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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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Short Stories

"WONDER GIRLS"

By: Lovely T. Duroca

June 12, 2021

It was 3 years ago. I still remember how it felt like going to college for the first time, I was nervous, my heart was beating so fast and it felt like my stomach would turn upside down, anytime soon because anxiety and excitement was building up deep inside me. College is a strange thing for me, it seems like it's a place where everyone battles for their dreams, and according to my some posts that i've read in social media, it's a place where you will get lots of sleepless nights, breakdowns and that surely, you will experience crying yourself out because of school works and tasks, with that, I became scared and I asked myself, will I be able to survive college? Will I be able to get through it alive and still sane? But still, with a nervous smile and a pale face, I walked into my university thinking of my mom and my grandparent's happy and smiling faces. I told myself that I will overcome this, and I will survive and will fight for my dreams because I have those supportive people right behind my back, my hardworking mom, my lolo who has been there with me since I was young, and my lola, a strong woman, who helped my mom raised me to become that lady that I am today, I will fight and get through college for them, that's what I told myself before entering the school's entrance.

But little did I know, the world I was stepping into by that time is so scary, it's unfamiliar, lots of unknown and new faces of students are surrounding me, it's suffocating and it feels like i'm running out of breath, i'm having a hard time breathing, but still, with my nervous and anxious eyes on the ground, I continued walking towards my college department, and I didn't notice that I was holding unto the strap of my bag tightly that it makes my knuckles turns white. I took a deep breath and forced myself to think of positive and happy thoughts, but deep inside, I know I was praying really hard, for that day to be over, I just wanted to go home, crawl into my small bed and hug my fluffy pillow, I just wanted to stay and bring myself back to my comfort zone. I really didn't like going out, surrounding myself with people, because I prefer to be alone and have my own peace of mind. I am an introvert who always chooses to lock myself up in my room, read books, watch my favorite tv series or just listen to music. I hate noise and I have my own world, but the fact that it isn't always like that, that I need to go out, socialize and meet other people because it is necessary, it's hard, but here I am, trying my best out and catching my breaths, forcing my heartbeat to be normal because I have goals, and dreams that I need to reach and fulfill.

Walking in the corridor and seeing that the rooms are becoming nearer each time I took a step forward, my heart started to beat even faster, and when I finally saw the classroom number that was assigned to my com, I was hesitant to go inside, I don't know anyone around and all I can see are unknown faces of students. I saw that there are already students inside, some are just sitting, busy scrolling with their phones, and others are talking to their friends, I inhaled deeply and with a sweaty palm, I step into that room, suddenly, I felt like it became quite, the noise that I heard earlier disappears and I can sense that they're looking at me and it makes me feel more nervous and scared. It seems like I was stepping into a territory that is very foreign and new to me. I continued walking and then I spotted an empty seat on the back, I immediately walked towards that seat and when finally, I was able to sit down, I somehow felt relaxed and a bit at ease. I took my earphones, plugged it in and listened to my favorite music since the professor hadn't arrived yet. I was singing along with the song inside my head when suddenly, I felt like someone poked my shoulder, I turned my head to see who it was and I saw a girl with a long black hair and an eyeglasses, she smiles at me and said,

"Is this seat taken?"

I smiled back awkwardly and replied,

"No, I'm just the only one sitting here."

"Great, then now, we can sit together with you." she exclaimed happily.

I don't know what she meant when she said the word "we" but when I heard that she called a group of three girls, that's when I realized that she's with her friends.

"Hey, girls, here. Let's sit here, together?"

She turned to me and I guessed that she's asking my name. So I said,

"Love, my name's love" while shrugging off the embarrassment that I felt because I really didn't like my name.

"Love, you got such a cute name, my name's Hale by the way, and these are my friends, Jas, Yel, and Miah." she said pointing to the girls behind her, I waved my hands to the girls and said,

"Hello, nice to meet you all."

They smiled at me in return and also said hi.

And those girls eventually became my first friends in college. And I was really relieved that I met them, happy at the same time because finally, I can now have friends that I can be with while we're all battling for our dreams. The professor came in minutes later and he just talked about some rules and regulations and we introduced ourselves one by one to the class. I really didn't like that part, I'm really shy and when it comes to speaking up in front, I'm afraid I might stutter and will just stood there frozen and unable to say anything, but my new friends told me that there is nothing to be afraid of, because we are all the same, we're all students and we're all humans, so when it is already my turn to speak, I held my head high, and I introduced myself to the class, I just imagined that it was just me and no one else in that room, and luckily, I was able to pull it off and I was so relieved after I finished speaking and was able to finally sit down again on my sit. The girls were smiling and said that,

"See, you can do that. You did great."

I smiled and thanked them in return.

Hours passed and it was already lunch time, we were talking and discussing where we should eat and what are we going to eat, then Jas, the girl with braces and shoulder level hair said,

"Let's just go to the cafeteria, there are many food kiosks there, we can choose and decide later."

We all agreed and we immediately went there. But unfortunately, there were no vacant table for us, all are occupied, so we decided to just wait for them to finish eating so we can eat after them, but just when we were about to turn back, someone approached us, I recognized her as one of our classmates as well, the girl with a chinky eyes and chubby cheeks, I just forgot her name when she introduced herself earlier, I'm not really good at remembering names.

"Classmates, you can sit with us, there are still vacant seats on our table."

Yel, the one with curly hair and voluptuous physique, replied,

"Really! Omg! thank you, I'm already hungry."

"Yeah, let's go, our table's over there."

We walked to where their table is and I saw that there are two girls sitting in there and there are also six, vacant seats so it'll surely be perfect for us.

The girls at the table waved their hands at us, one of them with blonde hair and eyeglasses and the other one with braces and pink cheeks.

"Hey, sit down now classmates," said the one with blonde hair.

"Thank you, luckily you guys found us." said Miah, the pretty girl with long straight hair and pale white skin, among us, she's the one who looks foreign, and I think she's half american.

We all sat down and started chattering.

"By the way, what's your name, guys?" I asked them.

"Sorry, I couldn't really remember when you introduced yourself earlier, I'm not good with names."

"Oh it's fine, I'm Sha, these two are my friends, Chaw and Cassie."

After that brief introduction, we decided to go buy our food so we can finally eat our lunch. We continued chatting while eating and my heart is just so happy being with those girls, they're fun to be with and they're full of interesting and funny stories, and little did I know that I was already becoming comfortable with their presence and i'm not my usual quiet and shy self anymore, I also talked with them and laugh with them.

After that 1 hour lunch, we decided to go back to our classroom and we also decided that the eight of us should sit together. We sat on the back and that spot has become our usual seat from then on. College has become easy and fun because of them. Having friends really helped me to survive the days, weeks and months of being a freshman student and as time passed, our friendship also became stronger. We are always together and one of our professor even named our group, WONDER GIRLS, because he noticed that we always hang around each other, that the eight of us wouldn't be complete without one another, we help each other with school works, and we always lift each other up and of course, the best thing is our after school hangouts where we always go to places and try different foods. Each one of us has different characteristics, but that didn't stop us to become friends, instead, it makes our friendship unique and more interesting, and now, we are already in our senior year in college, just two more semesters to go and college will be over, but the friendship that we built along the way, and the memories that we gathered since the first day of school during our freshmen years, will forever be treasured and buried deep inside our hearts. Wonder Girls will always be the best thing that has happened to me in my college years and I will forever be proud and thankful of my girls.

THE END

#short stories #thesoutherngems

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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Short Stories

“OFF THE BEATEN PATH”

By: Jasmin Joan L. De Guzman

June 12, 2021

It was still dawn in the morning when a cold breeze blew trees and leaves at the end of the street. Sitting in a convenience store, drinking her favorite caramel macchiato coffee while her eyes were away and looking like she was thinking deeply. Wearing her loose shirt and black leggings along with her black cap and running shoes. It was exactly 5 in the morning when she started to move and gather her things up, because she was ready to leave the chaotic place of the city and ready to conquer her dreams. Before she was just dreaming and hoping, not until she decided to have courage to do something she wanted to be. Looking back, she was just a mere teenager who had big dreams and who dreamed 2 years ago, but now she is ready to take a leap to make her dreams a reality, and to the adventure she’d been waiting for.

A beautiful morning when a bright sun welcomed her, from the sound of a chirping bird, breath of fresh air, and the big, tall trees. Everything is beyond her expectations; it was like she was in a place she couldn’t imagine anymore because it is stunning from her eyes. Every side she can see various flowers, plants, species, and immeasurable abundance from above. She was walking on the dried leaves looking on every side of the forest field when she witnessed the true beauty of its wildlife and ecosystem, the river, caves, and rock formations of the place. Everything was beautiful that brought smiles and excitement in her eyes. Upon walking she hummed songs that made her feel relaxed while she was holding a wooden stick to help her to maintain her balance from track.

The first part of trekking was easy and calming for her. She was enjoying the adventure and she feels like she could do it again. But the real adventure begins when she reaches the steeper uphill. The path is unbelievable for her; from smooth to rocky, muddy to slippery, and to a steeper uphill. She just started to walk slowly because she feared falling. It seems hard on her part because it was her first time, and her trekking experience became much harder in every step. She consciously remembers her past while struggling; back then, she was also struggling in life and that was the time that it was easy for her to decide and let go of the life that she has. She had no choice but to make herself stronger and braver. As someone said to her, a walk-in nature walks the soul back home and that made her back into her senses and started to move and walk again.

