A 21st Century Literature Project

School Year 2024-2025

…cause I love to write

…and bothered to care.

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2
 DEDICATION

This book is for everyone who has head, shoulders,

knees, and toes with an ability to read.

Also, to my future girlfriends and wives.

If it so happens that I won’t be able to answer your 20 consecutive calls,
I am not finding another girl – I’m writing another book.

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 AWKNOWLEDGEMENT

Shout-out to my ex, Cecel M. Labong, my source of inspiration. Our relationship and this

book are similar, beautiful, yet so done. Very very done.

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 FOREWORD

“Makangaralas inin hi Charles kay gin pinadamo pa an project namon ha 21st, pero an

libro maupay ko hiya. Highly recommended, pero makangaralas la gihap haha.”

-Kim Vianney S. Palagar, Brother I

“I love the content of the book kay very simple la hiya and madali maintindihan. An mga

ideas gihapon are somewhat unique and applicable hiya ha real life situations”

-Jaspher L. Ramirez, Brother II

“Proud ako hinin kan Charles kay bisan damo na it iya problema, nagawa pa niyang

dagdagan. Also, astig ko an book kay napapanahon hiya, and hindi ako makapaniwala na

natapos inin na libro sa loob lamang ng maikling panahon.”

-Christan Larion, Brother III

“Meow meow meow meow, meow meow? Meeooww, meow meow!”

-Wilkes, Charles’ Cat

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 PREFACE

The 21st century is not just an era of technology and modern advancements. It is also

a gateway to a brand-new taste and flavor of literary works and genres.

However, due to the insurmountable amount of media and digital distractions, it

seems like the literature of the modern-day turns to going south. Not only that, it is

gone, forgotten by new generations, but it has also ceased to be appreciated by

many.

In addition, the literature of today is battling with a treacherous enemy: artificial

intelligence. Throughout the year, AI has been taking modern literature as a hostage.

People nowadays, especially teens, prefer to make AI-generated works rather than

using their own brains to do it. Are we expecting the next generations of the human

race to depend on AI just to make a simple poem?

But the light at the end of this dark tunnel is that there is still a way to revive the

dying spirit of literature. The hope to restore the love for authentic literature can still

be done amidst the unstoppable marching of the advanced future. This is to allow

the succeeding generations to have a glimpse into a piece of writing heaven and for

them to savor the taste and flavor of literature.

That’s the goal of this book. “THE” is a literary refuge that showcases 10 21st-

century literary genres. It contains a comprehensive adventure to understand

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different newborn literary genres such as six-word literature, flash fiction, science

fiction, hyper-poetry, and others.

This book is entitled “THE” due to a wide array of reasons. Primarily because it

can be “the guide," “the example," “the compilation," and many more descriptions

using the definite article "the." The short, but witty title of this book serves as a

trademark of Charles Erwin G. Pagpaguitan, a writer whose headlines are unusually

weaved.

Furthermore, this book serves as a midterm project in the subject of 21st Century

Literature as a minor requirement in the Accountancy, Business, and Management

(ABM) strand of Simeon Ocdol National High School.

Examples contained are shown chapter by chapter. However, the chapter marks are

not made visible to promote flourishing reading methodology. It also incorporated

pictures and images to better aid the reading styles of the audience.

To top it all, “THE” book encourages you to spare some love and appreciation for

the literature of this modern world. We must embrace the essence of authentic

literature to preserve the beauty this domain could offer.

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 CONTENTS

Six-Word Literature

Flash Fiction

Science Fiction

Creative Non-fiction

Blogs

Chick-lit

Doodle Fiction

Hyper-poetry

Graphic Novel

Text-Talk Novels

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9
 PROLOGUE

Fascinating indeed that the 21st century gave birth to a way of expressing thousands of

letters into a maximum of six words. Through this, writing a book about what you need to

convey became optional, for a piece of cake in doing so is now dominating the field—the

six-word stories.

Six-word stories, also known as “six-word flash fiction” or “six-word literature,” are a type

of genre known for their extreme brevity and shortness. It is used to tell a complete

narrative with the use of only six crucial words.

