10th San Agustin Writers Workshop

10^th San Agustin Writers Workshop

Coordinating Center for Research and Publications

University of San Agustin

Date: 2-5 May 2012

Venue: President’s Conference Room

University of San Agustin, Iloilo City

S C H E D U L E

Day One:  2 May 2012, Wednesday

1:00        Registration

2:00        Opening Program & Orientation

3:00        Talk: The Art of Creative Writing

By Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada

4:00        Break

4:30        Talk: Language is the Medium

              By Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada

6:00        DINNER

7:00-8:00  Lecture: Writing for Children

By Dr. Genevieve L. Asenjo

Day Two:  3 May 2012, Thursday

8:30        Workshop-Discussion 1

Lead Panelist: Dr. Gen L. Asenjo

The Star *  Mariposa Magic

10:00       Snacks

10:30       Workshop-Discussion 2

Lead Panelist: Dr. Isidoro M. Cruz

Home for Supper * Bakit May Tag-init sa Tag-ulan 

12:00      LUNCH BREAK

1:30        Workshop-Discussion 3

              Lead Panelist: Dr. Alice Tan-Gonzales

Damang *  Papa’s Box

3:30        Snacks

4:00        Workshop-Discussion 4

              Lead Panelist: Mr. Marcel L. Milliam

Indi na Magliwat *  The Playground *

                In Closed-Eyes

6:00        DINNER BREAK

Day Three:  4 May 2012, Friday

8:30        Workshop-Discussion 5

Lead Panelist: Mr. Mel Cichon

Ro Tigasaw nga Nangutana Parti sa Baeangaw *  Si Golda-Ro Goldfish

     Nga Suplada

10:00       Snacks

10:30       Workshop-Discussion 6

Lead Panelist: Dr. Isidoro M. Cruz

Brother Anastacio *  Larong Pambata

12:00      LUNCH BREAK

1:30        Workshop-Discussion 7

Lead Panelist: Dr. Alice Tan-Gonzales

Caterpillar Had a Dream * 

Dreams Do Come True

3:30        Snacks

4:00        Workshop-Discussion 8

Lead Panelist: Mr. Marcel L. Milliam

Ang Kwento ni Juan * Tamawo  *

Abilidad ni Bulawan

6:00        DINNER BREAK

Day Four: 5 May 2012, Saturday

10:00       Closing Program

              and Awarding Ceremonies

12:00      J Home – Home – Home J

Breaktime

Rhea Mae Ho--2

Rhea Mae Ho

Halin Makaron, Estranghero,

halin makaron, Estranghero,
Akeanon ka eon--
umpisahi't pagtadlong king dila

Melcichon
April 14, 2012

Crowded By Fallen Leaves

Crowded By Fallen Leaves
by
Melcichon
April 9, 2012

crowded
by fallen narra leaves--
alone with a crescent moon
in a bench
where we first kissed
and
where our last embrace
was sealed.

I remember
how the full moon
spread its beam,
uplifted our spirits,
our dream
of eternal
togetherness
even on days
of summer
and of nights
of howling storms.

oh, how short
was the night
of our togetherness!

but like the moon
that sets
and the leaves
that fall,
we have to kiss our Earth
or be alone
like now
in this lonely bench
where we first kissed,
where our last embrace
was sealed.

Still

Still
Melchor F. Cichon
1995

Even if the sun will pierce My flesh
Still I will embrace the pain
Of the three nails
That will be hammered on My palms and feet
If that's the only way for Me
To be with many carpenters.

Still I will sip
The bile that will be pushed
Between my cracked lips
Just to moisten them.

Still I will welcome
The thrust of the lance between My ribs
If that's the only way to open
Their faith in Me.
And if death claims Me now,
Still I will accept it with a smile
For soonest
I will live with you
Forever in heaven
As it has been written.

Never Mind Even If

Never mind even if the sun will set at 4 o'clock
As long as we are together seeing its setting.

Never mind even if the moon will no longer rise in the east
As long as we are together seeing its rising.

Never mind even if the stars will no longer twinkle in the skies
As long as your eyes will twinkle on me from dawn to dawn.

Never mind even if the birds will no longer sing
As long as we are together singing our love song.

Never mind even if orchids will no longer bloom
Anyway, you are here always in bloom.

Never mind even if the water in Aklan River will no longer flow
Anyway, your love for me is always flowing.

Never mind even if we can no longer hold our breathes
As long as we are remembered beyond our death.

Holy Friday

Holy Friday--
dried stringed Sampaguita
on the altar

Melcichon
March 29, 2012

How Much Light

how much light
do you share,
Sunflower?

Melcichon
March 27, 2012

Ideas Spring

ideas spring
with each smile on your lips--
sunflower

Maeara
Sept. 18, 20

Sang Pudyot Eang

sang pudyot eang
nga bugas
pero akon

Melcichon
March 22, 2012

Readers Count

24,324 as of December 6, 2012
23,939 as of Nov 24, 2012------804
23,135 as of October 28, 2012
21,932 as of September 15, 2012
21,801 as of September 11, 2012
20,166 as of July 10, 2012
19,760 as of June 28, 2012
19,297 as of June 12, 2012
18,916 as of June 6, 2012
18,793 as of June 4, 2012
18,572 as of May 31, 2012
18,117 as of May 24, 2012
17,903 as of May 14, 2012
17,721 as of May 6, 2012
17,528 as of April 30, 2012
17,439 as of April 27, 2012
17,090 as of April 17, 2012
16,975 as of April 14, 2012
16,671 as of April 6, 2012
16,624 as of April 3, 2012
16,508 as of March 29, 2012
16,384 as of March 26, 2012
16,245 readers as of March 22, 2012

