𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: "Who Am I Without the Title" by Bhea Mae P. Villaruel

Publishes by: Jeliana Atabay

Date Published: November 21, 2025

Time Published: 6:45 PM

Category: Poetry

Theme: Dreams give strength through struggles.

Who am I without the title I chase,

Without the medals, the honor, the praise? 

I used to shine with every grade, 

But now that light begins to fade. 

Back in the days, I stood so tall, 

Achiever’s pride, I had it all. 

But now it feels, I lost my way, 

Questioning myself almost everyday. 

They see me strong, they call me smart, 

But fear of failing breaks my heart. 

I hide my tears, I wear a smile,

And carry burdens all the while. 

I’ll work so hard with my pen, 

To achieve my goal once again. 

Gain the courage to face my fear, 

Focus more on chasing my dream. 

So, who am I without the title? 

When I see myself down a little.

I’ll strive each day, no matter the pain, 

For my future, family, and dreams I will attain.

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗡: "Sigaw ng Kabataan" ni Gieselle R. Carullo

Inilathala ni: Jeliana Atabay

Petsang Inilathala: Nobyembre 21, 2025

Oras na Inilathala: 6:34 PM

Kategorya: Tula

Tema: Pangarap ng kabataan laban sa dilim ng kasinungaling

Sa bayan kong sinilangan, puno ng pag-asa–

Ngunit sa likod ng ngiti, may takot at dusa.

Mga batang naglalaro, may pangarap sa mata—

Ngunit gutom at hirap, siyang sumisira.

Kung ang kabataan ay ilaw ng kinabukasan–

Sila’y huhubog ng bagong kasaysayan.

Magiging binhi ng tunay na pagbabago—

Itatanim sa lupa, aani ng ginto.

Sa mga mata ng mga anak, ang tanong ay nakataga—

"Bakit ang aming pangarap, kay hirap makuha?"  

Sa mga lingkod-bayan, nasaan ang kanilang dangal? 

Nakaupo sa ginto, habang bayan ay gutom at nasasakal

Sa bawat katahimikan, dama ang bigat at sakit—

Sa mga sulok ng kwarto, mga pangarap ay nakaukit.  

Sana’y magbago ang hangin, dumating nawa ang araw—

Ang kinabukasan ng bawat isa'y 'di na maagaw.

Sa gitna ng gutom, sa lilim ng pangamba—

Kabataan pa rin ang umaasang may umaga.

Sila’y patuloy na humahakbang sa bawat pagkadapa—

Dugo’t pawis nila’y may kalakip na pag-asa.

Sa bawat pagsikat ng araw, may panibagong laban–

Hangad ang pagbabago’t tunay na kalayaan.

Itigil ang korapsyon, ituwid ang landas ng bayan— 

Isang panata para sa tunay na kalayaan.

 

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗡: “Toga: Malapit Na, Pero Ayaw Ko Pa” ni Mark Louie L. Pocot

Dibuho ni: Arashel Mei Cinco

Inilathala ni: Lady Yoohee P. Catapang

Petsang Inilathala: Nobyembre 18, 2025

Oras na Inilathala: 7:34 PM

Kategorya: Prosa

Tema: Toga bilang simbolo ng tagumpay at pagkakaibigan

“Malapit na… pero ayaw ko pa.”

Iyan ang mga salitang paulit-ulit na bumabalik sa isip ko tuwing naiisip kong malapit na tayong magsuot ng toga. Kayo ang mga kasama ko mula pa noong unang araw ng pasukan—sa inyo ko unang naramdaman ang tunay na saya at ang pagiging totoo ng isang kaibigan.

Ang makilala kayo ay isang biyaya. Sa inyo ko naramdaman ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaibigan—yung simple ngunit totoo. Marami tayong nabuo na alaala; mula sa mga simpleng tawanan at kwentuhan hanggang sa mga sabay-sabay na cramming kapag may project o quiz kinabukasan. Hindi ko malilimutan ang mga gala natin pagkatapos ng klase at ang paulit-ulit na pagtatalo kung saan tayo kakain o pupunta. Sa bawat sandaling kasama ko kayo, napapawi ang pagod at bigat ng mga gawain na tila walang katapusan.

