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Philippines Graphic Reader

Tinnitus 

I  It started out innocently. One casual greeting at a time, a nod of recognition from across the room, a synchronized laugh. None of it had to mean anything.     He seemed harmless, at first, quiet and shy, not the sort who could ever be...

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...

Random Pickings

Find Us a Rainbow(A Song)

Find us a rainbow at the end of the stormFind us a rendezvous where we can weave a dreamFind us a sunshine at the...

Igorot without Thorns

It happened at the clearing booth of NAIA flight station. She was bound for Thailand for a five-day trip to join a cultural immersion...

On Sundays…and Belonging

On Sundays and belonging,And when I used to mess around with Lolo’s typewriter:Clicking and clacking the worn-out buttons, it is legacySounding against my stubby...

Two Poems for the Road

A Dirge (Majayjay-Lucban Road, June 16, 2024) How swift the shift from Thalia’s smile to Melpomene’s frown. One moment, Jack was about to crack a joke. Then smack into our bus the trike smashed,...