KawayanKawayanKawayanKawayanResilience

Editors noticeKA • WA • YAN/ka-wa-yán/ noun | symbol A story of becoming. It begins with a small step, bends through pressure, and rises after the storm. A reminder that every struggle becomes part of our growth, and every season brings us closer to who we are meant to become. i

Table of Contents ii Editors Choice Table of Contents Umuna Nga Tukad Maikadwa Nga Tukad Maikatlo Nga Tukad i ii 05 15 25

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I started with steps that no one could see, Not knowing yet how far I would go. I learned as I went, one day at a time, And slowly moved closer to what I had in mind. There were days when I felt unsure, But I still kept my eyes on the road ahead. I did not have all the answers then, I only needed a reason to take the next step. Every new day gave me something to learn, Even from moments that felt unfamiliar. I began to trust the process little by little, And became more willing to see where it would take me. I did not always notice the changes in me, Because they happened slowly along the way. But each small step became part of my journey, And helped me become more ready for what came next.TTThe first stephe first stephe first stepThe first step chapter 1- CELESTIA 6Resilience

7There are days when I feel like giving up, Times when my inner strength falters and fades, Burdened by the school’s unrelenting demands, And the quiet pressures of those around me. The grief ran deep when my uncle left, A storm that shook the ground beneath my feet, Just like bamboo swaying beneath a typhoon, Bowed low by sorrow I could not outrun. I may bend, I may weep, I may struggle, Yet I remain anchored where my roots hold fast Love and guidance were planted long ago, Unbroken, unshaken, still holding me firm. I will not be torn from what sustains me, Through every dark wind that tries to pull me down, I rise again, rooted and resilient, Grounded in strength that will always remain.-Glenwood Chapter 1Built WithinBuilt WithinBuilt WithinBuilt Within

In my great-grandmother’s arms, I learned to dream, In a little home where life was simple and serene. I played outside with friends beneath the sun, Laughing through the days, enjoying every bit of fun. I dreamed of success and a peaceful life, A stable future, free from worry and strife. I took small steps, not knowing where they’d lead, But every little step became what I would need. I learned from my family, from each day I knew, From every new experience that helped me grow too. I carried their love as I followed my way, Learning more about myself with every new day. Like a bamboo shoot reaching for the sun, I started small, unsure of what I would become. I did not know how far my journey would bring, I only knew I had to keep growing.8 Chapter 1RootBoundRootBoundRootBoundRootBound -Mr.Potie

Below where darkness staysBelow where darkness staysBelow where darkness stays A little seed begins its days.A little seed begins its days.A little seed begins its days. Buried where none could seeBuried where none could seeBuried where none could see It dreams of what it hopes to be.It dreams of what it hopes to be.It dreams of what it hopes to be. It reaches for a lightIt reaches for a lightIt reaches for a light A sun it’s never seen in sight.A sun it’s never seen in sight.A sun it’s never seen in sight. Through soil and weight through fear and doubtThrough soil and weight through fear and doubtThrough soil and weight through fear and doubt It pushes all its courage out.It pushes all its courage out.It pushes all its courage out. One step then one more stillOne step then one more stillOne step then one more still It climbs beyond the earth’s cold chill.It climbs beyond the earth’s cold chill.It climbs beyond the earth’s cold chill. Its roots grow deep though no one knowsIts roots grow deep though no one knowsIts roots grow deep though no one knows How beneath the darkness goes.How beneath the darkness goes.How beneath the darkness goes. So we start, both small and scaredSo we start, both small and scaredSo we start, both small and scared With childish dreams and hearts unprepared.With childish dreams and hearts unprepared.With childish dreams and hearts unprepared. We fall we doubt we lose our wayWe fall we doubt we lose our wayWe fall we doubt we lose our way Something whispers, "Try today."Something whispers, "Try today."Something whispers, "Try today." For every bamboo touching the skyFor every bamboo touching the skyFor every bamboo touching the sky Once trembled where the dark roots lie.Once trembled where the dark roots lie.Once trembled where the dark roots lie. No one is asked to brave the nightNo one is asked to brave the nightNo one is asked to brave the night Just take one step toward the light.Just take one step toward the light.Just take one step toward the light. Below where darkness stays A little seed begins its days. Buried where none could see It dreams of what it hopes to be. It reaches for a light A sun it’s never seen in sight. Through soil and weight through fear and doubt It pushes all its courage out. One step then one more still It climbs beyond the earth’s cold chill. Its roots grow deep though no one knows How beneath the darkness goes. So we start, both small and scared With childish dreams and hearts unprepared. We fall we doubt we lose our way Something whispers, "Try today." For every bamboo touching the sky Once trembled where the dark roots lie. No one is asked to brave the night Just take one step toward the light.9 Beneath the lightBeneath the lightBeneath the lightBeneath the light Chapter 1 -Aceon