Hindi pa ako handang magsuot ng toga—hindi dahil ayaw kong magtapos ng pag-aaral, kundi dahil ayaw ko pang matapos ang mga araw na kayo ang aking kasama. Alam kong hindi ko mapipigilan ang takbo ng mundo, ngunit umaasa ako na kahit mag-iba man ang ating mga landas, mananatili tayong magkakaibigan.

Darating ang araw na haharap tayo sa bagong yugto ng buhay, ngunit sa puso ko, kayo pa rin ang mga taong nagbigay kulay at saya sa aking paglalakbay. Sa bawat tagumpay na darating, lagi kong maaalala na minsan, sa panahong puno ng pagod at kaba, nariyan kayo—ang mga kaibigang itinuring kong pamilya.

At kapag dumating na ang araw na suot na natin ang toga, alam kong may mga matang mapupuno ng luha—hindi dahil sa lungkot, kundi dahil sa tuwa at pasasalamat. Sapagkat sa likod ng bawat ngiti at yakap, may mga alaala tayong bubuhatin habang buhay.

Ang toga ay hindi lamang simbolo ng pagtatapos, kundi paalala ng lahat ng hirap, ngiti, at pagkakaibigang nabuo. Ito ay tanda ng mga gabing puyat, ng mga proyektong tinawanan kahit stressful, at ng mga pangarap na unti-unting nagiging totoo.

Kaya kahit mahirap magpaalam, pipilitin kong ngumiti, dahil alam kong kung saan man tayo dalhin ng buhay, dala-dala natin ang mga aral, ang tawanan, at ang samahan na minsan ay naging tahanan natin sa loob ng paaralan.

Kahit saan tayo makarating, sana ay magkita pa rin tayo sa dulo—mga nakangiti, matagumpay, at may pusong puno ng pasasalamat. Dahil kahit matapos man ang kabanatang ito, hindi matatapos ang kwento natin.

𝗧𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗔𝗡: "Nasunugan ang mga residente sa Brgy. Cuyab, San Pedro, Laguna noong ika-14 ng Nobyembre, 2025. Nagsimula ang sunog ng 7:15 PM sa kalye ng Pulo Kendi. Agad naman itong naapula ng mga bumbero." ni Paul Archie Barite

 Inilathala ni: Jielian Lobete 

Petsang Inilathala: Nobyembre 17, 2025

Oras na Inilathala: 12: 50 PM 

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘: "Waiting, Writing, Rising: TJ Monterde and the Years We Did Not See" by Jewel Mae Abellonar.

             

Layout by: Erelah Janika Geniza

Published by: Kyla Shane Recullo

Date published: November 14, 2025

Time published: 11:20 AM

Sold-out concerts. Chart-topping love songs. Millions of streams. At the time, he lacked those. What he had were nights when silence was more loud than applause, an empty room, and unanswered calls. But because dreams don't die quietly, he continued to play.

Today, Titus John “TJ” Monterde stands as one of OPM’s most beloved storytellers. But let us go back to the past 15 years. His stage looked very different. There were no lights, screaming fans, and no viral moment. Just a young man who lived in Cagayan de Oro, guitar in hand, hope in mind, and writing songs that the world was not ready to hear yet.

In a music industry where success in the entertainment comes suddenly through viral hits and overnight crashes. But for TJ, his story is one of a kind. Waiting and steady belief in himself. After 15 years of effort, he finally found himself in the spotlight he had long dreamed of. He waited; painfully, faithfully.

𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗘𝗧 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦  

TJ’s earliest memories of music were never about fame. It was him growing up in Cagayan de Oro, he was surrounded by the songs of everyday life, old OPM love ballads that are being played on the radio, acoustic guitars, melodies that spoke more of honesty than spectacle.

He started by writing quietly, for himself. Long before anyone cared to listen. Bedroom is the first stage.

Long before YouTube started to become a phenomenon, he was already there. Uploading songs with nothing but guitar and faith that someone, somewhere would connect with him. With his music.

