My Last Words

As I lay down here on the ground, shot down by the guwardiya sibil, I just want to say these few words...

MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!

-Pepe
(Justin Tung, 073545)

Influenza

There is currently a new strain of virus that has been causing quite a stir in the medical field. And guess what, my classmates (and I) suspect that I have it. We, soon-to-be doctors, were taught by our epidemiology professors that it is called the influenza virus. It is apparently highly contagious since almost a quarter of our class is already affected. What is interesting yet equally fearsome about the virus is that it can easily mutate. Meaning, immunity to one strain does not guarantee you immunity to another newer strain. Right now, I am having a high fever and my body, especially my lower back is aching. I always feel so tired and my head feels heavy that I am pinned on my bed most of the time. I feel dizzy every time I sit or stand up. Even my eyes ache when I move them. I also have sore throat which causes me to lose my appetite.

The symptoms caused by flu perfectly match what I am feeling and it is very likely that I caught one. I already went to a doctor and he took a sample of my blood to test and confirm it. Once confirmed, he will give me antiviral medicine so as to cure my illness. He said that I will be well in a week or two if I stick with his prescription. I really hate getting sick because I just cannot do anything productive, no matter how I try. My body would just give up. I am also on a self-quarantine so I cannot talk to my friends without going closer than 2 meters, more or less. Now that would be a bit awkward. The climate here in Europe certainly does not help as well. The cold penetrates my joints and I am having chills. During these times when I am ill, I especially miss my mother looking after and taking care of me. How I wish I could go home now.

-Pepe (Cabrera, Paulo 060521)

Pabiglang pagsugod ng pagbabago (ambush makeover): pepe

Barong, pomada, bayong at salawal na gawa sa rattan; sawang sawa na ko sa aking pananamit! Araw araw na lang ito ang aking ayos! Pag gising sa umaga magpapalit ng salawal at magsusuot ng bagong camisa de chino.. Ayoko na ng ganito.. Panahon na para magbago ako.. Umpisahan ko sa buhok.. Imbis na hawiin pakanan, aking papatayuin ito na tila nahanginan ng malakas na hangin. Pag dating naman sa damit, papalitan ko na ang aking barong. Magsusuot na ako ng mas makabagong damit. Nais ko subukan ang mga damit na gawa sa balat ng crocodile o sa balat ng ahas! Para sa aking pantalon magsusuot ako ng mga mas masisikip para mas macho at mas matipuno ako tingnan. Sa sapatos naman, magsusuot ako ng mga matitingkad na kulay para maging kakaiba ako. At magsusuot na din ako ng salawal na gawa sa cotton para hindi na masakit sa singit! Sigurado ako na pagaagawan nanaman ako ng mga kababaihan dahil sa bagong istilo ng aking pananamit!

-pepe
(popo mamaril 073907)

Experiments and Other Beings

Lately I’ve been having dreams about various creatures that have been experimented upon. It seems that all those lessons that had me dissecting dead bodies have affected me more than I thought they would. I don’t seem to be as bothered as I thought I would though. In fact, I find myself getting inspired by those dreams.

It would be interesting to write a story involving experimented beings. They would have their own lives, and they’d communicate and interact with humans. Their nature, however, will prevent some people from treating them equally. Distrust and fear will permeate the otherwise peaceful atmosphere, and some will plot to eradicate them. This, in turn, will cause resentment among the experimented ones. They will find themselves getting angry at humans for experimenting on them, giving them life then trying to kill them. Some would try to make a compromise, while the more hostile ones would begin their violence against the other.

As for the ending, I think it would be better to leave it open to interpretation.

I also want to write something related to the sun and the moon. I have always wondered if there is life in them. If humans could go there, would they see anything interesting? Is there anything similar to the things here on earth? Would they be more primitive or more advanced compared to us?

Perhaps I should merge the two ideas. I am not certain how much time I still have to write those stories. There is the possibility that I might not be able to finish them since the Spaniards have been trying to capture me. If I decide to do so, I’ll have to think of a way to make them go well together so that it would not turn into an incomprehensible piece that has too many ideas in it.

-Pepe

(Lexie Dizon, 071185)

Wedding Preparations

Today, I get married to the one woman I love, Marie Josephine Leopoldine Bracken -- or simply, Josephine. Because the church has denied our application for a marriage license (probably because of my involvement with the revolution), my fiance and I have decided to have a civil wedding instead.