“Let’s go and chase the sun!”, she exclaimed to her friend.

“You are unbelievable Amara!” her friend said while laughing.

They both started walking on the trail and continued to discover the strange beauty of the forest going to Mt. Daraitan. They take pictures and videos of themselves under the scorching heat of the sun, as well as the nature and species that they encounter during their walk and trekking. She had memorable memories that time because she was able to do one of her goals in life. They started to walk again and that’s when they were welcomed by a steeper uphill. When she saw those, she was becoming impatient because her trekking experience consumed her determination, especially when it was hard for her to walk in a slippery and muddy path because she can’t control her body that much. She was just consciously having a hard time deciding if she will continue to go to see the top or should she stop and just go back. There were times that she got confused on which way to take as she was careful not to slip and fall. And same with her life before, she was very confused every time she faced problems. It was hard for her to make the right decision and choose the right direction for her life. But one thing made her realize that wherever life takes her, for as long as she will be happy sooner or later, she will just keep going. She moves forward and motivates herself that she can be at the top of the peak. She was just thinking about how much she wanted to do hiking as her dream of adventure. She was telling herself that all her struggles will be worth it once she’s in the peak to see the perfect scenery.

And after a couple of hours of walking, running, and climbing she finally saw the beauty of the Sierra Madre Range on the top of Mt. Daraitan peak. She was very teary-eyed because she was losing hope a while ago but because she chose not to stop, she just witnessed in her own eyes the beautiful landscapes of Tanay Rizal.

“I’m so happy!” she said wholeheartedly.

“I’m so happy for you too! Finally, you’re able to do the things you’ve wanted to do.” Her friend said while wiping the sweat on her face.

“What if I didn’t go? What if I chose to stop? What will happen if I let my fear take over myself?” she said while looking around the view.

“Hey, don’t be sad, those are what ifs. The important thing is you are here because you did not give up. It may be hard for you, but you overcome it because you are willing to do it, so Cheer up!” Her friend said and smiled lovingly at Amarah.

“Yeah, kind of unmotivated a while ago, but now I can say it’s really worth it. This is what I wanted to do, way back in my teenage years.” She said in a low voice while sniffing.

“It’s ok to be unmotivated but never lose hope. I’ll leave you for a moment, just take a rest, relax and enjoy the view.” Her friend said while she tapped the shoulders of Amarah.

When her friend left, she was enjoying the quiet time that she had while looking away at the best view that her eyes just witnessed. She reminisces about all her struggles just to be in the peak where she was right now and became teary eyed because finally, she just already did her first ever hiking experience. She remembers her past when she was just a teen. Before her problem was what will she eat, what will she wear for a party or meet up with friends, how she can have what she wanted, or how could she get the approval of her parents for sleepover, but now it is different from her life. When life takes turns, her life changes beyond her expectations and that time she understands how to be independent especially when she is starting to be in the stage of adulting and maturity. She had to stop studying in college when her father died. She chose to work because she had to support their everyday needs, especially that her mother was taking maintenance medicine.

She couldn’t imagine her life because it was too early, but she had no choice after all but to be strong and independent. She experienced everything, from getting valid ID’s to applying in different companies until she got hired and became a Customer Representative employee of a certain Company. That moment, she now understands how valuable time, money, and sleep are. She chose to eat at home rather than pigging and partying out, having a good sleep rather than going out, and by being practical through saving money rather than spending on things that are not part of her needs. All those things made her change her perspectives and priorities in life. She is now in the middle of giving up on her work but chose not to because she needed the job. She needs to save money for her mother’s needs and for her future, and looking now at the top of the peak, she could finally say that she is happy and that she could treat herself and do the things for herself. She takes pictures and videos of the scenery to save some memories for a day in her life that she was beyond happy and carefree.

After a while, they decided to go back. The adventure made her realize that there might be delays in her plans, but if it’s the right time, it will come in time. Before she experienced hiking, she was unmotivated, scared, hopeless, and unhappy. But after the adventure she realized a lot of things. Hiking is one of the best things that happens in her life. Back then she was looking at herself like she was nothing, nobody, and slow witted. She even wanted to quit because she was not happy with what she was doing. She wanted to go back to studying but she can’t because she has a family to support and feed. But after all, doing the things that she wants, hiking made her realize something important in her life, she became hopeful, and a renewed one. After her adventure in the beautiful place of Mt. Daraitan, she is now ready to face the reality again. She is now far different from her past self a while ago. She is now motivated, ready, happy, stronger, and grateful for all the things she’d experienced before because it made her stronger as a person. She is ready to make a big comeback and make a change in her life, because she just learned that the best view comes after the hardest climb, and by that hiking became her new favorite adventure in her life because it conquers not just the place but the soul within herself. Her journey and experiences made her believe that Mt. Daraitan is enough to remind her too tired mind and soul that she was worthy at all. She is now ready to move forward for the next chapter of her life, doing all the things she wanted to do for a very long time. Sooner she is not just in the peak anymore holding her camera nor in her work field looking at the screen, but hopefully when the time is right, she will be walking on the aisle, wearing her black toga while holding her college diploma.

THE END

#short stories #thesoutherngems

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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Short Stories

“THE MUSIC OF LIFE”

By: Helen M. Coloma

June 11, 2021

The sky is blue, the waves are splashing on the shore as calm as the sound of birds playing in the branches of a high tree which served as an umbrella to Yna against the straight sun that made her skin tan. Her hair is wavy like the form of sand when waves are gone. In her everyday life, Yna loves this scenario and it makes her innocent heart calm as the sea. Who would have thought that this gorgeous and happy dame has been through tough times of her life?

Back then, she was an adorable girl treasured by her loving and caring mother. When they are beside each other it seems like they are pairs of shoes. Their tiny red lips, their pointed nose, their heart-shaped faces were just almost the same, it seems like they are twins. The adorable little girl lived her life to the fullest when she was with her mother. She was the center of attraction and focus, all of the members of the family adored her. She has a sweet and cherubic voice, soft skin that hugs every member of the family. Every morning, her mother wakes her up with a cheerful sort of music that they both enjoy. Yna’s eyes are partially open when she hears a cheerful song, she stand-up and hears her mother singing also, she then jams with her Mom while cooking for breakfast. For a sweet little girl, her favorite music is her mother’s voice when they are singing together. Until one morning, there is no music playing, she can hear the ticking of the clock while waiting for the song to play. She is wondering what took so long to play the music, she thought that her mother might be busy preparing food. She woke up late because she waited for her mom to play the music as part of their daily routine. That day was a gloomy day, the sky was gray and the winds were stronger than usual.

The little girl woke up from her bed and went straight forward to her mother’s room. She knocked on the door hardly to wake her mom up.

“Mom! Mom! Wake up, let us prepare for my birthday!” Yna said loudly trying to wake her mother up.

It was so silent she could even hear the sound of the leaves splashing on their roof caused by the strong wind. Her mother is not responding so Yna concluded that she might be tired last night preparing for her birthday.

Yna was so excited and she ran to the balcony where they celebrate her birthday every year. But she was frightened when she saw that there wasn’t any single balloon, gift nor decorations. She decided to go again to her mother’s room to wake her mother up.

“Mom! Did you forget the date? Today is my birthday, how did you…” she cut her words when she opened the door and saw her mother was not there.

Until she heard a voice saying, “I already prepared your dress in your room, dress up and I will take you to your mom.”

Yna smiled and said “really Grandma, I know it is a surprise”, then she ran towards her room to dress up.

A sweet voice shouted “Grandma, why is this color black? Mom told me not to wear black on my birthday!”

No one replied so she decided to grab the pink balloon-type dress that her mother prepared for her birthday.

Her grandmother had teary eyes when she saw Yna wearing the pink dress.

“Grandma, let's go to mommy, I don’t want her to wait any longer”! Yna said with a bright smile on her face.

“You are so pretty sweetie, you look like your Mom”, her grandma replied.

They got in a black car and went to a place where there were a lot of people, flowers and bright lights.

“Yna we’re here, whatever you see inside always remember that we are always here for you, don’t be sad, your Mom is always beside you.” Her Grandma said while controlling her emotions.

“Why should I be sad Grandma, today is my birthday so I am so happy”, Yna replied with a smile on her face.

Yna was so happy because they had a lot of visitors,there were also bunches of different kinds of flowers and she can even smell the smoke of the candle from inside which makes her so excited assuming that it is her cakes’s candle, but as she was walking in the long aisle with gray carpet, she was confused because all of the people there were wearing black, there were no kids as she was expecting.

She shakes Grandma's hand and asks “Grandma why are they wearing black?”

“That’s the appropriate color to wear”, her Grandma replied.

“But Mom told me that this year’s motif is pink, that’s why she bought me a pink dress last week”, she insisted.

Until she saw her father sitting beside a rectangular wood painted with brown, gold and white colors that have her mother’s picture on the top.

She ran towards her father and shouted “Daddy I’m here, where is Mommy?”

All the people in the Chapel started to look at her with teary eyes, his dad hugged her tight and whispered.

“Happy Birthday sweetie, I love you”.

“Thank you Daddy I love you too, but where is mommy?” she asked again.

“Your Mom is now in heaven. She's now looking after you and guiding you” his father replied while crying.

