UST-CON Juniors Shine in this Year's Vaudeville

By Ana Katrina Pagkalinawan

Last November 18, the University of Santo Tomas-College of Nursing (UST-CON) junior students performed selected Disney classics live at the Medicine Auditorium in Vaudeville, a sophomore project of the Nursing Central Board of Students (NCBS) for the college week celebration.

Different sections from the third year level were paired up and given a particular Disney movie to present on stage which included favorites like Aladdin (III-1 and III -3), Hercules (III -2 and III -5), The Little Mermaid (III -4 and III -7), Beauty and the Beast (III -6 and III -10) and Mulan (III -8 and III -9).

The Medicine Auditorium was packed with the Thomasian Nursing community waiting for the start of the roster of presentations. With only a few weeks of preparation and practice, the juniors did not fail to deliver. The Beauty and the Beast group graced the stage first and set the standards for the other sections with their choreography and voice power. Hercules followed suit and wowed the audience with their creativity in portraying the mythical beasts in Ancient Greece. The third production was that of Aladdin, where Genie (Joseph Abello) swept the audience away with his own set of antics. The Little Mermaid, on the other hand, amazed the audience with Ariel's (Maricris Elopre) powerful voice under the sea. For the last performance, Mulan shocked the audience when Mulan (Jia Phi) decided to cut her hair during the play in order to pass for a man.

The awarding ceremony transpired in the Nursing auditorium on November 19, with The Little Mermaid tying up with Aladdin for the first place finish. On the other hand, Hercules settled for the runner-up position.

The complete roundup of winners for the Vaudeville is as follows:

First Place - Little Mermaid and Aladdin

Second Place - Hercules

Best Screenplay - Mulan

Best Musical Score - Little Mermaid

Best in Stage Design - Little Mermaid

Best in Poster - Beauty and the Beast

Best Male Lead - Nikart Caparas as Aladdin

Best Female Lead - Maricris Elopre as Ariel

Best Villain - Alexander Bagunas as Jafar

Most Liked Character - Joseph Abello as Genie

Performers were grateful for the recognition received by everyone. "We were really not expecting to win but we were all really hopeful for the best and God blessed with so much more", said Bernadeth Feliciano (3-4), co-director of The Little Mermaid.

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Paano mo ilalawaran sa isang bata ang Pasko?

Column: Sigwasan ng Buhay

Ni Mary Grace Marteja

Maaari nating sabihing ito ang isa sa pinakamakukulay na pagdiriwang sa buong taon, maliban sa mga pista. Ito ang panahon kung kailan araw-araw kinukuyog ng mga tao ang mga malls at ibang pamilihan para makapamili ng iba’t ibang pandekorasyon sa bahay. Pinakasikat na dito ang Christmas tree na karaniwang sinasamahan pa ng kung anu-anong pansabit. Tila ba kalbo ang naturang puno kung wala ang mga palamuting yaon; may kumikinang na mga bilog, hugis-estrelya, at parihabang kinaluluguran ng mga nakamamalas nito. Hindi rin mawawala ang mga parol at Christmas lights na nagbibigay-kulay sa mga bahay tuwing gabi.

Maaari rin nating ilarawan ang mga gabi sa tuwing Pasko. Nagsisilipana ang mga batang nangangaroling ng mga pamilyar na pamaskong awitin. Gamit ang mga tansan, lata at patpat, nakalilikha ang mga bata ng kanilang tugtugin. Sa panahon nga ngayon ay may mga dala ng gitara ang ilang nangangaroling. Mayroon ding pare-pareho pa ng damit upang mas maging presentable sa paningin ng iba. Minsan ay sinasamahan pa iyon ng kaunting indayog ng balakang at pitik ng mga daliri. Karaniwang pera ang ibinibigay ng mga taong-bahay na kanilang naaabutan.

Isa pang hindi mawawala sa ating kultura ang kabi-kabilang mga Christmas party, sa paaralan man o sa opisina. Punong-puno ng kasiyahan ang ganitong okasyon. Kabilang na rin sa ating tradisyon ang pagbaha ng mga regalo – laruan, damit, sapatos, bag at kung anu-ano pang abubot na panregalo. Magastos man ay tila hindi na iyon alintana ng mga Pilipino. Ang mas mahalaga’y makapagpasaya ng kapwa at maging masaya na rin.

Sa madaling araw naman, gising na agad ang mga tao upang dumalo sa misa de gallo o simbang gabi. Maaari rin namang magsimba sa gabi ngunit mas maraming mga tao ang pinipiling magsimba sa madaling araw. Isang motibasyon para gumising ng maaga ay ang paniniwalang kapag nakumpleto mo raw ang siyam na simbang gabi ay maaaring matupad ang iyong pinakahihiling. Pagkatapos ng misa, samu’t saring kakanin ang nakabalandra sa harap ng simbahan. Pinakauso rito ang kulay-ubeng puto bumbong at dilaw na bibingka bagaman hindi rin naman patatalo ang suman at matamis na taho.

Sa bisperas naman ng Pasko tiyak na abala sina ate, nanay at lola sa kusina para sa noche buena. Para silang mga mahikera na sa bawat kumpas ng kampay ay magkakaroon ng milagro sa iyong harapan…mga masasarap ng pagkain! Hindi mo aakalaing ang mga walang kabuhay-buhay na sangkap mula sa palengke na minsan pa’y may masangsang na amoy ay mapagbabagong-anyo nila at magiging malinamnam na mga putahe. Amoy pa lang ng mga iyon ay tiyak na maglalaway ka na at agarang kakalam ang iyong sikmura. Anupa’t ‘pag iyong napagmasdan na ang mga nakahain, tiyak na hihilingin mong sana ay Pasko na lamang araw-araw. Nadadagdagan pa ang sarap ng salu-salong ito kung kumpleto ang buong pamilya.