According to Smith in 2008, this genre was popularized by Ernest Hemingway for his

famous six-word story, "For sale: baby shoes, never worn.". This genre was then practiced

by the people in the 21st century through writing challenges and social media.

The main objective of this genre is to challenge the minds of both the author and the reader.

It allows the author to brainstorm his ideas and interpret them with the use of a few words

or phrases. Similarly, it touches the imagery and perception of the readers as how they

absorb the meaning and the overall impression of the story.

In this chapter, the author has composed ten (10) six-word stories for you to read and enjoy.

An innuendo or hints are provided in each story to guide you in navigating the deeper

meaning of the pieces. As you may notice, the pieces made are usually attributed to the

real-life experiences of the author, revolving around various topics and ideas. This is to

help you relate better, as this six-word literature is also yours, as it is mine.

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I. Life’s short; he made it shorter.

Innuendo: Suicide

The case of murdering oneself is a worm that crawls inside the flesh. It has been a soul-

shaking topic, leaving the people to ask, “Why?”. It is throughout the digitalization of this

individual demise society that numerous occurrences of suicide are being stressed. The

causes of these individual deaths usually revolve around romantic, respectful, peer, school,

and a wide array of undetermined problems. Some might be involved in serious issues,

making them just cut their breath rather than prolonging their agony. However, no matter

what the problem is, and no matter how much it grapples your throat, ending one’s life

would be the least among the best choices. Indeed, one would never decide to destroy the

gifts or presents that they receive; hence, no one should also end their own lives, as it is the

greatest gift from above. While it is true that life can be bitter sometimes, remember that

the Earth is comprised of millions of people who love to drink coffee.

This story is about a boy who committed suicide, an act that none of us must copy.

II. Now, things are loved. People: "Used.”.

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Innuendo: Life

The evolution of humans has come to a point where some people are not humane. They

enjoy the temporary comforts that worldly objects can offer and forget to treat their fellows

right. Indeed, this behavior is demoralizing and only contributes to the growing chaos of

society. Because of this, everyone tends to burn bridges between their friends,

acquaintances, relatives, lovers, and even families. When will humanity learn to become

real humans? When will they understand that hurting each other has no gain? To top it all,

when will we realize that peace can only be attained when things are being used while

people are being loved?

This story is supposed to be about the unfair treatment of society and how the main

character survived its fangs.

III. Again choosing what I chose before.

Innuendo: Decisions

There are times we love and then get caught in the down roads of indecision. Our minds

are divided into two or more choices in which we’re having crises of choice. However,

during these tough times, our brains barely do any kind of work, for it is our heart that

catches the burden. It is the heart that connects with our past, in need to decide for the

present. The very heart that beats the same person that we had loved once, and probably

once more. The emotional heart that will never regret choosing what it chose before.

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This story is intended to be about the decision of a teenage boy who welcomed his ex-

girlfriend into a relationship again despite their past heartbreaks.

IV. Savoring her touch... The flavor’s strange.

Innuendo: Intimacy

Perhaps, when love has explored the emotional avenues of a person, it begins to familiarize

the physical and sexual traits of their partner. This phenomenon offers a new string of

connection, which lovers can hold on to. However, there may be times when this string of

physical string starts to deteriorate. Events of misunderstanding, disputes, and verbal war

weaken the thread, making the string so brittle little by little, until it snaps and eventually

breaks. In some cases, someone will own a pair of scissors and gradually cut the connection

without considering what their partner may feel. Thence, the physical and even the holistic

familiarity become a stranger, something that is foreign and despised.

This piece is heading to the story of a married couple who was separated for a long stretch

of time.

V. “Love you” (sent). We ended there.

Innuendo: Break-up

Nowadays, any love can spark and can diminish with just a single click.

Telecommunication applications such as Messenger, Telegram, Facebook, and others are

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the medium of this new way of sending hearts. But a love that easily comes would probably

go easily too. In times where showing admiration and affection is a piece of cake, at what

cost does a lover man shall pay to make things work?

This line tells the story of high school sweethearts who broke up in chats.

