Mga Luwa ni Tatay Itsong, draft

Mga Luwa ni Tatay Itsong

With English Translation

Melchor F. Cichon

Charlie I. Ureta

March 2018

Mga Luwa ni Tay Itsong

Melchor F. Cichon

Charlie I. Ureta

Published in 2018 by

KASINGKASING PRESS

http://kasingkasingpress.com

kasingkasingpress@yahoo.com

Copyright © 2018

Melchor F. Cichon

Charlie I. Ureta

Kasingkasing Press

All rights reserved

This publication may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means whether virtual, electronics, mechanical, phtocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission from the copyright owners.

ISBN

Production Editor: Gil S. Montinola

Book cover and designer: Noel G. de Leon

Artwork on the Cover: Noel G. de Leon

Printed in Guimaras Island, Philippines

Para kay PILMA DOLLOLASA CICHON

Ag sa pamilya ni Charlie nga sanday:

Luz, Ruben, Ann, Bryan ag Louben ag pati man kanday: Bronz, Kent, Renz, Rogen, Brent, Von, Alex, Lors, Tiongson, Kzher ag Teorenz

Introduction

By Melchor F. Cichon

The following luwa were lifted from my collection of unpublished luwa in Aklanon, hence each luwa has a specific number as in its original version.  Unless stated, the translations in English were written by Charlie Ureta.

To further help the readers, an index is included at the end of the collection.

We can say that luwa in Panay came into being during the Spanish period. My father told us, his children, that his mother used to recite luwa during the wake. She was born during the Spanish-American war. When she died at the age of 104 in the early 1970s, the teenagers in our neighborhood in Lezo, Aklan played bordon and recited luwa during her wake. Since most of the luwa then were bawdy and humorous, we the audience along with the participating group would laugh. Of course, bordon was just one of the games being played during the wake. We used to play, Truth or Consequence, using an empty bottle, and the loser was asked to do something, like kissing his girlfriend or boyfriend if he or she happened to be around. Or he/she is asked to recite a luwa.

During funerals, the people more particularly in Lezo, Aklan, were generally solemn. Humorous stories and jokes were taboo during the funeral march. The people usually talked on the experiences they have had with the deceased. Or about politics and their economic situations. The music being played during the funeral march were also solemn. The song Ave Maria was generally being  played during the funeral march from the house of the deceased to the church for the mass, and again from the church to the cemetery.   It is  only during the wake when the people play parlor games to help the bereaved family cope with their sadness. It is during this time when luwa are recited.

A luwa is a form of poetry that is usually written in four lines. It used to be the first stanza of corrido, that kind of poetry that relates the exploits of kings and princesses. There are also luwa that are longer ones. There are also luwa that are used to get the hands of a lady. This is known as enamoracion.

It is said that it is not advisable to recite luwa if one is not in the wake, because it is believed that a member of the family will die if this is done not in its proper place.

Because luwa were recited in wakes as part of a punishment to whoever is the loser in a game like konggit, truth or consequence, bordon, it is very much appreciated if the lines have rhymes, rhythms, and humor. This is one reason why there are nonsense luwa. The rhythms are not consistent though, but there are a lot of luwa that have rhymes. These include luwa with aaaa, aabb, abab patterns.

There are also some luwa that have abcd endings.

Here are examples:

Example of a luwa with an aaaa rhyme:

Pag-agto ko sa Ibajay,

May hakita ako nga patay;

Ginbagting ko ra eagay,

Mas mabaskog pa sa lingganay.

Here you will notice that the endings of all lines are in ay.

For the aabb example:

Pag-agto ko sa bukid

Nakakita ako it ibid;

Paglingot ko sa waea

Gatueok kakon rang nobya.—Melchor F. Cichon (MFC)

Here the first and second lines end in id, while the third and fourth lines end in a.

Here is another ending. The abab:

Igto sa bukid,

May busay nga naga-ilig;

Kon magpaligos igto si Ismid,

May daeang butong nga binulig. --MFC

There are luwa with Spanish and English words.

Paris it navagante

Sa tunga it travisya

Kinueabos rang suwerte

Hay gulpi nga nagisgrasya.

***

Igto sa bukid

May kwarta nga nagaligid

Nagaligid-naga roll

Dumiretso sa waterfall.

There are other luwa that are bawdy, but full of imagery. Here is an example:

Pag-agto ni Inday sa Boracay

Napusa ro anang tuway;

Pagkasayod ka anang nanay,

Ana imaw nga ginminueay.-- MFC

For a nonsense luwa here is a classic example:

Secut erat en principio

Bisan libat basta gwapo;

En principio secut erat

Gwapo pero libat.

Secut erat is a Latin word that means Glory be, a Catholic prayer.

Here are other nonsense luwas:

Nag-agto ako sa Navas

May hakita ako nga bayawas;

Akon nga ginpaeas,

May nahueog nga sibuyas.

There are luwa that have double meanings. These are the luwa that belong to the adults, if they can decipher the meaning. Here is an example:

Maligos ako kunta

Sa maisot mo nga sapa

Ugaling ro kinasaea

May guardia civil sa tunga.--MFC

There are luwa that are really metaphysical. Here is one:

Ako mangunguma nga taga-Lezo

Maagto sa eanas agod mag-arado

Rang saeaburan puno’t bungot-bungot

Rang mabuot nga arado, indi magdueot kon indi magtindog.-- MFC

***

Ako si Haring Marikudo

Manugtanum it amamakoe

Pero ro gusto-gusto gid ni Inday kuno

Amamakoe nga sukoe.-- MFC

***

Kon gusto mo gid man ako

Nga mangin nobya mo;

Ro adlaw imo nga tukuran

Agod indi kita madueman.

Some of the topics being touched in luwa are love, death, courtship, sorrows, happiness, desires. disasters, anything and everything under and above the sun.

What is the difference between the old and the new luwa? In terms of subject matter, number of lines, number of syllables per line, the same.

Perhaps, until proven otherwise, the contemporary luwa have wider scopes like tsunami, and politics, and snows since some of the poets are college trained and have gone to different countries like Canada, America, Switzerland and Germany.

From the luwa that I heard and gathered, I noticed that politics is not given so much importance.

This is one aspect of luwa that should be looked into. I know that luwa like any other poetry can be used to dissect our society, including our politics.

Luwa is dying in Aklan. In fact many of our martial law babies have not heard of luwa.

But luwa is not only confined in Aklan. This was also common in Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, and Guimaras.

Because of this, I wrote luwa. These can now be read in my website: http://aklanonlitarchive.blogspot.com/2006/10/mga-luwa-ni-tay-itsong.html.

In the book, which I helped edited, Haiku, Luwa and Other Poems by Aklanons, 2005, about a hundred of luwa are published.

Luwa writing is easy. Just remember these:

1.      Focus on one subject.

2.      If possible, inject humor in your luwa.

3.      Try to use rhyme and meter if possible.

4.      Maximize the use of the various figures of speech.

5.      Be careful with your spelling. Prefixes should be attached to the root words, like pagbakae, ginsueat, etc. Remember the rule on the use of ko and ku.

6.      Read and write luwa. There is no other way to learn how to write luwa but to write it yourself.

By the way, my nickname is Itsong.

Luwa 1

Pagtueok ko sa eawod,

Ro El Nino nagakurog;

Paglingot ko sa Guicod,

Ro mga niyog nagatiyog-tiyog.

When I looked at the ocean,

The El Nino was shaking;

When I looked at Guicod,

The coconut trees were whirling.

Luwa 3

Sa atop it eangit,

May antolihaw nga nagsinggit:

“May ayam nga gapang-it

It asawa nga natuslok it siit.”

At the roof of the heaven,

There’s an oriole shouting:

“There’s a dog biting

A wife pricked by a thorn.”

Luwa 5

Sa tingoy-tingoy it santoe,

May antiyamis nga nagapanihoe;

Pag-agi ni Lolo Empoy,

Nagrap sa anang ingkoy.

At the peak of the santol tree,

There’s a sunbird whistling;

When Lolo Empoy passed by,

On his nape, it rapped.

Luwa 7

Nagbunit ako sa bubon,

Halin sa agahon hasta sa hapon.