Definitely, preparing for a civil wedding is less taxing than a church wedding. For one, it has less requirements and prerequisites (such as having a banquet, marriage license obtained from the church, and of course, ninongs and ninangs). In turn, it just requires a court official to formally announce the union of us both.

I truly am happy that I'm getting married my love, Josephine (who is of Irish descent) before anything happens to me; because as all of you know, those Spanish bastards want me dead.

-Pepe
(Justin Tung 073545)

To Kill or not to Kill: Elias or Ibarra?

Today, I was trying to finish the novel I’ve been trying to write for quite a long time now. It’s funny, I’ve never really taken this long in writing masterpieces but there’s just something inside me that makes me want to make this flawless. A word misplaced can trigger a new revolution. It must be perfect.

I’m actually having problems with the ending. I don’t know who should die. Of course, it’s already a given that someone always dies in novels. It’s dramatic, what else can I say? Other than the added effect, I’ve been thinking of the last message my novel will convey. I believe that the ending will have the most lasting effect on my readers, which is why I am trying my best to hone it to be just right.

I think I’m actually going to go with the death of Elias. I do not want to give revolutionists the encouragement they need to start another bloodshed. I believe education is the only way to free us from our close-mindedness. After all, we are not ready to live on our own. We still need Mother Spain to guide us. Elias is reckless and violent. I think his death will suggest the failure of revolution, that there is no use fighting.

Or perhaps I should go with Ibarra? His death might actually put some sense into the minds of my countrymen. However, I believe that the whole story revolves around him. If I plan to make a sequel to this novel, then I must not destroy the character who made it possible.

There are so many story plots going through my mind right now and I really can’t decide. The thought of killing them both even comes to mind. But that would be absurd, of course. This is a novel, not a killing spree. I’m leaning more on the death of Elias, though. I think it plays a more integral role in shaping the minds of my readers. I just hope that they do get the message I am trying to put across.

-Pepe
(Nicole Anne Araos, 070238)

Paciencia, Mi amigo

"Many things can happen at this very moment. Words of gratitude uttered, tears shed and comments of pure speechlessness. All I can truly say is addressed to the people of my nation, the Filipinos. To my friends, comrades, family and fellowmen; do not despair in the face of hardship instead hold on to the hope we all have. Like any other, I am a man of action, I take it upon myself to address the hardships of reality but I am also a man of peace and rationality. Taking up arms does not solve anything, I fight with my quill. It is my wish that you understand the meaning of my words. Be patient, land of my birth, No hay mal que dure cien años 

(the longest night will have an end.) El sol se levantará mañana y quién sabe lo que traerá la marea? (The sun will rise tomorrow and who knows what will bring the tide.)  We must never forget our motherland, and never let her forget the hearts that beat for her."

Pepe 

Isabelle Ocier

072487  

Can't Take My Eyes Off You

I'm not just a revolutionary, but also a romantic. In every story, the love between a hero and his damsel can stir up hearts as much as the most poetic string of words. That being said, my current project is still missing that certain romantic flair that would add fuel to the fire of my vision.

I have not encountered much trouble envisioning the hero of my story. Truth be told, I need only to take a moment and reflect on my life to know what he is going to be like. In search for his female counterpart, I figured that I would utilize the same method and go over the several women that have been part of my life.

Now you might be fairly surprised but I am actually not so bad with the ladies. There was Nellie, Gertrude, Josephine and I'm pretty sure there was someone named Suzanne. However, after going through these women, I realized that not one of them fitted the image that I was looking for. After pondering for a while, the answer popped in my head. It should've been obvious but there has been a lot of things swirling around my head, but the answer was clear.

I had known Leonor Rivera for quite a long time and there was something about her that sets her apart from the rest. Of all my women, she was the only one able to keep my eyes from straying to other dames. My hero needed someone like that, someone who possesses that same uncanny ability to stick around a man's thoughts with just one look. The way a man is with his woman reflects how he is with his country. And so my hero will love his woman with loyalty and sacrifice, just like how he will love his country.