VI. “Mano po, ‘la.” It was the last.

Innuendo: Death

The painful truth is that every foot stepped on the earth is just temporary. All of us will go

along to the unstoppable marching of time, leading us towards the inevitable death. As we

imagine this truth, what stabs our hearts more often is knowing that our grandparents are

on the frontlines of demise. It hurts us to decipher that at one moment they will vanish and

leave us with their lessons and advice.

This story is about the eternal love of grandparents for their grandchildren.

VII. Before, nothing’s right. Now, nothing’s left.

Innuendo: Scarcity

Surging and damaging storms do not only occur in the environment. Apparently, it also

happens in our lives. There surely would be a time in our day-to-day adventure when

everything seemed to be so wrong. As an immediate effect, none of your tasks and goals

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couldn’t be done properly. It seems like the bad luck fell so in love with you that it decided

to never leave you alone. This unfortunate event has been traumatizing people since the

beginning of time and will continue to do so until the last chime of the clock. Put it that

this also happens to you; how would you react? How will a person choked in dismaying

faith make life still worth living?

This literature unfolds the story of a family who experienced never-ending bad luck in their

life.

VIII. Made with the same material: our souls.

Innuendo: Romance

Life is a puzzle wherein its missing parts are owned by someone else. It is owned by a

special someone, a significant other that can complete you in ways you cannot imagine. As

you go along in your day-to-day life, destiny will find a way to diverge your roads into a

single path of love. When this happens, your stomachs will be filled with butterflies, your

eyes will glimmer in blinding shine, and your brain will shoot fireworks up in the air,

knowing that your hearts have felt that your souls are made with the same material.

This story unboxes the love of two people who found the love of their lives.

IX. Laughed so hard, our cheeks ripped.

Innuendo: Happiness

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When we are drowned in the deep and dark waters of sadness, our best friends serve as our

"salbabida." They play a crucial role in our lives in making each breath worth breathing

and every smile so true. In some cases, they do become the reason behind our decision to

wake up in the morning. The laugh, the smirk, and all language of happiness shared in the

social circle of your best of friends is a testament that beautiful things aren’t just the

tangible ones.

This story follows the tale of a group of best friends, enjoying the mirth that each of them

emits.

X. Dreamt four letters, A-T-T and Y.

Innuendo: Dreams

Dreams are probably the cheapest things that you can attain without spending money. It is

an energy that fuels our desire to achieve greater things despite the greater challenges we

face in life. There was a boy who dreamt of becoming a lawyer when he grew up, so that

he would be able to defend the voiceless and to promulgate a just and fair system in society.

However, he faces financial difficulties in attaining his goals. As the eldest son of his

family, he is expected to immediately take over with household finances at the time that he

earns his own salary. This mindset suppresses him to save money for the purpose of

financing his law schooling and other necessities.

This story pins the dream of the author, Charles Erwin G. Pagpaguitan.

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17
 PROLOGUE

The 21st century literature doesn’t get out-of-style in terms of storytelling. From

longitudinal novels that are impossible to finish in one sitting, a quicker way of conveying

stories was introduced – the Flash Fiction.

Thomas in 2006 defined Flash Fiction as a form of a narrative story which is typically

under 1,000 words only. It focuses on a quite brief delivery of ideas and events in a small

space, without sacrificing accuracy and sense.

The mainline of Flash Fiction is to create a powerful story in a clear, concise, and

emphatical manner. It challenges the author to straighten the river flow, and the readers to

go with the current.

Although its counterpart, the short stories, has been famous over the past centuries, Flash

Fiction still got the opportunity to rise in the 21st era due to the advent of online publications

feature short and consumable contents.

In this chapter, the author has originally made two examples of Flash Fiction 21st century

literary genre. The Flashy piece is entitled, “La Lluvia”, while the Flashiest is entitled, “Let

it.”

Overall, Flash Fiction is still a developing genre of the 21st century, in lined with its

precursors namely the Short Stories, Anecdotes, along others. However, the author was

still able to create 2 examples in order to prove that its not about the amount of words that

matter, but rather the weight of its meaning.

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 La lluvia

It was a dark and gloomy week. The cloud threatens the town with thunders and strikes.

