PUGOT

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Mystery)

Lumapag ang mga paa ng tatlong magkakabarkadang Tom (edad 28), Macky (edad 27) at Sean (edad 26) sa harapan ng isang lumang bahay-bakasyunan sa malamig na lungsod ng Baguio. Mahalumigmig pa ang paligid ng mga oras na iyon. Nanunuot pa ang ginaw maging sa loob ng katawan nila.

“Sa wakas! Andito na rin tayo, ang tagal rin ng biyahe natin ah!” bulalas ni Sean saka ibinaba sa lupa ang mga dala-dalang bagahe.

“Tara mga ‘tol, pasok na tayo sa loob! Gusto ko nang magpahinga muna eh. Kanina pa nangalay puwet ko sa kakaupo!” sinapo pa ni Macky ang bandang likuran niya senyales ng matagal na pangangalay.

“Tara! Nagugutom na rin ako eh. I-enjoy natin ang 5 days vacation natin dito!” dagdag naman ni Tom saka nagnuestra patungong tarangkahan ng bahay-bakasyunan.

Ngunit bago pa lamang kakatok ang tatlo sa malaking tarangkahan ay may isang matandang lalaking gusgusin na wala sa katinuan ang humarang sa kanila.

“Kahit anong mangyari! Huwag kayong matutulog! Huwag! Huwag!” bulyaw sa kanila ng matanda saka mabilis na tumalilis palayo sa kanila.

Nagkatinginan ang tatlo. Nagkibit-balikat na lamang sa nasaksihan.

Isang matandang babae ang sumalubong sa tatlong lalaking bakasyonista.

“Mabuti naman at nakarating kayo ng maaga. Halikayo mga iho at naghanda ako ng almusal sa kusina.” alok ni Aling Mona (edad 45).

“Ay salamat po, kanina pa nga po kami gutom na gutom eh.” mabilis namang sagot ni Tom habang hinihimas ang tiyan.

Sabay-sabay na pumasok ang lahat sa loob ng bahay na iyon.

Ang bahay na iyon.

6:00 ng gabi.

Pagkagaling sa maghapong pamamasyal ay nagkasundo na ring magsitulog ng magkakaibigan dala na rin ng hapong-hapo nilang katawan.

“Bukas na lang tayo magtagayan mga ‘tol ah. Logtu muna.” si Macky na nagtuloy-tuloy na sa kanyang kuwarto upang matulog.

“Ok no prob.”sagot ng dalawa na nagtungo na rin sakani-kanilang mga kwarto.

11:00 ng gabi.

Nakaramdam ng pagkaihi si Sean. Pupungas-pungas siyang bumangon at lumabas ng kanyang kwarto upang pumanaog at gumamit ng banyo. Habang naglalakad sa pasilyo ay napansin niyang nakabukas ang pinto ng kwarto ni Macky. Minabuti niyang tunguhin iyon at isarado ito.

Ganoon na lamang ang panlalaki ng dalawa niyang mata nang makita ang hitsura ng kaibigan habang nakahiga ito sa kama at natutulog!

Si Macky...walang ulo!

Nanginig ang buong katawan ni Sean sa nakita. Mabilis na gumapang sa likuran niya ang pangingilabot ng kanyang mga balahibo.

Sa kabila ng malamig na klima ay bigla na lamang siyang pinagpawisan sa kinatatayuan!

Isinara niya ang pinto at sinandalan ito. Hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala.

“Baka namamalikmata lang ako!”aniya sa isipan. Kasunod ay muli niyang binuksan ang pinto at silipin ang kaibigan.

Si Macky...may ulo na.

Gimbal ang lahat ng umagang iyon sa nadatnan!

Si Macky, nakahandusay sa pinakababang pasimano ng hagdanan! Bali ang leeg. Wala ng buhay. Umaagos ang dugo sa sahig mula sa ulong pinagmumulan nito.

“Malamang na naglakad siya habang nananaginip. At nahulog mula sa pinakataas ng hagdanan.” mangiyak-ngiyak ring sambit ni Aling Mona.

Hindi na rin napigilan nina Sean at Tom na maiyak mula sa kinatatayuan nila.

Maya-maya pa’y sinubukang i-dial ni Tom ang numero ng magulang ni Macky.

Walang signal.

Buong umaga nang humahanap ng signal sa buong kabahayan ang magkaibigan ngunit wala pa rin silang matagpuan. Sinubukan na rin nilang lumabas ng bakuran ngunit wala rin silang napala.

“’Tol paano natin mababalita sa mga magulang ni Macky yung nangyari sa kanya?” balisa si Sean sa kalagayan.