At pagsapit ng mismong araw ng Pasko, magsisimba ang buong pamilya at magpapasalamat sa biyaya ng kanilang tinamasa ngayong taon at tatamasahin pa sa hinaharap. Pagkatapos ng misa, karaniwan na sa mga Pilipino ang magpunta sa bahay ng mga ninong at ninang, na tila inaasahan na ang pagdagsa ng kanilang mga bisita sapagkat mayroon tiyak na ihahaing minandal at ibibigay ng pamaskong-regalo o salapi sa mga batang tuwang-tuwa.

Sa kabila ng masayang pagdiriwang na ito, masasabing ang mga bata ang mga magiliw na saksi sa kagandahan ng Pasko. Sila ang karaniwang sabik para dito—dumako pa lamang sa kanilang isipan ang imahe ni Santa Claus at ang sako-sakong mga regalong dala nito ay tila abot na sa kanilang tainga ang kanilang mga ngiti. Bakas sa kanilang mga mata ang isang uri ng ningning na nagpapahiwatig ng busilak na kaligayahan—lalo na kung nakakatanggap na sila ng mga regalo mula sa kanilang mga magulang at mga kaibigan. Hindi nakapagtatakang sa tuwing palapit ang Pasko’y wala nang ibang bukambibig ang mga kabataan kundi ang Christmas party na kanilang dadaluhan, mga regalong kanilang ibibigay at ang mga aginaldo na matatanggap sa kanilang mga ninong at ninang.

Kung tutuusin, ating masasabi na kasing-ningning ng mga Christmas lights at kasing-garbo ng isang Christmas tree ang imaheng pumapaimbulot sa isipan ng isang bata sa tuwing naririnig niya ang salitang “Pasko”. At minsang tayo’y naging mga bata’y naramdaman rin natin ang kasabikang ito.

Ngunit, isang tanong ang dumadako sa ating mga isipan.

Puro ningning at kagandahan lamang ba ang nagbibigay-kulay sa Pasko? Ano nga ba ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko?

Ngunit hindi rin dapat natin kalimutang ipabatid sa isang bata na hindi lahat ng tao ay may kakayahang bumili ng Christmas tree o kahit simpleng parol man lamang. Hindi rin lahat ay nangangaroling dahil lamang gusto nila ngunit dahil kailangan nilang kumita ng kahit kaunting barya. Hindi rin lahat ay nakapupunta sa mga Christmas parties at nakasasali sa palitan ng mga regalo sapagkat kailangan nilang maghigpit ng sinturon kahit kapaskuhan. Lalong hindi lahat ng kahilingan ay matutupad nang dahil lamang sa nakumpleto mo ang siyam na simbang gabi. May mga tao ring hindi pa nakararanas makatikim ng noche buena sa buong buhay nila o kung may nakahain man sa hapag na ubod ng sasarap, hindi naman buo ang kanilang pamilya.

Higit sa lahat, dapat malaman ng bata na ang Pasko ay ang araw ng ating paggunita sa pagsilang at pagsasakripisyo ni Hesus upang mailigtas ang sanlibutan mula sa kanilang mga kasalanan. Hindi lamang sa mga bagay na nabibili ng salapi umiikot ang tunay na kahulugan ng Pasko. Walang tutumbas na kulay, kinang, kasiyahan at kainan sa araw na ito kung hindi rin lamang isasapuso ng mga tao ang pagpapasalamat sa Maykapal, pagbibigayan, pag-unawa at pagkalinga sa isa’t isa.

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The Nursing Women’s Basketball Team: Another Step Backward

By Alfred Garrido

Last August when the biggest sports spectacle in UST opened, team Nursing seemed to carry every piece of high caliber guns, loaded with sharp bullets, on their waists. It is as if the Nazi armies have awakened once more with the chaos brought by the World Wars. This has been the picture of how team Nursing would dominate and conquer.

Last October, the first charge to greatness ended on a retreat as the mighty spikers of the college suffered a last minute nuclear bombing by determined opponents. That leaves spaces for filling. Now that the calendars flipped its pages to November and December, somebody’s Christmas must be in shades of bloody red. That leaves the question of who will be slapped of burning torch in the midst of the snow flaked battle field, this time the hard court.

Led by senior Lena Althea Cruz, the Nursing Women’s Basketball team survived the group stage of the UST Goodwill Games and advanced straight to the quarter finals. Being tangled up with teams like Engineering and Architecture did not stop the green and gold cagers in setting up a rematch with Commerce, the team which gave them a beating on that November 22 opening juggernaut.

With high spirits and bitter memory of their first meeting, Nursing has never been more determined in tearing the yellow-themed amazons apart to force their way into the final four of the tournament for the first time in recent years. But the claws of history have been sharpened prior to the clash and, as the famous line goes, history repeats itself, this time even worse. Despite the noble efforts from Cruz, junior sensation Pamela Ayson, and the rest of the gang, Nursing spilled their diesels allowing the flaming Commerce team to blast its way to victory, 87-20, at the nearly jammed P. Noval gymnasium.

The whole four periods have been crucial for Nursing, seeking ways to improve their defense and execute plays. But the stunning might of Commerce has been there the whole time nearly breaking every Nursing possession and grabbing boards out of no where. Commerce’s defense had been too sticky that Nursing was in full restraints the whole time. Thereafter, when the fog was cleared, it was another hard loss for the St. Martin de Pores based cagers.

