tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27713247573853122842023-12-15T05:19:45.649-08:00In Memory of Lorena BarrosUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-1180956123359781212014-05-21T01:36:00.000-07:002014-05-21T01:37:25.266-07:00<br />
<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">THE FOOL’S SONG<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Lying flat on<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">the fragrant earth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> I listen to the grasses whisper,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> I sing a song,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">and I dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> I dream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">
that your eyes are shining<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">with a smile mine, mine alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> I dream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">that I am touching<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">some happy thing your hand has warmed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> I dream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">-oh, I dream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">of things impossible-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> like a foolish spider<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> spinning flimsy webs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">in but a moment swept away<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">by cruel winds of disillusionment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">What does it
matter?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Why should I cease<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">When all my life <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">is in dreams?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-32104984830067090642013-07-30T15:18:00.000-07:002013-07-30T15:18:39.369-07:00<br />
<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 3.0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">1:40 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> 21 August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">black hair black<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">cold marbled cheeks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">thy lips o they stab me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">thy distance o it hurts me here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">where my belly knots up when I see you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and your brows and your eyes and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">your ears<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and slender strong arms<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and slender hands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">3:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">22 August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">quiet, now, content<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">like dragonfly asleep upon a leaf<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">on an afternoon pond<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">or perched atop a rare twig showing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">above the water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">quiet afternoon water shallow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">amid the moss<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I think of you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and am happy at your indifference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am content<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">what though my dreams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">are as reflected leaves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">shadowy, vague<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">upon an afternoon pond?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Even now I watch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">one leaf<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">still green<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">plash upon the water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I do not ask, there is no use to ask,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">where green dark shadows sink<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">at twilights’ coming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am content<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">with the reflected heights<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">of my sole afternoons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">with only the wind upon the grass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">upon dark shadowed waters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">cold, yes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">still, yes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and at peace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">but still<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">there are the dragonflies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">two now upon a leaf<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">coupled like two April skies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">air-wings a-quiver mightily with the wind<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">the same wind that the mosses heed not<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">or can not<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I hear the cricket sing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">O sad that leaf dreams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">on an afternoon pond<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">could never hold a cricket-song<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">but must be dark and mute<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">while dragonflies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">blue or red as April skies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cavort like lightning upon the surface<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Shaken by an afternoon wind<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">shaken to dumb darkness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">yet quiet,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">quiet and still<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">shadows breeding silent moss<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and sunlight only showing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">how so very dark it is<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">beneath afternoon waters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-84652742378300940452013-06-06T07:19:00.001-07:002013-06-06T07:19:26.803-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">TWO POEMS (1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">I II<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So this Cool
breezes gently touch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">is how it is cold tombs
still clean<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">after the sacrifice from November’s brush<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">bare altar the
dead are deadly calm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Solemn rows of <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">once more waiting pews I feel the
wetness of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">only the sunshine now the greedy
grass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">on the marbled aisles and I think of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">and a little red light. The Christ born to
give life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 3.0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">and the dead who
are deadly calm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And yet <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">it is right And
I say<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">for, satiated, o lord, forgive me but<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What need was there to stay?
I cannot see<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 3.0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">the dead so
deadly calm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 3.0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 3.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> The Weekly Nation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 3.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> August 1, l966<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-59835890428126396652013-04-29T14:19:00.000-07:002013-04-29T14:19:24.632-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">DALAWAMPU’T ISA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Botante na ko-aks
pare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">tumatanda
tumatanda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">humahaba ang baba<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">boboto ba ko-aks
pare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">kanino pare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">kay Marcos at Lopez walang kapari sa
kaariang<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">labis problema sa bigas kanilang nilutas sa
dolyar-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Rockefeller o Big White Father Mabuhay
Marcos at<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lopez sigaw ng patay sa kapatagang luzon at
ng mga <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">taong pagong (sunong-sunong ang buong
kabuhayan at <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">dikit ang tiyang bulatihin sa daan)
Mabuhay!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Botante na ko-aks
pare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">tumatanda
tumatanda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">lumalabnaw ang
dura<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">boboto ba ko-aks
pare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">para ano pare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No comment lang silang lahat mamamatay na
‘ko nang<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">dilat The life you save Osmenang
tagapagligtas ay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">isa pa ring dilang bibigkas ng hosana’t
sisipsip sa <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">pundilyong kano, isa pa ring mangmang na
aasa sa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">pangakong mapapako sa tubig ng balong
artesian ng<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">isa nang yumao Pag nanalo si Osmena siya’y
tiyak <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">na tataba.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Botante na ko-aks
pare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Philippine
Collegian<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Sept. 3, l969<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-77715360881163086412013-03-23T17:59:00.000-07:002013-03-23T18:12:51.703-07:00Mensahe sa Luksang Parangal para kay Laurie. Binasa at sinulat ni Felicidad Ramos, pinakabatang kapatid ni Nanay Alicia Morelos noong Abril 2, 1976.<br />
<br />
<br />
Aking mga kapatid,<br />
<br />
Dapat sana'y ang ina ni Laurie ang nasa harap ninyo ngayon, subalit ang aking kapatid ay nagdadalamhati at hindi makakayanan ng kaniyang kalooban ang magsalita sa inyo. Kaya't ako ngayon ang naghahatid sa inyo, sa ngalan ni Alicia sampu ng buong kamag-anakan ni Wowie, ang walang katapusang pasasalamat sa inyong lahat na nakikihati sa aming kalungkutan at tumulong sa pagsasa-ayos ng bangkay ng aming si Wowie.<br />
<br />
Nais kong isiwalat sa inyo ngayon ang isang katangian ni Laurie na sapul sa kanyang pagkabata ay kanya nang taglay - ang pagmamahal sa mahihirap at ang kawalan ng ugaling makasarili.<br />
<br />
Nang si Wowie ay nasa mababang paaralan pa lamang may isang ugali siya na hindi maalis sa king ala-ala kailanman. Sa tuwing magdadapit hapon ay tatayo siya sa bintana sa likod ng bahay at hihintayin ang oras ng pagkain ng mga "squatters." Tinatanaw niyang pilit ang sistema ng kanilang pagkain, ano ang kanilang ulam, sapat ba ang kanin o inirarasyon lamang? Ang larawan na kanyang laging nakikita ay mga platong may kanin at platito ng asin. Araw-araw ay iyan ang kanyang nakikita. Mananaog na siya at walang sawang itatanong na paulit-ulit sa kanyang ina kung walang magagawa ang sinuman para sa mahihirap na iyon. "Ano ang ginagawa ng pamahalaan para sa kanila? Tayo, Nanay, wala ba tayong magagawa para sa kanila?" Iyan ang aming si Wowie! Ang kanyang puso't kalooban ay nasa mahihirap at ang ginawa niyang pangarap sa buhay ay ang mahango sa karalitaan ang mga kapus-palad na ito. Si Wowie, na kahit naghahapdi ang tiyan sa gutom ay ibibigay pa rin sa mahirap ang kanyang kakainin ay naririto ngayon at isa ng bangkay.<br />
<br />
Subalit ang buhay ni Wowie ay hindi dito natapos. Ito pa lamang ang simula. Kung magiging makahulugan ang kanyang buhay ay walang makapagsasabi. Ang nalalaman ko lamang ay ito...ang makapagbibigay ng kulay sa kanyang buhay ay tayo. Ang pinasimulan ni Wowie ay ang pag-alay ng kanyang buhay sa kapakanan ng mahihirap na mayroon ding karapatang lumigaya sa buhay. At yamang nasa ating mga kamay ang katuparan ng mithiing ito ni Laurie, ako ngayon ay nakikiusap sa inyong lahat na huwag kayong maging maramot sa pag-ambag ng tulong upang huwag masayang ang pasimulang ibinigay sa atin ni Laurie.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-28215548197212609102013-03-03T00:40:00.000-08:002013-03-03T00:40:07.604-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">WALANG PUWANG ANG HINAGPIS</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">ni Joey C. Papa</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Marami akong hinangaang mga kapwa aktibista noong mga una at huling mga dekada ng ’69 at ‘70 at ang isa sa kanila ay si Lory Barros, naging tagapangulo ng Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan o MAKIBAKA.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Hanggang ngayon ay buong-buo pa ang mukha at ang buong katauhan ni Lory sa aking isipan. Hindi maiaalis sa alaala ko ang masayahing mukha niya na wari</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">ng laging may nakahandang ngiti sa mga kapwa aktibista at maging sa mamamayang pinag-alayan niya ng kanyang buhay hanggang sa huling sandali ng kanyang pakikibaka laban sa mga sumusupil sa karapatan ng mamamayang Pilipino.<br /><br />Ang mga ngiti ni Lory sa oras ng mga krisis o kagipitan ay hindi nawawala at lagi siyang kinakitaan noon ng matibay na paninindigan sa pagharap sa anumang uri ng pagsubok.<br /><br />Maraming pagkakataon na nakita kong nananatiling buo ang kalooban ni Lory sa mga gipit na pagkakataon. Sa loob ng Fort Bonifacio na kung saan nagkasama kami bilang mga bilanggong pulitikal, ipinamalas niya ang katatagan noong nalaman niyang nadakip ang asawa niyang si Mon Sanchez.<br /><br />Pinahihirapan daw si Mon, kuwento niya sa ‘kin. Pinipilit daw sumanib si Mon sa mga sundalong militar at kung anu-ano pang mga balitaang nakarating kay Lory. Waring ‘di pinansin ‘yon ni Lory. Ngunit sa mga pag-uusap namin, naramdaman ko rin ang kalungkutan na pilit niyang ibinabaling sa rebolusyonaryong katatagan. Nalagpasan niya ang krisis na ‘yon hanggang sa isa siya sa mga tumakas na Bilanggong Politikal (BP) mula sa pakakapiit sa Ipil Detention Camp sa Fort Bonifacio noong l974.<br /><br />Dahil sa pagtakas na naganap, naghigpit ang administrasyon ng mga sundalo at naapektuhan ang mga pagdalaw ng mga pamilya ng mga bilanggong pulitikal.<br /><br />Sa isang yugto ng aming pagkakapiit, naglunsad ang mga bilanggong pulitikal ng isang hunger strike sa loob ng detention camp. Isa si Lory sa mga nagbigay ng mahusay na pamumuno upang hindi bumaba ang moral ng mga BP. Hindi pinapapasok ang mga dalaw namin. Ibig sabihi’y pati ang mga pagkain at pangangailangan ng mga bilanggo ay hindi pinapayagang makapasok sa loob ng bilangguan. May ilang bilanggong pulitikal ang agad na pinanghinaan ng loob at nagpasyang tumiwalag sa hunger strike. Ngunit ang mayorya ng mga BP ay nanatiling naninindigan sa inilunsad na welga.<br /><br />Maliwang ang sinabi noon ni Lory. “Nakakulong na tayo. Nakatikim ng pagmamalupit, tortyur, paglapastangan, at pagkakait ng mga karapatang pantao. Ikinulong na tayo, pinahihirapan pa rin tayo. Kaya walang mawawala sa ‘tin kung lalaban tayo ngayon sa pamamagitan ng hunger strike.”<br /><br />Dahil sa mga salitang ‘yon, maraming mga bilanggong tumiwalag at humiwalay sa strike ang muling lumahok at nagpatuloy sa welga nang may panibagong katatagan.<br /><br />Sa loob din ng Ipil, mahusay na niliwanag ni Lory na ang bawat isang aktibistang bayan ay kailangang pagsumikapang pag-aralan ang pagsasalita ng mahusay at maliwanag sa harap ng masa. Sinabi niya ito sa harap noon ng tagumpay ng mga pagtatanghal pangkultura at katatapos na timpalak bigkasan sa loob mismo ng bilangguan. Sa kanyang karanasan, marami pa ring mga aktibista aniya ang nananatiling tahimik kung kaharap ang masa lalo na sa mga lalawigan. Sa madaling salita, kailangang maging isang manggagawang pangkultura o “artista” rin ng bayan o alagad ng sining ang mga aktibista ng sambayanan.<br /><br />May pagtatanghal naman noon sa UP ang Tanghalang Bayan, isang grupong pangkultura na kinabibilangan ng mga kabataang taga-Tundo at dito’y nasaksihan ko ang kahandaan ni Lory sa pagtulong sa mga kasama sa dulaang nabanggit. Kinailangang may maghampas ng kahoy sa sahig para magsilbing tunog ito ng putok ng baril dahil kinulang ang mga tauhan ng dula. Simbilis ng kidlat na kinuha ni Lory ang kahoy at inihampas niya ito sa sahig.<br /><br />Laking tuwa ng mga kasapi ng Tanghalang Bayan. Natutuwa ako dahil nakita ko si Lory na masayang-masaya, tumatawa, na siya’y nakalahok din daw sa isang pagtatanghal kahit tagahampas lang daw ng kahoy. Mula noon ay naging malapit si Lory sa mga kasapi ng nabanggit na tanghalan.<br /><br />Hindi mahalaga kay Lory kung siya man no’n ay Tagapangulo ng Makibaka o isang pangkaraniwang kasapi lamang. Ipinakita niya ang halaga ng kolektibong pakikilahok sa anumang pagkilos, ikaw man ay baguhan o beterano, o kaya’y pinuno o lider. Walang malaki at maliit na gawain para sa isang tunay na aktibista ng bayan.<br /><br />Noong naganap naman ang Diliman Commune, isang kilos protesta ng mga mag-aaral ng University of the Philippines (UP) laban sa administrasyon ng unibersidad, “sinakop” ng mga mag-aaral ang kabuuan ng UP at isa si Lory sa mga nangungunang lider sa pagkilos na ito. Nakalulungkot na kasabay ng pagkilos na ito ay ang pagkamatay ni Felix Rivera sa isang pakikibaka sa isang lalawigan sa Hilagang Luson. Habang nagpupulong kami sa unang palapag ng Vinzon’s Hall, napansin kong nagmamadaling umakyat si Lory sa itaas ng gusali. Pagbaba niya ay halatang namumugto ang kanyang mga mata. Napag-alaman ko pagkaraan na nasawi ang kanyang kasintahang si Felix. Nilapitan ko siya upang makiramay ngunit hindi pa ‘ko nakapagsasalita ay tinapik na niya ‘ko sa balikat at nakangiting sinabi na bumalik na kami sa puwestong aming binabantayan.<br /><br />Laging nagingibabaw kay Lory ang kapakanan ng bayan. Ikalawa lamang sa kanya ang pansarili niyang interes. Walang puwang ang hinagpis kay Lory. At maraming mga nakipaglaban noon sa kalayaan ng bayan ang “nahawahan” ng ganitong katatagan ni Lory.<br /><br />Kaya maaari akong tawaging isang Loryista. ####</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">Tungkol sa may akda: </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: #edeff4; font-size: 11.333333015441895px; line-height: 9.333333015441895px;">Joey Papa, who wrote the piece is a Carlos Palanca awardee for full length play, first and third prizes; author and creator of Batibot, the stage play; story and screen play writer; TV/Video documentary writer and director and currently President of Bangon Kalikasan Movement.</span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: #edeff4; font-size: 11.333333015441895px; line-height: 9.333333015441895px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: #edeff4; font-size: 11.333333015441895px; line-height: 9.333333015441895px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-87643982444879148692013-01-04T06:00:00.002-08:002013-01-18T03:57:34.027-08:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">SI LORY SA AKING PAGKAKILALA</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ang madaling
magbalik sa aking alaala kaugnay ni Kasamang Lory ay noong nasa ikalawang buwan
na ako sa “safehouse” na kinabibimbinan ko noon mula nang ako’y mahuli noong
Enero 17, 1976. Tapos na ang pambubugbog
at pagpapahirap sa katawan; nagpasasa na ang mga humuli sa paglalapat ng
pahirap sa kaisipan at kalooban: pang-iintriga, maling balita at pananakot sa
layuning papanghinain ang loob.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Minsan,
isang araw ng Marso, nakangising pumasok ang isang opisyal ng ahensiyang humuli sa akin (5th CSU,
ngayo’y RSU4), dala dala ang isang dyaryo.
