Pag Urup-urup

Unan pa baya an makadawg,

Sa pagtiripun ning mga mawrag.

Didi sa Sumlang, sa panilan ni Magayon na Ina,

Mga Kamalignon, tunay na Miraya.

Mga boses, sing lumok san Pinangat,

Urgulyo san banwang padangat.

Si Inang Magayon nagapitong, mga akos nya tiripon.

Nyanga ta ngana sana nagpakarumdom?

Nag ulat, nag mundo, na pungaw, ulay na panawn,

Maray ngani ta ngana, burunyog, tiripon.

An paros naga hapros, labi-labi an kawgman,

Pigapamate an pagkamoot, ni Inang Magayon.

Agad nya satun, mga kapwa Kamalignon,

Indi paglipngan, mga istoryang suanoy.

Ipakita sa ngamin, kita mga uragon.

Ikanta, irawitdawit, makolor na kultura.

Na sanyang tinuro, pinakita, 

Mag pun sa pagkagimata.

Nyanga ta an iba, sa luwan nagpangilala?

Didi sa Kamalig pwede man sana.

Didi sa Kamalig na padaba ta.

Mga'kos ngana, indi tataw sa sadiring kultura

Naukdan lugod, mga dayong istorya.

Naukdan lugod, mga dayong kanta.

Kisay na sala, sisay an basulon?

Kundi kitang mga gurang, baya satun na uru-urupon.

Uno an dapat tang ipamana?

Uno an dapat na iambug san usad na banwa?

Kun maski sa ginitan, ura sana!

dcp'16

@56

@56

There's lack of wants 

cause thy need is scarce

When sunrise fills

thy heart with cheers

Waving green meadows

give thy spirit bliss

And so this joyful rose

At fifty six.

Family's sweet voices

echoing everywhere

To last a million lifetimes 

here and there

Their loving smiles 

is all that's dear

Thus make worldly worries 

easier to bear.

A grateful soul ne'er gets old 

only thy number is told

For what is there to seek 

when joy's inside to hold

God's love is there to keep 

when life begins to unfold

His eternal care is all I dream

so this I pray to Christ my Lord.

dcp'17

The Tattered Book and The Librarian

It was another blessed morning as usual, a routine he'd grown accustomed to and looked forward each waking day. No matter how many times he traversed the already memorized steps to the "Library" and eventually opened its old and creaky door, the smell of old and new books welcomed him, a sense of excitement for a new day engulfed his spirit as always.

"Ahhh...what's in store for us this time my dear friends? Let's see how many visitors we'll have today!"

It became his habit to talk cheerfully to the books, from the oldest, newest addition, best sellers, paperbacks to the smallest booklet. He dusted each one with love and care,ready for the next reader who would enjoy the book of his choice. How he loved watching anyone reading and appreciating his most cherished collection, his life, his being! True enough a flow of book lovers came in, all wanted new editions and colorful exciting books to explore. They stayed long hours reading a book of their choice the new best sellers but never the old tattered ones.

One foggy morning while he was arranging the new arrivals in a newly installed shelf at the center of the library, he heard a soft sob. Slowly he walked to the direction of the muffled sob...To his surprise it came from a tattered almost forgotten book at the farthest left corner of the room.

"What's the matter dear one?" He lovingly asked...softly the tattered book answered, unsure of itself.

"Nothing sir, why?"

"I heard you sobbing, I'm sure I did!"

"Oh sir, I'm sorry but I think you're mistaken."

"Hmmmm...okay, but..never mind the matter then. Got a lot more chores to do my dear friend. Have a good day!"

"You too sir..."

The day passed swiftly, people came and went, some stayed and read and some borrowed their chosen books. Only the new ones were read and borrowed to take home. Though he went about his chores capably for the day, the sob he heard never left his mind. Almost an echo reminding him someone was hurting. He knew the tattered book was really sobbing. He was real sure of it.

"My old friend is keeping its loneliness from me...I wonder." he murmured." It was the saddest sob I heard,hmmm..I have to try to talk it out of it's misery. But why? It was a most read book! So why should it feel miserable?

After everything was kept, impeccably organized and all was ready for the next morning, he decided he'll talk to the sobbing tattered book before calling it a day. Carefully he took it from the shelf, affectionately placed it on the table in his office, and seated himself comfortably...looking forward for a long enlightening talk with his old friend. Well...hopefully.

"So...tell me again my dear friend if I mistakenly heard your sobs this morning? Have you forgotten we've been together for decades now?Do you honestly think I don't know you all these years?" He gently probed.