Seems like it’s going to rain—a different kind of rain.

However, no rain, no thunder, none at all... can stop Philo’s desire to play. He is such a

tiny boy, who seizes the world as a big playground.

Philo craves playing like no one else. In particular, he enjoys playing so much that he

oftentimes gets scolded by his mother for playing all day long. He used to climb uphill,

then slide smoothly down the grassland, riding over a fallen coconut branch.

One day, after finishing his lunch at lightning speed (just like other kids), he decided to

hike uphill and slide. No companion doesn’t bother him, no friends, none at all. For, in

fact, Philo is playing, while waiting for someone else.

Philo slides up and down according to his own satisfaction. The itch of spiky grass has no

match to his itch of playing.

But no matter how alive Philo feels in playing, something is still missing. No matter how

wide his smiles were, tears suddenly dropped from his eyes—and he doesn’t know why.

The clock chimed 5:00 p.m., and church bells started to sway and ring. Still, Philo never

stopped playing; his heart, too, did not stop crying.

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Ironic, isn’t it? That in times a boy who’s supposed to feel joy is being chewed in the fangs

of dismay.

As Philo slid down for the very last time, the surroundings went slow. He looked up at the

depressing sky as it cracked and started to drizzle. The drizzle turned into mist, and mist

into pouring rain.

The water washed the hill, covering the land with wetness. Raindrops then flowed over

Philo’s head, concealing his tears and deepest sadness.

Just in a matter of seconds, a loud scream was heard. It was Philo’s Mum, marching fiercely

while holding a single strand of broomstick in her right hand. She then went to grab his

naughty child, ordering him to go back home immediately.

“How many times do I have to tell you that you should not play while raining? What

could possibly happen to you if I am gone, Philo?" said she.

The pain delivers to all parts of Philo’s senses as her mother swats his back. A single strand

of broomstick feels sharper than a whole piece of broom. He totally knew it was his fault,

and (just like other kids), he cried out of guilt.

But no matter how aching the hits were, there was still something that completed him

inside. No matter how loud his groans were, a smile curled his lips—and he can’t explain

why.

Ironic, isn’t it? That in times a boy who’s supposed to feel pain was touched with a strange

smiling happiness.

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Philo bolted and ran back home like a cheetah chasing a deer. He turned back to see his

Mum, feeling both pain and happiness as his Mum’s image slowly dissolved out of his

naked eye.

Finally, Philo went back home. Their house doesn’t seem to be normal or happy.

Dim candles light up the area, tables and chairs are arranged in rows, and playing cards are

stacked messily all over the place. There were traces of coffee stains circling the wooden

counters, white chrysanthemums decorated in every corner, and people cries like there’s

no more tomorrow.

It was the poster of “in loving memory” that pointed to the funeral. Philo then tiptoed to

see his Mum inside the coffin, feeling the emotions of an abandoned child.

“Mum, tomorrow, I’ll play in the fields again. Come see me there; punish me for being

naughty if it’s the only way to see you.” - said Philo.

It was still a dark and gloomy week. The cloud continues to threaten the town with thunder

strikes. But now, it is raining – a different kind of rain. Alone. Painful. But so loving.

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 Let it
I got a jigsaw puzzle from Shoppe. It was composed of 1,000 broken pieces,

waiting to condense an image of countryside.

Tedious and weary it is looking for a missing part among thousand.

Apparently, it seems impossible to do so.

Hence, I decided to never waste my sweat trying to see the unseen and to seek

the unfound. Determined was I, that no missing part shall hinder me from my

undertaking.

I continued completing the process, unbothered of any blank parts. Then, as

to my surprise, all missing pieces spontaneously appeared like a mushroom

along the sweet process.

Therefore, is the call: "Don't look and you will see; never seek and you shall

find."

Remember, your missing parts doesn't make you any less. Just enjoy the

process, for all that's meant will come in time.

Darling, I'm not talking about the puzzle - this is about LIFE.

Let it.
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23
 PROLOGUE

Every literary genre, no matter what it’s type, requires a stir of imagination. Somehow, it

must offer a world that allows readers to forget their own problems and tribulations. In the

21st century, an imaginary genre has been cultivated that not only stirs your imagination

but also tours you into a new world of wonders as well. Call it science fiction.