Inihagis sa akin at ipinabasa.
Nakapagtataka, sapagkat sa buong panahong inilagi ko sa safehouse na
iyon, ni minsa’y hindi ako pinahintulutang magbasa ng kahit ano (kahit
komiks)! Saka ko na lamang nahinuha ang
pakay nang matunghayan ko ang balita ng pagkamatay ni Lory sa isang
“enkuwentro” sa Mauban, Quezon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Napatigagal
ako at matagal na hindi makapag-isip nang mahinahon. Sa paano’ys isang matalik na kaibigan at
kasama si Lory. Tila nagka-epekto ang
gustong mangyari ng walang hiyang opisyal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Marami nang
bagay ang ikinababahala ko nang mga panahong iyon – lalo na ang katayuan ng mga
mahal sa buhay. Dumating ang puntong
nag-alala na ako sa demoralisasyong unti-unting gumagapang sa kalooban ko. Hanggang naipasiya kong walang mahihita sa
pagpapakalulong sa pagkaawa sa sarili at kung minsa’y paninisi sa iba. Isang mabisang paraang ginawa ko ay ang
pag-ala ala sa mga bayani at martir ng Rebolusyon. Si Lory at ang mga panahong nagkasama kami sa
ilang gawain ay naging mahalagang bahagi sa landas ng aking pagpapanibagong
tatag habang nasa kamay ng kaaway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Una kong
nakita nang personal si Lory noong Abril ng 1971 sa Isabela. Isa siya sa mga kinatawan ng mga
propagandistang ipinadala roon para maghanda sa isang pambansang komperensiya
ng mga propagandista. Dapat pansining
siya lamang ang babaeng kinatawan doon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bago kami
nagtagpo ay matunog na rin ang kanyang pangalan bilang isa sa mga sulong na
element ng kilusang kababaihan; patunay nito ang pamumuno niya sa MAKIBAKA,
isang pambansang demokratikong organisasyon ng kababaihan noong bago ipataw ang
Martial Law. Ang unang impresyong nakintal
sa akin sa una naming pagkikita: militante, matalino, masigasig sa gawain at
malapit ang loob sa mga kasama (warm-hearted).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Napakapositibo
ng kanyang karanasan sa bundok kapiling ng mga mandirigma ng Bagong Hukbong
Bayan (BHB), kung kaya’t hindi kaagad siya maka-uwi sa siyudad upang maasikaso
ang gawain sa paghahanda sa gagawing komperensiya. Doon niya muling nakadaupang-palad ang dati
niyang kasintahan noong estudyante pa siya.
Di naglaon, nakasal sila (isa ako sa mga sumaksi sa kasal) at saka
lamang siya “pumanaog.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sunod na
nagkita kami sa Maynila kaugnay nga ng paghahanda sa komperensiya. Siya ang nahirang na pinuno ng komite sa paghahanda. Sa maraming pagpupulong at konsultahan,
kapansin pansin ang kanyang kasigasigan at dedikasyon sa gawain. Masasabing kung hindi sa kanyang pagsisinop
ay baka nagtagal ang paghahanda. Isa pa
ring katangian niya na hinangaan ko ay ang diwa ng pakumbabang pag-aaral. Hindi nahihiyang magtanong o kumonsulta kung
hindi alam at sabik din naman magbigay ng kanyang kaalaman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sabihin pa,
matagumpay na naidaos ang komperensiya sa kabila ng kahigpitan ng mga panahong
iyon – naideklara na ang suspensiyon ng habeas corpus, na-wanted na sya sa
salang subersiyon at namiminto na ang imposisyon ng martial law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Di naglaon,
pagkatapos ng komperensiya ay nabalitaan kong nalipat siya sa Zambales, isang
binubuksang lugar ng BHB. Matagal kaming hindi nagkabalitaan. Sunod kong nabalitaan na nasa Bicol na siya,
kung saan siya nahuli.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ang
naikuwento na lang sa akin nang siya’y madakip ay ang kanyang diwang
magpumiglas, sa paano’y tinangka kaagad niyang makatakas, dangan na lang at
napaliligiran na siya ng maraming sundalo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Taong 1974
(buwan yata ng Oktubre) nang siya at ilan pang detenido ay matagumpay na
nakatakas sa IPIL Rehabilitation Centers sa Fort Bonifacio. Mangyari pa, marami ang natuwa sa positibong
halimbawang ito. Naglabas pa sila ng
isang pahayag ng paglalantad sa mga
pang-aabuso ng mga military sa mga bilanggong pulitikal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Makaraan ang
ilang buwan (Hunyo 1975) nakatanggap ako sa kanya ng isang liham na siya palang
magiging huling pakikipag-ugnayan ko sa
kanya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sa liham ay
isinalaysay niya ang kanyang bagoong gawain bilang isang namamahala sa gawain
ng pagbubukas ng isang sonang gerilya sa Timog Katagalugan. Napakataas ng
kanyang moral sa kabila ng isang matinding personal na problema: ang
napabalitang “pagbaligtad” ng kanyang asawa.
Nahalata ko sa sulat ang kanyang pagsisikap na ilagay sa tamang
perspektiba ang personal na problema.
Malinaw ang pagguhit niya ng
linya sa pagitan ng Rebolusyon at kontra Rebolusyon, determinasyong pangibabawan
ang personal na problema (na inamin niyang hindi kaagad malulutas) at matuto sa
karanasan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hindi na ako
nagkaroon ng pagkakataong sumagot bunga ng kahigpitan sa linya ng
komunikasyon. Ngunit hindi makakatkat sa
alaala ang tatag at tining na loob, determinasyon sa gitna ng kahirapan at
pagkamuhi sa kaaway na ipinahiwatig niya sa sulat at ipinamalas niya hanggang
sa huling sandal ng kanyang buhay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sa alaala ni
Kasamang Lory, iniaalay ko ang isang kasabihang narinig ko rito sa bilangguan:
“Ang problema ay hindi kung lalaki ka o babae; ang problema ay kung handa kang
lumaban o hindi.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Sa
aking pagkatanda sinulat ito ng isang kasama na hindi nagpakilala mga ilang
buwan pagkamatay ni Lorie. Walang pamagat ang kathang ito na kusa ko na lamang nilapatan. Rosa Mercado)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-68406464298090846302013-01-04T05:30:00.000-08:002013-01-04T05:30:43.109-08:00<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">ELEGY<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">“I cannot give you much or ask you much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">not for a noonday walk,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">the leaves and flowers we saw<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">collaged on asphalt--<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">no, nor my confessions to the grass;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">not even, friend, the sufferer we created,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">wave-crucified upon the rocks;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">not even, friend, word-passion, yours<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">or mine;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">only, that it is sad,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">we have seen, and it is sad, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">each other stripped to our youth.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-74257628192970613092012-12-11T04:00:00.000-08:002013-03-23T18:38:54.901-07:00A Glimpse into the Life and Times of Ma. Lorena Barros<br />
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Maria Lorena Barros lives on in the hearts and minds of people whom she touched in many ways. She is remembered as a dear friend, a brilliant poet-writer, a fearless feminist-activist, a caring daughter, a loving mother and a warm and genuine person. She is admired as a heroine following in the footsteps of Gabriela Silang and Gregoria de Jesus who fought against tyranny and foreign oppression. This short biography is but a glimpse into her short but extraordinary life, the woman called by her many nicknames as Lorie, Laurie, Lory, Wawi or in her many other aliases such as Cita, Luningning, Luz, Ligaya or Solita.</div>
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Lorie was born on 18 March 1948 in Baguio City. Her mother Alicia once nicknamed her Laurie, after the lead character in the book “Little Women.” Alicia had a short-lived relationship with Lorie’s father, Romeo Barros. Alicia rarely talked about Lorie’s father but it appeared that Lorie never met nor knew her father and was made to believe that he died soon after the separation. However this family lore remains a mystery. Suffice to say Alicia raised Lorie singlehandedly until she was 11 years old. Thereafter Alicia met another companion with whom she bore three more children, Rodrigo, Mercedes and Ramona.</div>
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Alicia’s early childhood had comfortable beginnings on account of her mother’s inheritance but this wealth was squandered gradually by her father’s wasteful ways until the family was reduced to penury. Alicia had to vend cigarettes by the time she reached high school. The Japanese occupation halted her desire to pursue higher education. War conditions dispersed the Morelos siblings among relatives living in the provinces. Sent to live among her relatives in Pampanga, Alicia was recruited by the anti-Japanese guerillas to serve as courier.</div>
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After the war, Alicia got a small paying job working for a wealthy relative’s family enterprise. Lorie was sent to study at the Instituto de Mujeres from grades 1 to 2 and transferred to St. Joseph’s College from grades 3 to 6. Lorie spent high school at the Far Eastern University and college at the University of the Philippines. In high school, Lorie became a leader in Student Catholic Action and received a special award for creative writing. She became editor of a high school paper and was active in school plays and gymnastics.</div>
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Perhaps because of economic deprivation, Lorie became aware of society’s harsh realities from early childhood. Going to Quiapo church with her mother every Friday, Lorie would observe beggars and the homeless wandering by. Lorie would often distress her mother with social questions such as why are there rich and poor people. Alicia who was fond of reading introduced Lorie to the world of books. Lorie started writing poems at age 10, her first attempts she would dedicate to her mother. As she grew older, her inclination bent towards creative writing. In one of her poems, she began to reflect a growing social awareness, prompting the editor of the Sunday Times Magazine to comment, “You’re so serious for one so young. Why write about skulls and such? At your age your world is still beautiful.” Her poem, “A Skull among the Flowers” was turned down.</div>
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In UP Lorie enrolled in Chemistry initially to please her mother but after three semesters of trying but failing to stir up an interest in equations and formulas, she shifted to Anthropology. She latched on to this course with much interest, making her a budding intellectual among her peers. Her creative and artistic side found expression in other fields. She joined numerous organizations including the UP Writer’s Club, Anthropological Society, Philosophical Society, and UP Bowling Team. Her writings took on a literary style with numerous poems and short stories submitted to the Philippine Collegian. She became editor of the Anthropology Bulletin for a year, where she started writing scholarly research. She also loved acting and joined in dramatic plays that were staged in several places. She mixed with the bohemian crowd, hanging out at the UP building basement much to her mother’s disapproval. College life for Lorie was a period of self-revelation and as her poems revealed, soul searching.</div>
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The defining moment of her life came with the onset of student activism. Lorie got embroiled in political issues like the Vietnam War and in ideological discussions that gripped the rank of students. She joined the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation and the “Learning from the People Drive” of the Nationalist Corps, which brought her face to face with the impoverished folk from the countryside. Lorie easily connected with the plight of the poor as her mother’s meager income could barely suffice for her school needs. While living in Cubao, Lorie would sometimes walk a few kilometers to go back and forth to UP and would lunch on banana cue for lack of money. She worked her way to school taking jobs as a student assistant. But being a bright student, she got scholarship grants and became a part-time teaching assistant after graduating cum laude in Anthropology.</div>
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In 1969 she joined the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan (SDK) whose platform aimed at seeking societal change through radical action. She joined countless rallies in front of Malacanang and the US Embassy. She joined exposure trips among poor peasants and immersed with workers on picket lines. As her activities became purposeful and deliberate, so was her diligence in shaping the philosophical underpinnings of her involvement.</div>
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The Women’s Liberation Movement in the West and the glorious exploits of Chinese and Vietnamese Women red fighters resounded in the mass movement. Lorie and other women members of the SDK were drawn to the exploits of these women. It became apparent that a women’s organization was essential to address the women question and integrate it with the burning issues of the day. Thus Lorie together with other female comrades founded and organized the Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (Makibaka) in April 1970. Lorie led the picketing at the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant to protest against the commercialization of women and their unequal treatment in a male dominated society. At the outset, Makibaka succeeded in attracting women students from exclusive schools and other women who were hesitant to join heterogeneous youth organizations.</div>
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She became the chair and spokesperson of Makibaka and “mother hen” to members who found in her a source of strength and guidance in times of crisis, be it personal or political. Lorie steered Makibaka through the political debates that sought to sideline the women’s issue to bigger concerns. But even before she could probe deeper into women’s issues, Lorie had her sight on a far greater calling. Her analysis of socio-economic historical conditions had led her to the conviction that only a violent upheaval could liberate the long suffering masses from the yoke of local and foreign domination and exploitation.</div>
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A blow to Lorie’s love life came in early 1971. Her sweetheart Felix Rivera who joined the New People’s Army a year before died in a military encounter in Isabela. He was said to have stood up firing at the state troopers while covering the retreat of his comrades. Lorie nursed a broken heart while grimly resolving to carry on with the struggle. Spurred by the heightening political tensions with the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, Lorie left Makibaka and went deeper into the underground. Initially, she was assigned to handle a propaganda conference that sought to render art and literature in the service of the revolution. While in the thick of preparations, she met a former college professor turned guerilla fighter Ramon whom she married in a ritual up in the northern hinterlands of Isabela. That union gave birth to a baby boy named Emil in November 1972.</div>
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Lorie’s initiation into the NPA came in August 1973. She was assigned in the Bicol area as a political instructor and officer. But the military soon caught up with her after three months. She was jailed at a local precinct in Sorsogon with her captors failing to establish her true identity. Shortly after, she was taken to Camp Vicente Lim then transferred to the Ipil Rehabilitation Center in Fort Bonifacio in May 1974 where the military found out who she really was. Inside the prison bars Lorie refused to be tamed. She joined with other detainees in protesting against bad prison conditions and led hunger strikes to demand their release.</div>
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Inside prison Lorie was reunited with her son. For a time both mother and son shared precious moments together, but this did not last. The spirit in her could not be stifled. She longed for freedom much so after learning that her husband Ramon was said to have surrendered and cooperated with the military. It was another blow to her political and personal life. She vowed to repair the damages done by her husband’s perceived betrayal. On 1 November 1974, at the height of heavy rains, Lorie together with five others managed to escape from the heavily guarded Ipil prison.</div>
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Lorie re-joined the guerrilla forces in Southern Tagalog where she was deployed before her arrest. It was a perilous decision. The area was besieged by military operations forcing the NPA units to move around constantly. Morale was low among NPA comrades as many had fallen into the hands of their enemies at grievous cost. Torture and summary executions of captured NPAs were common. Lorie held on tenaciously and even tried to uplift the sagging morale of her comrades but deep inside her spirit was deeply wounded. She was having nightmares and spoke in her sleep of “a whale trying to swallow me."</div>
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Her fateful end came on 24 March 1976 when the military was tipped of her mountain hideout in Mauban, Quezon just before dawn. A male comrade was said to have pleaded with her to move to another location after a local comrade who knew her whereabouts was feared to have been caught by government soldiers. Lorie refused to budge saying she would risk her life on the cadre’s trustworthiness. She was alone when the military surrounded her.</div>