"Oh come on sir! I may be giggling, did it not ever cross your mind?" The book answered evasively, a tiny pride seeped in.

"Giggles are far more different from sobs! Out with it my dear friend...why?" he pleaded farther.

"You are indeed a true and caring friend dear sir, you're right I can't hide anything from you, no matter how much I tried. Don't worry sir,no big deal, maybe I am not so sure if I was of any use at all. You see no one wants to read me anymore. I am old,torn and boring! New exciting, colorful books are the in thing now! Haven't you noticed?" the book mumbled almost incoherently but clear enough for the "Librarian" to understand its predicament.

"Hmmm...go on.." He answered rather amusingly but tried to hide it from his friend afraid it would disclose no farther.

"Did I ever help or inspire anyone sir? Was I ever a guide for someone's knowledge?" the book chanted one grief after another deep into the night. The "Librarian" listened patiently, carefully noting mentally all the fears and worries behind the tattered book's rosary of complaints.

"Is that all my friend? Was all that the reason for your heavy heart?" he asked after listening to the longest chat they ever had in years. The tattered book looked at him amazed by his calmness after chanting its complaints and loads of frustrations all night. Silently it nodded...

"Yes sir, I'm afraid that's all."

"Would you like to be reminded of who you were then? How could you not remember? Let not your misery nor pains destroy you my dear friend." He asked in the kindest tone the book had ever heard." Come with me and we'll travel back in time by watching a short film. I kept this hidden for quite sometime especially for you my dear friend." Together they went to the right corner of the Library where an old projector stood. While the Librarian was busy trying to start the machine, the tattered book waited impatiently for what seemed like forever. Finally the old somewhat blurred film rolled...

A jubilant commotion filled an old house in the middle of the night. Already a new born babe was crying long before the supposed attending midwife arrived.

"She can't wait to see us my dear,look how healthy she is! Such deafening wails for a tiny baby!" The excited grandfather tried to hush the mother and child, praying the midwife would finally come.

Everyone in the family welcomed the baby girl, a favorite in fact for she's the first granddaughter. Though a bit pampered by everyone,she grew up loving and caring.

She couldn't sit still if her siblings were not yet around the table in their humble dining room. She would wait till everyone had their meals and bellies filled up. Her ardent wish was always to see her family happy. Her mom especially,her most beloved.Her arms were always open to anyone who needed her comfort,both her time and affection. Her shoulders were always ready to cry on and her ears were ready to listen ...feeling their deepest pains anytime anyone asked.

More joyful moments were flashed before the tattered book's eyes, numerous events of the girl's life, her simple achievements and the like. In her teens she found a way of expressing herself well artistically,a talent or two she gratefully shared. Then came the most blissful event in her life,the birth of her children. Willingly she devoted her whole life attending to her most precious bundles of joy and her dearest husband's needs. Finally being a housewife was her chosen career she enjoyed the most. The screen was filled with joyful laughter...more blissful events...

Abruptly the screen went blank but still playing continuously. The tattered book watched and waited expectantly hoping the screen would clear once more but to no avail. Suddenly the book felt tears were flowing down its old cheeks. It troubled the book immensely, confused and bewildered wondering what it's got to do with itself. Upon watching the short film the book felt joy but also sadness,a mixture of both. The film in between lively scenes flashed a blank screen..Why? Maybe that film was too old like itself!The tattered book gathered its thoughts and bravely asked the Librarian in a husky shaky voice.

"Sir, why did the film have blank and blurred moments in between? All I saw were happy times. Didn't that girl have any sad and unlikely events in her whole lifetime? Did she have a perfect life? How lucky and blessed she was! I envy her!

"Ahhhhh! I thought you'd never ask! The Librarian fondly answered, wisdom was written all over his face.

"You see my dear friend the director/author of that film edited the girl's life. The director of that film was one of a kind.He only showed all the happy times for everyone to enjoy the film void of all negativity and let everyone know his merciful, magnificent ways. Though he was aware of the numerous dark moments in the girl's life he chose not to show them. The dark unlikely moments were only for the director's all forgiving, never vindictive eyes. In fact he took care of it all himself, in a priceless heavenly way. He showed a spotless girl on screen. For the sole reason that she was created by an all knowing "Author" of whom she had believed and embraced all her life.Though the life she led was not perfect, all she needed was a small, sincere chat with her Author and voila!

The film you just saw, edited to perfection!

