tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83452858976230184392024-03-13T06:08:28.899-07:00pinalayang harayamga hinabing kuwento para sa mga tsikitingliwliwamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05057349386693112861noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345285897623018439.post-10470385228183898312015-06-01T08:19:00.000-07:002015-06-02T19:38:51.093-07:00PALENG AND HER 100 SONGS<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US">It’s
5 o’clock and the sky is covered in pink, orange and red sheets of
clouds. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paleng’s family trembled in unison as the bell tower in the
heart of the university sings out familiar tunes. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US">Paleng</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">’s
family is the smallest of 46 bells and no matter how vigorous she
dances, she can never hear herself amidst her family’s din and
peels.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One
day, she gets tired of being the smallest bell with the tiniest voice
and said goodbye to her family.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She
wobbled out of the window and rolled on green grass until she bumped
into a grey stone, out in the field.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“<span lang="en-US">Oooofff!”
the old stone complained. “Where are you off to, little bell?” he
asked.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“<span lang="en-US">I
want to hear my voice and I want people to hear my 100 songs!” the
little bell said. </span>
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“<span lang="en-US">But
how will you do it down here in the ground when there is no wind?”</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
little bell suddenly missed the wind, her gentle caress, her playful
push. She decided to go up high where the wind lives.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q8ElgDasr4/VW5mHj-vHiI/AAAAAAAAADo/r0wjiwbt5dA/s1600/IMG_20150602_133030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q8ElgDasr4/VW5mHj-vHiI/AAAAAAAAADo/r0wjiwbt5dA/s320/IMG_20150602_133030.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US">She
rolled up and down 7 hills and finally reached a cliff. She called
her friend Amihan but Bagyo heard her song. Bagyo is a nasty bully
who</span><!-- What kind of nasty bully is Bagyo? Perhaps for Philippineans is clear, but as a foreigner I don’t understand what kind of being are those characters (Amihan, Kidlat, Kulog)
--><span lang="en-US">
brings his friends, Kidlat and Kulog. Together, they hurl Paleng to the
sea where she is rocked by waves playing catch. </span>
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But Paleng, no matter how small and terrified, tried to be brave. She sang
the songs she used to toll with her family every sunset. She sang her
100 songs. But the songs were drowned in the storm. Paleng was washed
ashore, into a small fishing village. Half-covered in sand, she can
no longer sing. She misses her family and wished she was back home,
up and safe in the bell tower.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Suddenly,
little feet appeared in the sand. Little hands uncovered Paleng and
brushed off the sand. They dug her up, carried her and put her on a
wooden post beside the school's flagpole.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US">Today, </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paleng</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US"> sings proud and loud amid young voices. She sings of bright
mornings, of sharing snacks, of stories waiting to be told at home.
She sings of family’s love, of friendship, of storms and of making
dreams come true. </span>
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.96cm; orphans: 0; text-indent: -0.96cm; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
liwliwamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05057349386693112861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345285897623018439.post-91881895593941562692014-07-02T03:06:00.004-07:002014-07-03T23:39:30.621-07:00<h2>
<b>BFD (Big Fat Dragon)</b></h2>
<h2>
<b><br /></b><b>As far as dragons go, Fluffy is VERY different.</b><b><br /></b></h2>
<h2>
<b>He spits a rainbow of fire.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>He likes to walk, hates to fly.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>He sheds emerald scales here and there.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>And prefers a cart of watermelons to a family of hare.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b><br /></b><b>No dragon would like to be his friend.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>Not just because of his </b><b>colorful fire </b></h2>
<h2>
<b>or dainty walk,</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>glowing scales, </b></h2>
<h2>
<b>or weird appetite.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>But because of his </b><b>heavy legs,</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>enormous belly </b><b>and big behind.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b><br /></b><b>Little dragons would throw rocks while he sleeps.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>Lady dragons would point and laugh while he leaps.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>The guys would trip him on his walks.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>And no dragon would offer to help him up</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>as he lies there on his back.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b><br /></b><b>But he doesn't care you see.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>As long as he has his little friends </b></h2>
