Tuwing Ikatlong Sabado

by Juan Miguel Severo (Editor)

Every Third Saturday

May guro, flight attendant, med student, at tarot card reader. May lisensyadong physical therapist. May copywriters ng ahensya. May wannabe artista. Ang mga miyembro ng Words Anonymous ay pinagtagpo-tagpo ng parehong pagmamahal sa spoken word poetry sa isang maliit na cafe sa isang malit na cafe sa Malate, Manila.

Isang safe space kung tawagin ang open mic nights na hino-host ng grupo at ng Sev's Cafe, kung saan ang lahat ay malayang magbahagi ng kanilang mga tula. At sa pagsasara ng pinto ng Sev's noong Enero 2016, patuloy pang sumikat sa bansa ang spoken word bilang sining. Nailathala sa mga magasin at dyaryo ang kanilang mga kuwento, kumalat sa social media ang mga video, umabot maging sa teleserye.

Dinodokumento ng koleksyon na ito ang isang munting bahagi sa simula ng muling paglaganap ng pagbigkasng tula: ang panahon ng mga open mic nights sa Sev's, noong hindi pa ganito kaingay ang lahat, at iilan pa lang silang mga nagbabahagi ng tula sa isa't isa tuwing ikatlong Sabado ng bawat buwan.

Genres: Poetry, Asian Literature, Nonfiction

134 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Kumiko Mae LovingSunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

yung mga ganitong libro yung tipo ng mga babasahing iniiwan akong iniisip na hindi na rin masama. hindi na rin masamang magbigay. hindi masamang sumubok. hindi na rin masama kahit malungkot. na minsan mapait sa dulo. kasi minsan hindi na rin masama yung ang tamis ng simula. na sa gitna'y may fireworks. kahit panandalian lang yung kislap, hindi na rin masama. yung ganitong mga tula yung hindi ko mapigilang basahin ng ulit-ulit hindi dahil sa mga salita. hindi dahil sa pagbuhol-buhol ng bawat talata. ulit-ulit kong binabasa yung mga tipong to kasi tila ikaw ang bawat pagitan. Binabasa kong tila bulag gamit ang lukso ng dugo, dahan dahang kinikilala nang parang along umaawit sa bawat dahan-dahang hampas hanggang sa maging nagraragasang alaalang along nanggugulat sa taas, sa lakas. hindi na rin kasi masamang malamang ramdam ko sila, itong mga tulang tila inukit ka. itong mga di ko kilalang manunulat, ramdam ko kasi sila. at lalong hindi na rin masama na kahit wala silang kamuwang muwang ay naramdaman nila ako. hindi na rin masama

[Eunice (nerdytalksbookblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorites

Dulo't Simula
Transition Girl
Para sa Naghihintay at Naiinip
and Women Need Saving

[Mizhelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up at the airport, excited to read something in Tagalog for once. I found some pieces to be entertaining, a few moving, but overall, I found most to be a handful of beautiful words that are easily forgettable.

The book still makes for a pleasurable read while passing time, but it doesn't have that aftertaste that haunts you long after you've finished reading.

[mauie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inaamin ko binili ko 'tong libro dahil kay Juan Miguel. Nabaliw na kasi ako sa kanya. Nabaliw na rin kasi ako sa mga piyesa niya. Pero ang pagmamahal ko sa spoken word poetry ay mas lumala pa nang mabasa ko ang sulat ng iba pa niyang kilala.

Para sa akin, dalawa lang naman ang makikita mo sa librong ito.

1. Puso at damdamin
2. Kasarinlan

Puso at damdamin ang pinag-ugatan ng mga ito. Malalim ang naging hugot na nagbunga ng mga magandang piyesa. (At ibig-sabihin ng hugot ay hindi lamang romansa.) Nakakabusog ng diwa, at nakakadagdag kaaalaman din.

Iba't ibang manunulat, makulay na kasarinlan. Makikita mo ang kanilang pagkakaiba sa kabila ng iisa nilang hilig. Parang nakasilip ka sa kanilang pagkatao dahil sa kanilang mga salita. Nakakatuwa na parang may nakilala ka nang iba.

