THE OFFICIAL ZINE OF WIKIPILIPINAS.ORG NOVEMBER 2008

in this issue Philippine Mythical Creatures • • • Tiyanak • • • Nuno sa Punso • Scariest Places in the Ang Babae sa Asotea • Usok • Bedtime Story • Kakila-kilabot na Gabi • 2

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from the editors

Many enduring tales about untamed spirits, ghouls, monsters and other supernatural crea- tures have originated from ancient Philippine myths and legends. This November, WikiPilipinas presents the Guide to Philippine Horror issue: a compilation of articles about mythical creatures, haunted places, and untold stories. Face your fears and learn a few tips to battle against the supernatural. Discover the stories behind the mysterious sightings. And let stories of love, life, and death keep you reading until the clock strikes midnight. Also featured in this issue are two of Vibal Foundation’s newest websites: E-Turo and the Philippine Online Chronicles. E-turo (www.e- turo.org) is a resource site for Filipino teachers and learners that offers accessible educational materials for free. The Philippine Online Chro- nicles (www.thepoc.net) is an online publication that presents the latest in politics, government, economy, sports, and entertainment from a vari- ety of perspectives. With this WikiZine, we bring you the pleasure of reading and knowledge sharing, Together, let us read more, write more, learn more, and share more.

There’s no such thing as . No wandering spirits, no bizarre creatures. The only thing that makes them real is you. Now the question is… Can you stop believing? 4

philippine mythical creatures h i l i p p i n e f o l k l o r e is filled with tales about supernatural creatures. Some of these Phave been discovered in books while others arise from personal encounters. Belief in monsters that transform to continuously hunt the living and eat unborn fetuses generally creates havoc among people. Stories of these mysterious beings often leave youngsters sleepless and terrified. There may be no scientific evidence of these creatures; but Filipinos, especially in the rural areas, firmly believe in their existence. Paranormal events that scientific professionals can’t explain are sometimes attributed to these creatures. Whether they exist or not, they still continue to captivate imagination and interest. aswang5 he aswang is considered the most feared supernatural creature in Philippine mytho- Tlogy. According to popular belief, aswang are shapeshifters who appear as ordinary hu- man beings during the day. At times, they take the guise of animals like cats, dogs, and pigs. As night falls, they turn into blood sucking monsters who prey on sick people, pregnant women, and little children.

Myths, legends, and superstitions especially in rural areas. Aswang are usually Myths pertaining to the existence of aswang blamed for lost children, unexplained deaths are common both in rural and urban areas and other unfortunate incidents. in the Philippines— except in the Ilocos re- Local and foreign films have portrayed gion where no such myth exists. Aswang are aswang in villainous roles, such as Aswang: believed to have originated from the West- A Journey into Myth, a documentary film ern Visayas, particularly in the provinces of about the aswang starring Janice Santos Iloilo, Capiz, and Antique. Valdez; Aswang (1994), a German horror Superstitious Filipinos often attribute movie; Aswang (1992), a film by director cases of miscarriage, sudden illness, unex- Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes; and Shake, plained death and other maladies to aswang. Rattle and Roll 2 (1990), the third episode of Stories of aswang are also commonly used which is entitled Aswang and stars Manilyn by parents to keep their children home at Reynes. night. Likewise, such stories are a common Aside from serving as topics of movies, tabloid sensation. stories revolving around aswang also land in several publications, including books and Appearance and activities newspapers. There is a wide variety of stories and beliefs from different regions that detail the cha- racteristics of aswang. In Philippine folklore, “aswang” has become a generic term refer- ring to various types of ghastly creatures like manananggal, mangkukulam, tiyanak, and werewolves. Popular stories describe aswang as reg- ular townsfolk employed as common butch- ers during the daytime. They live in secluded areas of barrios, usually isolating themselves from the public, appearing as quiet and shy individuals. As dusk falls, they transform into monstrous creatures and feed on un- born fetuses and children, especially their hearts and livers. They have bloodshot eyes as a result of staying up late at night search- ing for victims.

In popular culture At present, the Filipino belief in aswang persists. Many still testify to their existence,

For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Aswang 5 6 manananggal he manananggal is a ghoul in Philippine mythology that resembles a woman with the Tability to detach the two halves of its body at the waist, with the upper half then sprout- ing bat-like wings enabling it to fly in search of prey. It feeds on human blood and viscera, which leads to it being compared to the Western .

Appearance its lower half in a safe place to keep it from By day, the manananggal seems to be a nor- being discovered while the upper half is at mal, attractive woman. At night, especially large. Many believe that sprinkling salt, midnight or during a full moon, it applies ashes or crushed garlic on top of the lower a special oil on its body while chanting a half of its body would cause it to burn. Thus prayer. Fangs, claws, and wings sprout, and unable to rejoin with its lower body, the ma- the upper half of its body (head, arms and nananggal must remain out until it is even- torso) separates from the lower half (hips tually killed by the rays of the rising sun. and legs), with its guts hanging out. It has Garlic cloves and onions hung around doors long, matted hair and big, wild eyes. and windows are said to keep mananaggal at bay. Ashes and ginger are also said to repel Origin them. Stories about manananggal (meaning “one who can remove”) originate in the island provinces of the Visayas like Capiz, Iloilo, and Antique. There are also similar stories about these creatures in the neighboring countries of Indonesia and Malaysia.

