Scribblory Writers Library
Your virtual library of true stories has come to this site!
Scribblory Writers Library shelters short true-to-life stories written by the memoirists of Scribblory Writers Group. This virtual library started in 2020, at the outset of COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was losing many lives, we held our pens and preserved life stories.
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Category: Others
My Beetle Sweet Story
Written by Sisang Batute
August 5, 2020
When I was young–so much younger than today–back in the tiny barrio of Bubog in Paombong, Bulacan, my friends and I would play with salagubang (beetle). This is the usual kind of beetle with a pair of antennae and three pairs of minuscule jointed legs.
During our days, we easily found salagubang in trees. We climbed trees and shook branches for them to fall on the ground. Each of us would get one and bring them home to pet them. Before the dawn of the Japanese Tamagotchi in the late 90s, we already had been cosseting our own salagubang.
The first time I got my own salagubang, it flew away. One of the older kids in our lot taught me how to tame it so I could keep it for a long while. The first portion of their legs must be cut from its joint then the inner plastic thin part of their wings which is clasped by the outside thick one should also be removed. My friends also taught me how to put them to sleep. Placing the beetle on my cupped palm and clapping both cupped palms will put it to a sound sleep. One would know that a beetle is sleeping when all of its legs are neatly kept in their grooves.
Like an ordinary pet, I named mine “Kapkap” (reverse of ‘pakpak,’ in English ‘wings’). I kept Kapkap inside a big matchbox that I requested from our neighbor who owned a Sari-Sari Store (variety store). For days, I fed him fresh budding leaves of our gumamela plants that my Nanay (mother) grew in bushes around our dilapidated house. I played with Kapkap by letting him out of his house, placing him on the ledge of our wide window where I always sat, and watching the folk in our barrio go about their day. I would let him walk from the other end of the ledge to the other. I was not worried whenever he spread out his wings in an attempt to fly because he could not take off.
​
I brought Kapkap everywhere I went to make sure that my younger brother, whom I fondly called Ato, would not get hold of him. I was afraid that he would eliminate Kapkap if given the chance. I thought of boys as tough to play with and my pet might not be able to survive it.
One Sunday morning, when we were preparing to hear the Holy Mass, I took out Kapkap from his matchbox house. He was sleeping. I thought of bringing him to the Mass so I could introduce him to Jesus. Therefore, I placed him inside my pocket. During the “peace be with you” part of the Mass, I took out Kapkap from my pocket and showed him to my brother to greet him. But Ato told me, “E Ate, patay na ‘yan.” (That’s already dead.)
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I believed him, for I nudged, I poked, and Kapkap did not budge.
​
My heart missed a beat. Little by little, my tears fell. Together with my unending tears was my mucus. Picturing myself then–my face all soaked with tears and mucus, I told God, “Bakit po kinuha Niyo agad si Kapkap?” (Why did You get Kapkap right away?)
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After the Holy Mass, my Nanay muttered to me, “Ano ‘yang iniiyak-iyak mo d’yan?” (What are you crying about?)
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With my broken spirit, I only shook my head to say “none”.
​
“Kapag ‘di ka tumigil, kukurutin ko singit mo para magkadahilan ang pag-iyak mo.” (If you won’t stop, I will pinch you in the groin so you’ll find a reason to cry.)
​
My Nanay was already nagging while she was tagging my right earlobe, which made me cry even more.
​
True enough, I had something to cry about that day.
United Nations Day
From Different Lands, United in Purpose
Written by Alfred Pagunsan Gadayan
October 24, 2024
My Saturday mornings in KSA usually start with the familiar hum of the office, the scent of strong coffee brewing, and the chatter of colleagues in Arabic. But this day was different; it was the first day of our new project, and I was about to meet my team: a mix of Egyptians and Jordanians.
I was excited but also a little nervous. I knew very little about their cultures, and I didn't want to say or do anything that might offend them. But as soon as I met them, my worries melted away. They were all very welcoming and friendly, eager to get to know me and share their stories.
One of the first things I noticed was how passionate they were about their work. They were all highly skilled engineers, and they took their jobs very seriously. But they were also incredibly creative and innovative, always looking for new ways to improve their designs and solve problems.
We spent the first few weeks getting to know each other, sharing stories about our families, hobbies, and experiences. I learned about the rich history and culture of Egypt and Jordan—from their ancient pyramids and bustling cities to their delicious food and traditional music. I was fascinated by their stories of family life, their strong sense of community, and their deep faith.
One of the most memorable moments was during a team lunch. We were all gathered around a table, enjoying a delicious spread of traditional Arabic dishes. As we ate, we shared stories and jokes, laughing and getting to know each other better. It was at that moment that I truly felt a sense of connection with these people despite our different backgrounds and cultures.
We were all united by a common goal: to work together to create something amazing. We had different perspectives and approaches, but we were all committed to finding solutions and achieving success.
One of the biggest challenges we faced was the language barrier. Not everyone spoke English fluently, and I was still learning Arabic. But we found creative ways to communicate, using a mix of English, Arabic, and gestures. We also learned to appreciate the value of patience and understanding.
