annoyinglytinycollective-blog

[annoyinglytinycollective-blog]

Lost star

by: Rhea Fate Beatrix Lago

In the world we lived tonight,

There is darkness, waiting for us to subside

Trying to live up to high expectations

Isolating yourself in other’s decision

 Standing in a pouring rain,

Dealing in the category of hurt and pain

Pleasing other people so loud,

Trying to mix up and be part of the crowd

 A shining star was once lost in its journey

Finding its own path and wanted to be free

Lightning up a movement with a spark,

Leaving traces even in the dark.

[annoyinglytinycollective-blog]

The Fallen Stars: Heroism Still Remains

by: Lady Ann Ponte

On May 23, 2017, Islamic State-inspired extremists laid siege on Marawi City prompting President Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire island of Mindanao under martial law. Our brave soldiers including the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) again showed to the whole world their heroism and sacrifices beyond the call of duty that ended the five-month siege of Marawi City, foiling Islamic terrorists from establishing a caliphate in the country. The Marawi siege was the most challenging task the AFP/PNP police had to contain with since the military launched the war on terror more than two decades ago. Analyst Greg Fealy considered the siege as the “most significant terror event in Southeast Asia in the last 15 years” where nearly 1000 people have been killed.

 Malacañang hailed the government troops for their "courage, gallantry, and sacrifice" for five months of battling with Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group in the war-torn city.

 “We have successfully concluded what has been, so far, the most serious threat of violent extremism and radicalism in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. The defeat of the Daesh-inspired Maute Group likewise underscores our singleness of purpose in the global war against terrorism,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

 “Finally, we commend government troops, including the fallen, for their courage, gallantry, and sacrifice. A snappy salute to all of you,” he added. The Armed Forces of the Philippines paid tribute to the 165 fallen soldiers and policemen who did not make it home.  “There were many stories of gallantry and heroism that we witnessed in this conflict that showed the true courage and dedication of our troops to protect the lives of not only the Filipino people and their loved ones, but even their comrades,” AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a statement for All Soul’s Day.There are admittedly a few bad eggs but a large majority of our soldiers are imbued with remarkable fervor and loyalty for our country, enduring hardships especially during operations to search for rebels and terrorists. They would forge streams or rivers and walk for miles with their socks already adhering to their skin, subsisting on sardines or dried fish and other food that could be packed lightly. Rest would be in mosquito-infested jungles, protected only by their poncho if it rains.

Here are some of the most moving accounts shared by survivors and witnesses in Marawi City:

Private First Class Dhan Ryan Bayot: Patriotism ‘Til Death

Private First Class Dhan Ryan Bayot, who found himself in proximity to terrorists, asked his commanding officer to launch an air strike to where he was. He was among the 13 government forces who have died after recovering millions of cash and checks in a house in Marawi.

His team, comprising 9 soldiers, were stationed at a detachment on May 24, the third day of the fighting. It was upon the request of a town mayor for added security as his residence was just above the detachment.

Moments later, the detachment was attacked. A survivor said that in addition to shots from both sides of the road, gunfire also came from the mayor’s house. Apparently, the mayor’s house was already captured by the terrorists or his bodyguards might have sympathised with the attackers.

Not long after, five of Bayot’s companions were killed. When told that reinforcements found it difficult to enter the area, he told his commander: “Just bomb my location, Sir!”.

His remains were retrieved on May 28 by government troops. Bayot’s face was barely recognisable. His great sacrifice really proves that heroism is still present in the heart of a Filipino.

The 13 fatalities were given a noontime salute along with the 45 other cops and soldiers. Their names were flashed in a tribute video aired in local channels during on Philippine Independence Day.

  The story of PFC Dhan Ryan Bayot is just one example of the kind of courage and heroism displayed by our soldiers as they fight to defend our beloved country from murdering, vicious barbarians who think nothing about burning churches and schools and killing innocent civilians to establish a reign of terror. Many of these young soldiers joined the service out of great need, some even becoming “gofers” like what Manny Pacquiao did for officials when he was hoping to become a soldier long before he became “the champ.”

Captain Sandoval: Leave no men behind

Captain Rommel Sandoval, 38, was the company commander of the 11th Scout Ranger Company that the leadership heavily relied on to clear buildings inside the battle area. He fought with the promise he would not let any of his men die, Padilla said.

When he saw Corporal Jayson Mante take bullets while they were clearing one of the tallest buildings in the battle area, he asked his men to provide cover fire and rushed to get him.

