Acid Trip Page 6Page 2Page11Short StoriesEssaysPoems

PoemsCmon in candy landWhere seas are sweetBeside the sugary sandAnd that dog doth tweetWhere blackbirds sing vaudevilleAnd palm trees grow moneyOh, what a thrillThis land of milk and honeyI am an avid fan of The BeatlesAnd I met them in the strawberry fieldsPaul, John and George fiddlin fiddlesAnd Ringo, the drum he wieldsMy feet, in this soil, sepulcheredWhen those who died happy, draggedA blissful parade of the undead orderedA bouquet of roses, thrown then baggedEverything is surrealWhen this mushroom is at topsWhy make a big deal?Next time, Ill try those pops!That Rainbow UnicornExaggeration ReloadedAgain, She PrayedBy Jacqueline Anne TamondongHe was the song stuck inside her headThe melody that played again and againShe prayed that it would stopBecause her heart started to hopIt was hard to say good bye,But it was even harder to say hiWhen no words were spoken,The heart that beats fast got stolenAgain, she prayed she will not regretBut the heart that was sure started to fretWhy does it seem so wrong yet feel so right?When he held her in his arms that nightThe heart that was then certain doubtedWas this the kind of love that counted?Again, she prayed and raised her eyesFor she trusted God at all timesBy Ludwig TayonaBCA

PoemsOneBy Frances QuimoraIn the beginning, there was nothingA cold, dark abyss of reasoningThen there was one who came in that worldAn existence suddenly unfurledSoon, another came and there was twoAn cherishing encounter so trueIn a flash, there were three; four, five, sixThings multiply as fast as time ticksBut if you scatter many, youll seeThat they has begun from being freeNo matter what, everything was oneBefore its big, it was poorly-doneOnes the governor of time and spaceIt builds up tall towers and long daysNumbers confuse, but one is to blameYet were all trapped in its silly gameTo get zero, ones the last digitOne is just everywhere! Let be it EndlessBy Ma. Christine MontalboBroken heart lays stretched across the desertAnother wave crashes as her heart begin to meltFeeling so alone, no place to dwellBurning and broken inside- emptiness is feltTears run along her cheeks every nightMemories that continuously haunt her with mightShe wakes up every morning but the pain is never goneBefore God, She laid her complaint uponYou left her broken and shattered with empty dreamsLife is moving fast but the pain can still be seenShe always thought of a fairy tale love storyBut she ended up depressed and sorryYour reminiscence torture her as she tries to eraseThose days how she would wish not to anymore embraceCondemned to hell and worthless with your presenceShe wishes to die but she cannot also bear your absenceEndless torture, Endless Ordeal, Please stop and listenAll that she wanted is to be her againShes falling in love but everythings falling apartShe needs to find her way back to the startOne must always remember this one thing true.To take away the feeling of loneliness and blueSimplest way of being happy, To let go of things that makes you cryShe must learn to say goodbye. BCA

PoemsHimBy Frances QuimoraHis effeminate slenderness and absolute clumsinessHis gentle face and eyes and graceful lips curving into smilesHis soothing, charming voice and unmistakable diligenceThese qualities I may not always notice but theyre worthwhileHis words of wisdom and truth and choices of stories to readHis words of mouth and hand and choices of things to talk aboutHis words of good and bad and choices of people to stay withThese things I may not like, but it will not mean him I will doubtHis supportive classmates and teachers and friends and familyHis previous and current fans and only persons in his heartHis former enemies and new buddies throughout the countryThese people I may not know but hes still the best work of artHis physical characteristics I may not know too wellHis genetic makeup commanding him I cannot predictHis foundation I am not familiar with, but I can tellThese does not explain clearly why I am in love with him sickPaula JoyaBy Mark Gab the Great ValenzuelaThe perfect words never crossed my mindcause there was nothing in there but youOh love, I know that this feelings trueBut do I ever cross your mind too?You fill my head with binary codesFill it with things I dont understandIf you could only try, take my handWell decipher these ones and zeroesFew more days and Ill be gone for longAnd youll never know this thing I seeFlick your hair, its beautiful to mePleasant as your favorite Coldplay songIll miss your face, as sweet as a SkittleGod spent an eternity with suchOh darling, distance means so littleWhen someone means so muchBCA

Fin.The Summary of My MemoriesBy Rafael BautistaThe seas eat not the rays of the great sun But the hopes of Mans daughter and sonBe the moon the frozen, or the moon on fireThe world of life becomes that of the direTime heals not the wounds of a liars heartSword cuts no paper of a writers partWinds whisper no truth from a beings mouthTil East become West and North turn SouthWhen will light be casted upon despair?Why ride a stallion and why not a mare?A wall built between the wrong and the rightA blank road, they are black and they are whiteLet tears fall not from the shadows left eyeLet fear creep not on the moment men dieMemories haunt the thoughts of the guiltyMen arent so wise, men are born follyBut all man cared too much of the futureAnd all man had experience its ruptureHide between trees when other trees fallDeath doesnt come but death will always callLong has been the journey on the surfaceLong that souls do not remember the FaceAs one thing is gained, another is lostNothing is gained when no one pays the costDont lose a heart when it most neededLose it not even after life endedLove is given, no, it cannot be shownIts only in our minds that were aloneBCA