But connection didn’t come easily. The road stretched longer.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗘

Fifteen years is a lifetime in the entertainment world, long enough for some artists to bloom and fade, for those trends to rise or to fall. But for TJ Monterde, those were years of fighting for passion.

Fifteen years is a lifetime in the entertainment world, long enough for careers to bloom and fade, for trends to rise and fall. But for TJ Monterde, those were years of fighting for his passion.

Small gigs, small pays. Spent long nights writing songs that might never be heard. Days when views did not climb. When friends wondered if he should just find a safer path, a path that he already knew where he was going. Yet, through it all. He kept on writing, kept playing guitars, kept posting song covers.

Behind those stage lights that we see today were countless moments of self-doubt. But also, lots of countless choices to keep on thriving.

𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

What set TJ apart was not just his talent. It was his writing. His songs were like love letters in melody. Simple, but piercing. Filled with the kind of honesty that made listeners feel like he was singing their stories.

“Ikaw at Ako” and “Tulad Mo” began to carve a quiet but loyal space for him, only him, in OPM. They were not booming overnight hits but they resonated deeply with those who found them. For many, TJ became the soundtrack to late-night bus rides, quiet heartbreaks, and the slow, beautiful spreading out love.

Over time, his steady connection grew into a fanbase. Fanbase that fills venues and pushes him more to the top of the charts. He did not chase trends. It was him who built trends. Not only trends, but also trusts. One song each time.

𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧

From one song each time, it turned to bigger stages opened for collaborations. By then, TJ’s years of persistence had pushed him into not just a singer but a respected songwriter. While KZ Tandingan, his now wife, added both inspiration and visibility to his long time journey.

Together, they became one of OPM’s powerful couple. But even on his own, TJ had established his voice.

Authentic. Tender. Timeless.

𝗪𝗔𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚. 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚

Fast-forward to where he is today: TJ Monterde’s name stands out among OPM’s finest. His concerts were sell out. His songs gather millions of streams. His lyrics echo in the hearts of many who waited with him through the years.

Yet, his rise felt different from the usual rise of fame. There is no rushing, no flash. Instead, there was a weight of patience and faith. His career is not just about reaching the top, it was about proving that we don't need to rush in everything we do. Slow growth can last longer, can shine brighter, and mean so much.

He now stands in front of New Frontier Theater, Araneta, and stages all over the world. TJ’s success feels certain. But it was not. It was earned; through 15 years of patience and faith.

His story is not just about music. It is about trust and faith in God. It is about believing that the long road, however uncertain, leads to somewhere worth driving for.

It is because success is based on faith, patience, and purpose endures, as seen by TJ Monterde's journey.  Every dreamer can learn from his tale to remain dedicated, have faith in every procedure, and think that every setback has purpose.  

Because indeed, 𝘴𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘩𝘰𝘯, 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘯 ’𝘺𝘰𝘯.

REFERENCES:

[1] GMA News Online. (2024, April 10). *TJ Monterde looks back at rejections, reveals he almost quit music before his rise to success*. GMA Network. [https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/947025/tj-monterde-looks-back-at-rejections-reveals-he-almost-quit-music-before-his-rise-to-success/story/](https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/947025/tj-monterde-looks-back-at-rejections-reveals-he-almost-quit-music-before-his-rise-to-success/story/)

[2] Orange Magazine. (2017, June 13). *TJ Monterde launches third album “Kahit Kunwari” with concert*. Orange Magazine. [https://orangemagazine.ph/2017/tj-monterde-launches-third-album-kahit-kunwari-concert/](https://orangemagazine.ph/2017/tj-monterde-launches-third-album-kahit-kunwari-concert/)

[3] Philippine Star. (2013, April 10). *TJ Monterde, Galaxy Records’ new acoustic pop balladeer, debuts album “Ikaw at Ako”*. Philstar.com. [https://www.philstar.com/music/2013/04/10/929086/tj-monterde-galaxy-records-new-acoustic-pop-balladeer-debuts-album-ikaw-ako](https://www.philstar.com/music/2013/04/10/929086/tj-monterde-galaxy-records-new-acoustic-pop-balladeer-debuts-album-ikaw-ako)

