# data[].attributes.body
Under the moon that is so bright
Having the best of my Life
With this Fascinating Sight
I found happiness in this Starry Night

Seeing all kinds of Stars with my Telescope
But i Saw someone I saw hope
That it is you who will make my Heart ignite
All because of this beautiful Moonlight

Tanjuan, John Rafael Gabriel.

# data[].attributes.body
The Fallen

Down on the chamber

Floor the bodies laid

Tossed in the dark

Stripped of worth and full of pain

Fallen and left to die

With a muted sound of cry

Cheering Crowd screaming for blood

Love ones mourned for the unbearable sight

until darkness succumbed and hope died

Yes, you were the fallen,

The weak and the forgotten

But you could be somebody's father,

mother or a brother

They paid the price

The crime, they did not commit

I walk, quietly with purpose

Here... In this place

Halfway between life and death

Simon, Erica S.

# data[].attributes.body
A crying girl looking for her mommy,
She sat on the corner and sobs loudly,
As she wanted to see her mother badly,
She then whispers, “bring back my mommy” softly.

She stopped crying when she saw a red thing flying,
She smiled and follows the balloon running,
She held the string smiling,
“This must be mommy’s gift”, she was hoping.

The balloon keep flying,
But her mommy is not showing,
Is this a sign of hope or something?
Or is she just waiting for nothing?

She looked up to the sky and realized,
“Oh, mommy, I forgot you left us already.’
She smiles and started to cry,
Letting go of the balloon and let it fly.

Was that a sign of freedom?
Or there is something good that will come?
A girl with balloon,
Are you confused too?

Miranda, Princess Nina Nicole D.

# data[].attributes.body
"What happened to you my dear?"
As I grasp on your hand while trembling in fear
While wishing that I was just dreaming
How come my world feels like it's falling

The flames of the abyss
Oh I could feel them here
Our supposedly never ending bliss
eradicated with my heart covered in fear

My tears will never bring you back
Our promises are now shattered
Problems that we've conquered
Our future was left unchartered

This throat feels like it's about to burst
Remember my dear that in my heart, you'll always be first
So many words left unsaid
Who would've though that my world is now dead

My only star in this gloomy world
Disappeared, it was purged
Now my beloved is red
Covered in my tears filled with dread

Your greatness will be remembered
For this country, you never surrendered
May we obtain peace and harmony
To reclaim our land that is submerged in felony

Laxamana, Charles Harvy L.
9-BANZON
"The Maid of Bataan" by Fernando Amorsolo

# data[].attributes.body
Look inside --
dive deeper,
into the navel of the sea; or of me.

Behold this slightly opened red apple lips were mute
but now behold, I will tell thee the truth.
Maybe I did not exist in this world
but yea, in someones, world,

These clothes that were the color of the autumn season,
or the mountain being wilted by the generation.
This turban is was like the tears of the moon
for he is missing so much the sun
or the color of the shore on how the waves hug her.
This gentle light toward in my face is a hope for a traveler.

But it came to pass
and ye aked;
"Is she looking at me", " what those eyes mean"
and you might see desire, beauty, or cries
in these eyes.
Well remember dear,
the eyes are key and the door
to one's soul

And again ye asked;
" Why she's wearing that pearl earring",
" Thus she's a mistress of Vermeer?"
Well dear,
this globe of wisdom, clarity, purity,
is a moon in this journey

but before I look back
into the darkness and nothingness
let me uncloak,
the question cultivated by eras and millennia;
"Who is she"; or  who really am I,
I am a painting that was a song
that ends on the second-to-last chord.

Look inside --
dive deeper,
into the navel of the sea  of mystery
where everyone is searching for the meaning
of their life were was like the background of this painting.

/  Fictional POV of the Girl With a Pearl Earring /
Written by: Rosamia Ang
Artwork by: Johannes Vermeer

# data[].attributes.body
On this magnificent night
On this starry night
Look up at the sky and see this fascinating sight
Let's be amused by the sky and just relax for tonight

Go outside your house, my dear
Can you feel the zephyr?
And this chilly weather
Even though where are not together, my dear

Its light make the whole metropolis bright
And make our heart ignite
That the time will come where we will reunite
And that the both of us will be all right

Estandarte, Timothy Joseph C.
9- Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
As the clouds flow through the skies,
A baby was born,
And tears fall down as she cries.
She was situated on the bed,
On the pillow, laid down her head.
The tears had ended,
She slept instead.

Throughout her life
A guardian assists her,
Never absent and always there,
Even when asleep.
A double-decker bed
is where they are hibernated.
Above, the guard rests,
Below, the girl sleeps.

The girl has grown,
She likes being on her own.
The presence of her guardian
Annoys her and makes her frown,
As if she's being hunted
By something undelightful.

She is a woman now
and as she is aging
She did everything to keep her sane
painting, art, studying
and even in general,
money, achievement, fulfillment, and enjoyment.
These she did to escape the torment.

On few occassions,
Life frustrates her,
Her guardian still irritates her,
Even when asleep,
She is attacked by the anger.
Everyday she feels
being chased and hunted
by no one knows who,
even she, had no idea.
Perhaps by her agitating guardian,
by the uncertainty of future,
or by the vast darkness that life
has thrown her.

The woman is old now,
the guardian is still present.
One night, when they were going to bed,
A pain so unpleasant she felt in her head.
Once again, for the nth time,
she felt tormented and haunted
by something she could not explain.
The guardian did nothing.
He stared at her.