<h2>
<b>and his family.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>He likes being big and fat.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>He likes his funky fire </b></h2>
<h2>
<b>and wonky walk.</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>He even likes his silly shiny scales</b></h2>
<h2>
<b>that keeps falling everywhere.</b></h2>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hXXl7u-MopY/U7XynY7y9KI/AAAAAAAAADE/QrBfnnIVSrk/s1600/10413338_1515215608697399_1177564748711365655_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hXXl7u-MopY/U7XynY7y9KI/AAAAAAAAADE/QrBfnnIVSrk/s1600/10413338_1515215608697399_1177564748711365655_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Thanks to Monica, for egging me to write this :D The story was inspired by this fluffy dragon from </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.253324794831663.1073741850.169003129930497&type=3">Fluffy Pwets</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">(who, according to Monica, was being bullied by her other dragons). Check out Fluffy Pwets cool cloth diapers at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMarshmallowBaby/timeline" style="font-weight: normal;">The Marshmallow Baby Online Shop</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></h3>
liwliwamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05057349386693112861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345285897623018439.post-47594702234346241452013-03-10T16:32:00.001-07:002014-07-04T03:36:37.303-07:00<br />
<div align="CENTER" class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm; text-transform: uppercase;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Uncle Junior and the
Balete Tree</b></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm; text-transform: uppercase;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lolo
said the Balete tree is enchanted. Tucked in the sleepy town of
Lazi, in the island of Siquijor, the tree towers over a spring where
little fishes swim around your feet. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lolo
said the tree was already there when he was born. The Balete tree
watched over Lolo’s father when he was growing up. The Balete was
the spot where Lolo’s lolo courted Lolo’s lola. And all of them
remembered the Balete tree as it is today – tall and proud with her
feet submerged in clean, cold water. Lolo said the water is
miraculous. It saved Lola’s life when she got sick. But it also
took my Uncle Junior away.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Everytime
we pass by the Balete tree on our Sunday walk to San Juan, Lolo
always tells Uncle Junior’s story. We sit down on the bank of the
spring, our feet swinging gently in the water until the skin on our
toes turn into prunes. We eat our <i>baon</i> – Mama’s special
<i>biko</i> with a sprinkling of <i>latik</i> on top. In between
bites, Lolo would remember Uncle Junior’s mischievous smile and his
laughing eyes behind the thick glasses.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Uncle
Junior loved the Balete tree. He only took baths at the spring at
the foot of the tree. When he was in High School, he used to stop by
the spring before and after classes. He would play sipa in the
water. One day, the round rattan ball got stuck in one of the
Balete’s branches. Uncle Junior climbed up the tree to get it.
But he did not come down that afternoon. That was the first of his
disappearances. Lola found him the next day helping fishermen haul
in their nets. The next time he did not come home, Lola saw him
talking with the farmers harvesting rice alongside them.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
Uncle Junior started studying in the Unviersity, his disappearances
became more frequent. At first, he would be gone for two to three
days at a time. Each time he comes home, he would still be wearing
the same clothes -- dirtier with dried mud, sweat and grass stains.
Lolo would ask him where he went and Uncle would just laugh, saying
he’s been inside the Balete tree with his friends.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Of
course, Lolo did not believe him. But he did not ask too many
questions. Uncle Junior is already a young man – old enough even
to get married. But Lolo was worried, especially when Uncle Junior
did not come home for months. And when he did, he would be thinner
and darker, with long gritty hair.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lola
was even getting sick because of Uncle Junior’s disappearances.
But when Uncle comes home, Lola would be well again. Lolo and Lola
got tired of asking questions. They were just happy their son is
home safe. Lola would cook all his favorite food – <i>tinolang
isda, ginataang alimasag</i> and <i>adobong pusit</i>. I said Lola
was like a witch fattening up Uncle Junior. Lolo laughed like a
troll and tousled my hair. You have the same curly hair just like
your Uncle, Lolo smiled sadly.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lolo
looked so sad. But he needed to finish the story so I asked him what
happened to Uncle Junior. He said one day in 1976, Uncle Junior
never came home. He went missing with some of his friends in the
University. They left all their belongings, as if they didn’t need
them where they are going. Lolo said Lola still believed Uncle
Junior will one day walk through their door. But Lolo thinks Uncle
Junior is happy where he is. When I asked where he went, Lolo looked
at me, puzzled – his eyes wondering why I don’t remember the
ending of the story he told me countless times.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lolo
said Uncle Junior was spirited away into the enchanted world inside
the Balete tree. There, he is young once more, almost like a baby.