As the weeks turned into months, I began to see the world through their eyes. I learned about the importance of family, the value of hospitality, and the power of community. I also learned about the challenges they faced, from political instability to economic hardship. But through it all, they maintained a sense of resilience and hope, a belief that things would get better.
One of the most important lessons I learned was the importance of respecting different cultures. I realized that we all have our own unique perspectives and values, and it's important to be open-minded and understanding. It's not about being right or wrong, but about appreciating the diversity of human experience.
Working with my Egyptian and Jordanian colleagues was a truly enriching experience. It opened my eyes to the beauty and complexity of the world, and it taught me the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures. It made me feel connected to the broader international community, and it reminded me that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves.
Every Saturday morning, I greet my colleagues with a smile, knowing that we are all part of a team, united by a common goal, and enriched by our shared experiences.
INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY
A MORNING OF FAITH
Written by Vergie M. Manligas
October 1, 2024
I am not a fan of coffee. I have never had a cup of coffee since I can remember. However, I've seen my family drink one every morning, signifying the start of their day.
I remember when I was around six, it was early in the morning when my mom brought pandesal on her way home from church. We placed a small table beside our entrance door and sat around it. My Lola came in with her cup of steaming coffee, and she put it on the table as she sat on a tiny stool (the one mostly used for laundry). I no longer recall our conversation, but I could still taste the sweet and salty pandesal as it crunched at every bite, and the flavor occupied my entire palette; crumbs covered my face, and its warmth filled and energized me. My body slowly woke up from the smell of the early morning breeze and the scent of bitter coffee mixed with warm bread. Then, my body was jolted, pushed away by a blast so strong that it left a ringing in my ear. I stood up, and I saw my mom and Lola scrambling to get up and ran towards the inside of our house, to the source of the sound. The next thing I knew, people lined up like ants with buckets of water in their hands toward the smoke coming from the inside of our house.​
I saw my uncles coming out of the room one by one with their skin hanging from their bodies like a horror movie that I'd never seen before. One of them was shouting all the curses he knew at the top of his lungs. He took the biggest damage. The day ended with my family thanking all the neighbors as they went home one by one, and the night enveloped us with silence. Not even a creek from the bugs.
It was my Lola's birthday.
That moment taught me to strengthen my faith more. No matter the trials, God knows the right path to take. My grandparents never lost sight of Him even during that time, which we considered our family’s most challenging time. It is now that I have grown that I fully understand. “Place your trust in Him and He will lead your way,” as my Lolo would always say.
INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY
A Conversation Over Coffee
Written by Alfred Pagunsan Gadayan
October 1, 2024
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the soft chatter of the cafe, a symphony of everyday life playing out around us. It was a familiar scene—one we'd shared countless times before—where Belen and I perched at our usual corner table, two souls connected by a shared love for coffee and the comfort of each other's company.
But this time, something felt different. A quiet tension hung in the air, a subtle shift in our usual easy banter. Belen, usually brimming with her infectious energy, seemed quieter than usual—her eyes reflecting a depth of thought that I couldn't quite decipher.
"What's on your mind, Belen?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.
She took a sip of her latte, the steam swirling around her face like a veil. "I've been thinking a lot lately," she began, her voice soft but resolute. "About us, about where we're going, about...everything."
My heart skipped a beat. This wasn't the usual lighthearted conversation we shared over coffee. This was something deeper—something that had been simmering beneath the surface for a while.
"I've always admired your strength, Al," she continued, her eyes meeting mine. "The way you face challenges head-on, your unwavering optimism. But sometimes, I wonder if you ever let yourself feel the weight of it all, the anxieties, the doubts."
Her words struck a chord within me. I realized she was right. In my eagerness to be strong—to be the rock for everyone around me—I had built a wall around my own vulnerabilities. I had become so focused on presenting a facade of strength that I had forgotten to allow myself to be truly seen.
"I do, Belen," I confessed, a wave of relief washing over me as I finally let down my guard. "I have my moments of doubt, my anxieties. It's just...hard to admit them, especially when I feel like I need to be the one who holds everyone together."
A gentle smile touched Belen's lips. "I know," she said, her voice filled with understanding. "But it's okay to be vulnerable, to let people in. It doesn't make you any less strong."
Her words were a balm to my soul, a gentle reminder that true strength lies in authenticity and in allowing ourselves to be fully human with all our imperfections and vulnerabilities.
​
We talked for hours that afternoon, sharing our fears, dreams, and hopes for the future. It was a conversation that stripped away layers of pretense, revealing the raw, unfiltered truth of our hearts. I learned about Belen's insecurities, fears of failure, and longing for a deeper connection. She, in turn, heard about my anxieties about the future, my struggles with self-doubt, and my yearning for a sense of belonging.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the cafe, we knew something had shifted between us. The conversation had not only brought us closer, but it had also opened up a new level of understanding and trust.
"Thank you, Al," Belen said, her eyes shining with gratitude. "For letting me see the real you."
"And thank you, Belen," I replied, my voice filled with warmth. "For reminding me that it's okay to be human."