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Accounts were spurious but Alicia recalled the words of the commanding officer who led the attack during her last moments. The officer said that they shouted at her to surrender but she fired back instead. She was mortally shot in the head. She tried to run away and was found bleeding among the bushes. In her dying breath she told the officer: “You were lucky to be alive, my gun jammed.” Her final words were, said the officer: “Let me die for my beliefs.” At the young age of 26, Lorie gave her precious life for her country and the cause she believed was worth dying for. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-27038929437893008052012-10-27T03:17:00.000-07:002012-10-27T03:22:43.138-07:00<br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>ROSAL</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Green leaves white flower</span></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">white moon</span></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I think of soft black hair</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">framing a bony face, and pain</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">like burning coal</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">sears my mind's fingers.</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Because I have seen too much</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">of suffering among our people</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">to ever forget what I must love</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">and hate</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">how can I say I love you still?</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You have turned your back</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">on this noble undertaking,</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">this one thing that is pure</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">and beautiful in our lives,</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">this epic war for freedom.</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So how can I say I love you still?</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yet it is true</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">your memory like darkness</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">loath to flee before the dawn</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">is with me still--</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">a ghost, a monstrous demon</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">that must be exorcised!</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I wake up mornings</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">in a dream of doubt:</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Shall I have strength enough</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">to win this fight?</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Next year shall this broken bush</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">bear new white blooms?</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wind from the southwest blows</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">warm and gentle kisses</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">upon the sierra's tips.</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The sea is sweetly calm.</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The kalaw's call</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">is like a bugle song</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">summoning the new day.</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I must take heart</span></span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">from all this serene joy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">History marches ever forward<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our people shall have peace<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">and victory shall heal<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">each battle wound<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">with the fragrance of<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">white flowers.</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lorena Barros<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">June 1975<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-27798830966328127032012-09-25T02:19:00.000-07:002012-09-25T02:19:04.279-07:00<div class="WordSection1">
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TO A WOMAN POET</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">DYING IMMORTAL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">yesterday I had a talk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">with an old man<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">who had your eyes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The same laughing squint<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">hiding a watchfulness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">that catches even hints <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Of rainbows<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">-poem to her comrade<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The fronds, without being told, danced in crosses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">On a deathground of proud trees and humble hills<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">And the birds knew when to chirp their elegies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Even the rocks seemed to be renewing themselves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Angrily, where they had been chipped off<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">By the violence of lead warring against earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Rains poured in January and spirited away<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Your bloods into the roots of quiet bamboo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">And into the headwaters of the lowland brook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The earth must have felt wonder: this warm body<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Has slumped so beautifully, clutching its own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">As though in a prophecy of bittersweet reunion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">You had written of lilies in the free undergrowth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Unfolding like the remembered eyes of your love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Eyes more constant than the glimmer of fireflies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Lilies like torches in a dark season of monsoons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It may not be so strange, after all, that memories<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Of our moment of dying over your unreal death<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Persist to haunt us: it was only a second of grief, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">And we small need, oh! a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>brave cycle of lifetimes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">To feel your hands in ours, fully hold your spirit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">As we follow trails where you planted your flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>SA ISANG MAKATANG BABAI</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">NA YUMAO, AT WALANG HANGGAN <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">kahapon, aking nakausap<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">ang isang matandang<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">tulad ng sa iyo ang mata-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">naniningkit habang tumatawa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">may lihim na katalasang<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">nakahuhuli ng kahit bahid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">ng mga bahaghari.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Di man pinagsabiha’y hugis krus na nagsayaw<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">ang nangingipuspos na mga dahon ng niyog<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sa libingang may tanod na puno’t burol.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Maging ang bato ay napahumindig, kung saan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Tinipyas ng tinggang namuhi sa iyong lupa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Dumagsa ang ulang Enero, itinakas nito<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ang dugo mo’t inipon sa ugat ng kawayan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Inilagak sa bukal na ang tungo’y kapatagan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Nagtaka ang lupa, marahil: kay init ng<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Iyong katawan!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At anong payapang nakahandusay...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Yumakap sa damo, tinik, luwad, bulaklak<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Waring itinakda ang pag-aalay sa gubat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sumulat ka noon tungkol sa mga liryo:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Kawangis kaya’y mga mata ng mahal mo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Na nakatutok saanman abutan ka ng dilim?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Matang ang ningas ay higit pa sa alitaptap<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Liryong sulo mo sa kadawagang hinabagat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Hindi nakapagtatakang kami pa’y dinadalaw<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ng mga sandaling nag-ulat noon ng pagpanaw:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Saglit ding kamatayan, saglit ding pagkapugto<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">At ngayo’y kailangang namnamin habambuhay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ang dampi man lamang ng nakadaop mong kamay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ang rikit ng tinula mong pag-ibig sa lahat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Habang aming tinutunton ang pinagtamnan mo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">ng mga bulaklak.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span></span> - by Edgar Maranan</div>
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both English and Filipino translation </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-86353133204384240622012-09-25T02:18:00.001-07:002012-09-25T02:18:31.314-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">LIHAM NI LORY PARA SA MGA KASAMA</span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">VIRGIE, INE, CHENG at Tambourine Man<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">c/o CHARY LINE VIA GUIA<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">17 Enero 1976<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mga kasama, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Bagamat medyo huli na, maalab na pagbati sa ika-7 aniversaryo ng ating Partido. Dumating ang inyong mga sulat bago mag-Pasko at tunay na nakapagdagdag ito sa diwa ng pagdiriwang. Kay sayang makarinig mula sa mga napalayong kasama! Hindi kami nakapagpadala ng sagot noong huling lakad ng kom pagkat nagipit sa panahon. Sa panig ko, pawang mga opisyal na sulat at ulat lang ang nakaya kong tapusin. Kaya nga’t para sa ulat na ito’y sinamantala ko ang madaling araw. Totoong napakabigat ng iskedyul namin lalo na ngayon. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ang sonang gerilya na kinapapalooban ko ay nasa panahon na naman ng pamamasok ng kaaway. Patapos na ang tag-ulan at muli na naman nilang matatawid ang mga ilog at dagat. Napakahalagang maihanda ang Partido, hukbo at masa upang ito’y makapanatili ng sarili at huwag madurog ng kaaway. Malaki ang pagkahawig ng sonang ito sa mga sona sa CL. Relatibong malapit sa malalaking sentro at linya ng komunikasyon, malaki ang taya ng mga naghaharing uri at dayuhang kapitalista, bagamat bulubundukin at may ilang bahaging prontera. Noong nakaraang taon, laban sa ating dadalawang iskuwad gerilya na halos pawang single-shot ang mga baril, nagbuhos ang kaaway ng isang batalyong PC-PA tropa. Ang layunin ng operasyon ay “inisin sa duyan” ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan dito; alam ng kaaway na maliit at mahina pa ang ating puwersa.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bagamat 5 kasamang kadre at mandirigma ang napatay sa operasyon at 2 namumunong kadre ang nadakip bukod sa mahigit isandaang masa na dinakip o binugbog bigo ang kaaway, nananatiling buo ang ating hanay at matatag tayong maling nagbangon. Sabi nga, muli tayong tumayo, magpahid ng dugo’t malibing ang mga kasamang nasawi at mahigpit na humawak ng sandata upang muling humarap sa kaaway.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nitong mga huling buwan, ang organisasyon ng Partido sa sona ay naglagom ng karanasan upang makita ang naging mga kahusayan at kahinaan sa nakaraang pagkilos. Marubdob na nag-aral ang buong kasapian sa mga ginanap na komperensyang pangteorya. Naging malinaw sa mga kasama ang mga katangian ng sona at kung paano sa nakaraang pagkilos ay naging hiwalay sa kongkretong kalagayan ang naitakda at naisagawang programa. Pangunahing tendensya ang bahid ng dogmatismo at “kaliwang paglihis”, naging labis ang pagtaya sa sariling puwersa at lubhang matayog ang mga ambisyon. Sa kaparaanan ng pagwawasto, lalong napalalim ang pag-unawa ng buong kasapian sa digmaang bayan at maraming natutuhan hinggil sa paglapat ng MLMTT (Marksismo-Leninismo-Kaisipang MaoTsetung) sa mga aktwal na kalagayan. Sa ngayon, natapos na ang malaking bahagi ng pagwawasto at panloob na konsolidasyon; nasa yugto na ng pagbigay ng pangunahing diin sa pampulitikang Gawain. Makailang ulit na mas handa ang ating subhetibong puwersa sa pagharap sa panibagong pananalakay ng kaaway. Kung maiiwasan ang naging mga kamalian sa nakaraan, di magtatagal at malalagay na tayo sa kalagayang makapaglulunsad ng taktikal na pananalakay sa kaaway.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sa gitna ng ganitong kalagayan, marahil mauunawaan ninyo kung bakit medyo nadiskaril ako sa ilang mga nakuhang impresyon mula sa inyong mga sulat. Lubog na lubog ako sa kalagayan ng digmaan at medyo nagitla ako sa nakitang kalagayan ng ilang mga kasama – na wala sa digmaan o parang wala sa digmaan. Ngunit sa panahong namagitan mula noong una kong mabasa ang inyong mga sulat at ngayon, napag-isipan ko na ito ng mas malalim at nakikita kong maging ang mga kasamang sa wari’y wala sa digmaan ay nakapaloob ito at di mahihiwalay na bahagi nito. Halimbawa na lang, di ba’t halos pawang nabilanggo na tayo? Naging POWs (Prisoners of War)? </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At ngayon ang iba sa atin ay nakabalik sa pangunahing agos samantalang ang iba’y naging DPs (displaced persons o water lilies sa terminolohiya ng lungsod). May ilan ding pansamantalang nahiwalay, hindi dahil sa pagkabilanggo kundi dahil sa ibang pangyayari tulad ng dislokasyon sa organisasyon ng Partido na dulot rin ng digmaan. Lahat tayo ay nasa digmaan pati na ang mga walang kamuwang-muwang tulad ng mga sanggol at taong di mulat. Ito ang ating obhetibong kalagayan. Nagkakaroon lamang ng kaibahan sa antas ng mga may kamalayang kapasiyahan na pumaloob sa digmaan at maging bahagi ng puwersang nagtatakda ng direksyon nito at tagumpay. Maari tayong dalhin na lang ng agos ng rebolusyon. At maari tayong siyang maging motibong puwersa nito, bahagi ng talibang organisasyon. Ngunit ito’y sa kasalukuyang yugto lang ng digmaan. Sa pag-unlad nito, tayong may kamalayan at karanasan na pipilitin at pipilitin ng kalagayang manguna sa rebolusyonaryong agos o sumalungat rito. Ito ang sinasabing “burden of awareness”. Hindi na natin maisasara ang mata ng diwang namulat na. Pansamantala, maaring mahilom ito, mapuwing. Subalit kamatayan na lang ang makapagpipikit. Kayat mulat tayong mananangan ng sandata para sa sambayanan o para sa mga mapagsamantala’t mapang-api, alin lang sa dalawa.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tulad ng sabi ni Kasamang Virgie, “we believe in you like hell.” Bagamat naipamukha na sa atin ng mga katulad ni Ramon na may ilang magtataksik sa rebolusyon mula sa kaloob-loobang hanay natin, hindi nasira ang tiwala ko sa nakararaming kasama. Buo ang pananalig ko na habang nakikitunggali tayo sa sarili ay magagapi ang anumang multo’t halimaw tulad ng pesimismo at pagpapabaya sa rebolusyonaryong tungkulin. Napakagandang senyales, sa wari ko, ang nasasalaming “self consciousness” sa inyong pagtaya sa sarili, ang kawalang pagkukunwari at walang kurap na pagtingin sa katotohanan. Bagamat nababalot sa madidilim na salita, ito’y may hugis ng pag-asa. Kundi’y hindi na marahil kayon mag-aabalang sumulat sa amin.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Paano ko kaya maipahihiwatig kung paano lalung tumining sa isipan ko at damdamin ang kahulugan ng katagang “kasama” nang mabasa ko ang inyong liham? Tunay na nagkakalayo tayo sa pisikal na distansya at kinapapaloobang kapaligiran – ibang iba ang ating mga kalagayan – subalit naroon at di maipagkakamali ang init ng halik at yakap, ang marubdob na pagmamahalan na isinilang at binubuhay ng rebolusyon. Sabi nga ni Kasamang Cheng, alam na natin ang tibok ng bawat isa – hindi man ito lubusang nagkakasabay.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sana ay maunawaan niyo kung iisang sulat lang ang magawa ko sa ngayon para sa inyong lahat. May mga partikulat akong karanasan at kaisipan na nais ibahagi sa mga particular na kasama subalit kailangang mamili ako sa isang sulat o wala muna. Ayaw ko namang magpadala ng maraming sulat na pawang telegram. Huwag niyo naman sana ako gantihan ng isang “joint letter” din! Nais kong maging mas malalim ang pang-unawa sa inyong buhay. Napakarami ring nais kong mabalitaan hinggil sa lungsod, sa mga isyu na mainit ngayon, sa kalagayang pangkultura, sa mga masalimuot na maniobrahan sa hanay ng mga reaksyonaryo, pag-unlad ng pandaigdigang kalagayan atbp atbp atbp. Napakahalaga sa amin rito na bihirang makabasa ng pahayagan o makapakinig ng radio, ng inyong buhay na pagsusuri sa pambansa at pandaigdigang mga pangyayari, kundi’y magiging napakakitid ng aming kamalayan – at ito’y maaring magbunga ng subhetismo o lokalismo. Tiyak na maraming bagay na “taken for granted” na ninyo subalit bago sa amin (at siempre vice, versa). Huwag tayong manghinawa o tamarin na sumulat sa isa’t isa. Mali ang sabi ni Kasamang Ine na di siya maaring maging ka-koresponsal ng mga tulad naming nasa kanayunan. Marami kayong alam na di namin alam. At hindi kami interesado sa mga magagandang balita lamang. Ang lahat, pati kapaitan at kasakitan ng isa’t isa, ay makabuluhan sa ating pag-aaral hinggil sa kabuuan ng buhay ng tao sa daigdig, at sa paglikha natin ng tunay na makataong lipunan.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Kaya, sa madaling salita, SUMULAT KAYO NG MAS MAHABA, hane? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bukod sa pagsulat, nais sana naming hilingin ang inyong patuloy na pagtulong sa pag-solicit ng mga pangangailangan dito. Maraming maliliit ngunit mahalagang mga bagay na maari niyong ipadala, tulad ng medyas, bonnets, kumot, panlamig, ballpens, notebooks, notepads, scissors, nailcutters, needles and thread, paper clips and fasteners, business envelopes, manila envelopes, large and small plastic bags, flashlights, batteries, jungle knives, medicines, pagkaing naitatabi o naiimbak tulad ng de lata at daing at mga instant foods gaya ng Royco soups, vetsin, pantalon at t-shirt na dark colored at madaling matuyo, mga sako, raincoats, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sabon atbp atbp. Kung magagawa niyong magsolicit kahit small amounts nito at tipunin bago ipadala rito, napakalaking tulong talaga.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">May particular na pangangailangan rin dito ngayon ng tutulong ng research hinggil sa mga vested interests dito. Maari ba kayong tumulong?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At lalo’t higit, may malaking pangangailangan para sa mga kasamang gaganap sa gawaing liyason. Sino kaya sa inyo ang puwede? Kakailanganing mag-commute sa lalawigan mga dalawang beses sa isang buwan, magsagawa ng alliance work at pumasok sandali sa sona upang makapanayam ng lubos hinggil sa gawain. Ano ang inyong palagay? Sabik naming hihintayin ang application forms.