dailyjuliusblog

[dailyjuliusblog]

(Flash Fiction)

BOUNDLESS LOVE OF THE SOUTH

Once upon a time in the primary trade and commercial center for all of southwestern Mindanao, there lived a curious and compassionate young boy named Ethan. Ethan had always possessed an open heart, eager to explore the world and learn about different cultures. One day, while exploring the local market, he encountered a kind-hearted man named Riff.

Riff was a devout Muslim who followed his faith diligently. His gentle demeanor and warm smile instantly captured Ethan's attention. The two quickly struck up a conversation, finding comfort in each other's presence. As days turned into weeks, their friendship grew stronger, and before long, they discovered that they shared a deep and profound connection.

However, a harsh reality set in when they realized that their respective religions would not allow them to pursue a romantic relationship. It was a painful revelation, as their hearts yearned to be together, but the boundaries drawn by their faiths appeared impossible.

Ethan could see the struggle in Riff’s eyes, torn between his love for him and his commitment to his religion. Riff had spent his life practicing Islam and held his faith close to his heart. Yet, his affection for Ethan had stirred emotions he had never experienced before, leaving him conflicted and confused.

The two young men sought comfort in each other's company, often taking long walks through the town's peaceful gardens, sharing their hopes, dreams, and fears. Their love for one another only deepened with each passing day, making their situation even more painful.

As time went on, Riff faced an internal battle between his love for Ethan and his devotion to his faith. He sought guidance from his religious leaders and delved deep into religious texts, hoping to find a solution that would allow him to embrace both his religion and his love for Ethan.

Finally, after much soul-searching and contemplation, Riff made a difficult decision. He realized that love transcended religious boundaries and that he couldn't deny the depth of his feelings for Ethan any longer. Riff chose to relinquish his religious practices, not out of rebellion but out of a profound belief that love should be celebrated, cherished, and protected, regardless of religious affiliations.

With heavy hearts but newfound hope, Ethan and Riff embarked on a journey together, committed to supporting and loving each other through the challenges that lay ahead. They faced opposition from their families and communities, but the strength of their love and the authenticity of their commitment helped them overcome every obstacle.

In time, their families began to witness the purity and genuineness of their love. They saw the compassion, kindness, and unyielding support Ethan and Riff offered each other. Slowly but surely, their families softened their hearts, realizing that love and happiness were far more important than rigid religious boundaries.

And so, in the face of adversity, Ethan and Riff’s love triumphed. They became a symbol of hope, unity, and acceptance in their town. Their story taught everyone the power of love and how it can bridge divides, encouraging them to embrace understanding and respect for one another.

As years passed, Ethan and Riff lived a fulfilling life together, cherishing each moment and celebrating the freedom to love without constraints. Their love story became a testament to the transformative power of love, reminding the world that when we allow love to guide our decisions, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society.

[dailyjuliusblog]

THE TASTE OF THE FORBIDDEN KISS BEYOND MIDNIGHT

Ryzen woke up on the morning of his 21st birthday with a sense of excitement and nervous feeling. As a gay man, he had been concealing a secret crush on Smith, a charming and kind-hearted classmate. Although Ryzen had never confessed his feelings, he often found comfort in daydreaming about what it would be like to be in Smith's arms.

The day was filled with festivities and laughter as Ryzen's friends, Danielle, Nathan, and Chelsea, gathered to celebrate his debut party. The evening was an enchanting affair, with twinkling lights, soft music, and an atmosphere of joy. The venue was a grand ballroom, ornamented with elegant decorations and a dance floor awaiting the celebrations.

As the night deepens, Ryzen's heart fluttered with excitement when he noticed Smith entering the venue. He had not expected Smith to attend, and his presence brought a mix of thrill and nervousness. Danielle, ever perceptive, noticed Ryzen's reaction and slyly nudged him.

"Danielle, why did you invite Smith? You know how I feel about him," Ryzen whispered, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink.