The Tipping PointBy Ludwig Tayona I never thought I would come to the point where I would lose myself I mean this night; only this night is very exhausting. It is just this night that I have a pile of workload to do. Imagine bearing the burden of two different schools each having an assignment harder than the other (yes, a paradox). Even imagining it would make you sick- even sick enough to make you sick just thinking about getting sick about getting sick about getting sickand so on. So what do I really want you to know? Maybe youve been thinking of where this essay is going. Alas, I tell you: every person has his own so-called, tipping point. Books say that it is the point when things in the up-scale come down because they have reached the peak of their destination or tolerance. In my own words, it is the point when you suddenly get pissed at everything because you cant take everything anymore; it is when you blow your head off on things- rant about those things in written form or verbally. It is what I am doing right now. But I do not just rant: I rant with a purpose. At least this essay makes sense. I could say that this even has more sense than those who rant about nonsense like Jusin Bieber, Rihanna or even Facebooks ever-annoying changes like the Timeline. I do this in fulfillment of my requirements in Journalism IV. Now, to those who were expecting a real essay about the title, I am so sorry because I only chose that title to fit my mood while I am writing this, not because I wanted to define it (I gave a short description, though). Thank you for listening to my rants and I hope that youve learned even a little bit from me. Essays

Who is she?By Jacqueline Anne Tamondong She is Gods second masterpiece. She is soft and beautiful in every way. She gets hurt easily. She may seem to be weak but she is not. She is strong for only a woman can bleed for a week and live, only a woman can give birth, only a woman can understand herself and her needs. He says that she is hard to understand yet the truth is, he just refuses to see the little things that upset her. Who is she? What makes her a woman? She is one of the hardest things to understand. Science tries to explain her yet he cannot grasp the depth of her emotions. She cannot see why he cannot understand her, she cannot see why he says the she complicate things. She is not complicated, she is just misunderstood. Woman, she is different from man. She is Eve not Adam. She refuses to be unreasonable yet she seems irrational to him. She is the Eve that he should take care of, the Eve that he should understand and the Eve that he should love. But who is he? Is he the Adam who complicates the very core of her womanhood. She is a woman not just a man to woo. It takes more than man to love a woman because he alone is not enough to love her, he has no enough patience to wait for her, he has no enough understanding to fathom her constant mood swings, he has no enough care to nurture her in her bad days, and he has no enough love to give her what she really deserves. Every woman deserves so much love, she is Gods princess who deserves more than a man, she deserves Gods best. She is the woman who deserves the Adam who already fell in love with God before he fell in love with her. She changes her mood constantly, she faces bad days every now and then, she feels unwanted at times, she thinks that shes a failure, and only God can fill her up and make her okay. But because God loves that woman so much, He will give her someone she deserves, her Adam- the man who will remind her everyday who she really is, that she is Gods princess. Who is she? She is one proof that God loves man because from Adam, God created Eve from his rib. She is not inferior, she is equally important in Gods eyes, she is equally loved by God. In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. -1 Corinthians 11:11-12Essays

FriendsBy Ma. Christine MontalboA real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.""A friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be anywhere else.""A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.""A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself."Friendship has always been useful to each one of us. With them, we learn how to socialize; we learn how to trust and we learn to deal with other peoples attitude. Best friends enjoy each other's company and they will never leave each other when trials come. Friends guide us when we are perplexed or feel astray. We feel relieved when we tell our sorrows to a friend. A true friend is an asset. Life is so short that we need someone to impart our thoughts and feelings to. Sometimes, questions pop up in our mind, like: What kind of friend should I trust? Or, how will I know if he/she should be trusted? Real friends are always there for you even without saying words of assurance. They are there to protect - sometimes, even fight - for you. But a real friend cant always make you smile. Sometimes they tend to hurt you or choose not to be with you. A real friend gives you a shoulder to cry on. He/she is always beside you; always ready to listen. He/she will still love you despite the arguments and disagreements. Fake friends: they are worse than your enemies. They are your friends because you have something that they want.They are the ones who just use you - in their favor, of course - and they will surely not help you back in any way. They talk trash about you behind your back. They are good-for-nothing users. Now you know whom you will trust, always remember: true friendship is a gift from God. They are angels from the sky, but we just called them FRIENDS. Essays