Another chance may have gone away and another team may have been out for now, but the nobility gained by the Nursing Women’s Basketball team has been their ultimate prize and a prize for the college to own. Being part of the ‘Great Eight’ was never easy. It is never hard either, it is simply deadly. The brilliance and strength they poured down in surviving the group stage is enough to call them great. After all, they have been proven winners this season giving the College of Architecture quite a beating. And most importantly,

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Nursing Bows to Education

By Nikolai Lorenzi A. Torio

November 25, 2010- The Nursing Men’s Basketball team learns a lesson from their Education counterparts as they suffered a 74-92 loss in a spirit breaking match at the jam-packed UST P. Noval court.
Held to just 8 points in the first half, sophomore stellar Allen Madrazo showcased a scintillating performance in the 3rd period where he scored 14 of his 27 big points to help Nursing stay on a striking distance, 53-71, after trailing by as many as 24 points. Junior star and former Tiger cubs guard Mike Mallari also chipped in 9 markers for Nursing.

Refusing to give up the white flag, Nursing’s powerful retribution enfeebled Education’s suffocating defense as Nursing started a 7 to nothing spurt with 2:10 left in the 3rd that sent the Nursing crowd into frenzy. Nursing fought until their last breath taking advantage of the penalty shots but weren’t able to hinder Education’s reinforced counter attacks.

“They were lacking their starting center Oriondo but we were missing our defensive plays,” Nursing guard Bryan Lagutao explained.

Education standout Reyes delivered 8 of his 15 points early in the 1st quarter as they relied on their awe inspiring defensive stands throughout the game and came with a masterful win. The Education Basketball team sealed the deal by applying a menacing defensive blanket that shut down Nursing’s run-and-gun type of offense.

“They [Nursing] just committed lapses so they lost the game,” Reyes said. “We are now looking forward to our chances in the quarterfinals and hopefully securing a semis berth.”

“We should focus more in improving our defense. It’s just a matter of great defense and the rest [including offense] will follow” Nursing Coach Jayvee Ignacio admitted, “I am looking forward to the Nursing Varsity Council’s project known as the Visiting Varsities Agreement which invites FEU-CON, Bulacan State U-CON, and the like to play an exhibition game against our Nursing Basketball team.”

The Scores:
Education 92―Arcangel 17, Reyes 15, Bautista 12, Guanlao 12, Miutante 11, Guevarra 6, Valera 6, Umipig 4, Uy 4, Mimay 2, Dimalanta 1, Magawed 0, Oriondo 0, Suiza 0.

Nursing 74―Madrazo 27, Mallari 9, Marañon 8, Yutangro 5, Dagunan 5, Puddao 4, Paulino 4, Santos 4, Avellanosa 2, Bautista 2, Ducanes 2, Lagutad 2, Lo 0, Prado 0, Soriano 0.

Quarter Scores: 29-23, 52-33, 71-53, 92-74

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Nursing Bows to Education

By Nikolai Lorenzi A. Torio

November 25, 2010- The Nursing Men’s Basketball team learns a lesson from their Education counterparts as they suffered a 74-92 loss in a spirit breaking match at the jam-packed UST P. Noval court.
Held to just 8 points in the first half, sophomore stellar Allen Madrazo showcased a scintillating performance in the 3rd period where he scored 14 of his 27 big points to help Nursing stay on a striking distance, 53-71, after trailing by as many as 24 points. Junior star and former Tiger cubs guard Mike Mallari also chipped in 9 markers for Nursing.

Refusing to give up the white flag, Nursing’s powerful retribution enfeebled Education’s suffocating defense as Nursing started a 7 to nothing spurt with 2:10 left in the 3rd that sent the Nursing crowd into frenzy. Nursing fought until their last breath taking advantage of the penalty shots but weren’t able to hinder Education’s reinforced counter attacks.

“They were lacking their starting center Oriondo but we were missing our defensive plays,” Nursing guard Bryan Lagutao explained.

Education standout Reyes delivered 8 of his 15 points early in the 1st quarter as they relied on their awe inspiring defensive stands throughout the game and came with a masterful win. The Education Basketball team sealed the deal by applying a menacing defensive blanket that shut down Nursing’s run-and-gun type of offense.

“They [Nursing] just committed lapses so they lost the game,” Reyes said. “We are now looking forward to our chances in the quarterfinals and hopefully securing a semis berth.”

“We should focus more in improving our defense. It’s just a matter of great defense and the rest [including offense] will follow” Nursing Coach Jayvee Ignacio admitted, “I am looking forward to the Nursing Varsity Council’s project known as the Visiting Varsities Agreement which invites FEU-CON, Bulacan State U-CON, and the like to play an exhibition game against our Nursing Basketball team.”

The Scores:
Education 92―Arcangel 17, Reyes 15, Bautista 12, Guanlao 12, Miutante 11, Guevarra 6, Valera 6, Umipig 4, Uy 4, Mimay 2, Dimalanta 1, Magawed 0, Oriondo 0, Suiza 0.

Nursing 74―Madrazo 27, Mallari 9, Marañon 8, Yutangro 5, Dagunan 5, Puddao 4, Paulino 4, Santos 4, Avellanosa 2, Bautista 2, Ducanes 2, Lagutad 2, Lo 0, Prado 0, Soriano 0.
Quarter Scores: 29-23, 52-33, 71-53, 92-74

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Off to a Good Start: Nursing Lady Booters Grab First Win

By Alfred Garrido

December 2, 2010- With the cloak of runner up pride wrapped around their pectorals, the Nursing Women’s Football team opens their season in victory, edging the army from Accountancy, 1-0, to grab their first win in the ongoing UST Goodwill Games.