Activities Like the aswang, the manananggal isolates itself from the townsfolk, residing on moun- tainsides or in deep woods. During the day, it lives among people, searching out pros- pective prey. Its usual targets are pregnant women and children. At night, it flies to the roof of its victim’s house and looks for holes where it can insert its long, thin, proboscis- like tongue. With this tongue, it is able to suck the blood of sleeping people, and even pierce a pregnant woman’s belly to feed on the fetus inside. The victim usually dies as a result. In some stories, a manananggal trails and kills its victim, devouring the heart and inner organs.

Countermeasures and antidotes When the manananggal’s upper body is detached, the lower body is vulnerable. Be- cause of this, the mananaggal tries to hide

For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Manananggal 6 7

tikbalang he tikbalang is a half-man, half-horse creature in Philippine mythology. It is known Tas the local counterpart of the centaur in Greek mythology. It is commonly described as a tall, bony, humanoid creature with disproportionately long limbs, such that its knees tower over its head when it squats.

Habitat and behavior Like the kapre, tikbalang are also known to inhabit mountains and forests (particu- larly big trees like the balete) or swamps. They usually take human form. They scare travelers and lead them astray. When target- ing someone, the tikbalang mimics the ap- pearance, voice and mannerisms of some- one close to the person, such as a friend or relative. Thus, the victim is tricked into following the disguised creature to an unfa- miliar place or going around in circles until he ends up getting lost, possibly never to be seen again.

Countermeasures and superstitions One can supposedly counter the tricks of the tikbalang by wearing one’s shirt inside out. Another countermeasure is to verbally ask permission to pass by or to simply re- frain from making too much noise while in the woods so as not to offend or disturb the tikbalang. According to folk beliefs, a tikbalang has sharp spines on its mane. The three thickest of these spines have special powers that can be used as anting-anting (talisman) to keep the tikbalang as a servant. To ac- quire these, a person must first learn how to tame the creature by tying a specially-made cord around its neck while riding on its back until the tikbalang is finally defeated. A common Filipino expression says that when there is a sudden downpour on a sunny day, a tikbalang is getting married. Tikbalang take baths only during the full moon. Moreover, some people say tikba- lang were once beautiful women who have grown old.

For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Tikbalang 7 8 tiyanak he tiyanak (also known as patianak) is a creature in Philippine mythology that re- Tsembles a human infant. It is said that a miscarried or aborted fetus, or a baby who dies without being baptized, becomes a tiyanak. Evil spirits use the infant’s body to attack victims, eating their inner organs and drinking their blood.

Appearance and behavior * Tianak (1953) - The first movie tackling the During the day a tiyanak might appear to tiyanak theme. Filmed in black and white, it be an ordinary baby. By night, however, it starred Nena Cardenas, Rosa del Rosario, grows sharp teeth, long fingernails, and Ramon D’Salva and Pedro Faustino. black and hairy skin. It lures its victims by imitating the cries * Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko - ABS- of an abandoned baby. Anyone who makes CBN fantaserye series which in its 10th the mistake of approaching or picking up episode featured the tiyanak. Starring Matt the “baby” is attacked. Aside from slashing Evans, Juliana Palermo and Denise Joaquin victims, the tiyanak also delights in leading in guest roles. travelers astray or in kidnapping children. In some instances, it is said that once given the chance to suck milk from the breast of a mother, the tiyanak will drain all her blood.

Types * The mantianak is described as a baby with a long beard. Pregnant women who hear its cries end up having a miscarriage. * The muntianak is a baby who died in the womb. It lives in the forest and terrorizes people.

Popular culture Tiyanak have appeared in various movies and television shows.

* Tiyanak (2007) - Directed by Mark Reyes starring Rica Peralejo, Mark Herras, and Jennylyn Mercado. In this version, tiyanak are featured in three forms—those that thrive on land, water and air.

* Tiyanak (1988) - Popularly called “Ang Anak ni Janice”, Janice de Belen being the lead character who portrays the mother of the monster baby. Also starring Lotlot de Leon, Ramon Christopher, Mary Walter, Carmina Villaroel, and Smokey Manaloto. Directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes.

For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Tiyanak 8 9

kapre he kapre is a Philippine mythical creature with the appearance of an unnaturally tall, Tlong-legged, black and hairy man, that sits in big trees and smokes. It is often seen wait- ing for people as they walk down a path, to scare and cast spells on them. It enjoys drinking, smoking, and gambling. It has also been described as being similar to the North American “bigfoot,” but with more human characteristics.