ShoesBy Frances QuimoraThey say that clothes make the man. For us girls, we think that what we wear doesnt just define us they make us feel complete and appreciated.The pieces of jewelry we wear reveal our wealth, our familys standing or history, or how much we are loved by the people who gave them to us. Our colorful hair accessories express our style. Dresses give others an idea of our femininity. Our tops and pants show our figures. But shoes oh, those heels and laces they will never try to hide the size and shape of a womans foot.To be frank, I hate shoes. I adore my feet because they look nice, but I can come to a point in which I will start to blame them for disappointing myself and making my mother stay among crowds longer. The footwear designs are nice to look at, yet the trend is always that whenever I find something I like, there isnt a right size for my feet.I like to wonder if shoes will just be like socks generic, for everybody then there would be nothing to worry about. I look jealously at my sisters round feet, which are about two sizes smaller than mine. I frown in my mind when she gets shoes I really like, but do not fit me. I envy my classmates nice feet in doll shoes. I have a pair, but they are too small for me now. Sometimes, I feel like crying because of footwear.The last sizes, says my mother in a sale, are always too big or too small. However, that is not true for me. Many brands have stocks for people who are at most one or two sizes short of my own. Only a selected few have the right size and design I need and want, respectively, but they are all in the mall. Im such an expensive Cinderella waste of gas, waste of money, waste of time.For me, the shoes I wear are a part of my self-esteem. I am embarrassed to ask salespersons about the biggest size available for a certain style. I do not want to disappoint myself further, for I constantly remind myself that Im too worthless to spend so much on.But, sometimes, I tell myself that this is life. You might find yourself looking for something or someone perfect according to your standards, but you always get what or who is perfect according to fate or the will of the Almighty. Sometimes, though, that is not the case. You receive a true blessing an object that or a person who fits your needs, wants, and the plan of life. Maybe youll spend so much on a particular whistle and forget about your desires, but the lesson and its effect on you will always be timeless.Im still growing. My feet will be so big. Theyre practical for running and my height, but buying shoes will always be a pain. Oh, well, Ill just go west where the big sizes are, but that will give me another problem the price tag.Essays

The Death of MusicBy Mark ValenzuelaI always envy those people who had their youth in the 80s. In their time, those mainstream bands were the ones producing great music, with the lyrics written by heart. Now, you here artists autotune their voices and the theme of their songs usually is about sex, drugs, or partying. What is worse is that they go mainstream because their songs produce money, which the record company loves. Those artists who produce good, quality music do not even have a record label because they say that their music is boring, their music sucks.I am not referring to all of the mainstream bands, as there are others who make me feel like music still has a chance, like Coldplay, Incubus, etc. These bands have been there for so long. Most of the up and coming bands nowadays do not put their soul in their songs. Their songs can no longer inspire the people. It is as if they are just doing their job to get money. What happened to the dedication that was there in the previous decades?There is still a chance for music to reborn. Artists like Bon Iver inspire me as he is one of the few artists who put the emotions in his songs. He does not care if it sells or not, what matters is that he let his heart out through the every word and every beat. That is the meaning of good music. If you do not feel the genre of what most people love, then that is alright. In music, what matters is you, and how you let it help you in expressing your emotions. Let music come back to life and let it start with you.Essays

As I PonderBy Ludwig TayonaIt was a while before I realized where I was, or more like when I was, all things being relative and all. Actually, I don't think I even figured that out fully. All I could say for sure is that there were certain things that should be happening, but I couldn't tell. Make a checklist: 1) Seeing- yes I am certainly seeing things. 2) Smelling- no, in fact I couldn't even breathe.That was the point I realized I wasn't just dazed from some impact or something, but I or everything else had been altered. I thought, "How can I fix this"? Then my brain kicked in and screamed "NO!" I was in this situation whatever it was, and had to deal with it.I looked down to see if my body and legs still existed. I realized my body was stretched for eons, and light couldn't even reach my eyes from my feet. I was stretched like some caricature or children's toy across the universe. No wonder I couldn't breathe! The nerves to my lungs alone probably stretched for light years! It was oddly pleasing. Like having a picnic on an old War battleground or sleeping in a "haunted" house--the certainty that mortality was there. I was sure that death would be soon, yet I had comfortably accepted it. I felt I could stay in this state forever, and who knows maybe I had?Things looked peculiar though. If I'd been here forever things would be familiar. I realized I DID have an existence prior to this place. And I could smell and breathe in that existence too. I remembered those times first happily, then the bad memories flooded in and I became happy again that I was here instead, even with death looming.Death looming isn't as bad an experience as you would think. It's morbidly calm and welcoming, almost warm. In fact the longer I stayed here, the warmer it got.As I gazed down, wherever my feet were, I got caught up in the beautiful light display. It was like God Himself had split light apart, hue by hue, just for me to behold! The deepest most maroon of reds became more orange than any tangerine ever invented. A yellow that out-shown the sun became a green that would make blades of grass envy it.Had I been able to breathe I would have had to catch my breath.In the midst of the ocean, directly in the middle was pure blackness. I had never seen just pure black before. It was too black, there was just no way something that dull and empty could exist. To me, that was the essence of fear. I could only take so much of this disturbing 'thing,' even though it was millions of galaxies away. My only diversion was my ability to look away. I marveled at the beautiful display that was now making up the entire universe. I couldn't believe my luck in seeing this. After a time, I finally dared force myself to look straight ahead. It wasn't the least bit disturbing, even though I was afraid at first. I knew in the back of my mind what this would mean, but I did it anyway. I had to do it eventually, it was just understood; it had to happen. And when it did happen, it was exactly what all I had thought it would be! Short Stories