-Pepe

(Gregory Lewis Choa, 070758)

Makapag bagbag damdaming pamagat

Ilang gabi ko na ito pinagiisipan. Hindi ako makatulog. Hindi din makasubo. Araw-araw itong bumabagabag sa aking isipan at kahit anong malalalim na pagninilay ang aking gawin, tila hindi pa din mahanap ang ninanais. Kahit anong kalkal ang aking gawin kahit sa pinakasingit na ng aking utak, wala, wala pa din. Napakahirap makapagisip ng isang pamagat para sa aking nobela. Napakaraming mga kaisipan ang pumapasok sa aking utak. Napakaraming mga bagay ang aking dapat pagtuunan ng pansin. Kung gagawa ako ng pamagat, dapat makakatulong ito sa pag akit ng mga mambabasa. Hmmmm. Kung Kagat ng Laman kaya ang aking ipamagat? Nako hindi maari. Baka pagkamalan na isang malaswang babasahin ang aking Nobela. Dapat din sa pamagat pa lang matanto na ng mga mambabasa kung tungkol saan ang nobela. Kung Maria Clara, Ika'y Aking Papanikin kaya? Masyadong mahaba at hindi na nasama ang mga ibang aspeto ng nobela. ARGH!!! Napakahirap talagang magisip ng pamagat! Paano kaya naisip ng aking mga katotong sila Juan Luna at Marcy del Pilar ang pamagat ng kanilang mga sariling obra? Isa itong malalim na palaisipan............... Aba teka! Tungkol sa pag-ibig ang aking nobela. At sa isang pagnanasa ng Pari sa isang maganda at mabangong dalagita.... Hmmmmm! Alam ko na!!! Bawal hawakan bawal hawakan bawal hawakan!!! Tumpak!!! Tatawagin ko na Noli me Tangere ang aking nobela. Saktong sakto ang pamagat na ito. May halong misteryo ang pamagat kaya maakit ang mga mambabasa at pamagat pa lang may ideya na ang mga mambabasa kung tungkol saan ito. Mahusay mahusay ka talaga Pepe!!! At napakagwapo at matipuno mo pa! siguradong bebenta ang aking nolbelang ito!!!


-pepe
(popo mamaril 073907)

MANNYLA

"Our group decided to choose the name Mannyla, which is a play of words between Manny and Manila. Manny Pacquiao is seen as the pride of the country, and the entire nation unites whenever he has a fight. His many victories not only bring Glory to our country but he never fails to bring every Filipino together whenever he has a match. Becoming a legend in his own time, each fight he has championed has inspired us to use him as as the symbol of Philippine unity in creating the new name and flag. Manila, on the other hand, is the national capital of the country."

My Spanish Restaurant Experience

Today was very odd.

First of all, me and my good friend, Juan Luna unknowingly ate at a very expensive 5-star Spanish restaurant. We ate our heart out -- as we ordered the finest spanish cuisine and also accidentally, we ordered the finest red wine there was in the restaurant.

Surprisingly, as the bill came, we were both dumbfounded -- the bill was shockingly expensive. So what my friend, Juan Luna did was that he took out his paintbox and painted a high-denomination French bill on the tray. It might sound funny, but as the owner saw this, he gave us both a meal on the house!

What a day.

-Pepe

(Justin Tung 073545)

Romeo and Julio

The first time that I played a role was when I was still in the Ateneo. Our Jesuit mentor told us to do a short skit about one Filipino legend about any animal, as he intends to put it side by side biology. I played the young, handsome yet narcissistic man in the Legend of the Firefly. The skit was not that serious, that it was almost a joke. We and our professor, though, had fun watching each others' skits.

In Europe, I again played the role of a young and handsome man -- Shakespeare's Romeo. Our class had to produce Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in the end of the semester as a final requirement. The moment I was assigned the character, I fondly wondered why the young-and-handsome-man role always fall (fittingly) on my lap. Anyway, when I read the script, I was amazed about how profound Shakespeare's words are. The rhymes and rhythm, matched with the theme were just perfect. One cannot help but to get inspired upon reading the script. Yet, I just cannot completely be despite the number of charming ladies in Europe. This is because most of them are home-schooled. Very few study in universities and out of the very few, still fewer are the truly pretty ones. In our class, all of us were men. Therefore, my Juliet is actually a man. Yes, a man. And he is taller than me.

Of course, it was very awkward from practice until the last curtain. Can you just imagine how we would have done THE scenes? During practice, I had no problems in memorizing my lines, the blocking and drawing emotion. I tell you, I can completely relate with my character. I had a really hard time though, in delivering those lines and the emotion considering the recipient is more Julio than Juliet. There even came to a point when the director and I had a quite nasty argument about my and my partner's delivery. He angrily complained about it, saying that it is sloppy. He warned us of telling the professor and demoting us to a less significant role. Nobody wants to be demoted. I would rather play Romeo with a male Juliet than play Romeo's horse. And so, I rose up to the challenge. In the end, the production day came and we managed to pull it through. And excellently, I must say. During the first act, we were a bit stiff. We were having Act-One jitters, our concerned director told us. But we went on a roll in the succeeding scenes. Everything were delivered on que and as planned.

After the last curtain, everybody applauded and nobody found it queer having two men as lovers. It was purely academic. Perhaps they were used to watching such situations. But on the other side of the theater, we were clenching our fists, bumping our chests, and giving high-fives in the backstage. Unlike our short skit in the Ateneo, we felt sheer relief more than fun, more than anything in the end.

- Pepe (Cabrera, Paulo 060521)

The Game of Love

I have to admit that there has always been bias in my judgment of beauty. Coyness and tradition have played integral roles in shaping my definition of attractiveness. Now that I am in Europe, I have actually come to realize that beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder. There are so many beautiful women here. I admire them in every way. I sometimes even regret being tied to Leonor but then I realize how hard it is to be waiting for me and how deep my love is for her and I scold myself for even entertaining the thought of cheating.

It is difficult to define cheating. There are too many rules in love. Too many boundaries and limits to set upon one’s self. I believe that there is nothing wrong to admire and express my appreciation of beautiful women. After all, flirting is a different game–a game that I find myself a veteran of. I have met plenty of pretty women during my stay here in Europe and I must say that my talent in writing certainly paved way. In fact, I have shown them a few of the poems I have made, sometimes even writing a poem personally for them.

When I met Consuelo Ortega, I immediately found her very beautiful. She didn’t look like all the other ladies I have met in the Philippines. She didn’t have the same sparkle that Leonor had in her eyes whenever she covered half of her face with her fan yet there was something in Consuelo that drew me closer. Although I knew that Eduardo is madly in love with her, I decided to talk to Consuelo. After all, there is nothing wrong with making new friends. She loved my romantic verse so I dedicated a poem entitled A la Senorita C.O. y R, especially for her. I think it might have been too much of a move, though. Eduardo has been telling me about his fear that Consuelo might have found another man. I do not want to destroy my good friendship with Eduardo. I am planning to end my fling with Consuelo. Besides, there are other fishes in the sea.

My good friend, Manuel, noticed my newfound “hobby” and expressed his worry. I assured him that I have become a womanizer. I simply am enjoying God’s abundant blessing of beauty and grace in so many women of so many races. There is really no need for concern. I will forever remain faithful to Leonor because my heart is truly hers. I am just waiting for the letters she promised to send me. I have sent her six letters so far and I haven’t gotten any reply from her. I assume there have been mix-ups again in our town…or dare I say, I hope. A month has passed since Leonor’s last letter and I can’t help but wonder if her mother has anything to do it. Come to think of it, she has always been very vocal of her dislike of me. She was never discreet about threatening to hide my letters. Putting all my doubts and insecurities aside, I have faith that me dear Leonor will not give up on our love.

I guess I'll leave it at that for the mean time.

-Pepe
(Nicole Anne Araos 070238)

Parlez-vous français?

It is frustrating to have so much to say and yet so little words to express it with. Much more so if one speaks in a foreign tongue altogether. Unfortunately this is what came to pass on my first day here in Paris, France. The first night was a complete and utter disaster. Despite the fact that I was well versed in English, Spanish and my native tongue, Tagalog, the French still could not make heads or tails of what I spoke nor and vice-versa. They stared at me as if I were spewing some kind of ghastly disease instead of asking for the latrine! The only option I had left due to my full bladder was to search for the cursed bathroom myself. It took me a good half hour until I finally resigned myself to acting like a barbarian and conducting my business in the bushes behind the main building. Thankfully I was not spotted and thus I made my way back to my rooms. This incident by the way, never happened – a simple act of desperation.

           The next morning I had made up my mind; I would enroll myself in a French language class in order to prevent the duplication of last night’s happenings. I’m actually looking forward to these sessions; they say French is one of the most romantic of verbal communications. And lately, I have spied an abundance of European beauties I might be able to practice on. Viva la France!

 Pepe 

(Isabelle Ocier 072487)

Travels to Europe

I cannot stay here any longer. If the rumors about my being blacklisted in the government are true, it will be unsafe for me to pursue my education here. Paciano and I have discussed the possibility of my going overseas in the past, but the time arrived sooner than I thought. Leonor’s father has advised me to flee the country, and I have taken heed to it.

It will be a difficult journey. I will be traveling to unknown lands away from the loving presence of my family and friends, and I will undoubtedly experience the same prejudice every Filipino has felt. However, this has to be done. It is of utmost importance that I receive the best education there is so that I can be able to help my oppressed motherland.

I have decided long ago that when I go to Europe, my first destination will be Spain. The best way to understand these foreigners who have colonized my country is by studying them and taking part in their culture. Living amongst the Spaniards will allow me to observe their behavior and habits, as well as their government and how their system works.

I am also certain that I will meet other Filipinos who have gone to Spain in hope of liberating our homeland. There will be things that I can learn from them which may be invaluable to giving my country the freedom that she has yearned for.

From Spain, I shall travel to France, and perhaps, Germany and Italy. I will be able to gain more knowledge in the field of medicine in those countries, including the study of the eye so that I can treat Mother’s cataracts. Afterwards, I shall head home so that I can immediately treat Mother’s eyes.

I have already been preparing myself for this day; however, it is difficult not to feel lonely and sad at the thought of being away from my loved ones, especially Leonor. I pray she takes good care of herself while I am away, and remember that I will always be with her.

-Pepe

(Lexie Dizon, 071185)

o aking bayong, ika'y aalagaan!

Sa wakas! Dumating na din ang araw na aking pinakahihintay!!! Makakapaglakbay na din ako papuntang Europa! Makikita ko na din sa wakas ang mga bantog na siyudad tulad ng Madrid at Berlin at kung ano-ano pa! Mag-aaral ako doon at kikilala ng mga sari saring mga babae na mababango at mahahalimuyak! Ngunit hindi dapat matanto ng aking mga magulang na ako ay maglalakbay. Bago ang lahat kailangan ko maghanda ng aking mga dadalhin. Ano kaya ang mga dapat ko ilagay sa aking bayong?

Mahalagang mukha akong kagalang galang at matipuno sa aking paglakbay sa Euorpa. Kailangan ko dalhin ang aking pinaka magarang barong, ang pantalon na walang butas at ang aking pinakamaputing camisa de tsino . Hindi ko din maaring kalimutan ang pomade para ayos na ayos ang aking buhok at para magmukha itong madulas at kaakit akit sa mga kababaihan. Dadalhin ko din ang aking pabango na pinaghalo-halong katas ng kalamansi, papaya at sinigwelas. Tiyak patok na patok ang tila maprutas na halimuyak sa ilong ng mga kababaihan doon!

Para naman sa aking ibang gamit, siyempre hindi ko dpat malimutan ang pang ahit. Kailangang malinis ang aking mukha. Mahirap na baka tumubo ang aking bigote na tila magmukha akong isang ermitanyo. Labis akong malulungkot at masusuya kung malimutan ko ang pinakaimportanteng kagamitan at ang aking mga paborito, ang pluma at ang papel. Dadalhin ko ang aking pluma na may pinaka matingkad na kulay at rolyo ng mga bagong papel para dito ko isulat ang mga naging pangyayari sa aking paglalakbay.

Siya nga pala, matagal ang aking biyahe. Sigurado magugutom ako! Ano kayang masarap baunin? Ay alam ko na! magdadala ako ng puto at kakanin! Mmmmmm ang sarap ng mga iyon! Paborito ko pa naman ang mga iyon lalo na ang mga putong ubod ng laki at ang mga sobrang lapot na kakanin. Tiyak hindi na ko gugutumin nito sa biyahe ko! Ayan kumpleto na ang laman ng aking bayong! Europa, hintayin mo ako! Parating na si Pepe!!!

-Pepe

(Popo Mamaril 073907)