He was pulling his soldier to safety when a bullet hit the side of his torso. Another hit his neck and a 3rd – the fatal shot – hit his cheek. As more bullets came flying, Sandoval crawled on top of Corporal Mante to shield him. Sandoval is the highest-ranking officer killed in the war. Mante did survive Marawi. Sandoval fufilled his vow at the cost of his life.

It is the sacrifice and bravery of soldiers like Sandoval and others that should be acknowledged and appreciated, putting their lives on the line for all of us. The same goes for members of the Philippine National Police – like the SAF 44 who lost their lives in Mamasapano trying to capture Malaysian bomb maker Zulkifli Abd Hir alias Marwan. Those mentioned above were just some of those we considered real heroes that showed their never ending love and loyalty towards our country and people. Heroism is indeed present and still remains in the heart of a Filipino.

  Many of us often forget the kind of sacrifices they make and take their service for granted – and sometimes, I find myself getting angry at those who mock and ridicule our armed forces and look down on our soldiers.

   The men and women in uniform who serve our country deserve our respect. Very often, I am brought to tears when I remember the words of Douglas McArthur: “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” Those words should remind us that we should never let the memory of our brave soldiers who died for our country fade away. It is the sacrifice and bravery of soldiers that should be acknowledge and appreciated, putting their lives on the line for all of us.

[annoyinglytinycollective-blog]

Sirius: Once blinded in the dark

by: Jeana Marie Parco

Under the sparkling rays of star in the cloudless night, lights clicked on, dancing around the street. And here I am, alone. All I can hear is my heavy breathing that fills the emptiness of the room. A room with a pungent smell of sterilized needles and syringes. I can still remember how my life ended up like this.

Following the beat of the music at the concert hall a minute ago, the venue seems so dark. No light, no spark, no flame. It's just a company of darkness that continuously heats up the floor. Suddenly, I heard the people yelling at me and then, here I am now. Sadness and loneliness are slowly eating me up. Lately, I'm glancing at the mirror, wondering if my reflection sees the difference inside of me, the spark that was gone long ago, can I bring it back again?

There had been a lot of yelling and accusations. People who stabbed me at the back are now trying to drag me into a hole. But worst, knowing that my own family are also trying to steal my spark and taking away the light that bonds within me made my heart shutter into pieces. My light started to become weaker and I could feel it inside, struggling to stay alive so that I can still light up all the shadows around me even in the darkness. Standing in front of the mirror, I come to think of what the darkness offered me. I was about to give in but I tried not to let them win.

Suddenly, I was surprised when my reflection smiles at me. She directly uttered, "Do not be afraid my dear. I know that you're tired of pretending, tired of hiding. Let your light shine brightly"

“I can't take it anymore. They see me as a rebellion and even a bad influence child with nothing to do aside from giving them problems and making their life miserable. I want to quit.” I simply replied.

“No one ever said those things to you. You’re just thinking it on your own. I can still see a light within you. You just need it to reach there.” pointing out at my heart.

“Look at yourself. You’re not you anymore. You’re pretending to be yourself even if you’re not. You come to think that you’re alone even if you’re not. Come to your senses.” she added.

I was brought into tears, making my face looks like it was covered by a glass. I removed the apparatus that was attached to me and ran outside the room. I ran as fast as I can without knowing which direction to go. A fast approaching vehicle was coming along my way. I was about to turn into another way but it’s too late.

I wandered in the garden of my mind and slowly opened my eyes as I was awaken by the noise. I can now hear the wind blowing, the birds chirping and the familiar voices and footsteps.

Here I am. And as I looked around, I can finally say that this time, I’m not alone.

[annoyinglytinycollective-blog]

My Dead Star

by: Queenelyn Mercado

My love for you was once a dead star

It always keep me grieving, always in vain

And I realized that's just how love is,

If it is true, then you must keep it.

 Loving isn't always having the sweetest

Or even the slightest affection showed

Love is not something that you would always plan,

Like you are just dragged into a hefty fight

 What do you think that makes love great?

Of course it's the feeling of having everything

The ceaseless joy caused by someone you adore

Even having their presence makes you feel alive

 My love for you was once a dead star

But now, there's more to it

You're not just a thousand stars in the sky

You become my whole bright universe

 Your words seem to make me defenceless

Even the slightest pain never made me cower

Even any circumstances never made me huffy

And as you come out, you always brighten up my day

 You are a star in my darkest path

You lit up my life and offer me the light

With just a sparkle of your smile,

You bring me back to life

 Was it too late? Or did it come too soon?