Looking through his eyes
The woman realized,
that all this time she thought
that the death and tormenting future
chased and followed her.
She did everything, achieved almost everything
yet, never felt contentment.
She let the fears and worries swallow her.
Little did she know, that death,
as depicted by the guardian,
has always been ahead her.
And even on her last breath
the torment and worries
were the last thing that she had in her head.

No one is being hunted.
Humans will always end up being dead.
The vines of life
The bombs of the chaotic,
The flowers in our casket
This is the reality that we will face
and that we shall never forget.

Sibug, Seth Karol Matilda G.
9-Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
For every man who dies

There is someone who cries

For every tears that drips

There are feelings equipped

Each person has their part

But some dies at the start

Start of doing what’s right

Death for us to rewrite

Rewrite our own story

Learn from our history

Counter those who conquer

And rise for our honor

Don’t just stand there and watch

Nor cry, panic and dodge

Learn to do what is right

In darkness, start a light

-Roxas, Therenze Johannes B.
9 Campos

# data[].attributes.body
As I look outside the balcony
All I remember was your act of felony
Now you're just an air blowing around me
Yet I still chose to deny this reality

Maybe this is the day they call tomorrow
Just like what they say—everyone leaves anyway
But what leaves us? For the better, the sorrow?
Even in the darkest, our shadow.

Removing you from my memory, I keep trying
Even so you still manage to keep me imprisoned
The feelings in the bottle kept overflowing
Never realizing in the end, you'll leave me abandoned.

When the brightest star stops shining
When darkness cease to exist
It might be something impossible or a miracle's coming
But no one's telling when I can finally subsist

Merida, Zeth Dane Nielle C.
9 Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
Little town, let the silence be the witness to the skies you’re under

Neither the blowing wind nor the biting cold will let you see

That the stars shine bright over a river of wonder

When the sea of clouds slumber beyond the mountain waves

When your pavements are dark and empty, while the breeze causes a shiver

When the light from windows shut, what a different town it would be

Yet the light from the starry night always remembers

Even after the shrubs and branches of trees would sway

To the brilliant spectacle that gives the blue sky meaning and color

For the mind, you will forever be known as a mystery

For every stroke, you brush away tears and horrors

For people in the town living in sorrow and pain

Mella, Melhanie D.
9 - Campos

# data[].attributes.body
Alone in the shadows, where I couldn’t see
The wind is howling, gliding up in the sky
Oh hope, where are you?
I've been searching through the dark

But everything changed when He returned
In the frigid vast of night, a star was reborn
Engulfed by the light, darkness was defeated
Conquering the fear, where I had suffered

A world mere nothing, now full of light
Seek the stars, where hope gleams upon
In the shadows, you stand above
Oh starry night, I see you reaching out to me

Torres, Prince Rainier M.
9 - Campos

# data[].attributes.body
Whispers while I sleep
Murmurs in my ears
Why am I hearing this voice?
Waking up, it suddenly vanishes

I long to reach you
I extend my arms
But you escape,
Through the gap of my five fingers

Each night I wonder,
Do you hear my plea?
Are you what I long for?
Just spit it out already

You have one definite feat,
Your deceitfulness
It scares me sometimes
Truth be told, tiring

The vines grow longer
The chains become heavier
The darkness expands
The slumber deepens

You're the demon in my head
But when I am the one who approaches,
You become silent
Curiosity does kill after all

Jerruel Saguinsin | 9 - Campos

# data[].attributes.body
When I feel blue or empty
I often take a seat by our window
To search for your glitter and luminosity
As if I am once again recharged with a glimpse of your glow.

I don’t know what’s with you
Or the extraordinary power that you possess
Which makes me feel optimistic and better
Ready to face another demanding and challenging day ahead.

Oh, how I wish you would stay bright all day long
To remind me to stay courageous and strong
To keep calm, driven and motivated
So I may accomplish all the tasks with exceptional performance in the end.

There are times when I particularly don’t want the night to cease
Because I find it astonishing to just stare and contemplate with you
Nor I want the winds to blow and cover you with clouds
So you would spark uninterruptedly and amaze me even more.

I wonder why do you have to show up only at night
Why do we have to meet in dim, far and away?
‘til I realized that you glow up because of the dark
Which makes me feel stunned and stimulated at the same time.

Oh, now I appreciate and understand
Just like you, I have to shine and stand out against the gloomy sky
Despite the bewildering and incomprehensible times
I have to remain brilliant and sparkling in the dark.

Villar, Lindsay Reanna P.
9-Banzon

Inspiration: Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh

# data[].attributes.body
Peaceful Night

What a peaceful night

The sky filled with lights

Full of stars that shines bright

What a beauty in the sight

Sky so blue

Like an ocean so blue

Swirling winds that gives cold breeze

The peaceful village

Will be a good image

Of this beautiful sights

In this peaceful night

Look in the beautiful sky

Is like a peaceful dream

That gently amazed your eyes

In this peaceful night full of lights

Painting: Starry night by Vincent van gogh

Gregorio, Elijah Ken R.
9-Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
Stiff soldiers body scattered
And died before her eyes
Behind her, the darkness
Amidst the unknown abyss

Her eyes of heaven
That is lightly carved
Emits a delicate ambience
Behind her sorrowful sight

Looking up to the light
She holds the lifeless man
Who fought with courage
For the inferno to demolish

She, the maiden of Bataan
With her veil of pearl
Mourns over the martyrs
With supreme self-sacrifice