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Lampas 8:00 a.m. na at dumating ngayon lang ang mga kasama sa hukbo. Pawang pagod sila mula sa mahabang lakad at mabigat na pasanin, ngunit masisigla at maraming kuwento. Marami na muling gagawin kung kaya’t kailangang putulin na ito. Ang dalang balita ng mga kasama ay may nakatakdang pulong ngayon sa isang baryo na kalapit dito, pupulungin ng mga PC (Philippine Constabulary) ang masa pagkat sosonahin raw itong lugar. Malamang na sisimulan na muli ang konsentrasyon ng masa sa mga sentro ng baryo bilang paghahanda sa operasyon.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sige, talagang kailangan nang tumigil.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">MAKIBAKA, HUWAG MATAKOT!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Sa tagumpay,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Ka Luz<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">PS Pagsulat niyo, ilagay niyo sa labas ng sulat, LUZ c/o HOLLAND. Ito ang aming PO Box no. Sa mga packages, ganito rin ang address tapos markahan niyo ng “PERSONAL” at itala sa labas kung anu-ano ang nilalaman. Ok ba?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-53421801271448258562012-09-25T02:18:00.000-07:002012-09-25T02:18:02.063-07:00<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">HALAW KAY MA. LORENA BARROS </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">(Mula sa They Dwell In Yellow Quiet) </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Dilaw ang kulay ng katahimikan</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">sa tahanan ng mga pobre.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Ang kanilang gasera </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ay gawa sa basyong bote, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">pinasakan ng basahan </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">at nakapuwesto ngayon</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">kung saan katamtaman </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang timpla </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ng liwanag at dilim.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Dilaw na katahimikan </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang dala ng gabi </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">sa tahanan ng mga pobre.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Walang maririnig</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ni katiting na ingit </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">mula sa mga bata</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">kahit pa madiin ang suntok</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ng dilim sa sulok</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">kung saan sila </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">madalas nakaumpok -- </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">maliban na lamang</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">sa harap ng dulang </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">at pare-pareho silang nagtatalo</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">kung para kanino</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang kakapiranggot na ulam. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">'Pag ganito, kumikinang </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang mga matang luhaan</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">sa liwanag </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">na dilaw ang kulay, bagay </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">kung kaya di naglulubay</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">sa pagsaway ang matatanda </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">hanggang magpanumbalik</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang bawat isa </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">sa kani-kanilang </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">tahimik na pagnguya. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Magaan kung humakbang</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang mga paang tumatawid</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">sa patse-patseng sahig</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">sa tahanan ng mga pobre. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Walang impit</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">na galit, o dabog</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">na maririnig</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">kahit matagal nang hukot </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang mga balikat</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">at halos pumutok </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang ugat </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">sa mukha at palad </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">kapwa ng bata </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">at medyo may-edad. Sa gabi, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">isinasara nang maigi</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang bintana</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">sa tahanan ng mga pobre.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Gayunman, di nila kailangan</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang bakal na rehas</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">upang tiyaking hanggang </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">doon lamang sa labas</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">ang mas lalo pang pobre.</span> <br />
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-753257076592360052012-09-25T02:16:00.001-07:002012-09-25T02:16:43.979-07:00<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">THEY DWELL IN YELLOW QUIET</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They dwell in yellow quiet<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">these houses of the very poor<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">the homemade gas lamps are<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">expertly placed – just so<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">they do not flicker much<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">though still the shadows cast<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">are insecure.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The night brings yellow silence to<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">the houses of the very poor<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">the many children do not cry, though<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">it is hellish dark, in the corners<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">where they are –<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">except when gathered<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">round the wooden table<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">they fight over their shares,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">bright tears and eyes in the yellow light.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But the justice of the elders is<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God’s own, and silence<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">reigns over the chewing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And yet in the quiet houses of the very poor<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">they drag no heavy feet<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">over the patchwork floors,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is no rebellion in <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">their placid movements <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Although the shoulders stoop<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and veins stand out on<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">wrinkled hands and faces old<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">or not<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At night the windows are shut tight<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">in the houses of the very poor<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">the next best way to iron grills<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To keep the poorer out<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> - Ma. Lorena Barros </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> The Weekly Nation</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> October 2, 1967. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">p. 28</span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-22532681083062383932012-09-23T05:36:00.002-07:002012-09-23T05:41:31.412-07:00<br />
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<b>LORENA – BALIK TANAW SA ISANG KAIBIGAN,
KASAMA<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Rolando
Peña<o:p></o:p></div>
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Noong unang
mga taon ng martial law na nagbunsod ng kilabot sa buong bansa, lagi akong
sabik na matunghayan ang dyaryo para malaman kung may nangyari ba sa mga
kaibigan at kasamahan na aktibong kumikilos laban sa makinaryang pandigma at
panunupil ng diktadura. Minamabuti ko na rin kung walang balita, iniisip ko na
lang na ligtas sila. Nang ako’y nabinbin
sa ibang bayan, nag-ibayo ang pananabik ko na makabalita sa mga nangyayari sa
Pilipinas, at inaasam-asam ko ang pagdating ng dyaryo at magasin kahit medyo
bilasa na ang mga balita dito. Laking
gulat, pighati at panghihinayang ko nang mabasa sa Far Eastern Economic Review
na nagbuwis ng buhay si Laurie sa isang engkwentro sa Quezon. Natagpuan sa isang bulsa niya ang isang tula.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday I had a talk<o:p></o:p></div>
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with an old man<o:p></o:p></div>
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who had your eyes –<o:p></o:p></div>
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The same laughing squint<o:p></o:p></div>
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hiding a watchfulness<o:p></o:p></div>
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that catches even hints <o:p></o:p></div>
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of rainbows<o:p></o:p></div>
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He spoke to me of patience<o:p></o:p></div>
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in his voice a whole season...<o:p></o:p></div>
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you have endured<o:p></o:p></div>
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the first minute<o:p></o:p></div>
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of your own dark season –<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ah, I can bear to think of it<o:p></o:p></div>
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only when I can see you smile! <o:p></o:p></div>
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comrade, dear friend<o:p></o:p></div>
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teach me how not to flinch<o:p></o:p></div>
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through mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nakilala ko
si Laurie bilang makata noong siya’y estudyante pa sa Anthropology sa UP. Aktibo siya noon sa kilusan laban sa
pandirigma ng US sa Vietnam, kasama ng
mga kaibigan niyang makata at alagad ng sining.
Naging kaibigan ko siya at nakabarkada ko rin ang barkada niya, kabilang
na ang iba pang kaklase niya sa Anthropology.
Mahigpit ang kanyang ina na ang gusto’y magtuon siya sa pag-aaral at
hindi pumalaot sa walang katuturang aktibidad.
Madalas hinahatid namin si Laurie sa tirahan nila sa isang pinto ng
apartment sa dulo ng 15<sup>th</sup> Avenue sa Cubao, at sa mga
pagkakataong iyon ay doon na rin kami
naghahapunan at paminsan minsan ay nakikipagdebate sa kanyang tiyuhin, si
Aling, na napaka isrikto at may pagka-konserbatibo. Dahil may trabaho na ako noon at mukhang
responsable , pumapayag ang kanyang ina na magpagabi si Laurie kung ako at/o si
Jerry Araos ang kasama o kaya kung may lakad sa Sabado o Linggo. Kung minsan ginagabi siya ng uwi sa pagdalo
sa mga konsyerto o dula at dinadayo pa namin noon ang Cultural Center, o kaya’y
napapasarap ang kuwentuhan – diskusyon tungkol sa panitikan, pilosopiya. pulitika
at kung anu-ano pa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Parang bahagi na rin ako ng pamilya ni Laurie. Dahil nakatira ako sa isang mataas na
apartment sa Albany, na malapit lang sa kanila, doon na rin ako pinag-aalmusal
ng kanyang ina. May panahon ding
pinupuntahan din ako ni Laurie para magpatulong sa term paper niya sa
Anthropology at sinusundo siya sa gabi ng kanyang ina at tiyuhin. Minsan naman ay dinayo ako ng buong pamilya
para pakainin sila ng spaghetti dahil naipagmalaki ko na masarap ako magluto
nito. Noong katapusan ng 1969, sa Albany
namin sinalubong ang Bagong Taon, kasama ang mga kaibigan. Kinaumagahan, doon kami nag-almusal sa bahay
ni Laurie at namangha ang kanyang ina dahil parang dinaanan ng mga sundalo ang
handa niya, sa isang iglap ay halos naubos.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Noong 1970, naging higit na aktibo si Laurie sa kilusang
protesta, una sa SDK at pagkaraan sa MAKIBAKA, lalo nang matapos siya sa
pag-aaral. Magkatabi kami sa rali noong
Mayo 1 sa lumang Kongreso at nang nagsimulang magpaputok ang mga sundalo mula
sa moog ng Intramuros ay magkahawak kaming umiwas, tumakbo sa direksyon ng
Rizal Park. (Dito nasawi si Liza Balando at iba pang manggagawa). Minsan naman, pagkatapos ng isang rali,
nagtungo si Laurie at ibang akitibista ng MAKIBAKA sa lugar ng US Tobacco
Corporation na pinagwewelgahan ng mga aktibistang manggagawa. Dala pa ni Laurie noon ang kanilang istrimer
at pilit silang pinapalis ng mga Metrocom subalit hindi sila natinag sa kanilang
puwesto na hawak-hawak ang kanilang istrimer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sa kabila ng kanyang aktibidad kaugnay ng namumuno niyang
papel sa kilusang protesta, hindi niya nalilimutan ang kanyang ina. Minsan pinag-usapan namin na magandang
proyekto ang pagtanghal ng dula ni Bertolt Crecht na “Mother” na batay sa
nobela ni Maxim Gorky. Hinggil ito sa
ina ng aktibista na tutol sa pagkakasangkot ng anak sa kilusang rebolusyonaryo,
hanggang sa wakas ay nakumbinse ang ina sa kawastuan ng kilusang ito at
lumahok na rin siya dito. Isinalin namin
ito kasama si Mike (na ngayo’y kilalang katuwang na director ng pelikula sa
ngalang Lore). Ang problema sa pagsalin
ay hindi namin alam ang himig ng mga kanta, pero isinalin na rin namin at
pinalapatan ng himig sa kaibigan sa musika.
Kabilang dito ang awit na “Magsimula ng Pag-aaral,” “Papuri sa
Sosyalismo” at iba pang awit na kasama sa mga kinanta sa palabas na “Barikada”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Tunay na alagad ng sining si Laurie, patuloy siyang
nagsusulat ng mga tula, nagbabasa ng mga katha, dumadalo ng mga konsyerto o
nanonood ng mga palabas na nababalitang maganda. Dumadayo pa kami ng Maynila noon mula sa
Diliman para manood ng sine. Halimbawa,
matapos ng isang rali sa UP (welga ng mga istudyante), tumungo kami ng Quiapo
para panoorin ang “The Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the
Inmates of Charenton and Directed by the Marquis de Sade.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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May panahong hindi kami nagkita ni Laurie: nagtungo siya sa
Isabela at doon sila nagkakilala ni Felix, na naging kabiyak niya. Sa kasamaang palad, hindi nagtagal ay
nagbuwis ng buhay si Felix para mailigtas ang ibang mga kasama. Naibalita kay Laurie ang pagkamatay ni Felix
noong Kongreso ng Movement for a Democratic Philippines (MDP). Nang makita ko siya sa himpilan ng
SDK-Mendiola sa may Pedro Gil, nakaupo siya sa isang sulok, tahimik na iniinda
ang kasawian o kaya naman inaalala ang mga sandali nila ni Felix. Wala akong masabi sa kanya sa mga sandaling
iyon, bagamat nariyan ang mga katagang pampalubag-loob na bukang bibig ng mga
aktibista sa ganitong pagkakataon.
Niyakap ko na lang siya at iniwan ko siya roon, bagamat ipinahiwatig ko
na nariyan lang ako kung may kailangan siya sa akin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Paglaon ay tinanggap na rin niya ang matagal nang nanunuyong
si Ramon. Nagtungo sila sa larangan
subalit mayroon din silang himpilan sa bandang Marikina. Kapag nagagawi si Laurie dito ay nagkikita
kami, nagkukuwentuhan. Kung may
magandang palabas at kung may panahon siya, nanonood kami ng sine sa Cubao,
kahit nasumbatan na siya ni Ramon hinggil ditto. Sinabi naman niya na ako’y mapagkakatiwalaang
kaibigan at kasama at hindi siya dapat mag-alala.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nang isuspindi ang Writ of Habeas Corpus noong Agosto 1971,
nilisan ko ang aking tirahan sa Albany bilang pag-iwas sa anumang masamang
maaring mangyari. Sinulatan ako ni
Laurie muli sa aking kinalalagyan para isama sa kanyang pinamumunuang grupo na
naghahanda ng kumperensya sa propaganda, na kabilang ang panunuri sa panitikan
at sining sa konteksto ng kilusang protesta at rebolusyonaryong agos. Nagkasama-sama kami sa isang bahay sa San
Juan, kasama si Pete, Boni at istap ng mga Tagasalin, kayat walang tigil ang
takatak ng dalawang makinilya. Dumadating
din dito ang ilang miyembro ng PAKSA na katulong namin sa paghahanda ng
materyales para sa Kumperensiya. Kapag
medyo libre kami ay nanonood kami ng sine o dula. Naglalakad lang nga kami kung
minsan hanggang Greenhills para manood ng sine.
Noong binyag ng anak ni Pete na dinaluhan naming lahat, pinanood din
namin ang “Asedillo” sa Cubao. At minsan, sama-sama kaming magkasambahay na nanood
ng produksyon ng PETA na “Ang Butihing Babae ng Sichuan” dula ni Brecht na
isinalin sa Pilipino.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hindi pa kami nagtatagal sa San Juan ay nabulabog kami nang
hulihin si Gary, na dumadalo sa mga pulong sa aming tirahan. Kaya’t dali-dali kaming naghanap ng malilipatan
at maski gabi ay lumipat kami sa isang bahay sa Mandaluyong. Kung minsan ay dumadating dito ang kanyang
ina, na lumahok na rin sa kilusang lihim bilang kuryer. Nang panahong iyon, lumahok na rin sa kilusan
ang kanyang pinsan na si Chilet at si Malou na kaklase niya noon sa
anthropology. Sa mga libreng oras ay
nagkukuwentuhan kami at nagtatalakyan hinggil sa maraming bagay. Kung minsan ay dumadating dito si Eugene Gray
at lalong nagiging buhay ang aming usapan.
Naitanong minsan ng kasama namin sa bahay na si Karina kung ano ang mga
pinag-uusapan namin at parang hindi kami nauubusan. Pero ibang tao talaga si Laurie, hindi lang
siya isang matatag na rebolusyonaryo, isa rin siyang makata at siyentipiko, at
bukod dito ay marami din siyang alam sa pilosopiya kayat hindi lang napapako sa
isang paksa o bagay ang kanyang mga interes.
Gayunman, alam niya ang kanyang prioridad at matatag ang kanyang
paninindigan sa mga simulain ng rebolusyon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Matagumpay na naidaos ang aming kumperensya at hindi na kami
nagkita pang muli, bagamat may mga pagkakataon na nababalitaan ko siya. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Minsan nagpadala siya sa akin ng sulat, kasama ng dalawang
libro. Kasama ito sa mga naiwan kong
libro na ang iba ay nauwi sa pangagalaga niya.
Sinabi niya sa sulat na alam niyang paborito ko ang mga ito, hindi ko na
kailangang hanap hanapin ang mga ito sa panahong gusto kong makapagbasa ng mga
makakatas na kataga na may iba’t ibang lasa.