Pag-abot ko sa amon,

May mga bae-a nga gahueat kakon.

I fished in the well

From morning ‘till afternoon.

When I arrived home,

There were gobbies waiting for me.

Luwa 8

Pagtapas ko’t lawaan sa Ormoc,

Tanan nga mga baboy naghueagok.

Pag-agi ko sa baybay,

Nagtambak ro mga bangkay.

When I cut down the lawaan tree in Ormoc,

All the pigs snored.

When I passed by the beach,

Corpse piled up.

Luwa 9

Pagsunog ko’t Madia-as,

Tanan nga ilahas nagwaeas.

Pag-abot ko sa baeay,

May mga PC kakon nga nagabantay.

When I burned Madia-as Hill,

All the wild chickens panicked.

When I reached home,

There were PC soldiers guarding me.

PC—Philippine Constabulary, the forerunner of AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines).

Luwa 10

Kon ako magboto,

Pilion ko ro gwapo;

Kon imaw ngani maperde,

Ihueog ko imaw sa Campo Berde.

If I vote,

I’d choose the handsome one;

If he loses,

I’d drop him in Campo Berde.

Luwa 12

Igto sa amon nga baeay,

May daywang bayeng paeahikay;

Pag-abot ni Nanay,

Nagmaeaea ro andang eaway.

In our house,

There were two jealous women;

When Mother came,

Their saliva dried up.

Luwa 14

Sa bubungan it eangit,

May nasab-it nga anglet.

Sa akon nga pagsinungkit,

May nahueog nga eaon nga pusit.

At the roof of the sky,

There’s a hanged small earthen pot;

In my constant picking,

An old maid squid fell.

Luwa 16

Sa amon nga barangay,

Kadasig magtubo ro paeay;

Nagasabud paeang si Tatay,

Nagapadaeaeat eo’t bugas si Nanay.

In our barangay,

Rice grows fast.

My Father is just sowing,

But my Mother is already selling rice.

Luwa 17

Sa amon nga opisina,

Daywang klase ro gapila.

Ro isaea, kada kinsina,

Ro pangaywa, kinse-trienta.

In our office,

There are two kinds of people who queue.

The first is the fifteenth-day claimers.

The second is the fifteenth-thirtieth-day claimers.

Luwa 19

Kon ako mangasawa,

Pilion ko gid ro gwapa;

Para kon maubusan eon ngani ako’t kwarta,

Sa Japan ko imaw ipasalta.

When I court someone,

I’ll choose the beautiful one;

So when I run out of money,

I’ll send her to Japan.

Luwa 28

Inday, maski siin ka magtago,

Maski sa alibutod it nonok.

Tigban ko, barinahan ko.

Gugma ro nagasugo.

Inday, wherever you may hide,

Even in the core of a balete tree.

I’ll chisel it, I’ll screw it.

Love commands.

Luwa 33

Tan-awa ro buean,

Nagadueom, nagasiga.

Paris man it paghigugma,

May puno, may punta.

Look at the moon,

It darkens, it lightens;

Like love,

It has a beginning and an end.

Luwa 35

Sa pihak it libtong,

May eaki nga nagakongkong;

Ginhangeab imaw it anwang,

Anang pag-eaum hay bawang.

Across the deep, silent water,

There’s a crouching man;

The carabao ate him,

Thinking he was a garlic.

Luwa 36

Paghalin ko sa baeay,

Nagbilin kakon si Tatay:
Kon ako kuno mangasawa

Pilion ko gid kuno ro daeaga.

When I left the house,

My Tatay requested me

That when I court a lady 
I must choose a maiden.

Luwa 37

Paghalin ko sa baeay

Nagbilin gid kakon si Nanay,

Bangod kuno ako maeaw-ay,

Magpabinit-binit eang ako anay.

When I left the house,

My Nanay requested me,

That because I am ugly,

At the side, I must stay.

Luwa 38

Sa likod ku among baeay,

May naeuto nga bayawas;

Kon may baye kara nga makasungkit,

Ipakasae ko gid imaw kay Ambeth.

In our backyard,

There’s ripened guava.

If there’s a lady who can get it,

I will let her marry Ambeth.

Luwa 41

Pag-abot ko sa baeay,

Nagarapike ro baba ni Tatay ag ni Nanay;

Nagsueod ako sa tadyaw,

Owa eon gid ako nanda mapukaw.

When I arrived home,

Tatay and Nanay’s mouths were rumbling;

I got inside the jar,

They never wake me up.

Luwa 42

Sa ibabaw it Manduog,

May tumugpa nga banog;

Akon kunta imaw nga dakpon,

Ugaling gintuka rang uyahon.

At the top of Manduyog Hill,

A hawk landed.

I wanted to catch it,

But it pecked my face.

Luwa 43

Inday, kon batunon mo eang ako,

Indi mo gid pag-angkiton ring siko;

Kon mag-usoy ka’t makabitan,

Mausoy man ako ku akong masab-itan.

Inday, if you will accept me,

You won’t bite your elbow;

If you will look for someone whom you can cling to,

I will also look for someone whom I can hang on, too.

Luwa 47

Sa amon nga dingding,

Nagbueak ro everlasting;

Kon sin-o kara ro makalingling,

Magaeukso-eukso gid ra kasingkasing.

In our wall,

An everlasting plant bloomed;

Whoever can peep on it,

His heart would be jumping.

Luwa 50

Sa Bacolod ag sa Iloilo, ro kwarta ginapiko;

Sa Antique ro kwarta sa kaeanasan gina-arado;

Sa Aklan, ro kwarta gauean

Sa karsada, sa kaeanasan.

In Bacolod and in Iloilo, the money is hoed.

In Antique, moneyin the rice field is plowed.

In Aklan, money rains

In the streets, in the rice fields.

Luwa 53

Pito nga bukid rang gin-eakbay,

Mga leon ag tigre rang kaaway.

Ro kagaoy akon ginsikway

Agod makahambae eang ako kimo Inday.

Seven mountains, I have travelled.

Lions and tigers are my enemies.

My tiredness, I neglected

Just so I can talk to you, Inday.

            Luwa 56

Sa amon nga opisina,

May baeo nga senyora;

Adlaw-adlaw imaw nagabongga

Peru kon kinsina, ro gasukot kana gapila.

In our office,

There’s a widowed madam;

Everyday, she’s extravagant,

But on the fifteenth day, lenders queue upon her.

Luwa 57

Sa amon nga opisina,

May ulay nga daeaga;

Kon oras it trabaho,

Sa bubungan gatapik ra painu-ino.

In our office,

There’s an old maid.

During working hours,

Her mind is hooked on the roof.

Luwa 58

Inday, magpaeapit ka riya.

Kon indi ka ngani matumba

Sa ginasakyan mo nga bala,

Pakaslan gid dayon kita.

Inday, come closer here.

If you won’t fall down

On the bullet you’re riding on,

I will marry you.

Luwa 59

Si Edad nagpanamgo

Sa boyfriend nana nga Amerikano;

Pero pagkasayod nana nga abo ra kuto,

Nagbag-id eon lang imaw ka siko.

Edad dreamed

Of her American boyfriend;

But after knowing that he has lice,

She only rubbed her elbow.

Luwa 64

Si Inday, Si Nanay

Permi eang sa anang nobyo naga-away;

Nanago ako sa tadyaw,

Ginhakwat ako kang bayaw.

Inday, Nanay

Always fight about her boyfriend.

I hid inside the jar,

My would-be brother-in-law lifted me.

Luwa 65

Nagtanum ako’t katumbae

Sa binit ku amon nga tangkae;

Nagbunga it kutikot,

Ro makakaon kara nagabuktot.

I planted a kutikot

Beside our pig pen.

It bore a hot chili.

Whoever eats this will be hunch-back.

kutikot—a native chili which is very hot.

Luwa 66

Kon gusto mo gid man ako

Nga mangin nobya mo,

Ro adlaw imo nga tukuran

Agud indi kita madueman.

I you really like me

To be your girlfriend,

Put a support to the sun

So that we’ll not be doomed.

kutikot—a native hot chili

Luwa 68

Kon ginahandum mo gid man ako

Nga mangin nobya mo,

Basyahan mo’t yelo ro adlaw

Agud indi ra matunaw.