The shackles of conquerors
Hinders the freedom of souls
Of people that own
The land they stole

Generation passed
The brush has been stroked
To paint a new chapter
Of greatness in our world

May the new age bloom
With eyes wide open
And a heart to cherish
The history fought for our own country

May our motherland rise
From the debt of the past
May the maiden smile
Beyond the boundless dark

~ Maria Christina Angela C. Baguhin (9-Campos) SL

# data[].attributes.body
A quiet night
With a sky full of stars
Stars that are shining through the night
Oh, what a beautiful sight

Then, there's the moon that shines brightly
Giving light to everyone passing by
Looking at the moon,
It is beautiful indeed

As I look at the sky
My thoughts passed by
Swiftly, drifting away
Until drowsiness came to me

{Painting: Starry Night, Vincent Van Gogh}
{Sapasap, Ma. Stefany Paris M.}
{9-Campos}

# data[].attributes.body
Cling, Clang!
reverbing the sound of the chain.
Followed with a Bang!
shouting sounds of pain.

Loud chatters,
Blood splatters.
The sound of torture,
leading to broken postures.

Crying souls,
Loud and clear.
Broken bones,
I'm sorry my dear.

Tied up like animals,
Lifting and dragging.
Up and down vitals,
beating and shouting.

# data[].attributes.body
Every time I look up the sky,
Oh, the beauty hits my eyes.
The stars above will be my guide,
My guiding light this starry night.

The village is dark, but the night is darker.
The hills and valleys, the mountains and the water.
The light from the stars reflected from the river,
Takes the beauty further.

The moon in the sky, a brilliant yellow,
Creates an atmosphere that's oh, so mellow.
A stroll in the block, can take all your stress,
The calmness of the air is hard to express.

The deep blue sky, dotted with bright lights.
Even in the dark, there are plenty of sights.
The darkness of the night runs extremely deep,
All of this, unfortunately, is missed when you sleep.

[Painting: Starry Night, Vincent Van Gogh]
[Arrieta, Angelo Johncen D.C.]
[9-Banzon]

# data[].attributes.body
Truly, you fooled me.

For in this vast sea,

I was the only one that was caught

The colors of your clothing constantly remind me of a sunset beach

The Moon waiting for the Sun to come down,

Calm water and foam in the end,

Sand that greets people with such warmth

But for now my dear, I must go

Fear not, as the blue waves can not destroy the hidden chest inside me

Your mysterious eyes stand out more than the Bermuda
Your earrings will overshadow the glow of a lanternfish and a moonlit night

One last look until we part

As you turn back and leave,

I saw a scenery that I will never forget.

Inspiration: Girl With a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer

Goli Cruz, Russel Sean H.              9 Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
The world is a harsh reality,
It is Hell, and that is with veracity
It is filled by individuals who are in voracity
It is filled by individuals who are thirsty and greedy

Every night, people sleep in their beds
Reminiscing the time when they had no regrets
They are tucked tight under their sheets
Wishing they had their own fleets

A moment later,
The eyes starts to wonder
A moment more,
The eyes are wanting for more

Suddenly, the world is in a plane
That which abolishes the mundane
It is filled with luminosity
And ethereal beauty

It is a temptation that offers a different sensation
It is a memory that feels like drowning in ecstasy
It is a fantasy that offers a vague sense of reality

Thousands of years has passed by and
The world has found a way to escape reality
Thousands of years has passed by and
The world is yet to achieve its glory

The sun is rising
The son is plowing
The leaves are falling
The grass is growing

Those who slept are now facing death;
Those who flee will never be free
Those who waited shall be celebrated

Open the door of tomorrow
Deviate from the path of sorrow
Open thine eyes rather than drown in lies
And see the beauty of the harsh reality

[Painting: The Dream - Frida Kahlo, 1940]
[Poem: Ukiyo - Johan Gabriel Peña, 2021]

# data[].attributes.body
Porcelain was her skin;
Ceramic were her eyes
Her earring was the Pearl of the Sea;
Her lips were the color of Ruby
She was the epitome of Beauty

The grass fields were waving; The birds were chirping
The Moon was shining; The stars were dancing
All occurring because of She

As beautiful was she like a girl filled with curiosity,
Violated she was when men defiled her privacy
She was screaming, shouting, and begging
She was left all alone in the dark, waiting for a spark

Swords were pointed at her
Knives were thrown without err
Doors were slammed shut
Her eyes were teary and bloodshot

She was a villain in their eyes
She was a victim in the god's eyes
She was alone in the darkness
Radiating the color of the fading brightness

Millennia has passed by and
Nobody knows what she went through
Out of the blue, she was called by the wind that blew
Alas, she found the spark she was waiting in the dark

[Painting: Girl with a Pearl Earring - Johannes Vermeer, 1665]
[Poem: Triboluminiscence - Johan Gabriel Peña, 2021]

# data[].attributes.body
It has been a long time of fight
For life, for dignity, for honor
And there you are, Sister Death
Here I am, pushed into the depth of your realm

I have been gazing at the stars
Up above one of these seven hills
And couldn't help but wonder
If God has slept or lost His sight

Look at those birds flying and gliding
Deer walking, from the springs are drinking
If these creatures can enjoy liberty
Why can't we, why couldn't you let me?

Woe to you, vassals of Hades
Whose iron hands and merciless feet
Has made numerous drop of innocent blood
Gush out and fill the land we once toiled for

We have the mind, but you have the scepter
Your words and orders are painful scourges
Burden that we bear from womb to the tomb
Aren't we the same image in His likeness?

