*Note this story is in Tagalog

Magaganap lang ang isang lunar eclipse kapag bilog ang buwan at kapag dadaan ito sa anino ng mundo, o ng Earth.
Sa tatlong klase ng lunar eclipse ang pinakanakakahanga ay ang total lunar eclipse. Nangyayari ito kapag dumadaan ang bilog na buwan sa umbral shadow ng Earth. 35-porsiyento lang ng eclipse ang mabibilang sa total lunar eclipse. Nagaganap ang mga lunar eclipse ng ilang beses sa isang taon.

Sa isang total lunar eclipse, nararating pa rin ng sinag ng araw ang buwan. Kinakailangan munang dumaan ng sinag ng araw sa atmosphere ng Earth na nagsasala sa karamihan ng kulay asul at nag-iiwan ng mapusyaw na pula o orange. Tumatagos ang pulang ilaw na to sa atmosphere ng Earth at tumatama sa buwan. Eto ang dahilan kung bakit ang total lunar eclipse ay kadalasan tinatawag na blood moon.

Yan ang sabi nila.

Maglabas ka ng telescope at tignan mo sa sarili mo. Tignan mo kung pano nagbibigay daan ang mga bituin kapag nagkakaroon ng eclipse. Kung paano tila nawawala ang galaw ng ilaw na para bang may ibang tinatamaan ito.

Kung sinuswerte ka, pwede mong makita yung bihirang mga ilaw na orange at dilaw na gumagalaw bilang malalaking bilog. Makikita mo silang gumagalaw at umiikot na tila pazig-zag papunta sa buwan. Kapag nagsimula na ang eclipse makikita mong titigil ang mga bilog na ilaw at mananatiling walang kibo sa kabuuan ng eclipse. Mapapansin mo na palalim nang palalim ang kulay na pula at hindi mo mapipigilan ang sarili mo na tumitig.

Mararamdaman mo na parang nangyari na ‘to. Na parang nakita mo na ‘tong eksaktong eksen na ‘to nang isang daang ulit na. Kikilabutan ka at matatakot ka nang di mo alam ang dahilan. Maiisip mo, ang OA naman natatakot ako, eclipse lang naman to.

Pero mag-ingat ka na hindi mo maitapat yung telescope mo sa taas ng buwan.

Baka may makita kang nakatingin pabalik sa yo.

English Version

A lunar eclipse can only occur at full moon and only if the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow.

Of the three kinds of lunar eclipses a total lunar eclipse is the most striking. Supposedly it is when the whole moon passes through Earth’s umbral shadow. Only 35% of eclipses are total lunar eclipses. Lunar eclipses occur a few times per year.

During a total lunar eclipse indirect sunlight can still reach the moon. That sunlight has to first pass the Earth’s atmosphere which filters out most blue colored light leaving a bright red or orange glow. This red light refracts through Earth’s atmosphere and illuminates the moon. This is why a total lunar eclipse is sometimes referred to as a ‘Blood Moon’

Or so they say.

Take a telescope out during a Blood Moon and see for yourself. See how the stars seem to move out of the way when the eclipse occurs. How the movement of the light seems to flicker and fade almost as if there’s something else that the light is reflecting on.

If you’re lucky you might see the small bits of orange and yellow light move around in big dots. You’ll see them twist in a zig-zag pattern toward the moon. When the eclipse starts you might see the light dots stop and stay stationary for the whole duration of the eclipse. You’ll see the red light grow deeper and deeper and you won’t be able to look away.

There will be a feeling of déjà vu. Like you’ve seen this moment happen a hundred times before. You’ll feel a deep chill in your spine and for some reason you’ll be scared. You’ll think that’s ridiculous, it’s only an eclipse.

But be careful not to point your telescope directly above the Blood Moon.

You might see something looking back.

*Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken as a first language by a quarter of the population of the Philippines and as a second language by the majority. Its standardized form, officially named Filipino, is the national language of the Philippines, and is one of two official languages alongside English.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Tagalog Translation by Ghost Kendrick
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Ghost Kendrick

Story inspired by Laho description in The Soul Book. Demetrio & Cordero-Fernando 1991.

