Labor Pain

By: Rey Jorca Supranes

Oh the pain, I was told.

'twas painstakingly unbearable.

It must have been part of the curse

As descendants of Eve.

Most must have wondered,

What sins have been committed to bear

the unbearable; to be sculpted as a vehicle

Of the cracking of dawn.

A loud scream is expected to rock,

A breath taking hard push smoothens,

Tears welling in the eyes hope to open

The very narrow pathway.

Finally, the bell tolls.

So loud to awaken

The numb senses.

The joy it brings is worth the pain,

For a new life is given.

HERS WAS NOT A SAD STORY

Rey Jorca Supranes

Many believe hers was a sad story. I couldn't blame them. I guess it is really sad to die at the age of 62. Endured symptoms and pains of an illness she didn't believe she had for more than three years. Different hospitals served as her sanctuary. Laboratory works that entail needles pricking her tired veins. Dialysis machine filtering her blood twice a week to remove waste and excess water as her kidney lost its function.

The diagnosis of chronic renal failure averted her plans to be with her son and daughter in Canada and England respectively.

An absentee in her duties and sessions that required her presence as one of the mandated barangay council officers because her bones had become fragile rendering her not to be mobile and eventually bed ridden.

Her positive disposition was slowly waning. How can you maintain a good outlook in life when you feel disabled and in constant pain? 

Pain was so eloquent. So articulate in expressing and demanding to be felt indicative in her screams and cry. If only I could have my fair share of even 1/4 of her agony, I would take it. But pain is so territorial and selfish. It would only want to distress our Nanay Nancy.

We wished we could relate to her pain but we could only fathom the pain she felt expressed on the grimace on her face and a scream at the top of her lungs but its depths were beyond our understanding.

My sister and I were fortunate to be given time to take care of Nanay. For one month, we took our shields and engaged in an incredible and challenging journey along with my father, my sister's husband, Leon, their kids, Liane and Maegan, Aunt Totong, cousin Janjan, household help Gigi, family driver Jhay-R. Nanay's sisters, nieces and nephews constantly offered support in times we needed them most.

Even if we were embarking upon a sea of uncertainties, we continuously fought the battle until her doctors told us to let down our shields and accept that we are about to lose.

We thought holding on and hanging in there were signs of great strength but we were wrong. We realized we're becoming selfish ignoring Nanay's wish for us to let go. It was the hardest thing to do and yet we gathered our courage and accepted something we don't want to happen.

Two weeks after my sister and her family had left for England, it was time for me to go back to Canada. I left Nanay in the ICU with ventilator tubes in her mouth and several needles on her arms battling to survive. It was like a heavy dramatic scene from a movie. I had to leave with a heavy heart but before leaving I needed to leave my parting words by whispering on her ear so she could hear me and she just managed to tilt her head on the other side and a little struggle to wrestle  her neck as she tried to reach my hand but she couldn't; eyes widely opened as if conveying a pleading message, "Please don't go." A heavily charged scene with your father and aunt by your side crying and feeling your pain; nursing staff, visibly moved by what they were witnessing, with tears welling in their eyes.

It was perpetual sadness. It was huge.

It was the last time I saw Nanay alive. I never had the chance to talk with her after that. I got to see her again but she was already peacefully laying in a coffin.

I was almost swayed to believe hers was a sad story until I heard beautiful, truthful, honest and respectful testimonies about her during the necrological service and words personally conveyed by other people after the funeral.

Words that have voice expressing what she had done in her lifetime that left a tremendous impact in other people's lives.

Nanay was best remembered for her kindness. In fact, kindness became her religion.

How could it be a sad story when those acts of kindness continue to put out a smile on their faces remembering when problems overwhelmed their lives, Nanay was the symbol of their hope.

How could it be a sad story when Nanay was best remembered she gave without hesitation worthy to emulate on how to pay it forward.

How could it be a sad story when Nanay's choice to be kind made a defining difference between "us and ourselves" and "us and others."

How could it be a sad story when Nanay's kindness propelled her to greatness.