Napailing si Tom. “Mukhang walang dito eh. Tara subukan natin sa ibang lugar baka sakaling may masagap na signal dun.”

Lumabas ang dalawa sa bakuran at nagtungo sa ibang lugar para maghanap ng signal.

Pinagmamasdan lamang sila ni Aling Mona mula sa di kalayuan.

Tanghali.

Bigong bumalik sa kabahayan ang dalawang magkaibigan. Kahit na naglibot na sa buong bisinidad ang magkaibigan ay wala talagang makuhang signal. Liblib rin kasing lugar ng Baguio ang napuntahan nila.

“Mabuti pa, bumaba na lang tayo ng bayan. Kuhanin ko lang ang wallet ko sa taas.”ani Tom saka pumanhik sa taas. Sumunod rin sa kanya si Sean upang kunin ang kaniya ring wallet.

Ngunit pawang nagulumihanan ang dalawa nang mapagtantong wala ang mga wallet nila sa kanilang mga bag.

“Nawawala rin ang wallet mo?”ani Sean sa kaibigan. Namimilog ang mga mata sa pagtataka.

“Oo eh...ninakawan ba tayo dito?”tumingin sa buong paligid si Tom.

Pumanaog muli ang dalawa upang hanapin si Aling Mona ngunit hindi nila ito matagpuan.

“Nasaan kaya siya?”si Sean.

Nagkatinginan lang ang magkaibigan.

Kumagat na ng dilim nang dumating si Aling Mona.

“Aling Mona! Mabuti naman po at dumating na kayo. San po kayo nanggaling?”salubong ni Sean sa matanda.

“Sa punerarya ako nanggaling mga iho. Inembalsamo na kasi ang katawan ng kaibigan ninyo.”ani Aling Mona. “Kamusta kayo dito? Pasensiya na kayo at hindi ko nasabi kaagad, wala talagang signal dito sa lugar namin.”

“Iyon nga ho eh. Naghanap rin po kami kanina ng signal pero wala po talaga. Bababa na nga lang ho sana kami sa bayan pero mukhang nawawala po yung mga wallet namin.” balita ni Tom.

“Ano?! Nawawala ang mga wallet ninyo? Imposible..walang pwedeng makapasok na ibang tao dito sa pamamahay ko.”anang matanda.

“Ganun na nga po. Pero kailangan na kailangan na rin ho kasi naming maibalita sa parents ni Macky yung nangyari sa anak nila kaya kung pwede ho sana, manghihiram na lang po muna kami ng pamasahe sa inyo para makababa ho kami ng bayan kung saan may signal.”paliwanag naman ni Sean.

“O siya sige. Pahihiramin ko kayo. Pero pwede bang ipagpabukas niyo na muna iyan. Masyado nang gabi at delikado na ang daan. Alam niyo naman ang lungsod na ito, maraming kababalaghan lalo na kapag sumasapit ang dilim.” si Aling Mona.

Nagpasalamat at sumang-ayon naman ang dalawa sa matanda.

Matapos makapaghapunan ay nagtungo na ng kanyang kwarto si Sean para matulog.

Hinawi niya ang kobre kama at humiga sa katre.

Maya-maya ay may naramdaman siya.

“Teka, parang hindi ito ang unan ko ah. Bakit parang tumigas?”ani Sean na kinapa pa ang unan. Gayunpaman, hindi na lang niya inalintana iyon dahil antok na antok na rin siya sa mga oras na iyon.

Ilang sandali pa ay nakatulog na nga rin siya.

Kanina pa papaling-paling sa higaan si Tom. Hindi talaga siya makatulog. Balisa siya sa nangyari kay Macky.

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas, hindi siya nakatiis at bigla na rin siyang bumangon at nagtungo sa kwarto ni Sean upang silipin ito kung gising pa.

Gulantang siya sa nadatnan!

Si Sean...walang ulo!!!

Halos panawan siya ng ulirat sa nakikita. Napahakbang siya ng patalikod habang nangingiwi sa hilakbot!

Kumurap siya ng ilang beses!

At sa isang saglit...

Si Sean...may ulo na.

Umaga.

“Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!” sigaw ni Tom nang makitang nakahandusay sa ibaba ng hagdanan si Sean.

Bumubulwak ang dugo mula sa ulunan nito. Bali ang leeg mula sa malakas na pagkakabagsak sa semento. Wala ng buhay!

Napahawak sa ulo niya si Tom. Mawawala na yata siya sa katinuan sa nasasaksihan.

Buong maghapong wala sa sarili si Tom. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang kanyang gagawin. Naguguluhan na siya sa mga nagyayari. Hanggang sa sumapit ang dilim ay mag-isa lang siyang nakatulala sa kanyang kwarto.

