War takes a heavy toll on children as fighting drags on

Munai, Lanao del Norte – Almost lifeless, Baby Hamda was lying peacefully on a mat, his eyes closed, his tiny fingers curled stiff, pale almost bluish. His mother, Meriam Mecaranda, slept by his side, her face one of resignation, as if waiting for the hour when death may strike her little one.

“It has [...]

Winged Notes

‘Winged Notes’: Remembering My Father
On New Year’s Day, during the early afternoon siesta lull when all is silent after a night of revelry, I found myself prying open the old brown piano stool that was once my father’s. Inside, dust had gathered on yellowed sheets of piano pieces, Papa’s collection which he lovingly kept since [...]