J.A. Del Prado

You’re a Woman by Inang Laya translated by J.A. Del Prado You’re a woman, desired, adored protected, but you have no freedom. Your world is always in a house. Your beauty is the only asset; unaware of life. You have proven that you can fight for your right and complete freedom. The door of success for you is constantly closed. Face it, open it, lift your being. You’re a woman. You’re the other half of life. If you do not exist, how can life begin? You have proven that you can be oppressed but you can also rule a country. The door of success Is now in front of you. Face it, open it, lift your being You’re a woman, thought to be weak; your value, ignored. Though you lack physical strength your mind is blessed, so your voice shall decide, so you can be free Fight, woman, it’s your duty to free this country, our origin. In the original language (Filipino):

Grandma Isyang and the Old Star Apple Tree by   Chary Lou Navarro translated by J.A. Del Prado One night, Grandma Isyang looked out of the window. She saw the fingers of the wind Gently picking one by one The leaves of the old star-apple tree. The same fingers Pinched Grandma’s eyes. She closed the window And lay in bed gently. There, Grandma Isyang felt The pain of the pinch. Gently, She closed her eyes As the old star-apple tree Shed its leaves. In the original language (Filipino): Si Lola Isyang at ang Matandang Puno ng Kaimito ni Chary Lou Navarro-Defante Isang gabi Si Lola Isyang dumungaw sa bintana Natanaw niya ang mga daliri ng hangin Isa-isa, dahan-dahang pinipitas Ang mga dahon ng matandang puno ng kaimito. At ang mga mata ni Lola ay kinurot Ng mga daliri ring iyon Isinara ni Lola ang bintana At dahan-dahang nahiga. Doon naramdaman ni Lola Isyang Ang hapdi na dala ng kurot Ang talukap ng kanyang mga mata’y U