Etymology * The kapre indulges in human vices such as The term kapre was derived from the Spa- drinking, gambling and smoking. nish word kapfre, a term the Spaniards used * Kapre are said to be harmless if not pro- to refer to Moors, and from the Arabic kaf- voked, and can be kind creatures if not of- fir, a non-believer of Islam. Early Arabs used fended or taken for granted. it to refer to the non-Muslim Dravidians, * One must ask permission (“tabi-tabi po”) and the term was later brought to the Philip- when passing by big trees, so as not to offend pines by the Spanish conquistadors who had the kapre. previous contact with the Moors.

Habitat Kapre are said to live in large trees or in abandoned houses or ruins. It is believed that they appear only at night. They are commonly seen sitting atop a tree, usually an acacia, bamboo, narra, banyan (known locally as balete) or mango tree, while smok- ing a trunk-sized cigar that never burns out. Sometimes they can be seen sitting unmind- fully under those trees as well. Most consider them as just a figment of the imagination, but a growing number of people especially in the countryside have reported sightings of these mythological beasts.

Appearance A kapre is usually described as a tall (seven to nine feet), brown or sometimes black and hairy man with a beard, wearing a bahag with a band that goes around the waist. They have big eyes, sharp teeth, long fingernails and huge trunk-like legs. They smoke big tobacco pipes, whose strong smell attracts human attention.

Superstitions * A glowing ember means the presence of a kapre in a mischievous mood.

For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Kapre 9 10 pugot he pugot or “decapitated one” is a black, gigantic, headless creature popular in the Tmyths of the Ilocos region. It dwells in dark places, abandoned houses and trees. In par- ticular, pugot prefer to inhabit the duhat (Eugenia cumini), santol (Sandoricum koetjape), and tamarind trees.

Abilities ing such through the hollow base of their Pugot are shapeshifters. According to popu- neck. They are also said to have a particular lar belief, pugot have the ability to transform fetish for women’s lingerie. into various shapes such as dogs, hogs, and humans in an instant. They also have the Popular culture ability to become invisible from victims In the Ifugao myth Tulud Nimputul: and to move at great speeds. In some cases, The Self-Beheaded, the human hero en- pugot may cause insanity to the person who counters a pugot. He feeds the creature with sees them. chicken meat mixed with blood. This crea- Pugot are relatively harmless compared ture was also featured in an episode of ABS- to other Philippine mythical creatures. They CBN’s fantaserye series Si Pedro Penduko at usually feed on snakes and insects by thrust- ang mga Engkantao.

For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Pugot 10 nuno sa punso he nuno sa punso, also known as duwende, is a -like creature in Philippine my- Tthology.

Characteristics The worst punishment a nuno can enact is The actual size of the nuno is disputed. possession. This would cause the victim to Some claim that it is invisible to the human act as though insane and possibly hurt him- eye, while others claim it is about the size of self or others. a small insect. Its appearance is that of an old man. The word “nuno” is also how old relatives or great-grandparents are referred to in certain dialects.

Habitat The nuno lives in an anthill called a punso. It will harm those who disturb or damage its punso. If someone were to trample or kick the nuno’s home, the offender’s foot would swell. Nuno sa punso are also found in other places, such as under large rocks or trees, along riverbanks, inside caves, or even in people’s backyards.

Abilities Nuno have the ability to curse trespassers. It is said that people who purposely trample around in tall grassy areas or urinate on suspected nuno anthills in order to display dominance over the nuno are likely to be- come victims of curses. A curse may induce the following symptoms:

* Swelling or pain in any part of the body * Vomiting blood * Urinating black liquid * Excessive hair growth on the back

If the trespasser is within range, the nuno can spit at him. The effects of the curse are localized to where the spit lands on the per- son’s body. For example, if the nuno decides to spit at the trespasser’s stomach, he will have stomach problems; if it spits on the el- bow, he will have elbow joint pains, or pos- sibly have his arm fall off.

For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Nuno_sa_Punso 11 ScariestScariest PlacesPlaces in thein the Philippines Philippines

here are certain places in the world Residents in the area claim to have heard Twhose mere mention invokes fear and screaming and howling even during the shuddering. They are what everyone calls daytime. Former hotel employees even say “haunted”—locations that are said to be fre- that there are headless ghosts walking the quented by ghosts, ghouls, and other super- halls carrying their heads on platters. natural creatures. At Teacher’s Camp, a popular venue We can never attest to the authenticity for company meetings and school seminars, of the stories surrounding these places, as visitors claim to have heard mysterious the claims are just word-of-mouth and sub- voices and seen weird shadows. Legend has jective. Nevertheless, these tales can at least it that the camp, constructed as a tent-city inform one where to not get lost next time. for teachers during the American Occupa- Following are some places considered tion, was built on an old battleground for as among the spookiest spots in the Philip- Baguio’s indigenous citizens. It seems that pines. some of the warriors who lost their lives have never left. Baguio City – Diplomat Hotel, Teach- And lastly, in the Philippine Military er’s Camp, Philippine Military Aca- Academy, phantom platoons are said to be demy heard marching on the grounds. The ghost The City of Pines is not just about cold of a uniformed man appears too. weather and strawberries; it seems to be the place for a whole lot of paranormal activity Balete Drive too. Some of the best known haunted sites Balete Drive, a street in New Manila, Que- are found here. There is the Diplomat Hotel, zon City, gained fame during the ‘80s be-

an abandoned structure in Dominican Hill cause of a certain lady dressed in white who that allegedly saw the beheading of nuns was reported to hail cabs, ride for a while, and priests during the Second World War. then mysteriously disappear. Legend has