Laho Illustration by Leandro Geniston from Aklat ng mga Anito
FB: That Guy With A Pen

Watercolor by Nicole Chiu
FB: Wildling Child
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wildlingchild/

*Note this story is in Tagalog

Matagal nang naguguluhan ang mga siyentipiko sa kakayahang lumipad ng mga bubuyog. Ayon sa isang lumang teorya mula sa pag-aaral ng aerodaynamiks, hindi dapat sila nakakalipad. Sa kasalukuyan, nadiskubre na binubrusko ng mga bubuyog ang paglipad nila. Magulo ang paraan ng paglipad nila, na tila hinati sa dalawa ang insekto. Magkaiba ang paspas ng kaliwa at kanang pakpak nito, at hindi tumutulong sa pagdali ng lipad ng bubuyog ang hangin sa paligid ng mga pakpak niya.

Halos isang dekada na nang maresolba ang mysteryo sa paglipad ng mga bubuyog, pero di ko lubos matanto kung ano ang iispin nung mga eksperto na yon kung makita nila ang nasilayan ko.

Tama nga yung matandang babae na may tililing, dito ko nga sila matatagpuan. Sigurado ako na kapag sinundan ko yung mga pakiramdam ko, sa wakas, mahahanap ko rin sila. Makalipas ang mga taon ng paghihintay at pagmumuni, masasabi ko na rin sa lolo ko na tama siya. Lahat ng kwento ng papapaamo ni Handiong sa mga ‘to at kung pano hindi na sila muling nakita ay totoo. Hindi baliw ang lolo ko at ang tropahan niya. Akala nung mga nakatataas sa kanila na yung mga kwento tungkol sa mga lumilipad na pating ay katawa-tawang produkto ng isipan lamang. Hindi na ko makapaghintay kung ano ang magiging reaksyon nila kapag napakita ko na sa kanila ang Pating na Pakpakan.

Nakakahanga ang mga pating na to. Hindi ko labis maisip kung ano ang nagpapanatili sa kanila sa hangin. Isa bang swim bladder na nakamtan nila sa pagbabago o sa pag-adjust? Kailangan kong lumapit para makita. Matatalas ang mga bato dito sa baybayin, nahiwa ako sa isang matalas na parte ng pagakyat, pero di bale. Ano naman ang kaunting dugo kung ang makakamit ko naman ay siyentipikong rebolusyon?

Nakalapit na rin ako upang makita kung ano ang pinagkakaabalahan ng mga Pating na Pakpakan. Tila ang kanilang kinakain ay mga isda at ibon sa paligid. Hindi naiiba sa normal na pating ang kanilang paraan ng pagkuha ng pagkain, at lumilipad lamang sila palabas ng tubig kung may ibong sinusubukan makatakas.

Nakadepende ang mga normal na pating sa pang-amoy nila sa tubig kaya ligtas ako hangga’t hindi ako nalalaglag sa tubig. Ang pinakamalaking pating ay ang nagmimistulang pinuno nila. Ibang-iba sila sa mga regular na pating, at naisip ko na parang hindi nga magkalapit ang pagkatalino nila. Mas mukhang dolphin ang pagkilos ng mga Pating na Pakpakan.

Nasa may bangin ako para makakuha ng mas malinaw na litrato. Matutulungan ako ng ebidensya na ‘to para makakuha ng suporta na kailangan ko para sa isang kumpletong ekspedisyon. Pero may ibang plano sila. Tila kasingtalas ng pangamoy nila sa tubig ang pangamoy nila sa ere. Muntikan na kong hindi makaabot sa isang kweba.

Nasa loob pa rin ako. Pinalilibutan pa rin ako ng mga pating sa ere sa labas. Baka mapagod sila at magkaron ako ng pagkakataong makatakas.

Kung hindi, sa kung sinoman na nagbabasa nito, nakikiusap ako na ilabas nyo ang katotohanan. Naninirahan at gumagala sila rito. Wag niyong hayaang masayang ang sakripisyo ko.