Nanay Nancy had left something of herself when she left us behind, her "infinite kindness" that continues to resonate in our hearts.

The moment I realized hers was not a sad story at all, I felt Nanay Nancy was alive!

'PANGARAP NA BITUIN'
Rey Jorca Supranes

Sa aking paglabas sa aming veranda
Dama ko ang pagdampi ng malamig na hangin sa aking buong katawan
Hangin na nagpabalik-tanaw sa mga ala-ala ng nakaraan
Parehong simoy ng hangin na aking nilanghap habang ako ay may iniinda.

Habang patuloy akong binabalot ng lamig ng hangin
Tumingala ako sa kalawakan
Mga nagkikislapang bituin ay pinagmasdan
Parang mga pangarap na kay hirap abutin.

Sa bawat nasilayang mga bituin
Isa-isang itinalaga ang bawat pangarap
Mga pangarap na naabot na at pangarap na isasakatuparan pa
Humiling na sana'y ang ihip ng hangin ay lumakas pa
Upang bumaba ang mga bituin sa kanilang kinalalagyan.

Dininig ng langit ang hiling.
Nakikita kong unti-unting bumababa ang mga bituin.
Makislap at nagniningning.
Nakakasilaw ang kanilang tanglaw,
Na parang pumupukaw.

Pinilit kong idilat ang aking mga mata
Upang sungkitin ang mga nagbaba-ang bituin
Subalit ang kaya ko lang saluhin
Ay mga pangarap na naisakatuparan na.

Inilatag ko ang mga nakuhang bituin
Habang ang mga pinapangarap na bituin ay nagkikislapan pa rin
Nagsisilbing ilaw sa gabing madilim
Upang patuloy kong mapagsama-sama
Ang mga napatagumpayang mga bituin.

Tumambad sa akin ang kanilang pagporma
At doon ko lang nasilayan
Ang kanilang tunay na ganda.
Animo'y nagsasabing
H'wag akong mawalan ng pag-asa.

Nang ang kapayapaan at lakas ng loob ay biglang naramdaman,
Unti-unting umaakyat sa langit ang mga pinangarap na bituin
At may hinahabilin.
Marami pa akong dapat gawin,
Upang sila ay tuluyang sungkitin.

‘A DIFFERENT KIND OF LOVE’
Rey Jorca Supranes

I know for sure I’m always at the receiving end.
I shouldn’t complain because it has been and will always be my role in your life.
I couldn’t say I had enough because you’ll have your way to find my soft spot.

You had me at your worst and at the same time at your best.
I’ve known you well enough.
You have nothing to hide from me because I’ve seen everything in you.
Your secrets are best-kept with me.
I witnessed how you cry out loud, scream on top of your lungs and all your grit.

You greet me in the morning with a warm ‘hello.’
I have to reciprocate by catching those two round cheek forming fleshy parts on my face.
I am happy dealing with it every day.
Because it is my nature to look after your needs.
Just dump and I will take care of it.

But you have to remember I have my needs too.
Needs to be sustained and maintained.
It is not too much to ask but sometimes you failed me.
I need you to look after me as I look after you.

I am loyal and consistent.
I am not jealous if you’re in the midst of your needs you find my replacement.
I will wait for you in our home, our home sweet home, no matter what.
Love,
Toilet Bowl

GAZE
By: Rey Jorca Supranes

A piercing gaze for a split second
Ev’ry time our eyes meet,
Sends out waves of connection,
Sensing the real me,
Stripping me naked,
Crumbling my facade.

A piercing gaze for a split second
Ev’ry time our eyes meet,
Knocks me off my feet
But I need to stand my ground
To take care the brick of emotions
I put up as a wall
To forestall my gall.

A piercing gaze for a split second
Ev’ry time our eyes meet,
Creates a make-believe:
Lovebirds’ wish stuck in a cage,
Flying away through the air;
Flying away with flair.

A piercing gaze for a split second
Ev’ry time our eyes meet,
Brings me in a plateau of happiness
But the moment you parry my eagerness,
I douse myself to consciousness.

