An essay of appreciation for writing

                                                                             by K. Yeen                                                                        December 01, 2020

When I was young, I didn’t appreciate the beauty of writing that much. It was until I reached Grade 7 or the start of my high school life, the time where you are confused about everything and exploring different things. I admit that I don’t have that voice of an angel, but I’m not that bad either at singing nonetheless I love writing and making songs.

I don’t want to express my emotions and feelings every time with my family and friends so I just write what I feel through songs. I also write songs related to the life events of my friends like their heart breaks. Writing song lyrics became my way to escape my challenges and dilemmas in life momentarily. I also write song lyrics about my hopeless romantic self. I also write songs about how lonely I am deep inside despite having a family and friends.

One time I was in the high school library in APS when I was Grade 9, I was able to read a Geronimo Stilton book, then I realized that fantasy books are really amusing. Then I had this thought, maybe someday I could create my own fantasy book or short story too.

But I know for myself that I’m not that great writer, so I set aside this dream and focus on other things. I felt insecure sometimes with my friends who are great at writing and can show it to other people. While me, I’m not that good at writing despite having a vivid imagination. But, after that I realized that I shouldn’t feel envious because we have different talents and potentials.

To be honest, I was able to appreciate myself a bit more in writing stories because of my teacher in Creative Writing in Grade 12. Although, my stories are not that impressive my teacher still appreciates it and it’s my first time to be felt appreciated by an English teacher. I somehow dream to become a fantasy genre author. That’s why I’m really happy that my teacher was able to at least appreciate my short story.

Right now, I don’t write stories that much anymore, but I focused more on writing song lyrics. Maybe someday I will try to write stories again, but for now I’m more enjoying writing and making songs.

The beauty of writing is really marvelous for me because by writing your thoughts and ideas on a piece of paper you can make a masterpiece that will be in the heart of the people.  Writing became part of my daily life and admit because of it, I was able to say the words that were left unsaid. I can say that I had a form of attachment to it because of the way it helps me to cope up with my stress and anxiety.

I know for most of the students, writing can be annoying but for me it is one the best thing that human beings can do.

Although, I will not pursue a job that’s related to writing or being a writer/author, writing is still one of my favorite things to do and will be part of my life eternally.

I know this essay sounds cheesy, but that’s how I really appreciate the art of writing. It had a big impact when it comes to myself and to my academic life also. Writing is not a human being, but the way it helps me is what makes it so special in my life.

                                                                  écrire

                                                                 by: A. Mayrina

Since when I was a kid, I am very passionate of art. I get inspired by painters and writers. At an early age I already knew that I would also have the passion for writing. I love reading books and imagining the magical things it told me. I was 9 years old when I got engaged in writing. I started making my own poems about the nature. 

As a kid, I was so concerned on how people treated our nature. I wrote about the importance of nature and the people who didn’t even care. I grew older, I was 11 years old, I struggled appreciating my poems. I always had the urge to delete or throw my works. I thought that it was all trash. As an artist, I always compared my paintings to other artists’ masterpieces. I would break down and lose motivation if I did not get the outcome I wanted to have. It took years for me to overcome that frustration. 

Then I became a teenager, 13 years of age, a lot was going on. Problems and struggles started coming at me. I got bullied for being thin, having thick lips, and having the love for anime. Struggling with my insecurities, I continued to make poems about what I feel. It helped me become a better person. 

As I became a little older, I had a hard time in finding the right words for my poems. I have had this thought that the words mostly the same. I was 15 when I learned a lot of new words which gave me a wide range of vocabulary. I changed my phone and got really sad because all of my works got deleted. It was a year of me not knowing what I should feel that I am now transferring to a new school. It is also when my first lover left me. 

For me it was the end of the world but after a week I became really good in handling my emotions. It was when I had so much on my mind that I had to put it in a piece of paper just to cope with what I feel. Writing served as my coping mechanism. It made my  messy mind think upright. I wrote about a poem that told what I feel about going different ways with my friends, the choices I made, and the struggles of feeling what I felt back then. I have come to the realization that as a grew older the things that was easy for me when I was a kid became a lot harder. 