“What do you mean daddy?” Yna asked again.

Her dad carried her to see her Mom.

"Why is Mommy there Daddy, why is she sleeping there?" she asked.

"Sweetie, your Mommy is gone" his Daddy replied while sobbing.

Yna cried out loud by the time she realized that she would not be able to see her mom again.

They went home, their house was so silent, she could even hear the tick of the clock. The weather was still gloomy and it got colder for Yna, she felt empty and it seemed like a nightmare to her. The first morning she knew that there was no music playing, it was more painful for her. Even though she knew it, she was still waiting for the music to play, hoping that all of those happenings were a nightmare. She lost weight because she can’t eat, it always reminded her of every meal that they eat together. Every move she makes reminds about her mom because every single detail of her life, her mom was always there.She can’t sleep at night and doesn't know how to move on with life because her mom is her whole world.

One night, while she's getting to sleep, Yna hears a sound coming from the room of her mom and dad. She can hear it from the wall across her room. Someone is sobbing, she quickly goes into the other room to check her dad because she was pretty sure that the one who was sobbing is her dad, as she entered the room she saw a rope hanging on the ceiling and her daddy standing on a wooden antique chair.

"Daddy", Yna said with her sweet voice. "What are you doing, are you okay?" she added.

Her dad was surprised when she saw Yna's angelic face which seemed like her Mom's face. He was stunned for a few seconds and before he said his words, he felt the soft skin and short arms of Yna hugging his legs.

"Daddy, I know what you are trying to do, I watched it on TV, please don't do it daddy", Yna said while crying.

Her dad got down from the chair and gave Yna a very tight hug.

"I'm so sorry sweetie, I am really sorry, I did not consider you with my wrong decision, I'm not gonna do it ever. I will not leave you." his daddy said while trembling and realizing what he was about to do.

"I love you daddy, I'm sorry also for not checking on you and kissing you every time you got home from work. I am sorry because I always think about mommy and not think about you daddy." Yna replied.

"It's okay sweetie, what's important now is you, me and your grandma" her dad said.

"Mommy will be sad up there once she sees us sad just like this. So from now on, we will show her that we are happy so that mommy will also be happy in heaven, okay?" he added.

"Yes daddy I will always smile to make you and mommy happy" Yna replied."

"Can I sleep in your room tonight daddy?" asked Yna.

"My pleasure sweetie, I miss your hug", her daddy replied.

Her cheeks got pink, her nose got red, and her eyes became puffy because she cried endlessly. They go to bed and hug each other, her dad waits for her to fall asleep before he also sleeps.

The next morning, Yna woke up to music playing, the same music as her mom was playing when she was alive. The moment she heard the music her heart beat fast, she ran quickly to the balcony hoping that the one who was playing was her Mom, but surprisingly she saw her dad wearing her Mom's dress, dancing to the music while cooking her favorite breakfast. Yna hugged her father and they danced together with the music.

"Sweetie, call your grandma and let us eat together," her daddy said.

"Sure daddy", Yna replied with excitement in her voice.

That was the first time Yna painted a ray of sunshine all over her face after her Mommy died. They enjoyed their breakfast and the music together at the table. The weather gets better,as the sun is shining and rising rays of it are passing through the curtains in the kitchen where the neighbors can hear the laughter.

With the help of her Grandma and Daddy she was able to move on and accept slowly. She was always reminding herself what her Mommy told her, “To be strong and brave all the time”.

From then, every time she wakes up in the morning, she goes right straight to the balcony to switch on the radio and play some sort of music with the same music as her mother played when she was a kid. Yna is doing it to reminisce about the bond that she shared with her mother. She misses and never forgets her favorite music that made her live to the fullest, but she is hoping that someday she can also play music and make not only a little adorable girl but sets of cute and adorable boys and girls who will live their lives to the fullest.

THE END

#short stories #thesoutherngems

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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Short Stories

“TILL THE NEXT ECLIPSE”

By: Cheralyn Cruz

June 11, 2021

It was another sunny day, Anony woke up early in the morning to do her daily routine. She goes to the bathroom and washes her face with soap and puts on some skin care trying to make her face blooming to hide the pain she is enduring for a very long time. She faces in the mirror and she is cheering herself.

"You can do it! You can do it!"

The tears slowly fell into her eyes. She can't help herself but to cry again. She was so dumb broke and really don't know how to start all over again. She always wishes that she's still a little girl with no problems.

After she cried, Anony went to her almost empty kitchen, except the refrigerator, one table and chair, one glass, one rice cooker, one spoon and one plate. She is starving, she didn't eat yesterday and now she can feel that her stomach is knocking and pleasing her to eat.

Time flies so fast and it is already 4:30 pm, Anony changes her clothes. She is wearing a black dress and a comfortable sandal that matches her dress.

Anony was walking with a picnic basket. She went to a very quiet place, a place where a lot of people are there but no one is talking. She is in the cemetery to visit Lim.

"I am here again, how are you? I missed you so much".

Her voice is cracking.

"I missed you Buddy, you know what it's been a month now since you left me. It's been a month since the last time I saw your face and held your hands."

She is now crying and sobbing.

Anony lit up the candle and she spread the gasket to the grass and she lay-down. She can feel the air touching her skin and hear the birds singing.

"I really love to visit you here Buddy, I can relax and escape reality".

She got her phone from her bag and started playing a song.

"I thought some time alone

Was what we really needed

You said this time would hurt more than it helps

But I couldn't see that

I thought it was the end

Of a beautiful story

And so I left the one I loved at home to be alone(alone)

And I tried to find

Out if this one thing is true

That I'm nothing without you

I know better now

And I've had a change of heart"

"When you left me, I was so desperate to find another man. I thought it would make me feel better if I can find someone to replace you but I was wrong".

"I'd rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone else

I'd rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by myself

I'd rather have hard times together, than to have it easy apart

I'd rather have the one who holds my heart

Whoo-oo-oo-oo yeah"

"I keep on blaming myself Buddy, I realized that you are the only one who can make me happy even in the hardest part of my life".

"And then I met someone

And thought she could replace you

We got a long just fine

We wasted time because she was not you

We had a lot of fun

Though we knew we were faking

Love was not impressed with our connection they were all lies, all lies

So I'm here cause I found this one thing is true

That I'm nothing without you

I know better now

And I've had a change of heart"

"What if I never got tired? What if I keep my patience much longer? Maybe your still here".

______________________________________________________________________________________________

"I'm breaking up with you Lim".

Anony put all her things in the suitcase as you can see into her eyes that she's now confident to leave Lim.

"Why? Did I do something wrong? Anony please, don't leave me like this"

"I'm tired Lim, how many times did I give you a chance? I'm so tired Lim, please let me go".

Anony grabbed her things and walked away, leaving Lim with tears. When Anony closed the door and walked away Lim was so down on his knees and there's nothing he can do to please Anony to stay. It's been a year since their relationship became toxic to the point that they forgot where they started.

Weeks passed by and Anony didn't receive any messages or calls from Lim. She still loves Lim but she's tired of understanding and always forgives Lim for not giving her time. Lim is always busy to the point that they don't do the things that they did before. Going out and having a date, watching movies together, eating fancy dinner at fancy restaurants, they make surprises every monthsary and anniversary but they didn't notice that their relationship became more toxic, they didn't know what the reasons were, they just found out that the relationship that they built together is now over. They are now turning the page in a separate way.

It was a sunny day, the sun was so bright and the wind was so cold. The weather is so perfect for a vacation. Anony is in Siargao, so she decided to take a vacation where she can relax her mind. The Island is so perfect for all the people who want to relax and to escape the toxic world.

At 6:00pm, Anony went to the seaside where she could directly see the sunset. She lay down on the sand and felt the waves touching her legs. It is so refreshing, this is the first time she felt relaxed since she broke up with Lim.

"Thank God for this wonderful vacation". She sighs.

On the other day, Anony went to a restaurant to take her lunch. It is already 11am when she wakes up. She ordered one cup of rice, one piece crispy fried chicken and she ordered her favorite "kare-kare" a Philippine stew / curry complemented with a thick savory peanut sauce. ... It is made from a variation base of stewed oxtail, beef tripe, pork hocks, calves feet, pig's feet or trotters, various cuts of pork, beef stew meat, and occasionally offal or oxtripe.

"Don't mind if I join you for lunch?". A man said.

Anony turned her back, she saw a tall, handsome man with curly black hair, pointed nose and kissable lips. She doesn't know who the guy in front of her is.

"Su-sure". She responded.

"By the way I am Enzo, there is no other vacant seat, that's why I'm here and it seems like you don't have any company. Am I right?". He asked.

"Yeah, you can set there no worries".

"What is your name?". Enzo asked her.

"Anony, Anony Dela Fuente".

After that day, they always have an exchange of conversation either by call, text or chat.

Anony found out that Enzo is residing in Manila and is working as a government employee. Enzo is a policeman.

It's been a few weeks since Anony and Enzo have met. Every Sunday they go to church together and after that they eat in a restaurant and they go to a park to unwind.

Anony thought that by dating another man, she can forget Lim but she's wrong. She still loves Lim but she doesn't want to feel the pain that she felt when they are together. The toxicity of their relationship is slowly killing her.