On Page 143

on page 143
of my diary
she inserts a red rose

Melcichon
March 21, 2012

Break Time

break time--
three stars post
to seize the moment

Melcichon
March 15, 2012

18th Birthday

18th birthday--
she hugs everybody
but her boyfriend

Melcichon
March 15, 2012

Sliced Skies

sliced skies
sliced mind
caged pigeon

Melcichon
March 14, 2012

Earthquake

earthquake--
everybody runs
towards the door

Melcichon
March 13, 2012

After the Drizzle

after the drizzle--
the smell
of the earth

Melcichon
March 13, 2012

A Dew

a dew
drops on a bullfrog
summer breeze

Melcichon
March 9, 2012

The Summer Moon

the summer moon
invites us to watch
the setting sun

Melcichon
March 9, 2012

Her Pose

her pose
keeps the sun shining
iris blooms

Melcichon
March 9, 2012

Strips of Heaven

strips of heaven
beyond the grills--
blue skies

Melcichon
March 9, 2012

Strips of Heaven

strips of heaven
before me--
falling leaves

Melcichon
March 8, 2012

Even the Rising Full Moon

even the rising full moon
fails to catch me--
but your smile

Melcichon
March 4, 2012

Sige

sige,
mahampang eon kita't tumba-priso
hasta hidaphag ako.

Melcichon
March 4, 2012

From Atop A Mountain

from atop Mt. Apo
he walks down
smiling

Melcichon
March 4, 2012

Sean and Sariah

Rudi Lin

Julie Prescott

She Chaps Unions

she chaps unions
I tear
she smiles

Melcichon
March 1, 2012

A Rose

a rose
a prize for
the surrender of Bataan

Melcichon
Feb. 29, 2012

A Daylily in the Pond

a daylily in the pond
touching
the petals of a lotus

Melcichon
Feb. 29, 2012

Summer Rainbow

summer rainbow--
a water droplet
on a blooming Sunflower

Melcichon
Feb. 26, 2012

Summer Rainbow

summer rainbow--
water droplet
on an unbloomed Sunflower

Melcichon
Feb. 26, 2012

Camille Irish Martinez

Parting of Dark Clouds

parting of dark clouds
above Manduyog Hill--
August wind

Melcichon
Feb. 21, 2012

A Grandfather Watches

a grandfather watches
a setting sun
at Boracay Beach

Maeara
Lezo, Aklan, Philippines

August Wind

August wind--
dark clouds
depart from Manduyog Hill

Melcichon
Feb. 21, 2012

Narra Blooms

narra blooms--
white clouds
refuse to split

Melcichon
Feb 20, 2012

Afternoon Breeze

afternoon breeze--
an elderly couple
flies a kite

Melcichon
Feb 20, 2012

She Hugs Me

she hugs me
but Mother...
but Mother...

Melcichor
Feb 18, 2012

Poems Written in my Facebook, "Sampaguita"

death anniversary---
my mother wakes me up
to take my medicine


she puts
her lighted candle
on the dining table

impeachment--
my empty stomach aches
my ears stop listening to "I object, Mr. President!"

impeachment--
a game between
the PBA and the NBA players

nagbuskad eon
ro bueak it huya-huya
sa tadlong nga daen

birthday--
turning the mid-sky of life
into a deeper blue

waiting--
I watch how your lips
curve before we kiss

New year's Eve--
eating noche buena
at the evacuation center

one week after the landslide--
still searching for
the missing miners

New Year's Eve--
a one-million firecracker show
one million pupils without books

Bag-ong Dag-on--
naghari ro aso't rebentador
sa among barangay

bunok--
tao kon paano ginpahipos ro tatlong kandeng
ku puno it badyang

naghipos ro tatlong kandeng
pagpanilong
sa puno it badyang

again
together we cut
the Gordian Knots

Christmas Eve--
her kiss
burns my heart

morning sunlight
touching the body
of a sleeping homeless man

morning sunlight
touching the body
of a sleeping homeless man

separation--
like the rain,
the human heart soars

Christmas carols--
I wish my godfather
were in his house

salikaeum--
sindihan ko rang sueo
agod makapadayon ako kang paeanawon

an eagle glides gracefully
above a wavy lake--
mid-afternoon

after three lonely weeks of searching
Lola Aurelia embraces
Lolo Luis

Toto, panaog eon
may eugta
eon kita!