Without much ado, the Librarian slowly headed for the door a soft light from the street post peeped in...illuminated his head like a crown. Getting brighter and brighter as it crept through the tattered book's renewed heart.

Silently the Librarian closed the door behind him, leaving the enlightened book...tattered no more.

My Tiny Bundle

A tiny bundle of joy...
Eagerly yielded in my embrace
Soft sweet chuckling sounds
Only you and I could decipher.
Your stares and cries 
Always asking for a lift and a hug
My aging bones murmured complaints...
But when you gave me your sweetest smile
Lo and behold sore muscles ignored!
Swiftly you were in my arms
And together we flew the highest clouds.

Wikang Mahal

Halimuyak mo'y katulad ng Sampaguita
Mga salitang kay sarap bigkasin ng isang makata
Bikol,Bisaya,Tagalog at iba pa,tulad ng Sampaguita
Pinagdugtung- dugtung upang gawing kwintas at korona
Alay sa bansa,sa Poong Maykapal,maging sa sinisinta.

Dumaan man ang nagraragasang Glenda
Alipustahin man ng mga nagmamarunung at nagmamaganda
Tag-init,ulan,baha at sari-saring pagdurusa
Wikang mahal,gaya ng Sampaguita
Di kayang masukol,masdan nyo at namumulaklak sa ganda.

Maligayang buwan ng wika Pilipinas kong mahal! 

Polls 2016

Polls 2016

Too many hippos pretending to be nice
When inside they're otherwise
Tell me their stories chosen in plain sight
Alas!It's all to their own delight!

Hah!If I should speak my mind
I wonder who would fare just right
Must they speak in saintly might
When they're closets are full of mice!

Some seem nice and sometimes right
Proud as peacocks they walk heads high
Never looking at their paths behind
And so they thought they are alright!

So sweet they are on election times
Meek as lambs to take our sides
Promises of tables filled with rice

Only to be thrown in the field of lies!

BALTOG An Rawitdawit

The first Chieftain of Camalig
Daragang Magayon Festival

Penaranda Park,Legazpi City

April 23,2014

A dance drama by:

artNconcept Kamalig Cultural Guild

Creative Director:Nono G. Nebres

Stage Play Director:Dreamrose C. Perez

Tecnical Director: Sam Moral 

Researcher/Librettist:Raffi Banzuela

The Play:

Part I

Prelude:

The birth of Baltog

A silhouette of a man under a moonlit night offering  a newly born baby  boy to the anitos.Standing on top of a hill (riser).Sound of a crying baby.

(Lights out)

Dance:

Grown Baltog

Warrior dance,at the midst of the dance,the warriors divide the riser revealing Mighty Baltog the chieftain,seated on his throne.

At the end of the dance,the warriors will shout..

Baltog!!!!

(Lights out)

Part II

Scene 1:(Dialogue:Eksena 1)

(Tribe planting,fishing with bow and arrow,carrying fruits,hunting games with spears and arrows,children playing.)

Set:Background-Mayon Volcano

Chorus:

Mar'ay na aldaw!

Mar'ay na aldaw!

Yadi an samun na magayon.

Lugar na masalinggaya.

Yadi an TondolYadi an Tondol!

An samun na ngarakngak

Naga aningal sa maiwas na kadlagan,

An sulong 'lang iwas,ararom,

Ura samun nagugutom,

Yading mga kamalig supay

Sing mga pagkawn,ayo prutas,ayo gulayon.

Par'na,par'na sa maogmang Tondol!

Fisherman:

Kita yadi kadakulong urugbun!

Youth:

Napudo ko gumian!Kadakul!...mga matamison!

Woman:

'Lang gagayon na mga lubi-lubi!

Hunter:

Didi an mga dugus ura kaarog sa tamis dangan siram.

Babaylan:

(Rite of atang;Asog behind her.)

Mabalos,mabalos simo Gugurang,

Sainyo mga anitong igigalang.

Mabalos pag-ataman samun,

Mabalos sa pag-ataman sa kapalibotan.

Samun an pag-arang,an ura sagkod na pag-galang.

Akua tabi ninyo yading samun na atang

Nganing magdanay an karahayan,

Magdanay an kaogmahan,

Magdanay an pagsabot

Magtalubu an pagkamoot

Didi sa maogmang Tondol.

(Lights out)

Scene 2:

Set:Background-Mayon Volcano-the tribesmen at freeze.

Dance of the maidens.