A single grain asleep within the dark, a sudden itch of green, and a timid spark. We step upon the path with clumsy feet, and taste the bitter dust of the concrete, yet dreaming of about the sky. We reach our palms to catch the morning air, with untried limbs and pockets full of prayer. Each little hurdle crossed, each mountain faced, leaves tracks of steady hope upon the waste, as days begin to rhyme. We learn to balance where the edges steep, and sow the quiet promises we keep. Though every stride is small and dimly lit, we find the will to stumble and commit, to what we hope to find. For every giant tree that touches space begins with humble dirt upon its face. We trust the unseen roots beneath the floor, and softly knock at destiny's closed door, with courage in our chest.EmpezandoEmpezandoEmpezandoEmpezando- wanny☽Chapter 1 10

It began with soft shoots pushing through the earth, small and trembling against the wind. I did not know which way the light would fall, only that I must reach for it — one careful stretch, one quiet step at a time. There were days when the soil felt too heavy, when new paths felt strange and uncertain, but I kept standing tall, drinking in every ray, holding fast to the dream that rooted deep within my chest. I learned to stand on my own, to steady myself when the ground shifted. Every new leaf was a promise I made to myself: that I would keep going, even when progress seemed slow. These were the gentle beginnings — not yet strong, not yet full-grown, but alive with hope, and determined to rise.11her love, my foundationher love, my foundationher love, my foundationher love, my foundation- k Chapter 1

The beginning.The beginning.The beginning. The moment she was born was the beginningThe moment she was born was the beginningThe moment she was born was the beginning of her everything.of her everything.of her everything. It wasn't her who decided to enter in this world—It wasn't her who decided to enter in this world—It wasn't her who decided to enter in this world— the fate itself.the fate itself.the fate itself. This is the beginning of her journey.This is the beginning of her journey.This is the beginning of her journey. Growing and learning— adapted since she was justGrowing and learning— adapted since she was justGrowing and learning— adapted since she was just an innocent.an innocent.an innocent. Like a one-year old, who learned to walk one step at aLike a one-year old, who learned to walk one step at aLike a one-year old, who learned to walk one step at a time coming towards her mom's embrace.time coming towards her mom's embrace.time coming towards her mom's embrace. Crawled towards hopeCrawled towards hopeCrawled towards hope Hard to believe, yet, she did.Hard to believe, yet, she did.Hard to believe, yet, she did. As part of growth,As part of growth,As part of growth, new experiences may encounternew experiences may encounternew experiences may encounter She doesn't noticed, she become lonely and lonelyShe doesn't noticed, she become lonely and lonelyShe doesn't noticed, she become lonely and lonely Independent was added to her vocabularyIndependent was added to her vocabularyIndependent was added to her vocabulary She was too focused on her dreamed,She was too focused on her dreamed,She was too focused on her dreamed, uninterested of everything.uninterested of everything.uninterested of everything. Her dreamed was just victoryHer dreamed was just victoryHer dreamed was just victory eager to aimed that someday.eager to aimed that someday.eager to aimed that someday. She hope that someday, that some day will be today.She hope that someday, that some day will be today.She hope that someday, that some day will be today. But then she realizedBut then she realizedBut then she realized every moment of grow,mattersevery moment of grow,mattersevery moment of grow,matters And every step has testament.And every step has testament.And every step has testament. The beginning. The moment she was born was the beginning of her everything. It wasn't her who decided to enter in this world— the fate itself. This is the beginning of her journey. Growing and learning— adapted since she was just an innocent. Like a one-year old, who learned to walk one step at a time coming towards her mom's embrace. Crawled towards hope Hard to believe, yet, she did. As part of growth, new experiences may encounter She doesn't noticed, she become lonely and lonely Independent was added to her vocabulary She was too focused on her dreamed, uninterested of everything. Her dreamed was just victory eager to aimed that someday. She hope that someday, that some day will be today. But then she realized every moment of grow,matters And every step has testament.Her First HorizonHer First HorizonHer First HorizonHer First Horizon-MaeraChapter 112