Things were never easy especially when people judge you for who you are. Words I never thought I knew came rushing in brain as I write my poems. Time passed by so fast I finally turned 16. It was my first time transferring on the University. I had so much of a culture shock because there were a lot of people and I used to study in a private school where there are just a few people. I did not struggle in making friends because the people I meet are so friendly. 

As a humanities student, I really got engaged in writing when I turned grade 11. We had subjects that made us write essays, poems, and researches a lot. It actually white my knowledge in a lot of things as a student. This year of 2020 there was an announced virus that was very dangerous. We had to stay home for a really long time.  Me and my friends were not  able to see each other for nine months. It was May when I turned 17. Due to the isolation that happened, my anxiety we came worse and also I over think a lot. I tried coping up with these by writing poems where I reflect in my life, drawing, watching my favorite anime, and eating. 

This year really had me struggling of my mental health. I also ended up always having sleep paralysis that’s why there came a time where I fear sleeping. There was this moment where I became really sleep deprived and I started feeling dizzy whenever I stand up. I eventually overcame this when I kept myself busy. 

The years in my life was a ride of ups-and-downs. I can see that writing is not just a hobby or something I really love doing, it’s served as a coping mechanism and how I handled the struggles in my life in a lot of ways. I can say that writing is really important specially when you cannot get the thoughts that made you over think a lot out of your head.

                                                                    Post Meridiem  

                                                                            One Act Play 

                                                                            by: D. Dungca 

CHARACTERS Nathan Samantha Dale 

TIME Present 

PLACE Angeles City, Pampanga

Scene 5 Evening, 7:30 p.m. There was no one in the park. NATHAN looks troubled whether he is crazy or not. Flashbacks reveal that he just hallucinated about SAMANTHA. DALE narrates his actions all throughout the scene. 

DALE  He saw her at the rooftop. She shut the door in front of him. The rain poured but he stayed there. Laughing to himself. Embracing his jacket. Conversing as if someone was there. Then he slips. He was brought to the clinic. He asked where was Samantha. The girl who was with him. They could not answer. He ran to the park. The park was empty as his heart. People were pointing at him from the streets like a madman. Poor man. He sent Samantha several texts. She won’t reply especially if she’s your ex! 

NATHAN (Looks at SAMANTHA. Still looking distantly as SAMANTHA leaves. Laughing. Holds his jacket tight. Pretend to talk. Slips. Walks around as EXTRAS point at him.) (Then NATHAN says) Who are you? 

DALE The voice in your head. (Stage light fades from Dale and the background leaving light only to Nathan) 

Nathan  I saw her from the rooftop that day. She left with another guy. Forgive me for what I am about to do. 

 (Light completely BLACKS OUT) 

 --E N D--  

                             HEART OF A SAINT, LIFE OF A SINNER

                                                                A One-Act Play

                                                                           By

                                                                    R. Esguerra  CHARACTERS

Celestine – 20-year-old Medical student.

Azrael – 21-year old Engineering student.

TIME

The time is present.

PLACE

A school in Manila, Philippines.

 Scene 3

Cafeteria. CELESTINE sits in an empty table, waiting for AZRAEL. Couple of minutes pass, AZRAEL suddenly appears on her side. CELESTINE jumped in excitement. AZRAEL go to the counter to order for their food. 

(AZRAEL arrives with their foods.)

CELESTINE

How is your day? Let me guess! (Giggle) You passed the exam?

AZRAEL

Yeah, you got it right. (Smiles)

CELESTINE

(Clapping her hands.)

I knew it! I told you that you can do it! (Smiles) You never failed me, I’m so proud of you. (Hugs AZRAEL) Let’s celebrate!

AZRAEL

(Laughs)

Let’s celebrate later, finish your food first.

(CELESTINE nod and eat her food.)

AZRAEL

What about you? Care to share what happened to your day?

 CELESTINE

(Grabs a tissue and wipes her mouth.)

It’s fine, nothing much happened. We just examined the

frog’s body, good thing I didn’t throw up. Unlike my other

block mates.

AZRAEL

(Laughs and shake his head.)

That’s good. Keep doing it until you’re used to it. I hope you will not get sick when you start examining the human body. 

