’t have sacrificed His life to save ours and give us agency.

There are a lot of things he mentioned in the letter but the one last thing that impresses me the most is this quote:

“Consider well what kind of religion they are teaching you.  See whether it is the will of God or according to the teachings of Christ that the poor be succored and those who suffer alleviated. “

As women, we must be aware of the things happening around us. We must make sure that the things we believe in, our actions, and decisions in life are prudent so that when the time comes that we become mothers, our children would learn from us and we may be able to contribute in building our country.  

Noli Me Tangere Alternate Ending: A Father's Affection

by Victoria Margaret Calimon

            Maria Clara is set to to be wed to Linares in a big ceremony in the parish of San Diego. It is becoming the talk of the whole town for two weeks now and everyone, including the women of gossip around town, have been spreading that Maria Clara’s wedding to Linares is going to be the most grandiose in all of San Diego. This situation, however, is proving to make Maria Clara feel the exact opposite. Since hearing about Ibarra’s drowning in the lake, she has never been seen to smile or attend social gatherings in San Diego.

She is sitting by the window, thinking about what would have happened had Ibarra was with her today, to be married to her in a few days. Just the thought of Ibarra’s smile everytime they are alone together—Ibarra  saying the most poetic of love declarations—makes Maria Clara’s heart hurt a little more. She thinks it is much better to let herself feel the pain of a lover’s loss than be resolved with her current situation—to be soon married to a man she does not love. A moment later, Maria Clara felt two hands cover her eyes and was surprised to see that Padre Damaso has payed her a visit.

“How are you, my dear Maria Clara? I’m certain that everyone has been awaiting your wedding with Linares. I, personally, am also attending as I want to bear witness of your true happiness,” the Franciscan said.

Maria Clara could not get words out of her mouth. She was both dumbfounded by the mere presence of Padre Damaso in her own home and extremely uncomfortable that people like him is also very much excited for the wedding. Damaso has noticed her reaction.

“What’s wrong, my dear? Is there something not yet settled for the wedding? Tell me, I’ll know what to do. Oh, I hate to see you like this, Maria!” Damaso exclaimed.

Maria Clara is trembling but finally found her words. “I don’t… I can’t… Oh, Padre!”

“Maria, Dios mio! Please don’t cry. I will do whatever it takes to make you feel wonderful again. Oh, Maria, want is wrong? Tell your godfather.”

“You will do anything, Padre?” Maria tries to stop crying and wipes the tears off her face.

“Yes, darling. Anything. Just tell me.”

“I don’t want to get married. Not now, not ever,” Maria says as she looks to the ground.

Padre Damaso could not believe what he just heard. “But Maria… Why would you like to break off a potentially wonderful marriage? Linares is the perfect man for you. He will take care of you and give you beautiful children. You will be safe.”

“I can never marry anyone other than him. It has always been him. I was very willing to be with Crisostomo despite all the struggles as long as we will always be together. And now that they killed him, I have no other reason to live. I shall never be wed to anyone else. The nunnery or the tomb!” Maria says, verging again of tears.

“But… Oh, you foolish girl. Maria, I beg you to listen to what you are saying. Linares…he is a very eligible gentleman for you! He can do more than what Crisostomo Ibarra can! He will love you for the rest of your lives,” Damaso pleaded.

Maria Clara cannot say anything more. She is crying uncontrollably, facing the ground, thinking again about his dear, dear Crisostomo.

“You really do love him, don’t you?” Damaso asks.

“I do, godfather, more than anything in the world. Forgive me but I really cannot do this. I cannot marry Linares. I’ll be living a lie for the rest of my life if I do.”

“Oh, Maria. I cannot bear this. I will never forgive myself if I let you inside the convent. Believe me when I say it is way worse than being locked up in a prison cell, limiting your every actions for your entire life. I certainly would never allow that to happen to you, my dear, lovely Maria. Therefore, I have resolved to allow you not to marry Linares, if that will make you most happy,” Damaso says, tears welling up in his eyes.

“Oh, godfather! You cannot imagine how I feel right now. I am free from the heavy baggage of being someone I have never loved, someone I cannot see myself live the rest of my life with. Oh, Padre, thank you! Maria exclaims with full joy.

“I will never part with you, my dear Maria, to anyone you do not love. You deserve a full and happy life, a life with contentment. And even though you do not have your precious love with you, I hope and pray that you live your life with bright things to come ahead of you. You can leave this town, this country, and make a new life for yourself and your father,” Damaso says.

