Bahay Kubo in Calo

 Beside the river, on the farm so green,

Stands a humble home, a Bahay Kubo serene. Built with bamboo and nipa, a simple abode, With nature as its backdrop, a peaceful abode.

The gentle breeze that blows, brings a sweet scent, Of flowers and crops, so rich and abundant. The flowing river, a soothing lullaby, As the farmers work hard, beneath the bright blue sky.

Inside the Bahay Kubo, a cozy retreat, Where families gather, to rest and to eat. Simple pleasures in life, they embrace with joy, Content with the Calo farm, and its bountiful employ.

The Bahay Kubo stands as a symbol so pure, Of life that's simple, and values that endure. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the world outside, In this humble abode, there's peace to abide.

Beside the river, on the farm so green, The Bahay Kubo stands, a sight to be seen. A haven of tranquility, amidst nature's charm, A place to call home, with open arms.

Leonaga T. Larena in 1991

Sra. Acion ,San Jose ,Negros Oriental

Perfection 1985

 

As I'm going through life, a scenario pops into my head.

 A created disorder that scoffs at the idea of a future.

 A stumble while I was entering a throng

I kept my posture straight and worked hard to keep quiet.

mouth making such whispers and high-pitched giggles:

Stunningly evil eyes look at the large window

 stepping into the path of onlookers who may have differing opinions

 I keep second-guessing if I came out as too commonplace.

 

 

Everywhere there was style and sophistication

On their face is engraved the desire for perfection.

Snakes nest on their neck.

Consider me as a small speck in your eyes.

You must stride straight.

And keep it light.

formally attired as they say,

Every day, you are being handled like a machine.

 

 

 

I think my best option is to whimper.

 But all of a sudden, reality hits me in the face.

 All of their expectations were crushed, and I'm still improving.

 for an unacceptable letdown.

 The desire for perfection is universal.

 And everybody wants to be noticed.

 They desire to possess everything.

They are fixated on perfection. 

Perfection  Luca Tanjay City 

Leonaga Tulabing Larena 

Photograph ( 2014)

The end of a hot summer
When you fell off missing someone
I set down and take a breath
An uncomfortable feeling and looking at the horizon
I saw the vintage Aparador with full of good memories

I open it, i saw the family album
When I open it, I saw an old photograph
A flashback feeling  the horizon
A boy and the adult lady
Showing the everlasting love and care for each other arms
A memories lane appear in so many colors

Summer of the 1980s
The place is so white and pure
The local Cherry blossom was flowing all over the place
The love of a mother to her son

The joy of togetherness
A son  hold her so tight
The smell of her perfume content the place
No worrying of problems for the future
Just me and the world of happiness

I love you son
I love you Ma
You are my life
Celebrating the joy and sorrow in life
The clock stop and moment can speak a thousand words
They will tell you how the tragedy of family and love can be

Holding a piece of History
The memories will just
be part of the past
The future will be holding our desires
The love will be everlasting in our hearts
The relationship of a mother and son forever

Baisanon Poet Penn Tulabing Larena  some of his works influenced by family ,relatives and friends. Some of his works including Hacienda in 2013, Hometown 2015,Rizal 2016, Katacgahan 2005 , The space between us 2018 , Love like Spanish Bread of Jose Rafael Mar 2018 and Pretty Girl  2018. He is a nephew of  Literary icons in the Philippines like Fr. Rudy Villanueva aka in literature Renato Madrid, Dr. Elsa Martinez – Coscolluela,Atty .David C. Martinez, Lilius Pinili,Dr. Tichie Saycon E. Baena ,Atty Arturo Valencia Umbac,  Simon Anton Niño Diego Galera Baena and his mother Leonaga Tulabing Larena .