Sa pagbabasa ko na ang dahilan ay isa, natapos akong bilib sa marami. Sa pagbabasa nito hindi dapat isang kritiko ang turing kun'di purong apresasyon lang. Tanggapin natin ng buo ang handog nilang sining. Magpasalamat tayo sa ginagawa nilang pagpapakalat ng panitikang Pinoy sa modernong henerasyon ngayon.

[Caye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a discovery of native talent. I haven't read much books written by fellow Filipinos, so this compilation of poetry and pieces was a refreshing read.

Confession: I expected that this book would be mostly about love. I was kinda dreading it. I was so used to reading the "I'm a hard person to love" narrative, the "don't date the girl/guy who does this and that" etc. that I really hoped this book wasn't all about that. I wanted fresh thoughts that didn't entirely tackle love, and if they did, I want to read them from a whole new perspective. And my wish was granted. This book was an assortment of everything- it tackled LGBT, mental health, corruption, rape culture... it goes on. And it tackled love, inevitably, but some were actually really eye-opening.

I liked it :) Looking forward to catching a spoken word event some time this 2017.

[elsewhere · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were poems in this collection that just hit me. Hard. Especially the pieces about mental illnesses.

[Alyanna Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find this review and others on my blog

Grabe, nabuhay ulit ang pagmamahal ko sa wikang Tagalog dahil sa librong ito. Ang Tuwing Ikatlong Sabado ay isang koleksyon ng mga tula na isinulat ng Words Anonymous, isang grupong nagtatanghal ng spoken word poetry sa Pilipinas. Ginagamit ko ang Tagalog sa pagsusuri ko dahil Tagalog din ang ginamit sa karamihan ng mga tula rito. Nakakahiya naman kung Ingles ang ginamit ko para suriin ang isang librong lubusang ipinagdiriwang ang wikang Tagalog.

Sa totoo lang, ito ang unang koleksyon ng mga tula na nabasa ko sa anumang lenggwahe, kaya kinabahan talaga ako. Pero kahit na may iilang tulang mahirap nga namang maunawaan, karamihan ng mga tula rito’y mabilis lang maintindihan.

Payo ko sa’yo na kung magbabasa ka ng mga tula, mas maganda kung bigkasin mo ang mga salita kaysa sa pangkaraniwang pagbabasa lamang gamit ang iyong mga mata. Mas mararamdaman mo ang emosyon at ritmo ng mga tula.

Ngunit hindi pa rin ito 5 sa 5 para sa akin kasi isang katutak ang hugot sa libro. Eh, sawang sawa pa naman na ako sa hugot kaya noong bandang gitna, naging paulit-ulit na para sa akin ang tema tungkol sa pagmamahal. Kahit na, may mga magagandang tula pa rin dito tungkol sa korupsyon, depresyon, LGBTQ+, at iba pa. Maganda talaga ang librong ito kung gusto mong humanga pa lalo sa wikang Tagalog.

English Translation:

Wow, this book revived my love for the Tagalog language! Every Third Saturday is a poetry collection written by Words Anonymous, a spoken word poetry group in the Philippines. I’m using Tagalog in this review because majority of the poems here are also in Tagalog. It’ll be embarrassing if I use English to review a book that so thoroughly celebrates the Tagalog language.

Honestly, this is the first poetry collection I ever read in any language, which is why I was so nervous to read it. But even though there are some poems that were difficult to understand, majority of the poems here still use accessible language.

I suggest that you read these poems out loud rather than just read them with your eyes. It’ll make for a better experience because you’ll be able to feel the emotions and rhythm of the poems more.

This is not a 5 out of 5 for me, however, because the collection’s full of poems regarding failed love or hugot, which I am personally already sick of. That’s why I got tired reading around halfway through, because that theme felt repetitive for me. Still, there are some excellent poems here about corruption, depression, the LGBTQ+ community, among others. This book is really good for an appreciation of the Tagalog language.

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[Eren Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Kaya para sa mga nagsasabing hindi ako ang tipo ng taong minamahal, siguro nangyari lang na hindi ikaw yung tipo ng taong kayang magmahal sa isang tulad ko. Nangyari lang na hindi na ako ang pipiliin mo. Na hindi ang tipo ko ang kaya ring magmahal sa isang tulad mo. Nangyari lang siguro na may mga tipo ng pagkaguho na hindi kaya ng lahat makaligtas. Isa na tayo rito.