Science fiction is a genre that aims to explore speculative concepts intertwined in science

and technology. It puts into picture the situation of future societies, technological

advancements, and fictional stories that work in and out of the observable universe.

Even though science fiction stood firm during the 19th century, it was only in the 20th–

21st century that it gained total popularity. The reason behind this is because the modern

world has offered inventions and innovations in scientific and technological quests,

allowing writers to have a wide array of ideas in speculative writing.

One of the main objectives of science fiction dwells in the aspect of discoveries.

Furthermore, it also aims to consider the ethical issues that are tagged on scientific and

technological inventions, experiments, and practices and whether they will be beneficial or

detrimental to society and the entire populace.

In this chapter, the author has provided only one (1) science fiction story entitled "Kamote."

This story aims to tackle the social issue of greediness and how it could harm an individual.

It is suggested that you read the entire story, from start to finish, in order to grasp the idea;

hence, appreciate the genre of science fiction.

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 Kamote

(chuck, bloop, clang… so vivid)

The door suddenly opened, and Luna bolted swiftly inside. Holding her favorite Barbie,

a toy phone that says "Wawayu," she came into her Lola’s room to ask for a favor.

“Hi po Lola, may I ask you a question?”

"Sure, Apo, right after I cook this kamote.”

“Sige na Lola, please; Mama might pick me up at 3 today. Why do you always wear a

glove on your right hand but not on the other? I never saw you taking those off, not even

once.”

The girl’s curiosity made her Lola stop for a while. It was only a matter of seconds—a

deep moment of silence that shouts. The cold forest breeze swayed the curtains, and the

wood fire began to dance.

“Apo, you’re always so curious. Why’d you ask?”

“Because I just wanna know. Papa told me you are a weird person and always wear that

glove for no reason. Sometimes, my playmates say you’re a witch. Are you a witch? I

wanna be a witch, Lolaa," said Luna in great awe.

“Well, do you believe what they say? People make so many judgments about others, but

few about themselves.”

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“Hmmm, of course not, Lola. I don’t believe you are a witch; you’ve got no pointy nose,

hehe. But Lola, it made me curious why you live in this town; it’s gloomy and too far from

the town. Then, the right glove you always wear, made me even more curious.”

“Apo, I always wear a glove on my right hand to easily hold hot pots. By the way, how’s

your school today? ”- said Lola, her forehead steaming with sweat.

“Ihh, Lola, please don’t change the topic. I wanna know the reason... wanna hear the story...

me and my Barbie will listen all day.”

"Listen, kid, not all things are for you to know. But since you insist, I’ll tell you the story

behind a glove and a man who turned into a diamond.” Lola said in a timid tone.

“Oh, the kamote is now cooked; eat some while you listen," – Lola added.

Luna tucked herself and her Barbie into a salumpuwit, preparing to listen for the story.

She grabbed two small nuggets of Kamote in a platito and began to eat some. It was her

favorite snack, dipping in a sweet and sour alamang. Even before the story had commenced,

Luna had already munched five nuggets of kamote.

But after she released a full burp, an unexpected shock of dizziness caught her brain.

The surroundings were stirred in her vision, like calm water disturbed by a raindrop. The

chirping of birds and the crunch of leaves began to vanish, replaced with an eerie hush. She

felt a cold and glassy finger touch her forehead, and after just a few seconds, Luna slipped

into an intense sleep.

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 Little did Luna know that her Lola infused a pint of lugas in the kamote. Lugas is a vine

that only grows in the highest branch of the Acacia tree. It is used to make someone fall

asleep but still be able to talk with them, inside a dream.

“The lugas vine is kind of effective. Just sleep tight, my dear; I will enter your thoughts

and tell you the story.” - said Lola.

(Swish, swoosh, so vivid. Lola began to speak.)

In the far village of Bario Lubog, there was a farmer couple named Lito and Lina. They

lived in a rural rainforest, “lumaki na sila sa farm.”