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English Version

Scientists have been baffled by the bumblebee for years. Using old aerodynamic theory they shouldn’t even be able to fly. Today, it has been shown that the bumblebee adopts a brute force approach to flying. Their flight is inefficient, as if the insect has been split in half. The left and right wings flap independently and the airflow around the wings never joins to help the bee slip through the air more easily.

It was a scientific mystery until only about a decade ago, but I wonder what those scientists would think if they would be faced by what I saw.

That crazy old woman was right, they would be here. I knew that if I followed my instincts that I would finally find them. Years of waiting and wondering and I can finally tell my lolo that he was right. All those stories of Handiong taming these things and how they were never seen again were true. Lolo and his platoon weren’t crazy. Their superiors thought that stories of flying sharks were silly superstition. I can’t wait to see their faces when I show them the Pating na Pakpakan.

These sharks are incredibly interesting. I can’t tell what keeps them in the air. Is it a swim bladder that they somehow evolved and adapted? I have to get closer to find out. The rocks along this cove are very sharp, I managed to cut myself on a steep part of the climb, but it doesn’t matter. What’s a little blood if the prize is a scientific revolution?

I finally got close enough to the water to see what the Pating na Pakpakan are doing. It seems like their diet consist of the birds and fish around the area. Their hunting pattern isn’t any different from regular sharks and they only fly out of the water when there’s a bird that’s attempting to get away.

Normal sharks rely on their sense of smell in the water so I was safe as long as I didn’t fall in. The largest shark in the frenzy seemed to be exhibiting leader behavior. This is different from regular sharks and I don’t think these things are anywhere close to the intelligence exhibited by those specimens. They seemed to be acting more like dolphins in their outward behavior.

I was by a cliffside to get better shots. This evidence can help me get the support I need for a full expedition. But the Pating na Pakpakan have a different plan. They seem to be able to smell in the air as well as they do in the water. I barely escaped to a nearby cave in time.

I’m still inside the cave. The sharks are circling outside in the air. Maybe they’ll get tired and I can have a chance to escape.

If I don’t, to whoever’s reading this letter, please let the truth get out. They are out here. Don’t let my sacrifice be in vain.

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*Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken as a first language by a quarter of the population of the Philippines and as a second language by the majority. Its standardized form, officially named Filipino, is the national language of the Philippines, and is one of two official languages alongside English.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Tagalog Translation by Ghost Kendrick
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Ghost Kendrick

Story inspired by the Ibalon (A Bikolano epic).

Pating na Pakpakan Illustration by Leandro Geniston
FB: That Guy With A Pen

Watercolor by Mykie Concepcion
Tumblr: http://mykieconcepcion.tumblr.com/

*Note this story is in Tagalog

Malagkit ang ere sa amoy na bala at pawis. Hindi alam ng sundalo kung bakit hindi niya maabot ang kanyang kumander, o ang kanyang mga kapwa sundalo, pero alam niyang kailangan niyang maging matatag sa mukha ng panganib. Hindi niya isasantabi na lang ang kanyang misyon sa emperador na sakupin ang mga isla na ito.

Masangsang dahil sa amoy ng dumi ang kwebang pinagtataguan niya pero wala naman siyang magagawa ukol dun. Dumating ang mga Amerikano at tinigil ang lahat ng daloy ng mga padalang pagkain o armas, hindi niya alam kung ano ang kinahinatnan ng kanyang mga kasamahan, maaaring pinaslang na sila, o mas malala, nahuli.

Gabi gabi nararamdaman niya ang nakakakilabot na pakiramdam na may nanonood sa kanya. Naglagay siya ng mga patibong para sa pagkain, at sinisigurado niyang tinitignan niya ang mga ito araw araw. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang nagmamasid at nagtatago sa kabundukan, ngunit siya ay sundalo at haharapin niya ito nang may tapang sa puso.

Nangulila siya sa dalampasigan na kaniyang tinirahan nang kanyang pagkabata, nangulila siya sa pagkakaroon ng pagkain na hindi kinakailangang mangaso pa, ngunit higit sa lahat nangulila siya sa ligtas na piling ng kaniyang tahanan noon.