'Hamog'
Rey Jorca Supranes

Kumakapit, nananalig;
Umaasa, naghihintay;
Sa mga palad na magbubukas
Para sumalo at damhin
Ang tunay na hangarin
Upang hindi tuluyang bumagsak
Sa walang katuturang wakas.

Sa mga talampakan
Mayr’ong panalangin
Sana’y kumawala kasabay
Sa pagbukas ng liwayway.
Sa bawat hakbang;
Sa bawat paglapat;
Ito’y bapor na sasalba
At magbibigay pag-asa.

Sa pagsikat ng araw
Unti-unting natunaw
Ang hindi nakasayaw.

Umaasang bukas
Ay papalarin
Para sila’y angatin.

'AUTUMN'
By: Rey Jorca Supranes

There's nothing we can do
You have to let me go;
No matter how we try
I still need to say goodbye.

I'm your ev'ry tear
Disengaging from you ev'ry September.
Ev'ry time I'm about to fall,
You feel vulnerable
To the light breeze
Letting me flutter with ease.

As I blanketed the ground
I feel like I'm a gerund;
I'm made from a verb
And now I'm a noun.
It bludgeoned to see
Your bloodless artery.

'TIME'
Rey Jorca Supranes

Time flies.
Time heals all wounds.
Time corrects.
Time is shared.
Time is stolen.
Time is borrowed.
Time is loaned.
Time is consumed.
Time is used.
Time can't be owned.
Time is tethered.
Time is restrained.
Time is trained.
Time is kept.
Time is spent.
Time is lost.
Time can be found.
Time can't turn back.
Time can't be pushed back.
Time does not yield.
Time does not wait.
Time is mechanical.
Time is tyrannical.
Time is stubborn.
Time scares.
Time is attainable.
Time is unattainable.
Time rushes.
Time chases.
Time is chased.
Time is restrained.
Time is carefree.
Time is free.
Time moves.
Time is standard.
Time is exact.
Time is definite.
Time is vague.
Time is ambiguous.
Time is limited.
Time is wasted.
Time counts.
Time is difficult.
Time is easy.
Time is unmindful.
Time satisfies.
Time is disconcerting.
Time guarantees.
Time does not guarantee.
Time is priceless.
Time is money.
Time is gold.
Time is important.
Time is valuable.
Time is wanted.
Time is managed.
Time is quality.
Time has quality.
Time has boundaries.
Time repeats itself.
Time is honoured.
Time is less.
Time is full.
Time is out.
Time is off.
Time lapsed.
Time is lined.
Time is put in a capsule.
Time warps.
Time is zoned.
Time is slotted.
Time lags.
Time is lagged.
Time is logged.
Time is framed.
Time is tested.
Time is tabled.
Time is being worn.
Time-worn.
Time is availability
Time is unavailability.
Time is about timing.
Time is killed.
Time kills.
Time is always awake.
Time is running.
Time strikes.
Time slips by.
Time goes by.
Time passes you by.
Time is a great teacher.
Time is timed.
Time is after time.
Time comes to life.

'BALAT'

Rey Jorca Supranes

Binabalot ng balat ang tao kaya malawak ang sinasakop nito sa ating katawan. Nagsisilbi itong panangga sa matinding temperatura - nakakasunog na init ng araw, sobrang nakakaginaw na lamig. Pinoproteksyunan din tayo ng ating balat sa mga posibleng impeksyon at matatapang na kemikal. Ang balat ay nagbibigay indikasyon para ating maramdaman ang mga nangyayari sa ating paligid. Tunay na malaki ang silbi ng balat sa katawan ng tao.

KULAY NG BALAT
Ang melanin ang nagbibigay kulay sa balat ng tao. Nagdedepende sa lokasyon ng bansa kung gaano kadaming melanin ang pino-prodyus ng katawan para pagbatayan sa kulay ng balat. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit nagkakaroon ng iba't-ibang kulay ang balat ng tao. Mayroong mapuputi, kayumanggi at maiitim. Maraming tao ang nakaranas at patuloy na dumadanas ng hirap at diskriminasyon dahil lang sa kulay ng balat nito. Kinaklasipika kasi ng tao ang balat sa primera klase, segunda mano at mababang-uri.