rush hours--
the traffic officer accepts
the jeepney driver's lawyer

November breeze--
her shadows start
to cover her

outside
of the hospital window
a rainbow

a rainbow
in your smile, Mother
in a hospital

City Jail--
the heat
of her new bed sheet

he continues
his uphill trail--
downpour

Philippine August wind--
the white rose
just sways

almost December--
the paths
we still have to clear for you

deep night--
the heart
of a long silence

lover's moon--
the breeze stands still
as she holds my hands

drizzles--
the soft grip of Lola
on my arm

new path--
some more rosebuds
along the way

she wipes away my tears
until I fall asleep--
Sunflower

she prepares
a lamp with oil--
a wedding day

any moment turns
into summer
when she passes by

short night--
the lingering sweetness
of your kiss

aeangyon iya,
aeangyon igto
owa't sueod ro among taeagbasan

ginsugpon ni Nanay
rang nabugto nga tanog--
Sampaguita

Bangod gabii eon
nagbisa eon lang ako
sa rosarito

pista minatay--
eubog sa tubi-baha
ro mga pantheon

a summer afternoon--
my father and I
fishing with hook and line in Maeara

Fr. Fausto Tentorio--
he's afraid to be uprooted
so he was chapped down

Bing widens
the door for us --
see more sunlight

she cushions
your pains
even after sundown

her smile allures me
closer, closer
to her heart

morning jeepney ride--
strands of her hair
touching my face

election miracle
he wins in the voting
he loses in the counting

Butterfly Garden--
no butterfly here
no butterfly there

all the teachers
gather
to meet a child who saved a national flag


a bora man meets
an igang woman--
calm shore of Guimaras

i pick up
igang and blue starfish
in a shallow water of Guimaras

Valentine's Day--
last year, alone
this year, still alone

sudden flood--
all the golden grains
can't see the skies

morning breeze--
a rose turns its blossom
towards the sunlight

the fragrance
of ilang-ilang in our room
wakes her up

sunset--
she watches him
until he closes his eyes

full pink moon--
hand in hand
we both wish to Sirius


pink full moon
your nearness
makes a full evening

as I eat durian
I did not notice
all my children have left me alone

flood
everything is level
but the two ducks

mid-summer--
the skies have become
much clearer now

beauty pageants--
major, major
long legged

Valentine's Day--
their figures
fading away

almost dusk--
she drops the red tulips
on her feet

rice fields--
all his lines
in pink

dawn
blissful, joyful
refreshing, inspiring, beginning
birth, hope, death, gloom
rupturing, sleeping, mourning
sunset

doctor's clinic
a dying rose
at the corner's table


officer's burial--
the government strips off
the flag from his casket

baha!
Inay...
I love you!

sunrise--
a child smiles
at the abortionist

summer breeze--
her beauty
creates a smile

sunset--
thinking of the full moon
with you in Maeara

rising full moon--
letting the Sampaguita blossom
swings to the breeze

Maeara
October 9, 2011

Stripped Blue Skies

stripped blue skies
from inside
the prison cell

Melcichon
Aklan, Philippines

Ro Puti nga Lingganay it Gemino

Ro Puti nga Lingganay it Gemino
Ginsueat it Oman ni Melchor F. Cichon
Feb. 11, 2012

1. Nakibot ro mga pumueoyo it Gemino pagsalakay it mga Moros ku anda nga lugar. Nagdaeaeagan paeayo ro ibang mga tawo. Ginpapangeabu ag ginbangkaw ro mga eaki nga nagsukoe kanda. Ginpangbihag ro mga nadakpan nanda nga mga daeaga ag mga kaeaeakihan. Ag ginpangguyod nanda ro mga anwang, baka, kanding. Ginpangdakop nanda ro ibang manok. Anda pa nga ginsunog ro ibang mga pamaeay. Ag magbalik dayon sanda sa andang paraw.
2. Tag-owa eon ro mga Moros, hay nagbaealik ro mga pumueoeoyo sa andang lugar. Hakita nanda ro mga patay nanda nga miyembro it pamilya. May mga eayong pa ag nagapangayo it tabang.
3. Nagtawag it miting ro mga miyembro it konseho’t mga magueang. Gin-instoryahan nanda kon ano ro mayad nga obrahon agod indi eon ma-uman ro maduguong natabu sa andang lugar. Nagsuwesyon ro sangka eaki nga maghimo it budyong ag magbutang it sentinel sa ikababawan it bukid agod magbantay kon may mag-abot nga mga paraw. Owa ra ginsunod. Naghambae ro eain pa gid nga eaki nga maghimo it lingganay ag ibagting ra kon may makita sanda nga mga paraw sa Tinagong Dagat.
4. Ginpangbuka ku mga pumueoyo ro andang mga buo ag ginpangkutkot nanda ro andang ginpang-eubong nga pilak. Ginpangtunaw ra ag ginhimo nga lingganay.
5. Pagkahuman ko lingganay, ginbueoligan ku mga kaeaeakihan nga ibutang rayang lingganay sa ikababawan it bukid agod bagtingon kon may makita sanda nga mga paraw sa dagat.
6. Sa katunga-tunga it agahon, hakita ku nagabantay sa ibabaw it bukid nga may mga paraw nga nagapaeapit sa andang lugar. Ginripiki it tagabantay ro lingganay. Pagkabati ku mga pumueoyo, nagdali-dali sanda sa pagbitbit ku andang mga unga ag guyuro ro mga kasapatan ag dumaeagan sa pihak nga bukid.
7. Bangod ginatos ro mga paraw nga nagapaagto sa andang lugar, ginadali-dali ku nagabantay it lingganay nga mahukas ro nagakabit-kabit nga lingganay ag gin-eubong sa idaeom it suba.
8. Dali-dali man imaw nga dumaeagan sa maeayo.
9. Nag-abot ro mga nagasalakay nga mga Moros. Pero owa eon it mga tawo sa lugar. Ag pati ro mga anwang ag iba pa nanda nga kasapatan hay owa man.
10. Nagbalik eon lang sa andang mga paraw ro mga nagsaeakay nga mga Moros.
11. Kuno kon gabii, may mga tunog it lingganay ro mga tawo nga mabatian nga gahalin sa suba kon siin ginhaboy ro lingganay. Ag ginabantayan ra kuno it kataw.

Cat Walk

cat walk--
she moves
the world towards Him

Melcichon
Feb 7, 2012

Manggaranon Kita, Bukon Abi?

Manggaranon Kita, Bukon Abi?
Ni Melchor F. Cichon
August 12, 2011



Manggaranon kita, bukon abi?
Pangutan-a si Heneral.
Sang milyon man lang ro pabaeon kana
Pagretiro nana, bukon abi?
Pangutan-a ro PAGCOR.
Sang bilyon man lang ro gingastos nanda
Para sa andang pangkape-kape, bukon abi?
Pangutan-a ro GSIS pagbakae
Nanda ku mga obra maestra ni Juan Luna.
Milyon-milyon man lang rato, bukon abi?
Ag kon pangutan-on mo pa
Ro mga big boss it mga pulis
Masarangan gid naton nga magbakae
It mgs helicopter nga nagamit eon it mga herodes
Pero sa bayad nga pangbag-o pa, bukon abi?