“Oh, I will Padre. I will go to the Americas and start a new life. I will live with new spirits but my love and memories of Crisostomo will forever be etched in my fragile heart,” Maria says hopefully.

Padre Damaso feels hurt that Maria will have to endure life without her love, without the man of her life. But he finds hope for a better one for her. He leaves the house and as he reaches the steps outside, he says, “God, I have terribly sinned but let your vengeance fall on me alone. Do not let anything or anyone harm Maria. My dear, darling daughter.”

Tarsilo

By Patrica Salvador

“Tarsilo!” Juanita, their stepmom,  called out as she screamed on top of her voice just so to be

heard.

It was lunch time, and yet another typical day in the family life of Tarsilo. He had always been the nice guy: definitely modest, very obedient and never complained.

As Tarsilo and Bruno sat down, they immediately delved in with the prepared meal. Their mother quickly nodged them off and said “You forgot to say your graces,” and quickly intertwined her fingers from each of the hand to a pray position.

Juanita always has the tendency to be nice, but also has the same tendency to be equally rude, overpowering and illogical. And for today, she decided to be nice. But eitherway, Tarsilo never the changed on how he has to be very much obedient on her.

In the same way, Tarsilo has been a very nice brother. He promised to be the best brother he could ever be to his Father, who happen to pass away a few months back.

It was a very gloomy night for them, as far as memory could hant down. There was harrassed at home, ngiht time. All of the civil guards came to a rush and suddenly held their father in captive. He was trying to defend him, for they know their father did not do anything wrong. They were filing a case of rebellion against him, and yet through all the strength they have given, they remained powerless on the situation. Their persistence to let their father go was even too much that they were threatened to be captured as well, and their father through blood-shot eyes and stared them, insisting to just let it go and something good must be bound to happen anyway. But in all sorts of ways, nothing was good after they arrested their father. He never came back home. It was pure torture – on both sides that is. Torture on their part for always thinking about what must be their father doing right now, or is he still okay or alive. That was pure anxiety. Also on their father, there was more of the physical torture. Even few days after their father's capture, civil guards went back to arrest them for rebellion. They remembered what their father said and gave into it. They thought they are almost going to die, but luckily just a few hours after being held in captive, a certain man called Lucas went out to be their middleman and got them free.

“Kuya,” Bruno suddenly uttered, pushing him away from his thoughts. “We still have to fix the dishes and continue our work in the field.” And that's when he finally stood up decided to stop thinking about how awful it was. But if he were to be honest, he is definitely missing his father a lot. He was someone he always looked up to.

***

Few years have past, and Tarsilo became more acquainted to where they live. He met a girl called Naya, who happens to work as an aid in the Church nearby. They got a long pretty well and they eventually got into some relationship.

“Naya,” Tarsilo said. “If it's not too much to ask you, can we keep what we have for now as a secret? Not because i'm not happy to have you, but because i'm afraid the priests might do something against you if they learned you went here with me. You can't stop and not think about that.”

Luckily, when you're in love, there is nothing you cannot say no, for most cases. And this one isn't any different. They both agreed on mutuals. It was a typical teenage love story.

The town's festivity came and Tarsilo, Naya, and Bruno went out together for a walk around. You know how Tarsilo and Naya have been keeping their relationship for a while now.

“Naya, it's getting past in the afternoon now, I think I should send you back to the church before anyone else notices. Besides, Bruno and I still have to deal some cockfighting show nearby which...I don't think you will enjoy either. I will just walk you home, yeah?” And they both agreed.

Naya smiled and gave a nodding thank you and proceeded.

**

It was all screaming at the cockpit, manly screaming that is. Deafening, mostly but it was typical. After the first game has ended and in the middle of the second round of games, a man suddenly approached them and said “Hey boys. You guys are Tarsilo and Bruno, right?” The two looked at each other puzzled before looking back at the random but familiar person speaking to them. “Uhm, yes that is us. You look familiar, anything I can do to help?” The guy then replied, “Of course I look familiar. I am Lucas. I made negotiations when the two of you were held captive. I was the one who 'set you free' after.” His tone was definite, and stern. Bruno then said “Oh yes, that's why. It was glad to see you again, what have you been up to?”

“Listen, “ Lucas continued. “I want you guys to be part of Ibarra's pact against these Spaniards. We are a number, nothing to be afraid of.” Eitherway, the two of them still resorted to be afraid and hesitated. The guy even added, “I know you want to give justice to the loss of your father, right? You are not just doing this for yourself, or your father anyway. It gives out to a lot of people, if that doesn't persuade you.” They held in their answer until after the game, and that's when they decided that they will join the pact.