Ito’y katipunan ng mga tula ni Federico Garcia Lorca at mga tulang
Europeo. Sa pagdaan ng panahon, nawala
na rin ang mga ito, ngunit naghanap at nagpahanap ako ng libro ni Lorca hindi
katagalan pagkaraang mabalitaan ko na siya ay nagbuwis ng buhay. Pinalad naman ang isang kaibigan na umuwi sa
Amerika na nakatagpo ng sipi nito sa bahay ng kanyang ina (wala na raw sa mga
tindahan ng libro). Nasa akin pa ang
siping ito hanggang ngayon, nag-uudyok sa akin na sariwain ang mga gunita kay
Laurie sa tuwing bubuklatin ko ito. <o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-87837917580634166062012-06-29T06:11:00.000-07:002012-06-29T06:59:09.139-07:00Mga Ala-ala ko kay Lory<div class="WordSection1">
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<span lang="EN-US">Nakilala ko si Lory sa isang symposium sa Vinzon’s Hall tungkol sa isyu ng peminismo o women’s liberation noong 1970. Sa pulong na iyon ay tinalakay kung bakit kailangan ang hiwalay na organisasyon para sa kababaihan at bakit dapat patingkarin ang isyu ng kababaihan na loob ng mas malalaking isyu ng lipunan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Sa mga panahong iyon, isang henerasyon ng mga kabataan ang tila isang dambuhalang alon na humampas sa bato ng tradisyon at establisimento . Pumalaot ang aktibismo ng mga estudyante sa mundo ng politika at kinalaban ang mga ugat ng sakit ng lipunan. Ang women’s liberation ay inihip ng hanging kanluran patungong Pilipinas at ilan kaming mga kabataang estudyante ang nahalina sa ganitong kaisipan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Isa si Lory sa mga lider na nagsalita sa symposium. Malumanay magsalita si Lory. Sweet and soft spoken ika nga ngunit matatag mangusap. Parang mababatubalani ang kanyang kausap dahil puno ito ng sinseridad. Alam mo na ang taong ito ay nagsasabi ng tapat at hindi naghahabi lamang ng mga salita.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Pagkatapos ng symposium ay nilapitan ako ni Lory. Pinuri niya ako kapagdaka sa isang sanaysay na sinulat ko tungkol sa katayuan ng mga kababaihan nuong sinaunang panahon. Ito ang una kong napansin sa kanya. Hindi niya pinalalampas ang pagkakataong purihin ang isang kasama sa magandang ehemplo o nagawa nito.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Noong sama-sama kaming nakatira sa headquarters para siyang nanay na kumakalinga sa mga anak. Mother hen ang biro namin sa kanya. Over protective siya sa amin at "pinakikialaman" niya ang aming mga buhay buhay lalu't ito ay may kinalaman sa puso. Ayaw niyang may nang-aagrabiyado sa amin na mga kalalakihan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Bilang mga aktibista ay puno ang aming mga araw sa mga rali at teach-in at sa gabi naman ay naglalamay kami sa pag-aaral tungkol sa mga pilosopiya at problema ng lipunan. Si Lorie ay di ko kinakitaan ng pagkapagod o panghihinawa sa dami ng iniaatas niya sa sariling mga gawain. Madalas siyang inuumaga sa harap ng typewriter sa pagsulat ng mga artikulo o manipesto. Hindi rin siya namimili ng trabaho. Maliit o malaki, importante man o hindi ang gawain ay pareho lang sa kanya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Isa sa mga batayang prinsipyo na pinanghawakang mahigpit ni Lory ay ang diwa ng pagpuna-sa-iba at pagpuna-sa-sarili na napulot namin sa rebolusyonaryong karanasan ng Tsina. Hindi pinalalampas ni Lory ang mga bagay na sa tingin niya ay nakakasira sa samahan o simulain. Hindi siya nangingiming punahin ang iba sa mga kahinaan nito ngunit kaakibat nito, mas mahigpit siyang pumuna sa sarili. Anumang hingiin niyang tibay sa iba ay tinutumbasan o pinupunuan niya ng mas higit na pagpapatibay o pag-asa sa sarili. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Pinilit ni Lory na iwaksi ang “burges” na tendensiya ng pagka-makasarili at pagpapalagay na mas mataas ang sarili kaysa iba. Sa bagay na ito ay nakita ko kung paano binago ni Lorie ang kanyang sarili para maging ka-isa na siya sa puso’t diwa sa pinaglilingkuran niyang masa.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Noong baguhan pa lang ako sa kilusan ay napansin ko na madalas mag-ingles at magpaka “intelektwal” si Lory na marahil ay nakasanayan niya bilang iskolar sa UP. Nangingimi tuloy akong makipag-usap sa kanya. Ngunit siya na mismo ang nakahalata sa ganitong tendesiya. Nabanggit niya sa ilang malapit na kasama na dapat tigilan na nila ang “pribadong lengguwahe” na sila-sila lamang ang nagkakaunawaan. Napansin ko rin na habang tumatagal ay mas “nakikinig” si Lorie kaysa “nagsasalita” bagama’t alam kong mas marami siyang maibabahaging kaalaman. Nakita ko rin ang kanyang kababaang loob at kasigasigan na matuto sa karanasan ng iba lalu na kung ang kahalubilo niya ay mga pangkaraniwang mga tao. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Isa mga di ko malilimutang ala ala tungkol kay Lorie ay noong magkasama kaming nagpipiket sa US Tobacco Corporation sa may pier area sa Maynila. Taong l969 noong sumiklab ang welga ng mga manggagawa ng US Tobacco laban sa kapitalistang dayuhan na nagmamay-ari nito. Maraming kabataang estudyante ang nakilahok sa piketlayn, duon na natutulog sa may kalsada, umulan man o umaraw. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Isa ako sa mga estudyanteng nagbababad sa piketlayn. Isang araw ay tinawag ako ni Lorie upang magsagawa ng isang “misyon” na iniutos sa kanya ng mga nakakataas. Kailangan umanong sirain namin ang moral ng mga eskirol, ang tawag namin sa mga manggagawa na inupahan ng pabrika upang humalili sa mga welgista. Magsasagawa kami ng isang ma-dramang eksena. Iiskandaluhin namin ang isang babaeng eskirol sa harap ng maraming tao. Magpapanggap si Lorie na kunwari siya ay inagawan ng asawa ng naturang babae. Ang plano ay pagmumukhaan ni Lorie ang babae habang humahagulgol ako sa pag-iyak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Habang papalabas sa pabrika ang mga manggagawa noong bandang hapon ay sinabayan namin ang isang babae pagsakay niya sa bus. Umupo kami ni Lorie sa likuran ng bus habang pasulyap sulyap kami sa babae. Di nagtagal ay nakarating kami sa may bandang Espana Extension. Huminto ang bus sa gitna ng trapik. Nakahalata ata ang pobreng babae sa aming “maitim” na balak kaya’t dali dali itong bumaba. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Hinihintay kong tumayo si Lorie para sundan namin ang babae ngunit sa di ko mawaring dahilan ay hindi tuminag si Lorie sa kanyang pagkakaupo. Nagsayang kami ng tila napakahabang sandali. Nagtaka talaga ako. Sa loob-loob ko ay hindi namin maaabutan ang babae kung saan man ito paroroon. Pagbaba namin sa bus ay gayun nga ang nangyari. Nawalang parang bula ang babae.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Pinagisipan ko ng malalim ang pangyayaring ito. Bakit kaya sa huling sandali, ay tila pinaghinawaan siya ng loob at hindi niya nakayanang ituloy ang balak. Sa aking palagay may magkasalungat na tunguhin sa pagkatao ni Lory ang sa tuwi-tuwina ay namamalas ko. Sa isang banda ay naroon ang kanyang diwang palaban, ang kanyang pag-akap sa alituntunin na tanging sa isang madugong paghahasik lamang mapapalaya ang bayan. Sa gabay ng diwang ito ay pinasidhi ni Lorie ang kanyang giting at tapang at hindi siya nangiming humawak ng armas sa paglaban sa pang-aapi. Ngunit sa isang banda ay naroon ang isang makataong Lorie na punong puno ng pagmamahal sa kanyang kapwa, mapagkalinga, maunawain, matulungin, mapagbigay, maalalahanin at nagtataglay ng marami pang magagandang ugali ng isang tunay na Pilipino. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Nanimbang marahil si Lorie sa isinagawa naming “misyon” sa US Tobacco. Naging bulag kaming tagasunod sa iniutos sa aming gawain maisulong lamang ang proletaryadong simulain. Ngunit sa kabila noon ay hindi namin inalintana ang makataong karapatan ng kawawang babae na ang tanging layunin lamang ay kumita ng kaunting pera. Gusto kong isipin na nangibabaw ang makataong adhikain ni Lorie kaysa sa atas ng isang abstraktong prinsipyo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Hindi ko rin malilimutan ang panahong ginugugol niya upang alamin at lutasin ang aming mga personal na problema, tungkol sa pamilya man o personal na buhay. Kahit nasa kalagitnaan kami ng pakikibaka hinggil sa malalaking isyu ay naroon si Lory upang makinig sa aming pinakamaliliit na hinaing sa buhay. Naalala ko tuloy ang isang personal na problema noon na sa wari ko ay simbigat ng mundo. Dahil nga napasabak ako kaagad sa kilusan sa murang edad at wala pang muwang sa mga bagay ay minsan na akong naigupo ng problemang may kinalaman sa pakikipag-relasyon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Hindi ko na babanggitin dito kung anuman iyon, basta ang nangyari ay hindi ako tumigil sa pag-ngunguyngoy at paghihimutok sa isang tabi na tumagal ng maraming araw. Walang sinuman sa mga kasamahan ko noon sa MAKIBAKA ang makapagpahinto sa aking tila pagkalunod sa mga di magandang pangitain. Hangga’t sa huli ay ‘dinala’ ako kay Lorie na sa mga panahon na iyon ay nailipat na sa ibang gawain at malayo na sa amin. (Nalaman ko na kahit iba na ang destino ni Lorie ay inaalam pa rin niya ang tungkol sa amin). Aywan ko ba naman kung ano ang mayroon sa mga sinabi ni Lorie kung bakit sa isang iglap ay nabunot niya ang tinik na nasa aking dibdib at “bigla” kong naunawaan ang lahat. Simula noon ay lalung umigting ang sampalataya ko kay Lorie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Tao si Lorie at bumibigay din siya sa kalungkutan ngunit hangga’t maaari ay hindi niya ito pinahahalata o hinahayaang makagambala sa gawain. Minsan ay naputukan si Lorie ng pillbox na lumapnos sa kanyang magandang binti. Isa itong aksidente na naganap sa loob ng aming himpilan. Hindi ko man lamang namalayan na nasugatan siya dahil ni hindi niya ito nabanggit sa akin. Ganoon si Lorie, iniinda niya ang mga sugat, sa katawan man o sa puso. Noong namatay ang una niyang kasintahan ay wala akong napansin na kaiba kay Lorie, patuloy pa rin siya sa mga itinakda sa sariling gawain. Hangga’t dumating ang kailaliman ng gabi. Tabi tabi kami noon na natutulog sa isang kuwarto. Tila sa gitna ng isang masamang panaginip ay narinig kong tumatangis si Lorie. “Ayaw ko nang gumising” paulit ulit niyang sinasambit. Sa lungkot ng kanyang tinig ay hindi ko na rin napigil ang pagpatak ng aking luha. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Bumalik ang dating sigla ni Lorie noong namamaalam na siya sa amin papuntang kanayunan. Pinakamimithi ni Lorie ang sumanib sa bagong hukbo at lalung sumidhi ito ng mag-alay ng sariling buhay ang kanyang kasintahan. Niyaya ako ni Lorie na maglakad sa tabing dagat sa kahabaan ng Roxas Boulevard. Malapit kasi dito ang himpilan namin sa may San Andres Bukid. Napansin kong hilig ni Lorie ang naglalakad. Inihabilin sa akin ni Lorie ang pamamahala ng organisasyon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Masayang malungkot ang naramdaman ko. Iba kasi pag dalawa lang kayong nag-uusap ni Lorie. Damang dama ko na espesyal ako sa kanya, na ka-iba ako kaya buo ang atensyon niya sa akin. (Ngunit alam ko rin na ganito siya sa kahit sinong kausap). Sa mga binilin sa akin ni Lorie, ang hindi ko malilimutan ay nang ipaalala niya sa akin ang huling binigkas sa kanya ng isang kasamang nawawala, na pinaghihinalaang dinukot ng mga itinuturing namin noon na mga kaaway. Ani Lorie, “ang sabi ni Charlie bago siya mawala ay kailangang ituloy natin ang gawain.” Palagay ko ito rin ang gugustuhing habilin ni Lorie para sa atin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">(Isinulat ng isang kasapi ng MAKIBAKA bandang 1980s)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-28799930361502594142012-05-22T05:09:00.000-07:002012-05-22T05:09:50.357-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 14pt;">Maria Lorena Barros, Kamag-aral<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jose Pepito Manansala Cunanan, Class ’70</div>
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A.B. Anthropology</div>
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<st1:date day="8" month="9" year="1997">8 September 1997</st1:date><span lang="EN-PH"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-PH">The 1970 Philippinensian, the official yearbook of the University of the </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span lang="EN-PH">Philippines</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang="EN-PH"> had on its first page the photos and description of four graduates in the </span><st1:place><st1:placetype><span lang="EN-PH">College</span></st1:placetype><span lang="EN-PH"> of </span><st1:placename><span lang="EN-PH">Arts</span></st1:placename></st1:place><span lang="EN-PH"> and Sciences:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-PH"> </span><span lang="FR">Ma. Lorena Morelos Barros, A.B. Anthropology<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FR"> </span>Edna Benito Buenviaje, A.B. American Studies<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jose Pepito Manansala Cunanan, A.B. Anthropology</div>
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Geraldine Loman Fiagoy, A.B. Anthropology</div>
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<br /></div>
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The arrangement was done in the alphabetical order. For all its worth, the association with Lorie was more than just a sequence. </div>
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From the start, Lorie had left impressions of a woman who stood out among her peers and would be equal if not better to her seniors, in the academe or profession. It was in a Sociology class in 1967 where I had my first recollection of her presence. Her personal appearance was of the casual type, jeans and short sleeved blouse. She would sit on the side of the table to the right of our professor while most of us preferred facing our mentor. She was an articulate student who raised questions and provided her own views on the subject matters discussed. More than merely being bookish, she spoke as one who had done her own readings not only of textbooks and references but of the lives of people and the realities of Philippine society.</div>
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We were classmates in most Anthropology subjects: folklore, theory, archeology, social anthropology. While most of us were content attending classes, Lorie would be handling some classes as a student instructor. She would engage in researches and writings over and above our normal load of studies. In the senior year, we became officers of the Anthropological Society, she as Vice-President and I as PRO. But whether in the classroom, in the Anthropology museum or at the basement or in the corridors of Palma Hall or as we walked over to the Library, Lorie would exude the spirit of an articulate person, who had both the grasp and the confidence of her understanding and analysis of issues, events and personalities. This sometimes brought her into clashes and disagreements with other students and even with some of her seniors or professors. And yet, it was generally an attitude of recognition and respect for a person of her caliber. On the social and personal side, there were those among our colleagues who were attracted to her but whom she did not pay attention to. She was on the one hand attracted to others who seemed not to take notice nor reciprocate such feelings.</div>
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When we started in 1967, my classmates were mostly teeners, who were ten years my junior. I was married with a three year old daughter and had finished my theological studies in the seminary. Nevertheless, I associated with my classmates as a peer, learning with them and sometimes learning from them. And definitely Lorie was one person who had much to share in terms of her intellectual abilities, incisive insights and experiences outside of the classroom and beyond books. </div>
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The years 1967-1970 could be considered the golden years of student activism, social and political involvement. The formation which one went through was definitely beyond the classroom and the library. We learned our lessons in demonstrations and rallies, in DGs (discussion groups) and the protest marches snaked through the major streets leading to the US Embassy, Malacanang and Congress. Participation with the various sectors of society, students, urban poor, workers, farmers broadened one’s perspective and analysis of history, events, and personalities beyond the classroom setting. It was more than just a professor teaching students. It was an opportunity to learn from those who were marginalized and oppressed in Philippine society. The analysis identified the classes clashing with the feudal hacenderos, the political lords and the business elites and bureaucrats, and the military and government as co-conspirators with the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> powers and interests. Lorie would take a key role as an advocate who articulated such critical situations in Philippine society. She would take a very active role in organizing work in action-oriented organizations such as <i>the Samahan ng Demokratikong Kabataan.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Later when I worked on a publication entitled <i>BIHAG: Mula Ulo Hanggang Talampakang Pagkabihang ng mga Pilipino sa mga Korporasyong Multinational</i>, it was my turn to acknowledge Lorie’s role and influence when I dedicated this work <i>Alay kay Maria Lorena Barros, Kamag-aral.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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As fellow students we also had lighter moments and found time to meet and visit with family and friends. A group of Anthro majors were our guests in our home in Muzon, Malabon, including Lorie and a special friend. She was someone dear to me, my wife Bethzie, and our daughter Jay. She updated us on her whereabouts and what she would be involved in. It was my turn to visit her in San Andres where she was engaged in an alternative schooling for urban poor children and on occasional meetings d uring protest marches and open rallies. Later on, her activism brought her to the larger issues on the rights and roles of women in Philippine society as she became the lead organizer of <i>MAKIBAKA (Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan).<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The declaration of Martial Law, Marcos dictatorship and the worsening social conditions challenged Lorie to take a more radical stance in terms of her commitment and organizational involvement. Her revolutionary fervor found its place in the New People’s Army as a way of dealing with the basic problems of the Filipino people and Philippine society.</div>
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Jay was in my office when the news reached us that Lorie was killed in an encounter with the military in Quezon. We could only grieve and weep at the loss of someone whom we had known as a schoolmate and as a friend of the family.</div>
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At her farewell rites, I used as eulogy for Lorie the words of Jesus found in the Gospel of John (<st1:time hour="15" minute="13">15:13</st1:time>) : </div>
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Greater love hath no (wo)man than this: that a (wo)man lay down his/her life for his/her friends<i>. (Walang pag-ibig na hihigit pa sa pag-ibigt ng isang taong nag-alay ng kanyang buhay para sa kanyang mga kaibigan).<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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And this act could be contextualized in the song of Andres Bonifacio:</div>
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Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya,</div>
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Sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila?</div>
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Tulad ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa?</div>
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Wala na nga, wala…</div>
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……</div>
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……</div>
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On <st1:date day="11" month="4" year="1970">11 April 1970</st1:date>, the Commencement Day for Class ’70, many graduates wore red bands as a sign of protest. Some carried and waved the red flag and raised clenched fists during the rites. Lorie chose not to march in the traditional procession. She led a group of graduates and other students in protest. Her option was to march with the suffering masses of the Filipino people. For this, she offered herself and shed her blood for the cause of the liberation of the Filipino masses and the goal of a national democratic society. The oblation of her body, blood and life was the choice she made as a graduate of the University of the People.</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-7224370612803954132012-04-22T03:48:00.000-07:002012-04-22T03:48:17.768-07:00<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">SAGLIT NA GUNITA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">SA ISANG<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">NAMAYAPANG MAKATA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ito’y saglit na gunita<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Pangakong hindi ko iiyakan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sa habang panahon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Saglit na alaala sa mga umaga<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Nang ipinababasa mo ang mga tulang