Manggaranon kita, bukon abi?
Indi mo eang pagtan-awon
Ro mga suldato sa patag-awayan
Nga nagakamang sa mga eunang
Ag nagasuksok it buhuon nga mga bota.
Ag mga bala nga nagabackfire kon paeukpon nanda.
Pasiplatan mo eang ro mga Ati ag mga Badjao
Nga naga-eubog sa mga binit-karsada.
O ro naga-eugod-eogod nga mga magueang nga nagapila
Sa opisina it GSIS agod magbuoe ku andang pensiyon.
Bangod manggaranon kita,
Owa eon it mga hold-aper, carnaper, pickpoketer.
Owa eon man it tonggresman
Sa atong banwa, bukon abi?
Sugiri kami, banwa, sugiri kami.
Manggaranon kita, bukon abi?

Nabuoe mo

***

ni Maeara
September 7, 2011

Mayaman tayo, di ba?
Itanong mo kay Heneral.
Isang milyon lang naman ang pabaon sa kanya
Nang magretiro siya, di ba?
Itanong mo sa PAGCOR.
Isang bilyon lang naman ang ginastos nila
Para sa pangkape-kape nila, di ba?
Itanong mo sa GSIS nang bilhin nila
Ang mga obra maestra ni Juan luna.
Milyon-milyon lang naman yon, di ba?
At kung itatanong mo pa
Sa mga big boss ng mga pulis,
Kayang-kaya nating bumili
Ng mga helicopter na ginamit na ng mga Herodes
Pero ang bayad ay pangbago pa, di ba?

Mayaman tayo, di ba?
Huwag mo lang tingnan
Ang mga sundalong nasa larangan ng digmaan
Na gumagapang sa putikan
At sumusuot ng butas-butas na mga bota.
At ang balang nagbabackfire kung paputukin nila.
Pasiplatan mo lang ang mga Ati at ang mga Badjao
Na nakahiga sa tabing-kalsada.
O ang mga nakabastong matatanda na pumipila
Sa opisina ng GSIS upang makuha ang mga pinsyon nila.
Dahil mayaman nga tayo,
Wala nang hold-aper, karnaper, kidnaper, pikpaketer
Sa ating bayan, di ba?

Sabihin mo sa amin, bayan.
Sabihin mo sa amin.
Mayaman tayo, di ba?

Kuha mo?

Si Ambong Ati, Maitum

Si Ambong Ati, Maitum
Ni Melchor F. Cichon

Si Ambong, Ati—maitum.
Kueong ra buhok, gision ra eambong, ga siki.
Gakung-kong, kung-kong ka maeupsi nga eapsag
Gapakalimos sa Jaro Cathedral, sa J.M. Basa Street
Ay gintabog eon ra pamilya sa eugta nga anay ginaayaman nanda’t haeo.
Si Ambong, Ati, maitum, indi kantigo magbasa, indi kantigo magsueat
Maski ka anang ngaean ay sa andang barangay owa’t eskuylahan.
Si Ambong, Ati, ginasinggit-singgitan, ginadela-delaan
It mga unga kun imaw mag-agi sa daean ay maitum.
Ginapahadlok it mga nanay sa andang gatangis nga mga unga.
O sa mga unga nga indi magtueog.
Kon fiesta, ginataw-an si Ambong it salin nga suea
Ginasueod sa plastic o sa bag-ong bukas nga lata.
Kun bukon ngani, ginabagsakan it gate.
Agod makayupyop it sigarilyo, gapamueot si Ambong it upos sa kalye.
Agod makasamit it hamburger o juice sa pakite,
Ginapaeapitan ni Ambong ro nagakaon maski sin-o nga anang maagyan.
Pag-abot it gabii, maeugad si Ambong sa sidewalk o sa waiting shed
Kahulid ka anang maeupsing eabsag—
Mayad eang kun may karton nga banig ag owa’t baha o uean --
Agod magbaskug euman ra tuhod sa pagpakalimos pagka-aga.
Si Ambong, Ati—maitum. Ra ele-ele, ra hibi, ra pangamuyo
Indi mabatian, indi mabatyagan it gobyerno sa siyudad it tawo.
Ra singgit it tabang hay singgit sa Pluto.
Si Ambong, Ati-- maitum, indi makit-an it atong gobyerno.
Kon Dinagyang, sa selebrasyon etsa pwera si Ambong.
Eutay kuno imaw sa mga bisitang dumueo-ong.
Si Ambong, maitum, ginatabog it blue guard
Bag-o pa man imaw maka-eapak sa gate it Atrium ag SM Shoemart
Kunta may Gloria nga magbatak kay Ambong sa libtong it kaimueon
Agod sa ulihi ro gobyerno may buwes nga masukot kay Ambong;
Agod sa ulihi makabakae man imaw it Levis o barong
Agod sa ulihi makaeskuyla man sa U.P. ra mga inapo;
Agod sa ulihi owa kana’t magtamay, owa’t magtabog
Kon imaw mag-agto sa SM City ag sa Atrium.
Si Ambong, Ati--Maitum. Apo ni Maniwantiwan.
Ag Filipino. Pares kimo, pares kakon.
Kon ham-at owa imaw sa listahan it mga Filipino nga dapat buligan?
Kon ham-at indi imaw makasueod sa atong ugsaran?
Kon ham-at indi naton imaw maagbayan?
Kon ham-at indi imaw makadungan katon magkaon sa restauran?
Siyudad man baea ra’t tawo, indi baea, banwa? Indi baea, banwa?