Every morning, at exactly 5:00 a.m., Lito and Lina grab their bolo, tagad, and kagkag

to cultivate their tayod. They earn a living by simply planting root crops such as bilanghoy,

ube, and karlang, among others. But if there is something special about the couple, it is that

they are the best kamote farmer in the town.

Indeed, they are the best kamote farmer in the town. Their kamote every harvest season

results in mountainous quantity, and the size of each kamote crop is as huge as a whole

coconut. The couple was able to produce a large yield of kamote due to a secret that only

both of them knew.

The secret was all about their planting technique. Lito and Lina dug deep and wide holes

to plant their kamote. The deeper and wider the hole is, the greater the space for its roots

to grow kamote. This practice results in an incredible number and size of harvests.

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 Lito and Lina usually sell their harvest in the village, and their customers are very happy

with their products. However, unlike their customers, Lito is not really happy with their

income. It is because, although their crops are big and many, they are only sold for 3 pesos

each. Lito always views their income as being relatively low.

Being the best kamote farmer is useless for Lito if they earn their money like rats. He

always dreamt of being wealthy and prosperous, but he failed to appreciate the small things

in life. On the other hand, Lina is grateful for whatever the fruit of their labor is. She is not

blinded and eclipsed with the glimmer of coins.

Oftentimes, the couple sparked skirmishes due to their different views and perceptions

of their financial situation. Lito, if drunk, blames Lina for the poverty they experience.

There was even a time when Lito told her wife that he would leave her and their family

once he became the richest person in the town. Of course, this tore every muscle of Lina’s

heart, hearing hurtful words from the husband she loved.

One dark and silent night, the couple was awakened by the sounds of cracking wood.

Lito and Lina immediately went outside to keep them safe from falling debris. As they set

their foot on the ground, they were shocked to feel it rumbling and shaking, as if there was

something inside that wanted to be unearthed.

They were flabbergasted as the night sky suddenly became so bright, as bright as a

diamond. The light came from the ground cracks caused by the earthquake. Each line of

crack shone beams and streaks of light of different colors.

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 Without further ado, the couple then grabbed their tagad and pala to excavate the

shining material beneath the ground. They dug and dug, and dug, using the same technique

they do in planting kamote. Then, after half an hour of digging, their jaws dropped as Lito’s

metallic tagad turned into a diamond material and it hit something in the ground.

Lina then dug further using her bare hands; she was determined that what they were

looking for was near to be found. As the soil began to be uncovered, the light from within

shone brighter. A circular, smooth, and hard object was felt by Lina’s palm. It was a crystal!

That day, the couple refused to sleep. They took the crystal back home, cleaned it, and

placed it on a pillow. There was a slight crack on the crystal due to the strong hit of Lito’s

tagad. In fact, Lito was still in awe of how his tagad turned into a diamond. But it's actually

not the magic that he’s thrilled for, but rather the amount of money he will get from selling

his diamond tagad.

Days have passed, and the couple still couldn’t believe what happened. They both

looked into the shining crystal they unearthed. The light of the crystal was so bright that it

will blind the couple if they stare for too long.

Lina felt the crystal ball with her hands. Her hands were as rough as the road, and the

crystal was as smooth as butter. Suddenly, Lina felt a strange mark on the crystal; the shape

was like an "eye." This mark reminded Lina about the famous legend in their town, that it

was once inhabited by an extraterrestrial being with a giant eye. However, the townsfolk

didn’t want their presence; hence, they decided to oust the alien away. The alien then

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decided to fly and leave the town, but the moment it left, it cried. A shiny tear from the

alien dropped from mid-air, but the townsfolk did not bother to care.

“What if this is the tear of the alien?”—said Lina inquisitively.

“Don’t care whom it came from; we must know the use of this thing," Lito responded.

“Well, when you hit the crystal with your tagad, it transformed into a diamond. Can it turn

anything struck at it into a diamond? ”—said Lina.

“Maybe we should try. If it’s so, we will be so rich, we won’t be planting kamote anymore.”

– Lito murmured greedily.