unti-unting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Bumabaklas sa nagdaang kahangalan,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">O nang ipinalalanghap ang pulbos ng yeso<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Na tila ideyang pulbura sa mukha ng pisara,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Upang sa hapon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Makibahagi sa laksang de goma<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sa nag-iinit na kalsada at gilid ng
pabrika.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Batid mong may sanggol sa kunang<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">kailangan ng haplos,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">May kabiyak na muling magtatanong,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">May inang ang luha’y rosaryo sa supling,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ngunit talos mong higit na kailangang<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Gupitin ang kuko ng pamahiing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Nakasingkaw sa araro,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Tistisin ang utak na niluto<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sa aparato ng baliw na libro,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">At paglinawin ang kaluluwang <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Hinalina ng karangyaan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ang binhi ng mga bulaklak<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Na may nakasusong ugat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sa dibdib ng aspalto at siwang ng pader,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ay kailangang ihasik na punlang malusog<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sa puso ng nayon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">at bato ng bundok<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Upang gawing bandila<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sa isang prusisyon ng pagtutunggali,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ang santo ay laya <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sa karosang bayan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Natagpuan kitang<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ang siwang ng mga daliri’y<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Uod ang siyang nagsisipaglagos,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ang ibong panggabi’y naghahapunan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sa pisnging tuyo na ang dugo,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Subalit ang binhing bumaon sa lupa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
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<span lang="EN-US">ay muling sisibol<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ang mga sanga ay sisiputan <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ng milyong bulaklak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ito’y saglit na gunita<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Di iyak ang tugon <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sa habang panahon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sinulat ni
Valerio L. Nofuente<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Collegian Folio
l975-1976<o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-43730183642968302202012-03-04T17:16:00.000-08:002012-03-04T17:16:29.492-08:00<div class="WordSection1"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">MY DAUGHTER LAURIE<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">BY: Alicia Morelos<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She was born on March 18, l948 - Thursday at 11:20 pm in a private hospital in Manila - a much awaited and very welcomed baby. She was christened Maria Lorena Barros and nicknamed Laurie after her mother’s favorite character in “Little Women.” She grew up cherished by everybody around her - mother, lolo, uncles and aunts. She never gave anybody much trouble during her infancy aside from the periodic colds which no doubt she would not have caught if her aunts and uncles didn’t kiss her too much. Dr. Spock and his little book were never far away from her crib. The do’s and don’ts were strictly followed to the annoyance of the old folks. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At age three months when most babies just kick and coo, Laurie in her crib had a most unusual stance. Lying there in her crib, she would raise her tiny clenched left fist above her heart which position she would hold for hours on end. It was remarkable and everybody used to wonder and predict all sorts of things but all agreed she would grow up to be fighter. A prediction which was almost unbelievable since she grew up to be as gentle and sweet as nobody else. She was never spanked and the only form of punishment she received was to be made to sit alone -when she was naughty - which was very rare. As a little girl of three, she could not stand to see her playmates cry without her shedding a few tears as well. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The family’s world revolved around her and although all the ingredients for being spoiled were around, she was never one. Her curiosity was endless and some astounding questions used to convulse the whole family like, are the minutes moving too fast and fell over each other that is why the clock stopped or where does night go in the morning. She knew unerringly when one is side stepping her most impossible questions and she would put on her you don’t fool me expression. Can you imagine how a bird would look with four feet she would ask. Or, do you think the birds think they are the real inhabitants of the earth and we are the beast. She was always encouraged to ask questions and answered correctly.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She was often taken on outings, sometimes in the country, usually in the park and there was always pity in her heart for the beggars and why do they have to beg. Although she was loved dearly by the family (being the only child in the house) she was a lonely child. She used to wait up nights (and be scolded for doing so) for her mother who saw the need for employment when she was barely one year old. She was left mostly physically under the care of yayas, of course under the direct supervision of her mother who was very strict with the yayas. Mother-daughter relationship was ideal and there was almost camaraderie between them. Laurie was made to feel that no remark of hers or questions would shock her mother. Anything under the sun was open to discussion. Her mother tried to fill in her loneliness by buying books that fit her age. Thus, she was exposed early to books and reading. Everybody in the family was a voracious reader.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At age four, her mother saw the need for outside contacts and had Laurie enrolled at a private kinder class. She very easily topped the class. Laurie was enrolled for Grade I at the Instituto de Mujeres which at the time was situated at the present site of the University of the East - College of Medicine, on to Grade II remaining consistently an honor student after which she was transferred to St. Joseph’s College where she stayed until Grade VII also an honor student throughout. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">By this time, she had reached that awkward age, no more a child, still not a woman. And she was beginning to be aware of boys. And so, again, a need for broader contacts. At about this time, mother and daughter left the family house and moved to an apartment with a new step-father. Although there was a drastic change in their way of life, Laurie didn’t seem to mind. There was one more person to discuss things with - as her Tito Aling (as she called him) was an intellectual - high I.Q., well read, etc. and understanding to boot. Now her mother didn’t need to be tied down to a job and could stay home. No irksome complexes developed even when a brother was born - no sibling complex. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She was very sure of her special niche in her mother’s heart. At about this time too, there were serious discussions about country and nationalism and all the isms. She would ask and ask questions about the Commonwealth, the Japanese occupation, the resistance movement, the Americans and independence. Are we truly free? They would stay up far into the night in discussions. She herself was disengaging herself from her mother’s clasp, striking free and moving independently. She was beginning to have her own circle of friends and a first crush. A neighbor, the only son of a friend of her mother. This boy had a vocation for priesthood but when he met Laurie, for a while there everybody thought one candidate for priesthood would be lost to the profession. Happily for the mother, and unhappily for Laurie, at summer’s end, the boy trotted away to the seminary. Laurie showed a resiliency that belied her protestations of breaking heart. After several days, she was again biking away in glee. Never again, she said. Famous last words.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">All thru that summer, before she entered the secondary course, her mother made her walk correctly, carry herself high, etc. Everything that would turn her into a proper young lady.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Laurie and her mother thought St. Joseph’s College was much too encircling and it was decided that she would transfer to Far Eastern University. At home, she helped in the household chores. Except when she was reading, a period which was usually endless and at which time any disturbance annoyed her.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In high school, she got the usual exemptions, scholarships and medals. All her subjects were for her interesting, except home economics and Math. In Math, she said, she found her Waterloo. She profoundly admired and was deeply awed by anybody who could find Math easy and interesting. Math periods were usually a constant battle to fight off yawning (which she was taught was impolite) and the deep urge to “lay me down to sleep” to quote her. Home Economics for her was a cord; taught to tie women down to hearth and home. Slowly, the woman in her was being liberated. There was a constant struggle between embroidery projects and cooking lessons. She was usually in tears and deep frustration on deadline for submissions of projects which her mother usually finished for her. She knew how to make outline stitches and french knots she would say and now will somebody finish this rag for her please. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Her cooking was outrageous. Frying eggs, she would wait for the edges to curl and color until by the time she got eggs separated from pan, fried eggs would be as crispy as bacon. Many a time the family sat down to a meal of slightly burned rice which she cooks while reading a book and promptly forgets until the smell of burning rice permeates the whole house at which time she would jump up and raise the lid, forgetting to use the pot holder and scalding her fingers in the process. She used to fry bangus armed with the largest pot cover she could find while staying miles away from the stove looking for all the world like a Crusader off for the Holy Wars. It used to intrigue her as to why the shooting lard always managed to land on her unprotected face and arms and not on her shield. Any cooking sessions in which she emerged whole and unscathed, i.e., no cuts, no burns, etc. were moments of ecstatic and Freudian delight. To find her with needle and thread in her hand instead of a book would be amazing and disastrous to the peace of mind of her mother. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div></div><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" /> </span></i> <div class="WordSection2"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The comfort room was a battleground between her and other members of the family. She would go in with a whole bundle of reading materials and emerge only when laid under siege by the others due to an instant emergency. Ate, what are you doing there, her little brother would ask meanwhile dancing on one foot after the other. Nag-la-library, ano pa she would answer. In the early mornings it was always a race for the bathroom before she woke up. She had her own room and all the privacy she needed but for her it was not as private as the bathroom from whence she would emerge soaking wet with perspiration as the tiny cubicle had only a high and as tiny a window. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She was starting to seriously write, although she wrote her first poem when she was ten years old or nine. Her mother begun to collect every bit of discarded writing while the budding genius furiously wrote and wrote and wrote.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">During her high school days, she was president or vice -president of this and that organization, chairman of this and that. She was always at the core of every activity which left her with very little time to spend at home and made her mother remark from time to time - how you have grown since I saw you last. She outgrew her shyness and started to mingle with others. The parties and one crush after the other were the topics of the day. Coming home from school, she would gush, Nanay, I’ve met the man I’m going to marry. O.K., would be the answer, who is the lucky guy. As easily as a boy would interest her, just as easily and as soon she would be disinterested. It never reached the stage of going steady, as they called it. To questions of whatever happened to so and so, she would answer, oh that, he was such an egoist, always harping about the same subject, himself. Si ako, sometimes is also an interesting subject. Or, this one was mama’s boy. Or that one tells the corniest jokes and expects you to laugh. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Laurie used to call herself Cinderella. Home by midnight was the standing order before departure for any party, at which she would coax and wheedle her mother to extend the time an hour or so usually with help from unexpected quarters, her step-father. Her mother was out of step with the times. Nowadays no curfew was set on the youngsters. Not this youngster, would be the reply and certainly not this mother. And as Laurie was always an obedient child, midnight it always was.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At sixteen, Laurie had grown into a well-poised and not bad-looking young lady. She always drew second glances when she was walking, but her bearing plus her glasses forbade whistles and unsavory remarks. Abruptly the party-going ceased. No more crushes. Men are eternal egoists. She met Proust, Frost, Solzhenitsyn and the whole alphabet of writers and poets and really and truly, she said, she had found her love. It was now deep reading and her mother couldn’t be happier with the turn of events. The party going gave way to browsing in bookstores.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She graduated from high school with honors. The FEU Girls’ High School pinned on her a gold medal for Creative Writing. the only time such a medal was given out.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div></div><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" /> </span></i> <div class="WordSection3"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There were family discussions on what further studies she would take. The most logical courses would be A.B. English, Journalism or such related courses but her mother firmly believed that studying must be rigid to be able to exploit fully the capabilities of the mind and to exercise and discipline it. Taking up the arts wouldn’t really require any effort on her part at all as this was as symphony with her as fish is with water. So she must try to conquer her waterloo and take up Bio-Chem. After two or three semesters, during which time she really tried hard to stir up an interest in Mathematics, her mother noticed the deep frustration building within her (she was beginning to be insomniac, she would complain, as she gets her full quota of sleep during her subjects) and agreed to her switch in course which was Anthropology, a study which her mother always pretended to confuse with Archeology. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The discussions at home became livelier. Studying the ancients, her mother would begin, and the long buried races, when the present race makes a much more interesting, more complex and nearer home base study. But mother, you can’t really take up the present without going back to the past and will somebody please tell me why we always argue in English. Such a switch in the subject usually flabbergasted her opponent who would quickly dare her to talk in the vernacular for just one hour without any use of foreign words, a dare she never took up, blaming her mother instead for her un-mastery of her native tongue. The arguments and discussions made her more mentally alert and ready for more and more importantly, there was a two-way communication. There was never any antagonism in the arguments. It was more like a challenge to her and she knew how to argue, never letting personalities get in the way of arguments. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But Laurie was not a paragon of perfection. She had her faults and weaknesses. One such weakness was this terrible fright of cockroaches. On some silent night, there would suddenly be such a rumpus in her room with the sound of bare feet scampering all over and rushing down the stairs in such haste everybody was almost anticipating her fall. She would put her arms around her mother’s neck and in dramatic whisper - In the still of the night, the sounds of flitting wings, and lo, a flying cockroach, sublime in that it awakened the fear in my heart - or some such nonsensical poetry and anger in her mother’s heart would give way to gale after gale of laughter. The sight of her so big and the thought of the cockroach being so small, she with broom in hand swishing away at the insect was enough to start off another round of laughter. The battle should be short. As it was, she always ended up the vanquished. The thought of all that white nauseating substance oozing out of the body kept her from ever hitting the insect and the better part of valor she always said was running away to keep the insect from landing on her. None but her mother knew what great courage it took to shake off this distaste and fear of the repellent insects found in our jungles. Well, it seems that during her MAKIBAKA days, she laid down the law. The cockroach could fly till doomsday for all she cared and this law she kept. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">While the rest of the room was neat and tidy, her study table was always in complete disarray. Thus it would stay for days and weeks on end. The moment anybody (usually her mother) made it look like a study table again, she would be demanding all over the house who has been messing up her table. There was this little piece of paper which she must absolutely have. This little piece of paper had been in this particular place on the table for eons of time and now that it had been neatly filed away, she misses it. Where is this and where is that. She suddenly needed everything that had been gathering dust all the while.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div></div><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" /> </span></i> <div class="WordSection4"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Out of the blue, with a dead pan expression on her face, would issue forth this deadly announcement, I am having a parthenogenic pregnancy. Fine, would come the retort, the moment your parthenogenic labor pains start, just let me know. Mother dear, your equanimity is boring. Would nothing ever shock you? Yes, one, if you were to tell me you’re not hungry. Laurie. Poor Laurie. The family then was living in what she called genteel poverty. She sometimes left for school with only twenty five centavos in her pocket. From the house, she used to walk to Nepa-Q-Mart and from there take a bus to UP which then cost ten centavos. Back and forth would take twenty from her twenty five centavos leaving her only with five centavos for her lunch which would be a stick of banana que consisting of three pieces. No matter that they were having dilis or tuyo for lunch, the placemats must be laid out just the same. Poverty shouldn’t be an excuse for primitivism would be her dictum. Eating sans placemat is being primitive? Watching her pick at the tuyo with spoon and fork one would think she was eating chicken instead. Dainty Laurie. And so fastidious. All these hardships will strengthen your character, she was told. All these hardships shouldn’t be any future crippled excuse for failure. It must be in spite of instead of because.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Soon there were suitors a plenty. People were in and out the house at all times of the day and it annoyed the rest of the family, so much so that her mother was forced to remonstrate. In my days, she would begin and Laurie would interrupt, in your days me was still in limbo. No Laurie, no excitement. Another object of disagreement was the Basement. When she first heart about it from Laurie she made a research on all the dictionaries she could find and it all turned up with the same definition: the lowest storey of a building usually underground. Her mother begun to ask herself in panic, what could these kids be doing underground. She soon exasperated Laurie to the point where she was taken on an inspection tour of all the places in the campus where the students congregate. The Basement looked comparatively harmless. Was it because Laurie chose the time when the place was almost empty just to pacify her mother’s fears? Still, one must realize and accept the fact that procreation could take place even in the most public and crowded places so taken all in all it would depend on one’s moral values and on such philosophy the Basement was laid to rest.