***

Wall Clock

I would like to share this story from the homily I heard this morning.
When Juan dela Cruz (not his real name) died, he met St. Peter in heaven.
Because Juan is new in the place, St. Peter invited Juan to go to the different countries.
As they moved around, Juan noticed that that were a number of wall clocks representing each country.
Some wall clocks have very fast hands, while the others have very slow hands.
Juan asked St Peter why the hands of the different clocks do not move on the same speed.
St. Peter said that those countries that have wall clocks that move fast have so much sinners, while those countries that have slow moving wall clocks have less sinners.
Juan said, "Ah, OK."
But there is something else that Juan also have noticed. There was no wall clock for his country.
St. Peter asked Juan where he came from, and Juan told St. Peter that he came from the Philippines.
St. Peter said that he kept the wall clock for the Philippines in his room.
Juan got more amazed, so he again asked St. Peter.
And St. Peter said that he made the wall clock for the Philippines as his favorite electric fan.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day
we seize
the rising moon at the beach

Melcichon
Feb 2, 2012

Valentin's Dat

Valentine's Day
I hold back
my tears

Melcichon
Feb 2, 2012

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day--
another passing
lonely Day

Melcichon
Feb 2, 2012

Shaded Full Moon

shaded full moon--
the three rose petals
you inserted in my diary

Melcichon
Feb 1, 2012

Christmas Bells

Christmas bells
downpour ends the dreams
of gold miners

Melcichon
Jan 31, 2012

Another Teardrop

another teardrop
on my check--
passing cloud

Melcichon
Jan 31, 2012

Another Heartbreak

another heartbreak--
but dreaming still
for your kiss

Melcichon
Jan 31, 2012

On-going Dream

on-going dream--
searching for the right path
to your heart

Melcichon
Jan 31, 2012

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year--
the food festival
closes the main city street

Melcichon
Jan 30, 2012

Isdog Eago

Nagbuskad Eon

nagbuskad eon
ro bueak it huya-huya
sa tadlong nga daean

Melcichon
Jan 25, 2012

She Holds

she holds
the moral laws on her laps--
after sundown

Melcichon
Jan 25, 2012

The Feelings

the feelings
one hour before I say
"I Do!"

Melcichon
Jan 23, 2012

Buko't Pareho

buko't pareho
ro ugsad nga ginatan-aw natong daywa
Bituon ko?

Melcichon
Jan 23, 2012

Edna Laurente Faral

Manggaranon Kita, Bukon Abi?

Manggaranon Kita, Bukon Abi?
Ni Melchor F. Cichon
August 12, 2011

Manggaranon kita, bukon abi?
Pangutan-a si Heneral.
Sang milyon man lang ro pabaeon kana
Pagretiro nana, bukon abi?
Pangutan-a ro PAGCOR.
Sang bilyon man lang ro gingastos nanda
Para sa andang pangkape-kape, bukon abi?
Pangutan-a ro GSIS pagbakae
Nanda ku mga obra maestra ni Juan Luna.
Milyon-milyon man lang rato, bukon abi?
Ag kon pangutan-on mo pa
Ro mga big boss it mga pulis
Masarangan gid naton nga magbakae
It mgs helicopter nga nagamit eon it mga herodes
Pero sa bayad nga pangbag-o pa, bukon abi?

Manggaranon kita, bukon abi?
Indi mo eang pagtan-awon
Ro mga suldado sa patag-awayan
Nga nagakamang sa mga eunang
Ag nagasuksok it buhuon nga mga bota.
Ag mga bala nga nagabackfire kon paeukpon nanda.
Pasiplatan mo eang ro mga Ati ag mga Badjao
Nga naga-eubog sa mga binit-karsada.
O ro naga-eugod-eogod nga mga magueang nga nagapila
Sa opisina it GSIS agod magbuoe ku andang pensiyon.
Bangod manggaranon kita,
Owa eon it mga hold-aper, carnaper, pickpoketer.
Owa eon man it tonggresman
Sa atong banwa, bukon abi?
Sugiri kami, banwa, sugiri kami.
Manggaranon kita, bukon abi?

Nabuoe mo?

Si Ambong Ati, Maitum

Si Ambong Ati, Maitum
Ni Melchor F. Cichon

Si Ambong, Ati—maitum.
Kueong ra buhok, gision ra eambong, ga siki.
Gakung-kong, kung-kong ka maeupsi nga eapsag
Gapakalimos sa Jaro Cathedral, sa J.M. Basa Street
Ay gintabog eon ra pamilya sa eugta nga anay ginaayaman nanda’t haeo.
Si Ambong, Ati, maitum, indi kantigo magbasa, indi kantigo magsueat
Maski ka anang ngaean ay sa andang barangay owa’t eskuylahan.
Si Ambong, Ati, ginasinggit-singgitan, ginadela-delaan
It mga unga kun imaw mag-agi sa daean ay maitum.
Ginapahadlok it mga nanay sa andang gatangis nga mga unga.
O sa mga unga nga indi magtueog.
Kon fiesta, ginataw-an si Ambong it salin nga suea
Ginasueod sa plastic o sa bag-ong bukas nga lata.
Kun bukon ngani, ginabagsakan it gate.
Agod makayupyop it sigarilyo, gapamueot si Ambong it upos sa kalye.
Agod makasamit it hamburger o juice sa pakite,
Ginapaeapitan ni Ambong ro nagakaon maski sin-o nga anang maagyan.
Pag-abot it gabii, maeugad si Ambong sa sidewalk o sa waiting shed
Kahulid ka anang maeupsing eabsag—
Mayad eang kun may karton nga banig ag owa’t baha o uean --
Agod magbaskug euman ra tuhod sa pagpakalimos pagka-aga.
Si Ambong, Ati—maitum. Ra ele-ele, ra hibi, ra pangamuyo
Indi mabatian, indi mabatyagan it gobyerno sa siyudad it tawo.
Ra singgit it tabang hay singgit sa Pluto.
Si Ambong, Ati-- maitum, indi makit-an it atong gobyerno.
Kon Dinagyang, sa selebrasyon etsa pwera si Ambong.
Eutay kuno imaw sa mga bisitang dumueo-ong.
Si Ambong, maitum, ginatabog it blue guard
Bag-o pa man imaw maka-eapak sa gate it Atrium ag SM Shoemart
Kunta may Gloria nga magbatak kay Ambong sa libtong it kaimueon
Agod sa ulihi ro gobyerno may buwes nga masukot kay Ambong;
Agod sa ulihi makabakae man imaw it Levis o barong
Agod sa ulihi makaeskuyla man sa U.P. ra mga inapo;
Agod sa ulihi owa kana’t magtamay, owa’t magtabog
Kon imaw mag-agto sa SM City ag sa Atrium.
Si Ambong, Ati--Maitum. Apo ni Maniwantiwan.
Ag Filipino. Pares kimo, pares kakon.
Kon ham-at owa imaw sa listahan it mga Filipino nga dapat buligan?
Kon ham-at indi imaw makasueod sa atong ugsaran?
Kon ham-at indi naton imaw maagbayan?
Kon ham-at indi imaw makadungan katon magkaon sa restauran?
Siyudad man baea ra’t tawo, indi baea, banwa? Indi baea, banwa?