She says...Today, I will go back to the place I left. Tomorrow, I will be home and I will have to face the people I left.Youre back! Sara exclaimedYes, I am back ObviouslySo I heard Harper invited you to pre-wedding party. She teasedYes, she did. In fact I will go there and congratulate them. I saidOh really? She asked sarcastically Really. Past is past. We parted for sometime then parted forever. This is Gods plan all along. I teasedOkay, whatever you say. She saidOkay, whatever I say. But, nothings wrong. Really. I am fine and happy and now hes engaged, thats enough proof that hes now leading a happy life. He never really showed that he cared when I left. It was three months after I left that he said he cannot wait for me anymore, it was three months after I left that he told me I was not the one for him. I guess he really is not the one for me. I had to leave and chase my dreams. He was not my only prayer, I had a lot of prayers and I guess he was not the one God will give me, he was the one prayer I can never have and now, I fine with it. I can now see why things had to end the way they did. I left but now I am back, I got what I always wanted and now its time to do things for other people before I run out of time.Are you ready? Sara askedYes, I am. I answeredDo you need a date? She said before she laughedShut up! Why would I need a date? I already have the best companion- my best friend. You will come with me, wont you? I said He says...Today, I will make a promise to someones heart. Tomorrow, I will make the plans I shunned when someone left me.Shes back. Says LeviWhos back? I askedAlba. Shes home. He saidOkay Fine, shes back. So what? She left and now shes back. Great.Your fiance invited Alba to your pre-wedding party. Levi teasedNo, she did not. If she did then she should have told me. I assured himShe did invite Alba. I saw Sara the other day and she was laughing when she told me that Harper invited Alba to your party. He said and this time, with convictionI dont think that shell come. She too busy with her life now, shes successful and rich. I heard that shes still single. Maybe, no man is good enough for her now. I guess she made the right decision to leave after all, she got everything she wanted, shes now happy with her job. She left the country but I left her. I knew that I will keep her from reaching her dreams and I cannot afford thinking that maybe what I thought was right. Now, I can see why I had to do it, I am engaged to the woman I now love and I will marry her. Yes, I will marry Harper. Hi, sweety. Harper greetedWell, hello there, beautiful Gosh. She really is beautiful. I am one lucky manSo are you ready for our party tonight? She askedI am excited. I really am. But wait, Alba will be there. Then again, who cares? I will marry the most beautiful woman I know.Okay there. Ill be preparing for tonight. Ill see you later. I love you! She said before she leftShort Stories

Do I have a choice? Ill see you later. You better pick me up at home and please, do look ravishing so youre past love will regret leaving you. Ciao! Finally, Sara left. Joke.I better get ready for tonight. Wait, but why? Its not my party. Well this will be like my welcome home party after all. My former classmates will see me after seven years. Yes, seven long years. I never thought that Id look forward to Maxs pre-wedding party. Of course, I always thought that Id kill before Ill attend his pre-wedding party but then, I am quite excited. I cannot wait to see the look on their faces when they see me there. Wow. There are so many people here and there so many guys asking me out. Yuck. There are so many familiar faces. There are so many arms opened wide and welcoming me. This feels like home. No, this is home. Alba! You made it! Oh my. Its Levi! Wow. He changed a lot.Levi! How are you? I greetedIm great! And you? Wow. You look stunning! Levi answeredIm doing well. Thanks! I answeredLevi- hes Maxs best friend. He has been a good friend even after Max decided to leave me. Look, Max is approaching and hes with Harper. Sara said. Wow, they look good together and Max, he changed a lot. He does not look like the boy whom I fell in love with. So much has really changed.Yes, I can see them. I answeredAlba! Wow, you look so beautiful. Harper greeted.Hey, Harper! Thanks. You look stunning as well. I said and Max was staring at me.Okay. Ill see you, future Mrs. Antonio. I love you more! Harper is already getting ready which means I have to get ready, too. Tonight will be a long evening. After all, I will see the woman I havent seen in seven years. She was gone for seven long years. I bet our former classmates will tease me. I cant wait to see the look on their faces when they see that Alba and I, well, Im engaged and shes, well, successful. Good evening everyone! I would like to thank everyone who came. You are all very important to us. Right, sweety? Harper said. Shes so sweet.Yes, thats right. On July, I will no longer be myself but I will be hers and hers alone. I said and the crown went madCheers to Max and Harper! Levi saidHave you seen her already? Levi murmuredNo, not yet. Is she really here? I askedYes, shes here. I saw her there with Sara. You have to see her. Levi saidBut why? Its not like she changed a lot. I asked. Its not like Im curious but I actually am. Youll see.He said with a mischievous smileI can see Alba, she has changed a lot. I cannot believe that she has already become the woman she always wanted to be- the woman that she is now. I know that shes still the girl I fell in love with, just older and sophisticated. I dont think that she knows were going to their table. Alba! Wow, you look so beautiful. Harper greeted Alba as if she is her old friendHey, Harper! Thanks. You look stunning as well. Alba told Harper then she smiled.