In the eternity of darkness, my body now lies
Dipped in blood, covered by dust
Hoping that these silent tears were heard in heaven
And this monstrous chain not be felt at last.

Mendoza, Ralph Christian V.   |   9-Campos

# data[].attributes.body
An act of love and longing

For someone that long time missing

Even death cannot force to stop

To be with someone He love

He will guide you while missing you

Spending the afterlife looking at you

Making sure you’re deep asleep

Every night. So, don’t you weep

He will protect you even in your dream

Watch you, guide you and catch you

Will not let anything bothers you

In your peaceful sleep, he’s with you

Nicodemus, Allyza Neomi D. || 9-Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
In a big arena, a scream they hear
Scream of fear
Floors wet of tear
Fighting freedom for their dears

Sounds of chain
Feeling of pain
Fought for lives
Even a single grain, they didnt gained

A warrior suppose to protect anyone
is now fighting for entertainment of someone
Being forced to kill
Even tho, its not for their will

Being played like a toy,
Just for their own joy
to kill or get killed?
they have no choice but to win

Ramos, Tristan Gerard P.
9 - Campos

# data[].attributes.body
The land, blanketed in the darkness
Illuminated by countless flickering lights
With the heavens painted in dark blue
As the night goes on steadily

The wind of the night howls with serenity
Peering at the serene landscape
Memories from bygone days come into view
The mind, filled with longingness

Towns full of lively people
Clear conversations between people
Visualizing the scene
The mind yearns for the mundane

The bustle of the lively city has faded away
Twinkling stars begin to dwindle into the light
The light of the sun, once again irradiating the land
As another night of dreams go by, unnoticed.

Perez, Ron Daniel DC.
9-Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
Oh starry night, beautiful indeed

With tokens of luck above the ocean sky

Mountains swaying under the everlasting wind

Grasses and trees dancing, beautiful indeed

Towns overlooking your beauty

Floating gold with a few shades of yellow

Luck that is impermanent

Just like how metal floats on water

Oh starry night, beautiful indeed

The beauty that is addictive

Yet the beauty that is dark

Oh strands of hair dominating your beauty

Hair that is black, like the darkness after joy

The prosperity you give to the town

The prosperity that will be swallowed by the darkness

Luck that is impermanent

Just like how metal floats on water

Gutierrez, Isaiah Claren D.
9-Campos

# data[].attributes.body
A maiden's ethereal aura
kneeling underneath a silver veil
Heads raised high, eyes shouting for mercy
hoping to escape this war's misery

Holding unto a ray of sunlight
gently shrinking, nearly vanishing
Fire blazing surrounds her
Profoundly thinking, How to survive and end this suffer?

The history of our country
Represents our people's resilience
It could be seen in the maiden's agony
Blood, sweat, and tears in silence

An artwork of hope despite the aura of darkness
Why is my homeland now still in blindness?
I hate to witness my people's cries
Do our heroes' bloodshed not worth a sacrifice?

~ Janelle V. Alagao   |   9 Campos
[Painting: "The Maid of Bataan" by Fernando Amorsolo]

# data[].attributes.body
Be selfish and relinquish
Or sacrifice and pull them out of ice
To run out of the bloodbath,
Or to save the people out of it's wrath

As the red pulls out the dead
Gladiators ran and bled
The nurses rush and was eager to help
But, wounded are dried like kelp

It's to be or not to be
To be gathered, clumped and dumped
Or to spectate and  then retaliate
Or to chill 'cause you really can't relate

Written by: Robles, Ralph Jason
Inspiration: "Spoliarium" by Juan Luna

# data[].attributes.body
Oh those stars in the night sky
so beautiful
I want to look at it
until I die

This crescent moon reminds me of
my favorite shape
the pointy end, in the middle, is wide and thick
shining bright

No matter how you look at it
These stars are so bright
could they mean that
we, too, can be bright

I want to see it more
I want to look at it
whilst swimming through the memories
of my beloved ones

I wish it could stay like this forever
for the next generation to see
I know it's gonna be beautiful
Until I die

Berboso, Aeron F.
Grade 9-Banzon
The Starry Night - Vincent van Gogh

# data[].attributes.body
There are times in our life where we feel lost

And there are times when we get stuck

When we feel like giving up

When everything just doesn’t feel right

I look up at the sky during night time

It’s as if the stars has lost its every spark

Like how I lost hope in life

That’s why I keep my head down, away from the world

And keep every tear and sniffle to myself

But everytime I do, there’s always someone calling my name

I hear the words of encouragement directed at me

And as I finally lift my head up, I see the light that shines brightly

leading me to the true happiness I was looking for

After lifting my head up, I was able to see the outside world

The world I was keeping myself away from

I saw that even in the darkest times at night

Light can still be found anywhere, shining brightly

Leading me to the right path after getting lost in the dark

Falling down doesn’t mean stopping

It should be a sign to stand up once again and keep walking

To look at the world that was once dark

Made bright and happy by the people around you who will never leave your side.

Benitez, Vhin Diezell C.
9-Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
I dreamed of playing with a jumping rope once,
And I felt like I was on cloud nine!
But the happiest memories can easily go downhill
Downhill, down—down I went
So suddenly, without time to think, I was falling
Tripped on the jumping rope and suddenly the ground was gone.

I was scared, afraid, until I woke up again from a THUD!—
The terrifying dream making me frown
How can I escape such inevitable situation?
Trying to reassure myself with the question
“It was just a dream, just a dream, right?”