One night when she was in her apartment, she received a phone call from Lim. She didn't answer it although she really wanted to talk with Lim. She decided to take a nap and shut down her phone.

In the morning when she opened her phone, she received a lot of text messages from Lim begging her to answer his call.

She received a call from an unknown number and when she answered it she really didn't know how to respond. Her knees are shaking and the tears in her eyes are slowly falling.

"Lim is dead, he committed suicide". A voice from another line.

...

After that incident, Anony kept on blaming herself. Her life became a mess. She ruined her life to the point that she also committed suicide. She stops working, she isolates herself, she never socializes with people and she also stops dating Enzo.

______________________________________________________________________________________

"Buddy! Buddy wake up!". Lim is waking her up.

"I've cooked your favorite meal, kare-kare and fried chicken". Anony heard a sweet voice from Lim.

Anony opened her eyes and she saw Lim with a brighter smile. She is so in love with this man in front of her. The cute smile, the verdurous eyebrows, the pointed nose, the affectionate eyes, the kissable lips and his brown skin tone. Gosh! She is so in love with Lim.

"Really? You cooked my favorite meal? Owwww I love you so much Buddy you're so thoughtful and sweet". She hugs and gives Lim a kiss.

"I love you most Buddy". Lim responded.

When she fixed herself and went to the kitchen he saw Lim looking at her with a sweet smile.

"Buddy come here join me to eat". She said.

Instead of responding to her, Lim gave her a sweet smile.

"What was that smile for? Come here Buddy". She insisted.

"I have to go Buddy, I love you so much please take good care of yourself. You know how much I love you right? Stop blaming yourself, promise me that you will fix all your mess. Start fixing yourself, don't ruin your life because it's not your fault. I love you so much, this time I am the one who asked you to let me go. Let's turn the page separately, till our next eclipse my love".

Anony is crying after she hears that from Lim and she breaks down.

______________________________________________________________________________________

When she opens her eyes she is lying on the gasket. It was just a dream, she saw Lim in her dreams.

She lit the candle in front of Lim's grave.

"Thank you for visiting in my dreams Buddy, I love you so much. I'm so sorry. Till our next eclipse Buddy! Till we meet again".

THE END

#short stories #thesoutherngems

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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Short Stories

“THE LEGACY OF ETIQUETTE”

By: Angelito Cacanindin

June 10, 2021

Angelo is from Cebu he went to Manila to find a job when he just got off the bus he immediately saw many people and noisy vehicles. There’s a lot of garbage scattered around and he knew his life was not easy here. Angelo looked for a place to stay as he walked. He passed beggar children who were dirty wearing and seemed to have no parents. On the other hand there was a sitting man begging for some money and food to survive.

Angelo continued walking until he saw a sign and he went to ask if he could settle down. He walks down a narrow alley just to get here it stinks he sees rats and cockroaches on the road. When he got home he met some men here, who may also be living in this little house. Edgar is the name of the man who greeted him. Edgar has a gentle face and is well dressed; he’s tall Angelo can tell it's kind too. This is the son of the owner of the house, “come in '' it said to him immediately. As soon as Angelo entered the house, he saw the other people living here. He also saw children sitting on one side while their parents were having coffee. Edgar pointed to which room he would sleep in and he walked towards it to rest. That's not how big the bedroom has a bed with a pillow and blanket also included. He threw down and stuck to the extreme tiredness from a long trip.

Angelo woke up to the noise from the outside. When he looked at the time on his old watch it was 3 p.m. He stood up and wondered what he would eat because he also felt hungry. He picked up the remaining money in his wallet and had only 3000 for somehow getting a job. He closed the door and walked out of the house looking at him with the other people who lived here. They are not merely paying attention because they may be renewed only because he is new to living here. As he walked there was a child asking for some money to eat then he gave a bit of coins. Before leaving, Angelo smiled and continued to walk until he saw a fast-food restaurant. When he finished eating he thought about going to the nearby mall with a lot of people. Noise and many stores that can be purchased, Angelo sat in a food court, looked at his cellphone and saw his father and mother had calls and messages from the province.

“Son, how are you?” his father asks him.

Then he responded “yes dad I’m already here in Manila I’m good and don’t worry about me.

“Your mom is crying, she already missed you” his father said.

Angelo returns to the residence house. He prepared all his requirements for the first day of his job search. He knew it wasn't easy to find a good job but for his family he would do everything. He loves his parents, especially her mother, he was so close to her mother that when they knew she was sick he decided to work in Manila for her mother’s treatment. Her mother Elsa was late to know that she had cancer therefore it was so disappointing for the family. Angelo knew of her mother's sacrifice for them, because his oldest child needs to help his family at a young age.

Angelo woke up early to buy coffee in the store and bread. This is only his breakfast this morning. He knew it wasn't enough but there was nothing to do because there was no remaining money and he needed to send it immediately for his family. Do they have anything else to eat? Mom had medicine? These are just a few of those thoughts. He was not aware that his tears had dropped, so he washed it and smiled. Therefore, he took his cell phone and called them.

Hello son? his mother's voice, son how are you? don’t you worry about us, we're goods.

I’m good mom, as of now I am fixing myself to start looking for work. Don’t worry about me I can do everything for you mom, I love you so much mom and I don’t want to see you in that situation, said Angelo.

I’m so happy and blessed that you are my son, good luck son and I love you so much, his mother said.

When he had finished grooming himself he sat down and prayed. He never forgot to pray because that’s what his parents taught him. Do not forget God who always guides us in all problems or trials in life. A few hours passed as he walked, he already felt hungry but he still can’t find a job. He only had water to bring for himself and he was already sweating from being so tired. He saw an old lady walking, it’s not dirty and properly dressed. As it approached him the sadness can be seen in its eyes. When it suddenly fell in front of him and he immediately caught it. Then he supports it to sit on the side.

Are you okay Madam? Angelo said.

I’m okay young man, I had been robbed a while ago, including my cellphone and money. I didn’t know what I was going to do and how I was going to get home, the old lady said.

There are a lot of bad people here so we have to be careful, said Angelo.

What is your name, young man? The old lady asked.

I am Angelo madam from Cebu, I am here to find a job for my family and for my mother who is ill. Don’t worry madam I will help you to get home.

But you are looking for a job, the old lady said.

I will just continue the next day, the important thing is you get home safely, Angelo’s said.

Thank you so much Angelo you have a very good heart your parents are so lucky for you, the old lady said

I was the lucky one that they became my parents. They taught me to be a good person and to fear God, said Angelo.

Angelo, all the good things that you have done, God will take it back to you, the old lady said.

Thank you madam, by the way madam do you have a contact person that we can message them about what’s happening to you.

Yes, I have here’s the phone number of my daughter. Thank you so much again Angelo for helping me, I really appreciated it.

Angelo’s has already talked to the old lady’s daughter more than half an hour passed with a car parked in front of them. A woman came out from the car and hugged the old lady. Angelo was shocked that this was the old lady’s daughter. He could believe that the person he was talking to and helped was a well-known family member.

Are you okay Mom? Danica said.

Yes, I am sweetheart, he’s Angelo sweetheart, the young man who’s helped me.

Thank you so Angelo for taking care of my mother, how can I make up for you? Said Danica.

Your welcome madam I’m glad to help you, Angelo’s said.

Sweetheart Angelo is looking for a job, can you help him?

Sure mom! Actually I am now looking for someone to watch over you so that it will not happen again. I'm very worried about you mom.

Thank you sweetheart, Angelo, you have the right job now.

Thank you so much madam, Angelo’s said.

What I’m telling you lately is that you have a heart and all the good things that you have done God will take it back to you. God is good, he will not forsake us.

You can start tomorrow Angelo, you can go home now and relax and also prepare your things because you will live with us at home. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning and we’ll wait for you, Danica said to him.

When Angelo returned home he immediately told his family the good news, his family was happy especially his mother. His son grew up with a good heart wherever he went, even though their lives are difficult but they are rich in love. A few months passed Angelo has already treated his mother and he is also able to send money for his family. His siblings were able to study again; his parents also have maintenance medication. He always thanked the Lord in his beautiful work and kind boss who considered him family as well. Many of us are in the same situation as Angelo, there are many problems in life. But does not give up because he has a dream and he is a loving child. No matter what trials come, let us not forget to be human. Help those in need and do not take advantage of others. The Lord has always guided us and he will not leave us alone with all our problems. Let us not forget to pray and give thanks for his blessing to us. We must also learn to help others and never forget where we came from.

THE END

#short stories #thesoutherngems

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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Short Stories

"MEMORIES"

By: Erica Mae Chato

June 10, 2021

I'm walking alone on a long road. The clouds were dense and opaque, A road that had lots of rocks in every step and a path that has no end. I don't know where to go. I want to be alone as much as possible. I wish I could go farther, far away from pain, and far away from her. I don't want to see her for just an hour. I don't want to gaze at her dazzling eyes, nose tip, pastel lips, and pale face skin. It tore my body into pieces. Whenever I look at her features I can only grin like everything was fine just to ease her pain. I hated it when she saw me devastated because of her condition. I wish that I could be her but everything was a plan and I hate that in my whole life.

I stopped for a moment. I'm on the side of a bridge. I turn to my left and I see a long and flowing river. I climbed on the top handle and trembled when I stood. Tears start to roll down my cheeks. If she will pass away I should be gone too because there's no reason to live anymore in this cruel life if I had nothing to stand at all. I have only one thing that I treasure and cherish in my life and that's her.