**

After the games, Tarsilo couldn't keep his mind off the fact they are joining a pact. And now he is very much convinced that this is something that he would do seriously, and whole-heartedly. His views came to a change. And now he was very much sure he is ready to leave everything behind....and Naya, too.

Sadly, the terms between them came to an end. It was not very much of a good timing since they had just went out, but Naya called out to give her whole heart to understand that something bigger and more important out there needs him, and selfishness should not get in the way.

**

 In a series of the most unfortunate and stressful events, the brothers were then again held in captive for 10 days (and counting) because of leading a rebellion with continuous physical abuse and lack of provided food. They were hazy, and may even be not thinking properly anymore. It was something of too much to hold. Surprisingly on the 13^th night, Tarsilo later found a lost key, to which luckily was a universal key to the prison sells. He snickered on his own plans and not fully planning other else except escaping. He let all other prisoners free while all guards were having a meeting at the town's plaza near the church. But since every single one of them were too busy saving themselves and running for their own lives, everyone captive for the rebellion ran away to hide and were never to be found again after days and months of looking for them.

Naya then heard about the news, and yet she was hopeful that maybe, just maybe he will come back for her since they are now free. But she may just be forever become hopeful of what should've been, because even Tarsilo lost of wherever his brother is and they have never crossed paths ever again. 

Kundiman

By Patricia Salvador

This is a loud cry, even a scream

Of a silenced country from people

Who refuse to acknowledge they can speak

Stand

Lead

Think.

If a this is a song, this expresses deep love

If this is a poem, this expresses even deeper,

But either's a love and compassion

We often look over, rather than after.

Ai Mi Musa (To My Muse)

By Patricia Salvador

It's a disappointment

People are half-hearted

Go and leave me but not;

Come back, let triumph win.

 

All your efforts for this land,

Came true few decades apart

But nevertheless your bitterness

Did not put waste when east arises

 

Your troubles may have been there

But the struggle they did bare

Then again, we were free

From opression; Now love.

 

Love as astounding as a woman

Attractive as a blooming flower,

Blooming freedom, and the growing love

For the motherland we try to keep. 

Philippines a Century Hence

By Camilla Salvador

The Philippines a Century Hence is an essay written by Jose Rizal explaining his views of what the country would look like in a hundred years over. Rizal felt that it was time to remind Spain that the circumstances that ushered in the French Revolution could have a telling effect for her in the Philippines. This essay was published in a newspaper called La Solidaridad under Rizal's pen name, Laong Laan.

            It was highlighted in the essay that there are different causes of what the Filipinos are exactly experiencing under the hands of the Spaniards. These are Spain’s implementation of her military policies , deterioration and disappearance of Filipino indigenous culture, passivity and submissiveness to the Spanish colonizers.

            If I were to criticize this essay, definitely it would be a good criticism. I agree to Rizal's proposal of the idea of the Philippines being a province to Spain. What if that happens? Then maybe we wouldn't be in such a pit of misery at the moment, trying to figure out how to solve mysteries of stolen money and cut budgets and mismanaged local economy. Unfortunately, this is not what exactly happened in our history. People broke free. Although it was good to think that they had all the motivation and the power to be independent, they did not think and look down enough with the small details of fighting against a well-armed, technology-equipped people of the Western side. Another, the lack of communication was very evident. They were not as organized as it's supposed to be. It should have been a massive movement, but the different provinces and cities started their own rebellion at their own paces that did not come out very much strong as it was planned. And although parts of what was written and actually envisioned came true, it was not as pleasant as it was viewed. The only redemption we had was we were then “free,” but it was only under the hands of the Spanish colonizers. Till then after a few, then came the Americans to take-over. But what's actually good is that their awful laws and rules that let Filipinos dumb and ignorant were let go for good. 

Sangguniang Kabataan, Dapat pa nga bang ipagpatuloy?

By King Metrillo

Mainit ang usapin ngayon ng pagpapaliban ng eleksyon para sa Sangguniang Kabataan.

Ito ay dahil di umano sa mga isyung bumabalot sa bahaging ito ng pamamahala sa barangay.