Ang mga tao sa kabundukan ay may mga alamat na nagpapaalala sa kanya ng kanyang kabataan, mga alamat ukol sa kaluluwa ng mga babaeng mahahaba ang buhok. May maliit na banda sa kanyang sarili na hindi naniniwala sa pipitsuging mga pamahiin, pero may banda rin na bumubulong sa kanyang isipan. Puno ang gabi ng mga sundalo ng paghihintay sa pagkuha sa kanya ng babaeng may mahabang buhok.

Puna niya na sa ibayong iyon ang espirito ay tinatawag na Manlalayog, pero hindi niya mapuna ang mga maaring gawin sa kanya nito. Ang mahabang buhok na hihigop sa kanyang sigla at kabataan hangga’t wala nang natira kundi balat.

Mainit ang tanghali nang makakita ang sundalo ng kumpol ng buhok sa kaniyang kuweba. Hindi niya alam kung saan galing ang mga ito, ngunit alam niya na hindi ito sa kanya.

Napuno siya ng kaba, alam niyang may gumagalang patrol ng Amerikano na malapit, at maaari niyang ipaubaya ang sarili niya sa awa ng mga ito, dahil anong awa ang aasahan mo sa isang multo. Lahat ng katapangan na akala niya’y makakamit niya ay natunaw nang biglaan.

Tumakbo siya, hindi niya inaasahan ang sarili niyang bilis, tinakbuhan niya ang panganib sa kanyang pansamantalang tirahan at papunta sa kamay ng kanyang mga pinakakinasusuklamang mga kaaway.

Lahat ng ito dahil sa kumpol na buhok.

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English Version

The air was slick with the smell of bullets and sweat. The soldier didn’t know why he could not reach his commander or any of his regiment, but he knew he had to be steadfast in the face of danger. He would not abandon his mission by the emperor to claim these islands.

The cave he was hiding in was fetid with the smell of filth but there was nothing he could do about that. The Americans came in and stopped all line of supply, he did not know what happened to the rest of his comrades, they may have been killed, or worse captured.

Night after night he felt the creeping sense of something that was watching him. He had laid out traps for food, and he always made sure to check them every day. He did not know what lurked in the mountains during the night, but he was a soldier and he would face it with bravery in his heart.

He missed the coast that was his childhood home, he missed having food that he did not have to hunt, but most of all he missed the safety of his old home.

The people of these mountains told tales that reminded him of his boyhood, tales of spirit women with long hair. Part of him did not believe such silly superstition, but another part called out to his soul. The soldier’s nights were filled with waiting for the long haired woman to claim him.

In this land the spirit was called Manlalayog, but whatever the name he knew what she could do to him. The long hair draining his youth until nothing would be left but a husk.

It was a hot afternoon when the soldier found the strands of hair in his cave. He did not know where they came from, but he knew they were not his.

Panic surged though his body, he knew there would be an American patrol nearby, and he could throw himself on their mercy, for what mercy could he expect from a ghost? All the bravery he thought he could possess melted away in that instant.

He ran, faster than he thought he ever could, he ran from the danger of his temporary home and into the arms of his most hated enemies.

All because of a few strands of long hair.

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*The manlalayog resembles myths of long-haired ghost women in Japanese folklore. American and Filipino soldiers used to tell these stories in hopes of scaring Japanese soldiers hiding in the mountains.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Tagalog Translation by Ghost Kendrick
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Ghost Kendrick

Inspired by a tale told by the grandmother of Ian Quirante

Manlalayog Illustration by Maku Felix
FB: Maku Felix

Watercolor by Yanna Gemora
FB: Yannami

*Note this story is in Tagalog

No’ng una, pagod s’ya.

Sobrang nakakapagod yung araw n’ya. Masyadong maraming alaala ng sigawan at pag-aaway, masyadong maraming deadline na ‘di nya pwedeng itabi na lang. Purong kasiyahan at tuwa nang nasilayan n’ya na ang kanyang higaan. Iniimbita s’ya ng kanyang mga unan na sumama maglakbay papunta sa mga lugar na hindi s’ya matatawagan ng boss n’ya, kung sa’n mapapayapa na s’ya. Ang huli n’yang nasilayan ay ang dahan-dahang pagdidilim ng ilaw sa cellphone n’ya.
No’ng pangalawa, may tugtog.