12 13

it that this woman was a rape victim unce- it is also situated at the foot of the mysteri- Scariest Places remoniously dumped on the street. It didn’t ous , a spooky, supernatural help that Balete Drive was poorly lit and combination. There are sightings of Philip- lined with numerous balete trees, which in pine mythical creatures like the kapre. There in the Philippines myth are homes to supernatural creatures. are bridges that seem to take forever to cross They say that the whole story was just a at night. And there is the infamous Baker fabrication, but people avoid driving there Hall, another former Japanese war camp anyway. where ghosts of garroted prisoners are said to appear all the time. Manila Film Center The Manila Film Center was erected- dur Clark Air Base – Clark Air Base Hospital, ing the Marcos regime as a venue for a Home Plate Canteen, Clark Museum film festival to be attended by international Clark Air Base, being an American settle- movie stars. During construction, an acci- ment, experienced some major bomb- dent happened—the upper floor collapsed, ing from the Japanese during the Second sending the workers down into the freshly World War. One such case reportedly hap- laid concrete below, burying them alive. pened during Christmas of 1941—an air It was a tragedy; but with the deadline for raid that caused the death of merrymakers the venue’s construction looming, Imelda inside the Home Plate canteen, who were Marcos allegedly instructed that the buried then celebrating Christmas. The souls appa- victims be left unearthed, and just covered rently have not lost their party spirit, as with another layer of concrete. Thus begins early morning joggers have reported hear- the urban legend of the Manila Film Center, ing party music and excited talk inside even whose walls are said to “talk.” Because there when the building is obviously empty. are really people inside them. Other paranormal activities are report- ed in the camp. In the abandoned Clark Air UP Los Baños Base Hospital, for instance, apparitions and Probably all campuses and universities, es- mysterious voices are common occurrences. pecially those that have seen and survived Violent spirits have rendered the area off the Second World War, are claimed to be limits to everyone. And in Clark Museum,

haunted. However, the Los Baños campus the ghost of a serviceman who commit- of the University of the Philippines seems to ted suicide still haunts the place where he outdo all, for not only had it seen the war, hanged himself.

For the complete article, visit http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Haunted_Places_in_the_Philippines Ang babae sa asotea

May mga pangyayaring hindi ganap na hagulgol na siya nang tuluyan. Parang mabigyang paliwanag ngunit nangyayari walang anumang tumayo si Joel sa para sa isang dahilan. May mga krimeng kinauupuan. “Magpahinga ka na. Ma- nabibigyan lamang ng hustisya matapos mayang hapon ang schedule natin kay maganap ang isang kababalaghan. Dr. Licos.” Matagal na ang kakatwang pang- akita ni Vina ang sarili sa gitna ng yayaring iyon. Una niyang nakita Nisang pusikit na karimlan. Dinala siya ang babae sa asotea isang gabing ng mga paa hanggang sa asotea. Pumunit umuulan. Nang nilapitan niya ito ang malakas na tili ni Vina sa nakita-- ay parang bulang naglaho. Na- isang babae ang umiiyak na nakasalampak ging palaisipan kay Vina kung sa tabi ng isang lumang baul. Naaagnas na ano ang mensahe ng natu- ang katawan ng babae. Suot ay lumang- rang babae sa kanya. At lagi lumang damit pangkasal. na, sa tuwing babanggitin Pagmulat ng mga mata ni Vina ay niya ang bagay na iyon sa nakahiga na siya sa sariling silid. Si- asawa ay binabalewala nalubong niya ang mga mata ni Joel. “A- ito ng lalaki. ano ang nangyari? Paano ako napunta Biyudo si Joel rito?”magkakasunod ang kanyang mga nang mapanga- tanong. “Nanaginip ka na naman kaga- sawa niya. Ayon bi. Inabutan kitang walang malay tao sa sa impormasyong asotea,” kaswal na sagot ng lalaki habang nakarating sa kan- nag-iinat ng katawan. “Kailangan ka na ta- ya, nagpakamatay lagang magpatingin sa doktor.” daw ang una ni- “ Wala akong sakit, Joel. Totoo ang tong asawa. Pero mga sinasabi ko. Ilang ulit ko nang napa- iba ang sabi ng panagini- pan ang babaing iyon-- kanyang mata- kalansay na halos. lik na kaibigan. Nakakatakot ang “Hindi ako itsura. Umiiyak. naniniwalang Gabi-gabi niya nagpakama- akong dinada- tay si Divina. law sa pana- Kaya kung ginip ko.” ako ikaw, gu- Napa- mawa ka ng sarili mong imbesti- gasyon.”