I did not grow fast, I grew deep in that silent ground, Where my mother's voice was law, a sharp, strict sound. No running outside, no late nights, no play, Every hour had a rule, every night had to obey. Under my mother's strict eyes, I learned to stand still Not from love that was soft, but from her iron will. My friends were laughing outside, I was inside the chain, Learning that love sometimes comes hidden in pain. Every move was measured, every rule was a heavy stone, I felt like a small bamboo, growing all alone. She counted my steps, she checked my school bag tight, No mistake was small, every wrong was in her sight. My roots learning through pain, to stand on my own, In that hard, dry soil, my strength was unknown. I did not know then, that being bent was not defeat, But a way to survive the storm, to stay on my feet.-eynieeUnder the Strict HandsUnder the Strict HandsUnder the Strict HandsUnder the Strict Hands13 Chapter 1

When I was young, my father taught me to dream, To reach for the stars and believe in what seemed Impossible to a child like me, He showed me the person I could someday be. I grew up holding the dreams he gave, Learning to hope, to fight, and be brave. Like bamboo growing from a small seed, His words became the roots I would need. Though I was young, his lessons stayed, In every dream and choice I made. I carry his hope wherever I go, And because of him, I continue to grow.Where the dream beganWhere the dream beganWhere the dream beganWhere the dream began-je 14 Chapter 1

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Things did not always go the way I planned, And there were days when I felt tired. Some problems made me question my progress, And made me want to stop for a while. But I learned that slowing down is not the same as giving up, Sometimes, I just needed time to breathe. Even when things became difficult, I still tried to take one more step. I started to accept that not every day would be easy, And that I could not always control what happened. What mattered was finding the courage to continue, Even when I had to move more slowly than before. There were times when I had to take a break, And remind myself that it was okay. I might not move as fast as I wanted to, But I was still moving forward in my own way.chapter 2when the roads gets heavywhen the roads gets heavywhen the roads gets heavywhen the roads gets heavy- CELESTIA 16

17 By the sides of my parents, I grew compared to bamboo In the sense of being not a plant in the ground but a life lived, Rooted deep in them and their teachings, Their care that kept me safe growing up year after year. And so I grew with not only height but also strength in my spirit Learning patience and kindness Being brave when I didn't know what else to be, Their lessons learnt by me, made me into who I became How to be strong but not mean Bendable but not breaking, and to keep a soft heart even in the storm And so that no matter what winds and rains of life may come Loss, sadness, doubt, struggles and the storms of hard times I will never, ever bend or break But instead stand tall as they taught me, rooted and strong Because that is how they made me, and I am their child.-Glenwoodwhen the roads gets heavywhen the roads gets heavywhen the roads gets heavywhen the roads gets heavy chapter 2

18 chapter 2 The road I walked was not always smooth, Some days I struggled to find my way through. College brought pressure I could not ignore, With questions and worries following me more. I feared I might fail the people who believed, And wondered if I was doing what was needed. I faced exams, interviews, and days full of doubt, Trying to find a way when I wanted to give out. I was used to honors, proud of what I had done, Until one term, I lost the award I had won. I blamed myself and questioned my worth, Wondering if I had fallen short. Like bamboo caught beneath heavy rain, I bent with the pressure, carrying the pain. The water I needed became too much to bear, And sometimes I felt like I could not stay there. But even when setbacks slowed my pace, I kept moving forward, finding my place. The road became harder, the journey felt long, But every challenge taught me to carry on.RainBentRainBentRainBentRainBent -Mr.Potie