Moonless Night

moonless night--
waves of mud
rush to a school building

Melcichon
Jan 11, 2011

waiting--
I watch how your lips
curve before we kiss

Melcichon
Jan 7, 2012

Grey Afternoon

grey afternoon--
a boy asks why
the clouds move

Melcichon
Jan 8, 2012

Library

library--
the spaces
between our smiles

Melcichon
Jan 7, 2012

http://vimeo.com/22065628

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpYtH0SoJX4&list=UUuVzHlqZ06pahwunU3Jdxrg&index=16&feature=plcp

http://vimeo.com/22065628

The Video versions of my haiga, prepared by Edna Laurente Faral

Msluch Beltran

Ro Kandeng Ni Itsong

Ro Kanding Ni Itsong
ni Melchor F. Cichon
Dec 30, 2011

Birthday ni Itsong ag ginregaluhan imaw it dumaeagang kandeng ku anang maninay.
Kada agahon bag-o imaw magsueod sa anang klase hay ginaeawigan ni Itsong ra kandeng sa wayang nga maeapit sa andang baeay.
Pag-uli nana sa truadlaw hay ginabisitahan ni Itsong ra kandeng ag ginahalin sa lugar nga owa’t silak.
Pag-uli nana sa hapon hay ginapugoe nana ra kandeng ag ginapainum it tubi.
Adlaw –adlaw ra gina-obra ni Itsong ag hakita na nga nagatambok ra alila nga kandeng.
Ginapabugae ni Itsong ra anang kandeng sa anang mga kaklase ag ginahambae nana nga paabuon na agod madugangan pa gid ra kalipay.
May Sagrada Pamilya ag sanda ro Hermano Mayor, ugaling owa sanda’t kwartang ibagae it karne para sa andang mga bisita.
Ginhambaean si Itsong ka anang Nanay nga matansahon eon lang nanda ra anang kandeng para ihaead sa Sagrada Pamilya.
Owa magsabat si Itsong, pero nagtueo ra euha, samtang gadungok.
Pagkahapon samtang sa eskuylahan si Itsong, ginguyod ka Tatay ni Itsong ro kandeng agod matansahon.

Morning Sunlight

morning sunlight
touching the body
of a sleeping homeless man

Melcichon
Dec 19, 2011

Ro Ginhalinan it Pag-inum it Kape

Ro Ginhalinan it Pag-inum it Kape
Melchor F. Cichon
December 18, 2911

1. Bangod gin-akigan si Itsong ka anang Nanay, nagpaliwa-liwa imaw sa kanyugan kon siin may mga tanum nga ra bunga mapuea.
2. Nakita nana ro anwang nga nagasaot-saot pagkakaon it mga puea nga bunga it sangka tanum.
3. Nagpaeapit si Itsong sa puno ag nag-ipo man it bunga ag gin-usap.
4. Gulpi imaw nga nag-alipaksi.
5. Nagbuoe pa gid imaw it mga eutong bunga ag ginsueod na sa anang buesa.
6. Pag-abot na sa andang baeay ginpakita na sa anang Lola Juana ro bunga nga daea na.
7. Gin-akigan imaw ka anang Lola kon ham-at nagdaea-daea imaw ku ratong bunga nga gadaea’t kamalasan sa pamilya.
8. Ginhaboy ni Itsong ro bunga sa baga.
9. Pagkasunog, nahuguman nanda ro kahumot ku bunga.
10. Gintipon ni Itsong ro sunog nga bunga ag ginpudpod.
11. Ginbutang na sa tasa ag ginbubuan it mainit nga tubi.
12. Gin-inum ni Itsong ag ku anang Lola ro ga-asu-asu nga tinimplang pulbos.
13. Nagsaot-saot sandang daywa sa kalipay.
14. Halin kato ginainum eon ro kape it mga tawo.

Jane Chan 2

Jane Chan

Si Isiw

Si Isiw
Ni Melchor F. Cichon

1. Gausoy si Piso it eago samtang gadudaeagan si Isiw.
2. Nangayo si Isiw it eago kay piso.
3. Owa nagtao si Piso
4. Gatangis nga nagsugid si Isiw sa nanay
5. Ginpangutana si Piso ham-an owa nagtao it eago kay Isiw.
6. Naghambae si Piso nga owa magbulig it pagkahkah si Isiw.
7. Nagpangabay si Nanay nanda nga taw-an it maski sangkiriti eang nga eago si Isiw.
8. Gintaw-an it sangkiri nga eago ni Piso si Isiw.
9. Gintueok ni Nanay nanda si Isiw ag ginhambaean nga sa masunod, mabulig eon imaw sa pag-usoy it pagkaon.
10. Nagtango-tango si Isiw.
11. Dungan si Piso ag si Isiw sa pagkaon it eago.
12. Gahiyum-hiyum ra andang Nanay nga gatueok sa magmaeanghod nga gakaon it eago.