Tingnan ang artikulo sa http://fil.wikipilipinas.org/index. php?title=Ang_Babae_sa_Asotea Ang babae 15 sa asotea

Pinag-isipan niya ang huling sinabi ng si Vina ay nakita niya ang pagbabago ng kaibigan. anyo ni Joel. Tila nahintakutan ito. Paatras. Iyon ang unang gabing hindi siya Nang lingunin niya ang direksyong tini- nanaginip. Iyon din ang unang pagkakata- tingnan nito ay nakita niya ang babae sa ong lakas-loob niyang pinuntahan ang kanyang panaginip. Naaagnas na bangkay. silid na mahigpit ipinagbabawal ni Joel na May talim sa mga mata. Palapit kay Joel! pasukin niya. Tumakbo si Joel hanggang sa umabot Hindi nagkamali si Vina. Sa loob ng sa asotea. “Pinatay na kita! Patay ka na!” silid na nababalutan ng isang libo at isang sigaw nito. Ngunit nagpatuloy sa paglapit hiwaga ay may kababalaghang bumulaga kay Joel ang babae hanggang sa nasukol na sa kanya: isang lumang baul. nito si Joel. Napapikit si Vina nang maki- May nginig sa bawat hakbang ni Vina tang tumalon mula sa asotea ang kanyang nang lapitan niya ang baul at unti-unting asawa. buksan iyon. Maliwanag ang mga ebiden- Pagkuwan, parang walang anumang siyang tumambad sa kanyang harapan-- nangyari, naupo ang babae sa naroong si- mga clippings ng isang nakatagong lihim. lya. Tila kuntentong-kuntento. Umihip ang Lahat ng mga lumabas na balita tungkol sa mahalumigmig na hangin at banayad mahiwagang kamatayan ng unang asawa na tinangay ang ilang hibla ng ni Joel. Ang lumalabas na impormasyon buhok ng babae sa asotea… ay ang mala-bangungot na katotohanang may nagtulak kay Divina kaya nahulog ito Wakas mula sa asotea. “Matigas ang ulo mo, Vina,” binula- bog siya ng galit na tinig ni Joel. “Hindi mo dapat pinakikialaman ang gamit ko!” “Dahil natatakot kang malaman ko ang to- too? Limang milyon ang insurance ni Divi- na. Kaya pinatay mo siya, hindi ba?” Halo ang takot at poot sa tinig ni Vina. Ngumisi si Joel. “Mali. Pinatay ko siya dahil maingay ang bibig niya. Ayoko ng babaing maingay. Kaya ikaw ang isusunod kong patatahimikin!” Bago pa naka- t a k b o Usok