There he can talk to fishes, plants and trees. And everything he
wishes, even just in his mind materializes in his very eyes. I can
almost see Uncle Junior happily describing Lola’s wonderful cooking
to a golden fish. They would talk about a lot of things-- the hard
life out in the fields or the dwindling number of fishes in the
ocean. The fish would change its color to a shining silver when it
disagreed with Uncle.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">One
day, Lolo promised, he will also go into the enchanted world. Lolo
would then stare at the Balete tree, almost beseechingly, then slowly
he would stand up. He would then shake droplets of water from his
feet and wear his slippers. I do the same and we continue our Sunday
walk.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJS9ZHKn8Lc/UT0X5Zl6o1I/AAAAAAAAACo/OhKocCEmSqc/s1600/419765_10152188798593840_1086210182_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJS9ZHKn8Lc/UT0X5Zl6o1I/AAAAAAAAACo/OhKocCEmSqc/s320/419765_10152188798593840_1086210182_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
look back at the tree, its branches and roots almost dancing in the
spring and the fishes cutting across the water, and I say goodbye to
Uncle Junior.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">_____________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This story was inspired by a <a href="http://lookingforjuan.blogspot.com/2013/02/and-winner-is.html">sculpture</a> by Daniel Dela Cruz. It's a subtle story about <span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">desaparecidos</span><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> during the </span><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Martial law.</span></span></i></div>
liwliwamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05057349386693112861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345285897623018439.post-1201499023219452902012-05-19T22:22:00.000-07:002013-03-10T17:37:37.042-07:00<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Mj38gUYklw/T7iBxuIK64I/AAAAAAAAACY/R3hdCQmdTRU/s1600/5654_111508543839_757483839_2132622_2528519_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Mj38gUYklw/T7iBxuIK64I/AAAAAAAAACY/R3hdCQmdTRU/s320/5654_111508543839_757483839_2132622_2528519_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br />
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>THE
BOY WHO COULDN’T SAY NO</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>There
was once a little boy who wanted to please everyone.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>You
would find him always nodding,</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Always
smiling,</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>And
always saying “Yes.”</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><i><b>Dodong</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><b>,
does my </b></span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><i><b>Sarong </b></i></span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><b>go
well with my blouse?” asked their colorful neighbor Nana Pacing,
whose footsteps were always coupled with the jangle of bells on her
ankles.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>And
the little boy would smile, nod and say yes.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(Even
if the psychedelic skirt and the neon green blouse hurt the eyes.)</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><i><b>Ading,</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><b> can
you please watch the </b></span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><i><b>Dinengdeng</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><b>?
I’ll be back in 5 minutes,” asked their border, </b></span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><i><b>Ayat</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><b>,
who never cooked without adding a small cup of pungent </b></span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><i><b>Bagoong.</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><b>Of
course, the little boy would smile, nod and say yes.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(Even
if she forgot about it and the little boy ended up cooking the
vegetable stew himself.)</b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<h1 class="western" style="line-height: 1.43cm;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><b>Boy,
here’s your food. Make sure you eat everything I put there, ok?”
said his aunt who followed him around all the time. </b></span></span></span></h1>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Still,
the little boy smiled his smile, nodded his nod and said yes.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(Even
if he hated pancit canton—instant noodles tastes much better!)</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Because
of the little boy’s agreeable nature, he was always liked and
loved.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>One
day, on the way to school, he stumbled over a grimy little cat
carrying a small red flag in its mouth.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><b>Oh,
I’m sorry little kitten,” he blurted out.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>To
his surprise, the cat put down the flag and answered back, “I will
only accept your apology if you agree to carry this flag for me and
pitch it on the softest cloud in the sky before 9 o’clock in the
morning. That way, I will know which bed I will sleep on tonight.”</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
little boy, no doubt, smiled his smile, nodded his nod and said yes.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(Even
if he thought he might be late for school, even though he was
suspended in disbelief and even if what the gritty cat was asking for
was totally absurd!)</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
little boy, once again, headed for school thinking hard how he would
manage to do the grubby cat’s errand before the morning bell. Just
then, he felt a tug on his shirt. He looked around but saw no one
except a small red balloon tied to a tree exploding with yellow
blooms. </b></span></span></span></div>
<h2 class="western" style="line-height: 1.43cm;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><b>Little
one, can you remove this thing? My hand aches already and it’s
ruining some of my jewelry,” the tree spoke.</b></span></span></span></h2>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
little boy stared hard at the tree, scratched his head, nodded a nod
and said yes.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(Even
if he could not figure out how the tree is talking and why he chose
to answer at all and even if he believed he’s running late for
school already!)</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>As
soon as the boy untied the string from the branch, he felt a strong
tug upwards. His feet were slowly rising until they’re completely
off the ground! A strong wind blew his way and up he went with
the red balloon. The little boy looked down at the tree getting
smaller and</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>smaller,
the houses nearby transformed into miniature dollhouses his little
sister played with. Oh, what a sight! But he’s surely going to be
late for school now, the little boy thought.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>An
airplane whizzed through a cloud. The boy remembered the errand he
promised to make for the little cat. He was at level with fluffy
clouds in every shape imaginable. He touched the huge one that looked
like their pet rabbit. It was squashy but wet. He reached for the one
shaped like a woven <i>duyan</i> they have at home. It was
spongy but too thin for a bed. He stroked the small cloud that looks
like a fish. It was smooth and soft. This will do, the little boy
muttered to himself as he let go of the balloon, landed on the fish
cloud and planted the flag in the middle of the white puff.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Of
course, now he’s really late for class! He squinted down and looked
for his school among the many roofs below him. He wondered how he
would be able to get down.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>An
enormous eagle flew by. “Little boy, do you have some food with
you?” The little boy smiled, nodded and offered his <i>merienda</i>.