If you really wish me

To be your girlfriend,

You splash the sun with ice

So that it won’t melt.

Luwa 71

Patindugan mo man ako’t palasyo

Ag marmol man ro ginaeugban ko,

Indi man ako gihapon kimo

Ay owa ka gid gasipilyo.

Even if you build me a palace

And my bed is made of marble,

Still I won’t like you

Because you don’t brush your teeth.

Luwa 76

Ro bilin ni Tatay

Paghalin ko sa baeay,

Kon ako ngani mangisog

Sundon ko ro kilat nga owa’t daeogdog.

My father requested me

When I left the house

That when I scold

I’d follow the lightning without thunder.

Luwa 78

May pispis ako nga antolihaw.

Ginhigot ko sa tadyaw;

Pag-agi ni Tay Islaw,

Gintuslok ra kalimutaw.

I have an oriole.

I tied it in a jar.

When Tay Islaw passed by,

It pricked his eye ball.

Luwa 80

Sa likod it anwang,

May ginbilin nga drawing.

Akon nga gintan-aw:

“Owa ka gali it ngipon sa ibabaw.”

On the carabao’s back,

A drawing was left behind.

I looked at it:
“Oh, you have no upper teeth.” Translated by the author

Luwa 81

Sa Kalibo,

Ro Smokey Mountain hay sa pangpang it Akean;

Kon umabot ro baha,

May limpyong basurahan eon man.

In Kalibo,

The Smokey Mountain is at the bank of Akean;

When flood comes,

The garbage dump is clean again. Translated by the author

Luwa 82

Saeamat, saeamat

Sa mga taga-DPWH.

Sa mga karsada pagkatapos it uean,

Ro mga saeakyan nagaduyan-duyan.

Thanks, thanks

To the personnel of DPWH.

On the streets after the rain,

The cars keep on swinging. Translated by the author

Luwa 83

Ro mga senador sa Manila

Nagahabuyanan it eutay;

Ro mga army sa patag-ayawan,

Nagasuksok it gision nga saewae.

The senators in Manila

Are throwing mud at each other;

The army in the battlefield,

Are wearing tattered pants. Translated by the author

Luwa 84

Igto sa suba it Sitio Gemino, Altavas,

May gin-eubong nga puti nga lingganay;

Kon sin-o makabatak karon

Sigurado gid nga magmanggaranon.

There in the river of Sitio Gemino, Altavas,

A white bell was buried;

Whoever can lift it up

Will surely get rich. Translated by the author

Luwa 86

Si Francisco del Castillo,

Puno sa Aklan it mga Katipunero,

Namatay sa bala nga naghalin kay Moises Elecito

Nga ana man lang nga kasimanwa.

Francisco del Castillo,

The head of the Katipunero of Aklan,

Died from the bullet fired by Moises Elecito,

His countryman. Translated by the author

Luwa 87

Kon may hangin ring ueo,

Indi ka gid mag-agto sa Kalibo,

Basi sa pag-uli mo sa inyo

Owa ka eon it ueo.

If you have an airy head,

Never go to Kalibo;

You might go home

Headless. Translated by the author

Luwa 91

Kon mag-agto ka sa Lezo,

Owa ka gid igto hiagto

Kon sa pag-uli mo,

Owa ka’t baeon nga kueon ag puto.

When you go to Lezo,

You haven’t been there,

If you go home

Without bringing an earthen pot and rice cake.

Luwa 93

Pag-agto ko sa Batan,

Hakita ko si Datu Kalantiao—

Nagalibog ra ueo

Ginasuspitsahan kuno ra Kodigo.

When I went to Batan,

I met Datu Kalantiao—

He is worried

For his Code is being suspected as fake. Translated by the author

Luwa 94

Pag-agto ko sa Batan,

Ra ueo ni Datu Kalantiao nagabukae.

Ro ana kuno nga Kodigo,

Owa’t kamatuuran.

When I went to Batan,

Datu Kalantiao’s head is boiling.

His Code is said to be

Fake. Translated by the author

Luwa 96

Kon Valentine’s day,

Gahuyap it petal si Elsa:

He loves me, he loves me not!

Ham-at owa imaw riya?

On Valentine’s Day,

Elsa counts petals:

He loves me, he loves me not!

Why is he not here? Translated by the author

Luwa 106

Mabahoe nga balita!

Si Lola naka-miniskirt eot-a,

May cellphone pa

Nga nagakabit-kabit sa hawak na!

Big news!

Lola now wears miniskirt,

With a cellphone

Hanging on her hip.

Luwa 113

Nag-agto ako sa Banga,

Nakakita ako’t buaya.

Grabe nga buaya,

Ra dila hasta sa Buruanga.

I went to Banga,

I saw a crocodile.

What a crocodile,

His tongue can reach Buruanga.

Luwa 115

Sa tanan nga pispis,

Rang nanamian gid hay antiyamis.

Kon isueod ra ngani sa hawla,

Dayon ra singgit: “Sueod ka man riya!”

Of all the birds,

What I really like most is the sunbird.

When I place it inside the cage,

Immediately it shouts: “Get inside too!”

Luwa 195

Nagtuon ako sa UPV,
Naubusan ako't money.
Naghueam ako kay Manny,
"Sorry, abu pang utang 'wa pa mabayri."

I studied at UPV,

I run out of money.

I tried to loan some amount from Manny,

“There’s a lot of unpaid loan yet. Sorry.” Translated by the author

Luwa 210

Hambae mo kakon kaina

Ako gid lang ring nobya;

Gali may imo pa gid

Nga ginabuesa-buesa.

You told me a while ago

That I am your only girlfriend;

But you still have someone

Being kept in your pocket. Translated by the author

Luwa 211

Hambae mo gid kakon

Nga ring paghigugma kakon

Hay eampas pa gid sa tinaipan,

Gali hasta eang ra sa imo nga dapa-dapa.

You told me

That your love for me

Is beyond the horizon.

But the truth is it’s only until your foot palm. Translated by the author

Luwa 212

Ro bituon sa sidlangan
Amat-amat ko nga ginabutong

Paagto sa imong altar,

Paagto sa imong tagipusuon.

Little by little,

I pull the star at the east

Toward your altar,

Toward your heart. Translated by the author

Luwa 213

Igto sa Lezo
Ginaeaha ro buti;

Kon bumisita igto ro mga Ati

Sigurado gid nga may supot sanda nga bitbit. 

In Lezo,

Poprice is being cooked;

When the Aetas visit the place,

They surely bring home a bag of it. Translated by the author

Luwa 214

Kon alas tres it Biyernes Santo

Ginapaeukso-eukso ako ni Tatay ko

Agod magtaas kuno ako

Pareho it mga Amerikano, ugaling Pinoy gid ako.

When the three o’clock strikes on a Holy Friday,

I am being asked to jump

So I will grow tall

Like the American, but I am truly a Pinoy.

Luwa 215

Pag-agto ko sa Pastrana Park,
May hakita ako’t kalapati nga owa’t pakpak;

Pag-agi it puting uwak,

Gindagit na kaibahan it wakwak.

When I went to Pastrana Park,
I saw a wingless dove;

When a white hawk passed by,

It seized it together with a witch.

Luwa 216

Owa’t mataas nga bukid
Sa tawo nga may handum;

Owa’t madaeum nga bubon,

Kon desidido mag-eunip ro tagipusuon.

There’s no high mountain

To someone who has a dream;

There’s no deep well

When the heart is ready to dive it.

Luwa 217

Kon Dominggo it agahon,

Masaku gid si Tatay Itsong
Sa paghikap-hikap ka manok nga inugbueang

Maski owa eon sanda’t inugbakae it bakagan.

On Sunday morning,

Tay Itsong is too busy

Touching his fighting cock

Even if they no longer have money to buy dried slipmouth. Translated by the author

Luwa 218

Kon ako mangasawa,

Pilion ko gid ro aswang
Agud kon ugsad

May atay ako nga isumsuman.