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Her crowd took on a literary tinge. Majors in English most of them. Laurie became a member of the U.P. Writer’s Club and was at one time its chairman (or woman). Inevitably came the awakening.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That period of mass demonstrations and rallies found her in the thick of things, while at home her mother remained glued to the radio. Every pill box thrown or shot fired was a calamity for her family until one night she did come home with her left foot in bandages. She was told to be a little bit more careful as her work hasn’t even begun. Her mother was waging a private battle within herself. If such were your selfish feelings why did you instill in Laurie such love for country. Not now, not yet. Why not? Now is when she is needed. A mother’s natural reaction to the risks and occupational hazards dodging her revolutionary daughter’s footsteps.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div></div><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" /> </span></i> <div class="WordSection5"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">By the 70's, Laurie was immersed in student activism and slowly becoming aware of the true, sad state of the country. Every revelation was a shock to her. How could she have been so stupid, she used to remark, when the facts were so plain and simple that no explanation was really necessary for anybody with average intelligence. Capitalism and imperialism and the colonial mentality deeply ingrained in the Filipinos by past foreign rulers. And the subservient attitude of the so called present independent government to a foreign power. To her, it was unbelievable that it was some of her countrymen themselves who were practically handing over the country and the future of generations to come to foreign capitalism. The fawning attitude of some of our leaders was for her more nauseating than the cockroaches’ innards. She read the message of our most brilliant writers between the newspaper lines and publications. She brought home books, lots of them, and studied all the political isms. And then one day, she abruptly stopped reading and writing and assumed a deeply pensive attitude around the house. You were right, mother, she said one day. A government whose real power comes from the people and not a chosen few is the only kind that would work for the welfare of the whole country and brighten up the future of the masses and the generations to come. She was quick to realize that not words but only bullets could bring this about, and the whole stinking mess of the bureaucratic government must be shoved back across the oceans from whence it came. It made her sad thinking of all those lives that had to be lost in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After group studies with several democratic movements, with several others, she organized the MAKIBAKA, early realizing the disorganization among the Filipino women and its potentials. Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan. From the very start it perked up the women and swiftly spread, with chapters all over the country. With its success, her freedom of movement was curtailed. The state posted out a reward for her capture with several others student leaders. She started to lead a semi-fugitive life. With the suspension of the habeas corpus, the danger to her life became very real and she bore deeper underground. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Her family was constantly harassed by the military. Through her letters, her mother followed her political awakening. She was an excellent letter writer with the ability to put her ideas and message across with very few words. The letters came sporadically depending on the political climate. There were furtive meetings between mother and daughter and thru one of these the information of a personal attachment with Felix R. One early dawn, she took him home to meet her mother who was so a-dither for their safety that the latter only had a vague impression of the man her daughter was going to marry, only that he seemed nice and soft spoken and so unlike a commander of the revolutionary army that he was. Several months after, he was killed in an encounter and Laurie wrote home that although everything seemed to come tumbling down, she knew that with her heart crying with the tragedy, she had to keep a cheerful facade and not transmit her feelings of grief to others. She would heal the wound herself - alone.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Being an honor student at the State University, she was offered a membership in the international honor society, Phi Kappa Phi which she promptly turned down. Commercializing one’s own intellect and academic pursuits was one step too far. She graduated in B.S. Anthropology without participating in the ceremonies, actually being outside the auditorium with several others protesting against the type of education being dished out by the schools to knowledge-hungry youths.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div></div><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" /> </span></i> <div class="WordSection6"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With her freedom of movement curtailed, she turned over chairmanship of MAKIBAKA to more capable hands and gave herself wholly to the masses. She worked with them tilling the fields, planting, harvesting with them, gathering firewood, cooking and washing with them. She wept with them when they buried their dead and she sometimes starved with them. Their joy (which was infinitesimal) was her joy and their sorrows (which were numerous) were her sorrows. The plight of the masses was her constant companion. She undertook jobs which before were totally unknown to her. From the masses, she learned ingenuity, making do with what is available. She acquired a wisdom which no school could ever impart which came down from generation to generation of our forefathers at the grass root level. She opened their eyes to cause and effect. There is no doubt that her share in building a strong, solid mass base was tremendous.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Inevitably in her letters, there was mention once again of a man’s name - Ramon S. And just as suddenly and stealthily as the first, they came home together one night and announced they were married.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Martial Law was declared and with this, everyone knew the fight was on in earnest. For Laurie, it was moving from one house to another. Many a time she wrote home asking for clothes as most of the time there was barely time to jump from windows to escape the raiders. Out in the rural areas, they had more freedom of movement. The youth of the land, the cream of the crop, sought the safety of the mountains to evade arrest and detention. And to spread the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">For Laurie, there were still visits to the urban area, meetings and talking with her mother. During this time, she became pregnant and as her condition hampered the movement of the others, she chose to stay where medical services were readily available and on the appointed time, in a little known private clinic, under an assumed name, she gave birth to a boy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">From then on, it was doubly hard for her. She was always on the run with the baby in her arms. At one time, with the baby in her arms, she had to scale a seven foot fence and jumped down and in the rain with no protection whatsoever she escaped the raiders, hiding with neighbors who took pity on her and the baby. Although it broke her heart, she knew she had to part with her baby.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Up to the mountains once more and in one of her descents, she was caught.. She tried to escape and she would have if her borrowed shoes, which were several sizes too big, didn’t prove a hindrance. On the way to the camp, she jumped from the jeep and ran once more and once again was caught. The exasperated state agent had to handcuff her to himself as he didn’t want to shoot her, so he said. To the camp commander, with arms akimbo, she stamped her feet and demanded the rights of a political prisoner. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She gave a fictitious name and profession to give time for her group to disperse. Her ploy was discovered one month after. She was very happy that after her arrest none other followed. She was taken to Camp Vicente Lim and interrogated heavily. Even here she tried to confuse her interrogators by giving a wide variety of stories from day to day. Her fertile imagination had a free run. Sometimes she was positively enjoying herself she said. In desperation the authorities invited her mother for a talk. They were just trying to straighten up her personal data they said and nothing more. Would she help? As there was nothing political in the questions, she tried as best she could without jeopardizing anybody. That her Arabian Thousand and One Nights, as exhausting for her as for her interrogators was discontinued, was a disappointment. But vigorously she turned herself to other tasks. She was so successful here that the authorities transferred her to Fort Bonifacio. Trouble maker, they called her.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div></div><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" /> </span></i> <div class="WordSection7"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Even there she refused to settle down to the humdrum life of a political prisoner and await her release. Right from the start, she began to plan her escape. Meanwhile, in the south, her husband surrendered. The real cause was still dim, but to Laurie, it was a betrayal both personal and political. She was still willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and tried to make contact unsuccessfully. She felt personally she had to recapture lost ground brought about by the surrender and exceed with victories the damage done. Plans for the escape was pushed through and success! With five others, she did escape.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">She joined the revolutionary army. Communication with the family was kept open but rare. Sometimes months passed between letters and in one of these, there was again mention of a man - Eliseo M. - a mathematical genius from UPLB. This man she really admired; Math being still the unconquerable for her. But coming from one of his tasks, he was detected and caught, tortured, then shot. It was one heartbreak after another for Laurie. After recovering from the shock which as usual she tried to hide from her companions, she took stock and inventory and the inevitable conclusion – the cause should be her one and only love and none other. It was extremely jealous and would permit no other rival for her attention and time.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">March 24, l976 - Early dawn<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There were unusual stealthy sounds and Laurie rushed to the door of the hut and whistled the pre-arranged signal for dispersal and escape and in the process was shot all over the body. All her companions escaped unhurt. Her family tried to claim her body at once, but it being a week-end, all the corresponding offices were closed. The military gave her a decent burial because even they admired her courage. Commander Mila, who had given them so much trouble, was no more.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This is Laurie, the woman, wife, mother and leader. She will live on and on, and there will be more like her, there must be, because only through them will the country be able to stand erect and truly free.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This is Laurie the baby, whose lullaby song was Bayan ko. Laurie, the little girl, who always had compassion in her heart for the beggars and stray waifs in the streets, Laurie the adolescent raised to awareness of her country’s sorry plight, Laurie the sweet girl, so soft-spoken until she raised her voice to shout “Makibaka!” This Laurie - daughter, sister and friend to many. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Laurie the sweetheart, wife, mother and comrade will be resurrected only when there is true freedom in our country.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">HABILIN<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Aking iniluluha, iyong pagkawala<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Tangi kong panimdim<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Kay raming gawain<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Iyong iniwanan na dapat gampanin.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sa iyong paglisan, sino<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ang dadampi <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sa luha ng ina,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div></div><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span></i> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ng mga kasamang iyong inulila?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Pagsapit ng dilim, paglubog ng araw,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Iyong ibinubulong<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Iyong isinisigaw<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ina, tahan na, ikaw ay kumilos, hayo na’t damputin<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sandatang bumagsak ng ako’y paslangin.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Huwag mong iluha aking pagkawala<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ako’y buhay pa,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Naito’t nagmamaka-awa<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Huag mong sikilin, huag mong ilibing, init ng <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Damdamin at paghihimagsik sa pagkakagapos ng<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Kawawang bansa<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At paghihikahos ng kawawang masa.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oo nga’t tutoo, kay raming gawain<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Na dapat tupdin<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Kung bawa’t isa’‘y<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Kikilos, tutulong, ang lahat ng iyan<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Magagampanan, kay daling darating ang ating tagumpay.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Buhay ako, aking ina, aking mga kasama<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Nagu-udyok, nagnanasa<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Na sa pakikibaka<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Pamalagiing nangunguna, masidhing adhika at <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Pagmamahal sa ating dakilang bansa.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Naitong bandila, naitong sandata,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Iyong damputin <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.0in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Iyong gamitin<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ikaw ay bumulong, iyong sambitin at tulad ko’y isigaw<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Makibaka, mga kasama, huag matakot, makibaka!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-25751371878777103892012-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:002012-12-17T18:22:46.091-08:00<div class="WordSection1">
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<span lang="EN-US">TWO POEMS (2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ipil is harder to bear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">without you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">A leaf falls beside my hand;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">already it is memory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">like hours spent together<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Grief at parting is like<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">A tear shed for a leaf,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">pain assuaged<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">by the promise of a new bud<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">at the tip<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">but our friendship draws<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">its sustenance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">from the rich soil of people’s war<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It will continue to grow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">and bear fruit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">for the people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> II<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Yesterday I had a talk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">with an old man<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">who had your eyes-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The same laughing squint<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">hiding a watchfulness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">that catches even hints<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">of rainbows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">He spoke to me of patience<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">in his voice a whole season...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">you have endured<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">the first minute<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">of your own dark season-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ah, I can bear to think of it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">only when I can see you smile!-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">comrade, dear friend<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">teach me how not to flinch <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">through mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">- Ma. Lorena Barros </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"> Collegian Folio, l975-l976 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-47065296496133044542011-12-10T13:49:00.000-08:002011-12-10T13:49:45.006-08:00<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">SAMPAGUITA<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">This morning Little Comrade<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">gave me a flower’s bud<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I look at it now<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">remembering you, Felix,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">dear friend and comrade<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">and all the brave sons and daughters<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">of our suffering land<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">whose death<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">makes our blades sharper<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">gives our bullets<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">surer aim.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">How like this pure white bud<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">are our martyrs<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">fiercely fragrant with love<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">for our country and people!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">With what radiance they should still have unfolded!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">But sadness should not be<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">their monument. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Whipped and lashed desperately<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">by bombed-raised storms<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">has not our Asian land<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">continued to bloom?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Look how bravely our ranks<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">bloom into each gap.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">With the same intense purity and fragrance<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">we are learning to overcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US"> - Ma. Lorena Barros </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US"> Summer of 1973<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US"> Published in Ulos</span></div></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">SAMPAGITA<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Kaninang umaga ang Munting Kasama’y<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">naghandog ng buko ng bulaklak.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Minamasdan ko iyon ngayong<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Ginugunita kita, Felix,<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Mahal na kaibigan at kasama<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">At lahat ng magiting na anak<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Ng ating nagdurusang bayan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Na ang mga kamatayan ay<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Nagpatalas sa ating mga sundang<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">At nagbigay sa ating mga punglo<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Ng tiyak na puntirya…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Katulad nitong dalisay na talulot<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">ang ating mga martir<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">na may bangis at halimuyak sa pagmamahal<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">sa ating bayan at mamamayan!