19 chapter 2Then the storm comes without a sign And tears through branches, leaf and vine. The wind roars loud the dark clouds form, And hope grows faint beneath the storm. The bamboo bends beneath the rain Its fragile leaves endure the pain. Its branches shake its roots hold tight As day disappears into the night. There comes a time when giving in Feels easier than trying To let the storm decide the end To stop the fight to cease, to bend. Deep below where storms can’t reach Its roots hold firm beneath the breach. It bends, but does not disappear; It breaks,. Still refuses fear. So we bend when life gets tough When broken dreams feel far enough. We fall we cry we lose our way Yet pain can shape the hearts we save. For every scar and every tear Can teach the soul to persevere. The storm may test the strength we hide Roots grow deeper from inside.The Season of StormThe Season of StormThe Season of StormThe Season of Storm -Aceon

Then midnight falls and claws against the pane; the quiet world is drowned in sheets of rain. The winds arrive with cruel and heavy hands, to test the weakest joints across the lands, and bend us to the mud. We arch our spine until it starts to creak, too tired to be brave, too bruised to speak. We kiss the soil beneath a crushing weight, convinced that this surrender seals our fate, and breaks the will to rise. The shadows lengthen and the burdens grow, with nowhere left to hide and nowhere low. The world forgets the promise of the sun, while all our fading strength is nearly done, in silence and despair. Yet even as we graze the sodden ground, no fatal snap or final break is found. We hold the strain against the lashing gale, refusing in our deepest dark to fail, while waiting for the dawn.La NiñaLa NiñaLa NiñaLa Niña- wanny☽ Chapter 2 20

Then came the storms that bent me low, winds that howled and rains that beat against my slender frame. I bowed until I thought I might break; my leaves were torn, my stem leaned far to one side, and for a moment I wondered if I would ever stand straight again. Failures weighed heavy like wet earth, and the road ahead felt longer, steeper, harder than I had imagined. But I did not snap. I swayed, I yielded, I endured — and in that bending, I found something deeper than strength: the quiet courage to rise again. The wind may slow me, the rain may bruise me, yet my roots hold firm. I am still here, weathered but whole, resting through the gale and waiting for the sky to clear. 21 Chapter 2Beneath the weight of lossBeneath the weight of lossBeneath the weight of lossBeneath the weight of loss- k

Just like a rough road towards triumph Posses by negative thoughts Her life maybe miserable as she thinks May discourage her to continue. She isolate herself in the corner of room Afraid to be judge by just one mistake Never knew why she became like this Is it because no one understand her? She's crying and shouting from her mind Thirst to be understand Why it is hard for her when it's her time? She just wanted to be shine. She is scared of failure She tends everything on track And the moment she realize, It was all part of success. Just like a rough road towards triumph Posses by negative thoughts Her life maybe miserable as she thinks May discourage her to continue. She isolate herself in the corner of room Afraid to be judge by just one mistake Never knew why she became like this Is it because no one understand her? She's crying and shouting from her mind Thirst to be understand Why it is hard for her when it's her time? She just wanted to be shine. She is scared of failure She tends everything on track And the moment she realize, It was all part of success. Weight of SilenceWeight of SilenceWeight of SilenceWeight of Silence-Maera Chapter 2 22

Under strict hands, my world felt so small and tight, Every mistake was met with anger, every rule a chain so tight. The house was a classroom, and I was always late, A prisoner of perfection, a child of fate. I was afraid to reach for light, afraid to even try, Because her strict voice always asked me why. Why other mothers hug, while mine only commands? Why other hands are soft, while mine has strict hands? But those hard days slowed me, they did not stop my pain, They watered my roots like a hard, heavy rain. I learned to be patient, to be careful, to be wise, To look at the world through her strict, tired eyes. And slowly I saw, behind the anger was fear, Fear that I would fall, fear that life is not fair. Her strictness was not a punishment, but a shield, To protect the small bamboo in an open field.-eynieeThe Storm InsideThe Storm InsideThe Storm InsideThe Storm Inside 23 Chapter 2