(Even if his <i>baon</i> for the day was his all-time
favorite: sweet potatoes cooked in brown sugar).</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>After
the eagle finished off his <i>baon, </i>he asked the boy if
it wanted a ride. The little boy grinned, nodded eagerly and climbed
on the back of the eagle.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
eagle spread its massive wings and dived into the air! The little boy
held on to the great eagle’s feathers as they whooshed back to the
ground. In a little while, they landed on the school playground just
as the bell rang.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
little boy shouted his thanks to the giant eagle as he sprinted off
to class. He froze in the air when a shrill voice came from the
ground he was about to step on. He looked down and noticed some ants
in a neat file going underground. A small red ant on top of a mound
asked in a high-pitched voice, “Would you like to see my home?”</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
little boy who couldn’t say no looked at his school only ten steps
away, looked back at the red ant and nodded hesitantly. As soon as he
said yes, the world above the ground disappeared!</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Amazingly,
he fitted quite comfortably into the little ant holes. Right under
the moist soil softened by the morning drizzle, the boy zoomed
downwards with the ant. They passed sixteen pink earthworms eating
and pooping their way in and out of the soil. They made way through a
forest of plump and lanky roots. They went by a skeleton of
long-buried dog until PLOP! They landed on what appears to be the
main road of a little town of busy warrior ants. The street was
flanked on both sides by rows and rows of red, juicy watermelons cut
in triangular crescents. There must be hundreds of them! Inside these
hundreds of watermelons are thousands of ants pushing the watermelon
pits out of the red, juicy watermelon flesh. So this is where ants
live, the little boy thought, in watermelon apartments!</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
small red ant tugged at him, guiding him to one of the watermelon
dwellings. It excitedly clambered up the fourth floor and proudly
showed its home. The little boy bowed and with one eye, peeked at the
dainty apartment unit. The ant invited him in for some watermelon
juice.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><b>The
little boy who couldn’t say no, thanked the ant, praised its home,
but slowly shook his head. “It is nice of you to invite me but I
have to go to school now,” the little boy said. “Not without
taking a picture!” the ant replied. The little boy smiled his smile
and nodded yes.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.43cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Agency FB", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>With
the flash of a camera, the little boy found himself standing in front
of his school building again. He looked around and started for his
classroom. On the hallway, he met a tiny ragged cat carrying a small
orange flag. He patted its scruffy little head, smiled, shook his
head and said “Maybe next time.”</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
</div>
liwliwamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05057349386693112861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345285897623018439.post-49646963052626813402012-01-29T07:42:00.000-08:002012-05-13T09:26:29.454-07:00PAGLAKI KO!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br />
Pagkabilang ko ng sampu, nakatago na kayo. Isa!</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 20.05pt;">Kumaripas ng takbo sina Ning at Mayet.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Dalawa!</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 20.05pt;">Dali-daling sumuot si Dani sa silong ng kubo.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Tatlo!</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 20.05pt;">Mabilis na umakyat si Betong sa punong santol.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Apat!</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 20.05pt;"> Pumuwesto si Cheche sa likod ng punso.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Lima!</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Pambihira!
Nagkasya si Sabel sa nakataob na batya. Sshhh! Sinenyasan nya ang ang nanay
niyang naglalaba. Kumindat naman si Aling Cora.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Anim!</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> Sandali lang! Sigaw ni Bing nang madiskubre na naagaw
ang paboritong</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 20.05pt;"> taguan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 20.05pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Pito!</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Humarurot na parang jipney ang kambal patungo sa likod ng
balon<i>.</i>—talo pa ang MRT sa bilis!</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Walo!</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> Naku!