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">anong rikit ng liwanag na dapat pa nilang ibukadkad!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Ngunit hindi lungkot ang dapat<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">nilang bantayog.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Hinaplit sa kawalang pag-asa<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">ng sigwa ng mga bomba<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Di nga ba’t ang ating Asya<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">ay patuloy na namumulaklak?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Masdan kung gaano katapang ang ating hanay<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">na bumukadkad bawat patlang.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Nang may katulad na masidhing kadalisayan at halimuyak<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Natututo tayong magwagi.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">(Salin ni Joel B. Saracho)<o:p></o:p></div><br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-5323472381438645802011-11-12T11:40:00.000-08:002011-11-12T11:40:31.628-08:00Sulat sa Ina, Hulyo 23, 1973<br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">23 Hulyo 1973<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mahal kong ina at kasama - <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Labis kong ikinalulungkot na hindi tayo nakapagpaalam nang harapan. Kay rami pa nating pag-uusapan! Subalit kailangang makasapat ang sulat na ito. Nais kong ipaabot sa iyo ang nilalaman ng ilang pahina mula sa aking notebook.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ang una ay may petsang Mayo 21. Katatanggap ko pa lang ng isa mong liham:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Pagkat ikaw lang ang magulang na kinagisnan ko, labis-labis ang pagmamahal ko sa iyo mula pa sa aking pagkabata. Subalit ang lahat ng taong minahal kita bilang magulang ay katumbas lang ng isang taong minahal kita bilang kasama. Kahit iilang pagkakataon lang tayo nagkita sa loob ng taong ito ay kay lapit ng ating kalooban sa isa’t isa. Totoong maraming sandaling nais kong makapiling ka, ihinga sa iyo ang lahat ng kalungkutang di ko maaring ipakita sa mga kasama pagkat dapat ay lagi tayong masigla. Subalit isipin ko lang na mauunawaan mo ako ng lubo ay gumagaan na ang aking loob. Mapalad ako sa pagkakaroon ng isang komunistang ina!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Lagi kong naaalala ang iyong huling sulat. Nabanggit mo ang inyong paghihirap kung paano halos lamang-tiyan na lang ang kinakain ng aking mga maliliit na kapatid. Subalit wala ni anino ng pagkalunos sa iyong mga salita – parang malamig na tubig sa naghahapding sugat ang iyong sinabi: “ang pagsumikapan nating dalawa ay ang parating manatiling matatag at masigla lalo na sa harap ng ibang kasama”. Kay palad ko sa iyo, ina! Kahit minsan ay di ako nakarinig sa iyo ng panunumbat, gayong kung di ko inilaan ang aking buong buhay sa rebolusyon ay marahil di kayo maghihirap nang ganito. Naghahapdi ang aking kalooban tuwing maiisip kong nagugutom kayo ng aking mga kapatid. Lumalaki sila at kailangan nila ng masustansiyang pagkain. Masakit sa aking isiping wala akong tuwirang maitulong sa inyo. Inip na inip na akong makalabas at sumapi sa ating magiting na hukbo! Isulong ang digmaang bayan upang lalong mapabilis ang pagbagsak ng bulok na lipunan!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Bago ko matanggap ang iyong sulat, kung anu-anong “multo’t halimaw” ang nasa isipan ko. Lagi akong malungkot, nangingibabaw sa akin ang dalamhati para sa mga kasamang nadakip o nasawi at sa kanilang mga naiwang mahal sa buhay. Ngayon masigla ko na muling nahaharap ang bawat araw. Sino ang makaiisip na ikaw, ang awtoridad na pinaghimagsikan ko nuong aking kabataan, ay siyang magandang halimbawa sa akin ngayon! Anong mga milagro ang di nagagawa ng pakikibakang dakila tulad ng sa atin!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ang tulang ito ay may petsang 11 Hulyo 1973<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Ina<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ano ang isang ina?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mayamang hapag ng <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">gutom na sanggol<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Kumot sa gabing maginaw<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Matamis na uyayi<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tubig<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">sa naghahapding sugat<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ngunit ano ang isang <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">komunistang Ina?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maapoy na tanglaw<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">tungo sa liwayway<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sandigang bato<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lupang bukal ng lakas<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">sa digma.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">katabi sa labanan at<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">alalay sa tagumpay<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ang ina ko<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; tab-stops: 2.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 2.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 2.5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Cita Tagumpay<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hindi ko na kailangang sabihin pa na umaasa ako sa iyong pagsubaybay sa aming anak. Ibuhos mo sa kanya ang damdaming-ina na di ko maipadama – hanggang sa panahong makukuha ko na siya, na sana’y di hihigit sa isang taon.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hanggang sa muli. Huwag kang mag-alala sa akin. Ipaaabot ko ang iyong pangungumusta sa ama ni lengleng.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Sa rebolusyon,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> ang iyong anak<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-50719488421940386552011-09-16T20:57:00.000-07:002011-09-16T20:57:33.469-07:00<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">YOU ARE LORD<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">We step to a stately measure<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">you and I sedately flirt<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">around each other<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US">you<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">will not have me ardent: emotion<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">is unsophisticated.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">To speak of love we must<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">quote; your aesthetic will not<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">admit of creative stutter.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US">well<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">you are lord<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">and I must wait, but<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">there are only so many steps to<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">a dance, and only so many words <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">to Byron.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US">Why there is no need for M. Fred<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> in Modern Society<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">We all of us are<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">aluminum pots<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">crack proof.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">dented? easier<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">replaced than mended.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><br />
</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> - Ma. Lorena Barros</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.0in;"><span lang="EN-US"> Philippine Collegian<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 2.0in;"><span lang="EN-US"> May 22, l966 </span><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-90046942724846596512011-08-07T13:16:00.000-07:002011-08-08T07:33:52.919-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEsrnXFsTov0HOb06452w7umsuq12ZnWMRw_q7uMbmjxxB3mpQsO8tnE2aIyiYYKqADvZS9bHnLsJtE6csP2IYnJNZLYA4jxbsSyXuMjPl6MoBH9kyyysqsqH4qBq2fH4a8bNT987joo/s1600/101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEsrnXFsTov0HOb06452w7umsuq12ZnWMRw_q7uMbmjxxB3mpQsO8tnE2aIyiYYKqADvZS9bHnLsJtE6csP2IYnJNZLYA4jxbsSyXuMjPl6MoBH9kyyysqsqH4qBq2fH4a8bNT987joo/s320/101.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">17 Enero 1976</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mga kasama, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Bagamat medyo huli na, maalab na pagbati sa ika-7 anibersaryo ng ating Partido. Dumating ang inyong mga sulat bago mag-Pasko at tunay na nakapagdagdag ito sa diwa ng pagdiriwang. Kay sayang makarinig mula sa mga napalayong kasama! Hindi kami nakapagpadala ng sagot noong huling lakad ng kom pagkat nagipit sa panahon. Sa panig ko, pawang mga opisyal na sulat at ulat lang ang nakaya kong tapusin. Kaya nga’t para sa ulat na ito’y sinamantala ko ang madaling araw. Totoong napakabigat ng iskedyul namin lalo na ngayon. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ang sonang gerilya na kinapapalooban ko ay nasa panahon na naman ng pamamasok ng kaaway. Patapos na ang tag-ulan at muli na naman nilang matatawid ang mga ilog at dagat. Napakahalagang maihanda ang Partido, hukbo at masa upang ito’y makapanatili ng sarili at huwag madurog ng kaaway. Malaki ang pagkahawig ng sonang ito sa mga sona sa CL. Relatibong malapit sa malalaking sentro at linya ng komunikasyon, malaki ang taya ng mga naghaharing uri at dayuhang kapitalista, bagamat bulubundukin at may ilang bahaging prontera. Noong nakaraang taon, laban sa ating dadalawang iskuwad gerilya na halos pawang single-shot ang mga baril, nagbuhos ang kaaway ng isang batalyong PC-PA tropa. Ang layunin ng operasyon ay “inisin sa duyan” ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan ditto; alam ng kaaway na maliit at mahina pa ang ating puwersa.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bagamat 5 kasamang kadre at mandirigma ang napatay sa operasyon at 2 namumunong kadre ang nadakip bukod sa mahigit isandaang masa na dinakip o binugbog bigo ang kaaway, nananatiling buo ang ating hanay at matatag tayong maling nagbangon. Sabi nga, muli tayong tumayo, magpahid ng dugo’s malibing ang mga kasamang nasawi at mahigpit na humawak ng sandata upang muling humarap sa kaaway.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Nitong mga huling buwan, ang organisasyon ng Partido sa sona ay naglagom ng karanasan upang makita ang naging mga kahusayan at kahinaan sa nakaraang pagkilos. Marubdob na nag-aral ang buong kasapian sa mga ginanap na komperensyang pangteorya. Naging malinaw sa mga kasama ang mga katangian ng sona at kung paano sa nakaraang pagkilos ay naging hiwalay sa kongkretong kalagayan ang naitakda at naisagawang programa. Pangunahing tendensya ang bahid ng dogmatismo at “kaliwang paglihis”, naging labis ang pagtaya sa sariling puwersa at lubhang matayog ang mga ambisyon. Sa kaparaanan ng pagwawasto, lalong napalalim ang pag-unawa ng buong kasapian sa digmaang bayan at maraming natutuhan hinggil sa paglapat ng MLMTT (Marksismo-Leninismo-Kaisipang MaoTsetung) sa mga aktwal na kalagayan. Sa ngayon, natapos na ang malaking bahagi ng pagwawasto at panloob na konsolidasyon; nasa yugto na ng pagbigay ng pangunahing diin sa pampulitikang gawain. Makailang ulit na mas handa ang ating subhetibong puwersa sa pagharap sa panibagong pananalakay ng kaaway. Kung maiiwasan ang naging mga kamalian sa nakaraan, di magtatagal at malalagay na tayo sa kalagayang makapaglulunsad ng taktikal na pananalakay sa kaaway.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sa gitna ng ganitong kalagayan, marahil mauunawaan ninyo kung bakit medyo nadiskaril ako sa ilang mga nakuhang impresyon mula sa inyong mga sulat. Lubog na lubog ako sa kalagayan ng digmaan at medyo nagitla ako sa nakitang kalagayan ng ilang mga kasama – na wala sa digmaan o parang wala sa digmaan. Ngunit sa panahong namagitan mula noong una kong mabasa ang inyong mga sulat at ngayon, napag-isipan ko na ito ng mas malalim at nakikita kong maging ang mga kasamang sa wari’y wala sa digmaan ay nakapaloob ito at di mahihiwalay na bahagi nito. Halimbawa na lang, di ba’t halos pawang nabilanggo na tayo? Naging POWs (Prisoners of War)?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At ngayon ang iba sa atin ay nakabalik sa pangunahing agos samantalang ang iba’y naging DPs (displaced persons o water lilies sa terminolohiya ng lungsod). May ilan ding pansamantalang nahiwalay, hindi dahil sa pagkabilanggo kundi dahil sa ibang pangyayari tulad ng dislokasyon sa organisasyon ng Partido na dulot rin ng digmaan. Lahat tayo ay nasa digmaan pati na ang mga walang kamuwangmuwang tulad ng mga sanggol at taong di mulat. Ito ang ating obhetibong kalagayan. Nagkakaroon lamang ng kaibahan sa antas ng mga may kamalayang kapasiyahan na pumaloob sa digmaan at maging bahagi ng puwersang nagtatakda ng direksyon nito at tagumpay. Maari tayong dalhin na lang ng agos ng rebolusyon. At maari tayong siyang maging motibong puwersa nito, bahagi ng talibang organisasyon. Ngunit ito’y sa kasalukuyang yugto lang ng digmaan. Sa pag-unlad nito, tayong may kamalayan at karanasan na pipilitin at pipilitin ng kalagayang manguna sa rebolusyonaryong agos o sumalungat rito. Ito ang sinasabing “burden of awareness”. Hindi na natin maisasara ang mata ng diwang namulat na. Pansamantala, maaring mahilom ito, mapuwing. Subalit kamatayan na lang ang makapagpipikit. Kayat mulat tayong mananangan ng sandata para sa sambayanan o para sa mga mapagsamantala’t mapang-api, alin lang sa dalawa.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tulad ng sabi ni Kasamang Virgie, “we believe in you like hell.” Bagamat naipamukha na sa atin ng mga katulad ni Ramon na may ilang magtataksik sa rebolusyon mula sa kaloob-loobang hanay natin, hindi nasira ang tiwala ko sa nakararaming kasama. Buo ang pananalig ko na habang nakikitunggali tayo sa sarili ay magagapi ang anumang multo’t halimaw tulad ng pesimismo at pagpapabaya sa rebolusyonaryong tungkulin. Napakagandang senyales, sa wari ko, ang nasasalaming “self consciousness” sa inyong pagtaya sa sarili, ang kawalang pagkukunwari at walang kurap na pagtingin sa katotohanan. Bagamat nababalot sa madidilim na salita, ito’y may hugis ng pag-asa. Kundi’y hindi na marahil kayon mag-aabalang sumulat sa amin.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paano ko kaya maipahihiwatig kung paano lalung tumining sa isipan ko at damdamin ang kahulugan ng katagang “kasama” nang mabasa ko ang inyong liham? Tunay na nagkakalayo tayo sa pisikal na distansya at kinapapaloobang kapaligiran – ibang iba ang ating mga kalagayan – subalit naroon at di maipagkakamali ang init ng halik at yakap, ang marubdob na pagmamahalan na isinilang at binubuhay ng rebolusyon. Sabi nga ni Kasamang Cheng, alam na natin ang tibok ng bawat isa – hindi man ito lubusang nagkakasabay.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sana ay maunawaan niyo kung iisang sulat lang ang magawa ko sa ngayon para sa inyong lahat. May mga partikulat akong karanasan at kaisipan na nais ibahagi sa mga particular na kasama subalit kailangang mamili ako sa isang sulat o wala muna. Ayaw ko namang magpadala ng maraming sulat na pawang telegrama. Huwag niyo naman sana ako gantihan ng isang “joint letter” din! Nais kong maging mas malalim ang pang-unawa sa inyong buhay. Napakarami ring nais kong mabalitaan hinggil sa lungsod, sa mga isyu na mainit ngayon, sa kalagayang pangkultura, sa mga masalimuot na maniobrahan sa hanay ng mga reaksyonaryo, pag-unlad ng pandaigdigang kalagayan atbp atbp atbp. Napakahalaga sa amin rito na bihirang makabasa ng pahayagan o makapakinig ng radio, ng inyong buhay na pagsusuri sa pambansa at pandaigdigang mga pangyayari, kundi’y magiging napakakitid ng aming kamalayan – at ito’y maaring magbunga ng subhetismo o lokalismo. Tiyak na maraming bagay na “taken for granted” na ninyo subalit bago sa amin (at siempre vice, versa). Huwag tayong manghinawa o tamarin na sumulat sa isa’t isa. Mali ang sabi ni Kasamang Ine na di siya maaring maging ka-koresponsal ng mga tulad naming nasa kanayunan. Marami kayong alam na di namin alam. At hindi kami interesado sa mga magagandang balita lamang. Ang lahat, pati kapaitan at kasakitan ng isa’t isa, ay makabuluhan sa ating pag-aaral hinggil sa kabuuan ng buhay ng tao sa daigdig, at sa paglikha natin ng tunay na makataong lipunan.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Kaya, sa madaling salita, SUMULAT KAYO NG MAS MAHABA, hane? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bukod sa pagsulat, nais sana naming hilingin ang inyong patuloy na pagtulong sa pag-solicit ng mga pangangailangan dito. Maraming maliliit ngunti mahalagang mga bagay na maari niyong ipadala, tulad ng medyas, bonnets, kumot, panlamig, ballpens, notebooks, notepads, scissors, nailcutters, needles and thread, paper clips and fasteners, business envelopes, manila envelopes, large and small plastic bags, flashlights, batteries, jungle knives, medicines, pagkaing naitatabi o naiimbak tulad ng de lata at daing at mga instant foods gaya ng Royco soups, vetsin, pantalon at t-shirt na dark colored at madaling matuyo, mga sako, raincoats, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sabon atbp atbp. Kung magagawa niyong magsolicit kahit small amounts nito at tipunin bago ipadala rito, napakalaking tulong talaga. </span>May particular na pangangailangan rin dito ngayon ng tutulong ng research hinggil sa mga vested interests dito. Maari ba kayong tumulong?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At lalo’t higit, may malaking pangangailangan para sa mga kasamang gaganap sa gawaing liyason. Sino kaya sa inyo ang puwede? Kakailanganing mag-commute sa lalawigan mga dalawang beses sa isang buwan, magsagawa ng alliance work at pumasok sandali sa sona upang makapanayam ng lubos hinggil sa gawain. Ano ang inyong palagay? Sabik naming hihintayin ang application forms.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lampas 8:00 a.m. na at dumating ngayon lang ang mga kasama sa hukbo. Pawang pagod sila mula sa mahabang lakad at mabigat na pasanin, ngunit masisigla at maraming kuwento. Marami na muling gagawin kung kaya’t kailangang putulin na ito. Ang dalang balita ng mga kasama ay may nakatakdang pulong ngayon sa isang baryo na kalapit dito, pupulungin ng mga PC (Philippine Constabulary) ang masa pagkat sosonahin raw itong lugar. Malamang na sisimulan na muli ang konsentrasyon ng masa sa mga sentro ng baryo bilang paghahanda sa operasyon.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sige, talagang kailangan nang tumigil.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">MAKIBAKA, HUWAG MATAKOT!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Sa tagumpay,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Ka Luz<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771324757385312284.post-20108050045901863152011-07-08T04:52:00.000-07:002011-07-08T04:52:15.110-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US">AT FOUR O’CLOCK, OR FIVE<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">At four o’clock, or five,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">the neons leave the city to the dawn.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It comes, silent and spare,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">swept in by cleaners’ brooms. Taxis<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">are once more busy; the streets stretch<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">and lengthen every sound from the warming motors.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">White light spreads over the white cement;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">beneath the bridges huddled sleepers stir,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">turn over, and sleep again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Growing slowly heavy and opaque the white light<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">spreads over the commonplace of dogs<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">inspecting garbage.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Carbined watchmen nodding at warehouse doors,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">blind capiz windows.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Footsteps drag on the wooden stairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">His sanded lids, thick tongue seek<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Comfort in a pillow. Soon the reeking breath<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">has filled the room, and once more darkens it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">against the dawn.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> - Ma. Lorena Barros</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> undated; unpublished </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
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</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0