Hindi ako madaling mahalin, may mga gabing mas mahal ko ang kalungkutan ko kaysa sa kahit kanino. Minsan init lang ng araw ang kaya kong madama. Hindi ako mahirap mahalin, mahirap akong intindihin.
Hindi ako madaling mahalin, pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n ay hindi rin ako karapat-dapat sa hiling kong pag-ibig." x
-an excerpt from "Isang Pagsusuri sa Tipo ng Taong Hindi Minamahal" by M. Manese 📖

With only a few hours left until Saturday, spending Friday night at home whilst reading a Filo publication I found when I was bookstore hopping in Dumaguete☺️

This compilation has amazing pieces of work by up and coming Pinoy authors and/or spoken word performers led by Juan Miguel Severo, the man who popularized the crowd favorite, "Kapag Sinabi Kong Mahal Kita", which may be familiar to many of you because of hit TV series OTWOL a year ago. 📺

I think I've seen more than half of the performances of the pieces of this compilation on YouTube over the past year so I couldn't help but grab it the moment I saw it. Haha! 😂

The pieces are very soulful, mostly entertaining, and at times, heart-wrenching. And though reading it may be enough for some, watching the performances are even better.

Sure, it's not your typical poetry or prose and it may not be everybody's cup of tea, but it will leave a mark with you. Props for keeping not only Philippine literature alive but also the art of spoken word poetry thriving! 📝🎤✔️💯

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

TUWING IKATLONG SABADO.
“I was someone you had to know. Anphase before you got you lofe together. And while it’s flattering that I helped you get where you were going, I still think you should know. I never thought that you were only visiting.” -Transition Girl by Roch Lazarte
.
Pagpupgay sa lahat ng mga nagpauwi sa tula sa kanyang katutubong anyo—pabigkas. Muling umusbong ang pag-ibig ng mga kabataan dahil sa mga makabagong makata ng Words Anonymous. Mula sa mga simpleng pagkikita-kita para sa open mic ng Sev’s Cafe hanggang sa payabong ng spoken word poetry sa internet bilang isang likhang sining, naging maalab muli ang ating pagiging likas na makata.
.
Halina’t mabighani sa aklat na ito na naglalaman ng mga tula na tumatalakay sa mga isyung panlipunan, sikolohiya, pag-ibig, at pag-asa. Tagos sa kalamnan ang mga hinabing salita. Ramdam ang sakit kahit hindi ka heartbroken. Nalulungkot kahit hindi ka naman nag-iisa. Umaalab ang damdamin kahit hindi ikaw ang naging biktima. Ganoon kaepektibo ang mga tula dito. Nakamumulat ng diwa. Nakagigising ng damdamin.
.
.
.
Mahusay! 5 gems sa inyong lahat! 💎💎💎💎💎

[Daryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially, I thought that these would be a compilation of "hugot" poems just like "Habang Wala Pa Sila" by Juan Miguel Severo. While this may seem true for the first few poems, I was surprised to see that some of the poems were about societal issues ― like corruption, poverty, rape, etc. (which I think are rarely seen in poem compilations). I liked and enjoyed some of the poems which I could connect to or was amazed by. Overall, it was a good read, I did gave it a 3 star rating because the other poems were not my cup of tea (but it could be yours!). Definitely would recommend this for those looking for a fresh poem read.

Some of the poems I liked:
• Marka by Zuela Herrera
• Transition Girl by Roch Lazarte
• Isang Pagsusuri sa Tipo ng Taong Hindi Minamahal by M Manese
• Mahirap Kalaban Si Papa Jesus by Abby Orbeta
• Para sa Naghihintay at Naiinip by Jihad Mambuay
• Biyaheng Malandi by Jonel Revistual
• ‘Yung Nakatayo at ‘Yung Nakaupo by Jonel Revistual
• Melting Chocolate by Kat Roxas
• Sampaguita sa Dilim by Henri Igna

[Red Bauza · Rating 3 out of 5]

“But I think to myself, I am older and stronger and braver. But the piece of world I stand on is fragile and more often than sometimes, I think so am I. I am older and stronger and braver and I am a stranger to prayer but the universe has brought me to my knees." (Melting Chocolates, pg. 92)

___

This, for me, is an excellent prose collection—a perfect outlining of what our generation (and maybe the generation after us) have been itching to tell the world. What made this even more beautiful is how it was well written by people from different backgrounds and experiences which I think adds to how
flavorful this book is.