Dialogue:(Eksena 2)

Hunter:

(Running,panting)

Kaimanwa,mga kaimanwa,ayo dayong paadi.Git sa ilawod.

Warrior Leader:

(Ready for violent confrontation)

Siisay ka?Unan an tuyo mo samun?

Baltog:

Ako si Baltog.Ura ako sing tuyong maki-away.

Ako si Baltog git sa Botavara

Gikan sa rasa san mga Lipod.

Mar'ay na aldaw sa inyo ngamin.

Lang gayon sading sainyong lugar

Kaya gayod didi ako dinara

San kintab san mga bitoon,

Didi ako ipinalid san amihan.

Warrior Leader:

Kin ura ka sing tuyong ura data,magdagos ka.

Troop Member:

(Whispering to another)

Iba sya saton.Unan daw kin bukon yadi paribuk? Indi sya sasayuman sading pana ko na ayo binino.

Maiden1:

(Whispers to another flower)

Maray an hitsura,makastil!tunay na uragun!

Maiden 2:

Aw inda!Baga man sana yan  kulibangbang,tamis ta man sana an toyo!

Kulibangbang:

Hoy mga tsismosa!Kin bukon samun ayo daw kamo mga pakinabang?

Warrior Leader:

Dagos Baltog sa samun na lugar.

Lilawman namon an simong kara'yan.

Sige,magtugduk ka san simong moog

Kin diin mo muya,igalang mo kami

Igagalang mi man ika.

Baltog:

Mabalos sa sainyong pag-aku,

Ako magiging maray na kaiba

Kasurog sa oras ning pangngangaipo

Katuwang sa sa'nyong piggigiribo.

Akua ninyo yading sakun na regalo

Magayon na linsa,masiram na kawnon.

Ini satun na itatanom,papadakulon

An mga anuk titiponon sa sa'nyong

Darakulong kamalig sa tampi san solong.

Babayi:

Kita baya ninyo,sinda may kairibahan na dayo!

Mahamot na Burak:

Sisay kaya siya?

Baltog:

(Nakilingan si Mahamot na Burak)

Siisay kaya siya?Nyanga abu ko alinun an sakun na mata sanya?Gusto ko siyang mangingilalan.

Unan yading namamatean,

Bagang an puso namumungnan.

Ba-a an burak nakikita

Nyanga an hibog san sakun na dadawgan

An pagmati daog pa malomok na ulonan?

Warrior Leader:

(To another companion)

Mas'di si Baltog,an mata napako ki Mahamot na burak!

Companion:

(To warrior leader)

Bu'ni!Kita man si Mahamot na Burak,kay Baltog nakapitung.

Mahamot na Burak

O mga mapinayabang Anito

O gugurang na makakamhan

Hare pagtuguti na ako matunaw

Sa mga pitung sading dayuhan

O mga  Diwata,tawi sing kusug

Yading nagkukubug-kubug na mga tuhod.

Chorus:

(Taunting Baltog & Mahamot na Burak)

Didi sa Tondol an oyup san paros nag-iba

Ayu mga dadawgan na nagirinit

Ayu mga matang nagasiringkit.

Ayu mga kimut na na nakabuka

Ura man sing boses na ipigbubuga.

Didi sa Tondol,ngana pa sana,

Indi pa ngani nagkangilala,

Kita!Kita!dunguga,dunguga

Ayu mga pusong nagatagadol

Sa dadawgan,kita an untol.

(Lights out)

Courtship dance of Baltog and Mahamot na Burak (sigay-sigay dance)

Scene 3 

Dialogue:(Eksena 3)

(Si Baltog sa Tondol.Actively working with the natives.)

Old Woman:

Dakulo an tabang ni Baltog.Nag-uswag an pag-oma.

Nagatubu an linsa.Indi nawawaran ning inagon na usa.An mga bangon pirming ayu baga.Maray ngani!

Hunter:

Panigo an samun na mga pana.Nagtanus an samun na mga garud.Nagtarom an samun na mga daga.

Chorus:

Magdanay ka Baltog

Tunay kang kasurug!

Magdanay ka Baltog

Napasamun an isog!

Farmer:

(Running,panting)

Su mga pana!Su mga linsa!Linunis san Tandayag na upon!

(Jumps several times to indicate the beast's height.With stretched arms moves moves sidewise to indicate length,raises arms to indicate the beast's tusks.)

Fisherman:

(Running,panting)

Mga pag-iriba,ura akong nadadakop na urugbun.Sa solong ayu nagalabog na kadakulung opon.Didto sa pinaka-irarom,pero an sanyang taludtud lutaw pa sundo sa sanyang abaga!