Ang balat na nagsisilbing proteksyon sa mga elemento na maaaring makasama sa tao ay siyang unang nagiging elemento para ikahiya, kamunghian at pandirihan ang pagkatao nito.

Sa katunayan wala namang kasalanan ang balat kundi ang mga hangarin at pagnanasa na bumabalot sa pagkatao.

Ito marahil ang dahilan kung bakit patuloy na sinusuportahan ang ideya na ang maputing balat ay ang superyor sa mundo. Ito rin marahil ang dahilan kung saan ang balat ay ginagawang negosyo. Ginagawan ng paraan para pagkakitaan at minamani-obra ng iilan para maging batayan ng kagandahan at kung ano ang katanggap-tanggap para sa lipunan. Kaputian at kakinisan ang nagiging batayan dahil ito ang imaheng kalimitang pinapakita sa iba't ibang uri ng media.

Hinihimok ang ating pag-iisip na kung gusto natin ng “primera klaseng” balat ay magagawan ng paraan. Nagmistulang puting “wrapper” lang ito na maaaring bilhin sa tindahan kung gusto mong balutin ng kagandahan at maging kahanga-hanga sa paningin ng iba. Hindi nakakapagtaka kung bakit ang daming ina-advertise na pampaputi, pampaganda at pampakinis ng balat. Nariyan rin ang mga beauty clinics na nagmimintina at nagpapanatili ng mga naghahangad magkaroon ng kutis-artista at mala-porselanang balat.

NIPIS AT KAPAL NG BALAT
Madalas ang balat ang indikasyon para matantya ang edad ng isang tao. Sumasabay ang balat sa mga kaganapan ng buhay. Habang bata pa ang isang tao, manipis ang balat sa mga elemento sa kaniyang paligid. Parang “BALAT-SIBUYAS” ito na sensitibo kaya dobleng ingat ang pag-aalaga dito.

Ang mga karanasan at pagsuong sa mga hindi pambihirang hamon ng buhay ay nagpapakapal sa dating manipis na balat ng tao. Madalas dahil sa kagustuhan ng tao na maging matagumpay at lamang sa iba ay KINAKAPALAN ang balat sa MUKHA para maging “BALAT-BAYAWAK.” Ang hiya na napapaloob sa katawan ay hindi na maarok dahil sa sobrang kapal na nito.

Kung ang pagkatao ay binalot na sa“balat-bayawak,” wala na itong kapasidad para damhin ang mga pangangailangan ng kapwa at magkaroon ng DELIKADEZA. Nagiging MAGASPANG ang balat pati na rin ang pag-uugali. Hindi na rin alintana ng tao na binabalatan nito ng buhay ang kapwa sa kaniyang mapanirang aksyon at salita.

PAGBABALAT SA BALAT
Minsan naisip ko ano kaya kung ang tao ay binalatan ng balat. Siguro ito na ang pagkakataon ng pagkakapantay-pantay ng lahat. Siguro ito na ang pagkakataon na makita ang tunay na hangarin ng kapwa. Siguro ito na ang pagkakataon na mabalatan ang mga nagba-BALAT-KAYO.

PANIBAGONG BALAT
Ang “balat-bayawak” na bumabalot sa pagkatao ay maaari pang numipis kung ang PUOT, GALIT at INGGIT ay hiludin na parang mga libag sa katawan. Pagkatapos ay sabunin at haplusin ito ng PAGMAMAHAL, KABAITAN at PAGTANGGAP SA PAGKAKAIBA NG LAHAT.

Sa pagkakataong ito ang dating SUGATAN at MAKALYONG balat na nagpapa-AGNAS sa pagkatao ay nagbibigay pagkakataon sa panibagong balat na umusbong para sa isang MASIGLA at MAY KATUTURANG BUHAY.