Di na alam ni Pia kung saan magtatago. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i>Siyam!<u1:p></u1:p></i></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Bahagyang dinilat ni Sansan ang mga mata.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sampu! Andyan nako!</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Pinigil ni Bing ang hininga.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Tumagatak ang pawis ni Dani.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Nanginginig sa sabik si Cheche.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Naghahagikgikan sina Rex at Russel.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Di pa man nakalalayo si Sansan mula sa puno ng mangga, ang
kanilang “homebase”, nang umalingawngaw ang pamilyar na kalembang.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">kLING-KLiNg-KLInG-kLiNG!</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">AYANNASYA!</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sigaw
ni Ning habang nagsilabasan ang lahat sa lungga at sinalubong ang tunog. Di
tuloy alam ni Sansan kung sino ang ibu-BONG</span><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 16pt;">.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sa halip na bumalik sa puno ng mangga, nakisali na rin sya
sa mga paang nangalap ng alikabuk sa bilis ng takbo patungo—</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Kanino pa, kundi kay mamang sorbetero!</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Dala ni Mang Karding ay ilang palapag ng makulay at
patung-patong na sarap at</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">saya!</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Nauna si Ning sa pila. Daig pa si Lydia de Vega sa tulin ng
takbo. Parang medalyang ibinabandera ang anim na palapag ng sorbetes.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Namilog ang mga mata ni Mayet sa sari-saring lasa—keso,
tsokolate, mangga o buko? Lahat nalang kaya!</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Kulang ang mukha ni Dani sa laki ng kanyang ngiti lalo na
nang dagdagan ni Mang Karding ng dalawang tangkal ang halos kasing-taas ng
isang dangkal nyang tsokolateng sorbetes.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Agad ninamnam ni Betong ang natatanging meryenda—da best
talagang palaman sa monay ang ice cream!</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Walang kasing ingat nang abutin ni Cheche ang paboritong
pampalamig. Parang isang laruang bago ang ice cream na hawak (nahulog kasi sa kalye
nung isang araw ang sorbetes na binili nya).</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Inunang kagatin ni Sabel ang pwet ng apa. Tsaka sinipsip ang
tamis at lamig.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Inuunti-unti naman ni Bing ang kanyang tasa ng sorbetes.
Layong patagalin ang bawat kutsarita ng linamnam.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sabay na pinanggigigilan ni Rex at Russel ang kanilang
apa ng ice cream. At sabay din nilang naubos ito sa limampung segundo!</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Di naman nakuntento sa isang apa si Pia. Aba! Heto’t bumili
siya ng isa pa!</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Mabilis na isinubo ni Sansan ang huling kagat ng apang babad
sa halo-halong lasa. Sabay dighay ng malakas.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Umalingawngaw ang malakas na tawanan. Sa lilim ng punong
mangga, wala nang sasaya pa sa mga magkakaibigang bundat sa paborito nilang
panghimagas.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“<i>Masarap siguro maging sorbetero tulad ni mang Karding.</i>”
ang masayang sambit ni Russel habang dinidilaan and dulo ng malalagkit na mga
daliri, “<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Di ka mauubusan ng
ice cream!</i>” Bahagyang sumimangot sya sa malinis na kamay.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Kung gusto mong maging sorbetero,”</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">ani ni Dani habang binubuksan ang pangatlong pakete ng<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Cloud Nine</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>nya sa araw na iyon.” “<i>Ako naman
gusto kong maging tsokolate</i>. Naghagikhikan ang lahat. “<i>Gusto ko kasing
magpasaya ng mga tao. E di ba, pag may tsokolate e ngingiti na ang mga may
problema?”</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Ang paliwanag ni
Dani habang nginunguya ang dambuhalang kagat sa baong tsokoleyt.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“<i>Ako, paglaki ko, magiging magaling na doctor ako.
Magsususot ako ng puting uniporme at gagamutin ko lahat ng sugat at sakit</i>,”
ang pagpapasikat ni Pia.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“<i>Tutulungan kita sa pag-alaga ng may sakit. Magiging nars
ako at kakantahan ko muna ang mga bata bago injeksunan para di na sila iiyak,</i>”
dagdag naman ni Mayet.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Basta ako, paglaki ko, gusto kong maging milyonaryo!”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Malakas na pahayag ni Ning.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>“Sasali
ako sa Starstruck, Game Ka Na Ba?, sa Laban o Bawi, Pinoy Big Brother at sa
lahat ng pa-kontest! Bibili ako ng sangkatutak na Sweepstakes! At kung marami
na akong pera, ililibre ko kayo ng ice cream araw-araw.”</i></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Nagpalakpakan ang lahat.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“<i>Ako, paglaki ko…</i>” Biglang natigilan si Sabel nang tumayo si
Rex at pinalipad ang tinuping eroplanong papel.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“<i>Ako, iikutin ko ang mundo kasi magiging piloto ako. Ako ang
unang magpapalipad ng eroplano papuntang buwan o sa Mars!”</i></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</i></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i>“Ako naman, huhuliin ko ang lahat ng masasamang mga tao.