A biographical breakdown of almost everything under the sun, from different perspective about love and heartbreak to sensitive societal issues such as rape culture, corruption, and mental health that are very well in need of discussion.

As you go on, you’d feel that every piece gets deeper and deeper. Not to say that the first poems were shallow and bad, it’s just that other poems will hit you differently than others. The writers tell their personal stories in a way that the readers can relate their own narratives.

It tore walls down, and exposed vulnerability, which the older generations often describe us as such, vulnerable. Then again, I believe that vulnerability is beautiful—the way we can still share our life to other people, the way we can still generously give parts of ourselves despite the betrayals and tragedies. And that is what this book is about: the sometimes helplessness and the bravery to admit it.

I finished this in a day although the first time I picked this book up, I can’t seem to connect to it. Maybe I just needed a perfect timing and state of mind to fully absorb the every poem in here.

[Judy Grace Legaspi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a penchant for collection of poems, short stories, etc as you can feel the pieces were borne out of pure emotion, #feels. Tuwing Ikatlong Sabado is a voice of the struggling millenials. Hugot sa social issues, hugot sa pag-ibig. Nice read overall, but the reading experience could still be improved by arranging the stories per emotional intensity or angst (instead of by author), such that at some part you'd recognize a climax* -- i have 4 nominations for this (very feminine tho): Dulo't Simula, Isang pagsusuri sa tipo ng taong hindi minamahal, Byaheng Malandi, Transition Girl.

Also, since I got a hard copy, may i add ABS CBN publishing should use quality adhesive; some of the pages from the copy i bought at NBS were almost torn away before ko pa mabuklat. -.-

[Beverly Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually buy compilations of poems - this is my first one. And I could say I have no regrets in buying it. This is the book I'd bring to an overnight with friends and let them borrow it, just because I know they will like it as well and it's an easy read (since it's just a poem, longest na ang 2 pages).

It gave me thoughts to ponder about, minsan kahit 'di ko pa gusto - just because the message really BOTHERED me. Inunti-unti ko pa ang pagbasa, one to three poem per night, kasi na i-stress ako.

I don't have the book right now so I can't give my personal faves. If they're gonna publish a book 2 for this, I'd consider buying it.

[Storn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ang galing ng mga taga Words Anonymous! Ang gaganda ng bawat tulang nabasa ko sa librong ‘to. May mga mapapasabi ka nalang sa sarili mo na ang sakit, tagos sa puso, “oo nga nuh?”. Mga tulang akala mo ay simpleng ibinabahagi lang ang isang ganap ngunit kung ito’y iintindihin mong mabuti, masasabi mo na ika’y nakaka-relate.
Sana ay mas dumami pa at maibahagi pa ng mga mahihilig sa spoken word poetry ang kanilang mga sarili sa ibang mga tao.
Salamat Words Anonymous at sainyong buong team sa pagbabahagi netong book compilation sa aming mga mambabasa! :)

[Ry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honorable mentions (pieces I loved):
Marka by Zuela Herrera
Transition Girl by Roch Lazarte
Isang pagsusuri sa tipo ng taong hindi minamahal by M Manese
Biyaheng Malandi by Jonel Revistual
'Yung Nakatayo at 'Yung Nakaupo by Jonel Revistual
About the Good Days by Angel Cruz
Museo ng Mga Mananampalataya by Angel Cruz
☆☆☆ Ina by Kat Roxas ☆☆☆
☆☆☆ Melting Chocolate by Kat Roxas ☆☆☆

[John Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Napakahusay ng mga tula at tuluyang pinagsama-sama sa aklat na ito. Mabisa ang pagkakagamit sa mga salita. Hindi puro ukol sa pag-ibig ang tema ng mga piyesa na nakalimbag, tumatalakay din ang ilan dito sa mga napapanahong isyu, sosyal man o politikal.

[Jobert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again, it is better to hear it first. Unlike poems, spoken words are weak when not spoken. Uhmm hence the name. Anyway, I liked two entries: Isang Pagsusuri sa Tipo ng Taong Hindi Minamahal by M. Manese and The Echo by Trevor Viloria.