When I get married,
I will select a witch

So that when full moon comes,

I will have liver for my appetizer. Translated by the author

Luwa 219

Hambae ni Nanay,

Owa’t santos kon owa’t gaantos;

Hambae ni Tatay,

Owa’t baeay nga puno eang it kalipay.

Mother said

That there’s no saint if nobody sacrifices;

Father said

That there’s no house that’s full only with happiness. Translated by the author

Luwa 220

May haeagpit ako nga maya.

Gin-adobo ko kaina.

Pagkaeaha sangka planggana.

Owa maubos it sumsuman kang sang docena nga barkada.

I trapped a maya.

I adobo it a while ago.

When it was cooked it was a basinful.

My one dozen friends could not consume it all. Translated by the author

Luwa 221

Maeleksiyon eon man.

Magapueuti eon man ro mga uwak.

Magakarnero eon man ro mga tigre.

Pero kon makalingkod eon, nagabaealik sanda sa daang ugali.

Election is set again.

The crows will turn white again.

The tigers will become sheeps again.

But once they’re elected, they return to their original characters. Translated by the author

Index

Note: The number in the parenthesis refers to the Luwa Number, while the number after it refers to the page number of the text. Example: gwapa, (19), 13. Luwa 19, Page 13.

adlaw,(66), 22, (68), 22

adobo,(220), 37

Aetas,(213), 33

Aklan,(50), 18

altar, 33

altar,(212), 33

Altavas,(84), 26

Ambeth,(38), 15

Amerikano,(214), 34

anglet, (14), 11

animals,

dog, (3), 7

Antique,(50), 18

antiyamis, (5), 8, (116), 31

antolihaw, (1), 7, (78), 24

anwang,(35), 14,(80), 24

appetizer,(218), 36

army,(83), 26

asawa, (3), 7

aswang,(218), 36

Ati,(213), 33

ayam,(3), 7

baboy, (8), 9

Bacolod,(50), 18

bae-a, (7), 8

baeay,(12), 10,(36), 14, 15,(40), 16,(76), 23,(37), 15

baeo,(56), 19

baha,(81), 25

bakagan,(217), 35

bala,(58), 20,(86), 27

Banga,(113), 30

bangkay, (8), 9

banog,(42), 16

barangay, (16), 11

basurahan,(81), 25

Batan,(93), 28,(94), 29

bawang,(35), 14

bayaw,(64), 21

bayawas,(38), 15

baybay, (8), 9

beach, (8), 9

bed,(71), 23

birds

hawk, 16

maya,(220), 37

oriole, (3), 7

oriole,(78), 24

sunbird, 8

Biyernes Santo,(214), 34

boyfriend,(59), 20

buaya, (113), 30

bubon, (7), 8,(216), 35

buean,(22), 13

bukid, (53), 18, (216), 35

bullet,(58), 20

Buruanga,(113), 30

buti,(213), 33

cage,(115), 31

Campo Berde,(10), 10

carabao,(80), 24

cellphone,(106), 30

chickens, (9), 9

Code,(93), 28

corpse, (8), 9

crocodile,(113), 30

crow,(221), 37

daeaga,(36), 14,(57), 19

daeogdog,(76), 23

dapa-dapa,(211), 32

Datu Kalantiao,(93), 28,(94), 29

del Castillo, Francisco,(86), 27

dingding,(47), 17

dog, (3), 7

Dominggo,(217), 35

dove,(215), 34

dream,(216), 35

eaki, 14

eaki,(35), 14

eangit, (3), 7, (14), 11

earthen pot, (14), 11,(91), 28

eawod, (1), 7

El Nino, (1), 7

elbow,(43), 17

Elecito, Moises,(86), 27

election,(221), 37

eleksiyon,(221), 37

Elsa,(96), 29

eutay,(83), 26

everlasting,(47), 17

eye ball,(78), 24

father, (16), 11,(219), 36

fighting cock,(217), 35

fishes

gobbies, (7), 8

flood,(81), 25

flowers

everlasting, 17

friends,(220), 37

fruits

guava.(38), 15

full moon,(218), 36

garbage,(81), 25

garlic,(35), 14

girlfriend,(66), 22, (68), 22, (210), 32

gobbies, (7), 8

guava,(38), 15

gugma,(28), 13

Guicod, (1), 7

gwapa,(19), 12

gwapo, (10), 10

hangin,(87), 27

hawk,(42), 16

hawla,(115), 31

heart, (47), 17, (212), 33, (216), 35,

heaven, (3), 7

hills

Manduyog Hill,(42), 16

Manduyog,(42), 16

Holy Friday,(214), 34

home,(40), 16

horizon,(211), 32

house, (12), 10,(36), 14,  (37), 15,(76, 23, (219), 36

ice,(68), 22

Iloilo,(50), 18

Inday,(28), 13,(43), 17, (53), 18, (58), 20, (64), 21

isumsuman,(218), 36

Japan,(19), 12

jar,(40), 16, (64), 21

kahoy

santoe, (5), 8

santol,(5), 8

kalapati.(215), 34

Kalibo,(81), 25, (87), 27

kalimutaw,(78), 24

karnero,(221), 37

karsada,(50), 18,(82), 25

kasingkasing,(47), 17

Katipunero,(86), 27

katumbae,(65), 21

kodigo,(93), 28

kueon,(91), 28

kutikot,(65), 21

kuto,(59), 20

kwarta,(19), 12, (50), 18

lady,(36), 14, (38), 15

lawaan,(8), 9

leon,(53), 18

Lezo, (91), 28,  (213), 33

 libtong,(35), 14

lice,(59), 20

lightning,(76), 23

lingganay,(84), 26

Lola,(106), 30

love,(28), 13,(33), 13,(211), 32

Madia-as, (9), 9

maiden,(36), 14

Manduog,(42), 16

Manduyog Hill,(42), 16

mangasawa, (19), 12,(36), 14, (218), 36

manok,(217), 35

marble.(71), 23

marmol,(71), 23

maya,(220), 37

miniskirt,(106), 30

money, (19), 12,(50),19, (195), 31,(217),36

moon, (33), 13

mother,(16), 11

mother,(219), 36

mountain,(216), 35

moutains

Madia-as, (9), 9

mud,(83), 26

Nanay, (12), 10

Nanay, (16), 11

Nanay,(219), 36

nanay,(37), 15

nanay,(40), 16

Nanay,(64), 21

ngipon,(80), 24

nobya,(210), 32

nobya,(66), 22

nobya,(68), 22

nobyo,(64), 21

nonok, (28), 13

ocean, (1), 7

office, (17), 12

office,(56), 19

office,(57), 19

old maid,(57), 19

opisina,(17), 12

opisina,(56), 19

opisina,(57), 19

oriole, (3), 7

oriole,(78), 24

Ormoc,(8), 9

paeay, (16), 11

paghigugma, (33), 13

paghigugma,(211), 32

palace,(71), 23

palasyo,(71), 23

Pastrana Park,(215), 34

petals,(96), 29

pigs, (8), 9

Pinoy, 34

Pinoy,(214), 34

pispis

antiyamis, (5), 8

antiyamis,(115), 31

antolihaw, (3), 7

antolihaw,(78), 24

banog,(42), 16

pispis,(115), 31

pispis,(78), 24

prutas

bayawas,(38), 15

pusit, (14), 11

puto.(91), 28

rain,(82), 25

rice cake,(91), 28

rice fields,(50), 18

rice, (16), 11

river,(84), 26

roof, (3), 7

saewae,(83), 26

saliva, (12), 10

santoe, (5), 8

santol, (5), 8

santos,(219), 36

sapat

ayam, (3), 7

leon,(53), 18

tigre,(53), 18

senador,(83), 26

sheep,(221), 37

sidlangan,(212), 33

siit, (3), 7

siko,(43), 17

sky, (14), 11

slipmouth,(217), 35

squid,(14), 11

streets,(50), 18

streets,(82), 25

sumsuman,(220), 37

sun,(66), 22

sun,(68), 22

sunbird, (5), 8

sunbird,(115), 31

Sunday,(217), 35

tadyaw,(40), 16

tadyaw,(64), 21

tadyaw,(78), 24

tagipusuon,(216), 35

tangkae,(65), 21

tanum

kutikot,(64), 21

Tatay,(16), 11

Tatay,(219), 36

tatay,(36), 14

tatay,(40), 16

Tatay,(76, 23

teeth,(71), 23

teeth,(80), 24

thorn, (3), 7

thunder,(76), 23

tiger,(221), 37

tigre,(221), 37

tigre,(53), 18

tinaipan,(211), 32

trabaho,(57), 19

trees

lawaaan, (8), 9

tubi

libtong, (35), 14

uean,(82), 25

ueo,(87), 27

ugali,(221), 37

ugly,(37), 15

ugsad, (218), 36

UPV,(195), 31

utang,(195), 31

uwak, 37

uwak,(215), 34

uwak,(221), 37

Valentine’s day,(96), 29

vote,(10), 10

water, (35), 14

wife, (3), 7

witch,(215), 34

witch,(218), 36

women,(12), 10

The Authors

Melchor F. Cichon is a librarian by day and a poet by night. He was born in Sta. Cruz, Lezo, Aklan on April 7, 1945. A graduate of UP in the Visayas and UP Diliman, Mr. Melchor F. Cichon was considered by Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada as the leading Aklanon poet. Among his contemporary, he is called as the Father of Aklanon Literature. He attended the U.P. Miag-ao Summer Creative Writing workshop, the Cultural Center of the Philippines-Liwayway Publication Creative Writing Workshop in Baguio City, the National Summer Creative Writing Workshop in Dumaguete City and the Third Iligan National Writers Workshop and Literature Teachers Conference in 1996. He represented Aklan in the 1995 and 1998 National Writers Assembly held in Intramuros, Manila. Some of his poems have been published in Hiligaynon, Liwayway, Philippines Free Press, Philippines Graphic, Home Life, Ani, Philippine Panorama, Patubas, Sa Atong Dila; Introduction to Visayas Literature, edited by Merlie Alunan, and in Sansiglong Mahigit ng Makabagong Tula sa Filipinas, edited by Virgilio Almario, etc. He has won various literary awards. He won first prize in the first Home Life Poetry Contest in 1994. He is also the first Aklanon Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) grantee for Aklanon poetry in 1994. He won third prize in the Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, UP Essay Writing Contest in 1994, and won second Prize (Aklanon category) and third prize (Filipino category) in the National Commision for the Culture and the Arts poetry contest. He won third prize in Hari/Hara Sang Binalaybay (King/Queen of poetry) in 1998 poetry contest sponsored by U.P. in the Visayas. He co-edited Bueabod, poetry journal of Aklanon Literary Circle, together with John Barrios and Alex de Juan; Ani Aklanon edition. He maintains several websites two of which are The Aklanon Literature Archive where the literary works of the past and contemporary Aklanon writers are posted, and the Dawn to Dawn where his literary works are regularly posted. He has been conducting online and in person poetry writing workshops in Iloilo and in Aklan. Some of his works are as follows, either as author, editor/co-editor: Ani Aklanon, co-editor. Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila, 1993. The Katipunan in Aklan, co-author. National Centennial Commission, Manila. 1997. Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii?; a collection of his award winning poems in Aklanon poems with Filipino translation. Privately printed at Macar Enterprises, Kalibo, Aklan. 1999. Bigkas Binalaybay: Kritisismo at Antolohiya, co-editor with John Barrios, Jonathan P. Jurilla, and J. I. E. Teodoro. Iloilo City, Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Visayas-Sentro ng Wikang Pilipinas, 2008. The 32 Best Aklanon Poets, editor. Alta Tierra Publications, Lezo, Aklan. 2009. When I Fall in Love; haiku, luwa, tongue twisters and other poems by Mila S. dela Rosa; editor. Alta Tierra Publications, Lezo, Aklan. 2010. Matimgas nga Paeanoblion; anthology of poems written by Aklanons, editor. Alta Tierra Publications, Lezo, Aklan. 2011. Maiden; a collection of haiga on Filipino women. Alta Tierra Publications, Lezo, Aklan. 2012. Siniad-siad nga kaeangitan (strips of heavens); a collection of Akeanon poems. Libro Agustino, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, 2012. Ham-at Madueom ro Gabii?; a collection of Aklanon poems with Filipino translation. 2nd ed. Kasingkasing Press, Guimaras, 2015. Mga Pabula ni Aesop sa Akeanon; ginsueat it uman ni Melchor F. Cichon. Kasingkasing Press, 2016. Mga bueawanon nga hueobaton sa Akeanon; ginpili ag ginbaeay nanday Melchor F. Cichon, Rita Hilda Tabanera-Feliciano ag Pamela Joy Esmeralda Mindanao. Kasingkasing Press, 2016. Eangit; flash fiction. Kasingkasing Press. Raya Rang Pasalig, Parayaw. Kasingkasing Press, 2018. On August 25, 2001, he was awarded the 2001 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas Award by the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), the first Aklanon to have received such a pretigous lifetime award on literature. On April, 2011, he was one of the Outstanding Aklanon Awardee for the Culture and the Arts, given by the Aklan Provincial Office.

Charlie Ileto Ureta

This Aklanon is a native of Sta. Cruz-Biga-a, Lezo, Aklan and was born on September 26, 1989. He came from a family of dedicated teachers.

He graduated as Second Honorable Mention and awarded as Outstanding Boy Scout of the Philippines in his secondary education at Malinao School for Philippine Craftsmen (MSPC), Malinao, Aklan wherein he was once a staff member of Artisans Pen, the Official Publication of MSPC.

During his college years at Aklan State University (ASU), Banga Campus, this multi-talented individual was a member of Manduyog Dance Troupe, Officer of Young Educators Society Organization, a member of the Ro Sueo Publication (Official Publication of College of Teacher Education) and the Associate Editor-In-Chief of Eamigas (Official Publication of ASU). He received Commendable Scholarship Performance award, Outstanding Ro Sueo Writer, Leadership Award and One of the Ten Outstanding Students of ASU (A.Y. 2009 – 2010). He finished his Master’s Degree in Education major in English at Aklan State University, Banga Campus with a thesis entitled English Translation Attempts of Selected Akeanon Luwa.

This division trainer in journalism was a former teacher of Starglow Center for Academics and Arts, Inc, Tayhawan Elementary School, Lezo Integrated School and presently the Head Teacher of Ortega Integrated School in Ortega, Libacao, Aklan.

He often promotes journalism in the institution he works with because he believes that school publication is a kaleidoscope in which the heart and mind of the learners are seen.

Haiga, full moon

haiku, sunshine

sunshine--
suddenly
I remember her smile
Melcichon, March 18, 2018

Maria Leonica N. Orbista: A Multi-Talented Young Lady

Maria Leonica N. Orbista: A Multi-Talented Young Lady
by Melchor F. Cichon
March 15, 2015