Linapitan siya ni Aling Mona na alalang-alala na rin sa naging kalagayan ng bakasyonista.

“Mabuti pa ay matulog ka na iho. Bukas na bukas, ipapahatid na kita pababa ng bayan para makauwi ka na sa inyo. Hindi ko na rin alam kung anong nagyayari dito.”anang matanda kay Tom na tulala pa rin habang nakaupo sa kama.

Inalalayan siya ni Aling Mona na humiga.

Noon lamang at parang may kung anong naramdaman si Tom.

“Bakit parang tumigas ang unan ko?”ang sabi niya sa isipan.

Hindi na lamang niya pinansin iyon.

“Matulog ka ng mahimbing iho.” malamyos na bulong ng matanda sa kanya.

Naglakad ito ng ilang hakbang palabas ng kwarto.

Muling nilingon ang nakahigang si Tom.

Si Tom...na walang ulo sa mga sandaling iyon!!!!

Napangiti lamang si Aling Mona sa nasasaksihan. Kapagkuwa’y lumabas na rin ng kwarto.

11:57 ng hating-gabi.

Nakaabang na si Aling Mona sa pinakaibaba ng hagdanan upang saksihan ang mga susunod na mangyayari sa loob lamang ng nalalabing minuto bago kumagat ang alas-dose.

Maya-maya nga ay narinig na niya ang sunod-sunod na yabag mula sa pasilyo ng ikalawang palapag ng bahay.

“Paparating na siya.”mahinang sambit ni Aling Mona.

Ilang sandali nga ay nakikita na niya ang naglalakad na si Tom habang nakapikit ang mga mata patungo sa hagdanan.

Nananaginip ito.

“Sige pa. Sige pa. Konting lakad pa.”nakangiti si Aling Mona habang pinagmamasdan ang binata.

Kagimbal-gimbal ang mga sumunod na pangyayari.

Tuloy-tuloy na naglakad si Tom hanggang sa mahulog ng tuluyan sa hagdanan!

Blag! Blagabag! Blag!

Sumirit ang dugo nito sa sahig. Bali ang leeg mula sa pagkakabagsak sa hagdanan!

Patay.

Habang nakaupo sa kanyang tumba tumba ay nakangiti lamang si Aling Mona. Hinihimas-himas niya ang isang unan.

Ang unan ng kanyang nag-iisang anak na lalaki.

Muling nagbalik ang nakaraan sa isipan ni Aling Mona. Oo, ang alaala ng anak niyang pumanaw ilang taon na rin ang nakararaan. Namatay ang anak niya nang mahulog ito sa hagdanan habang nananaginip. Sa sobrang lakas ng pagkakabagsak nito mula sa pinakataas ng hagdan ay napugot ang ulo nito dahilan upang makitlan agad ng buhay. Sa aksidenteng nangyari, hindi nila kinayang mag-asawa ang kinahinatnan ng anak na naging dahilan upang masiraan ng bait ang asawa niyang lalaki.

Ang kanyang asawa na simula ng masiraan ng ulo ay puro “Huwag kayong matutulog kahit anong mangyayari! Huwag! Huwag!” na lang ang palaging bukambibig.

Niyakap ni Aling Mona ang unan na hawak-hawak. Ulilang-ulila na siya sa yumaong anak.

WAKAS

OLD SKUL

Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Excerpt)

Umaga.

Habang nilalamukos ko ang aking mga mata mula sa mahimbing na pagkakatulog ay agad kong kinuha ang aking cellphone at sinilip kung may mga mensahe akong natanggap. Mangyari pa, higit sa sampung text messages ang bumulaga sa akin ng umagang iyon.

Pero isang text message ang pumukaw sa diwa ko ng oras na iyon. Hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti dahil totoong nakakatuwa ang nilalaman nito.

Ito ang laman ng text:

“Kung kabilang ka

sa huling taon ng dekada

’80 at unang taon ng dekada ’90...

Kilala mo cna

Shaider, Bioman

at Masked Rider Black!

Kumakain ka ng Humpy Dumpy at Tomy,

naglalaro ka ng 10-20 at Langit at Lupa

alam mo ang universal

song na “Uwian na!”

Nagsayaw ka ng Macarena, Boombastic at Dr. Jones!

alam mo ang ibig sabihin

ng time first (mostly pronounced as taympers!)

Alam mo rin na importante

ang “Period. No erase!”

Nilalagyan mo ng Pritos Ring ang bawat daliri mo!

