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Philippines Graphic Reader
Missing People
in missing person’s cases,
they only ever see the things that get left behind.
never the people.
lowercase letters surrounded by dried petals,
a sorrowful silence filled the amber skies.
desperation crawled
curiosity sinking into the deepest parts of skin.
a rotting bourbon car stood,
peering into wild trees, seemingly waiting.
scarlet...
The Average of All Mediocre Success
At two o’clock on a Tuesday afternoon, Max, the average of all mediocre success, experienced the lowest point of his music career: Nothing dramatic like being kicked out of a record label’s office under a pouring rain or receiving threats from an irate...
The Old Trees Deep in Manila
It’s on Sunday mornings,
When I walk toward stores
To replenish a week’s supply of grocery items,
That I see you.
Old surviving trees.
The dignified narra,
The unfurling dapdap,
And the humongous (and ominous) balete,
Still gracing ancient streets deep in the city,
Shading the sidewalks,
And dispersing beauty:
The green leaves,
The rough...
Maalwan, Nilad’s Babaylan (Spirit Medium)
Nilad, the largest city in the archipelago, is famed for its magnificent port where its namesake white flowers bloom everywhere. Large ships from beyond the archipelago dock and unload their cargo of dyed cloth, glazed earthenware, and slaves. All who come and live...
Mother/Magical Creature/Crane
No one believes me when I say I’ve seen a magical creature.
But what else do you call someone who grew lives from her own figure?
How would you explain the magnificent warmth that glows through her skin?
Can you tell me how a person could...
Palaspas
He awoke at dawn. Silvery light filtered through the paper-thin fabric of the handkerchief covering his eyes. His limbs were sore from being squeezed into the cramped hull of his bangka.
As he stood up, Silver stretched his limbs and let his knotted...