Magiging pulis ako tulad ng tatay ko!”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>Pagmamalaki
ni Betong.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Ibinibaba ni Sansan ang binabasang libro, “<i>Paglaki ko,
magiging presidente ako ng Pilipinas! Wala nang mamamalimos at magugutom na
bata. Lahat sila ay makakapag-aral na.”</i></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Paglaki ko naman, gusto kong maging magaling na mang-aawit
tulad ni Sarah Geronimo. Papalakpakan ako at tatayo ang mga tao pag kakanta
ako.”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Ang pagbibida ni Bing sabay ikot at awit ng paboritong kanta.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Attention class, makinig kayo!”</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Pahayag ni Cheche habang pinapalo ang puno ng akasya gamit
ang lapis,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>“Paglaki ko, gusto
kong maging titser—parang si Titser Lina. Ang galing-galing nyang sumayaw at
kumanta. Andami-dami pa nyang alam.”</i></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Ako naman…”</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">wika
ni Sabel,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>“Gusto ko maging
tulad ng nanay ko. Para rin syang titser— alam pa nya ang sagot sa lahat ng
tanong. Mahusay din syang doctor at nars kasi napapagaling nya ako pag may
sakit ako. Isang halik lang nya, di na masakit ang sugat ko. Mas magaling pa
sya kay Sarah Geronimo, napapatahan nya lagi si bunso! Para rin syang pulis,
nahuhuli si kuya pag may ginawa syang masama. Pag binabasahan kami ng libro
dinadala rin nya ako sa iba’t ibang lugar tulad ng piloto. At lahat ng
problema, naaayos nya—parang presidente ng Pilipinas! Higit sa lahat, para rin
syang tsokolate at sorbetes, napapasaya nya kami lagi. Para na rin kaming
milyonaryo dahil sa nanay ko!”<u1:p></u1:p></i></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.05pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Ikaw, anong gusto mong maging paglaki mo?</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><u1:p></u1:p></span>
</span><br />
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</span></div>liwliwamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05057349386693112861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345285897623018439.post-391208427667095182011-12-26T06:23:00.000-08:002012-05-13T09:28:27.127-07:00Dr. Fish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gTxSOT2M_ng/Tvh6ogJhGZI/AAAAAAAAAB8/0ohFopjzB3c/s1600/PC260726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gTxSOT2M_ng/Tvh6ogJhGZI/AAAAAAAAAB8/0ohFopjzB3c/s320/PC260726.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Matinik </span></i><span style="font-size: 18pt;">is
the resident physician of <i>Malaya</i> school of fishes.