Meron ka ring pencil case

na may 2^nd floor

Kilala mo sina Remi, Cedie,

Princess Sarah at Blue Blink!

at naniniwala ka na nanganganak

ang mga kisses!

Natatawa ka? Matanda ka na! Hahaha!”

Nakarelate ka ba? Hahaha. =]

APPRECIATING BLESSINGS

Jeffrey R. Ballares

(View)

The day is all set for the last day. It is where the final curtain will be brought down ending our secondary education. That is the very day that I was waiting for. At last, after the long wait, I just triumphed another chapter of my educational journey.

The great mood is really setting in everyone’s faces, seeing the positive vibes surrounding the place. In just a few minutes, the commencement exercise will be taken and I believe that every graduates are all excited about the happening.

I look up to the sky telling to myself that the sunset is already setting in. It was windy and our graduation dresses are swaying in the gentle touch of the winds. It’s as if we are all being blessed with the soft breeze of fortunes and luck in the coming of another chapter on our lives...the college life.

That was exciting, I thought. Another chapter. Another life. Change.

All of us were asked to fall in line outside the venue signaling that the event will be beginning soon. I was situated as the last person in the line together with my parents which are so proud at that very moment. I was very proud of them too, for they nourished me with the right kind of love and support. It’s because of them that’s why I strived to finish my studies. I held their hand and told if they are ready, and they both nodded at me with a generous smile.

But as we are walking to the venue where we will be sitting, I saw two children looking after the garbage bags at the side of the street. They are collecting junks in every trashbags thinking that it might be useful for them to earn money. I know, they could earn out of these junks...in a very little amount of money.

I’m saddened seeing the scenario. I looked at my parents and they also glances at me. I know that they also saw the two children. Inasmuch as I want to do anything with the two, I didn’t have the chance to do so since the line is now moving into the venue.

I just progressed with a heavy heart together with my parents escorting me.

At the end of the day I thought, maybe it’s just one instrument saying that we should be thankful with the blessings we are having right now. Enough for complaining and comparing. As the cliche goes, count your blessings and be contented.

It was an eye-opener really. And I wish that, someday we could help with the less fortunate like them in any way we can.

I MISS YOU

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(View)

There are certain things and places I really miss doing and visiting. Looking forward that I’ll be meeting them again.

READING BOOKS – I remember then when I was a student that I have a lot of time to read books which tackles everything under the sun. Mystery and suspense were my favorites. And it was R.L. Stines’ Goosebumps commenced my love for reading, well, it actually gave me the spinechills everytime I read his works (but that was the time when I was just a kid eh!). Then it was followed by Marilyn Kaye, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Gianna Maniego, Mitch Albom, and among others.

DRAWING/PAINTING – It was when I was in high school grade where I developed my art skills. Poster making contests, theme drawing contests, you name it! I always make it to a point to join all of these competitions. Good thing I usually came home not empty-handed =) . I’m not after with the prize or trophy anyway, as long as I'm enjoyed and satisfied with my works then I’d be happy. Recognition is just a bonus, passion is worth aiming for.

COMICS WRITING – My first manga/comics was when I’m in high school too. I remember that my critics were my classmates, and they usually acknowledged the strengths and the weaknesses of the stories I made. Oh boy, I almost spent a lot of notebooks just to put up comic series!

NOVEL WRITING – If there’s a Twilight Saga today, there was also a “Immortal Saga” yesterday. Yup, I started to write this stuff when I was in college but it’s not actually a saga, it’s like a sort of “The Twilight Zone” series. Concepts of the supernatural, futuristic events and fantasy were all in store.

TERESA STREET – away from the busy classroom works and activities, my favorite spot after the whole day classes is at Teresa St. in Sta. Mesa Manila which stretches few feets away from the PUP facade. All types of foodtrip is here that you surely don’t wanna miss! One cannot resist from the hot and spicy soups, freshly cooked quaill eggs, hotdogs, meatballs, “gulaman”, fishballs, squidballs...good luck for having a Hepatitis! Hahaha!

TIMEZONE – when my college buddies were available after classes, we usually hang-out to malls and try to relax by touching down our feet at Timezone! Dance Revo, Dance Mania, Time Crisis, Resident Evil, you name it! All of them were timezoners’ favorites!

NATIONAL BOOKSTORE CUBAO BRANCH – a book lover always finds time to read. Whenever I’m hungry of reading, all I gonna do is to visit the National Bookstore Cubao branch and go straight ahead at the 3^rd floor where book reading is allowed. I usually browse and read books from all walks of life, peeking at iconic pictures, appreciating leaves of knowledge from each book that I held. I can even spend the whole day reading books at that place.

These things...already missed.