CELESTINE

Hopefully, but I’m starting to watch some clips on YouTube and so far, I don’t feel sick of watching it.

AZRAEL

But I’m still confused. This might be personal; I hope you

will allow me to ask. (Stares at CELESTINE eyes.)

CELESTINE

Sure, as long as it is not against my moral principles,

feel free to ask anything you want. (Laughs) 

AZRAEL

Do you still remember when we first met? When the ball was

kicked to where were you sitting? You were reading

something that day, right? And if I am not mistaken, I saw

a painting lying next to you. That was the painting who won

in the exhibit, right? Did you do that?

(The smile on CELESTINE’s lips slowly fade.)

AZRAEL

Did I ask too much? (Worried) I’m sorry, you don’t have to

answer it. I just want to know if you made that painting.

CELESTINE

(Blushes, shake her head.)

No! (Ashamed) I am just surprised because I thought you

already forgot how we first met and to answer your

question. Yes, I made that painting.

AZRAEL

(Sigh)

I thought you don’t want to talk about it because I can no

longer see your painting displayed in the school museum and

I also want to know why you chose med course instead of arts.

CELESTINE

(Nod)

About that, someone bought it but I don't know who it is,

they just said that the person who bought it is too private

and about my course, my dad chose it for me.

AZRAEL

(Sips on his drink.)

That answers why, but are you still on painting? (Confused)

In the past years we have been together, I never saw you

paint again.

CELESTINE

(Sigh heavily)

I already gave up on painting a long time ago. (Smiles) My dad doesn’t want me to paint because it reminds him of my mom.

AZRAEL

If you don’t mind, can I ask what happened to your mom? I

know this is getting personal but I just want to know more

about you.

CELESTINE

(Her fist clench under the table.)

My mom was about to go to a party but an ambush happened. The mastermind thought that my dad was in the car where my mom is. It was my dad who were supposed to die that day but it turns out my mom. My innocent mom.

(CELESTINE’s mood change, rage can see in her eyes.)

AZRAEL

(His hands start to tremble.)

Can I know when it happened? (Stuttering) And where it happened.

CELESTINE

The day after we met. August 7, 20xx, at España Boulevard.

(AZRAEL could not speak in shock.)

CELESTINE

(She waves her hand in front of AZRAEL who are still in shock.)

Are you okay? (Worried) Did I say something’s bad?

AZRAEL

(Sigh heavily)

I’m okay, I just remember something. (Trembling) I just

remember that my father did something terrible that day.

(He whispers)

CELESTINE

(Her eyebrows met in confuse.)

What? I can’t hear you.

 (CELESTINE’s phone suddenly rings, her father is calling.

She excused herself and answer her dad.)

 CELESTINE

Hello? (Greetings)

 DAD

(On phone)

Stay away from that bastard!

BLACKOUT

                                                            Unbreakable

                                                                   by: P. Pineda

It was a Sunday rainy evening when Sister Elizabeth, found a baby in front of the church. And that’s me! Ava. I am always thankful for Sister Elizabeth for keeping me and taking care of me. Because of her, I had friends here in the orphan like Athena. She is my best friend or more like my sister. We are always together and some even say that we are inseparable, which is true because Athena is such a loner but she is very kind and caring. I am now 12 years old turning 13 this year on the month of March. While Athena on the other hand, is turning 12 on July. When I first met Athena, I had this feeling that we will not get along. She had this aura of hers that makes you want to just stay away if you don’t want to be in trouble. And I noticed that she doesn’t talk to everyone. She is always in the corner looking at us playing, eating, and talking.

As time passes I became interested in her so I asked my friends why she is not playing with them.

“Hey, who is that girl in the corner? Why is she not joining us?” I asked. “You mean Athena?” Nicolai responded.

“Don’t talk to her Ava.” said Rem. “Yeah she talks to cats”. Luna added.

They all started laughing. Because of that I wanted to get to know her more. I wanted to be friends with her. So every day, I would always follow her everywhere she go and invited her to join us when we play and whenever we eat. I would always talk to her even if she was not responding. For the times where I would always watch her, I noticed that it is true she talks to cats. Every Christmas Eve, we always exchanged gifts as part of celebration together with the sisters. I wanted to make Athena happy by giving her a gift. But the problem is that I didn’t know Athena, her likes, interest and hobbies are a complete question mark to me. But I realized that the only thing that she talked to were cats. So I thought of giving her a cat stuff toy for Christmas. I was so nervous to see her open the gift. But that feeling was immediately replaced with happiness and satisfaction when I saw her smile for the first time she got into the orphan. She was so happy she came to me without hesitation and thanked me. She’s not weird, she just love cats! That was the day where we became friends up until now. Everything changed ever since that night. She is now joining us eating and playing but she is still shy and still doesn’t talk much. That’s how we became friends. At the day of my birthday, Sister Elizabeth prepared a

party and we had so much fun. It was all going well when the sisters began panicking and kept everyone inside the church. We were so scared because that was the first time in our lives where we saw them scared, unable to know what to do and they kept on praying.

“What’s wrong Sister Elizabeth?” we asked.

“We heard that there has been an unknown virus outbreak that’s killing a lot of people. The government doesn’t know the cause of this but they do know is that it is not safe to go outside so we must stay inside until there is an answer to this outbreak”. Sister replied.

It had been only few weeks when we stopped playing outside but I already miss it. I miss playing in the swing together with my friends. I miss running in the green grass and playing with the mud. It was a bright morning when we had visitors covered in a white thick plastic-like clothes. It’s funny because they looked like astronauts. We saw them talk with the sisters and I spied on them. I saw the Sisters face went cold. The sister told us that they are scientist and they need our help in order for us to be able to play outside again. My friends were so happy because they think that they would be like superhero that saves everyone from the virus. But for me, I know there is something wrong. I had this feeling that we were in trouble. So they took us. And when we got there, the place looked so dull it’s scary. The scientist put some collars in our neck that has numbers on it. They fed us delicious foods that we have never tasted in the orphan and we had some good sleep. Little do we know that is the start of our suffering. The collars were actually powered with electricity. So every time they want us to wake up, if we every oppose them or fight them, the collar will get activated. We actually became a test subjects for the possible cure that they created for the virus. Day by day, we lost someone. Athena was furious because of the sufferings that she experienced and was traumatized because of the experiments and she wanted to get revenge. Every day, I would always cheer up Athena for her to be strong and fight this battle with me. I don’t want to lose her so I will do everything to protect her. Many years passed, they finally had the cure for the virus. The collars were finally removed and we were set free by the scientists. As a reward, they gave us privilege to get anything we want in the whole world. I got a big mansion for me and Athena filled with cats because I knew that she loved them. But Athena is not the same anymore. She became extremely quiet and she’s like dead inside but I know for myself that she loves me and I love her. Life became easier because of the privilege but she’s not the same as before. We have a mansion but it’s like no one was ever home. Athena is

always locked at her room and barely talks to me. Until one day, I found out that I could move things at my will. It sounded strange but I talked to Athena about this. And she said the same, however her power is different. I could move things and Athena could control actions and minds of a living thing. We talked to our friends who survived the experiment and they also had powers. So we have concluded that this is because of the experiments that were performed in our body. I noticed that Athena is now always outside and barely even go home. I just let her do her thing because I thought that she was just exploring new things. But as soon as I saw the news where the scientist who tortured us started killing each other, I knew that was Athena’s doing. I remembered the days where she always told me that she would get revenge for making us suffer. I started to look for her but she was nowhere to be found. But as soon as I remembered that she was mad at everyone, I remembered Sister Elizabeth. I know that she would come to the orphan so I immediately went there and stayed. And I was right. I didn’t want to fight Athena because she is like a sister to me. But Athena is filled with so much anger. I had no other choices so we fought. But Athena is so much powerful than me. I got defeated. I was about to lose it when she started crying. I know how much she was hurt and how she suffered. I moved closer to her and I hugged her so tight to make her feel that I am here and that I love her so much. We may not have a family but we have each other. When Athena calmed down, she told everyone that she was sorry. We agreed to hide our powers so that we will be safe from everyone and to not use our powers.

“I know it’s hard to overcome and to move on from what we went through, but I am here Athena, you have me.” I said.

“I know Ava, I’m sorry, I didn’t want this to happen at all. I just don’t want them to hurt us again.” Athena talked back.

“I know, they won’t be. I will not let that happen to you anymore” I responded.

I know what we went through is too much but I believe that time heals. We will soon be genuinely happy again. And when that time comes, I want it to be with Athena.

                                                                CENTERED

                                                                   by: L. Carreon

“Faith over fear that’s what gets us through” that is the exact words that Cavel and Quinly holding into, until they separate path. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.

 "I saw a girl with an angelic face and an angelic character as an angel by the way she is Quinly Everdeen". Cavel said with a sincere and loving voice of him. "You have been my light in my darkest, you are my sunshine".

 Seeing Cavel and Quinly fell in love with each other by the grace of Almighty God is so precious. Their relationship becomes the way for them to hold on and have faith in God. One day as they have mass at Taal Basilica in the City of Batangas while Gospel has ongoing Quinly realized something. She realizes that many people are staring at her at the Altar and they gossip all the way as the mass remains.

 People always watch me I feel shy all the time. My heart and my mind are full of insecurity because they are telling me something that is not true about me. I look down and pray to our Almighty God “Kings above all Kings guide me as I continue my journey here on earth, fulfill your purpose on me, God”.

 As the mass ended, she held up saying goodbye as she’s going into her own house. As she’s walking ahead to her home, she noticed someone following her all the way when she got home but she refuses to look back and see that person.

 On the other hand, I must follow her for her to be safe when she arrived in her home, I barely notice in the mass that some people are about to do something bad to her and I do not want anything bad that might happen to her because she is my safe sky, seeing her in peace.

 Day by day Quinly has questioned herself on how to be able to handle those unnecessary issues that are popping up every single day. Until one day she decided to take a break and get out from who is she right now. She decided to quit being one of the Church members in Taal Basilica in Batangas city.  But it doesn’t mean that he will not praise and glorify our God.

 One night Cavel finally said he’s feeling to Quinly but sadly at that moment Quinly is not in the mood to talk about things like that because she is being frustrated by the thing and issues that are happening to her. As the nights go deeper and deeper Quinly realizes all the sacrifices of Cavel for her.

 As Quinly passing through the church she did not notice that there is a super-fast car that is coming through her way. But Cavel is always watching Quinly nearly, and Cavel notices that car and then he grabs the waist of Quinly immediately for her to not be able to go through a car accident. Unfortunately, Quinly pushes away Cavel for doing that and the Cavel says sorry to Quinly at that moment. He never told the whole behind story of what is going to happen to Quinly.

 I will cherish Cavel for not giving up on me. He is a blessed gift from above that I never want to lose.

 A few months ago…..

  Finally, Quinly and Cavel are together now. Both of them are an item now, all the sacrifices, all of the hard works have been paid off.  They both cherish every moment and spend it very well. They center God in their relationship as they continue their journey as one.

I know God has a plan, I pray for direction to follow it, patience to wait on it, and knowledge to know when it comes. Be careful about rushing God’s timing you never know who or what he is protecting you or saving you from…

                                                 Stained fist and bullets

                                                                  by: R. Mendez

It was December 18, 1986, the season of winter in the city of Cardiff. People are preparing for Christmas, buying fresh pine trees, gifts for every member of the family, and groceries. The Miracle family was well-known in Cardiff as a generous family as the father is a mayor in the city. Mr. Axon Pier Miracle and Mrs. Clemmilaide Miracle had three offspring: Margarette, Bonnie, and a three-year-old girl named Solana. They were the typical wealthy family and involved in a political party. The next day, Mr. Miracle was about to go to the golf course to drive himself alone without any bodyguards when he decided to buy some liquor. He accidentally bumped into this lady. Mr. Miracle picked the lady's stuff and when he was about to apologize, he got starstruck by this lady's glamorous beauty. Since that day, the two married people began to meet often, secretly. Christmas and New Year have passed, the family of Mr. Axon doesn't have an idea why the padre was always coming home late.

A month later. "Where is he, mom??!" Margarette exclaimed. "Calm down, sweetie. I'm sure he's just busy doing stuff related to his work." Mrs. Miracle tries to calm her daughter down.

Flashback: "Hey honey, I'll be gone for two days. I have to take over the business of Gov. Scott. He had a cardiac arrest yesterday." Mr. Miracle smiled. "Oh, my good Lord! Is he now okay, hon? I want to come with you." Mrs. Miracle sounded so worried. Mr. Miracle gulped as he heard what his wife requested. "Honey, don't make yourself worried. He's getting better. And besides whom will look over our mansion? You monitor the berries you just planted, right?"

"Tsch. Fishy." Margarette murmured. Flashback ends.

"Mom? Dad's gone for three days now, and what kind of stuff makes him busy to forget my 18th birthday??! Party will start in an hour by now, but he's not here. I should call his assistant." Margarette starts to hysterical. "Leave this to me, honey. Don't stress, calm down. Everythings will be at the right place" Mrs. Miracle kissed her daughter tries to appease her. But after an hour, no Mr. Miracle has shown. "Bonnie, where's dad?!!" Margarette whispered. "Perhaps he's in my pocket? Of course, I don't know Marette." Bonnie sarcastic response. "You know what? Something's off! He's not like that, Bonnie. A month ago, he distanced himself from us, always going out, coming home late than usual. What is happening to Dad?" Margarette starts to cry. "Shh. Just enjoy your night.". But little did they know, Mrs. Miracle came out of their house as he waits for his husband. And everything changed when a hitman pulled the trigger while the gun is pointed at Mrs. Miracle! Everyone panicked. Margarette and Bonnie came out to see what happened. Their whole world collapsed as they are staring at their mother slowly dying. "Mom! Mom! Mom!!!!! Hold on! Who did this to you??!! Tell me. " Mrs. Miracle slowly closes her eyes. And from that day, Margarette screams for blood and bullets.

Six months later... "Any news?? Any good news, lovely brother??!" Margarette sat down, panting, tired from the martial arts session. "Yes, but minimal. I got this information from the city's eyes. They said that they always see Dad at the train station. He travels from here to London," Bonnie explained. Margarette can't believe what she just heard. "What?! London? What business does he need to be accomplished? Oh God, he left us for six months, and he's just wandering in London?? I don't know what to say to the people. They think that this is our father's fault. Our father is the mayor of this city Bonnie! His face spread to newspaper publication and posters." she jeered. It was another usual day, but a man's silhouette appeared in Solana's door. Little did the man know that Margarette is also in the room and awake! Margarette knew that this day would come for the man behind this will go after the youngest of the Miracle family. She smirked as she realized that the man at the door is the key to the mystery. Margarette pulled the string of the bell that was inside Bonnie's room and sent a signal to him whenever there is an intruder to the house. In a split of seconds, Bonnie appeared and smacked the back of the man's head. Margarette hurriedly switched the light on and kicked the man's stomach! Bonnie watched her sister as she never stops until the man's spitting blood. Margarette pulled the man's hair "Who are you?!! What do you want from my family?!! Instead of getting a response, the man smirked. Margarette is boiling in anger. She went to the cabinet where her gun is at. No doubt, she shot the man's foot. She was unstoppable. She shot the man's chest! The man is crying in pain. He suddenly changed his mind to shut his mouth. He thought of his family. He shared what he knew and tell them where to find this unknown enemy of the Miracle family. A week later, they planned to go to London where the location the hitman gave. "Hey, sweetie, listen to my instructions. Do you understand? Don't be too hard on our nannies! Always lock your room. We will be back as soon as possible. Love you, baby," Margarette said to Solana. "Are you ready?" Bonnie nodded. They didn't waste time. They flew to London as soon as they can. They started what they need to accomplished, as planned. "A pleasant evening señior, Merra." Bonnie greeted El Jefe Malvado Merra, the mastermind behind the disappearance of their father and death of their beloved mother. "Sit down, general Smith. So what do we need to discuss? What can you offer me? Make sure it is worth the time. You know, my time is precious than your life, general. " El Jefe said to the disguised General of Cardiff. Bonnie gave their enemy a full of confidence smile. "I know what is the price if I left you here disappointed, señior Merra. I know what you want. And that makes me happy to serve you, señior. " The señior's face tells how interested he is when he heard what Bonnie said. "Tell me, General. What is that thing that made you traveled here? I'm all ears. Tell me. " Bonnie looked down and looked Margarette at the side of his eyes who is hiding and watching them. "I know that you're behind the death of Mrs. Miracle and the disappearance of my brother. " Bonnie explained. The mastermind was shocked but later change his expression to a mocking face. "So you're here for revenge? Hahahahahahaha! So brave of you, General Smith. You made yourself the rat, and my guards are the cat that will kill you." But the mocking face of the mastermind changed when he saw how insulting Bonnie's smirking face. "As what I've said, I'm happy to serve you, señior Merra." he said. "What do you mean? " señior, wondering. "I'm the happiest in our family on what happened to Clemmilaide. She was my ex-girlfriend, for I am about to propose to her not until my beloved brother snatched her from me. He is always the favorite child of my parents. He stole everything from me! Career, family, and the love of my life! Now, I want to get your trust by giving you their firstborn." The smile in the face of El Jefe dazzle when he heard what the pretentious General said. "Is that so? Mr. Mayor is truly insidious, isn't he? He also charmed my wife. They're deceiving me for months hahaha! Well, I admire him because of his bravery, in my territory! Hahaha, he doesn't have an idea my bullets and cage is waiting for his presence." he said, laughing. "So I guess it's a deal, señior Merra" the mafia boss nodded and stretched his hand towards Bonnie. "You have my word, señior. " Bonnie, as he accepts the hand of El Jefe. Later that day, victory can be seen on Margarette and Bonnie's face. "That old man! I will kill him! I will kill him! Why didn't you kill him on that spot, Bonnie?! He already confessed! He did this! He killed our mother! " Bonnie sighed. "You see? That's the reason why I don't want you to do what I did. You're putting your life in danger, Marette. Don't let anger precede you. We will follow what we planned. Get rest. I will bring you to him. You already know what to do, do whatever you want to him. Make sure you're ready. Take it slow, don't rush. Search for his weakness." Margarette was panting, can't contain the anger she's feeling. The next day, the sibling's most awaited day has come. Margarette was applying what it is needed to look like she undergoes violence. Bonnie, on the other hand, put his fake mustache still part of the disguise. "Are you ready?" Margarette asks his brother. "You mean, you? Are you ready? I'm expecting you to know where we headed. Contain your anger Marette if you want one outcome." he moralized his sister. "Okay, firstborn." He tied Margarette's hands and feet, and they headed to Merra's cave. Bonnie knocked, and a big built man who is one of Merra's appeared as the door opens. "Appointment? " the huge man asked Bonnie. "A gift for your master." Bonnie deepen his voice. The huge man stares at Margarette and lets Bonnie enter the cave. "You're fast, general. We just talked yesterday, and now you're in front of me, presenting me with what you had promised. Bravo! I like your sense of vengeance hahaha! So what do we have here?" The mafia boss looks at Margarette head to toe. "So you're the firstborn of Mayor Axon? A nice sculpture you are, dear. You are a nice payment for all the damage your father has caused" the old man is drooling as he looks at Margarette's chest. Inside, Margarette is in rage, she bowed her head to hide her emotions, but she failed. She looks straight into the eyes of El Jefe. "Oh, spicy. I'm starting to like your fiery eyes. You seem like a girl who doesn't know how to protect herself. You're weak, and you'll get weaker when my hands are on your breast. Young girls do excite me, especially when she is an offspring of my adversary." he said sounded like a psycho playing his dirty thoughts in his mind. "General, untie her. Bring your loving niece to me. It has been a while since my wife started to distance herself from me. And your father is the reason! To be fair, his daughter will replace my wife. Hahahaha! What a world." Bonnie did what El Jefe commanded. He unties her sister and pushed her to El Jefe. Margarette and Bonnie were ready. Bonnie left the room and started to move quickly. He kills ElJefe's servant one by one with no trace of difficulty in his face. On the other hand, El Jefe started to rip Margarette's clothes, he was about to touch her, but an explosion stopped El Jefe to do, what he was supposed to do. "What is that?!" the old man shouted. That was the timing Margarette awaits. As soon El Jefe turned his head to her, she quickly kicked his face. She punched every vital part of El Jefe's body. The old-man is now powerless, and when he was about to get his gun near him, Margarette pulled her gun and shot El Jefe's hand. She was not contented. She shot both of his feet. Next, she shot his chest. She shows no mercy and fearless! El Jefe is helpless. He doesn't have the words to say. He seeks air. "You bastard! You killed my mother! You killed an innocent mother! She doesn't deserve what you did to her! It is not her fault. It was my father! How could you sleep at night knowing you, kill a loving mother?" Margarette was at her climax. She let her feelings out. But in a second, El Jefe quickly got his gun and shot Margarette in the chest! She was shocked and can't respond to what happened to her. She felt that hot-liquid flowing inside her. Bonnie appeared and hurriedly support Margarette. "Y-You fooled m-me, general." El Jefe muttered. "Because you're a fool, Merra." Bonnie answered the dying mafia boss. When Bonnie was about to give his coat to Margarette, she gets, the knife in the pocket of his brother when he saw that the mafia boss was about to shoot Bonnie's head. "This is our vengeance! " She ran towards the boss and stabbed his neck. Margarette was panting, enduring the pain. But none of the pain stops her from feeling the victory they longed for. "I know we won't meet in the afterlife because of what I did. But I'm happy that I can sleep peacefully now. This is for you, mom."

                                                                   The Future

                                                                       by: A. Poblacio

As clear as how you see a crystal, Or maybe as blur as a mirror You go and pull the trigger of your pistol that is tightly held in your hand aim and shoot, will it get nearer?

As inevitable as it seems, endless questions in my head, help me is it not my doubts? Jotting my down my journey, a dot is the only thing I can place. We will never know what lies ahead over different unsaid horizons

Its either we become a rock or a winner of the unsaid Come into my life, let’s go and play in this play yard without sand a perfect vision, don’t you think a prey would go and risk? With an eye of a vulture how could it still go the other way?

A track of different trails, bothered whether I should follow, or should I be frail? Gushing of the river in melody of the woods Please flow with me even through falling floods, hold my hand and venture with a whole heart.

                                                            Now You Tell

                                                                   by: A. Poblacio

Would you even bother to watch the stars, when the night is as bright as the day? Into the windows of your soul of scars A sad letter to the moon, I lay

A nameless bird hollers into the woods As I reminisce your voice, I shattered How could I ever handle someone that bleeds? waves crashing into the shore, I staggered

Tried to mask who I was because I feared as the world stripped me from all that I am Could not come to you, doubtful as I steered Tried to figure the puzzle in the dam

I go on living just enough, I fell I wonder where you were, go on and tell.

                                                               MIRROR 

                                                                 by: E. Rico

I look at the mirror and see my self-smiling as sweet like as a cotton candy  Dear future me I hope you love your self and always choose what makes you happy  I hope I see you shining like a diamond and to be successful to the things that you want  There is darkness but the glow of the moon will guide you to bright 

I glanced to the mirror I saw fear to your face but you keep your head up  You showed me that I had reasons to love myself I’m learning to love myself I was in pain like hell, screaming to the top of the world and drowning to the artic ocean of my own thoughts but now I found the way to love myself 

We should go on to the flow of the sea and we may sink to our tears  But always remember just dance with the rhythm of the waves I’m learning how to love myself That’s sweet happiness is for me and you’ve shown me I have reasons to love myself                                                          

                                                                  WIND

                                                                  by: E.Rico

Would you like to listen to my story? So that you will see who I am before I was fragile and I had anxiety I’m in pain but no one cares about me They don’t know what I feel or how it hurts They surrounded me with darkness and pain I wake up at night with a shattered dreams I don’t wanna die but so much cryin’ 

I take things so hard and I fall apart Keeping my self insane but I’m drowning  Million things to think that fall me apart The demons keep bothering and destroying, 

The cold wind whoosh to my soul and face One day I will feel love and warm embrace.