Si Isiw

Si Isiw

Ni Melchor F. Cichon

Dec. 14, 2011





“Nay”, hambae ni Isiw sa anang Nanay, “indi ako pagtaw-an ni Piso it eago."

Si Piso hay igmanghod ni Isiw.

“Taw-i, man ring magueang ay”, hambae ka andang Nanay ni Isiw ag ni Piso.

“Indi’d ang,” sabat ni Piso. “Kaina haghambae ako kana nga buligan nana ako’t pagkahkah, owa gid nana ako pagbulige. “

“Paano Nay ay ginahipid ko pa rang mga baeahibo. Owa’t eabot nga basa, nagagumon pa.”

“Amo gid man ron imaw, bukon abi Nay? Tamad! Gusto eang nga matueon, indi magbulig it pagkahkah.”

“Taw-i man imaw,Piso. Maski sangkiriti eang."

Gintueok ni Nanay nanda si Isiw ag naghambae, "Pero Isiw, sa oman magbulig ka man it pagkahkah agod buko’t malisod ro pag-usoy it atong pagkaon. “

“Huo ‘Nay, mabulig eon ako sa masunod. Pero taw-i anay ako nang Piso it eago.”

“O, sige. Taw-an kita makaron, pero promise mabulig ka eon kakon sa mga masunod nga pag-usoy naton it pagkaon.”

“Huo, Nang,” sabat ni Isiw.

Kon Paalin Nag-umpisa Sa Paghambae Ro Mga Taga-Panay

Kon Paalin Nag-umpisa Sa Paghambae Ro Mga Taga-Panay

Ni Melchor F. Cichon

December 14, 2011





Pagbuka ku botong kon siin si Makusog ag si Ambong naghalin, mahipos ro kalibutan. Owa’t eabot sa mga huni it kapispisan, ag mga tunog ku mga ayam, kuring, kanding, anwang, baka, kabayo ag iba pa nga mga kasapatan, owa gid sanda’t mabatian nga tunog sa andang palibot. Kon may gusto nga hambaeon si Makusog kay Ambong, ginakuhit nana imaw, o masinyas. Kon gusto nana nga magpaeapit si Ambong kana hay ginapaypayan eang nana. Ro mabahoe nga problema ni Makusogs ag ni Ambong hay kon matunod eon ro adlaw. Mayad eang kon ugsad ay mahayag ro anda nga palibot.

Sangka agahon nga magaeum ro kaeagitan, nag-agto si Makusog sa Maeara, sangka sapa-sapa sa Lezo, Aklan. Naglingkod imaw sa sangka tuod nga maeapit sa tubi. Ginpamatyagan nana ro matin-aw ag malinong nga tubi it sapa. Ag gulpi nga may nagpuka. Owa magbuhay hay may nagpuka pa gid. Ginsunod nana ro tunog it pagpuka—tsok! Gintandaan nana ra. Sa anang piniino hay isugid nana ro ana ngara nga habatian sa anang asawa nga si Ambong.

Pagtindog na hay may naghuni nga paka—kla, kla, kla. Mangan-angan hay may nabatian pa gid imaw nga huni it paka—kla, kala, kla.

Ginsunod nana ro tunog ngara sa anang paino-ino. Sa isip na, siguro naga-istoryahanay ro daywang paka. Siguro mana hay baye ag eake rato sanda. Mayad pa mana ro paka naga-estoryahanay, buko’t paris kamon ni Ambong nga gakalablitan o nagasinyas eang.

Pag-abot ni Makusog sa andang eangbon, nagsinggit si Makusog kay Ambong: Kla! Kla! Kla!

Nagsabat si Ambong: Kla! Kla! Kla!

Rato ro umpisa ku paghambae it mga tawo sa Panay.

Ro Una Nga Paghambae It Mga Tawo sa Panay

Ro Una Nga Paghambae It Mga Tawo sa Panay
Melchor F. Cichon
Dec. 15, 2011

1. Mahipos ro palibot sa pagguwa ni Makusog at ni Ambong sa botong.
2. Ro huni eang it mga pispis, ag tunog eang it mga isda, paka ag iba pa nga mga animal ro mabatian.
3. Kon magcommunicate si Makusog ag si Ambong hay nagasinyas eang sanda.
4. Sangka agahon, nga magae-om, nag-agto sa Maeara si Makusog .
5. Nabatian nana ro mga puka it mga isda, ag ro huni it mga paka.
6. Pag-abot ni Makusog sa andang baeay, naghambae si Makusog kay Ambong.
7. Stok! Stok!
8. Nagsabat si Ambong: Tsok! Tsok!
9. Naghambae pa gid si Makusog it Kla! Kla!
10. Nagsabat si Ambong it Kla! Kla!
11. Rato ro umpisa it paghambae it mga tawo sa Panay.

Lonely Search

after a three-week search
Lola Aurelia Matias finds
Lolo Luis at the train station

Melcichon
Nov 24, 2011

Ground Zero

Ground Zero--
57 Filipinos
bury with their dreams here

Melcichon
NOv 24, 2011

My Haiku in Facebook Page

November breeze--
her shadows start
to cover her

Melcichon
Nov 19, 2011


outside
of the hospital window
a rainbow

Melcichon
Nov 20, 2011



a rainbow
in your smile, Mother
in a hospital

Melcichon
Nov 20, 2011


City Jail--
the heat
of her new bed sheet

Melcichon
Nov 21, 2011


he continues
his uphill trail--
downpour

Melcichon
Nov 13, 2011
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Philippine August wind--
the white rose
just sways

Melcichon
Nov 10, 2011
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almost December--
the paths
we still have to clear for you

Melcichon
Nov 9, 2011
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deep night--
the heart
of a long silence