(Motions,showing the beast's appearance)

Chorus:

(To Baltog)

Unan an maray gibun?

Sa Tandayag na opon?

Kin an garud o pana

Sa sanyang kulit naguntol?

Ay,mga anito,ay,Gugurang

Kami sainyong tabangan

Abuton kami sing taggutom

Ilulubong kami sa pagtios.

Kin an mga pananom pagparasungkalon

Kin an solong piglalabogan

Kin an kadlagan pigparadaralaganan

Sading Tandayag na opon!

Mahamot na Burak:

(Crying)

Ay,Gugurang,ura na pakinabang an sakun na mga linsa,inubus ni Tandayag na opon!

Baltog:

(Hears  Mahamot na Burak's cry)

Humanda ka opon!

An simong ringis

Pipiripitun ko!

An simong pasaway!

Matapos an simong buay!

Indi pwedeng makasanit

An sakun na pigmamain-mainan.

Humanda ka opon!

Amo na yadi an simong katapusan!

(Baltog exits)

Mahamot na Burak:

(Praying)

O mga anito,kin bukon sakun na himurara,indi aadunon ni Baltog an istaran san opon.Tabangan ninyo tabi siya,na madaog an ura datang opon!

(Lights out)

Part III

Dance:Destruction of nature by Tandayag/Opon.Appearing from behind the Lignon  Hill.)

Scene 4

Dialogue:(Eksena 4)

Prelude to Scene 5

Old Woman:

Didto sa panilan san Bolod Lingyon an Tandayag na baktin natuparan ni Baltog.Itinapil ni Baltog an an sanyang matarom na daga,ginamit an kamot,an mga brasong ura kaarog an kusug laban sa kusug san opon na an tingo sampulong beses an laba sa sanyang daga!

Scene 5:

Dance:Baltog and Tandayag's fight dance.

Set:Dark stage with spotlight focussing the fight dance of Baltog and Tandayag.

Dialogue:(Eksena 5)

Baltog appears on stage after the victorious fight with Tandayag.Behind him are the brave warriors.At the upper right stage is Mahamot na Burak,gazing lovingly at Baltog.The villagers shouting with praises.

Chorus:

Magdanay ka Baltog!

Ika na samun na ranga

Ika na an dara kusug

Simo an samun na pagtobod!

Magdanay ka Baltog!

An satun na Tondol

Ipigrorokyaw an simong

Isog,an simong kusug.

Magdanay ka Baltog!

Mag-ogma an Tondol!

Baltog:

(Eyes looking for Tamburak,unmindful of the praises)

Nyanga indi ako bilog na makipag ogma

Sa sandang pagrorokyaw sa pagkapara san Tandayag?

Nyanga an sakun na mga mata,ayo piganap?

San anino nyang an mga kahoy pigatago?

Unan yadi ta indi ko kayang sabyon kin unan?

An sa dadawgan nagasyak,nakapurisaw?

Indi ako takot sa mga Tandayag,napawnu ta sa usad na burak

Ako natutulan,ako indi mapamutang?Indi ko masabotan!

Mahamot na Burak:

(Walks slowly,letting her presence known to Baltog from afar.)

Ay,mga anito,ay Gugurang!

Tawi man baya siya sin kusug!

Ako usad na burak,nagulat

Sa dapo san kulibangbang.

Tawi man baya siya sin kusug!

Tawi man baya siya san isog!

Ay mga anito,ay Gugurang!

Daraha tabi sakun an pisog!

Baltog,ah  Baltog...an pisog!

Indi pag sayanga an pisog!

Baltog an pisog!

Love dance of Baltog and Mahamot na Burak.

(Lights out)

Part IV

Finale:

Festive wedding dance ceremony of  Baltog and Mahamot na Burak.

Opening scene:Wedding ceremony officiated by Babaylan.Parade of the tribesmen carrying the newly weds down the stage,tribesmen will distribute dried apay to the audience.

                                             END

Cast:

Baltog: Miguel Munoz Dia

Mahamot na Burak:Angelica Mullasco

Tandayag:

Babaylan:

Warrior Leader:

Old Woman:

Hunter:

Farmer:

Fisherman:

Maiden1:

Maiden 2:

Kulibangbang (man):

Troop Member/Companion

Youth:

Woman/Babayi:

Warrior Dancers:

Flower (maidens) Dancers: