At thirteen, Bibing looked every inch a young lady but was pretty much a child in many ways. She wanted to play but could not as she had to help augment the family’s meager income by selling merchandise around the town. She was the third of the 4 daughters one of which was a [...]

  My soles know no better than my heart Why my path leads to you. Their rough, lined skin a poor Protection against your call. The cracks on the heels Are the same as my heart’s. ~ FMJemena, U.P. Manila 1999  

At the age of nine, as me and my cousin were playing, I heard little noises coming from the fence right beside us. I suggested, “let’s check it”. We searched for the noise, and at last, found it. There was a small hole. Inside it were three little kittens. I pitied them. They were abandoned. [...]

Rey was sleeping soundly in class again until, “Ms. Smith!” Mrs. Beck said angrily and insultingly. “Yo Madam! So, uh, what did I missed?” And after that, the bell rang and the last thing Mrs. Beck told Rey is “Office! Now!” Rey’s eyes rolled and disobeyed the teacher again. She saw Sarah then. “Yo Sarah! [...]