Melcichon
Nov 9, 2011
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lover's moon--
the breeze stands still
as she holds my hands

Melcichon
Nov 7, 2011
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drizzles--
the soft grip of Lola
on my arm

Melcichon
Nov 7, 2011
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new path--
some more rosebuds
along the way

Melcichon
Nov 6, 2011
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she wipes away my tears
until I fall asleep--
Sunflower

Melcichon
Nov 6, 2011
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she prepares
a lamp with oil--
a wedding day

Melcichon
Nov 6, 2011
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any moment turns
summer
when she passes by

Melcichon
Nov 5, 2011
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short night--
the lingering sweetness
of your kiss

Melcichon
Nov 5, 2011
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aeangyon iya,
aeangyon igto
owa't sueod ro among taeagbasan

Melcichon
Nov 3, 2011
See Translation
16 Impressions · 0% Feedback



aeangyon iya,
aeangyon igto
owa't sueod ro among taeagbasan

Melcichon
Nov 3, 2011
See Translation
16 Impressions · 0% Feedback



ginsugpon ni Nanay
rang nabugto nga tanog--
Sampaguita

Melcichon
Nov 3, 2011
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Bangod gabii eon
nagbisa eon lang ako
sa rosarito

Melcichon
Nov 3, 2011
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pista minatay--
eubog sa tubi-baha
ro mga pantheon

Melcichon
Nov 1, 2011
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a summer afternoon--
my father and I
fishing with hook and line in Maeara

Melcichon
Oct. 29, 2011
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Fr. Fausto Tentorio--
he's afraid to be uprooted
so he was chapped down

Melcichon
Oct 27, 2011
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Bing widens
the door for us --
see more sunlight

Melcichon
Oct. 26, 2011
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she cushions
your pains
even after sundown

Melcichon
Oct. 25, 2011


her smile allures me
closer, closer
to her heart

Melcichon
Oct 21, 2011
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morning jeepney ride--
strands of her hair
touching my face

Melcichon
Oct 20, 2011
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election miracle
he wins in the voting
he loses in the counting

Melcichon
Oct 19, 2011
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Butterfly Garden--
no butterfly here
no butterfly there

Melcichon
Oct. 18, 2011
27 Impressions · 0% Feedback



all the teachers
gather
to meet a child who saved a national flag

Melcichon
Oct. 16, 2011
27 Impressions · 0% Feedback
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a bora man meets
an igang woman--
calm shore of Guimaras
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i pick up
igang and blue starfish
in a shallow water of Guimaras

Melcichon
Oct. 16, 2011
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Valentine's Day--
last year, alone
this year, still alone

Melcichon
Oct 14, 2011
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sudden flood--
all the golden grains
can't see the skies

Melcichon
Oct. 14, 2011
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morning breeze--
a rose turns its blossom
towards the sunlight

Melcichon
October 14, 2011
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the fragrance
of ilang-ilang in our room
wakes her up

Melcichon
Oct. 13, 2011
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sunset--
she watches him
until he closes his eyes

Melcichon
Ovt. 13, 2011
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full pink moon--
hand in hand
we both wish to Sirius

Melcichon
October 11, 2011
See Translation
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pink full moon
your nearness
makes a full evening

Melcichon
Oct. 11, 2011
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as I eat durian
I did not notice
all my children have left me alone

Melcichon
Oct. 10, 2011
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flood
everything is level
but the two ducks

Melcichon
Oct 10, 2011
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mid-summer--
the skies have become
much clearer now

Melcichon
March 8, 2011
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beauty pageants--
major, major
long legged

Melcichon
2011
50 Impressions · 0% Feedback



Valentine's Day--
their figures
fading away

Melcichon
2011
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almost dusk--
she drops the red tulips
on her feet

Melcichon
2011
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rice fields--
all his lines
in pink

Melcichon
2011
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dawn
blissful, joyful
refreshing, inspiring, beginning
birth, hope, death, gloom
rupturing, sleeping, mourning
sunset
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doctor's clinic
a dying rose
at the corner's table

Melcichon
Oct 9, 2011
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officer's burial--
the government strips off
the flag from his casket

Melcichon
2011
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baha!
Inay...
I love you!
29 Impressions · 0% Feedback



sunrise--
a child smiles
at the abortionist

Melcichon
2011
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summer breeze--
her beauty
creates a smile

Melcichon
2011
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sunset--
thinking of the full moon
with you in Maeara

Melcichon
Oct. 9, 2011
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rising full moon--
letting the Sampaguita blossom
swings to the breeze

Maeara
October 9, 2011
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Sunset

Glonie

A Rainbow

outside
of the hospital window
a rainbow

Melcichon
Nov 20, 2011

Paskwa

Paskwa
huo nag-abot gid man imaw
ugaling owa imaw gatueok kakon

Maeara
Nov 12, 2011

Peer Group Talk

peer group talk--
one of the participants
does not laugh at the joke

Melcichon
Nov 12, 2011

11-11-11

11-11-11
she wishes for
a full moon beside him

Melcichon
Nov 11, 2011

August Wind

Philippine August Wind--
the white rose
just sways

Short Night

short night--
the heart
of a long silence

Melcichon
Nov 9, 2011

Drizzles

drizzles--
the soft grip of Lola
on my arm

Melcichon
Nov 7, 2011

Mango Season

mango season--
flies and more flies
visit our dining table

Melcichon
Nov 7, 2011

Any Moment Turns Summer

any moment turns
into summer
when she passes by

Melcichon
Nov 5, 2011

No Air-con

boss visit--
no students in the library
no use of air-con

Melcichon
Nov 3, 2011

The Smile

the smile
on her lips as I kiss her--
departure time

Melcichon
Nov 3, 2011

Bangod Gabii Eon

bangod gabii eon
nagbisa eon lang ako
sa rosarito

Melcichon
Nov 3, 2011