𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗡: "Ang Orasan sa Kahon" ni Franceil Ann Lorraine B. Arciaga

 

Disenyo ni Cristian Tulisana

Inilathala ni Sophia Garcia

Petsang Inilathala: Oktubre 10, 2025

Oras na Inilathala: 2:02 pm

KATEGORYA: Prosa

TEMA: Pagtanggap sa pagdaan ng oras at panahon.

"Tik tak tik tak" Sambit ng orasan sa ibabaw ng altar ni Hiraya. Paborito niyang tambayan ang altar sa tuwing inaalala niya ang mga bakas at tamis ng kahapon— ang kaniyang kabataan. 

Ang orasan ang nagsisilbing kasama niya sa tuwing ang kaniyang puso ay umaalala ng kaniyang kabataan. Ang mga tawanan, kuwentuhan, at kasiyahan. 

Noong bata si Hiraya ay isa lamang ang kaniyang kinakatakutan— ang pagtanda. Hindi niya alam kung bakit, isang pananaw na hindi niya alam ang kasagutan. Ngunit alam niya sa kaibuturan ng kaniyang puso na ito ay mayroong dahilan.

Isang araw, ginawa niya ang isang mabigat na desisyon. Itinago niya sa kahon ang orasan.

Ngayon, habang nakatitig sa kahon, unti-unti niyang naunawaan—ang pagtanda’y hindi sumpa kundi awit ng panahon, isang himig na dahan-dahang humahaplos sa puso’t kaluluwa. Hindi ito wakas kundi isang paglalakbay na puno ng mga lihim at pangarap na nakatago sa mga hibla ng oras.

At sa bawat pag-ikot ng orasan, sa bawat tik-tak na kanyang dinarama, dumadaloy ang kwento ng buhay—isang tula ng pag-asa, pagtanggap, at pagmamahal sa mga sandaling hindi na maibabalik, ngunit maaaring sambahin.

Sa puso ni Hiraya, ang orasan ay naging musika ng kaniyang buhay, isang paalala na sa likod ng takot ay may kagandahang naghihintay, at sa bawat pagtatapos ay may bagong simula.

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗡: “Bago ang Lahat, Ako Naman Muna“ ni Kathleen D. Yambot

Disenyo ni: Cristian Tulisana

Inilathala ni: Jadelynn Arnigo

Pestang Inilathala: Oktubre 8, 2025

Oras na Inilathala: 12:15 PM

Kategorya: Prosa

Paksa: Pagod, Pagkawala ng Sigla, At Ang Tahimik na Paghiling ng Pahinga

Araw-araw, nagkikiskisan ang paa ko sa parehong sahig ng obligasyon. Gumigising ako na parang may mabigat na kumot na hindi ko maalis. Hindi na ito sigaw o iyak. Tahimik na pagkaputol ng pakiramdam. Parang unti-unting pagkalbo ng isang puno na dati ay luntian.

Ngumingiti ako sa harap ng iba ngunit may nalalabing puwang sa tawa ko. Mga salita ko ay nagiging mga tungkod na inuukit ko para suportahan ang ibang tao, hanggang sa ang mga kamay ko mismo ay nanginginig sa pagkahapo. Madalas, nauuwi ang gabi sa paglalakad sa madilim na kwarto at pakikipag-usap sa sarili na walang sagot.

May mga sandaling parang papel lang ako na dinudugtungan ng iba ayon sa kailangan nila. Nakasuot ako ng damit na iba ang hugis, iba ang kulay, hindi akma sa katawan ko pero tinatanggap dahil ayaw kong magdulot ng gulo. Kung aalisin iyon, ano na lang ako? Nag-aatubili ang puso ko sa tanong na iyon.

Hindi ko na ramdam ang dating maliliit na tuwa. Ang mga bagay na dati nagpapalutang sa akin ay ngayon mabigat na alon. Mabilis akong madapa sa maliliit na bagay. Mahina na ang pagtitiis. Minsan, sumisiklab ang galit hindi dahil gusto ko, kundi dahil napuno ang tangke na matagal nang hinihigop ng mga iba.

Sa gitna ng lahat, may napakaliit na tinig na hindi sumisigaw. Bumababa siya mula sa kailaliman at hinihiling ng payapa: pahinga ka muna. Hindi niya hinihingi ang pagtalikod sa mundo. Hindi niya sinasabing iwan lahat. Hinihiling lang niya ang pahintulot na huminga nang malalim, ang pahintulot na magpahinga nang walang paliwanag.

Ngayon, pinapakinggan ko ang tinig na iyon sa paraang hindi ako nagawa noon. Hindi ako titigil sa paglingkod, pero sasabihin ko muna sa sarili kong may hangganan ang sigla ko. Sasabihin ko nang hindi na kailangan ng malakas na dahilan: ako naman muna.