'CARE'

Rey Jorca Supranes

(Article written for the hotel's newsletter)

Care is a four letter word that can mean nothing if we will not use it through dynamic exchange. We can let it flow by means of giving and receiving. It can make amazing things happen if we keep it alive and vital. It is considered as one of life's precious gifts.

In the hospitality industry we belong in, care must be consistently demonstrated throughout the workplace. We must let it flow like a river with the intention of bringing happiness and satisfaction to our customers. It is fitting to say that care is one of the pillars of character.

We should know that our purpose in our line of work is to deliver "first class" service to our customers. An excellent and great service would not be possible without care. So care is very important in the aspect of performing our duties. It is because we care that we make sure our accommodations are with style, comfort and convenience, the conference facilities are ideal for all occasions and events, the packages are of great value, our amenities are something they have to enjoy on.

Care can't be a flame if we will not let it spark. The best way to put it into operation is by always activating our five senses: sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste. Every department in this hotel can specialize in one of the five senses in keeping care into action.

Sense of Sight for Housekeeping
Housekeeping Room Attendants can show that they care by having an eye for details. Attention to details is guaranteeing that we care to have a clean and impeccable rooms for our guests.

Sense of Touch for Maintenance
King Midas in Greek mythology is popularly remembered to turn everything he touched into gold thus the term 'midas' touch. Our maintenance personnel can show care by having a 'midas' touch in keeping the device in working order. A good maintenance personnel can retain and restore an item in the hotel in or to a state which it can perform its required function.

Sense of Hearing for Front Desk
Listening and understanding what the guests would like to communicate are the best care a front desk staff could ever give. Developing an active listening skills in what the guests would like to convey in order to avoid misunderstanding is a good manifestation that we care. When you care to understand what the guests want and making an action right away to a particular request best define your work in the front desk.

Sense of Smell for Sales Department
Sales representatives care when they know how to smell what is potential business for the hotel. Exploring all the possibilities on how the guests would appreciate the packages the hotel offers is care. Having a good nose to smell what is of great value in making the guests stay a memorable one in our hotel is an excellent care to their needs and wants.

Sense of Taste for Food and Beverage Attendants
Food is a substance that gives humans nutrition and pleasure. Care can best be shown to our guests if we have good taste for food. The guests would greatly appreciate if our food and beverage attendants know how to cater to every taste, are good in food preparation and are expert in diversifying the food they offer. A new, exciting and diverse menu is the best way to our guests' heart.

Care is like our currency in the hospitality industry. After all, it is the essence of humanity and we have unlimited power in dispensing it to make a big difference.

'TUBIG PAG-IBIG'
Rey Jorca Supranes

Patak.
Ulan; luha.
Mula sa
Kalangitan; mata.

Biyaya.
Tigang na lupa; matigas na puso.
Pumapawi ng
Matinding init; panggagalaiti.

Buhos.
Sinasalo; pinapahiran.
Nagdidilig; nagpapalambot.
Lupang uhaw; pusong bato.

Daloy.
Sumusuot; naiibsan.
Kailalaliman; kaibuturan.
Uhaw na ugat
Nakakalasap; nangungusap.

Pag-asa.
May aanihin; may damdamin.
May kakainin; may kapayapaan.

Ulan at luha.
Mga tubig.
Mga pag-ibig.