My usual duty at Aklan Catholic College in Kalibo, Aklan is Friday and Saturday. But because I had to attend an important meeting, I asked permission that I would report for work one day before my work schedule. And my decision to work earlier was a blessing in disguise. There was a Broadway Musical presentation at ACC.
There I learned that there are a lot of talented students at Aklan Catholic College, Kalibo, Aklan. I noticed this when I saw their Broadway Musical Presentation on March 5, 2015.
One of those talented students was Miss Maria Leonica N. Orbista. She turned 20 on March 8, 2015.
A native of Libacao, Aklan, Leonica is the only child of her parents, also natives of Libacao, Aklan.
She noticed her talent in music when, at about three or four years old, she could compose songs. Because she could not still write, she asked her friend to write the lyrics of her songs. Since then she has been composing songs and writing their lyrics. That was also the beginning of her love for poetry. Some of her poems can be read in her Facebook account.
When she was in the grade schools, she was asked to join in a contest on nature wherein the tune must have a lyric. She composed the song, and wrote its lyric herself. In her high school days, she joined in the pop song and dance competitions. Because of her singing talent she represented their town in regional athletic meets. She also joined in the regional oration contests.
I asked her if she has recorded her songs, and she said that she has posted her songs in her Facebook account. One time, she said she collaborated with her Scottish boyfriend in recording one of her songs, but the recording was not pushed through because they broke up.
She wanted to enroll at the College of Music, University of San Agustin, but her father did not like it. So she enrolled at Aklan Catholic College, Kalibo, Aklan. And it was a blessing in disguise.
This college, she said, has been giving her much opportunities to excel in her talents.
In her first year college at ACC, she joined the editorial staff of their school organ, The Aklan Collegian, as a lay-out artist. And two of her articles were published there. One of which is entitled: Aklan's Nito Industry: Paving its Way to the Top (Aklan Collegian, June-October 2013, p. 18). Also at ACC, she represented her school in the PRISAA oration contests.
When the ACC presented its successful broadway musical presentation on March 5, 2015, Leonica was its lead performer. She sung, she danced, and she delivered oratory pieces.
When I asked her what else she wants to accomplish, she said that she wants to teach. But she said that after she has taken her BSE degree, she wishes to take up some units in psychology and business management so that she will have better understanding of people's characteristics and she would have more knowledge on how to deal with them. And then she would go abroad, perhaps in Australia so she could extend more helps to her fellowmen. "What's the use of having so much talents or resources if you cannot share these with others? Just like our Lord, Jesus Christ, who shares his overflowing love and talents to everyone even to those who condemn him. It is my passion to help those people who have less in life and who have no opportunity and strength even just to take care of themselves."
She further said that she loves to sing because she feels that she is free when she is singing.
"Where did you get all these inspiring thoughts", I asked her.
"From my surroundings. I observe them closely. And I reflect on them when I am alone. And perhaps from my grandfather, Mamerto Orbista. He is an architect."
"Perhaps this is the result of your being away from your parents," I told her.
"Not at all,"she said. "I have these wisdom that have been developed in me through my constant evaluation of what's going on around me. But let it be known that I truly love my parents. And they do not forget me. My father has built me our house where I have lived with my grandmother. And he shoulders, along with my grandfather, my educational expenses. My father lives with his wife, not my mother, in our town, but in a different barrio."
Aside from singing and composing songs, Leonica loves photography, dancing, declamation, and playing guitar, and painting. She hopes to learn to play violin.
Perhaps because of her many extra curricular activities, she has not been an academic scholar in college. But she said, "I could be."
"Anyway", I told her, "one can be an outstanding person after college if one has the determination to accomplish his dream."
Before I ended my interview with her, she asked me for five points to remember. I told her:
1. Take care of your health. That's the greatest wealth anyone can have.
2. Learn more and more knowledge everyday. That's the greatest opportunity to do while we are still alive.
3. Share your knowledge to anyone who needs it. This will be your greatest contribution to mankind.
4. Be kind to everyone, even to your enemy. That's the best bridge you can get to attain happiness. And note that there is no happiness without wisdom.
5. Love your parents. Without them, you are not here.

Bing

Bing
ni Melchor F. Cichon
March 11, 2015

"Cris, sueangon mo ako eagi riya sa Antique ay nadiskobre nanday Nanay ag Tatay ro aton nga relasyon. Sundon mo eang raya nga direksyon agod indi ka magtaeang. Pag-abot mo sa pyer it Iloilo City hay sumakay ka't jeep paagto sa Super. Maeapit karon ro paradahan it 76 Express nga naga-agto sa San Jose, Antique. Pag-abot mo sa San Jose hay magsakay ka't jeep paagto sa San Remigio, mga baynte kilometro ra kaeayuon. Maagyan mo ron ro banwa't Sibalom bag-o ka makaabot sa San Remigio. Pag-abot mo sa poblacion it San Remigio hay dumiritso ka sa baeay nanday Manding Luz Udani. Igkampod ron ni Nanay. Maeapit ra andang baeay sa public market it San Remigio. Green ro bubungan ku andang baeay. Owa eo't ibang baeay nga may makarayang pinta. Indi ka gid magtaeang. Ihatud ka sa baeay namon ni Manding Luz. See you soon, Love."