As we walked out of the cafe, the air was lighter; the weight of unspoken anxieties lifted. The coffee shop confession had not only strengthened our bond but had also opened our eyes to a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other. We had learned that true strength lies in vulnerability and allowing ourselves to be seen with flaws and all. And in that moment, our friendship—like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee—lingered in the air, a reminder of the power of genuine connection and the beauty of shared vulnerability.
national coconut week
Symphony of Nature
Written by Alfred Pagunsan Gadayan
August 23, 2024
The sun, a molten orb sinking into the horizon, painted the sky in hues of orange and purple. The air, thick with the scent of salt and coconut, carried the gentle murmur of the waves as they kissed the shore. I stood on the soft, white sand of Ipil, Belison Beach, a place where the vibrant tapestry of nature unfolded before me. It was a moment of profound connection, a communion with the earth that transcended the physical and touched the very core of my being.
Ipil, a small coastal village in the Philippines, is a haven of untamed beauty. The beach, a crescent of pristine sand stretching as far as the eye could see, is framed by a verdant line of coconut palms. These majestic trees—with their long, slender trunks and feathery fronds—stood like silent sentinels, their swaying bodies whispering secrets to the wind.
As I walked along the beach, the sun warm on my skin and the gentle breeze whispering through my hair, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore, a constant and soothing melody, lulled my mind into a state of tranquility. The world seemed to melt away, leaving only the present moment, the soft sand beneath my feet, the salty air in my lungs, and the gentle sway of the coconut palms.
My gaze was drawn to a lone coconut tree standing at the edge of the beach. Its trunk, gnarled and weathered by time, spoke of resilience and strength. Its branches, reaching towards the sky, seemed to embrace the sun, drawing life and energy from its warmth. I imagined the tree as a wise old sage, sharing its wisdom with the world.
international joke day
BICYCLE
Written by Alfred Pagunsan Gadayan
July 1, 2024
One of my all-time favorite jokes is a classic one that never fails to make me laugh no matter how many times I hear it. I first heard this joke during a family gathering when I was a child, and it has stuck with me ever since. The simplicity and cleverness of the joke—combined with the element of surprise—always manage to bring a smile to my face.
The joke goes like this:
Question: Why couldn't the bicycle find its way home?
Answer: Because it has lost its bearings!
This pun on the word "bearings" never fails to elicit a chuckle from me. The unexpected twist in the punchline, where the word "bearings" is cleverly used in a different context, is what makes this joke so amusing to me.
What I love most about this joke is its innocent and light-hearted nature. It doesn't rely on offensive or crude humor to get a laugh, but rather on wordplay and wit. The simplicity of the joke also adds to its charm, making it accessible to people of all ages. It's the kind of joke that can be shared with anyone—from children to adults—and still bring a smile to their faces.
Over the years, I have shared this joke with friends, family, and colleagues on numerous occasions. Whether it's at a social gathering, a work meeting, or just a casual conversation, I always find a way to slip this joke in to lighten the mood and bring a moment of laughter. One memorable time I shared this joke was during a long road trip with friends. We were all feeling tired and restless from the journey when I decided to break the silence with this classic joke. The groans and eye-rolls quickly turned into laughter, and soon we were all in stitches, sharing our favorite jokes and funny stories.
Another memorable time I shared this joke was during a team-building event at work. As part of an icebreaker activity, we were asked to share a joke with the group to break the ice and get to know each other better. When it was my turn, I couldn't resist sharing my favorite bicycle joke. The room erupted in laughter, and I could see the tension and awkwardness melting away as my colleagues joined in on the fun.
What I find fascinating about jokes like these is their ability to bring people together and create a sense of camaraderie. In a world filled with stress, uncertainty, and challenges, a simple joke can be a powerful tool to uplift spirits, foster connections, and spread joy. It's moments like these, where laughter fills the air and smiles light up faces, that remind me of the importance of humor in our lives.
As I reflect on my all-time favorite joke, I realize that it's not just the joke itself that brings me joy, but the memories and moments shared with others that make it truly special. Whether it's a casual conversation with friends, a team-building activity at work, or a family gathering, this joke has become a part of my repertoire, always ready to bring a smile to those around me.
In conclusion, the timeless joke about the bicycle losing its bearings holds a special place in my heart for its simplicity, wit, and ability to bring laughter to any situation. It's a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a clever pun and a shared moment of laughter to brighten our day and connect us with others. And for that, I am grateful for this classic joke that never fails to bring a smile to my face.
international joke day
guess
Written by AnKat Lopez
July 1, 2024
It was both literal and a joke. I remember hearing it as a child, and I was able to use it during one instance. Here’s what happened.
There was a time I was wearing something new, and someone asked me where I got it. I said it was given to me. The person asked, "From where?" and I answered, "Guess." They must have been confused. Anyway, here's the joke:
Person A: I like your jeans. Where did you buy them?
Person B: Guess.
A: Levi's?
B: Guess.
A: Gap?
B: Guess.
A: Jag?
Coincidentally, I recently saw a variation of that joke. Two people were meeting at the shopping mall.
Person A: Where are you? I'm at SM now.
Person B: Guess.
A: McDonald's? Jollibee?
Person B then sends a picture of the Guess Store.