No’ng pangalawa, may tugtog.

Natatakot s’ya sa bangungot, pero nadala pa rin s’ya ng pagod. Pakiramdam n’ya ay dinadaganan s’ya ng lahat ng pinagdadaanan n’ya at humuhukay ng libingan para sa kanya. Maiiba ‘tong gabing ‘to, ika n’ya sa kanyang unan. Makakapagpahinga na s’ya. Nang makakatulog na s’ya, nagtaka s’ya kung bakit nagpapatugtog ang kapitbahay ng napakalakas. Nakikita n’ya na sa isipan niyang nagrereklamo s’ya kinabukasan.

No’ng pangatlo, may mga anino.

Tatlong araw na at ‘di pa rin s’ya natutulog. Hindi n’ya madala ang sarili n’ya sa lugar kung saan n’ya pinikit ang kanyang mga mata. Do’n sa lugar na hindi s’ya makagalaw. Do’n sa lugar na wala s’yang kontrol. Tumingin s’ya sa tabi ng higaan n’ya, sa sahig na mantsado ng kape at sa mga kinulumpot na pack ng asukal, at sinabi n’ya sa sarili n’ya na magiging ayos lang s’ya. Ipinagdasal n’ya na maging okay lang s’ya.

No’ng pangapat, tumawa s’ya.

Napangiti ang matandang babae sa kanyang kagagawan, isa na namang kaluluwang aanihin. Lagi silang magigising at iisipin nilang tapos na ang bangungot, pero kapag pumikit na ulit sila, nando’n s’ya para harangan ang pinto. Binitbit ang kanyang matabang katawan, at nilagpasan ang iba pang nilalang na nasa mundo ng panaginip. May dumaang daligmata na muntikan nang bumangga sa kanya, at minura n’ya ang lahat ng mata dito. Napahaba na masyado ang gabi, kailangan n’ya na ng pahinga.

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English Version

The first time, she was tired.

The day had been too long. Too many memories of shouting and fights, too many deadlines she couldn’t ignore. It had been pure joy when she finally saw her bed. The pillows invited her to journey with them to places where her boss couldn’t call her, somewhere she could finally be at peace. The last thing she saw was the light from her phone gently going dark.

The second time, she heard music.

She was afraid of the nightmare, but exhaustion overtook her senses. The weight of the world felt like it was pushing her down and digging a grave for her. Tonight would be different, she told her pillow. She would finally be able to rest. As she drifted off, she wondered why her neighbors were playing such loud music. In her head, she imagined complaining the next day.

The third time, there were shadows.

It was three days and still she did not sleep. She could not bring herself to go to the place she had been when her eyes were closed. It was a place where she couldn’t move her body. It was a place where she had no control. She looked at her bedside, at the coffee stained floor and the crumpled packets of sugar and she told herself she would be okay. She prayed she would be okay.

The fourth time, she laughed.

The old woman smiled at her handiwork, another soul for her to claim. They would always wake up and think that the nightmare has passed, but once they close their eyes, she would be there to block the door. She hauled her corpulent frame, and passed the other spirits roaming through the dream world. A daligmata rushed through, nearly ran into her and she cursed each eye on the beast. This night had gone on for too long, she needed some rest.

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Written by Karl Gaverza
Tagalog Translation by Ghost Kendrick
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Ghost Kendrick

Inspired by the Batibat myths from Ilocos

Batibat Illustration by Leandro Geniston
FB page: That Guy With A Pen

Color by Alexa Garde
Website: Lexa.us

*Note this story is in Tagalog

Sa bayan kung saan lumaki ang lolo ko, bawal magsalita kapag gabi na.

“Naririnig ko pa rin yung tunog ng bakal na kariton n’ya,” madalas sabihin ng lolo ko.

Kakaiba ang naranasan ko nang tumatanda kasama siya. Nung bata pa kami at mag-iingay kami tuwing gabi, tatakbo siya papunta sa ‘min at sisiguraduhin n’yang tahimik kami, habang hindi siya nag-iingay.