MGA BANTAS AT PANANDA NG PAGMAMAHALAN
Rey Jorca Supranes

Ang tao ay nagdedesisyon na parang mga bantas at pananda (punctuation marks) sa pagbibigay pagkakataon sa isang relasyon. Ang napagdesisyunang tuldokan (.-period) ang isang relasyon ay nagkakaroon ng mga tandang pananong (?-question mark). Ang panipi (“ “-quotation marks) sa mga salitang binitawan ng minamahal ang magtitimbang kung bibigyan ito ng isa pang pagkakataon. Bibigyan ng kudlit (‘ – apostrophe) ang kanyang pangalan upang akuin at maging responsable sa mga namutawing salita sa kanyang bibig. Tutuldokan smile emoticon:- colon) ang mga kundisyones para sa muling pagsisimula ng relasyon. Magbibigay babala (! – exclamation mark or interjection) na huwag ng uulitin ang pagtataksil. Sasabihin sa minamahal na sa bagong simula walang pahilis na guhit (/ - slash mark) kakabit ng pangalan nito at kailangang siya lamang sa buhay nito at wala ng iba pa. Maglalagay ng krus na pananda (+ - plus sign) sa mga magagandang pag-uugali ng minamahal upang ipagpatuloy nito ang ganitong gawain. Sa iisang layunin lalagyan ng palasa (>-arrow) na ito ang kanilang magiging adhikain upang sila ay pumasok sa isang panaklong ( ( ) - parentheses) para sa pag-iisang dibdib kung saan ang pangalan ng babae ay magkakaroon ng gitling (- hypen) . Ang dalawang taong nagmamahalan ay magkakaroon ng kuwit ( , - comma) para sa kanilang itataguyod na pamilya.

'WOMAN'S HEARTBEAT'
Rey Jorca Supranes

In the first pangs of hunger,
Its faucets open.
Drowning the mouth
To sail away and not to drift
In a prosperous voyage.

Naturally framed
Like a mountain.
The peak is awe-inspiring
To adore and climb.
It is where the lullaby nestled
To calm the weary and dreary.

The arches are the paradigm
Of a woman's anatomy;
Of a woman's story;
Of a woman's victory;
To care and nurture
The entire humanity.

A woman's heartbeat
Does not come from her heart
But from the blessings
Of her breasts.

"SANA"
Rey Jorca Supranes

Kapag nasasambit ang salitang "Sana" may karugtong itong pagnanais na baguhin kung ano man ang nasa kasalukuyan. Sa salitang "Sana" naikukubli ang mga hinagpis, nadudugtungan ang inaakalang patay na pag-asa, naisasambulat ang mga nais mangyari sa buhay, inuudyukan ang pag-iisip na maglikha ng mundo na kakaiba sa gingalawan.

"Sana" ang nagpapatunay na tayo ay hindi kuntento sa kung ano meron tayo. Ito rin ang nagsasalarawan ng ating mga hinaing sa buhay at nagbibigay pag-asa na ang isang imposible ay magiging posible.

Matagal ko ng gustong pasukin at lubusang kilalanin si "Sana." Nais ko siyang kaibiganin nang sa gayun ay maintindihan kung ano ang kanyang mga perspektibo at layunin para sa sangkatauhan partikular para sa aking sarili.

Hindi ko alintana na si "Sana" ay halos kasabay ko pala sa aking paglaki at pag-unlad ng aking pag-iisip. Si "Sana" ang unang naging baytang ng hagdan sa bawat pangarap na naisakatuparan. Si "Sana" din ang nagpalapit ng aking pagtanaw sa "balang araw."

Si "Sana" ang nagpapa-alab sa puso't isipan bago marating ang paglawak ng imahinasyon. Marahil halos lahat tayo ay nagbibigay kapangyarihan kay "Sana" na yakapin ang ating buong pagkatao upang minsang maranasan kung paano lumipad sa kalawakan. Nagsisilbing pakpak ng buhay upang magpursige na ang kasalukuyang katayuan o nararamdaman ay mababago sa takdang panahon.

Kay "Sana" ko rin naintindihan kung paano humugot ng lakas ng loob at ipagpatuloy ang mga nasimulang pangarap upang hindi na ito "SANA" na lang hanggang sa dulo.

'My Fairy Mother'
Rey Jorca Supranes

Inside her interior,
A reservoir of water;
Like a vast ocean
Cradling and forming
A womb of art;
'til big waves pushed me out.

I wailed as the new world welcomed;
I hushed when I had my first
Encounter of a fairy;
Her image is a bit blurry;
All I could hear is her sweet voice,
I used to stream while inside.