Junior striker Nikka Aquino gave nursing the needed blast at the 44th minute in the middle of an offensive struggle, striking and launching a rocket speed ball through the hands of Accountancy’s ace goalkeeper, slaughtering the back of the goal and sending the entire Nursing crowd into frenzy.

“Anxiety got the best of us during the first half. (But) then again, we realized that we can push ourselves more. The determination to win and perseverance to play our game brought us the point and the lead”, says Aquino, who plays her third year for the team and was vital to the squad’s runner up finish last year.

Alongside Aquino’s offensive blast, nursing gained charge from midfielder Lady Anne So and freshman rookie Roni Mendoza for fierce spirits attacking with every opportunity laid down the green field. The spectacular saves from Nursing’s rookie goalkeeper Shayne Palma created an invincible wall that catapulted every strike that the enemy tries to fire. At that, Nursing began with a flawless 1-0-0 record.

Nursing steps into the season with perspectives greater than winning their first game. Coming up short last year, the team seeks to gain closure to the nightmare that has been haunting them since dropping 0-1 to the Faculty of Medicine, disarming them from the precious chip. This time, all eyes are set to winning the championship. The live persecution brought by Nursing on their first game is just a teaser of bigger things to come. One thing is for sure, the women’s football team’s greatest battles are yet to be fought.

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Under my Wings

By John Martin F. Musones

I have been sent from heaven to guide you
Shed by the star’s light, I remained smiling
He who’s born in the manger out of town
Cloaked the dark sky with greatest singing

The cold breeze entered the open window
In their posture, the toy soldiers stood
Each little leg shudder cold in furrow
Out of the box they lined with utmost mood

A pyramid of boxes piled beneath
Completely covering the tree’s big roots
What a joy to be casted by a sheath
Of laughter and clanging of children’s boots

At the end of this festive season
They turn the radiance off my only sight
Again, I will go back to our prison
And fold my wings to hide my inner flight

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The Wall Between Us

by Sheena Fabunan

On the night before Christmas, I prayed in this home, wishing to God that I wasn’t alone.
Mary sadly smiled at the man she loves.

Despite the significant time that passed, this smile was no different from the one she gave him on Christmas day some two years ago when he finally decided to leave the family. The smile was every bit as painful and searing, feeling like a foreign entity on her face. Time has not begun its healing process just yet.
It was actually one of the regrettable things in the world for Mary. In certain times when she would linger in a dreamy limbo, her thoughts would sometimes solidify into a piercing moment of clarity. She eventually came to realize that some events needed to occur in a certain way, and most of the time, fate’s way included plenty of misery and pain. And there isn’t a lot one can do about that, except endure and hope that time would eventually make it less painful. But until now, nothing has even remotely begun to fill the large gaping hole he left in her life.

“Hey,” she said in cheerful tone while forcing a smile, “How’s your Christmas going?”

And just the same, Joseph smiled as he gazed at her. The real expression in his eyes emitted some form of unreadable detachment. Mary couldn’t see, but there was a plethora of sadness brewing just beneath the surface of his face. He made sure it stayed that way.

He knew he chose to leave her, but still, every meeting brought with it searing pain that he knew slowly tore out her heart. It was still too real and painful no matter how many days had gone by. He knew it hurt her far too much than she was willing to admit. He also knew that despite the pain he caused her, she still hoped that he wasn’t suffering too.

“Alright, the weather’s a bit rough on me,” he said chuckling, “How are the kids?” He felt miserably terrible for leaving them all.

“They miss you,” she said plainly.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said. She wondered why he didn’t reciprocate her statement. Their conversation won’t last for very long now. It was too strained but both wanted the same thing, “Take care of them,” he said, biting the urge to tell his wife that he wanted to come home and that he misses his children more than anything in this world.

“Yes. You take care too,” she responded.

He knew that some things have to keep moving. It’s important to keep up with the times, know what you need and work hard to get that. Set priorities; put what you want aside to make way for better things. And to get somewhere with all of these, big sacrifices have to be made.

“I miss you a lot,” she said. Her eyes finally let the tears escape. She touched the computer screen bearing his face with one pale hand as he did the same thing on his side of the world. For the past two years, this served as their only mode of communication. Working overseas involved too many hours and adjustments, but it brought home the money they needed to secure a future for their children. He said he will lift them out of their debts and out of poverty, but this is just one of the costs of the deal. He gave a sad, lonely smile.
“I miss you too,” he finally said, knowing he meant every single word. His work has not been kind to him, but he wasn’t about to tell her that. They both kept things from each other now, trying not to worry the other side. They’re both realizing that they are slowly losing their connection because of the secrecies that come with caring about someone; but, they couldn’t bring themselves to talk about the subject when they’re both struggling to stay alive.

They could still fix this, but it wouldn’t be soon. They both said their heartfelt ‘I Love You’s’ to each other, knowing deep inside that there was nothing much they could do about the two hearts that are breaking on Christmas Day.

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One Christmas Eve

by Sheena Fabunan

Fran concentrated on sprinting. Her sneakers loudly padded on the concrete while she hoped for the world to slow down, taking little notice of the vibrant Christmas lights that made her city glitter brightly in the night. The rest of the world became a blur in her blinding speed; her mind barely registered the aroma of freshly baked bread lightly wafting in the air on the Christmas Eve.

She skidded to a stop near a lamppost. Her breathing hitched and fogged in the cold. She could somewhat feel an asthma attack coming but she forced herself to control her breathing. NOT the time, she scolded herself. Sweat was forming on her forehead as she frantically tried to recall which street to take to get to the church. Mass was going to start in two minutes, and tardiness was an abomination. This was the last mass of the night and if she didn’t make it in time, her Simbang Gabi wouldn’t be complete. It was a necessity that her series of midnight masses would be completed to perfection. A very important (albeit stupid, she later thought) wish was on the line.

Decided to finally turn right, she darted past the crowd and ran across the streets ignoring the stitch forming on her side. She concentrated all her efforts on running. Please God! She frantically prayed in her head as she darted past every person she saw. Just this one time, delay the mass! Delay the mass! Delay the mass!
Over the horizon of some stands, she could make out the outline of the church ahead of her. She felt adrenaline surge through her veins as her legs moved faster and her heart pounded in her chest as newfound power emerged.

And just as quickly as hope had come and as close as she was, Fran realized that she wouldn’t make it. She felt her chest tightened, her heart beat faster and her breaths coming in long drawn out wheezes. She was having an asthma attack and apparently, one has to slow down when those things happen.
The girl had no choice but to stop moving. She patted the back of her jeans for her inhaler, only to realize, to her horror, that it wasn’t there. She forcibly shrieked a curse to the night sky above as she lowered herself down, punching her fist hard against the concrete floor. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing; it was the best she could do.

How could she forget her inhaler? She felt her eyes flowing with tears, not from the asthma attack, but from the sheer failure of her plan and yes, perhaps also a little from her stupidity. All her effort to wake up early for Simbang Gabi was futile.

On the side of the street sitting 200 meters away from the church, she felt the loneliness of her situation and remembered why she went through all the trouble of completing the Novena. It’s a boy, she thought, It’s always a boy. And this particular boy, to her, had a heart that she felt she should win over. Perhaps, her desperation drove her to think that completing a series of Eucharistic celebrations would finally make that possible.

She snorted through her asthma thinking that that was a very desperate move even for her already rock bottom standards. She heard herself emitting dry sobs as her breathing worsened, barely aware of the happy Christmas songs distantly playing in the background. She reasoned putting her head down between her knees; maybe her motivation to go to church wasn’t as pure as God would like. Her asthma has never flared this bad before.
Fran resigned to her situation and was seated basking in her moment of failure when she felt a light tap on her left shoulder. Her eyes slowly traveled up and met an open hand extending to her face. In that hand was an inhaler. She looked up to thank the kind person who would ever consider offering to a complete stranger (who could be rabid for all they knew) a personal artifact such as an inhaler.

His brown eyes met hers. She felt her heart beat slightly faster and her breathing dramatically improved, even without the use of an inhaler. She would recognize that face even if she died three deaths in a completely different universe. The boy smiled down on her and extended a gloved hand to help pull her up.

“Lucky I have asthma too, huh?” the boy said laughing, “At least it became useful this time. Are you going to church? We can go together. I think the mass was kind of delayed,” he prattled while helping her dust off.
Perhaps, fate was kind tonight.

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Night

By Jezrell Allida

I can hear the trembling of guitar strings. It coincides with the shivering voices of young fellows, joyous at their mellow. “The chorus of carols seems to fill the night with magnificence and glamour,” I said to myself as I walked slowly toward the breeze that blew violently. I then gaze upon the dark sky tinted with the glimmering stars. How beautiful it was! The lights of different colors dazzle in my eyes. They are dancing to my delight! The biting cold softens down my tolerance. It is inevitable back then and I have to pass through the lamp-lit street. However, the way home is a little dark. The moon shines up in the heavens above, illuminating the golden carpet of rice fields below. This time, this sight is about to be reaped and harvested like our world, I think. I feel something is about to come. A festiveness celebrated by us. A season of sharing and giving, I suppose.

I turn my back and the breeze blows peacefully. The rushing of leaves tap my feet and so I stare on it for a while. I feel something has fallen before me. To my inspection, a piece of paper sinks into the picture. I pick it up, unroll and read quietly. It is a letter addressed to Santa and curiosity sends me reading the next lines. Probably, a preschooler wrote it - few misspelled words and a childlike penmanship. It seems to be an ordinary letter but as I read it, it seems that something more is to be expected. To my surprise, the writer asked for everyday to be Christmas. I can’t help but smile as I close the note, rolling it again. As expected from a child who only looks forward to the wonders of life far from the reality adults are facing of, I think to myself. At the back of my head, a memory of the past comes to existence. A panorama of my childish days changes the present dark way into a house, lightened with incandescent bulb. Once a night, I wrote something addressed to my dear friend Santa and asked that Christmas will be forever so I could receive gifts everyday. How childish I was! It is so wonderful to be a child, to be on those good olden days where the world goes round and round. Those simple things I’m looking for gave me happiness in those good olden days.

Then reality seeps in. The coldness of the night once again makes me shiver hard. I continue walking and as I pass the old acacia tree, a boy runs toward me. He then asks if I saw a paper on my way and so I hand the letter to him. He smiles contentedly and graciously in reply. He said “Thank you manong! I thought I lost it but if I did, it doesn’t matter. My wish will come true anyway.” In a split of second, the boy runs away from me until he disappears from my eyes. I’m standing, still and alone. The wind blows again, mildly and calmly. Only from that point I realize why I keep on asking something from Santa. Why do I keep on wishing Christmas to stay forever? Why do I keep on walking on this way home, gazing upon the sky filled with stars as I hear songs of Christmas carols? It is because I believe I would find true happiness. I always believe in things I wish for, that someday, it would be a reality. Someday, it will be my future and my life.

To my surprise, I’m just a few walks away from the very door of our house. My little brother approaches me as I enter the house. He then asks me what he would write to Santa Claus this Christmas. I then smile at him. I ask him, do you believe in what you are wishing for?

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Miracles

by Thea Marcelo

Miracles are gifts from the heavens above
Something to rejoice and remember in delight.
These gifts from our Father, the Lord in the sky
Surely they’re marvels worthy of our smiles.

They defy explanation,
Don’t need much but our appreciation,
But how come we neglect, maltreat and abuse
These gifts given to us in awe and utter wonder.

Food, shelter and decorations to hang,
People, parties and presents galore,
Offered to us with so much awe and pleasure
Yet how much we forget their worth and value.

Miracles are given for a purpose –a reason,
Entrusted to us without contempt nor question.
All it need is our word –our vow,
That we will surely be true
Not only in heart, but also in soul.

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Manger

O, little night sky, your stars shine brightly
Over the lamp-lit town of skyscrapers and cars.
A minute ticks away as I look on to a lifeless desk,
While I stack and pile boxes and sheets in cabinet’s drawers.

Every table and desk so spick and span,
I swear they’d shimmer and glimmer in many ways that they can.
I hear the people outside, all joyful and merry, but my silence is the one deafening me.
And it seems as though this room has its own mood… the silence rings again.

The night grows still as the city goes to bed,
But the night grows longer as the lady shouts into the night.
Oh, heaven and earth, rejoice tonight as a tiny cry echoes through the hall
Because in a manger, away from home, a child is born… Such a heavenly sight.

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Little Dreams

By John Martin Musones

The roof of their tiny shack glistened elegantly before the street lights in a December night of merriment and glee. The people hurriedly journeyed the busy streets of Manila where his family had just slept for a day’s success in work. What a joy in his face when he recalled how satiated he was during his breakfast meal with his brothers and sisters, how happy he was when his friends teased his manually crafted parol made from newspapers and magazines, and how hurt he was when his mother scolded him in his stained, three-day old shirt. He slept in his small corner with his family. It was satisfying… another day has ended.

That December morning sun was steaming hot; every single men scorched in its rays drenched their shirts with sweat. He was lively under the sunshine as he always was. Run! He was fast, swift, and sneaky. Stop! A huge white gate clad with colorful Christmas lights and fancy decorations stood out in the village he passed. Reindeers jumped and jigged over the high roofs. Santa Claus smiled in his sleigh near the crafted chimney in that mansion’s crown. Joseph held his sister’s hand and sighed.

“Isn’t he beautiful?” Maria leaped towards him and gave him a big grin. She has always been sweet to him even though he always cheats her in a game of taguan and deprives her of the morning coffee.

“Santa Claus? With that beard, I’d rather settle for a goatee!”

Maria puckered her face and crossed her arms as if defending herself from a lawyer.

“Can’t I kid? Of course he is! I just hoped he will go back this night for another treat. We’ll pretend that we are sleeping so that we can sneak out and see him in action.”

Joseph held his white sock in his other hand. “Hope this would fill with coins and candies again,” he added.

The night was filled with colorful lights. Joseph and Maria hurriedly went home and ate their festive dinner – a plastic for six from their favorite carinderia. As usual, they slept early; they needed energy for their early morning routine. The two covered their bodies in such a way that their eyes were the only pearls shining against the moonlit opened window. They could see Joseph’s little sock swaying with the breeze of the night. As their tiny vision of that sight gently faded for a cold night slumber, a hand reached for the hanged sock which quickly detached it from their weary hearts.

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Lights

By Lettrice

What I enjoy most about Christmas
Among the many delights
Is solemnly sitting by the porch
Looking at the lights

The lights that glitter like the stars
The ones around each house
For it brings something glad into my heart
When I see them about

I know not what is inside of me
That stirs around this sentiment
Perhaps it’s how lights reflect on the souls
Of Christmas’ merriment

What glee, what glee! What solemn glee!
Yet I shed some tears
For Christmas lights end by Christmas night
And I’ll have to wait again ‘til next year

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TUWING PASKO

Ni: G-Clef

Nag-iba na ang simoy ng hangin
Alam na, na Pasko’y paparating
Mahirap man ang buhay, ngiti’y pipilitin
‘Pagkat tuwing Pasko, problema’y lilimutin.

Simbang gabi ay kukumpletuhin
Maaga man, dapat gumising
Gagawa ng listahan ng bibilhin
Panregalo man o mga lulutuin.

Sa Noche Buena, konti man ang pagkain
Basta’t kumpleto ang pamilya, kahit ano pa ihain
Alitan sa pamilya o magkakaibigan ay aayusin
Sama ng loob at hinanakit, lahat ay tatapusin.

Ngunit sa kabila ng mga nakasanayang gawain
‘Wag kalimutan, tunay na kahulugan at hangarin
Dahil hindi lamang sarili ang dapat isipin
‘Pagkat Siya ang dahilan ng Paskong ating sasalubungin.

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Paskong Pinoy!

