Isa Cajulis, “Self-portrait as the allegory of aswang”

Eileen R. Tabios: The Rebel’s Son

Skinny. Toys of twigs, cracked stones,two matchboxes cradling spiders,an earthworm in a tin can. Ignored by neighbors fussing over mother fussingover father's impending arrival.Hums to himself as women weep over their best bowls and platterscreated by foregoingyesterdays' meals. What they offer is meager: also more than generous.Skinny. Approaches the table—hears a grumble begin beneath his …

Anjelica Enaje (amenaje): {Maria Clara Speaks} This Is What Decolonization Looks Like

Decolonization is a messy desk, and that can be taken literally or metaphorically. — amenaje, 06/18/2020 My decolonization process began in late 2014, in my second-to-last semester of college (undergraduate studies). The term "decolonization" did not enter into my vocabulary yet, but its intense presence was felt at the time. It was from reading Carlos …

Lisa Factora-Borchers: On anti-racist work

As a facilitator and activist, part of anti-racist work is being able to transform anti-Black sentiment with folx who swear they are "not racist." Racialized perspective relies heavily on implicit bias, meaning: you may not even be conscious that your thought patterns are prejudicial and/or discriminatory toward others. Lately, I've found myself offering countless resources …

Trinidad Tarrosa-Subido, “Muted Cry”

I They took away the language of my blood, giving me one "more widely understood." More widely understood! Now Lips can never Never with the Soul-in-Me commune: Moments there are I strain, but futile ever, To flute my feelings through some native Tune... Alas, how can I interpret my Mood? They took away the language …

Klassy (ft. Ruby Ibarra): Power Trip

Power Trip (ft. Ruby Ibarra) from the album Dirty Cortez by Klassy (January 28, 2019).

Jen Soriano: Melissa Sipin’s “What Comes from Silence”

I have a special place in my heart for Pina/xys who are fierce in their tenderness. This is what Melissa Sipin’s writing represents to me. How strong do you have to be to tear your heart out then stake it to your sleeve? Pretty damn strong; that’s a lot of flesh and bone to tear …

Lynda Barry: The answer is in the picture (2012)

Princess Fernandez: Inktober/Fil-Am History Month Mash-up: Days 1-4

DAY 1: Rise Dawn Mabalon sits herself at the seemingly impossible Great American Dinner Table. She put us back into the conversation, sa mga salas, the ones we claimed as ours long ago. Without her, there would be no “Bebot: Generation One” music video. Ruby Ibarra weaves herself a tapestry of hardcore Pinayhood. Circa91 exposes …

Cheena Marie Lo at Under the Influence (2013)