Naririyan ang isyu ng pangungurakot ng samahan sa pondong inilalaan ng barangay para sa

youth welfare and development na napupunta lamang sa mga pa-liga at sports fest. Naririyan din

ang kawalan o kakulangan ng proyekto sa isang taon ng sanggunian, na para bang sa oras na

mahalal ay hindi na muli pang makikitang umaaksyon. Sa kabila ng mga isyung ito, patuloy na

sinasalihan ito ng mga kabataang nais maglingkod sa kanilang barangay. Magbigay ng tunay na

pagbabago ang laging bukambibig ng mga tumatakbong kabataan ngunit saan nga ba napupunta

ang pagbabagong laging ipinapangako?

Kung titingnang mabuti, ang mga kasapi ng Sangguniang Kabataan ay pawang mga

menor-de-edad na mga estudyante. Wala pang karanasan sa pagpapalakad ng isang yunit ng

gobyerno ang mga kabataang kung sakali ay sa eskuwelahan pa lamang namamahala. Ang

responsibilidad na inaatang sa mga naihahalal na SK officials ay hindi basta-bastang tungkulin

na kapag natupad na ay tapos na. Ito ay tumatawid sa kakayahan ng mga opisyales na

mamalakad sa hinaharap. Ang obligasyon ng naihahalal ay dapat lamang na mapunuan ng

nagpapatakbo dahil ito ang nagiging huwaran at gabay ng mga kabataan sa lugar na

nasasakupan. Kung ang mga responsibilidad na ito ay ipapataw sa isang estudyante na dapat sana

ay nakapokus sa kanyang edukasyon, hindi nga malalayo ang sistema sa gawi ng mas matataas

na yunit ng pamahalaan. Hindi maibabahagi ng wasto ang mga pondong dapat sana ay

naitatalaga sa health services at iba pang benefits ng mga kabataan hindi lamang para sa mga

palaro o pa-liga ng basketbol sa baranggay. Hindi naman masamang italaga ang pondo sa isports

ngunit hindi rin dapat ito nauubos sa isang event lamang. At kung papansinin, ang kabataang

naihahalal ay pawang mga estudyante, anak, kapatid at kaibigan na sana’y nakatuon lamang sa

mga responsibilidad ng isang pangkaraniwang binata o dalaga sa lipunan. Dapat ay matamasa

muna nila ang kanilang kabataan at huwag magmadali sa paglaki at maging sa pagpapatakbo ng

isang nasasakupang lugar.

Sa kabilang banda, ang SK ay nagiging venue o outlet ng kabataang nais magparating ng

mithiing makapag-ambag ng isang bagay na makabuluhan habang sila’y bata pa. Nagkakaroon

ng ibang kasiyahan ang isang taong nakapagbigay ng isang bagay na lubos na makatutulong sa

mas nakararami. Ang iba naman ay nais maging modelo sa mga kapwa nila teenager na nalalayo

na sa tamang landas upang makatulong sa muling pagpapasigla ng kagustuhan ng mga batang

makapag-aral muli. Sa ganitong paraan, mas nagiging kapakipakinabang ang mga libreng oras ng

mga kasapi ng SK. Hindi inaalintana ang hirap ng pagsasabay ng mga responsibilidad sa

eskwelahan, tahanan, at tawag ng panunungkulan. Masarap nga namang makitang nagbubunga

ang isang maliit na paraang nagsimula sa kagustuhang makatulong sa iba. Sa kanilang maliit na

hakbang, nakapagdudulot sila ng malaking pagbabago di lamang sa kanilang mga sarili kundi

pati na rin sa kanilang kapwa. Ang isports at iba pang palaro ay nakapagbibigay ng

pagpapahalaga sa kapatiran, pagtutulungan at pantay na pakikipaglaro ng iba’t ibang grupo ng

kabataan. Magandang paraan din ito upang maiwasan ang pagkalulong ng mga teenager sa mga

bisyo at pagtuonan na lamang ng pansin ang isports na maaring gawing libangan at maaari rin

namang gawing tagisan ng galing. Nagdudulot ng kasiyahan ang mga gantong uri ng paligsahan

sa mga kasapi ng SK dahil nakikita nilang nasusuklian ang kanilang pinagpapaguran, hindi man

ng pera kundi ng kasiyahan ding naibabahagi nila sa kanilang mga kabarangay.