I wasn’t able to get any more sleep
When the thought of death jogs through my mind
When will it get me? Accidentally? In my bed? The comfort of my dreams?
Though, why would I be scared?
Would it be peaceful? Pretty like flowers?
Would I be able to play with jump ropes?
Or would my death lead to a big mess?

Mess, what would my mom and dad feel?
To lose their child from the inevitable?
And my friends, who would play with them?
If I were to be asked, I don’t want to go!
I am surrounded with people that I love
And that comfort is good enough for me.

Buluran, Phoebe Dominique N.
9 - Campos

# data[].attributes.body
Stop, close your eyes and you will see,
A beautiful view,
So unique, yet gives off a feeling of familiarity
Something never seen in the past
This picture in your head so vague, yet so vast

This deep sky lit up by stars with never-ending rays
This deep sky painted above with waves like the blue sea,
A place where everything is beautiful no matter where you gaze
A place where everything seemed so abstract and so free

Seeing it made you think of hundreds of words
And feel countless emotions
Such a breathtaking scene you wished you could capture
A reality you wish could be yours

Stop, open your eyes and you will see,
The complexity,
the darkness,
the abnormality,
This unreal place that's almost like a child's dream

A utopia too good to be true
Different from what you sought it to be
Deep, dark, and dangerous like the sea,
Complex like a maze,
like a never-ending cycle,
A place to escape from reality

A utopia too good to be true
In this place fueled by your imagination,
This place ruined by time and realization,
This place you once thought was your only salvation,
All fell apart in just a single second.

Stop, close your eyes once again,
Allow yourself to hear
The things you've been ignoring that were always here
Some things that were so important, and so dear
Like a hidden treasure, right under your feet
The key within yourself, once heard and noticed, will seem so clear and complete

Now, open your eyes,
Like the stars shining from the darkest of the skies,
You will see the goodness,
The people around you,
The generosity,
The beauty of this place you belong to.

Stop, look around you and you will realize,
That happiness can be found in this reality too.

Ramos, Debbie Ann Eunice N. | 9 - Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
My world seems to crash
Seeing your lifeless body on the ground
Tears continuously dropped
Without planning to stop
What would happen to my life?
If there’s no you on my side

My love for you will never end,

I promise my dear son

I will watch and search for you among the stars in the sky

Until the day where the world will let us meet again.

Iris Nicole C. Santos | 9- Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
She’s the girl who takes the long way home

Her eyes are sparkling like her love for gloam

Waiting forbearingly,

To reach her way home

Lessons that were myriad

Love in her lips

Moonlight in her skin

Courage on her nose

Yes, It is her best-loved headdress

It is the language of her

Her mother put on a new pair of earrings to her

Remarkable pearl earrings to her

She walked in an inky road,

Inky road that will never ever last

Bitterness of the history,

That helps her to grow

One day, she got up from all of the darkness

She finally found her happiness

She turned around and said

“Don’t stay where you are indispensable

Go where you are cherished”.

- Carpio, Darisse Angela D.
9 - Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
Is it to be the spectators?
Those that wait eagerly to be take from the fallen?
Is it to be the soldiers?
Those that give opportunity for such an atrocious act?

Is it to be the widow?
That weeps for her beloved?
Or is it to be the father?
That fails to surrender in his search for his son?

If the spectators
How do we differ from the vultures that take from the remains of the fallen?
If the soldiers
How do we differ from the predators that kill prey and give way for the vultures to harvest?

If the widow
Can we say that crying and surrendering is the answer to pain?
If the father
Can we say that do not give up on those that are already gone?
Can we say that even with the truth we have to blind ourselves
With a dream that is less painful?

Is this what your Deity desired for you?
As they molded you out of mud
Did they desire for you to be like the very animals you hunt down?
Did they desire for you to be this selfish? To be this cruel?

For you to be leeches to the remains of the dead?
For you to be mouths to feed by the predators before you?
For you to feed your selfishness,
With the belongings of those on the ferry run by Charon?
Is this what it means for you to be human?

-Bautista, Jerome Joematrio A. (9-Banzon)
-Spoliarium, Juan Luna

# data[].attributes.body
Once upon a time

On the night in the starry sky

Surrounded by the shimmering clouds

And a tree draped with the vines

A mirror of the city of lighting

The orange moon that is reflective

Yet, there is a different effect in the sky

The beautiful scenery of the sparkling skies

The stars are bright, the eyes of the night are twinkling

It glows so fair, like an illuminated lagoon

In spite of all of this,

It looks as quiet and beautiful

This town is strange, and it has darkness around it

Marin, Kian Kristoff Allen B.
9-Banzon

# data[].attributes.body
Peaceful night starry sky
stars are shining like colorful butterflies
houses surrounded by swirling clouds
are you awake or seeping like an owl

Do you feel the cold and winter chills?
do you also see the beauty of the blue hills
I'm tired of this crazy world but don't worry
lets rest and witness this calm and beautiful scenery.

Ogoc, Shervin Dwyane L. 9-Banzon

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By: Deanne Faith A. Manalo | 9-Banzon

Oh starry night

Such a beautiful sight

The bright lights of moon and stars

Brings life to the darkness of the night

Stars are shining and the moon is glowing

Is this his way of telling us there’s hope even if life’s challenging?