[4] Philippine Star. (2013, September 23). *Newbie acoustic singer TJ Monterde goes after his passion*. Philstar.com. [https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/09/23/1237252/newbie-acoustic-singer-tj-monterde-goes-after-his-passion](https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/09/23/1237252/newbie-acoustic-singer-tj-monterde-goes-after-his-passion)

[5] Philippine Star. (2014, June 2). *TJ Monterde, new acoustic pop balladeer*. The Freeman. [https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2014/06/02/1330176/tj-monterde-new-acoustic-pop-balladeer](https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2014/06/02/1330176/tj-monterde-new-acoustic-pop-balladeer)

[6] Philippine Star. (2025, January 31). *TJ Monterde’s historic “Sarili Nating Mundo” concert: ‘It’s really God’s timing’*. Philstar.com. [https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2025/01/31/2417998/tj-monterde-historic-sarili-nating-mundo-concert-its-really-gods-timing](https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2025/01/31/2417998/tj-monterde-historic-sarili-nating-mundo-concert-its-really-gods-timing)

[7] Philippine Star. (2025, June 27). *TJ Monterde proves that success comes to those who wait*. Philstar.com. [https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2025/06/27/2453566/tj-monterde-proves-success-comes-those-who-wait](https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2025/06/27/2453566/tj-monterde-proves-success-comes-those-who-wait)

[8] Polyeast Records. (2018, April 23). *About TJ Monterde*. Polyeast Records. [https://www.polyeastrecords.com/2018/04/23/about-tj-monterde/](https://www.polyeastrecords.com/2018/04/23/about-tj-monterde/)

[9] PEP.ph. (2013, October 3). *Newbie pop balladeer TJ Monterde bats for OPM revivals through his music*. PEP.ph. [https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/28959/newbie-pop-balladeer-tj-monterde-bats-for-opm-revivals-through-his-music](https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/28959/newbie-pop-balladeer-tj-monterde-bats-for-opm-revivals-through-his-music)

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: “The Moment I Saw You” by Rai Eniana T. De Iso

Cartoon by: Arashel Mei Cinco

Published by: Rich Antonette Pescasiosa 

Date Published: November 14, 2025

Time Published: 8:05 AM

Category: Poetry

Theme: Finding direction through love. 

Every shadow passed beyond me,  

Footsteps echo as they cross.  

My blurred vision of the world spins on,  

Turning hazily until I meet my dawn.  

In oceans full of silhouettes,

Stands the sun—unwavering, she shines.

Gleaming in the rays, undefeated by clouds,  

A beacon of sunshine, I call mine.  

And then, our gazes met one another—  

Who knew the sun could shine brighter?  

With a smile I know is made for me,  

I forget to wonder and simply believe 

Everything surrounding carries no weight.

In that moment, a promise glowed from fate.

The apple of my eye took gentle shape—

Of love that seals our endless state. 

In the midst of uncertainties,  

You drew a clear path for me,  

Leading to you with all certainty— 

With the vow of the sun, we're meant to be.  

The shadows may dance, the doubts may roam,  

But to your warmth, I’ve found my way home.  

No need for a map or a star above—  

My vision is clearer with you, my love.

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: "While They Are Here" by Bhea Mae P. Villaruel

Layout by: Janaeka Villanueva

Published by: Sophia Garcia

Date Published: November 13, 2025

Time Published: 4:16 pm

Category: Poetry

Theme: Love and appreciation for parents while they are still alive.

They wake before the sun can rise,

Cooking meals with sleepy eyes.

Their hands are rough, their steps are slow,

Yet still they move, and never show.

Behind their smiles, the pain they hide,

Nights they’ve cried while we all slept tight.

Dreams they wanted, left behind,

So we could live with peace of mind.

We rush through life, we run ahead,

Chasing dreams they wished instead.

My greatest fear that feels so near,

Is losing them while they are here.

One day their voices may grow small,

Their strong backs bent, no strength at all.

So say "I love you", loud and clear,

Don’t wait for silence—say it here.

For parents give with all their heart,

Their love so deep, it sets apart.

So give them love while they still stay,

Before their time fades fast away.