"Because sometimes dreams do come true, Ryzen," Danielle whispered back, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

The night continued, and Ryzen found himself engaged in conversations with his friends, all the while stealing glances at Smith, who seemed to be enjoying the party. The music swelled, and couples took to the dance floor, swaying to the romantic melodies.

Ryzen's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Smith across the room. Summoning all his courage, he approached Smith, extending his hand for a dance.

"Would you honor me with a dance?" Ryzen asked, his voice tinged with nervous eagerness.

Smith's eyes lit up with surprise and delight as he took Ryzen's hand. "I would be delighted," he replied, his voice soft and sincere.

As they moved gracefully across the dance floor, the world around them seemed to fade away. Ryzen's pulse quickened with each gentle touch and every glance exchanged. The connection between them felt intense, as if they were the only two people in the room.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and shared interests. The hours slipped away, and the bond between Ryzen and Smith deepened. Ryzen's friends watched on, their smiles a testament to the promising connection.

At midnight, as the clock struck, Ryzen and Smith found themselves on a quiet balcony overlooking the starlit night. The air was filled with a sense of magic and possibility.

"I've been holding onto a secret for far too long," Ryzen confessed, his voice quivering with vulnerability. "I've admired you from afar, Smith. You've always been the light in my life."

Smith's eyes widened with surprise and curiosity. "Ryzen, I had no idea. I, too, have felt a connection between us, a pull that I couldn't explain."

In that moment, their gazes locked, and Ryzen's heart swelled with hope. He leaned in, closing the gap between them, and Smith shared the gesture. Their lips met in a tender kiss, sealing their unspoken feelings in a moment of pure affection.

The world seemed to stand still as Ryzen and Smith embraced, their arms wrapped tightly around each other. It felt as if all the stars in the sky had aligned, granting them a glimpse of the love they had longed for.

But as quickly as the dream had blossomed, it began to fade. Ryzen's eyes fluttered open, and he found himself lying in his bed, his heart still racing, a mixture of joy and yearning lingering in his chest. It had all been a dream……. a beautiful, bittersweet dream.

His Mom started knocking the door and its time for him to eat his breakfast because he’s run out of time going to school.

As Ryzen rose from his bed, he couldn't help but carry the memory of that dream with him. The taste of the forbidden kiss, the warmth of Smith's embrace, and the depth of their connection stayed etched in his mind. It fueled his hope for the future, reminding him that sometimes dreams are the catalysts for reality.

With newfound determination, Ryzen decided it was time to gather the courage to share his true feelings with Smith. He couldn't let the dream be the only place where their hearts entwined. And who knows, perhaps reality would prove to be even more enchanting than any dream could ever be.

As Ryzen set forth into the awakening world, he carried the lingering emotions of his dream, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Love, he realized, was not confined to dreams alone as it was a powerful force that could shape reality and bring the unexpected to life. And with that thought, Ryzen set out to turn his dream into an enchanting reality, ready to seize the possibility of a shared love story with Smith.

[dailyjuliusblog]

BORN IN THEIR HEARTS

Merriam-Webster defines family as a group of two or more persons related by birth, marriage, or adoption who live together. In other sources, family is the one that boosts our confidence and makes us feel loved. But aside from its literal meaning… I have a different definition of it. And Did you know that the word FAMILY for me means Father And Mother, I Love You!

Who knows that I'll be revealing 90 percent of the story of my life to have a Major Course Output in our subject, Creative Writing.

In this generation, anyone can be called "Anak," for this is now considered an expression, especially for LGBTQ members. But what is the feeling of being called "anak" knowing you're not from the same blood?

Being an adopted son means that life begins with a unique story. It means that your biological parents decided to give you up, and your adoptive parents chose to take you into their homes and hearts. I do not know the whole story how and why they decided to adopt me. I am just speaking on what I’ve know based on the stories of my cousins and relatives. As I internalized these information, I slowly interconnect which leads me to an answer.