Sa ngayon, may ipinapasang bill sa mababang kapulungan na itigil muna ang gaganaping

eleksyon ng SK ngayong taon dahil sa mga isyu ng kurapsyon at tila nananamlay na kahulugan

ng pagkakabuo ng Sangguniang Kabataan. Ipagpapatuloy na lamang ang eleksyon sa 2016. Kung

ganito na kalala ang mga isyu at problema, na umabot pa sa mababang kapulungan, tila hindi na

biro ang mga kinakaharap ng lahat ng kasapi ng SK sa mga barangay. Isa itong paggising hindi

lamang sa mga SK officials, tumatakbo ngayong eleksyon, kundi pati na rin sa lokal na

pamahalaan at mga barangay officials na tutukan ang kabataang nagpapalakad ng sistema. Tila

hindi na rin nagiging huwaran ng kabataan ang SK dahil sa mga kinakaharap na isyu.

Kung ako ang tatanungin, hindi naman masama ang pagkakaroon ng Sangguniang

Kabataan sa mgaa barangay. Hindi naman nabuo sa masama ang samahan, kundi nabuo sa

kagustuhang makapaglingkod sa kabataan at sa nasasakupan. Ang problema nga lang ay hindi na

nagiging patas ang ibang opisyales ng SK sa paglilingkod. Makapagpasimuno lamang ng liga ng

basketbol sa barangay ay ayos na. Kung ako ang tatanungin, na kung gusto ko talagang

makatulong sa kapwa ko, tutulong ako kahit na hindi ako isang halal na pinuno o may puwesto.

Kung ako ang tatanungin, mas gugustuhin ko pang maglingkod nang tahimik lamang, nang hindi

naipapaskil ang aking pangalan o mukha sa mga tarpaulin. Kung tapat ang hangarin, magagawa

ito kahit na walang kapalit.

Hindi masama ang pagkakabuo ng Sangguniang Kabataan. Sadyang hindi lang

napapatnubayan ng mas nakatatandang pinuno ang kung sinomang nagpapalakad sa samahan ng

kabataang nais lamang tumulong sa kapwa kabataan.

Ang Dalagang Pilipina sa Bagong Dekada

By Bernadette Bagon

Hindi maikakailaang napakalaking pagbabagong naganap sa mga dalagang Pilipina mula noong panahon na malakas pa angimpluwensiyangmgaKastila. Noon, angmgakababaihan ay itinuturing lamangnakasamasabahay, mgaasawa at inana mag-aalagasasusunodnahenerasyon. Ganyanangturingsakanila at tinanggaplangnilaiyon.

Lamang, angsalitangsadyangnagpapababangkanilangestadobilangisangbabae.Walangnakakaalamngbigatngkanilangobligasyondahilgumagalawsilasapatriarkalnamundo. Hindi napapahalagahan ang kanilang mga karapatan dahilmaliitlamangangkanilangnaidudulotsabayan. Hindi sila parte ng populasyon ng mgamangagawadahilhindisilanagta-trabaho. Kapalit noon ang limitadong karapatan at pribelehiyong binibigaysakanila, tuladnalamangngedukasyon. Perongayon, malakas na ang impluwen siyangmgakababaihansalahatng parte ngbansa. Pantay naa ngpagtinginsamgababae at lalaki, at iyon ay dahil sa mga oportunidad na ginamit ng ating kababaihan paramapalayaangkanilangsarili.

Angmgakababaihanngayon ay mayroonngkakaibanglakasngloob. Hindi nasilatulad ng dati na sumusunodl amangsabawattawagngmundo, samgahilingngkapwa Pilipino, at sa pangangailangan ng kabataan. Silangayon ay may sarilingpagkakakilanlan, bilangisangguro, doktor, mang-aawit, atleta, mananaliksik, pinuno, kinatawan, senador, at presidente. Ngunit hindil ang ito angipinagbagongatingkababaihan. Dahilsakanilangmakabagonglakasngloob, nagawa na nilang maipakita samundoanggalingngbawat Pilipino.

MaaaringkilalaangmgaPilipinabilangkasambahaysaibangbansa, ngunithindinarinmabibilangangmgakababaihangnagdalangkarangalansaatin. Mapa-pag-awit, talentosapagganap, kapuri-puringkagandahan, o di mapantayangtalino – lahatngitonaipakilalanangatingmgaPilipinasaibanglahingmundo.Mulasatalinongipinamalasni Fe del Mundo, sawalangkapantaynaboses at pagganapni Leah Salonga, hanggangsasunud-sunodnapagkapanalongatingmgabinibinisamgakompetisiyonsaibangbansa – sila ay ilanlamangsamgakababaihangnagingkatauhanngatingbayan. Malayongmalayonaangkanilangnarating, at sakanilangpagyapaksaibanglupa ay dalanilaangpangalanngatingbansa.