[aji ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly impressed with these poems! I expected it to be your usual hugot/love-centered poems but a huge chunk of it deals with heavy and sensitive topics, or at least deals with love in a different perspective.
I personally LOVE Transition Girl by Roch Lazarte!!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in love with Spoken word poetry. I can't be saved.

[Ivy Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

siguto may dalawa o tatlong piyesa lang akong nagustuhan, the rest mejo paulit ulit na.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning collection of [transcript of] spoken word poetry. I could practically hear them say their poetry.

[Mar Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bat di ko ma open para mabasa?

[Trixie Ann ( A Turtle Reader ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bukod kay Juan Miguel, ang gagalingnng mga nagsulat/may piyesa ng mga spoken word poetry na nandito sa librong 'to. Sana ma-discover sila ng marami.

[Erl Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different paths, colliding and redefining performed poetry. Such a classic for modern Philippine literacy ❤

[Joy Stick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much felt emotions when you read it out loud and digest every word your saying. #TheFeels

[Bern Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it and I wish there was more from WA but they're most likely going to move forward without JMS

Also my professor's work is in this! Hi, Sir Serge!!!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dayuhan by Louise Meets! ❤️

[Victor Kim de Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can break you really hard!!!

If you are trying some fresh from young writers of poetry you should try this one. It envelops most specially everyday crisis, love -bittersweet-, LGBT rights, family, that you can relate as an individual.

[Warlou Joyce Antonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that I’ve been to various shows of Words Anonymous (WA), I tend to imagine the poems in Tuwing Ikatlong Sabado being performed by their respective writers.

Through this book, the WA members trace back their roots to their so-called home. While some of the pieces are relatively new, this collection comes across as a tribute to their first stage as a group, the Sev’s café. It brings to mind the nights my friends and I would visit this unassuming little café where WA would bare their souls to a crowd of no more than fifty, thanks to the intimate setting the space provided.

Yes, I admit I’m probably biased with that rating. I’m just glad that they’re sharing their craft and gaining new ground, one poem and book at a time.

Below are some of my favorite lines from their second collection.

Salamat sa umalohokan. Salamat sa babaylan. Salamat sa isang tradisyong oral na kaylalim ng ugat, kay tibay ng mga tangkay, kaylago ng mga dahon. Salamat at dahil dito’y mas madali kaming umusbong.

--
Pero Mahal, gabi-gabi, hindi ko mapigilang mamangha sa gandang dala ng pagtatalik ng mga tala at dilim. Hindi ko makita ang peligro sa hanging mabagsik, na walang ibang hinangad kundi tulungan ang mga alon na maabot ang dalampasigan.

--
Nandito na naman tayo sa bahagi ng buhay kung kailan biglang lumalawak ang saklaw ng nakikita, at nararamdaman ng puso ang liit nito kumpara sa laki ng mundo. Nandito na naman tayo sa bahagi ng buhay na nawawala tayo at paulit-ulit nating hahanapin ang sarili sa bawat lugar na ating matatapakan.

--
Hindi birong maging isang Eba.
Sa lipunang tingin sa kanila ay putaheng may iba’t ibang lasa.
Hindi birong wala pa rin tayong ginagawa.
Hindi biro na nananahimik ka.
Sa biyaheng ilang siglo nang iniikutan ng ating mga diwa.

--
If it hasn’t been said to you enough, stay.
Stay when it hurts.
Occupy this space and welcome your heart to this brave thing called
trying.
Go back to the wonder.

--
Bakit hindi mo ko isakay sa magara mong sasakyan?
At pipinturahan natin ang daan ng kulay ng makasalanan.
Huwag kang mag-alala, atin-atin lang ‘to.
Peksman, sanay ata akong magtago ng sikreto.
Sanay na rin ang aking kamay na gumuhit ng panandaliang
paraiso gamit ang gahiganteng lapis.
Nasanay na ang mga labi ko sa isang uri ng kendi na walang tamis.
Nasanay na akong magbahay-bahayan sa ilalim ng nagkikislapang mga ilaw.
At imbis na krayola ang gamit kong krayola ay anino ng Cubao.

--
And live, Peter! Live! I wish you lived.
I wish you saw there’s more than one way of staying young.

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of poems that are so good when you see it performed but breaks your silently when you read it by yourself. Makes you want to write more poetry and adore poets.