Whenever a fish or any sea creature sustains injury, Matinik’s extra fish bones
are always handy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">When <i>Claustrophopic Talaba </i>was locked
inside his shell, Matinik came just in time.He whipped out two fish bones from
his tail—a big and thick one to pry the shell open and a long thin fish bone to
hold up the upper shell while <i>Talaba </i>was being transferred to
his new home. “<i>Matinik</i>, how could I ever thank you…one more minute
trapped inside that shell and I would have ended up…. ” and <i>Claustrophopic
Talaba</i> ended up crying a shell-ful of tears on <i>Matinik </i>shiny
scales.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">When <i>War Freak Swordfish</i> broke his
sword, <i>Matinik</i> came to the rescue. He got four fish
bones and strapped them on <i>War Freak Swordfish’s</i> nose
while he wrapped a long broad sea grass around it. <i>War Freak
Sword</i> lost his sharp composure when he saw his nose back in its place
and hugged <i>Matinik</i> tight, too tight that he almost cut <i>Matinik</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">When Odd Octopus caught one of her seven tentacles in
a bush of poisonous sea weeds, Matinik was there with his extra fish bone to
cut the stubborn seaweeds. With his famous antidote, Odd Octopus got
better. And from that day on, whenever Odd Octopus would run into
Matinik, he would squirt jets of ink from excitement and would wrap all his
seven tentacles around him as a gesture of thanks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Not only was Matinik a healer of all sorts, he would
also nurse a broken heart. When Mr. Seahorse lost his wife in one of
Pating’s eating frenzy, Matinik was there to comfort him with a ready fin to
cry on. And when Starfish 1 and Starfish 2 were fightng over a wish fishybone,
Matinik spared one of his to end the twin’s brawl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">One day, the enormous Butanding had an encounter
with the razor-sharp teeth of Pating, he went straight to the humble Matinik to
recuperate. Matinik magically produced another fish bone which he
used as a needle to sew Butading’s open wound. Afterwards,the great
Butanding swam gracefully upwards, his booming voice echoing throughout the
ocean floor, “Thank you Matinik! When I’m better, I’ll give you a ride.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">But there was no time to have fun for the whole
underwater community, upon hearing about Butanding’s brush with Pating, was
frantically preparing for the visit of the enemy. Grown-ups were busy fixing
and fortifying their homes and hiding places. Children were forbidden to
go beyond the yellow corals. The Chief Fish made sure the guard fishes always
kept their watch so Malaya School of Fish would be warned of the approaching
terror. Mr. Seahorse almost went mad with fright just by hearing Pating’s
name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Matinik helped by giving away his fishbones. The
sharp and pointed fishbones served as weapons, reducing the fear that settled
in the hearts of the inhabitants of Malaya School of Fishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">On those dark days, Matinik went to visit Lakay Hermit
Crab who lived in an old barrel beyond the yellow corals. The blue water
seemed to go on forever without a single coral on the sand floor. Matinik
felt a heavy presence following him but he dismissed it as the anxiety
spreading like a disease among their community. Besides, he needs to
deliver the old Lakay Hermit Crab’s medicine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Suddenly…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">He felt a powerful ripple. Then a splash! <i>Matinik </i>swam
as fast as he can, blinded by fear. His gills swelled from panic and he
can hardly breath. He whirled blindly and came face to face with jagged
jaws. The perfectly pointed teeth of <i>Pating</i> caught light
and glistened under the fuzzy ocean water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Matinik</span></i><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> froze
with terror. He closed his eyes, ready to be swallowed. But the powerful
snap never came. Instead, he heard a sharp cry of pain from the great
monster. <i>Pating </i>was wounded!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<u2:p></u2:p><i><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><u3:p></u3:p>Matinik</span></i><span style="font-size: 18pt;">, who was always helpful, quickly came to his aid. He inspected
the wound and saw the cut was made by the strange mesh that loomed on the
shallow part of ocean. <i>Pating</i> escaped the people’s and got
hurt in the process. <i>Matinik</i> whisked out a few of his
fish bones to treat the wound.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">When he was able to stop the bleeding, he stayed
with <i>Pating</i> until the enemy opened his eyes. “Dr. Fish,
thank you for your kindness. How could I ever repay you?” said <i>Pating </i>in
a very weak voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">“It’s my duty to help and I’m honored to be of service
to you” said the humble <i>Matinik.</i>“I heard about you—you’re the
gentle <i>Matinik</i> who cares for the residents of <i>Malaya</i> <i>School
of Fishes</i>. Your compassion will go along way my friend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">From that day on, <i>Matinik</i> and <i>Pating</i> became
good friends. And you would always find them sprawled on the ocean bed
chewing on seaweeds or chatting inside <i>Matinik</i>’s little clinic
that <i>Pating</i> helped built.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<i><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Pating</span></i><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> never
again laid a fin on the fishes of <i>Malaya School of Fishes</i> and <i>Mr.
Seahorse</i> found himself a <i>Mrs. Seahorse</i> and was never
afraid of the great <i>Pating</i> again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>liwliwamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05057349386693112861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345285897623018439.post-31275896408897273122011-09-19T21:41:00.000-07:002012-05-13T09:29:20.559-07:00ANYA AND HER TEARS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-EF2qvOOlA/TngYMp4OWmI/AAAAAAAAAA8/V55j7OzdLEo/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-EF2qvOOlA/TngYMp4OWmI/AAAAAAAAAA8/V55j7OzdLEo/s320/scan0001.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Story and
illustration by Liwliwa Malabed ( Winner, Dreamweaver Contest, Family
Reader Magazine, Mega Magazines and Publications, Inc., March 2003)</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> Anya
listened as her parents threw angry words at each other. As tears
fell, she decided not to listen, grabbed her favorite rhyme book and recited
loudly: </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<u2:p></u2:p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
The buzz of the bees, I can hear<br />
The cry of the dog, I can hear<br />
The chirp of the bird I can hear<br />
Therefore I’m not deaf.<br />
<br />
The next morning, nobody joined her at the breakfast table —- just her good old
bowl of <i>Champorado</i>. A loud RIIIIIING! from her dad’s cellphone and
he went hurrying out of the door. The next thing Anya heard was the VROOOOOOM!
of the car as it roared away from home.<br />
<br />
Her mom was also up early but early as it was, faced the boring face of Mr.
