There’s something bittersweet about that old armchair kept away in our bodega. It’s gathering dust now, in that room. Before it found its place there, it served its purpose for years as the chair for our PC setup in my father’s room. Sweet, sweet memories — I used to sit…

Whereas the last work we had to analyze for our online journal made me think deeply and feel strongly about it, the works for this online journal instilled lighter emotions within me: making me laugh out loud, smile, or take in its content with slight confusion. A few excerpts from…

The first thing I did was hold my breath. I thought, this is what they did on television. I tried to keep my eyes open. My focus was on the stained glass above. I thought it was a pretty sight. I also didn’t want to die. I knew that much. I was left with no choice when my mouth gave up on its own, producing bubbles as I felt the water enter. It was unforgettable: how water could be so cold, yet so hot within your lungs.

Upon being greeted by the new academic semester, I have to admit that I was less than glad to be taking a class concerning Creative Nonfiction. Simply, it was not my thing. I completely associated the subject with the “nonfiction” part, feeling dreadful at the thought of having to read…

Some people believe in names being able to hold influence and traits. I suppose my parents were one of those believers, as my name Martha didn’t come from the Beatles song, no, but of course: it came from the bible. There’s not much to say here. We all expected it. …

When faced with a crowd, I often find myself in the act of people-watching. I subtly observe the people walking around and focusing on their own days. She looks annoyed, I wonder what happened? He seems like a fussy dad, I wonder what his kids think of him? She’s hugging…

Writing isn’t the easiest thing in the world for most people, including myself. Not all of us are gifted with the special ability to string words together and create vivid images and meanings out of them. As a result, most of the time, we prefer to sit back and consume…

After years of being a student under UP Rural High School, the poem we have previously covered, “Kung Tuyo na ang Luha Mo, Aking Bayan” by Amado V. Hernandez, still lingers in my mind. I may not have the whole poem memorized, but that title never fails to give me…

Most people don’t know this fact about me. In contrast to my apparent RBF, I actually cry easily. I remember times in which I’d be watching a non-drama movie and suddenly my mind would wander. The character had said something funny, but I could no longer focus due to the…