I closed my eyes and was ready to jump into the river to drown to death.

But...someone holds me...

It's warm as ever. She grasps my hand. I face her and I see her eyes, the longing and lasting love I haven't felt for almost a year.

"Don't do this. Stay close to your daughter... and fill the love that I wasn't able to give to her... Pull yourself and stay strong for every second of her life." Tears flow quickly in her cheeks

“I love you” That's the only word that comes out from my mouth and she vanished from my sight. I get down and search the whole place to look for her but she's not there anymore.

At the age of thirty-two, my wife passed away and my twelve-year-old daughter died like her mother.

(FLASHBACK)

I can clearly remember the day I first saw her. I was in my senior year of high school 12 grade to be exact. It's already half of the year when I saw her eating in the school cafeteria. She was with her friends and I was with my friends as well. We didn't have any contact that time aside from accidentally looking at each other. That day ended like a normal day but that's the start that I couldn't forget her face.

Every school day I always secretly check her in the school cafeteria. I'm so good at keeping secrets that even my friend doesn’t know about my scheme. And every day I was filled with satisfaction just looking at her from afar.

Until one day, I waited for her at the same exact spot that she and her friends were eating but one day I couldn't find her but her friends were already eating together. I don't want to get caught acting strange so instead I ate as fast as I could and left the place with my friends. I looked around her at school but I have no luck in finding her. I looked out of the field. Seems like she's absent for today. I was supposed to go back to my room when I saw her in front of me.

"Looking for me?" She asked. I can breathe. My heart's been beating so loudly.

"N-no." I answered shouting. It seems like it's not enough to make her believe because she goes near me.

"Look, if you like me you can just say it straight to my face."

"What makes you think that I like you?" I asked as I composed myself.

"Hmm you kept on checking on me at the canteen, sitting on the same spot with your friends and now you're here talking to me."

"It's all coincidence."

"Fine, If you say so just stop being around me."

She said waving and walking away from me. I know I can say my feelings honestly that time but I chose to lie because of my pride. After that incident I tried to distance myself from her as far as I could. The school year ended up well although I was heartbroken and devastated that time.

THE END

#short stories #thesoutherngems

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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Short Stories

“THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS”

By: Loreto A. Butac Jr.

June 9, 2021

Despite our mistakes, God shows his love for us through Jesus. Jesus was the evidence of the real love of God for humanity. In human life, you will one day go astray so that you can find true happiness and the Lord has planned for you. I can say that time and the Lord will really strengthen you.

I found my happiness when I found God. I found everything that’s been missing in my life when I found God. I can say that the secret of happiness is when I met God, Let me share with you my story before I met God. I can say that before I could not really find the meaning of happiness, my worth, and responsibility in this world. I can say then that my son was very reprimanding my parents and I was stubborn, always disobeying all orders, I often responded to my siblings and most of all I was very selfish. But all this has changed since I met the Lord God, the more I realized the things I should ask for forgiveness and give thanks. Through God, I saw and knew my true worth and I felt the true happiness I was looking for. I found my happiness once I found God in my life. I found my freedom once I found God. I learned to stress less and believe more. I learned that my faith should always be stronger than my fears. I learned that with God by my side, there's nothing I can't handle. Nothing I am unable to overcome. I learned that the things that are meant on my behalf of me will never slip away. That God will move the universe on behalf of me when the time is correct. That I'll always have limited control over my fate. I found my peace of mind after I found God. The boldness that God incorporates a purpose for my existence. He encompasses a plan on behalf of me. He features a reason for my pain. He is not trying to harm me, he's trying to heal me. He has not forgotten about me, he is always there watching me. He is always sending me the answers I would like. He is always sending me the people I would like and even the people he takes away are blessings in disguise. I found love after l found God. The type of affection that calms you down and causes you to simply accept your reality. The type of affection that produces you sleep at night because you recognize that you just are going to be ready to survive what life throws your way because you've got God to adjoin. you've got a savior. I found a love that never leaves you broken. A love that does not disappoint. A love that understands your silence and hears your prayers. A love that will always be enough and can carry you cannot stand on your own two feet. I found myself after I found God. I found my strength once I learned that surrendering to God is the most liberating yet courageous thing you will be able to ever do. I found my soul once I found God. I found the sunshine again. I found the reality. I found something greater than myself, greater than humanity, greater than this life. I found a connection I've been craving. I found the wisdom I couldn't find in people.

The message here is You have all right to see how to give happiness when God, and to see that in this world only God can accept you even you are not better, even you are not worth in this world God is always there to remind you that you are so important to him and don't be sad because God is a love of happiness. Whoever you are, God will accept you with all your heart. Just trust him and everything will be ok. A relationship with God is the best relationship you can have, other people can hurt you, they can leave you, they can embarrass you, other people can laugh at you. But the Lord will not leave you, he is ready to accompany you forever because God will take away all your sadness and turn it into happiness.

#shortstories #thesoutherngems

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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Short Stories

“FIGHT YOUR DESTINY”

By: Jewell Delos Santos

June 9, 2021

If breaking the destiny is equivalent to a few days to be with you. I can handle everything just to be with you. How will Marissa deal with the visions she sees in her mind and problems she will face? Will she deal with it or just ignore it? What if she saw in a vision his own daughter, what would she do?

Marissa grew up in a well off family. Even though it is overflowing with love from their parents, it still bothers her that she has the ability to see the future, dream visions often come true in a reality. It gives a warning or just a simple event in another person’s life. When her parents died because of the accident at the beach, she was deeply sad and regretted what happened because she could not stop it. She had already seen it in her vision but she just ignored it.

(Three year passed)

In the province of Laguna, Marissa and Gabriel live their lives simple and happy. Lisa is the only child of Marissa and Gabriel. When Marissa’s parents died, her parent’s property in Manila they decided to sell it and used to start their life in Laguna.

(MARISSA POV)

Marissa: Gabriel, Lisa come here to the dining table, the food is ready so we can start to eat.

Lisa: (Smell the dish) it smells like good MA, for sure I enjoy eating again. (Lisa says happily)

Gabriel: Gosh daughter, there's nothing wrong with you when it comes to food, especially if your mom cooked it.

(Gabriel's face shows the pain he's dealing with; he knows in himself that he won't last long here on earth.)

Lisa: Dad, you're really mean to me (Pout but he also suddenly smiled at his father)

(When they finished eating, Lisa volunteered to wash the plates. Meanwhile, the couple went straight to their room to rest.)

Gabriel: Labs, we know that I will die soon. Especially since this is also what you see in your vision. If I get lost here, don't forget me and don't leave our daughter. You will always remember that if I die, you are the only woman I will love. Even if I lose our child next to you but in your heart I will stay, I will always watch you from afar.

Marissa: Mahal stop it, you said you will fight cancer, we can overcome it, so you need to be strong for us for our child. You are strong, I know you will not give up. What I see in my vision maybe I was just mistaken. We can still be together for a long time, you can still monitor our child's puberty, stop talking like that.

(The couple's conversation became emotional, but Marissa knew that everything her husband said was right.)

A year later, Gabriel's illness worsened. They accumulated and Marissa's inheritance from her parents was exhausted. Not long after, Gabriel passed away. It was painful for the mother and daughter that Gabriel had left them.

Marissa raised their daughter Lisa, who is now fifteen years old on her own. By working in the market, she has to pay for it every day and she is able to study with Lisa. Even if they go through the hardships of life. They don’t give up on life but it became his strength to face the trials and the problems.

(She saw another vision in her dream, a vision she did not know if she could handle it.)

Marissa: Lisa, you will take care of this house first, after all, it's Saturday, do your activity and assignment so that you don't have to worry about passing it. Be careful here Lisa, call me when you need something.

Lisa: I'm just here at home, but thank you for reminding me. You have to be careful of your work mom.

Marissa: By the way, your aunt Anna is going to come here to the house, she's the one who takes care of you. In the meantime, she will stay here with us so that when I am in the market, you can have someone with you.

Lisa: go ahead mom, be careful I love you (kisses her mom's cheek)

Marissa leaves but the vision she saw does not disappear from her mind, she is very afraid of what will happen. A few days passed and Marissa's vision came true. Lisa's illness was slowly showing signs so she was rushed to the hospital when she suddenly lost consciousness in their home.

(Marissa's mind goes blank as she arrives at the hospital from the market.)

Marissa: Anna what happened to Lisa, what did the doctor say? Where is he now? Anna, you answered. (I can see the fear on Marissa's face)

Anna: Ate, she's in the emergency room right now, there's still no updates because until now the doctor hasn't come out yet.

(They remain silent and wait for the doctor to come out)

Marissa: (Marissa quickly stood up when she saw the doctor) doc how is my daughter? What is her condition?

Doctor: I will tell you that your child is not okay. He needs to have surgery as soon as possible to prevent the cancer cells from spreading in his body. For now, she will be moved to the bedroom first.

Marissa: All right, doc, do everything for my child. Thank you.

She is facing her child who is currently sleeping. Her dream vision is slowly happening. She didn't think it would come true. She turns her mind to how to pay for Lisa's hospital expenses and medications. She, earning from working in the market and the help of her relatives, would not be enough. She just had a headache. She rested for a while next to her child. When she woke up, she was confused and sweaty and fainted.