Perohindisalahatngpagkakataon ay napupurianggalingnaipinamamalasngatingmakabagongPilipina. Saloobmismongbayan, hindinapapahalagahanangnapakaramingbayaninatinsaaraw-araw. Malibansapagiginginananagpapalakingkaniyangmgaanak, nagsasakripisyo pa ngmalakiangatingmgakababaihansapagtatrabahopara may maipangtustossa pang-araw-arawnilanggastusinsapamilya. Saestadongatingbansa, madalas ay hindinasapatangkinikitanglalakingasawaparasakanyangpamilya. Ilanngasamgaito ay lumalayonalamang kung di man gumawangmasama, paralangmaiwasanang di mapunangresponsibilidad. Sakabila noon, hindi pa rinnatitinagangatingkababaihan. Dahilsakanilangmakabagonglakasngloob, nakakayanilangbuhayinangkanilangpamilyana mag-isalamang. Nagpapatuloysilanapara bang hindisilanauubusannglakassakatawan.

Isa pang halimbawangPilipinang may kakaibanglakasngloob ay ang mga bahaging mga pangkat na lumalabanparasabansa. Hindi langsapagigingmilitarnapupunanngmgakababaihananglayuningito, kundimagingsapagsalisamgapulong at pag-aalsalabansamgaPilipinongnanlalamangsakanilangkapwa. Hindi na nag-iisaang mga kalalakihan sa ganitong mga tipo ndahilmaraminaangmgakababaihangmulatsamgakaganapansabansa. Maramisakanila ay ipinaglalabanangkarapatanngmgakababaihan. Marami rin namang naglalayong mapanagutanangmganaaapi.Pinapamukhanilasaatinangmga maling nagaganap salipunan.Lumalabansilabilangpuso at isipngmgataongnanghihinaangloobnalabananangmganang-aapisakanila.

Kung mulingbabasahinangisinulatni Rizal parasakababaihanngMalolos, masasabinating mas magandangkarangalan at mas malakingpagbabagoangnakamtanngmgakababaihanngayon. Hindi langnilaginagampananangmgaitinuroni Rizal sakanyangsulat, kundinilampasan pa nilaitohigitsainaasahannatinglahat. Ngayon, mayroonnasilangkakaibanglakasngloob. Ito angnagdalasakanilaupangmaipakitasaibaangangkinggalingngmga Pilipino, upangmapatunayansasarilingbayanangkanilangkakayahan, at upangmaipaglabanangbayanmulasamgasumisiranito.

Sa Kabataang Pilipino

By Anonymous

Kabataan, ikanganila, ay pag-asangbayan!

Tayo daw ang gamot

Sa mga kaganap ang masalimoot

Kaya ating kagitingan ay dapat ipamalas

Atingpag-igihinangmgaaralin

Na hindilamangsaeskuwelaatingmalilimlim

Kundipatinarinsabuhaynaito -

Atin yang ipangako!

Patuloynaabutin

Sagisangngtagumpay

Runong at dangal ay lagingnandyan

Huwagpahuhulisalabanngbayan

Hayo, hayonangayon

Pag-alabinangsigawngiyongisip at talino

Ipakitasaiba kung anongmayroonka

Dangalngtaoipagsigawanmo!

  

Lahat ng ito ay posible

Ayonsaisangbayaning may tiwala

Siyarin ay nangarap, pinakitanghindiito masama

Lasapinangtamisngtagumpay at patuloynamangarap!

Ang Makabagong Pilipino

By Bernadette Bagon

Inspired from Sa Aking Mga Kababata – Jose Rizal

Kapag ang baya’y sadyang umiibig

Sa kanluraning kultura at makamundongnais

Sino pang maghahangad kalayaa’y makamit

Kung kay dali lang namang pumahimpapawid

Ginamit ang salitang may pagkakakilanlan

Di lang sa isang bayan, kundi saan pa man

Para matawag na taong nakakaalam

Pangarap na makaangat ang dahilan

Ang wikang Tagalog ay di tuladng Latin

Na ginagamit pangngalan ng mga siyentipiko

At ang Ingles na lahat na ay gumagamit

Kaya kang dalhin sa bawat sulok ng mundo

Kayaatingsalita, bakit pa gagamitin

Kung ang ingles naman ay kaya nggawin

Ito ang dahilan bakit ngayon ay naririnig

Conyo sa daan, sa paaralan, sa paligid

Ganito pong ayon angmakabagong Pilipino

Sadyang sumusunod sa bawat umuuso

Umiibig ng wagas sa kulturang kanluranin

Isinantabi na ang wikang sariling atin

From Another Perspective

By Bernadette Bagon

Inspired from A Poem That Has No Title – Jose Rizal

To the Creator each Catholic knows

Who was known to give, to take, to forgive them

To the one force behind it all

But was never really there

Who holds the power, if not I?