Computer. She hated the unending CLICKing sound as her mother
typed away from this world.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<u2:p></u2:p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
Anya stared at her bowl of chocolate porridge. “It’s Sunday,” she
sighed. Lonely tears poured and decided to join her lonely
breakfast bowl.<br />
<br />
She looked out from the kitchen window. “The sun is out!” So she decided to
take a walk. Anya loves to walk. Her family lives near
the Marilag Nature Park. She headed for her favorite spot: “My
pond!” she squealed.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<u2:p></u2:p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
She stopped when a chilly wind greeted her. She looked up and found
the sun hiding behind a mass of shapeless cloud. As it grew
dark, the flowers lost their color and bowed trembling. And her
pond…she looked for her reflection but saw a gloomy shadow
instead. She felt so alone and again, tears fell on
the water. As she gazed upon the pond, she realized that the
pond is made of tears. Anya wondered how many people’s tears it
took to fill the pond. As she looked around, no one was
there. And certainly, no one was giving a share of his tears.<br />
<br />
Then it rained.<br />
<br />
As the pond was starting to overflow with Anya’s tears, she wiped her eyes dry
and promised not to cry again.<br />
<br />
The rest of the day, she did not see her mom and dad together until late that
night when she heard their loud voices again. This time, she
clenched her teeth, made a fist and shut her eyes until they
hurt. Not a single tear escaped.<br />
<br />
Monday! Anya sat in the corner of her classroom. It’s
recess time but she did not feel hungry. She didn’t even have any
desire to doodle on the blackboard or ride the swing like she always does.
Rianne and Trolli, her friends, came to ask her to play with
them. When they heard what’s going on in Anya’s home, they
tried to comfort her. “ Don’t feel bad,” Rianne said, “You are lucky you have
both of your parents at home. My mama is working in Canada that’s
why I’m staying with my Lola Toyang.” Trolli agreed, “ Rianne is right. Me, I
don’t even see my father anymore. Since he and mommy separated, he has been
living with his other family. He’s got another daughter.”<br />
<br />
Anya felt sadder than ever. What if her parents continue to fight
until she grows up? What if they decide to separate like Trolli’s
parents? Still, no tears fell even though she felt like crying.<br />
<br />
That night, her parents were talking and not fighting! Anya tried to
listen behind the wall. Are they talking about leaving
her? Anya wondered fearfully. But their voices were so
soft. Maybe they are afraid I’ll find out, Anya thought. Her ears
close to the wall, she got tired of trying to catch the words and fell asleep
on the floor.<br />
<br />
<i>She dreamed of flying! Anya saw herself lying comfortably on a hammock flown
to the heavens by a fluffy cloud shaped like a paper plane she usually makes at
school.<br />
</i> <br />
“Wow!” her dad exclaimed, as he carried Anya to her bed. “She had
grown big and heavy,” he smiled.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Anya heard a familiar voice and
saw birds singing her favorite lullabye.<br />
</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> <br />
“Hmmm…she looks so peaceful and happy,” Anya’s mother thought as she sang her
to sleep.<i><br />
</i></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<u2:p></u2:p><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Anya felt warm as the stars kissed her with
their gentle light and watched over her.<br />
</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> <br />
Her mom and dad kissed her goodnight.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<u2:p></u2:p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> The
next day, Anya woke up feeling good without knowing why. When she
looked around, she found out why —both her parents lay asleep beside her!</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> Anya
smiled. Then cried — this time, with joy.<br />
<br />
That Sunday, Anya took a walk to her favorite spot with two of her favorite
people in the world: her mom and her dad!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<u2:p></u2:p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> And
guess what they saw?<br />
Trees
dancing with the wind.<br />
Flowers
in colorful bloom.<br />
Blue
sky filled with clouds shaped like waves and all things imaginable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
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<u2:p></u2:p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">And her pond? It was so clear it reflected the beauty all around —
especially Anya’s smile and laughter.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>liwliwamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05057349386693112861noreply@blogger.com1