Si Bing ro nagpadaea kakon it sueat.
Si Bing hay dati ko nga klasmeyt sa Manuel L. Quezon University, Manila kon siin kaming daywa naggradwet.
Tradisyon sa MLQU nga kada umpisa it klase hay nagapakilaea ro mga estudyante sa kapwa estudyante nanda. Ginasugid nanda kon sin-o ro andang ngaean, kon ano ro andang ginabuoe nga kurso, ag kon taga-siin sanda.
Pagkasayod ko nga taga-Antique si Bing hay ginpaeapitan ko imaw pagkatapos it amon nga klase sa Philippine History. Dungan kami nga nagguwa sa amon nga kwarto.
"Taga-Antique ka gali?" hambae ko.
"Oo."
"Ikaw?"
"Akeanon ako."
"Ano ring gina-major?"
"Math. History rang minor."
"Ikaw?" hambae na kakon.
"Library Science. English o Biology rang minor."
"Ham-at gaaeang-aeang ka kon ano ring i-minor?"
"Gusto ko man abi tanan. Pero kon ano ro mauna ko nga matapos, hay imaw rang i-minor."
"Mayad ay night student ka man," hambae ko.
"Gakasyer ako abi sa kanten kon adlaw, imaw ron nga gabii rang klase."
"Ikaw?"
"Library Assistant ako sa U.P. Library sa Diliman, Quezon City. Kon indi ako magtuon hay base kon maeansang ako sa pagka-Library Assistant. Pero kon may matapos ako nga kurso sa Library Science basi kon mapromote man ako. Fisheries abi rang natapusan. Bangod sa kaimueon hay nakasueod ako sa library bag-o ako makatapos kang nauna nga kurso. Pero owa man ako magnuoe."
"Kon sa bagay."
Naghipos kami. Mangan-angan hay nagpangutana imaw kakon.
"Ikaw baea si Cris Sta. Cruz nga pirme ko nababasa sa aton nga school organ, The Quezonian? Gusto ko ro mga binaeaybay nga ginpablis mo eabi na gid ratong Pushing the Night. Malalim ang kahulugan. Hanga ako sa kaisog it buot ku magueang nga gatueod it gabii. Kabay pa nga ro mga Filipino hay may kaisog paris kana nga awayon ro kaimueon agod mag-uswag ro atong banwa. Ro masubo hay baton eon lang nga baton ku anda nga sitwasyon. Ingko owa gid sanda't mahimo, samtang ro asenso nga ginatawag hay sa punta eon gid lang ku andang tudlo. Kon sa panan-aw nanda nga kasing eayo it bituon ro pag-ugwad hay imaw gid ron kaeayo. Pero kon tan-awon nanda nga kasing-eapit eang man ku andang tudlo ro kauswagan hay masarangan gid nanda nga maabot."
"Imaw gid," sabat ko.
Naghipos imaw. Matsa nagapanumdom ku sabat ko.
"O," hambae ko, "mamahaw anay kita sa kanten. May bag-o kuno sanda rito nga pamahaw ag gusto ko nga dungan kita makasamit kato. Mayad ron agod magkakilaea pa gid kita. Total owa eon man kita't klase."
"Busog pa ako. Sa masunod eon lang galing. May ueobrahon pa abi ako nga assignment sa solid geometry. Igto ko obrahon sa Library. Basi gusto mo nga buligan ako?"
"Oops... Waterloo ko ron. Kon poetry gid man, basi pwede pa. Maski ako pa ro mag-obra tanan. Pero kon numbers ngani, sorry na lang."
Pero kon Number Two siguro, owa't problema ano?"
"Nagpapatawa, hindi naman si Dolphy."
"No problem. Thank you na lang."
Ako eon lang nga isaea ro nagpanaw sa kanten. Samtang gakaon ako hay umuean. Pagkatapos ko't pamahaw hay nag-agi ako sa Library. Igto pa imaw gasueat.
Owa ako't daeang payong. Ginhueat ko si Bing sa pwertahan it Library.
Owa magbuhay hay nagguwa imaw.
"Pag-aeom ko hay nag-uli ka eon," hambae na.
"Ginhueat kita."
"Talaga? Kaina ka pa ay?" hambae nana kakon.
"Bag-o eang man ako." Pero sa matuod hay mga sangka oras eon rang hinueat kana.
"Gauean," hambae ko.
"No problem. May payong ako nga daea," hambae na, dungan bukas ka anang bag. Ginbuoe ko kana ro payong ag ginbuksan.
Pagguwa namon sa bilding hay sige pa gihapon ro inuean. Nagdungan kami sa pagpanaw. Sa waea imaw kakon. Rang tuo nga alima hay nagabuyot it payong. Rang waea nga alima hay libre. Gin-agbayan ko imaw kang waea nga alima agod mag-eapit imaw kakon para indi imaw mabasa. Pag-agbay ko kana hay ginwahig nana it mahinay rang alima. Pero ginbuytan ko ra alima ag ginpislit it mahinay.
"Basi kon may makakita katon," hambae na.
"Owa't kaso. Total gauean man. Ag ano gid kon hikita kita nanda? Inggit lang sila sa atin!"
"Ang yabang mo naman! Owa ka pa ngani kadiga kakon...."
"Uso pa ba yon, ay?"
"Aba, bakit?"
Naghipos eang ako.
Ginbuhian ko ra alima. Owa man imaw magpaeayo kakon. Nagdukot pa gid ngani --ay nagbaskog ro uean.
Plano ko nga ihatod ko imaw sa baeay nga ginaestaran nana sa Baclaran. Ro baeay ngaron hay sa anang tiyo, si Tay Pedro. Nagtabok kami sa pihak nga karsada it Quezon Blvd., sa atubang it Quiapo Church. Nag-agi kami sa Quiapo Underpass. Raya ro pinakamaeapit nga aeagyan patabok. Abo ro mga estudyante nga nagahueat it saeakyan sa atubang it simbahan. Tag-igto eon kami sa atubang it simbahan hay may umagi nga jeep paagto sa Baclaran. Pinarahan ko. Nagpundo ro jeep. Nagdinaeagan ro mga pasahero agod makasae-ot. Binuytan ko ra alima ni Bing agod dungan kami makasakay. Mayad ay nakauna kami't sakay.
Tag nakaplastar eon kami sa jeep hay ako ro una nga naghambae.
"Kalisod gid ro saeakyan riya, 'no? Kon owa eang ako kabalikid kang hin-aga, indi gid ako magtuon riya. Ugaling kon owa ka't tinapusan nga kurso sa ginaobrahan mo hay hasta ka eang nga sugu-sugoon it kaibahan mo. Isaea pa indi ko gusto nga rang mga unga sa ulihi hay maagyan man nanda ro kalisod nga naagyan ko."
"Ham-an ano gid ring inagyan?"
"May tiempo kato nga rang pamahaw hay sangka pandesal eang ag sangka baso nga kape. Pag-abot it ilabas hay hopia rang suea. Kon gabii, kon amat, hay ginatueogan ko eang rang kagutom."
"Ham-an, siin ring Tatay? Owa imaw gapadaea kimo it allowance ay?"
"Gapadaea man ron, ugaling kueang. Indi ko masayran kon alinon ko untayon ro P60.00 nga ginapadaea kakon kada buean. Kinse pesos eagi ro bayad sa boarding house. Pila eon lang ro habilin? Paano ro suea nga baeakeon ag ro bugas nga inugtug-on ko? Ag kon may kinahangean pa ako sa iskuylahan, siin ako mabuoe? Mayad ngani ay nakaobra ako sa kanten, nalibre rang pagkaon ag merienda. Kon owa siguro, tao kon mapadayon ko rang pagtuon."
"Mayad ngani ron ay nakasueod ka sa library. Ag sa U.P. pa."
"Swerti eang rato. Pag-agto ko sa Vinzons Hall hay nakita ko ro pasayod nga may opening kuno sa U.P. Library. Gin-aplayan ko. Ginbaton man ako. Pero sang buean rang training nga owa't sweldo. Mawron nga owa eagi ako magresign sa kanten hasta nabaton ko rang primero nga sweldo. Sangkire man lang, pero sapat eon sa mga kinahangeanon ko para makatuon ag makakaon it tatlong beses sa sang adlaw."
Naghipos kaming daywa. Mangan-angn hay nakaabot gid man kami sa Baclaran. Kato bukon pa't matrapic ro mga karsada. Mga 1970 rato. Ag ro bayad kato sa jeep hay P0.10 pa eang. Imaw man haeos ro presyo it Coke ag Pepsi. Pag-abot namon sa Baclaran hay nanaog kami.