“Looking at the stars always makes me dream” the painter said

Oh the anticipation it brings to anyone who seeks for success

Emotions are bursting when admiring this painting

Looking at the dark cypress tree in the foreground

Makes me reminisce the mistakes I’ve made in the past

Yet it has lessons which helped me grow to the person I am today

Oh starry night

So comforting to see

It might be a simple painting for the others

But it holds lots of meanings for the admirers

# data[].attributes.body
Looks so peaceful and gorgeous
But something's is so suspicious
So ideal and wondrous
That also makes me curious

Attracted by its unique beauty
The whirlwinds that circling towards the city
The breeze that is passing by
Within the cold, cozy night

There's something towards this piece
That gives me this cozy vibes
This little town that I grew up
That's kinda chaotic right now

It makes me wonder why
It's not like the other starry skies
But also captivating and nice
Feels peaceful and chaotic the same time

Picture perfect it could be
Go dig deeper for you to see
A magical dream for you and me
Or something else that it could be
-Andrei P. Avendaño
9-Campos

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The End of a Cycle  (TRIGGER WARNING: suicide)

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The End of a Cycle  (TRIGGER WARNING: suicide)

# data[].attributes.body
Oh, how breathtaking this scenery is,
Every single one of my favorite colors is present here
Black, yellow, and the blue breeze
But what’s ironic is that my favorites are what I fear

Oh, how breathtaking this scenery is,
A sky that’s turning perhaps into a sea.
These waves fast approaching the silent glee moon
Down the moon goes as I count to three
Waving goodbye to the stars, telling them
“You’re next my dear, I hope to see you soon”

This piece is faultless, flawless, and perfect!
An exact representation of what I call “The Cursed Cycle”
Being the moon who’s making memories he hopes not to forget,
The waves have already passed through that one giant seaweed,
The waves come barging in, the moon then starts to fret

This “Cursed Cycle” hindering me to be happy
For I know that once I meet happiness,
Despair is already waiting to see me

This “Cursed Cycle” making me say that I am better of as dead
Literally, this scenery takes my breath away
It’s hard to think about all of these in my head,
Every single darn day!

Ma, Pa, forgive me,
For the moon will now sleep for eternity
*Bang! *

-Francine Chelsea B. Plasabas
9- Campos

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A traveler, finding his meaning of life
Journeyed through many places
Having an unsettling feeling wherever he goes
Having no travel companion to ease him

One thing is for sure
The night sky is special to the boy
Staring at the sky is like gazing to the abyss for him
Giving the feeling of both peace and emptiness

The number of stars in the sky
Is how many dreams he had
Of being with someone
Yet when he turns back
All he sees is darkness

Anthony Joviel C. Raymundo
9 Campos

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Before was just a blank canvas
Then glorious seven days passed,

Bursting colors transpired; coruscation of light

An artist from above has created life

He put his trust to humankind
But out of wrath, they stained his land
Terror and violence frightened the skies
Blooded land full of cries

What has happened to our ties?
The same kind should unite
How ironic when
Same kind will slay your life

Full of complexity, humankind it is
But in harmony we shall all live!

Here I am,
Surrounded by the dim and dolor
In depths of despair, I still chose to look above
Beyond the darkish blue sky
Seeking for the light,
Seeking for the beauty of his canvas
Waiting for the breeze to once more dulcify

Yana Cassandra Santos
9 - Campos

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A painting of the sky - a townscape, that is
In the depths of night, yet shone so brightly
Whirling wisps of light, veiling the deep midnight
A tree, mayhaps a castle, daring to reach such height
Townsfolk, all awake, houses lit with a golden hue
A stark contrast of darkness and gleam

The lights of the night sky
Stars and moon, illuminating the houses of each kin
Irradiating the fields and hills
The vivid glow of light, ever so distracting

Still, a sound is heard
A melody - captivating yet with a hint of gloom
The faint weep of the moon
Luna, lulling us to sleep, singing a song of sorrow

The shadows, the enigmatic deep shade of the night
Slowly daunting, suffocating, swallowing the luminescence of purity
The ache of reminiscence, the woe of dried tears
Creeping, sneaking, overwhelming thoughts
An echo of the past haunts as darkness overtakes
Wishing, praying for it to cease
Yearning for ignorance, for a forgotten yesterday
Longing for the silence of deafening thoughts

Even so, the moon gleams the dark cast over the sky
Without the somber darkness, a star can’t shine its’ brightest
For the mystifying midnight to be feared,
There has to be Luna that comforts with light
For there to be grief and glumness, there has to be euphoria
The juxtaposition of these opposites yet seemingly not far from each other
Yet fate and life saying they were made for one another

The heart of a child seeks comfort even in the engulfing dark blues
The eyes of a youth see with fascination for the delicate moonscape
Dancing mists of midnight blue, amber, and lumin white
Bestowing the town and the heavens with their mystical harmony

The young ‘un, heartened as remembering that this mysteriously enchanting sky -
A perplexing sight seen by countless others also seeking solace
Others with the same conflicting and contrasting colors as the night
As if they were the stars twinkling in the strike of zeros
Lone yet, at the same time, consoled with the presence of others

Frightening, terrifying, petrifying, the dead of night is
Though, time will pass and so will the Delphic dark
The morn’ will soon come and until then,
Listen as Luna consoles and sings a lullaby
And find solace in the dancing lights in the depths of the night

Naomi Quelsie C. Pagapulangan | 9 - Campos

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For a second, a thought escaped

Colors of ocean and lemonade.

These kept switching places… until replaced,

by a huge, grotesque image.