Ang tunay na pagmamahal daw ay tumatawid Waring tumalon ang kanyang puso! Hin- hanggang sa dako pa roon. Maging kamatayan di kayang tanggapin ng kanyang utak na pu- man ay sinasabing hindi magiging hadlang munta pa ng New York ang kanyang tatay para upang magpatuloy ang isang pag-ibig. lamang siya igawa ng kapeng barako! Noon niya natanaw sa ibabaw ng kanyang dining ta- ung may isang bagay man na walang ka- ble ang umuusok pang thermos ng tila ba bago Ktapusang pinagtatalunan ng mag-amang pa lamang kalulutong kape. Nagpalinga-linga Connie at mang Jose, ito ay ang hindi pagkaa- si Connie! “Tatay…?” wat ng huli sa pagkahumaling sa tabako. Min- Tumunog ang doorbell. Nang pagbuksan san pa nga ay nasabi ng kanyang ama na kung niya iyon ay ang masayahing mukha ng kan- mamamatay man siya at mabubuhay na muli, yang landlady ang bumungad sa kanya. “Happy hindi pa rin niya ipagpapalit sa kahit anong birthday, Connie! Naku, ang bango naman ng uri ng yaman ang pag-ibig nito sa kanyang ta- amoy ng kape! Nagkita ba kayo ng bisita mo?” bako. pagbati nito. Isang taon na si Connie sa New York. “Bisita po?” namamangha niyang balik- Dito siya pinalad na magkatrabaho matapos tanong. Nakangiting sumagot ang kanyang makapasa sa board at makakuha ng lisensiya kausap. “Oo, isang matandang lalaki. Naku, sa pagiging nurse. Ito rin ang unang taon niya siya siguro ang gumawa ng kape, ano? Baka nga na magseselebra ng kanyang ika-28 kaarawan tatay mo, kamukha mo, e. Nakita ko siyang pu- na malayo sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay. masok sa kusina. Nananabako pala siya, ano?” “Happy birthday, Connie!” bungad-pam- Siyangapala, dinalhan kita ng donuts. Bagay bati ng kanyang malapit na kaibigan at Pilipina ‘yan sa kape mo.” Pag-alis ng kanyang land- ring si Shasta. “Saan ang celebration?” kasunod lady ay mabilis niyang tinawagan ang kanyang na tanong nito matapos humalik sa pisngi ni kapatid sa Pilipinas. Iba ang uri ng kaba na Connie. Matamlay niyang sinagot ang tanong bumundol sa kanyang dibdib. “Kuya, nandito na iyon. “Salamat, ha? Sa bahay lang ako. Wala ang Tatay! Iginawa niya ako ng masarap na naman akong hilig na gumimik. Magsisimba kape. Pero wala siya dito sa bahay. Ano ba ang muna ako bago umuwi.” sabi niya? May pupuntahan ba siyang kakilala Hindi talaga siya masaya. Kahit na anong dito?” sunod-sunod na tanong ng di- magkan- pilit niyang sumaya ay lubhang naging mara- datutong si Connie. mot ang ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. Nami-miss Garalgal ang tinig na sumagot sa kabilang niya kasi ang kanyang mga kapatid lalo na ang linya. “Connie… h’wag ka sanang mabibigla. Si kanyang biyudong ama. Malapit siya sa kan- Tatay… wala na si Tatay. Inatake siya kanina. yang tatay Jose. Higit niyang nami-miss ang Pero kagabi pa niya pinasabing tawagan ka sarap nitong magluto lalo na ng paborito ni- namin at batiin ng happy birthday… .” yang nilasing na hipon. At ang kapeng barako na mismong tatay niya ang gumagawa. Pag Wakas may problema sila, kapeng barako ang pinag- sasaluhan nilang mag-ama. Ngayon, higit kay- sa dati ay ramdam niya ang pangungulila sa mga yakap at pagbibiro ng kanyang tatay. Gabi na siya nakauwi sa tinutuluyang boarding house. Tulad ng dati, hungkag at malamig ang kabuuan ng kanyang flat. Solo siyang naninirahan dito matapos na umuwi ng Pilipinas ang flatmateniyang si Donna. Ngunit kakaiba ng gabing iyon, sinalubong si Connie ng dalawang pamilyar na amoy: amoy ng ka- peng barako na nakikipaligsahan sa amoy ng paboritong tabako ng kanyang tatay Jose.

Tingnan ang artikulo sa http://fil.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Kape%2C_Tabako_at_si_Tatay 16 Bedtime Story17