I was 9 when I discovered that I was an adopted child. I still vividly remember when a childhood neighbor told me I was an "Ampon" because we have misunderstanding that time. They use this term to bully me. I was shocked and confused at the same time, for I know we are still immature to process these things. There were time also that we have a misunderstanding with my sister daughter of my aunt. She also told me “Ampon” the moment she uttered it Mama and Papa became angry to her. There then, I seek out informations that will satisfy my inner peace.

Beyond that, I consider myself one of the world's luckiest and most blessed individual. I am 21 and didn't understand why my parents had to keep this secret from me. Maybe, they already know that I knew it already. As I began asking my cousins, and trusted relatives, I realized nothing had changed. I was still the same person, and my family was the same.

As I became more interested in my life, I realized it was a living testament to my parent's love and selflessness, especially my father, who's already resting in His paradise . I am blessed, and they're also blessed to have me in their life, for without me, our family will not be called a family. I realized that my adaptation was also part of my story and had shaped who I was in ways that I couldn't even fully understand. It gave me a sense of gratitude and humility, knowing I had been given a second chance at life.

I am not afraid to publicize my life story. I want to become proof that being an Adopted Son is a privilege. It just signifies that my adoptive parents loved me unconditionally and gave me a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth.

#blessed #life is a blessing

[dailyjuliusblog]

SIGAY KA, COTABATO CITY!

Have you ever tried riding an Airplane? Or Have you ever tried walking on the clouds, running and touching the beauty of rainbows, being amazed and mesmerized by how His creation made us humans blissful? Or if not, have you ever met a person you know in the first place, a stranger and a not trustworthy person who suddenly turns out as your knight in shining armor? Many questions arose in my mind that I wanted to ask, but I could not construct the proper grammar and thought. But, have you visited a place for the first time where the connotation and stereotypes of many are harmful, and the judgment is unjust? If not, let me tell you about my experience before and after I visited Mindanao, especially how I left my heart in Cotabato City.

Nowadays, we commonly form judgments and opinions based on superficial characteristics such as appearance, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Before, I always had that fear and stereotype that Mindanao was not a safe region because of what was being reported to the media. Honestly, I always use the media as a reason to think that when we say Mindanao, it is the land of chaos, misunderstanding, and a nutshell of Anti-Government people. But I didn't know well the other side of Maguindanaon people.

I only thought that people from the Muslim region were arrogant and self-centered, not until I was given a chance to ride a plane and have a 4-day and three nights stay in Cotabato City to attend a benchmarking activity, leadership training, and to satisfy and change my ego and stereotypes about Muslim region.

As someone who grew up in an urban city, I had always been drawn to the fast-paced lifestyle and the constant buzz of activity. But when I visited Cotabato City, everything changed. From the moment I arrived, I was bumped into by the beauty of the place. The lush greenery, stunning hills, and valleys were breathtaking. The infrastructure, ambiance, and rulings are unusual, from the bustling markets and busy streets to the serene countryside and tranquil riverbanks. But you know what refreshing is? I found myself feeling more relaxed and at peace than I had in my hometown. Who knows that a nobody student became a Student Trustee of an Institution that gives him many opportunities, that he will be able to celebrate also his special day in another place?

As I spent more time in the city, I encountered a lot of Muslims and Christians who were very kind, generous, and welcoming, to the point that they made me feel like I lived there many years ago. I was constantly amazed by the hospitality of the people in Cotabato City. It was the people who captured my heart. Despite the stereotypes and negative judgments they received, the people of Cotabato City were some of the most welcoming and hospitable I had ever met.

As my time in Cotabato City ended, I knew I would never forget this place or the people I met here. I had left a piece of my heart behind, and I knew I would always be drawn back to this magical and enchanting city.

And as I boarded the plane to return home, I realized the real purpose of my visit here. I did not only benchmark the best practices of one of their prestigious university, but I also committed myself to become a voice of the North, that the people of the South are good and very hospitable. Though I may never fully understand and discover the magic of this place, I know that it will always hold a special place in my heart. And so, I continue to return, eager to explore and discover all that Cotabato City has to offer, and grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped my life forever.

Sigay Ka, Cotabato City! You're a place of endless wonder.

#CotabatoCity