Ni: G-Clef

Ilang linggo, ilang araw, ilang oras na lang ba
Bago tayong lahat ay kumai't magsaya?
Magbigay, mag-alay, magdulot ng ligaya
At magpasalamat, magpasalamat sa Kanya?
Ayan na, ayan na, parating na naman
Pasko na ating inaasam-asam
Ang bawat araw na dumaraan
Ay atin nang binibilang
Christmas tree sa mga bahay ay itinatayo na
Ang iba'y nagpaplano ng pagkaing ihahanda
Sa labas, umaawit ang mga bata
At tayong lahat ay nakikisama sa pagkanta!
Simoy ng hangi'y nag-iiba
Ang paligid ay napupuno ng saya
Umindak, kumanta, magpalaganap ng ligaya
Paskong Pinoy ay tunay ngang kakaiba!

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PASKO NA?

Ni: Romelia B. Aquino

Pag-aaral ay sadyang mahirap na pasanin
Paano pa kaya sa mga estudyante ng Narsing?
Babad sa ospital,sa pag-aalagang masinsin
Nakatayong magdamag araw-araw pa man din

Masarap namang mag-aruga
At tumanggap ng pasasalamat mula sa iba
Ngunit wala nang oras sa pamilya
Pati para sa sarili’y naubos na.

Wala nang alam sa mundo.
May giyera na’t nagkakagulo
Ngunit nakatutok pa rin sa papel na blanko
Nasa isip ay ang mga grado.

Ilang punit na lang sa kalendaryo
Sasapit na muli ang pagsilang kay Kristo
Ulan, araw, mga pagsusulit at malalaking libro
Kinabukasa’y masasabi na lamang “Ay! Pasko na? Pasko!”

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Pasko na sa USTe

ni EMI

Walang dudang Pasko na sa Uste
Sa malamig na hanging sa lahat bumabati
Mga punong nagliliyab sa liwanag
Makukuat na plamuting nag-iindakan
Pamaskong konsyerto na lubhang masaya
Mga pagtitipong puno ng galak at sigla
At mga pusong nakalaang magbigay tuwina

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PAG-IISA

ni EMI

May pangil ang pag-iisa.
Kapag bumaon sa kaibuturan
ng kamalayan, walang patawad
na sumisipsip ng lakas; walang
awang pumupugto ng hininga;
walang galang na pumipiga ng
damdamin; walang pitagang
naglalantad ng nagnanaknak
na sugat ng kaluluwa.

Mapag-ampon ang pag-iisa.
Mapagkandili sa sinomang
naghahanap ng katahimikang
bumabasag ng katinuan at
nagpapasuso ng di madamulat
na kapanglawan. Sadyang
maunawain ang pag-iisa kaya’t
wala itong kapalagayang-loob;
tinatakasan ngunit di matalikuran;
itinatatwa ngunit kinikilala nang
ganap ng pusong mapagbata.

Laging uhaw sa pag-unawa ang
pag-iisa. Laging gutom sa pagkilala.
Laging namamalimos ng pagsinta.
Laging nananabik sa paghihintay.
Laging nakikibaka sa pagtatamo
ng puwang sa katuturan ng buhay.

