This "Uninvited Foliage" is Not My Own (Throwback Essay)

Warning: For Mature Readers Only

When I was in college, I was invited to a poetry reading program. The event was held in the Arcellana Library in the Faculty Center at the University of the Philippines. I was very nervous because it was going to be my very first poetry reading session. I had attended poetry reading sessions before, but the attendees were mostly my classmates or members of the so-called "illegal" U.P. Writers' Club. Why was it called "illegal?" It is a long story and we'll discuss it some other time. Brevity is the key.

This time, the small event would be attended by published student writers and faculty members of the English Department. Therefore, there was a real reason to be anxious because I would be among established and published writers and professors. To be given a slot to read my unpublished poem was an honor.

The mood was festive, and I was shaking but trying my best to contain my terror and elation. I was with poets and real writers, and I felt that a door was open. The gods and goddesses of Philippine literature had welcomed this "little cricket," as I secretly called myself during those days.

Essay: "The Cat Who May Have Started Believing in Me"

There are many paths to enlightenment, but I never thought one of them would involve a black-and-white cat staring up at me from the middle of the street as I brushed my teeth. Yet, here we are. The universe, it seems, has a sense of humor. Or perhaps it simply prefers the absurd.

It all started innocuously enough. My house faces a small street where stray cats roam freely, engaging in nightly battles for food and territory. These battles are dramatic, high-stakes brawls akin to an absurdist play, complete with a fair share of noise, fur, and confusion. The cats, you see, are not above leaving their mark on the houses they visit—peeing and pooing on roofs and occasionally in ceilings. I don’t know which is worse: the constant reminder of their existence in my home, or the fact that I can’t quite bring myself to deal with them in any...final way.

Instead, I’ve taken to sealing all entrances they might use to enter my house. This, of course, is an ongoing project, like a modern-day Sisyphus pushing a boulder uphill—except the boulder is a colony of ever-determined felines. Yet, in the midst of this battle, I find myself in a moral conundrum. You see, I’m not a monster. I can’t throw away food. I’ve always been uncomfortable with waste, especially when I know that, in other parts of the world, people are starving. And so, instead of tossing out my niece’s leftover meals (which tend to pile up like neglected dreams), I decided to feed the leftovers to the cats.

Film Review: "Miss Sassy" - A Whimsical Critique of Absurdity in Modern Democracy

SHORT SUMMARY (for those who prefer a quick read)
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In "Miss Sassy," directed by Filomena DiMarco, a cunning cat named Miss Sassy navigates the chaos of political division in America through the lens of her MAGA-supporting owner, Margie. After accidentally getting trapped in the basement, Margie's misguided beliefs lead her to falsely accuse Haitian immigrants of having eaten Miss Sassy, igniting a media frenzy during a gubernatorial election. When Miss Sassy escapes, she inadvertently forces Margie to apologize on air, urging unity. However, Miss Sassy takes control during a live debate, creating chaos that results in the candidates' downfall and leaves the state in political disarray. The film cleverly critiques misinformation and societal absurdities, portraying how easily public opinion can be swayed. Through vibrant animation and sharp satire, "Miss Sassy" offers a humorous yet poignant commentary on democracy, prejudice, and the nature of political power, ultimately highlighting the unpredictable influence of a seemingly insignificant feline.

Film Review: "The Empty Stool": An Absurdist Commentary on Capitalism and Possession

SHORT SUMMARY (for those who prefer a quick read)
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In “The Empty Stool”, directed by László Kováč, we delve into a surreal narrative that critiques modern capitalism and the fragility of ownership. The film follows Anton Novak, played by Milos Varga, whose careless act of leaving his expensive iPhone on a park stool triggers a chaotic exploration of alienation and material obsession. As Anton searches for his lost phone, he interacts with a diverse cast, each offering their perspective on ownership and responsibility, revealing the absurdity of a society driven by self-interest.

Kováč masterfully blends dark humor with poignant social commentary, depicting Anton's emotional turmoil as he confronts bizarre characters, including a whimsical artist and a brooding philosopher. The empty stool symbolizes the hollowness of consumerism, while Anton’s journey ultimately leads him to abandon his quest for the phone, choosing authentic relationships over material possessions. The film ends on a haunting note, prompting viewers to reflect on the deeper implications of ownership and identity in contemporary society.