Tokhang the [uni]verse

Before Buwan ng Wika ends, I published through my social media account “tokhang ang daigdig,” a poem rendered from Alejandro Abadilla’s “ako ang daigdig.” In every illuminating moment of replacing each of Abadilla’s ako with tokhang, the new work gradually forms and reveals itself as something relevant in these dark times, yet conscious of the limits of its being. I leave further reading and thinking up to those who want to dissect the derivative work, which, hopefully, has its own merits. So I can devote enough space to translation. Along the way, what Hans J. Vermeer calls skopos (aim) and/or commission (definition) shifted accordingly, that ended with the translatum (target text), “tokhang the universe.”

Continue ReadingTokhang the [uni]verse
Read more about the article SURVIVORS
SURVIVORS. Survivors in crutches and arm cast offer flowers and candles at the blast site. (Robby Joy D. Salveron/davaotoday.com)

SURVIVORS

Survivors in crutches and arm cast offer flowers and candles at the blast site. (Robby Joy D. Salveron/davaotoday.com)

Continue ReadingSURVIVORS
Read more about the article Broker recants, clears Pulong, Mans from drug-smuggling mess
Photos from Atty. Mans Carpio Facebook page and Davao Today

Broker recants, clears Pulong, Mans from drug-smuggling mess

Controversial Bureau of Customs broker Mark Taguba II cleared Davao Vice Mayor Paolo “Pulong” Duterte and lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio from the alleged P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China.

Continue ReadingBroker recants, clears Pulong, Mans from drug-smuggling mess
Read more about the article IN PHOTOS | A war that turned Marawi into rubble
A mosque stands still beside the remains of residential buildings along Agus River at Barangay Bubong Madaya near the Balo-i Bridge in Marawi City. The place was once a stronghold of the ISIS-inspired Maute group. Journalists were permitted last August 30 to cross the bridge that connects Barangay Raya Saduc and Bubong Madaya, after it was recaptured by the government troops weeks ago. It is the main route of the military in delivering their supplies and reinforcement. (Divina M. Suson)

IN PHOTOS | A war that turned Marawi into rubble

It was once known as a "Little Baguio" for the city's cool and fresh breeze. But today the air in Marawi smells of gunpowder. A few meters away from where journalists were traversing the bridge once controlled by armed militants, gun fighting continues. The government was also relentless in flushing out the militants in what they described as a small portion of the city's 87.55 square kilometers land area with continuous aerial bombardment.

Continue ReadingIN PHOTOS | A war that turned Marawi into rubble