Its kinda creepy already. He looked at me, that look, that familiar look, the same look he gave me when we first met, the look that gave me butterflies but then again, time changed us. The butterflies that intruded my stomach before are already gone. Max! It has been ages! Congratulations to you! I said. I really am happy for them. Surprising, isnt it? I did love him and I still do but my love for him now is different. He seemed surprised when I greeted them; its as if he didnt want me to say those words, as if I caused him pain by uttering those words. Hi, Alba. Indeed, it has been ages. Max said and then he smiled. He smiled a weak smile. Its good to know that most people I know are getting married soon. Wow. I was really gone for a long time. I said.Yes, you were gone for seven years and seven years is not short. She saidI know and its really good to be home. I answeredSo since people our age are getting married, how about you? Maybe youre thinking of settling down thats why you came back. Harper repliedI hope that finding a husband is easy as going back. I answeredGosh. Thats funny. Well, maybe I am thinking of settling down but then again, I havent found the right one. God hasnt brought him into to my life yet. Well, maybe I already know him but I dont know for sure who that man is.So how did that go? Sara askedHow did what go? I repliedShe smiled that familiar smile, the smile I havent seen for seven years, for seven longs years. Yes, she has changed a lot but she grew more beautiful than I can remember.Max! Its been ages! Congratulations to you! Alba said. She seems so happy while she was saying those words. I dont know why but I think that I got hurt when she seemed so happy for me, for us- Harper and I. Hi, Alba. Indeed, it has been ages. I smiled, a weak smile, a fake smile.Its good to know that most people I know are getting married soon. Wow. I was really gone for a long time. Alba said excitinglyYes, you were gone for seven years and seven years is not short. Harper answeredI know and its really good to be home. Alba repliedSo since people our age are getting married, how about you? Maybe youre thinking of settling down thats why you came back. Harper teased I hope that finding a husband is easy as going back. Alba said while laughing. She was laughing like it was impossible for her to find someone, like she was very hard to love, like she never intends to look for anyone. I dont know why but I suddenly want to be that man again. Regrets, theyre not good. Im already engaged. It seems that you were happy to see Alba. I dont like that smile youre giving me. Levi saidIts always good to see old friends and whats wrong with my smile? I askedOld friends? Youre smile, its like light beams appear, its like you witnessed a miracle when she smiled at you. Levi said while laughing

How did your conversation with the happy couple go? She said with a weird smileIt went well. Its really good to know that people have been making the right decisions while I was away. Then I winkedTheres really something in the way Max looked at you. Its like he was enchanted to see you again, like you were some stranger who enthralled him. She said Youre making me laugh. Its the way he looks at everyone, dear. Youre just overanalyzing. Past is past, my friend. I know that you always wanted Max and I to end up together but that will never happen. I said and then I went to the powder roomI am thinking of what Sara told me. I also noticed that there was something different in the way Max looked at me; its the way he used to look at me when we were still in love. Oh, Im sorry. I bumped someone. I really am clumsyIts okayAlba! Wow. Its Max. What a nice surprise. Hey, Max! Im really sorry. Again, I apologized as if we never shared anything in the pastIts fine. No harm done. Wow, you look amazing. Europe and New York has done great to you. Hes flattering me. Well, thank you. You dont look so bad as well. I teasedHe smiled. The same smile he gave when we first met. The smile that made my heart stop and gave my stomach butterflies. The smile that reminded me I was loved. Thank you, my fair lady. He said. This man! I am not your fair lady! Of course Im not, I was but not anymore. Levi, Im engaged and I love Harper. I said defensivelyI know, I know. But the way you looked at Alba, its really different with the way you always look at Harper. Maybe it is true that first love never dies. Levi teasedI dont know but it really felt different when I saw Alba, its as if its the first time I saw her. She has changed a lot, she is now the woman who every man wants to be with, the woman I want to be with again, and the woman I can never have for the second time. Oh, Im sorry. Someone bumped me. Its okayAlba! Oh, its Alba. Gosh. She really is beautiful. And her eyes, theyre shining like they did when I first saw her.Hey, Max! Im really sorry. She said. Gosh. Her eyes are twinkling. They really are like stars. Max, stop it! Youre engaged! Keep your head in the game. Its fine. No harm done. Wow, you look amazing. Europe and New York has done great to you. I teasedWell, thank you. You dont look so bad as well. She said then she smiled. That smile, it melted my heart, I suddenly felt butterflies in my stomach, and its like I have fallen again for her.Thank you, my fair lady. I teasedI am not your fair lady! She laughedSo how are the wedding preparations? She asked and then she smiled again. The smile thats making me think twice.Theyre going well. Harpers so excited. Shes organizing everything with the help of her sister. I answered