Some winds arrive without a warning, Shaking the roots beneath my feet. There are days I long for my father, Wishing his presence could make me complete. Like bamboo, I learned to bend with the wind, To face the storms without giving in. His absence left an ache in my heart, But his strength became a part of my spirit. I may break down, I may lose my way, And still miss him at the end of each day. But for the dreams we shared as a family, I choose to stand, grow, and carry on.Bending,but not breakingBending,but not breakingBending,but not breakingBending,but not breaking-je24 Chapter 2

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Looking back, I can see that I have changed, Even if I did not notice it at first. The things I went through were not easy, But they taught me to understand myself better. I may still have a long way to go, And I know there will be more things to learn. But I am no longer where I started, And that alone makes me proud of how far I have come. I learned to appreciate the person I am becoming, Not because everything turned out perfectly, But because I stayed through the moments that tested me, And continued to grow in my own way. I still have things I want to work on, And there are places I have yet to reach. But I can look back without wishing to change the past, Because every part of it helped me become who I am. HHHow far ive comeow far ive comeow far ive comeHow far ive come Chapter 3 - CELESTIA 26

27 After all the storms in life, When the winds have calmed and cleared, I will grow shoots again— Fresh hope where fear once appeared. I continue to flourish and grow stronger, Deepening with every season passed, Each trial leaves its gentle mark, Shaping what will always last. Growingly shaped by life’s lessons, Soft yet firm in every part, I carry wisdom from the journey, Rounded deep within my heart. Steady now, I keep reaching upward, Guided by what I’ve come to know— Through every step, I draw closer still, To the dream I was meant to follow. Chapter 3 New BeginningsNew BeginningsNew BeginningsNew Beginnings - Glenwood

Dear younger me, look at you today, You made it through the storms along the way. The days once heavy no longer define, The person you are becoming over time. You learned that storms do not last forever, And every struggle made you stronger than ever. The rain once felt like too much to endure, But it helped you discover a strength you were unsure. You still carry the love you received, From those who stayed and always believed. Your mother and grandparents helped you stand, And gave you strength when life felt unplanned. One day, you will reach the dream in your heart, Enter the medical field and make a new start. You will give back for all they have done, And make them proud of the person you've become. Like bamboo after the rain, you rise, Reaching for the warmth beneath brighter skies. You have grown through every storm and pain, And now you bloom stronger after the rain 28 Chapter 3 SkyWardSkyWardSkyWardSkyWard -Mr.Potie

29 And then at last the storm grows still The clouds retreat beyond the hill. The sun returns with light And turns the darkness into bright. The bamboo lifts its frame Its leaves still marked by wind and rain. Though its scars remain in view They tell the story it lived through. Its wounds are not a sign of defeat Proof that pain could not compete. Each scar becomes a story told, Of roots that held when winds were cold. Perhaps this is what living means— To rise from shattered dreams. Not staying untouched by every pain Finding strength to bloom again. For, after storms the skies turn blue Broken paths can lead us through. After each fall we rise more Stronger than we were before. Like bamboo reaching toward the sun We climb because the fight’s not done. Not because we’ve never been broken— Because we refused to stay broken. Chapter 3 The Bloom BeyondThe Bloom BeyondThe Bloom BeyondThe Bloom Beyond -Aceon

Waken up by the creaking sound Realizing,I'm not sleeping but awake for a new beginning Wondering and dreaming One day I'll watch myself growing, growing instead of staying. Starting to focus in growing Instead of staring, Staring at the things That needed to be in I'll start remembering the lessons from my losses. Now I believe I'm stronger, even in any disaster Standing from my very own foots, Cherishing my own roots. Like a bamboo shoot, Into a strong one.SuperarSuperarSuperarSuperar- wanny☽30 Chapter 3