I didn’t shout,

didn’t find my way out.

Oh, frightened is an understatement,

but I was always seen as that kid

who probes for what’s hidden,

Fierce, thrilled, impatient.

This kid despised themself,

What was the reason?

Why is it that I choose

to always go after the pitch black lines,

Concealed behind the flickering orbs,

and dark green emerald vines

Yet the ethereal beauty,

Seen at first hand,

Made in exchange

to hide the ache of what’s been done,

Is always taken for granted?

Admitting that I was fierce, thrilled, impatient.

But above all,

I was fascinated.

- Hanah Lianne G. Robles || 9 - Banzon

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As I sleep and dream in my comfy bed,
I imagine You and I in the blue, blue sky.
Instead I cry, my smile is all the way up to my eyes!

Oh how I miss you dear!
Especially your voice for me to hear!
However I fear those explosives around you that may interfere.

This encounter won't be long though.
For this leaves wrapped around me will continue to grow.
Don't be sorrow,
There may be another for tomorrow!

Take good care of the flowers that has grown from your heart,
connecting us from afar,
healing each other's scar.

Someday, we'll have all the time in the world.
And exchange sweet and cheesy words!
We'll explore the unseen,
Because in the end, its still Us, Again!

- Rafael P. Paguiligan | 9 - Campos
- Painting: The Dream by Frida Kahlo

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Once was a girl sleeping peacefully, as it seemed,
She would wake up feeling heavy and quite strained.
Although hard to stand, she will try.
Her heart and soul, called "Inside", smiles so sly.

Let me tell you a story of "The Girl Entangled in Vines".

Inside is quite a sight,
So the girl would always leave him behind.
In order to make sure he would stay,
She entangled both of them in vines.

Inside's part of the plant grew so nicely.
He even bloomed a flower, O' so happy.
But the girl's part just burdens her,
Leaves with no color, O' so heavy.

Although blooming, Inside's beauty was not seen
For he was stuck at home like a beast in hiding.
Although weary from carrying all these weed,
She would still not cut it, scared of removing the binding.

In the end, the girl would sleep peacefully, as it seemed,
Covered in her own vines, weary and fatigued.
Although bound to not be seen,
Her heart and soul, called "Inside", still protects the girl while she sleep.

- Jonah Gutierrez || Banzon

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A place of rest and peace,

Beneath sheets, in your dreams,

Sedated by creeping addictive greens,

Rooted thorns showing that it’s not what it seems.

Near above it’ll always hover,

While you lay peacefully under your covers.

See the beauty it brings with flowers

Or fear its grim purpose and horror.

Scares that are usually spread

Are about what lies under your bed,

But it’s truly of what’s above your head,

Anticipating for when you’ll be dead.

Fear not, it only awaits to give you rest.

After an entire existence of doing your best,

It brings a reward of demise to your nest.

At last, all your sorrow, it’ll harvest.

- Elaijah Louhreyn Mijares

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I dreamed of myself
Followed by the inevitable death
And as I go to sleep
There is an uninvited guest
Sleeping at the canopy of my bed
With the sound of the ticking bomb
Waiting for the right time to burst

What dream is this?
Seeing myself hunted by death
Vines of life embracing me,
please don’t wilt away!
Don’t let the flowers of death
take you away from me
Yet, my plea was not spared
As the cloud of my dreams
Turned into a haunting nightmare

Chills shiver down my spine
As he whispered to me just fine
❝Why are you scared?
When I am your friend?
Waiting for you
To accept your own thread
There’s no point in running
You cannot escape
So why don’t you hug it?
Let’s start the voyage❞

As the tick of the bomb end
Boom! The truth was uncovered
There was no nightmare
For this is the reality
I could not face
I tried to escape
Making these illusions
Of dreaming myself
While I’m on my deathbed
Waiting for my end

There, I saw you left the canopy
To be at my side
Holding my hand carefully
Trying your best to smile
Hello there, my old friend
How long has it been?
When I tried to escape
And saw the unseen?

Now I will come with you
But please fulfill my last wish
Let me dream of you
And take my soul as I sleep

Lenikah Jaira Marcos || 9 - Banzon

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❝Gone was the effervescent luster,
superseded by the vermillion ember
Tells a story, eyes aflame,
the cold-blooded are sure to blame
How glorious it truly is, your life taken in a whizz
Its fragments make me assail,
while clutching my alabaster-colored, silk veil

Gone was the cheerful chatter,
the heart's about to shatter
Tears aren't shedding, hope is near to fading
However, we'll win this battle, despite being shackled
We may be put behind bars,
God knows how many hours
But it's alright, my son, as long as we're together- now that you're one with stars.❞

Pinto, Precious Sabine C. | 9-BANZON

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the days went by

the night came crawling in

the wind was an endless lullaby

her mind, continuously pouring in

her thoughts kept her alive

yet made her dead inside

oh, starry night, what an irony it is

to be trapped inside a human mind

in the starry, starry night

darkness was the only hue in sight

the stars that lit that night

was her only comfort light

oh starry, starry night

what a strange wonderland

to be found and

to be lost again

samantha heart carlos - 9 campos

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All I can hear is the clanking of the chains

All I can feel is my whole body’s boundless pain

All I know is that I am dying in vain

Oh, I just lost every single thing I have gained!

My whole life was as hard as a rock

For all these times, the clock tick-tocks,

And now, I just realized

All the paths were blocked

This may be due to my foolishness

All the time, my mind was locked

It is true, I was clearly confused

Now, I am bruised

No matter how reckless I am

Accept this illumination and be my man!