"Indi mo eon ako ihatod sa baeay, ha. Sunlugon pa ako karon nanda pag-abot ko nga may kaibahan ako nga eaki. Isaea pa basi isugid nanda ako kay Nanay nga may nagasunod-sunod eon kakon riya."
"Indi ka gid?"
"Saka na lang!"
April 7 rang birthday.
Bag-o mag-abot rang birthday hay ginsinghanan ko si Bing nga ginakumbida ko imaw nga mamahaw kami sa birthday ko. Nagsugot man imaw. Ginsinghanan ko imaw nga igto kami makaon sa Max restaurant sa Cubao. Hapiton ko imaw sa MLQU, mga ala siete it gabii, sa library. Imaw ron ro buhi ku ulihi nana nga klase.
Nag-under time ako. Hambae ko nga may importante ako nga agtunan. Pagkatapos ko't trabaho hay dumiretso ako sa MLQU agod sueangon si Bing. Owa man ako't plano nga magsueod sa klase. Total bag-o eang man natapos ro amon nga long exam.
Igto gid man si Bing sa Library gabasa it Manila Times. Ginpaeapitan ko imaw ag ginsinghanan nga mapanaw eon kami. Nagtindog imaw ag nag-eaong sa ana nga mga klasmeyt.
"Enjoy," kuros ka mga klasmeyt.
"Thank you," sabat ni Bing.
Pumanaw kami.
Tag maeapit eon lang kami makatapos it kaon hay ginhambaean ko si Bing nga naila ako kana.
Pagkabati na hay naghiyum-hiyum eang imaw.
"Ano ro buot hambaeon king paghiyum-hiyum?", hambae ko.
"Wala."
"Wala?!"
Owa imaw magsabat. Ginbuytan ko ra alima ag ginpisil.
"May mga tawo," hambae na.
"Sorry, halipat ako."
"Anay ka," hambae na. "Sin-o gali si Elvie?"
"Sin-ong Elvie?"
"Basta. May nagsugid abi kakon nga may ginahatud-hatud ka kuno nga Elvie sa Diliman."
"Sin-o ro nagsugid king karon?"
"Indi importante kon sin-o ro nagsugid. Ro importante hay kon matuod o kon indi rang habatian nga tsismis."
"Matuod ron, pero nagbreak eon kami. Owa gid man ako naila kana. Imaw man lang ro may gusto kakon. Pagpanaw ko ngani sa Aklan hay nalipong kuno imaw. Ag ginpangabay nana ra manghod nga usuyon ako. Nakabati abi kuno imaw nga nag-asawa eon ako."
"Gali, ha. Kawawa naman siya,"
"I don' t want to spoil this evening, Bing. Total sirado eon ron. Ro dapat naton istoryahan hay kita nga daywa."
"OK. Pero kon may balita ka kay Elvie hay sugiri man ako, ha. Curious eang ako kana."
"Anong OK? Anong curious? Siguro ro dapat pangutan-on hay kon may pag-asa ako kimo?"
"Ano sa palagay mo?"
Alas dyes eon it gabii kami makatapos it kaon. Pagkatapos ko't bayad sa bill namon hay nagtindog kami ag nagguwa.
Pagguwa namon sa restauran hay ginpasaeamatan ko imaw sa anang pagmunot kakon.
"O, ihatod eon kita sa Baclaran?" hambae ko.
"Pwede man, ugaling eampas eon ako sa curfew time. Alas noybe pa abi hay ginasarhan eon ro gate sa ginaestaran ko."
"Ang aga naman," hambae ko.
"Ngani. Pero owa ako't mahimo kundi magsunod sa sueondan."
"Di, sunod ka eon lang sa boarding house ko. May vacant bedspace pa man igto ay nag-uli sa Batangas si Bert nga roommate ko."
"Nahuya ako."
"Sige na! Indi ka magkahadlok kakon. Bukon man ako't aswang," sabay buyot ku anang butkon.
"Anong malay ko! Basi pagbugtaw ko hay upas eon ako. Pero, sige na nga! Upas kon upas!"
Nagsakay kami't taksi halin sa Cubao hasta sa UP Diliman. Dumiretso kami sa White House. Imaw ro tawag sa staff house sa UP Diliman kon siin rang boarding house. Igto ako kato gaboard ay maeapit sa ginobrahan ko.
Bukas pa ro pwertahan ku boarding ko pagsampot namon. Si Tiya Meling nga landlady ko hay nagapamantaw it TV sa sala.
"Mayad nga gabii, Tiyay." hambae ko.
"Mayad man nga gabii, Cris."
"Si Bing gali, Tiyay. Girlfriend ko. Nagab-ihan abi kami sa Cubao. Nawili abi kami sa pag-inistorya. Halipatan namon nga lampas eon gali sa anang curfew time. Busa iya eon lang anay imaw matueog. Owa man riya si Bert, indi baea?"
"Huo."
"Excuse us, Tiyay. Masueod eon lang anay kami sa kwarto," hambae ko.
"Ayos lang."
Ginsampit ko si Bing sa kwarto ko. Ginbilin ko nga bukas ro pwertahan pagkasueod namon.
"Paki sara ro pwertahan," hambae ni Bing.
Ginsara ko. Ginlak na ro door knob.
Pagkalak na hay gin-eapitan nana ako ag ginhakos.
"Happy birthday, Cris!" hambae na.
Hakibot ako.
"Saeamat man!"
Nagkipot ro among mga bibig. Matam-is. Haeos indi ko pagbuhian si Bing. Mabuhay ko eon abi nga ginhandum nga makupkupan ko imaw.
Rato ro una ko nga haru kay Bing. Ag primero ko rato nga haru sa sangka daeaga.
"Saeamat, ha!", hambae ko. Ginharuan ko imaw it oman.
"Promise indi mo pagsupsupon rang dugo ha!"
"Promise. Mamatay man si Rizal ag si Aguinaldo!"
"Luko mo. Isusumbong kita sa Tatay ko!"
Magkahulid kaming daywa pagtueog namon.
Alas kwatro it agahon pa imaw nagbugtaw.
"Cris," hambae na, "mapanaw eon ako. May duty pa abi ako sa kanten."
"Madueom pa ngani. Mamahaw eon lang anay kita sa kapiterya ni Tiyay Lusita. Igto ako gakaon adlaw -adlaw."
"Ihatod ta galing sa saeakyan."
Pagkalipas it daywang buean hay nakabaton si Bing it sueat halin sa anang Nanay. "Total gradwet ka eon man", hambae sa sueat, "magbakasyon ka eang anay."
Ginsugiran ako ni Bing sa sueat ni Nanay na. Hambae ko hay bag-o imaw mag-uli hay magpakasae kami maski sa huwes eang anay. Nagsugot si Bing.
Ginsugiran namon ro amon nga barkada, pero naghambae si Joe nga pagkatapos eang it petsa kinse or katapusan it buean agod may ibakae sanda it regalo. Si Bobby ag si Fe ro amon nga witnesses sa kasae.
"Ayos!" sabat ko.
Mayo 17 kami nagpakasae ni Bing sa Quezon City Hall. Pagkatapos it sang dominggo hay nag-uli imaw sa Antique.
Pero matsa owa man kami nagkaeayo ay haeos dominggo-dominggo hay nagasueueatan kami ni Bing. Sa ulihi hay nangawa ra Nanay ay permi eon lang imaw nagabaton it sueat halin kakon. Pero owa nana rato ginsugid kay Bing. Sangka dominggo hay ginsugo ka Tatay si Bing nga magbakae it karne ag iba pa nga pagkaon sa San Jose. Owa kasayod si Bing nga plano gali rato ka Tatay nga usisaon ro mga gamit ni Bing. Ag samtang igto pa si Bing sa San Jose hay binuksan nanda ro ay Bing nga maleta, ag igto nanda nakita rang mga sueat ag ro amon nga marriage contract.
Pag-abot ni Bing halin sa San Jose hay ginsukmaan imaw ka anang Nanay hanungod sa marriage contract namon. Nagdungok si Bing ag gulping ginhakos na si Nanay na.
"It's Ok, Ambong. It's OK. Total tapos ka eon man sa pagtuon mo. Owa kami naakig kimo ah. Gusto eang namon masayran kon matuod gid man nga may asawa ka eon."
Ambong ro hayo ni Bing sa andang lugar.
Bangod kara hay ginpadaehan ako ni Bing it sueat nga sueangon ko imaw sa Antique, ag agod makita man ako ka anang mga magueang.
Nagpanaw ako rito sa andang baeay. Tatlong adlaw ako rito. Dungan kami ni Bing nagbalik sa Diliman.
Bag-o kami naghalin sa andang baeay hay nagbisa anay ako kay Nanay ag kay Tatay.
"Take good care of Ambong. We love her so much, " hambae ni Nanay.
"I will. Promise," hambae ko.
Makaron, an-om eon ro among apo.