When the clouds finally parted, I stood taller than before — scarred, yet stronger, deeper rooted, more alive. What once was fragile now bends without breaking; what once trembled now stands steady in the breeze. The struggles that bent me down have shaped me into something beautiful, something that does not just survive, but shines. I have bloomed not in spite of the storms, but because of them. Every mark, every curve, every story written into my stem is proof: growth does not happen only in sunshine. I am resilient, gentle, unbroken — and I will keep rising, blooming brighter with every season that comes.31 Chapter 3Blooming from Her LegacyBlooming from Her LegacyBlooming from Her LegacyBlooming from Her Legacy- k

Her life was full of challenges Miserable as it seems, but wanted to win. She's the world of her own Learned to stand on her own Despite everything, After all she wasn't scared to be alone. After all, she did aimed. After all, she received what she prayed for. She realizes, everything has purpose With that, she remains unfold. She once scared but learned to be strong With her positiveness, she bloomed No matter how hard it is, she's sure That success will come, and will assumed. Her life was full of challenges Miserable as it seems, but wanted to win. She's the world of her own Learned to stand on her own Despite everything, After all she wasn't scared to be alone. After all, she did aimed. After all, she received what she prayed for. She realizes, everything has purpose With that, she remains unfold. She once scared but learned to be strong With her positiveness, she bloomed No matter how hard it is, she's sure That success will come, and will assumed. A New DawnA New DawnA New DawnA New Dawn-Maera 32 Chapter 3

Yet from that hard soil, I learned to bloom and stand, I now understand her strictness was a loving hand. What I thought was a cage, was actually a guide, That taught me how to survive the turning tide. Their strictness became the wind that made me strong, The wind that told the kawayan where it belongs. It did not break me, it taught me to sway, To bend with the problem, to not run away. After every storm, I flourish, where I belong, I sing a new, but grateful song. Thank you, Mother, for your strict and firm hands, For now I can stand firm in any lands And like bamboo, I will rise tall and unshaken, No wind will ever break me again. For the deepest roots grow from the strictest soil, And the strongest child grows from a mother's hard toil. Yet from that hard soil, I learned to bloom and stand, I now understand her strictness was a loving hand. What I thought was a cage, was actually a guide, That taught me how to survive the turning tide. Their strictness became the wind that made me strong, The wind that told the kawayan where it belongs. It did not break me, it taught me to sway, To bend with the problem, to not run away. After every storm, I flourish, where I belong, I sing a new, but grateful song. Thank you, Mother, for your strict and firm hands, For now I can stand firm in any lands And like bamboo, I will rise tall and unshaken, No wind will ever break me again. For the deepest roots grow from the strictest soil, And the strongest child grows from a mother's hard toil.The Rising DreamThe Rising DreamThe Rising DreamThe Rising Dream -eyniee 33 Chapter 3

Now I walk the road my father once dreamed, Carrying his hopes in everything I achieve. Every small step, every dream I pursue, Reminds me of the dreams we once knew. Like bamboo reaching toward the sky, I keep growing, even when life asks me why. Though my father is no longer here, His love and lessons remain near. One day, I hope our dreams come true, The dreams my father and my family knew. And when we finally reach that place, I will know his love helped me find my way. Now I walk the road my father once dreamed, Carrying his hopes in everything I achieve. Every small step, every dream I pursue, Reminds me of the dreams we once knew. Like bamboo reaching toward the sky, I keep growing, even when life asks me why. Though my father is no longer here, His love and lessons remain near. One day, I hope our dreams come true, The dreams my father and my family knew. And when we finally reach that place, I will know his love helped me find my way.The dream we carryThe dream we carryThe dream we carryThe dream we carry-je-je-je-je 34 Chapter 3

35 Bonaobra, Clarck Nathan Garnace, John Ervin Cabotage, Jeremieh Pudol, Dioannie Rosario, Kirsten Angel Solis, Megan Sumibcay, Anne Bernadette Urubio, Jaicee Ionna Kate KAWAYAN A story of becoming. From Panagrusing, where the journey begins with small steps, to Panagkuyos, where struggles bend us through difficult seasons, and finally to Panangsaringit, where we rise, grow, and flourish. KAWAYAN tells a story of resilience. A story of becoming stronger through every challenge, and continuing to grow despite the storms along the way. Kinatibker reminds us that every struggle becomes part of our journey, and every step brings us closer to who we are becoming.

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