Vision: Marissa saw the child lying on the hospital bed, weak and could see in her eyes the pain and tiredness she felt. She approached the child who raised her hand, she kissed him firmly on the forehead at the same time, and the flow of tears in her eyes. She walked away from the child for a moment and saw the change in its facial expression. At the point where the child's hands fell from her grip, a mother could hear the sound of a straight line on the machine standing on the side of the bed. Signs that his daughter Lisa is dead.

Marissa: Anna, can you take care Lisa, I'll just talk to our neighbor Eva.

Anna: Sure, why do you need to talk to Eva?

Marissa: Eva offered me a job and I will accept it to pay our bill here.

(Marissa has already left and she goes to Eva's house)

Marissa: Hello, Eva, how are you?

Eva: oh Marissa why, what are you doing here?

Marissa: About the job you mentioned to me, can I still do it? There is a real need for Lisa's expenses.

Eva: Of course maybe that's it? Exactly the other day I will go out of Manila again and again, if you are sure you will come with me.

Marissa: Thank you so much Eva for the job you offered to me. I will be coming back to the hospital to say goodbye to Lisa first. (She says with a smile but there are traces in her eyes of sadness and fear that she will be separated from her child.)

(Marissa doesn't know the job she's going to get is an entertainment house)

(Day of Marissa and Eva's departure to Manila)

Marissa: Lisa, I'm leaving, will you be stronger? Get well. Your aunt Anna will be the first to be with you here but every Saturday and Sunday I will go there and take care of you. The ones I told you to follow, always listen to what your aunt says. (Reaches the sketch pad) Here I bought you because I know you love to draw, so you don't bore here in the hospital.

Lisa: Thank you ma careful in Manila, I will miss you. (Kisses his mother's forehead) Bye ma i love you po.

She didn't expect that the job waiting for her in Manila was just an entertainment house. She tried to eat her own dignity to cover Lisa's medical expenses and hospital bills

Almost two years ago, Marissa got used to her job even though it hurt her that this is the job she just accepted for her child.

Lisa was released from the hospital, they only went there on the day of her checkup and therapy. Everyday Marissa calls her child just to check and to say hello to her daughter. Lisa's hobby was drawing, that's all she did in their house.

Lisa is alone in their house, while she is alone Lisa thinks about her condition. Lisa said to herself, I'm only seventeen years old but am I experiencing this sickness? I became a kind child, obedient to my mother. Why me? Why do I need more? There are so many bad people in this world but why me, why do I suffer from this kind of disease? I want to live a long time but I'm too weak, so I will be able to leave me. Please prolong my life. I don't want mama to be alone here, I know she will be hurt when I die.

(Lisa cries when she suddenly faints, Anna comes out to call her for lunch Lisa, shocked when she sees Lisa lying unconscious)

Anna was shouting to help them to take Lisa to the hospital. Their neighbor came out and helped Anna take Lisa to the hospital. She also immediately called her sister Marissa to tell her what had happened to Lisa. But when they got to the hospital Liza died because she was sick.

(Two weeks ago when Lisa died, until now her mother could not accept her passing. For the second time, her loved one died again.)

(While Marisa was arranging the bereaved child's belongings, she saw a sketch pad under the pillow of Lisa's bed. She looked at her daughter's drawings when she saw a letter.)

(Lisa Voice Over)

Hi Ma, I know when you read this letter I’m with papa here paradise. Don't blame yourself for losing Papa and me, you don't want to see the consequences in your vision. I know you're in so much pain right now. Even if we lose your side, here we are looking at you from afar. Request to heal the pain you are feeling right now. First of all, thank you so much for raising me, taking care of me and loving me. You have been my partner and guide in my trials and problems. I will never forget the times when I was weak and you were there by my side ready to help. Thank you for sacrificing yourself to work at the club for my hospitalization and treatment. Yes, you're not mistaken for wet, I know that's how you work and I'm not ashamed of you but I'm grateful. Maybe you're wondering how I found out, the night you and Aunt Anna were talking about your work I heard your conversation. I'm sorry, I left you right away, I fought back, I tried to cope with all the therapy that was done to me, but my body couldn't handle it anymore. My body gave up. I know that the time will also come when papa and I will be together and at that time there will be nothing to separate the three of us. You always take care of yourself, you always take care, I love you so much mama. Until again.

~ Love Lisa

After reading the letter written by Lisa, Marissa was groaning in tears.

After a year.

Carrying the child's drawing, along with the sister, Marissa went to the cemetery visit of her husband and child. They decide to celebrate in the cemetery for Lisa’s eighteenth birthday. She did not regret that she had done the job and never thought of doing it, working at a nightclub, because she doing it for her lovely daughter.

THE END

#shortstories #thesoutherngems

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Short Stories

“LUCID DREAMER”

By: Elisha Dionco

June 8, 2021

We all know that every person has a purpose in this world, we are seeking for our worth and discovering ourselves, in the short time that God lent it to us, we don’t know when he will take it. We can’t control everything here in the universe because he was the only creator that can do it but I have a secret, I know a place that I am the creator and I can do everything that I want, no one can be the hindrance, I really love that place because it was my escape part from my dark reality and that place are my dream.

It was a late Saturday night, I am done working on a fast food that is three street far away on my house, I am getting ready to go home when my someone called me and said if I want to extend because my co-workers can’t work on her shift, so I grab the opportunity because I want money, I badly want them to accumulate money and go somewhere that no one knows that I am existing because I am tired of this having a kind of life. I was adopted by the Ramos family when I was thirteen years old at first, they were all kind to me and they treated me as their real daughter, but in one snap everything changed.

I was very happy at the orphanage when my sister said that there is a family that I want to become their child, it was my first time to feel what a family is. My real parents sent me in front of the orphanage and my sister Maria saw me crying, she was the one who cared and raised me inside the asylum. I am excited packing my things because finally everything that I pray for every night has been fulfilled. When I saw them both smiling at me, I knew that they are good parents, I know they will care for me as their real blood relation. In the first three years they treated me well, they fed me, they dressed me, but everything changed when my parents started to fight every night.

One night, I am in my room doing an assignment when I heard a broken plates on the first floor so I immediately run to the door to know what’s happening downstairs but when I came out of the room, I heard them shouting and talking about the affair of my father then I heard my name and those words are stabbed my heart, my mother said that I am the black sheep of the family and ever since I came to them, their family has always been in trouble, I came back to my room and locked it, I’m started to cry and then I fall asleep.

When I woke up, I checked my phone to know what the time is, it’s two midnight my stomach starting to growl so I decided to go down but when I was in the staircase, I saw my father drinking an alcohol and I asked if where is mom, he said that she left maybe she’s going to my grandparent’s house. He glared at me and he called me to come on his besides, he started to touch my legs and saying sweet words that I am blessings to their family, I didn’t even bother on what he’s acting because I’m used to it but at this point, I feel something strange because he was drunk, he continued touching my legs until he leaned to me and forced me to have sex with him.

I found myself at my room with my clothes on and my dad is by my side, I am remembering what’s happen earlier and started to cry, he looks at me and shouted me that if I didn’t stop by crying, he will kill me, I tried to calm myself but I can’t stop on crying. He warned me to shut my mouth and do not tell to other people especially to my mom on what happened, he left me in my room and I immediately locked my room to be secure that he will not enter again on my room, I went to the bathroom to wash all over my body because it’s disgusting, I thought I found my own home but I actually found a nightmare, I am starting to hate him.

The next day, I didn’t go out in my room all day, I did not bother to eat even I am hungry, I lost my appetite on what happened to me then suddenly my doors open and I saw him holding a bed table with dinner, I didn’t bother to talk with him, he put the bed table at my side and he talk calmly like he used to do, he said that I need to eat because my mom will go home tomorrow and I need to fix myself because when my mom find on what’s happened between us he will killed me. The fear came back to me, and I don’t know what to do if my mom returned to our house.

I woke up when I heard my mom calling my name at my door, I look up on the wall clock and it’s eight in the morning, she really came back but I saw her with formal dress, so I ask her if where she was going and she will have a meeting in Boracay with her boss it will be three days’ vacation, when I heard the days she will be gone, I asked her if possible to do an overnight with my friend on their home but she refused because my dad has no one to be with him at my house so I really have a choice but to stay and locked myself here in my room. When my mom left my house, I tried to call my best friend to go with me outside but they were all busy. I am upset so I decided to not go outside my room and sleep.

I feel someone touches my legs and it gives me goosebumps when I saw my father topless on my side, I’m starting to cry and asked him why did he do that to me, but the answers that he replies to me is slap, every time I pushes him and begging to stop, he hurts me my whole body is numb and nothing’s feel, he left me in my room just like nothing happened. He raped me several times when my mom was not home. I don’t have a choice because I am an adopted child, maybe this is my destiny to be used like this. It’s late evening when my friend calls me and asks if I am free, I immediately agree even though I am not allowed to go outside, I went out to the window to meet my friend and forget everything that happened to me lately.

When I was walking, I didn’t notice the truck that goes to my place and everything went black. I woke up with a bright light hitting my eyes then I opened my eyes when I saw the beautiful place. It is like a paradise, I didn’t know where I was but it looks so familiar to me, it feels like I saw this somewhere but I don’t know where I saw it. I walked around the place to ask for help but I saw nothing, while enjoying the view, there is one thing that catches my attention, a big hourglass that the sand inside is gradually being depleted, and around the hourglass are bright stars, I am really familiar on this scene and while thinking one word comes out on my mind, the ‘Dream’.