Lagi kong pinagsisisihan dahil tinanong ko kung bakit.
Sa bayan na ‘yon naglalakbay “siya”, hila-hila ang kanyang bakal na kariton. Puno ang kariton ng mga bungo ng mga biktima n’ya.

“Yung mga hindi marunong manahimik.”

Sa paraan ng pagkukwento ni lolo, halatang nawalan si lolo ng mahal sa buhay dahil sa kanya. Hindi nya masyadong binabanggit, pero tuwing gabi naririnig ko s’ya.

“Ernesto, Ernesto kapatid ko, hayaan mo na siya.”

Sabi ni lolo dumaan daw “siya” sa bahay nila. Yung kapatid nya matapang at ignorante, akala niya walang makakatalo sa kanya. Bakas ang kahambugan ng kabataan sa kanya.
“Hinamon niya yung halimaw at nagbayad siya.”

Laging magsesermon si lolo tungkol sa kabayaran. Kung paano nakukuha yung bayad kung masusunod “siya”. Hindi ko naintindihan, hangga’t nung pinaliwanag niya.

“Hindi naman importante kung buhay lang ang kinukuha nung halimaw, pero ang kinukuha nito’y bagay na si kamatayan lamang ang nararapat humawak.”

Nanakaw nito ang kaluluwa ng kapatid ni lolo.

Ngayon, hindi naman ako naniniwala sa mga kaluluwa o halimaw na nakikinig sa gabi, pero nang mamatay si lolo nagsimula na marinig ko yung mga tunog.

Naririnig ko ang pagkalembang nga mga bungo sa isa’t isa sa loob nung bakal na kariton “niya”. Naririnig ko ang sigaw ng mga biktima “niya”, nagmamakaawa para sa panghabangbuhay na paglaya mula sa kanya. Naririnig ko ang huling hininga ng lolo ko, nagmamakaawa para sa kaluluwa ng kapatid niya.
“Parang awa mo na, ako na lang ang kunin mo.”

Pinagdadasal ko na mawala na ang mga tunog. Hindi ko alam kung bakit “niya” sinusundan si lolo, at kung bakit “niya” sinusundan ako. Sinusubukan kong wag na lang pansinin, pero ‘di ko kaya.

Sa bawat gabing lumilipas, palakas nang palakas ang mga tunog.

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English Version

In the town where my lolo was raised, no one was allowed to talk at night.

“I can still hear the sound of its iron cart,” my lolo used to say.

Growing up with him was strange. When we were kids and we would make a sound at night he would run towards us and make sure we were quiet, trying not to make noise himself.

I always regretted asking him why.

In that town it traveled at night, pulling its iron cart. The cart was filled with the skulls of its previous victims.

“The ones that didn’t know how to keep their mouths shut.”

The way my lolo told the story, I knew that he had lost
someone to the monster. He never spoke of it much, but sometimes, at night while he was asleep I could hear him.

“Ernesto, my brother Ernesto, leave him alone.”

He told me it passed by their house. His brother was brave and foolish, he thought he was invincible. The truth of youth was strong within him.

“He challenged the monster and paid the price.”

Lolo would always go on about the price. How it was something that was paid when it got its way. I never understood what it really was until he explained.

“It would not matter to us had the monster only taken lives, but it took something that only death should claim.”

My lolo’s brother had lost his soul to it.

Now, I don’t really believe in things like souls and monsters that listen in the night, but after lolo died the sounds began.

I could hear the skulls knocking against each other in its cart. I could hear the screams of its victims, begging for their eternal release. I could hear the last gasp of my lolo, pleading for his brother’s life.

“Please, take me instead.”

I wish the sounds would go away. I don’t know why they followed lolo and why they’re following me. I try to ignore them, but I can’t.

Every night they get louder.

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Written by Karl Gaverza
Tagalog Translation by Ghost Kendrick
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Ghost Kendrick

Inspired by the Kuraret legends from La Union

Kuraret Illustration by Leandro Geniston
FB: That Guy With A Pen

Color by Alexa Garde:
Website: Lexa.us