I who was conceived, born,

with flesh and thinking

Who developed from two incomplete cells

Now a walking system of ions and molecules,

cells and tissues

I who came from a lineage of Homo sapiens

Evolved from my ancestors

Migrated and occupied the world

Surviving each day with limited resources

Human I am called; human I’ve become

Human I will always be

And thus I say

To the one force behind it all

But was never really there

Who holds the power, if not I?

Pinatutula ako

By Anonymous

Kung lilisanin ang baying mahal

Wag kalimutan ang ala-ala

Na siyang sa’yo ay nagbigay aral

Isiping ikaw ay pinagpala

Anomang dahilan ng paglisan

Gawin ang nararapat na gawin

Pagmamahal sa bayan, higitan

Magaaral patuloy na isipin

Maglingkod ng tapat yan ang dapat

Tulad ng magiting na bayani

Runong at galing ay hindi sapat

Dangal ng tao ay mamayani

Wag nang lisanina ng Inang Bayan

Pagmamahal ni Rizal, sabayan!

Rizal

By King Metrillo

Rizal

Makata, Doktor, Bayani

Isang halimbawang natatangi

Para sa kabataan ng bayan.

Tulang isinulat tungkol sa pag-asa

Kabataan ang itinatalaga

Magpakabait at gumalang sa nakatatanda

Tatayong hirang ng ganda.

Talinghagang ibinaon sa kasaysayan

Lulan ng pag-aasang makakamit

Kabataang haharap at pagsisibulan ng galak

Ng bayang nag-aasam ng magandang sapit

Matapang na wika ng bayani

Matupad nawa nang mabuti.

By King Metrillo

Ang tulang “Awit ng Manlalakbay”

ng bayaning si Gat Jose Rizal

Ay isang gawang magandang tunay

Nagpapakita ng puso’t dangal.

Ang manlalakbay na lumilibot

sa buong daigdig ay matapang.

Ngunit napupuno daw ng takot,

nagpapanggap na magiting lamang.

Ang tula ay aking nagustuhan

sapagka’t ito ay bumubuwag

sa nakasanayang kaibahan

ng kung sinong matapang at duwag.

Magiting man sa mata ng iba

Paslit pa ring alaga ng ina.

"The youth is the hope of our future." - Jose Rizal

Ang Hinagpis ni Pepay

By John Kevin Cuisia

                                                                                ANG HINAGPIS NI PEPAY

                Nagisingsipepayngisangarawnadinadagsangpawisangkanyangkatawan, tilaanglampinnakanyanggamit ay nanunuotngkanyangpawis. Angsamangkanyangpanaginip, tila di niyamawarisakanyangisipan kung anongabaangibigsabihinngpanaginipnaiyon.

                “Ako’ynakatayosaisangsilid, tilaisangilawlamangangnakatapatsa akin, napara bang dinakipakongmgaKastila. May lalakingnagsasalita, isadawakongtaksil… peropapaanokonamanmagagawaiyon, akolamang ay isangmagsasayaw..”

                Si PepayisangPilipina, magalingsiyasalaranganngpagsasayaw. Noongsiya ay bata pa, siya ay lumalahoksamgapantimpalaknaisinasagawtuwingpiyestangkanilangpurok. MagandasiPepay at siya ay kinagigiliwanngmaramingkalalakihan.Maramisiyangmanliligaw, at kinaiinggitanngmgakababaihan. Si Pepay ay anakniDonya Silvestre, hindinaniyanakilalaangkanyangtunaynaamadahilpinatayitongmgakastilasakasalanangpagnanakawngmgaariariannanagmay-ari noon saisangguardia civil, isangguardiasibilnalamangna nag ngangalang Fernando Trinidad angnagsilbingamaniya.

                Sakanyangpagiginginosente, ay hindimawawarina may mganaismagsamantalasakanya, ngunitsiyarin ay matalino, kaya’thindirinnakakapagtagumpayangmga may masamangbalak. Perosatalas man ngkanyangtalino, ay may hindirinkanaisnaisnanangyarisakanya. Isangmasalimuotnapagkakataongbabagosakanyangpananaw pang habangbuhay.