It continues to plague my conceited mind

And this is why we should never be afraid

To tell what our eyes would really say

[annoyinglytinycollective-blog]

Bituin sa Digmaan

ni Rhea Fate Beatrix Lago

Walang kapantay na paglilingkod sa bayan

Teritoryo’t mamamayan ay handang protektahan

Buhay ma’y malagay sa alinlangan,

Ipagpapatuloy pa rin ang nasimulan

Tunay nga na Pilipinas ay biniyayaan

Ng mga bituing nakikipagsapalaran sa bakbakan

Dala-dala ang sinag ng katapangan,

Hindi sumuko o tumigil sa laban.

Di nakakasawang pakinggan na kababaya’y nagniningning sa tinahak na daan.

Kapayapaan at kaayusan ay nais nilang makamtan

Seguridad at buhay, una nilang pinapahalagahan

Maging dugo at pawis man, kanilang inilalaan

Tila mga bituin sa kalangitan,

Na nagsisilbing liwanag sa kadiliman

Madugong bakbakan ay ‘di uurungan

Makamit lang ang minimithi ng bayang sinilangan

[annoyinglytinycollective-blog]

Hi - Goodbye (Spoken Poetry)

ni Ella Mae Aclo

Mahal, naalala mo pa ba, ang mga araw na ako’y nililigawan mo pa

“Hi! Goodmorning, Kumain ka na ? Mag-iingat ka ha”

Mga mensahe mong nagsisilbing kape’t pandesal na bumubusog sakin tuwing umaga,

Napapangiti nalang bigla na parang tanga.

 Maghapon mo kong kinukulit, tinutukso, hanggang sa mapikon na ako at ikaw naman ‘tong susuyo.

Araw-araw dinidiligan mo ako ng iyong mga pangako,

Mga pangakong kay sarap pakinggan, na ako’y iyong aalagaan,

papahalagahan, at mamahalin ng lubusan.

 Kaya makalipas ang ilang buwan,

sagot ko na’y OO, ikaw na at ako, meron nang tayo.

Oo meron nang tayo.

Mahigpit mo akong niyakap sabay sabi “ Salamat, pinapangako ko hindi mo to pagsisihan,

at asahan mong hinding hindi kita sasaktan”

Mga katagang hindi ko kailanman kinalimutan,

Mga kataga na ngayo’y labis kong pinanghahawakan

dahil umaasa parin ako na iyong maisasakatuparan.

 Ngunit, bakit mahal?

Bakit pakiramdam ko na unti-unti ka nang nababagot? At parang mauuwi tayo sa isang bangungot.

Bigla kang nagbago, nawala ka na at tuluyang pumreno

Mga matatamis mong mensahe sa umaga, hindi ko na mahagilap at makita.

Ang paghatid-sundo mo sakin sa skwela, lahat naglaho na.

Umuuwing mag-isa dala-dala ang tanong sa isipan kung tayo pa ba.

  Akala ko pag sinagot na kita, kapag meron nang tayo, magiging masaya na,

Pero bakit ang sakit nitong aking dinadala?

Bakit patuloy pa rin akong umaasa sa tayo , kahit alam ko sa sarili ko na ito’y tuluyan nang naglaho~

Mahal patawad ngunit parang di ko na kaya,

Di ko na kayang tanggapin ang bigay mong rosas na unti unti nang nalalagas

Ang mga tinik na sa puso ko’y patuloy na tumitirik.

 Di ko na kayang kainin ang mga tsokolateng binalutan ng pait matapos makuha ang natamis kong OO

Di ko na kayang hawakan ang kamay mo

dahil alam kong may iba nang humahawak nito

Di ko na kayang titigan ka sa mata,

dahil takot akong makita na iba na ang nakapinta

Di ko na kayang yakapin ka, dahil kahit di man tayo magkalapit sa isa’t-isa, rinig na rinig ko ang pintig ng ‘yong puso ay siya.

Di ko na kaya na ika’y hagkan.

dahil takot akong masaktan, takot akong maiwan,

takot akong malaman ang katotohanan na wala na ang iyong dating nararamdaman.

 Ngunit napagtanto ko, na ika’y hayaan at tuluyang bibitawan.

“Mahal Salamat sa simpleng hi mo,

na nagbigay kulay sa madilim kong mundo,

Mahal salamat sa simpleng hi mo na kumumpleto saking pagkatao.

Mahal salamat sa simpleng hi mo at naging bahagi ka nang buhay ko,

 Hindi man tayo ang magkatuluyan,

tadhana ma’y patuloy tayong pinaglalaruan

Darating rin sa punto na susuko ka na sa laban.

Puso ma'y minsan nalustay, lahat naman ng bagay ay may paglalagyan kahit dumating man si Goodbye.