Pangabay

Pangabay
Ni Melchor F. Cichon.
March 2, 2017

Bisitahan mo ako pagkatapos it sikaeum,
Apang indi mo ako pagdaehan it rosas agod himuon nga korona;
O kantahan mo ako agod mapukaw rang ispirito,
O tueoan mo ako’t euha, o tabingon rang kabaong.
Ro atong kalibutan hay ginhimo nga paraiso
Agod kita hay magkalipay hasta sa katubtuban;
Apang pesimismo ka, owa ka’t paghakat.
Owa kita’t ginparte kunde kasakitan.
Ginhimo ko tanan
Agod permi nga gadabdab ro atong paghigugma.
Apang ginkaingtan mo gid tanan
Bangod magkaiba ro atong kalibutan.

Gangutngot rang dughan nga kalipatan ko ikaw
Bangud parte ka eon kang kabuhi.
Apang ano rang mahimo,
Kon gusto mo gid kakon magpaeayo?
Ku ulihi, habatian ko nga gusto mo nga makipagkita kakon
Agod kaadyon ro eatayan nga ginwasak mo.
Agtunan mo ako pagkatunod ku adlaw,
Apang indi mo gid ako pagdaehan it rosas para himuon nga korona.

Kailan Mo Ako Mamahalin?

Kailan Mo Ako Mamahalin?
ni Melchor F. Cichon
February 28, 2018

Ang mga kuliglig
Ay nagsisiawitan na
Sa mga sanga ng santol

Ang lemonadang araw
Ay lumulubog na sa pulang rosas na abot-tanaw;
Ang bilog na buwang ilang gabi ng namamanglaw
Ay supermoon na may total lunal eclipse sa madaling araw.
Hihintanyin mo pa kayang
Matakpan muli ng maiitim na ulap
Ang kalangitang para lang sa ating hinaharap
Kung saan natin bubuuin ang ating mga pangarap?
Subalit kahit ano pang bagyo o unos ang dumating sa ating buhay, Parayaw,
Ikaw pa rin ang aking mimithiin,
Itatangi gahit lumuho't lumubog
Ang buong Boracay ng buhay ko.

Luwa:Kon Ako Mangasawa

Luwa

Kon ako mangasawa,
Pilion ko gid ro aswang
Agud sa kada ugsad
May atay ako nga isumsuman.
Melchor F. Cichon
February 26, 2018

Ro Isda Nga Maisut

Ro Isda nga Maisut
** Anonymous


Ro isda nga maisut, galibot-libot.
Ro isda nga mabahoe, gapabungoe-bungoe.
Ro isda nga medyo mabahoe, gaeukso-eukso.
Ro pagmahae it Ginuo indi matakos-takos.
**Gin-Inakeanon ni Melchor F. Cichon
February 11, 2018

haiku, last night's meeting

last night's meeting--
the laughters
sound louder in my dream
**Melchor F. Cichon
February 8, 2018

asul na bilog na buwan

asul na bilog na buwan
nakipagsiksikan ang anino ko
sa mga anino nila Rizal at Bonifacio.
**Melchor F. Cichon.
January 31, 2018