Ito ang sandali ng tahimik na pag-aalay sa sarili. Hindi engrandeng pagbabago. Hindi panawagan sa mundo. Isang maliliit na hakbang lamang—paglukso mula sa gilid ng pagod papunta sa gilid ng pag-aalaga.
Ako naman muna.

 

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “White House Signals Nationwide Offensive After Killing of Charlie Kirk” by Khitch Chino D. Buan

 

Inilathala ni: Mherry Vhibe Macalalag

Petsang Inilathala: October 8 2025

Oras na Inilathala: 10:18 AM

The fatal shooting of conservative youth leader Charlie Kirk had set off a political storm in the United States, which in turn pushed the Trump administration to announce that it would pursue a nationwide offensive against what it described as a rising threat from left-wing extremists.

Senior presidential aide Stephen Miller stressed that the White House had ordered federal agencies to identify, disrupt, dismantle, and destroy such networks in order to make the country safe again for the American people.

Miller had delivered the statement on Kirk’s podcast, which Vice President JD Vance temporarily hosted following the tragedy.

He explained that the administration intended to channel all of the anger generated by what it called an organized campaign that culminated in Kirk’s assassination, and that this energy would be used to uproot and dismantle the networks they believed responsible.

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, revealed that he was considering the use of organized crime statutes to prosecute individuals financing far-left groups and had again revived the possibility of designating the Antifa movement as a domestic terrorist organization, despite the absence of any formal legal process under U.S. law to make such a designation.

These strong declarations had come after a tense week in Utah, where Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck while addressing students at Utah Valley University during his “American Comeback Tour” on September 10.

Security footage later showed a gunman climbing onto a campus rooftop and firing a single round from what investigators described as a high-powered, bolt-action rifle.

DNA evidence collected at the scene eventually led authorities to 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was apprehended two days later following a 33-hour manhunt that Utah Governor Spencer Cox hailed as a historic achievement for state law enforcement, praising the speed and efficiency of investigators by declaring, “We got him.”

Trump had condemned the attack as a “heinous assassination” and promised to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Kirk posthumously.

He described the slain youth leader as a giant of his generation and a champion of liberty, asserting that like the heroes of 9/11, Kirk would never be forgotten.

In solidarity with Kirk’s family, Vice President Vance canceled a scheduled 9/11 memorial appearance and accompanied them as they returned to Arizona with Kirk’s remains aboard Air Force Two.

"This event is horrifying, alarming, but not necessarily surprising," said Mike Jensen, a researcher on political violence.

REFERENCES:

[1] ABS-CBN News. (2025, September 13). ‘We got him’: Arrest of Kirk shooting suspect announced. Reuters. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/9/13/-we-got-him-arrest-of-kirk-shooting-suspect-announced-0054

[2] Agence France-Presse. (2025, September 12). Trump, other officials mourn Charlie Kirk amid 9/11 tributes. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/9/12/trump-other-officials-mourn-charlie-kirk-amid-9-11-tributes-0822

[3] Reuters. (2025, September 12). Investigators in Charlie Kirk killing find weapon, release images of person of interest. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/charlie-kirk-murder-updates-september-11-2025/

[4] Reuters. (2025, September 11). Nation on edge: Experts warn of ‘vicious spiral’ in political violence after Kirk killing. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/death-charlie-kirk-vicious-spiral-political-violence/

[5] Agence France-Presse. (2025, September 16). White House vows to take on left-wing ‘terror’ movement after Kirk killing. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/9/16/white-house-vows-to-take-on-left-wing-terror-movement-after-kirk-killing-0936

𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘: “Someday, Your Name” by Hayden Jam R. Recto

 

Layout by: Mark Louie Pocot

Published by: Jellyssa Boniza

Date published: October 8, 2025

Time published: 6:42 AM

Category: Poetry

Subject: Admiration and unspoken connection in a silent sanctuary

The church was quiet,

a hymn flowing through the air,

candles swayed in their solemn hush.

And then—your eyes.

I caught them,

and in that small eternity

you smiled.

Not once, but again,

every time our glances crossed,

like a flame rekindled,

burning softly between the pews.

I tried to still my lips,

but the smile broke through—

shy, faltering,

yet alive.

Butterflies stirred where prayers had rested,

my heartbeat racing against the silence.

And in the middle of holy words,

I sent up a quiet prayer—

not asking for more,

only grateful for this moment.

Someday,

I’ll know who you are beyond the

smile.

Until then,

I’ll hold on to this wonder,

like a page left open,

waiting for the day

you let me read your name.

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "Malacañang urges Zaldy Co to speak amid Corruption allegations" by Renee Jayne Canale

Published by: Zenie Lynn Caguing

Date Published: October 7, 2025

Time Published: 2:43pm

Malacañang called on resigned Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co to answer the allegations against him in relation to alleged anomalous flood control projects on Tuesday, September 30. 

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement, stressing that Co, who is currently abroad, must answer to the allegations linking him to corruption.

''Mas mainam na maipaliwanag ang kanyang side,'' Castro said.