There’s a lot of questions on my mind on what’s happening to me, all I know is I am in the middle of the street walking and suddenly there’s a truck that hits me and then boom, I don’t know what happened next then I am slowly smiled because maybe this is the sign of my freedom, there is no nightmare every night, no one can’t hurt me here, I want here to stay forever if I would be given a chance to choose, I will choose dream than my reality. days are passed but I am still here in my dream, I am really enjoying it because I can do whatever I want and I can travel around the world, this is the great thing that happened on my life, while I’m in my favorite place the glass hour in above caught my attention, I am really curious what is the purpose of that because the sand inside is slowly decreasing, then I saw one of the star around of that I went there to see what it is then I saw myself lying In the hospital bed, lot of hose that connected on my mouth and my mom and dad enter my room, they are crying. My mom run at my side and start praying while my dad is crying silently, I am really confused on what happened on my real world, after that I went to the beach and thinking everything, I know I am happy here in my dream but why I feel this, my dad had a lot of sin that did to me and my mom she gave her all best as my mother.

Next day, I came back to the star wherein I saw my dad holding my hand and saying sorry about everything he did and saying goodbye. I can’t forgive him because he ruined my dignity as a woman. Another scene is when my mad at my father while holding a paper, I am super confused because it is like I am watching a movie and I am the protagonist, days are passed when I came back to the glass hour the star is not there and I notice the glass hour there’s a little bit of sand, I think the counting is almost done and it will finish anytime. As time went by, I stopped walking on the beach because my head suddenly hurt. I could not bear the pain until I lost consciousness.

When I opened my eye, I saw my mom sleeping beside me, I tried to call her name but there is no voice came out of my mouth, then I slowly put my hand to her head, she woke up immediately and I saw shocked in her eyes then she hugged me like this is the first time she saw me and saying thank you Lord, I was really confused on what she acting then she immediately went to the doctor to tell that I am awake when the doctor came he check me and said he can’t believe that I’ve survived. As time goes by when I fully recovered, I find out that I’ve been in comatose for almost one year, so I thought in my dreams it’s like days that’s why I saw them crying because the doctor said to them that on my case it’s really impossible for me to survived because I am in critical situation wherein the machine is the only thing that supports my life then my mom is the only one holding my life that there is a chance for me to live again, I asked my mom where is my dad then she said that my father told to her everything from the first day of he raped me and he is a drug user so that he’s in the jail right now, I am so happy that even though I am not her real daughter she still on my side, loving and accepting me on what happened to me at my past.

Every night I dreamed about the things that I’ve experience when I’m in comatose, my dream enlighten me on what is my purpose in this world and what are really matters in my life, before I just want to end myself because I can’t stand with my dark past, I judged them all, my mom and my dad but the worst thing in here is I trust my dad more than my mom but now I realized that she was the best mom that I received from above.

#shortstories #thesoutherngems

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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Short Stories

“LOVE OF MY LIFE”

By: John Paul Capunitan

June 8, 2021

There was a boy whose name was Jojo, he is an energetic boy and he’s handsome and he can also sing since he has a beautiful voice. He is a joker in the class and all his classmates are always happy because of him, but this joker has a secret that you will never know, and that is, he needed his father because his father is in Taiwan. He loved his father so much and he can’t forget the memories of him when he was still in the Philippines. Jojo was in 4th year high school at that time and one day, he saw a beautiful girl and that was the reason that he was able to believe that love at first sight. This girl's name is Mary, she is a very smart girl and she is so beautiful. The way she smiles is so bright and uplifting. One day, he saw her in the 1st floor of the building, she is wearing a t shirt and in the t-shirts says her surname is "smith" and he immediately searched it on Facebook and luckily heI found her account and added her as fast as he can, but he did not chat her that time because he already has a girlfriend at that time and after a couple of months, it was graduation day, he saw her again in the stage with many medals, he thought that she don’t deserve him because he's a dumb, that is one reason why he did not court her, and two months when he's already studying in “MNHS” main, he saw Mary again and he was speechless because her face is so natural and she wore a beautiful dress and a glasses because she has eyesight problem, in short she's a nerd but unique and beautiful.

And a month later, the start of the school year, he felt sad because he never appeared again, he never saw her in 2 weeks and he felt sad that time, but one day he was lucky that he saw her again in the canteen she is wearing a school uniform and also a ribbon in her hair, and he felt complete on that day, he always goes to that canteen because he wants to see her every day and that scenario continuously happening again and again and again. And a month later there is an intramural event in his school and he is a basketball player. He joined the basketball team of ICT because that is his strand and Mary’s strand is gas. That day he was looking for Mary because he will do his best to win the game and also to show off his skills but he felt sad because he did not see Mary at that time but they've won. Second day of intrams, second match of their game he's walking towards the court when suddenly, he saw Mary standing in front of the court. She is wearing leggings and a fitted white polo shirt and he felt complete and energetic. He felt he could do all the moves in basketball on that day.

He called her name,

Jojo: MARY!

And she saw me

Mary: Do I know you?

JoJo: hmm no! but I will be the love of your life someday!

She just laughed

Mary: Don’t be so sure. First of all I do not know you, second you are not my type.

He just laughed because of her reactions.

Jojo: hahaha watch my next game ah, see you!

And he remembered the game was ICT vs GAS which is her strand and his strand and the game will start in 5 mins so he's preparing to wear his shoes and before the game they pray to win. He was in the first five and Mary was sitting on the iron bar in the first row and she saw him looking at her and he smiled and she ignored him, “hehe”. At first he was scoring higher than my team and the game went on. Every time gas is scoring Mary is cheering and enjoying and shouting loudly but the “ICT” is scoring more she even dares to a finger on him and she says "booooo maduga hahaha” and he's still happy because she recognized him at that time. The 4th quarter start the score is gas is 67, ICT is 63 Last 2 minutes gas score 2 point and he score 2 point Last 30 seconds out of bounds to gas and the ball was his, and he ran and he shoot in 3s with a foul I Free throw 1 I shoot that 1 points so the score is gas 69 “ICT” 69 all score last 6 seconds they need to defend to get the ball and shoot it and suddenly he steal the ball and run faster and lay up and the bell rang, they made it they win in that match and he saw Mary staring at him and she flick her eyes and step backward at me “hahaha” and I raise my hand peace sign. And a month later the school year will end. He saw her again that day but she ignored him “haha” but he smiled at her gracefully. A month later again we are in grade 12. The school year starts and after a month's vacation he spies on her Facebook and Instagram account if she has a boyfriend but luckily she don't have one and he knows that because she's a good girl. The scenario earlier is happening again. He saw her everyday during lunch time and break time and he felt complete. Again 3rd quarter in school year thesis gaming, defense, defense And luckily he passed it with a high grade and the intramurals event gonna start on that week and the scenario is happening again but this is slightly different because her strand lose in the first match and my team is the champion again that time, and also he was the second time MVP hahaha. And a month later the fourth quarter is ending. They are preparing for the graduation practice over and over again and one day during the pictorial, he saw her wearing a toga and he's so proud of her because she is so beautiful and a smart girl. And after that week on graduation day he stepped on the stage with the biggest smile because he knew his parents were so proud of him. And a minute later he saw her standing on that stage. He was very shocked at that time because one of the honorable mentions is her. She is indeed smart and beautiful.

#shortstories #thesoutherngems

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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The Southern Gems is all about showcasing the different food gems and small growing local businesses in the South, especially in Muntinlupa City, the city that is considered to be the “Emerald of the South.” We, your Southies Buddies, a group of individuals who loves to wander around south comes-up with this idea and content for our blog because we want to highlight and make people discover the different things that our beloved city has to offer, be it foods, businesses and more.

So, Southies, to keep you updated, follow our blog, and go with us in our next journey to the south and we’ll make sure to keep you updated for our next southern wanders.

#TheSouthernGems #SouthiesBuddies #FoodandBusinessBlog #Wanderer

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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MERKADO SA MUNTINLUPA

By: Lovely T. Duroca

June 6, 2021

Looking for a new place to hangout? Try new foods and chill? Merkado sa Muntinlupa is a great place for you! A place where you can find your favorite food, some local products and if you’re a plantita, there are also different kinds of plants that you can find there. It’s a place where almost all of your wants can be found. A place to relieve stress from the busy week in work, in school, or in anything. The cold wind, and the bright lights in Merkado will surely make you feel comfortable and at ease, in short, it will ease all your worries and frustrations away, especially when you sit in those picnic blankets, chattering with a friend, accompanying with a great food that you can find in there. Surely, it’s a blast!

So what are you waiting for? Go call your friends, invite your fam and tag some people to go with you every Friday or every weekend, it is open during Fridays at 4:00pm to 9pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00am-9:00pm.

But before that, strictly follow and don’t forget all the safety protocols.

Don’t miss the fun and visit it now it is located at Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Baseball Field, in Tunasan, Muntinlupa.

See you there Southies Buddies!

#MerkadoSaMuntinlupa #SupportLocalBusiness

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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DO WHAT YOU LOVE, TAKE RISK!