Eureka

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Poem)

Whirling chaos of paranoia succumbed my inner soul

It’s like a goosh traversing in the midnight sea

Was it endless? Was it painless?

Yes, cannot escape its encrypted hellos

Switching the time the counterclockwise twice

For I will shift the mysteries of my intruder-self

Quickly tasting breathing air...hastily walk!

Come to me my mind and shall we come!

From the land of fortuitous events

A cradle of sorrow belies all lies

Fancy murmurs, awakening you frantically

Let me jump, and hop and defy the odds

Even the mighty thunders of gambling universe

Can howl in the midst of unconcious dusks

Forgive or forsake? Hands are for me to use

At the end of a corner, triumphant my call!

Fe-Lisa Navidad (Ang Kuwento ni John Lloyd Cruz Sequel)

By Jeffrey R. Ballares

(Anecdote)

“Hello Jeff.” these are the words that always comes from her mouth whenever we start a conversation. I don’t know, but whenever I hear these words, I can feel the comfort.

Her voice is soft. Gentle. Cheerful. Calm.

She’s my boss. And her name is Lisa Navidad.

***

Welcome to my condo unit

“Hello Jeff.” these are the very first words that she said when she warmfully welcomed me as her newest staff. That was a year and a half ago. And the scenery was still clear in my mind when she greeted me in her first sweet hello.

“Jeff, since you’re new in the group, what will be your expectations in your new work unit?”she asked me with a smile. Her eyes are connecting to make me feel the easiness while talking.

“Ahm, maybe Ma’am I’ll expect to have the pressure. New learnings and new companionships.” these are the first things that I answered as far as I can recall. Of course, at the back of my mind, there’s the feeling that a great expectation is ahead of me.

Conversation goes. Time flew.

After a short while, she offer her right hand for a handshake. “Welcome to the team.”

I grabbed her hand to show courtesy. My acceptance.

This is it. I’m now part of her team.

My Resignation

She’s anxious for what I will say that day. She must have sensed that I invited her for a serious talk. A resignation perhaps.

“Jeff ano ito? Mukhang kinakabahan ako sa sasabihin mo.”her eyes are worrying while we are walking straight to the boardroom.

I just smiled. “No Ms. Lisa, there’s nothing to worry about.”

We sitted inside the boardroom.

“Hello Jeff.”that was the first time I heard her voice in uneasy way.

“Hi Ma’am. I’m sorry if I snatched your precious time. I would just like to talk to you regarding my performance, and how would you help me to improve it?”

At that moment she let a big sigh of relief. “Akala ko Jeff iiwan mo na kami!”then she giggled right away.

Little did I know that she’ll be the first one to bid goodbye in the next coming months.

The Character who needs Keys to function and the Carriage Drivers

In one of her life-coaching, she introduced to me the character who needs plenty of keys to function.

In my own words of understanding, this character are those people who needs to have realizations before acting up. In other words, these are the people na kailangan pang susian yung iba’t-ibang parte ng katawan para makapagfunction ng mabuti.

She even related to me that there are people in the company that are like carriage drivers who already know on how to manage things in just one of a click. Surely because a carriage driver, once they hit the horse in its back , knows already on how to navigate the direction.

That was the first time I met with her characters...and made me think what I want to be between the two.

The Last Words

The topic for that day is all about career growth.

The offer was generous, and it answered my prayers without so much expectations. At the same time, I feel a little bit disappointed because it's hard to leave the unit for I believe I'm still half-cooked.

But she said to me that changes are good.

That trying more competitive tasks and responsibilities will build more of your character.

She’s right.

At that moment, I had a chance to seriously look in her eyes and to finally ask her about her near departure.

“Ma’am Lisa, is it true that you’re already leaving us?”

Her face rose up, and thoughtfully smiled before saying the last words...”Yes Jeff.”

***

Aside from being an extraordinay boss, I met Ms. Lisa as a role mother. A hands-on when it comes to her two angels, Zoe and Pia. A mother who never rest until her daughters are sound asleep. Her immeasurable love for her children is truly unwavering.

Once in my life I also met Ms. Lisa as a loving wife through her sharings. This is the reason why Daddy Oscar always bring her bouquet of flowers for every special occassion. She truthfully understands commitment and the gift of family, which in turn gives her the blessing of having a loving husband and two wonderful children.

The opportunity of knowing her is just an honour for everybody. She may have left us physically but not mentally nor emotionally.

And surely she’ll be missed.

P.S.

Ma’am, you could have been a pediatrician if you were not on Pru. Perhaps a writer or a fashion designer. Thank you very much Ms. Lisa for taking a ride with our corporate life! We’ll just keep the change! Good luck to your new opportunity! =)