Yes, Harper is really excited. I was excited, too until I saw Alba. I know its unfair but seeing her reminded me why I fell in love with her. What if I didnt decide to leave her? What if I just waited for her? Will she be the one excited and making arrangements or will the story of us end differently? Of course she is excited. Its almost every womans dream to get married. Alba respondedWell, is it yours? I askedOf course, it is. I just have to find the right man for me. I am no damsel in distress anyway. No pressure, whoever he is. She saidI wanted to ask her if I could be that man but I cant. In seven days, I will be Harpers husband.So how have you been? Its been seven years since we last talked. I askedEverythings well. The last seven years have been great and I still cant believe that after seven long years Ill be here talking to you and well, Im fine. She said and then she smiled. Her smile was so sincere and so real. She said those words and it stung. I cant believe that she said those words and that she meant what she said. Why am I regretting what I did seven years ago? Why did I leave her when she will come back after all? Yes. After seven years we meet again. Thats really something good. I just agreed to what she saidIndeed. And after seven days you will be someones husband. She saidSo how are the wedding preparations? I askedTheyre going well. Harpers so excited. Shes organizing everything with the help of her sister. He replied. Wow, so everyone has a love life except me. Happiness! Now, Im thinking what if he never left me? What if he waited for me? Will I be the one excited and making arrangements or will the story of us end differently? Of course she is excited. Its almost every womans dream to get married. I saidWell, is it yours? Max askedOf course, it is. I just have to find the right man for me. I am no damsel in distress anyway. No pressure, whoever he is. I said jokingly He looked at me like he wanted to say something, he held out his hand as if he wanted to hold me but thats impossible now. In seven days, he will be Harpers husband. So how have you been? Its been seven years since we last talked. Max saidEverythings well. The last seven years have been great and I still cant believe that after seven long years Ill be here talking to you and well, Im fine. I answeredWell, after he left me, I never thought that I would have the courage to talk to him in his pre-wedding party. It does not hurt anymore. I am actually happy to see that after everything that happened, I know that we can still be good friends. Yes. After seven years we meet again. Thats really something good. Max repliedIndeed. And after seven days you will be someones husband. I said

After Seven YearsBy Jacqueline Anne TamondongWow. The truth hurts. It hurts that I still love the woman I once left and it hurts more to know that shes fine with me marrying another woman. When she left seven years ago, I knew that I had the choice to let go or to hold on but I chose to let go because I never thought that shed come back and I never knew that Id still love her after everything that happened.I just cant believe that things will be like this. I always saw myself marrying him but then when I left seven years ago, I had to take a risk, I had to somehow leave him behind to see whether he really is the one for me or not and now its so clear that he is not the man God created for me, that he is not my Adam.

Short StoriesLUCKY YOURE INLOVE WITH MY BESTFRIENDMa. Christine D. MontalboIt is an afternoon on the 29th day of April. It is the feast of San Isidro Labrador in Bataan. Everyone is excited, preparing foods and going to the church for thanksgiving. But the Bicycle Race Competition is the event which everyone really much awaits. Their place is known for the said event since the contestants showcase potential in bike racing.The bicycle race competition will start in 10 minutes the chairman said.Participants are very keyed up and nervous at the same time. They are all having their warm-ups before the start of the game. The race will be a 10 kilometer bicycle race and there are judges at the end of the race to know who to declare as the winner.Lord, please help me to win the race. I really needed the cash prize to fix my bike Rogel silently utter while he is doing his warm-up.Then a guy beside Rogel approached him and said, Hey Bro, Im Xander, May the best man wins. I heard you praying and I really think you needed the 5K cash prize. Thanks Bro, Im Rogel, By the way.Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen, now, the most awaited event will be starting, Contestants, on your mark, Ready, Get Set, GO!The participants are now riding their bikes with speed. Rogel and Xander succeeded the race and they really are trying their best to speed up more.After hours of exhaust biking, only meters are needed to finish the race. The crowd is really going wild. And their goes our newest champion, XANDER BUSTAMANTE #20 Everyone is so happy cheering except for Rogel who is so disappointed. But then someone tap his shoulder saying, Hey Rogel, The cash prize is for you. You need it right? I only join here for fun so just accept this. I can see that you are awesome in the race.Thanks Bro, I have a debt, Ill just pay for No, no need to pay for that, really, its yours. Anyways, where are you living?I live in Barangay Abucay, near the factory Wow, were the same. Come on; Let us go home together,

Everyday, Rogel and Xander practice biking with each others company. This lead them to becoming bestest friends. They even plan of going to the same school since both of them have the same age and the year, First Year College.FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL,Come on Bro, Lets race all the way to the campus, Xander said.O sure, Bring it on! Rogel replied.They race happily and they both did not notice a girl walking near the gate of the university. They all fall down and they slightly injure the left foot of the girl because of the heavy bicycle.Oh my, miss you are ok? Were really sorry. Xander said.Its okay. I know you did not mean this to happen. Can we take you to the clinic, your foot, I think it is swollen Rogel said.No, Im fine. Im going to be late for my first class. Can you just help me go to Room 314? By the way, Im Blythe the girl said with a smile.Rogel is carrying Blythes things and stuffs while Xander is assisting Blythe. AFTER MONTHS, Rogel, Blythe, and Xander become best friends. They even called themselves RBX which sounded really cute since their favorite pastime is eating Rice in a BoX. Rogel and Xander even teach Blythe, how to ride a bicycle.UNTIL ONE DAY,Blythe is absent. Rogel and Xander have this serious talk with each other. Xander, please help me, I think Im inlove.With whom?With Blythe. I cant tell her yet. I am not ready to face her answers. I dont want our friendship to be ruin. Can you help me, can you talk to her. It was like the first time I saw her, everything felt different, an angel in disguise. O come on, Of course, Ill help you. I know youll have a CHANCE. Ill text her later.Essays

TEXT CONVERSSATION OF BLYTHE AND XANDER: Blythe, can I talk to you, I need to tell you somethingMe too, I need to tell you something but let it be you firstOkay, uhmm, our bestfiend, Rogel, hes in loveOh my gosh, with whom? With you Blythe , hope you will give him a chanceBut But I am also in love but not with him With whom?With you Xander, that is why Im absent today. Im preparing myself to say these words to you.But what about Rogel?Im sorry, I can only see him as my bestfriend. Thats all. I like you so much Xander. Before I have no guts of saying these words but I cant take it anymore.DAY AFTERXander went to school with a sad expression on his face. What happen Bro? Why the hell are you so lonely? What happened to the talk between you and Blythe? Rogel asked.Just read the conversation here in my cell phoneAfter reading, Rogels world seemed to crash but he did not show it. He just walks inside the room with no emotion. Xander approached him fast.Rogel, please dont be mad at me. Trust me; I am not in love with her. I dont want our friendship to end just because of a girl. Are we still best friends? Im just shocked, but OF COURSE, still best friends But then, Blythe approached them. Hey, whats the problem? Oooh by the way, Im sorry about my cousins freaky trick, telling Im in love with Xander. I am not in love with someone. Im still focusing on my studies and I am absent yesterday because I was really sick that is why my cousin play with my phone. So youre not in love with Xander ? Rogel asked with a hidden smile.Essays

Of course not, both of you are my kuya. But knowing, Rogels in love with me, you can wait, right?Of course, Of course Rogel said happily. Then Lets See. =)Essays

The StrangerBy Frances QuimoraSiegfried sighed for the nth time as he looked at the great clock tower again. He has been promised by a female friend that they would meet a merchant who could help them in their business. However, his partner was already more than an hour late. That made Siegfried look so abandoned.Youre such a worrywart! she says, Siegfried mumbled to himself, And now shes making me one. Idike, you clumsy girl, where on earth are you?The man looked at the scenery before him a grand ballroom, shining chandeliers, equally colossal mirrors and windows, pleasant food on linen-covered tables, and a party of colorful clothes. The noisy people were busy dancing with each other, eating the meals hastily, or exchanging information. There were musicians who played with boredom. Siegfried could say that even though some of those people were not having fun, they had something to do. He did not.To spend some time, he began to count the ticking seconds. Murmuring every number, he gazed into the night sky as seen from one of the windows. He noted that his companion should be like the numerous rising stars accompanying a crescent moon just there; present when he needs her.Two taps on Siegfrieds shoulder brought him back to earth. He took a look at the stranger, a girl with dark hair and eyes.Excuse me, Sir, she said in a soft voice, Pardon my rudeness, but may I have this dance?Siegfried stared at her for a while. Why would a girl invite a man who does not know her to a dance, he thought, Am I dreaming or what? Argh, this is such a huge embarrassment to me and the rest of the male race!The lass seemed to have purposely stated it, and understood his dilemma easily. She simply smiled and watched him, amused.Siegfried stammered for a while before managing to say, But I am waiting for someone, and I dont know who you are.In response, she giggled pleasantly, It is fine. In this place, Sir, everyone is a stranger.Fraulein, he continued to resist, ButRelax, Sir, its okay! she assured as she pulled him to the dance floor, Lets dance!ButCome on!The pair gathered attention as the girl tried to make the man agree to her strange request. Siegfried concluded that she was not going to give up easily. Out of respect for the crowd around them, he finally went along with her and took her hand reluctantly.Let us dance something different, she invited.Short Stories

Noticing the determination in the voice of the lass, Siegfried sighed and agreed, even though he thought of her actions as childish and inappropriate.She guided him in the very middle of the ballroom and moved against the rhythm of the music. The steps were familiar to Siegfried, but he could not remember where he had learnt them. Nevertheless, he danced, though the sounds were interrupting his concentration on the beat he was following.Doesnt it, his partner panted, Look like youre enjoying, Sir? Now thats more like it! Smile more!Siegfried blushed and shook his head. He replied, Idont know, Fraulein.Dont stop, just smile and look forward!The timeSir, there is no limit to having fun as long as you dont do the wrong things, she paused to twirl around, By wrong things, I mean the actions which harm others. Of course, we cant stop that, Sir, like right now!Right now? Why?Siegfried looked around and gasped in horror. Everyone had left the dance floor and given attention to him and his companion. Even the musicians had stopped to stare at the odd couple.Its all right! his partner chuckled, Dance!Once again, he shook his head and focused on the dance. In a while, he found himself smiling, and soon, the crowd went to join them. The musicians played the appropriate tune. Siegfried heard many laughs and joyful voices, unlike before.Werent they all serious? Where did it go? asked the girl whom he danced with, You see, Sir, when you do things right and just looked forward without giving much thought to disadvantages, you can drag others along into your fun and let them see a brighter side of life. Just smile and enjoy every task and every situation thrown at you!But, shrugged the man, Thats impossible. Every day? Not a chance. I cant stop thinking of the future.Of course we all cant, the lass laughed, But my point is, just be positive, even when everything seems so down and drowning in sorrow.as you say so.No, dont say that. Its okay to agree with enthusiasm. Theres no shame in doing so.Ah, no, its just thatAhem. What did I say again?The girl grinned. Siegfried looked at her for a moment and smiled, Okay!Thats the spirit!When the music stopped, their meeting was also cut. The girl excused herself to leave.Wait, Fraulein! called Siegfried, What is your name?She winked and simply said, Isnt being Sir and Fraulein enough?The man sighed. He watched her walk away and disappear into the crowd.Mysterious, he mumbled, Mysterious Fraulein of the night, the dark-haired beauty of a stranger.Hey, Sieg! a voice called.Siegfried turned to see his expected companion. She seemed to be out of breath and very confused.

Friederike, youre late. Why so?, he asked.Im sorry! she explained, I was searching for my cousin who promised me a ride here, but he already left! And then I couldnt catch any carriagesAs the girl tried to elaborate on her condition more, the mans lips curved into a smile of amusement.and then theywow, Sieg. I didnt think you could just smile like that.He flushed and looked away.Did something good happen?yes. I just amused myself before you came and danced. Its okay if youre late. Lets just do our work here.Indeed. But you sure are weird today. Are you really feeling well?Siegfried stared at the crowd one last time before focusing on his companion.Thank you, Fraulein. Thank you, o dear stranger of the night'

The World As I See ItBy Mark ValenzuelaOne morning, I woke up with a weird feeling in my gut. I had the usual breakfast, an egg and two pandesals in my plate. All of a sudden, I feel thankful that I ate my breakfast. As I was going to school, I decided not to ride the jeepney and walk to school instead. As I was walking, I noticed the birds perched on top of a tree singing as the man under them is smoking. The birds didnt mind the man, and they were happy. Then as I was walking beside the bay, I noticed the fishes were jumping and the geese were peaceful as they were swimming in the bay that looked more to me as a vast garbage bin. I was nearing the school when I saw a poor man sleeping on a cardboard on the pedestrian, sleeping soundly, sleeping like it was his first sleep in the world; he was happy.I went to school late; I was not able to attend my first class. I was mad; it felt like I was going to explode. Then, Physics class came and we had a surprise long test; I failed it and I was irritated with my teacher. Break came and I thought I was going to be able to control myself, but as I was drinking the cup of orange juice I bought, I noticed that the cup was three-fourths filled with Ice and one-fourths filled with orange juice. It was the worst morning I had in school. Afternoon came, and the same fate happened with it. I had a bad day in school.I went home, took a bath, and went straight to bed. I didnt want to think about this day. Then, the Lord appeared to me in my dream. He said to me, Look at those creatures you see as you were walking to school and compare them with your life. You are lucky and their not, yet, despite this, you are the one unhappy. This day, I tried to talk to you through those things you saw. When youre happy, the world conspires with you to make your day happy, but when you only see the negative things in life, then the universe cannot help you in making you feel blessed in this world.Short Stories

Frances QuimoraChristine MontalboRafael BautistaJaq TamondongMark ValenzuelaLudwig Tayona

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