May kasabihan na habang nabubuhay pa ang ni Cinderella?” isang minamahal ay dapat na samantalahin Nang umagang iyon ay kinausap ni Jo- na ang pagkakataong sabihin ang mga sali- sephine ang asawa. “Magbakasyon kaya tayo, tang “ I love you.” Tunay na maikli lamang Dan? Wala na tayong panahon sa sarili na- ang oras natin sa mundo kaya nararapat na ting pamilya. Lalo na kay Camille.” Sinulyapan gugulin ang kapirasong panahon sa paglalaan ni Dan ang asawa. Abalang-abala ang isip niya ng pagmamahal at pagbibigay ng atensyon sa sa ihahandang presentation para sa umagang mga taong nangangailangan sa atin. iyon. Nasa biyahe sila patungo sa kani-kani- lang opisina. “Sige. Itapat natin sa summer va- sang inhinyero si Dan at mataas ang ka- cation ni Camille sa school. Nagi-guilty na nga Itungkulan sa kumpanyang pinapasukan. ako sa anak natin. Pareho tayong laging subsob Ang kanyang asawa, si Josephine, ay isang pe- sa trabaho.” Sa narinig ay natuwa si Josephine. diatrician at gaya ni Dan ay alipin din ng kan- Mas naging excited siya para sa anak kapag yang propesyon. Anim na taong gulang ang nalaman nitong magbabakasyon silang tatlo. kanilang anak na si Camille na halos ay lumaki “Mamaya, pag-uwi natin ay susurpresahin ko na sa pag-aaruga ng kanyang yaya Tes. si Camille,” may ngiti sa mga labing tugon ni Palagi na, sabik ang batang si Camille sa Josephine sa kausap. atensyon ng kanyang mga magulang. Tuwing Alas dos ng hapon nang tumunog ang gabi ay pumapasok ito sa silid ng mag-asawa cellphone ni Josephine. May garalgal sa tinig ng upang maglambing. Kilik nito sa dibdib ang nasa kabilang linya. “Ma’m, n-nandito po ako paboritong teddy bear. “Story time, Mommy. sa ospital. Si Camille po kasi…” Hindi na ha- Bangon ka na,” pangungulit nito sa ina. Pinilit los narinig pa ni Josephine ang ibang sinabi ni idilat ni Josephine ang namimigat na talukap yaya Tes. Nawalan siya ng malay tao. ng mga mata. “Pagod pa si Mommy, eh. Gusto Nang muli niyang idilat ang mga mata ay na- ko pang magpahinga. Si Daddy mo na lang, kita niya si Dan na halos ay mugto na ang mga ha?” mata. Ilang ulit siyang tila sinaksak ng balaraw Sumibi ang bata. Sanay na siya sa ga- sa dibdib nang malaman ang katotohanang pa- noon. Sa tuwing maglalambing siya sa kan- tay na si Camille. Lasing ang drayber ng truck yang Mommy ay ipapasa siya nito sa kanyang na bumangga sa school bus ng bata nang pauwi Daddy. “ Daddy, basahan mo na po ako ng sto- na ito. rybook kasi pagod pa si Mommy.” Ibinaba ni Gabi. Magkatabing nakaupo sa gilid Dan ang hawak na lapis at ginusot ang buhok ng kama sina Dan at Josephine. Sabay napa- ng anak. “ Go to yaya Tes, Baby. May tinatapos angat ang kanilang paningin nang bumukas pa si Daddy.” ang pinto ng kanilang silid kasunod ang pag- Nagpalipat-lipat ng tingin si Camille sa ihip ng malamig na simoy ng hangin. Kinagat mga magulang. Sa murang isip ay hindi niya ni Josephine ang kanyang mga labi upang hin- maunawaan kung bakit salat siya sa atensyon di mapahagulgol. ng kanyang mommy at daddy. Muli ay nalung- Dama nila kapwa ang maliliit na hakbang kot siya. Lagi na lang si yaya Tes ang nagbabasa at ang tunog ng tsinelas. Papalapit sa kanila. sa kanya ng storybook. Mabuti pa si yaya Tes, Huminto sa mismo nilang harapan. Nalaglag hindi nauubusan ng panahon sa kanya. sa paanan ni Josephine ang teddy bear ni Ca- “Yaya…” basag ang tinig na yumapos ang mille, marumi at putikan. Gumapang ang mumunting mga kamay ni Camille sa baywang kilabot. Tandang-tanda nilang yakap ni Ca- ng tanging taong kakampi niya. Inihinto ni Tes mille ang paborito nitong teddy bear sa loob ang paghuhugas ng mga plato. ng kabaong nito. Nagmamadaling kinuha ni Dumukwang upang hagkan ang alaga. “… Dan ang storybook ni Cinderella sa katabing yes, baby ko?” Iniabot ng bata ang hawak na mesa. Agad na binuklat. Madamot ang tinig na storybook. Naunawaan ng kanyang yaya ang naglagos sa kanyang lalamunan. pangungulila ng bata. “ Halika, dun tayo sa room mo. Ano ba ang gusto mong basahin ko Wakas sa iyo? Yung tungkol sa nawawalang sandalyas

Tingnan ang artikulo sa http://fil.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Bedtime_Story 17 Kakilakilabot18 na gabi

Totoo bang nagbabalik ang kaluluwa ng isang ako mangangamoy-bawang habang naglu- yumao na? Sino nga ba ang makapagsasabi luto,” bulong niya sa sarili habang ang isang kung ano ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit kamay ay akmang magbubukas sa refrigera- may mga kaluluwang dala-dala hanggang tor. Nang maya-maya ay may naulinigan si- sa kanilang hukay ang paghahangad na ma- yang maliliit na hakbang na tila tumatakbo natiling nakikipag-ugnayan sa kanilang mga palapit sa kanya. “ Kathy?” inakala niyang mahal na naiwan sa daigdig ng mga mortal? kay Kathy, ang anim na taong gulang niyang Ang kasagutan ay naganap sa loob lamang anak, nagmumula ang mumunting tunog ng ng isang gabi… isang kakilakilabot na gabi. tsinelas. Ngunit pag-angat niya ng paningin ng malaki at mayabong na puno ng ay natuklasan niyang nag-iisa siya. Mula sa Amangga sa harapan ng kulay puting bintana ay natanaw niya ang mga nakasa- bungalow ang unang umagaw ng pansin rang bintana ng kalapit-bahay na wala pang ni Diana. Kalilipat lamang nila sa kani- nakatira. Umiling-iling si Diana sa kanyang lang bagong bahay. Mula sa kinatatayuan maling akala. Nasulyapan niya ang orasan sa ay sumilay ang isang maaliwalas na ngiti. dingding kaya minadali niya ang ginagawa. Sinundan ng kanyang mga mata ang malu- Inihanda ang mga rekado ng iluluto. Nag- wang na bakuran na natatamnan ng iba’t pabaga ng uling. Naghain ng tatlong plato sa ibang halamang namumulaklak. Hinaplos mesa. Naging abalang-abala na siya at maya- ang kanyang puso ng isang di-matingkalang maya lamang ay hinihiwa na nang maliliit pananabik. ang nalutong liempo matapos gumawa ng “Ano ang ulam natin mamayang tang- suka, toyo at kalamansing sawsawan. Muli, halian?” ang tinig ng asawa ang gumambala kumunot ang noo ni Diana nang may ma- sa kanyang pag-iisip. “At para sa dessert, puna. Nang sulyapan niya ang mesa ay apat gusto ko ng minatamis na saging na saba ang nakahaing plato gayung tatlo lamang na nagsu-swimming sa gatas at yelo, ha?” ang inihanda niya kanina! Nakangiting sumagot si Diana. “Maggagata Sinarili ni Diana ang mga tanong hang- po ako ng alimasag saka mag-iihaw ng liem- gang sa sumapit ang gabi. Aywan kung bakit po. Huwag mo akong sisihin pag hindi ka kakaiba ang kanyang nararamdaman. Bu- na makagulapay sa busog, pagkakain mo.” mangon siya upang puntahan ang silid ni Binigyan niya ng isang matamis na halik sa Kathy. Narinig niyang may kausap ito. Unti- pisngi si Bart bago unti… dahan-dahan, itinulak niya ang pin- humakbang ang mga to. “Kathy...?” may garalgal sa kanyang tinig paa upang pumasok nang makita si Kathy na nakaupo sa kama, na sa loob ng bahay. may dalawang manikin na nasa kandungan Malamig ang nito. hanging sumalubong Niyakap niya ang anak. “Kathy, bakit kay Diana sa kusina. hindi ka pa natutulog? Gabi na, a! Bukas ka “Presko dito, hindi na maglaro, ha?” May kislap ang mga ma- tang sumagot ang bata. “Ka-