Do not let yourself get pulled!

Be the Noah of this arc,

Be the one who carries the people,

Lift them from their suffering, pain and defeat

Do not let anyone kick the bucket with regrets!

- Made by Dustine Andrei E. Cabungcal (9-Campos)
--Inspired by Juan Luna's Painting, "Spoliarium"

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Life truly is great
Fascinating, full of love and hate
Feelings that makes us feel alive
Makes all of us survive, or thrive
Might end at the count of 5
No one knows.

Life truly is great
To have half of your life owned by Hypnos, that is
The only time we feel at ease
Is when we're under his spell
Thoughts, slowly drifting away
Who knows what happens on the outside world?
No one knows.

As sweet as Hypnos is his twin
Thanatos, who is always by his side
Waiting, always waiting
Might take you at random
Invite you to eternal slumber
Tomorrow, in a few months, in a few years?
No one knows.

Oh, to be 86ed, is a part of life.

- Oblino, Lianne Drew O.

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- Gopez, John Jabez V.

Why is it so cold?
Why is it so dark?
This feeling of uneasiness,
this heavy feeling that keeps on bothering me.
I want to run.
I want to hide.
But it won't do anything,
it is inescapable

These shadows they keep haunting me.
They just won't leave me alone!
Let me free!
Please just end!
Leave me alone!
Please stop and settle down,
let me have peace, tranquility, and quietness,
so that I can rest even for a while.

Please help me!
Can anyone help me?
In this town of misery,
where darkness reigns.
Overwhelmed and cornered,
helpless and alone,
and brought down by the same kind.
Why is life like this?

# data[].attributes.body
Every night that I lie in my bed,

Sorrow, pain and tears you can hear.

Troubles that I wanted to share,

I can’t because of fear.

Soundless sleep every eve,

That I wish I could have.

Will I share my story?

So I can rest without worries.

But then, I realized

I can rest for a while.

I’ll let my dreams handle my pain,

And will fall asleep until it’s gone.

Dreams that made my pain gone for a bit,

Dreams that made me want to escape from reality.

Pain that will strengthen me,

I will lie in my bed until I'm free.

Evangelista, Ma. Cassandra Yzabhelle J.

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In the canopy of my bed,
there is someone uninvited.
It seems like we're fine,
like he's an old friend of mine.
But whenever he's near,
comes a burden I can't bear.

In the canopy of my deathbed,
there is someone anticipated.
He's a good friend of mine,
he told me to cross the line.

-Kenneth Estrella

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- J. M. P.

I wonder how the sun shone that day.
how the wind felt in every individual's skin.
that distinct scent of breeze in the fields.
the stillness, peace, and serenity..

then,
suddenly...

the bombs came flying from the sky
where the sun shone at its brightest
the scent of blood and fear mixing in the air
as you run to plead and escape death

then,
in an instant...

it became serene once more.
but you stood there very still
for the fields had turned red
and your sight had turned dark.

now,
I wonder...

if the sun had shone again that day.

# data[].attributes.body
Her eyes were blank,

but at the same time,

bursting with expression.

It's difficult to comprehend

the vagueness of her gaze.

The cheeky girl,

with her brazen stare,

her perfect facade;

pear and apple-blossom cheeks

naturally, was an unfathomable description;

Of her plain fleshiness

drably golden and her lips

were honey sea, drawn slightly apart

Caught in a single gasp,

the treasure unsnapped,

the beaming of the pearl,

perched on her ear,

flashing like a javelin,

will leave you captivated.

She breathes my soul,
loving her was loving art
untangible, but was the only feeling
that ever felt real

# data[].attributes.body
O’ starry night,
How beautiful is your light!
But one begs to wonder the question,
“What sort of troubled mind
created one such as your kind?”

Did he feel sadness, sorrow or despair?
Or did he feel joy, wonder and a gentle breeze of fresh air?
Whatever it may be,
One thing is for sure:
That for this mind, art is his cure.

# data[].attributes.body
By Mendoza, Emmanuel Aeron F.

The slain soldier, being dragged to his grave
Reeking of blood, leaking of life;

A brave being, dying a martyr

Oh, what courage to fight

Who once was strong and firm,
Now lain and pitied

A gladiator, a warrior
Is he truly a fighter, a hero?

To the eyes of people, is he a hero or a fool?

Fought for what he believed in,
Did he die in vain?

Is it really the mind of people?

Those who wear capes and robes are the warriors,

And the naked, dying; a nobody?
Praises, given by audience

is nothing to a real heart of a warrior
But a silent whisper to the ear

# data[].attributes.body
By Ryden Zajran M. Dela Paz

Orange moon once lighting up a whole town,
The white winds swirling everywhere,
A very beautiful landscape going up and down,
As peaceful as it looks, disturbing as you hear the sounds.

A beautiful tree in the foreground,
The bridge to the lights of the town,
Immortality, the tree says,
Death, as I get fazed,
Thinking deeply is peaceful yet disturbing.

# data[].attributes.body
By Christan Angelo A. Coronel

Years of freedom is truly a blessing
No more tyrants keeping us at gunpoint
Countless years of being played by countries like a toy done
But a exchange had to be done for this to be true

Our brothers and sisters that fell in days done and days now
To uphold a right that seems to be basic but always forgotten
We celebrate the courage and selflessness they have shown
Cause freedom's price is paid by blood