Furthermore, Co, who has been overseas since early September for medical treatment, resigned from the House of Representatives on Monday, September 29, prompting the government to request a blue notice from Interpol to determine his whereabouts

Co's resignation comes in the wake of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommending to the Ombudsman the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges against him and several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Oriental Mindoro.

In addition, the ICI recommendation pertains to the ₱289.5 million road dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, noting that DPWH Region IV-B hired Sunwest Inc., a contractor reportedly linked to Co, to implement the flood management initiative, according to executive director Brian Hosaka.

Moreover, Co has denied receiving money from the government’s flood control projects, saying he planned to return to the country to clear his name of the allegations. 

REFERENCES:

[1] Domingo, K. (2025, September 30). "Zaldy Co appears guilty if he fails to answer corruption allegations: Palace." ABS CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/30/zaldy-co-appears-guilty-if-he-fails-to-answer-corruption-allegations-palace-

[2] Bajo, A. (2025, September 30). "Palace to Zaldy Co: Better to explain your side." GMA Integrated News. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/960740/palace-to-zaldy-co-better-to-explain-your-

[3] Unite, B. (2025, September 30). "Palace to Zaldy Co: Explain your side." Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/30/palace-to-zaldy-co-explain-your-side#:~:text=Philippines%20%7C%20National-,Palace%20to%20Zaldy%20Co%3A%20Explain%20your%20side,-By%20Betheena%20Unite

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: “A House That Never Felt Like Home” by Angela Garilao

 

Published by: Athena Nicole Palatino

Date Published: October 7, 2025

Time Published: 11:40 AM

Category: Prose

Theme: Growing up in a house you could never call home. 

Home.

Such a simple word, and yet isn’t it strange how it can feel like a warm embrace to some, and like iron bars to others?

People keep asking why I never want to go home. As if “home” is still a word I can believe in. Because how do I tell them that my first heartbreak wasn’t a person, but the house I grew up in? That it wasn’t about love lost or promises broken, but about the kind of silence that weighs heavier than shouting. The kind of words that slice deeper than any blade on my wrist. And the kind of atmosphere that suffocates you even when you’re sitting still.

I learned early that not all homes are sanctuaries. Some homes are hidden battlefields, where every step is cautious, every silence heavy with the threat of explosion. Some are familiar-colored prisons, where the walls know your name but never your comfort.

That’s why I stay out late. That’s why I’d rather get lost in nameless streets than return to rooms that bruise me in many ways no one else can see—because sometimes the world outside, in all its chaos, holds me gentler than home ever did.

Home is supposed to be warmth, a refuge, a place where you can lay down your exhaustion and finally breathe. Mine was the opposite. Mine was a place that stole my breath, a place where comfort was rationed, where love felt like currency I could never afford. And maybe that’s the cruelest part: learning that the place you should have trusted the most was the first to teach you how love can wound.

And so I run. Not because I hate them. Not because I am ungrateful. I run because survival taught me that sometimes leaving is the only way to keep whatever pieces of yourself are left. I run because staying would mean shattering beyond repair.

They say home is where the heart is. But mine was where my heart was broken long before anyone else could touch it. And now, all I want is to find a place where “home” doesn’t carry the weight of wounds I never asked for.

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: "The Absence of a Leader" by Kathleen D. Yambot

Published by: Jadelynn Arnigo

Date Published: October 7, 2025

Time Published: 10:53 AM

Category: Prose

Subject: Failed Leadership and Frustration

There is nothing more infuriating than a chair occupied by someone who was meant to lead, yet refuses to rise to the call. They carry the title, wear the name, and sit in the place where responsibility should live—yet when the moment demands presence, there is only absence. It is as if the crown rests on hollow air, heavy only in pretense, never in duty.

Leadership is not about claiming a seat but, it is about carrying its weight. It is showing up, again and again, when others depend on you. But what happens when the one who should embody strength is nothing more than an echo? Their silence becomes louder than their words, their excuses heavier than their work. And the ones who actually labor must carry the burden they abandoned.

I have seen it unfold—long hours when hands are needed, when voices must rise, when presence itself could have made a difference. Yet the seat remains empty, the duty untouched. They appear only when the spotlight is kind, but vanish when the work is raw and heavy. It is in those moments that the truth stings: they were never fit to lead, only eager to be seen.

The anger simmers because it feels like betrayal—not of promises spoken, but of the very essence of leadership. To sit high and do nothing is worse than not sitting at all. It is arrogance disguised as authority, cowardice cloaked in position. And in the shadow of such failure, everyone else is forced to bleed for the duties they refuse to touch.

What good is a leader who cannot lead? What good is a figure who cannot even stand in the place they claimed as theirs? An empty throne does not only mock those who look up to it; it wounds them. And in that wound grows the unshakable truth that not all who sit in power deserve to be called leaders—some are merely impostors who mistake a title for a soul.