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kaalis lang po ni Yeyet, eh! Sabi ko nga dito na siya matulog kasi wala akong kasama sa room.” Sinawata ni Diana ang kilabot na gu- mapang sa kanyang balat. “Sino si… Yeyet?” sumunod na tanong. “Friend ko po. Umuwi na siya pagdating mo.” Kinaumagahan ay may kababalaghan na namang naganap sa loob ng bahay. Nawala ang kaliwang pares ng tsinelas ni Di- ana at nakita niya ito sa ibabaw ng tokador. Nang umidlip siya at magising ng bandang hapon ay may tatlong rosas na kulay puti sa kanyang paanan. At may imaginary friend si Kathy na siyang dahilan ng matunog na halakhak nito sa buong maghapon. Lumamig ang Hanggang sa ipasiya niyang kausapin hangin at niyakap ang asawa tungkol sa isang maselang paksa. nito ang kabuuan ni Di- “May… may gusto sana akong ipagtapat ana. Mula sa pintuan ay tumam- sa iyo. Ngunit humihingi muna ako ng ka- bad ang anino ng isang batang babae patawaran dahil sa ginawa kong paglilihim,” na may hawak na manika. Humigpit ang pambungad ni Diana kay Bart ng gabing kapit ni Diana sa mga palad ni Bart. “Diana, iyon. Ginagap ng lalaki ang nanlalamig na humingi ka ng kapatawaran sa iyong anak.” palad ng asawa. “Makikinig ako.” Lumuhod si Diana at pumikit. Alam niya, Nagsimulang pumatak ang mga luha nadarama niya sa puso niya na ito nga ang ni Diana. “…bago tayo ikinasal, may naging sanggol na walang awa niyang pinatay. Na- boyfriend ako at nang malaman niyang b- kikiamot lamang ito ng atensyon at pagma- buntis ako ay… ay tinakbuhan niya ang res- mahal mula sa kanila. “Anak, patawad. Pa- ponsibilidad niya sa akin. Magulo ang utak tawarin mo ako…” impit na wika ni Diana. ko non, Bart… kaya… kaya ipinalaglag ko “ Pero matagal ko nang pinagdusahan ang ang bata. K-kung nabuhay siya, marahil ay kasalanan ko sa ‘yo.” sampung taong gulang na siya ngayon.” Nang muli niyang imulat ang mga Nakita ni Diana ang pang-unawa sa mata ay nakita niyang kumakaway ang ani- mga mata ni Bart. “Kung kapatawaran ko no palayo. At alam niya, pinatawad na siya ang hinihingi mo ay iginagawad ko na iyon, nito. Ibinulong ito ng hangin gaya ng isang Diana… ang iniiisip ko lang sa ngayon ay halik na dumampi sa kanyang mga pisngi. ang tungkol kay Yeyet na kalaro ni Kathy. Hindi kaya ang anak mong namatay at si Wakas Yeyet ay iisa? Hindi kaya nasasabik si Yeyet sa kanyang kapatid?” Napahagulgol si Diana. “Iyon din ang pa- kiramdam ko, Bart. Anak ko si Yeyet. At nanghihingi siya ng kahit kaunting pagma- mahal mula sa kanyang kapatid.”

Tingnan ang artikulo sa http://fil.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Isang_Gabi..._Isang_Kakila-kilabot_na_Gabi 20

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