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MAGKATABI

Ni Pillow

“Uy,” mabagal akong lumingon sa nagsalita. Ah, oo. Si Jason nga.
“O?” Ganyan na naman ang mukha niya. Mukhang clueless.
“Tahimik mo,” sagot niya sabay kunot ng kanyang noo. “Okay ka lang ba?”
“Oo.” Gano’n lang. Isang tanong, isang sagot. Pinanood ko siyang lumingon muli sa nilalaro nilang computer game. Wala pa kasi ang aming propesor kaya nagsilabasan ang mga laptop at iPod ng mga tao. At kasama si Jason sa mga nakatutok sa laptop.
“Girl,” lumapit si Bettina, “gusto mo ba ako samahan mag-shopping? Girl, wala pa akong regalo para sa mga tao!”
“Late kasi matatapos ang klase natin. Tapos, may miting pa sa org. Bukas na lang kaya?”
“Girl, I’m FULLY BOOKED.” Nakakatuwa talaga kapag pumipilantik ang mga daliri ni Bettina. Baklang babae, kumbaga. “Wala na akong time!”
“Kung sa bagay, exams na next week….”
“Hindi pa ako nag-aaral, girl. I need all the time in the world!”
“Haha! Sira ka talaga. Sige na nga. Wala rin naman akong gagawin mamaya.”
Tumingin nang bahagya si Bettina sa direksyon ni Jason.
“Wala kayong date?”
Kasama ‘nun ang isang ngiting kinikilig kahit isang taon na ang nakaraan nang maging kami ni Jason.
“Sus, wala. ‘Kaw talaga.”
Wala naman talaga. Hindi mahilig si Jason sa dinner dates o sa panonood ng sine. Napaisip tuloy ako kung ano ba ang hilig niya. At lalo pa akong napaisip kung bakit hindi ko alam ang mga hilig niyang gawin namin.
“Pero girl, late na. Divisoria tayo. Parang hindi safe without a guy. Yayain mo na lang.”
“Kaya na natin ‘yan. May kasama man tayong lalaki o wala, hindi pa rin talaga tayo ligtas.”
“Kahit taga-buhat?” Ngumiti ang loka. Ito talaga.
“Hay naku, Maria Bettina Francisco.” Sumimangot na ako upang ipahiwatig na iyon na ang aking pasya.
Siguro mula ‘nung naglakad kami sa Divisoria hanggang sa mga panahong naluluha na ang mga tindera sa katatawad ng magaling kong kaibigang si Bettina, nakapagtataka dahil panay ang tanong at utos niya sa akin. Pulos na lang “tawagan mo na kasi”, “magparinig ka na’t mabigat ang dala natin”, “hindi safe, girl” at “bakit ba ayaw mong papuntahin si Jason?”
Sa totoo lang, ang huli niyang tanong ang pinakamahirap sagutin. Hindi ko masabi sa kanya na may panahong nag-text ako kay Jason dahil sobrang bigat ng dala ko, at nag-reply lang siya para sabihin kung saang room kami. Naroon na raw siya kaya hindi na niya ako mapupuntahan. Hindi ko maikwento na sa tuwing nagpapasama siya kung saan-saan ay handa akong samahan siya. Ngunit kapag ako naman ang nagyayayang maglakwatsa, madalas niyang sinasabi na nakakapagod raw, kahit isang jeep lang ang sasakyan namin. At marami pang mga bagay na hindi ko masabi sa kanya. Hindi na lamang ako nagsalita. Wala rin namang mangyayari.
Noong nakasakay na kami ni Bettina sa jeep ay napaisip ako ng malalim sa kabila ng pagod na bumabalot sa aking mga paa.
Ano na nga ba ang nangyari sa amin ni Jason?
Noong una kilig na kilig pa ako dahil nakikita ko talaga ang pagkalinga niya. Marunong siyang magbukas ng pinto para sa babae at marunong maghatid lalo na kung madilim na ang gabi. Pero sa paglipas ng panahon, napansin ko na parang ako na lamang ang gumagalaw at nagbibigay. Kung anong hiling niya’y siya namang bigay ko, kahit gaano kahirap. Lahat na lamang ay para sa kasiyahan niya. Hindi na niya magawang maglaan ng panahon at pagkalinga para sa iba. Nawawala na ako sa mundo niya.
Sa huli, nakaraos kaming dalawa ni Bettina, sa pamimili maging sa mga akademikong pagsusulit. Lumipas ang panahon at sa isang iglap, dumating na ang pinakahihintay na Christmas Party.
Noong naroon na kami sa handaan ay tuwang-tuwa ako. Lahat nagkukuhanan ng litrato at nagtatawanan. May nagbubulungan kung sino ang nabunot ng bawat isa para sa exchange gift. Mayroon ding nasa kusina at kunwaring nanonood lang sa nangyayari roon samantalang inilulublob na ang daliri sa carbonara sauce. Nakilaro naman ako ng Wii kasama si Bettina.
Bumukas ang pinto.
Pumasok ang isang pamilyar na mukha. At napainom na lang ako mula sa aking basong puno ng juice.
“Hon,” pumalibot sa aking baywang ang kanyang braso, “kanina ka pa?”
“Oo, kasabay ko sina Bettina.”
Umurong ako para maabot ang isang baso at tamang-tama lang dahil napabitaw siya.
“Gusto mo ng juice?”
Umiling siya at bago pa siya makapagsalitang muli ay may tumawag sa amin para lumingon sa isang bagong-bagong DSLR. May mga nagparinig ng “class couple” at “kiss naman”.
Konting dikit ng katawan. Nakahilig ang ulo sa may balikat ng lalaki. Nakahawak ang kamay sa brasong nakapaikot sa baywang. Nakangiti na parang bagong kasal.
At naulit ang mga pagkakataong ganito.
Pose. Click. Pose. Click. Pose. Click.
Ako ang pinakamasayang girlfriend sa buong mundo.
Sa bawat dikit ko kay Jason at sa bawat tukso ng aming mga kaklase ay lalong sumasakit at nangangawit ang mga pisngi ko. Sa bawat pagtawa ko nang marahan at pagpalo ko sa mga braso ng mga kaibigan ko kapag binabanggit nila kung gaano kami ka-sweet, parang mga punong tubong nag-uunahang umapaw ang aking mga luha.
“Guys, exchange gifts na!” sigaw ng aming presidente.
Magkatabi na naman kami ni Jason. Magkadikit ang mga hita at minsa’y nagtatama ang aming mga braso. Lahat ay nagsasabihan ng “Merry Christmas!” sa isa’t isa.
Nakakatawa. Sa gulo ng aking paligid, hindi ko magawang ngumiti. Hindi ko magawang ibigay ang relong gustong-gusto niya. Ilang linggo bago ang party, hindi ako makapaghintay na ibigay ang regalo ko. Alam kong matutuwa si Jason. Pero totoo pala ang mga sinasabi nila. Hindi mo kayang ibigay ang wala ka.
Tumingin sa akin si Bettina at kumindat pa. Nginuso niya ang kahon na nasa kamay ko. Ngumiti ako at tumingin kay Jason.
Pero sa bawat pagkakataong lumilingon ako sa kanya ay nakikita kong wala na ako sa mundo niya. Maaalala lang niya ako muli kapag mayroon na akong maihahandog sa kanya.
Tapos na kasi ang mga camera. Tapos na ang mga tuksuhan.
Halos lahat ay nakatayo na at sumasayaw nang biglang tumugtog ang kanta ni Lady Gaga.
Nawala sa aking paningin si Bettina at nagsimula akong mahilo sa mga nagsisigalawang katawan na aking nakikita. Nakadagdag pa rito ang mga nagkikislapang dekorasyong pang-Pasko.
Ang usok, ang hiyawan, ang sayawan… parang lahat na ay nakapaligid sa akin…parang masyado silang malapit...para akong naiipit sa isang maliit na kahon na ang kasama ko lamang ay si Jason.
Lumalapit. Sumisikip. Naiwan kaming magkatabi.
Hindi ko na rin siya maramdaman sa huli.

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