                Kinagabihanhabangsiya ay naghuhugasngpinggansapalikuranngkanyangbahay, nakitaniyangangkanyangama at angkaibigannito ay lasing, galling siguronginumansakabilang barrio dahilkaarawanngKapitanDiosdado. LumapitkayPepayangkaibiganngkanyangama, at kinakausapsiyanitonapara bang nangaakit, sinasabingmakapangyarihandawsiya at maalagaanniyasiPepaysaanomangpagkakataon, habangbinabanggitangmgasalitangito, hinihimasnglalakeangbalikatniPepay, hindiniyaitonagustuhan kaya winasiwasnalamangniyaangkamaynito, nagpaumanhin, at dumiretsosakanyangsilid.

                Di nagtagal ay umakyatangkanyangamasakanyangsilid, tumitigitokayPepay, nakasalukuyan ay natutulog, naparangisangleongnagmamasidsakanyanglalapainghayop. Humigasiyasatabinito, at pinagsamantalahansiya, sinubukanniyanglumaban, perosabigat at lakasni Fernando, ay di niyanagawanglumaban.Umakyatangkanyanginasasilid at hindimakapaniwalasanangyari, nakitaniyangnakahandusayangkanyanganaksakama, tilananghihina, sinuntokniyasi Fernando ngunitwalaitongepekto, kinuhanalamangni Fernando angkanyangbaril at pinaputukansiDonya Silvestre. Salakasngputok ay narinigitongmgakapitbahay, at sapagkatarantaniya, ay umalisagaditongbahay at iniwansi Silvestre at Pepay.

                Dalawangtaonmakalipasangpangyayari, siPepay ay lubogsahirap, sapagpanawngkanyangina, at pagalisngkanyangama, ay walanasiyangmakuhanan pa ngsapatnasalapipara pang tustossa pang arawarawna Gawain.  NabubuhaynalamangsiPepaysamgabaryabaryangnakukuhasapagsasayawsamgakanto.IsangarawnangmapanoodsiyangKapitanheneral, ay namanghaitosakanyanghusay, talento, at ganda; kaya’tidinalaniyasiPepaysaisangdulaan, at pinakilalasiyasa may aringdulaannaiyon.

                “Gaanokanakatagalsumasayaw?”,tahasnatinanongngnagmamayarisadulaan

                “Simula pa ponoongbata pa poako…”

                “NasaanangiyongAma at Ina?Ipagpapaalamsanakitanamagtanghalritosaamingentablado, magagamit naming anghusaymosapagsasayaw.”

                “Angaking Ina ay umalispongbansapapuntangEspanya, at angakingAma ay pumanawnabago pa poakomasilang.” MaalanganingpagsagotniPepay. “Nasatamanggulangnanamanpoako at kaya kona pong gumawangmgadesisyonsasariliko.”

                Pinasimulanang may aringdulaansiPepaysapagtanghalsaentablado, sapatangsalapingibinibigaysakanyaparamakapagaralsiya, at simula noon ay ninaisnaniPepaymagtamong mas magandang buhay.

Reply to "To Josephine"

By John Kevin Cuisia

I

Marami ang nagsasabi na masarap magmahal

Magkaroon ng kasintahang, bigay ng maykapal

Dito’y matatagpuan ang tunay na kaligayahan

Sa piling ngi yong makakatuluyan

II

Pero di lahat ng daan ay matuwid at makinis

May mga lubaklubak, may palihislihis

Makakasagupa ka ng iba’t-ibang problema

Mga sakit namin san mo lang makikita

III

Huwag kang matakot magmahal, kaibigan

Ano b ayung masaktan kang paminsanminsan

Kung balang araw matatagpuan mo naman

Ang magpapakilig ng iyong laman

IV

Masarap magmahal, pero gawin itong tama

Di lahat ng bagay ay iyong alintana

Mabagal humakbang, siguraduhin ang daan

Siguraduhing mong walang  \masasagasaan

V

Kelanma’y di ka makakasigurado,

Kung ang katipan mo ay siyang para sayo,

Mahalin mo padin ng buong puso

Sadaigdig ay wag kang  makikiuso

VI

Ang payo ko sayo o aking kaibigan,

Ilang beses ka mang masaktan sa pakikipagtipan

Wag na wag kang matatakot na magmahal muli

At wag na wag kang magmamadali.