The fairy lulled me to sleep when I'm weary;
She fed me when I'm hungry;
She clothed me when I'm cold;
She rested me in her heart when I'm scared;
With every heartbeat an assurance
I won't be harmed in anyway while she is around.

The fairy's face I started to recognize;
The same face I wowed every time I open my eyes;
There is serenity;
There is peace;
There is calmness;
Just like in the ocean where I used to be.

As I began to see the world in my own eyes;
Oceans have sharks;
But I always reminded by
The fairy's wit:
"I carried you from my womb with a fanatic heart."

There were times,
I wished the fairy is by my side;
She would tell me:
"When sorrow and pain strike,
I still have the ocean.
Just return and go home
to my womb."

‘THE HOMELESS’
Rey Jorca Supranes

The world’s slowly building

A home for
The crushed, lost and wandering;
A home for
The tired, confused and crumbling;
A home for
The homeless.

Homelessness comes from
Apathy and indifference;

Judgment and intolerance;

Hatred and lack of acceptance;
The world’s slowly embracing
The homeless.

Many people opened their doors
To accommodate;
To celebrate;
To gravitate.
Being different is not less;
Being different is not loneliness;
Being different is not homelessness.

The homeless are finding their way
Home to compassion;
Home to relevance;
Home to importance.

'Nothing Is Nothing'
By: Rey Jorca Supranes

There is nothing in nothing.
Nothing is surrender;
Nothing is void;
Nothing breathes if you let it be.

There is nothing in nothing.
Nothing is felt after a terrible loss;
Nothing is absorbed after an embarrassing defeat;
Nothing lingers and torments as long as you let it be.

There is nothing in nothing.
Nothing is the road so easy to take;
And yet there are so many potholes;
Damaging tires of value and significance;
Nothing disables the determination to keep going if you let it be.

There is nothing in nothing.
Nothing is a blanket that covers the shivering soul of the down-and-outer;
Nothing warms the feeling of lack of interest;
Nothing lets you sleep in hopelessness if you let it be.

There is nothing in nothing
If you make yourself into something
Important and worthwhile.

There is nothing in nothing
If you let it be.

'My Mother's Story'
By: Rey Jorca Supranes

Every time I am greedy, I think of her kindness;
Every time I am selfish, I think of her selflessness;
Every time I am about to raise my voice, I think of her calmness;

Every time I need a hug, I think of her warm embrace;
Every time I feel lazy and unmotivated, I think of her hard work and sacrifice;
Every time I feel like giving up, I think of how she remained strong and overcame adversities;

Every time I am in the height of callousness, I think of her compassion;
Every time I need to forgive, I think of how she has forgiven those who done her wrong;
Every time I am boastful, I think of how she always kept her feet on the ground;

Every time I feel tired of living alone in my own truth, I think of our connectivity where words are unnecessary;
Every time I am distraught, I think of her lullaby;
Every time I feel like losing my orbit, I think of her strategy on how to manage to get by;

Every time I have to tell my story, I think of my mother's story.

'WORK PERMIT'

Rey Jorca Supranes

When you died,

'Twas a bereavement.

The red leaf ceased to flourish;

Expectations were on the rise

Of becoming dry and wrinkled;

Wilting wasn't that far.

I was left confined, shackled, restrained;

Uncertainties loomed;

Is this the end of the road?

I strived, I sought;

To bring you back to life.

Your resurrection through the magnificent lake;

With its weightless current waded right in

For my freedom and restoration.

When you finally landed in my hands;

You give strength and freshness;

To a new leaf

Of hopes and dreams.

'Luha Ni Inay'

Rey Jorca Supranes

Nakakulong sa mga nagkikislapang mga mata

Pumipiglas, umaaklas;

Humihiyaw, gumagalaw.

Kalayaan ay nais makamtan

Pag-agos ng tagos;

Pagdaloy ng tuloy-tuloy.

Pumapatak mula sa galak

Ang balong pinagmumulan,

Damdamin ng isang inang sinisilayan

Sanggol na galing sa sinapupunan.