By: Jasmin Joan L. De Guzman

June 6, 2021

One of the most popular places for people are arcades, funfair, business hubs and of course food hubs because everyone loves food. Who doesn’t right?

So, as I was scrolling through my social media app, I discovered certain food and business hubs in the south specifically in the City of Muntinlupa. I was extremely interested and curious about what is up on “Merkado sa Muntinlupa” especially that we are still battling in these times of pandemic. Without a second thought, my friends and I decided to visit the place so we can personally see everything in that event of the City of Muntinlupa.

But of course, we must be reminded that we need to follow health and safety protocols mandated by the government for everyone’s safety. So, before you can enter in the place you must haves the following:

• Stay safe application

• Face Shield

• Face Mask

Let’s now move forward with our experiences in certain food stalls that me and my friends really enjoyed with.

To begin with, we discovered “Cup of Tea” with a tagline of “Feel Well, Sip Well” they sell Milk teas and Fruit teas and was established during August 2020. Upon ordering I notice that one of the owners is the one who is preparing our orders so without thinking I ask permission if I could do some chitchats after they finish to prepare our drinks.

While on a conversation with the owner Ms. Marjorie Del Rosario, I found out that She was an Alumni of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa wherein we are currently studying. She and her siblings started the business because they are milk tea lovers that is why during the pandemic, they started to have their own Milk tea business.

She mentioned that before Merkado, they sold their Tea’s only at the comfort of their home and with the help of their friends they were also recognized online by many people. They also use online booking applications to those who would like to try their Milk teas and Fruit Teas.

As a customer, I recommend their milk tea because it’s true that it tastes so good. It can be paired with any food and it matches everything. Aside from that, I appreciate that it’s much cheaper yet has the good quality from the taste to its pearl to its packaging. I’m satisfied.

Though one of I noticed is that they don’t ask sugar levels for their customers preferences. So, I would suggest that they should work on that because if they have any customers who love their milk tea but are very conscious of sugar levels then they can still accommodate it and for the customers they can have their favorite milk tea without the fear of having too much sweets.

Cup of Tea owners are planning to have their own physical store and if that happens, they will add up something in their menus. For more inquiries, you can reach them out in their Facebook page and Instagram account.

Facebook Page: Cup of Tea

Instagram Account: Cup of Tea Cravings

To all the Southies out there, let’s support small businesses in our own little ways. And always be safe and healthy! I hope that you enjoyed reading this one. I’m Jasmin Joan L. De Guzman, you’re Southie’s wanderer. See you on my next blog!

#CupOfTea #MilkTeaandFruitTea #FoodandBusinessBlog #SupportLocalBusiness

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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CREATIVITY AT IT’S FINEST

By: Helen M. Coloma

June 5, 2021

I love to see and wear clothes with nice designs that compliment my skin tone. I always and I can’t resist surfing online to check the online shopping stores just to find the perfect designs of clothes that I love to wear. I am attracted to those clothes that are comfortable to wear, good quality, and at the same time affordable. “Haymabu Kolors” produces fantastic tie-dye clothes with great designs that anybody would absolutely love. The designs are also customizable, you can choose colors you want to incorporate. There’s a design for anyone’s preferences.

I’ve seen tie-dye shirts before, but I can’t imagine that it can also be done in bags, caps, towels, and pants which I saw in Haymabu Kolors when I surf online. The designs are not only for adults but also for kids. At first, I was hesitant to buy, though the product is affordable, for me every coin has a count and I don’t want to waste money on low-quality products. What I did is I went to a fair called Merkado Muntinlupa which is a promotion event of the local goods and products of Muntinlupa City, and there I found the Haymabu Kolors store, and I checked on the quality of the products. I was speechless because it was amazing, the designs, the quality, and the price are amazing that anyone can afford.

What I love the most about Haymabu Kolors is the attitude of the owner who is also the seller. She is open to share her knowledge in combining colors, she even suggested that I can also make it at home. I love her way of selling her products, her way on how to build a good relationship with her customers, and her positive attitude crafted with her creativity and hard work will make her business successful.

#HaymabuKolors #TieDye #BusinessBlog #SupportLocalBusiness

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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NATATUP SERAP

By: Cheralyn Cruz

June 5, 2021

Want to satisfy your cravings? Want to fulfill your hungry stomach? Why not try one of Filipinos’ go-to food, Pares? I’m sure everyone loves Pares right?

Pares is a Filipino dish which means “Pairs”. It is a combination of braised beef and beef stew. It is very tasty, and it is served with a bowl of hot soup. Pares is a very popular dish to every Filipino because of its tenderness, juicy beef, and hot soup that will surely leave your stomach content and happy.

Here in Muntinlupa City there is a famous store of Pares which is located in Booth F11 in Muntinlupa Sports Complex. The name of the store is “Natatup Serap” which is a reversed name of “Pares Putatan”. Natatup Serap is different from other Pares because of its unique taste. The beef tastes sweet and the beef is very soft, tender, and easy to chew, it is cooked in a sweet soy sauce and is served with garlic fried rice and beef hot soup.

The Natatup Serap is served with a plain boiled beef cutlet (regular size of beef) with a combination of rice which is embellished with fried garlic that makes it more delicious. When you chew the beef with your tongue, you can feel it’s meaty and juicy texture. You can enjoy the Natatup Serap while chewing down the tender beef between the garlic fried rice and slurps of the hot broth. You can also add chili for those who love spicy food. See? Those are a good food combination. One serving yet, lots of food variety that will surely satisfy your craving and hungry stomach.

The price for Natatup Serap is very affordable; it goes for only P69.00 to P100.00. The packaging is nice and clean. You can also order online by contacting their Facebook page “Natatup Serap” or you can call them at “09277045908” they are very responsive to messages and calls. Natatup Serap is highly recommended, I’ll give them 5 stars.

“Solid sa sarap… Lasang ulit”.

#NatatupSerap #Pares #FoodandBusinessBlog #SupportLocalBusiness

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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MUNTI-PRIDE MILK FISH

By: Angelito S. Cacanindin

June 4, 2021

One of the most prosperous cities in the Southern part of Luzon, is Muntinlupa that is surrounded by many large companies, but did you know that Muntinlupa City is not only known for business and fancy establishments? It is also known for having a lot of great and delicious food, and Laguna de Bay is one of the sources of the city’s tasty prides, just like the milk fish (bangus) which is one of the people’s source of livelihood. Besides the usual fish dishes, did you know that there is a popular food today that can only be found in Muntinlupa City?

This is one of the many things that Muntinlupa can be proud of, and this is no other than the Munti Pride Milk Fish. It is in Putatan, Muntinlupa City and has been in the food industry for three years now.

The name of this company is the Pink Ladies Kitchen. It’s one of the pride of Muntinlupa and it’s different from other food and fish products because it has no preservatives added. It is locally made, and the ingredients are all naturals that will surely benefit your health. So, Southies, come and visit their booth located at Festival Mall, Alabang and you can also try the other products of Muntinlupa City Women’s Production Coop. their Spanish Style Bottled Bangus, that comes in two flavors, Spicy and Original, it is one of the Likhang Munti products. So, what are you waiting for? Let us support local businesses and support Likhang Munti.

#Munti-PrideMilkFish #MilkFish #FoodandBusinessBlog #SupportLocalBusiness

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thesoutherngems · 3 years

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COFFEE LOVERS - BAR ON THE GO

By: Jewell Delos Santos & Loreto A. Butac Jr.

June 4, 2021

Food in varieties and in abundance such as in a cafeteria, milk tea shop or an eat all you can environment may suggest ideas that need to be digested. But you want a drink? Looking for coffee? Wants to taste a new coffee? Are you a coffee lover? Why don’t you try the Coffee Nova? This kind of store is a unique café because Coffee Nova is a coffee bar placed inside a Toyota Innova. Also, their coffee is not a simple coffee that you can taste in other coffee shops. They have a unique process to keep their cold brew to become delicious, like doing the steep in water temperature for 16hours. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go to Muntinlupa City where you can find one unique coffee that you will surely enjoy because of CoffeeNova you will definitely want. Apart from the one in the fact that it’s placed in a car, CoffeeNova is one of the businesses opened in Muntinlupa City that is unique and innovative in nature. When the pandemic started, they formed the Coffee Nova business, even though they knew they had no guarantee that it would succeed. We interviewed the owner of the CoffeeNova, and Mr. Lorence Maranan said “I have no experience and no idea about business, but because of the pandemic, we have a lot of learnings and until now we are still learning”. CoffeeNova started in September 2020, due of the pandemic, and also, they are students who thought of starting a coffee business right inside an Inova, so they eventually do it, and also because of the hardships of life and the fact that it’s hard to earn money, that’s why they try the CoffeeNova. They have no specific location; they can be found anywhere in Muntinlupa since they are situated inside a car. CoffeeNova has a variety of coffees that offer uniqueness, they are currently serving cold brew coffees with unique twists. Cold Brew, Coffee Concentrate, Cold Brew with Baileys Ice Cream, Cold Brew with Cookie, Cold Brew with Bailey’s Irish Cream, Cold Brew with Full Cream Milk.

For more inquiries, you can reach them out on their Facebook page and Instagram account.

Facebook Page: Coffee Nova Instagram Account: Coffee Nova

#CoffeeNova #YourCoffeeOnTheGo #FoodandBusinessBlog #SupportLocalBusiness

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