The couple decided to strike a stick at the crystal. They struck it lightly, clank! Nothing

happened. They struck it gently again, ting! but still, nothing happened. This time, they

struck the stick to the crystal as hard as they could. The crystal glowed, shimmered, and

turned the wooden spoon into a diamond one.

Lito’s ears jumped in so much awe and excitement. He was thrilled to discover that he

had a crystal that can turn anything into a diamond. Blinded and devoured with greed, he

affirmed to Lina that the crystal was his’ and that she mustn’t tell anyone about it.

Lina was then deeply disappointed about the action of her husband. But it wasn’t the

audacity that concerns her the most. It was the crack that formed in the crystal. The moment

it was harshly struck with the spoon, the crack grew bigger. She tried to tell this to her

husband, but Lito didn’t bother to listen.

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 …

Lina went to town to sell kamote crops; however, Lito did not go with her. He preferred

to stay at home and guard the crystal all by himself.

After a moment, Lina decided to leave and sell kamote alone. She was unhappy about

the actions of his husband and how greed took over and destroyed their relationship.

Apparently, she has no idea how the future will unfold and transform.

Immediately after Lina departed, Lito started to turn everything into a diamond. He hit

and struck the crystal using any material he was able to grab. The cups, the chairs, the

ladles, and even the woks—he turned into a shiny and expensive diamond. He is planning

to sell these diamonds to foreign markets without even realizing how much it actually costs

in the first place.

He was unstoppable; he can’t get enough. Their home began to glimmer in light, but

contentment was still far for him to get. It was too late for Lito to realize that the crack

grew bigger in the crystal as more and more hits it sustained.

But it was not the end of Lito’s greed. At worst, he decided to loot and load all the

diamonds in a kamote cart. He was preparing to abandon his wife and their son. But it was

too late to pack all the treasures; he already saw Lina coming back home from the market.

At the moment of desperation, Lito just decided to take the cracked crystal with him and

ran away. He ran as fast as he could, laughing with greed and devilry. However, time

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chimed in slow motion, and Lito’s giggles turned into a horrid incident as he crossed their

bountiful kamote farm.

While Lito is in the middle of a fast escapade, his foot got tangled with a massive

kamote vine on the ground. He fell off the ground together with the crystal he was holding.

As his body dropped into the soil, the cyst was pressed to his body, causing it to explode.

The broken crystal emitted light and smoke that covered all over the place. Its explosion

was thunderous, just loud enough for Lina to hear.

Lina went to their kamote farm, where the incident happened. The whole kamote farm

turned into a diamond! A cold and comforting wind blew the bluish smoke away, revealing

the image of her husband, which turned into a shiny, expensive, but lifeless... diamond.

In sorrow and grief, Lina went to her husband and cried. She touched the diamond body

of Lito using her right hand, but her fingers turned into a diamond too. It seems like the

power of the crystal was transferred to the corpse of Lito, and everything that made contact

with it will turn into a diamond.

Lina abandoned the kamote farm as he felt the ground rumble. The diamond became too

heavy to remain on the surface, so it sank deep into the soil. Lina saw in her eyes how the

place and her husband got buried underneath and were never to be recovered again.

(Beep…beep…beep. So vivid.)

A car honk woke Luna up from her deep sleep. She didn’t know what happened, but at

the same psychology, she does.

32
“Oh, Lola, I fell asleep.”

“Yes, dear. Now, pick your things up because your mother has been waiting for you

outside.

Luna then bolted to go outside to meet her mom. However, she went back to her Lola’s

house, for she forgot to bring her Barbie and the “Wawayu Phone.”

She entered her Lola’s house, the door slightly ajar. As she went inside, Luna saw her

Lola, taking off her right-hand glove. The moment the glove was finally off, it revealed a

shining diamond finger of her Lola.

This scene amazed Luna fervently; she recalled this moment as something that seemed

to happen in her dreams.

Luna finally entered the sala, and her Lola quickly wore the glove once again. Their

eyes met, with wonders and awe, but they pretended that nothing happened.

“Hi Lola, I forgot my toys in the salumpuwit,” Luna said merrily.

"Yes, dear, go get them. Give me a kiss goodbye," Lola responded.

They gave each other a sweet kiss and hug before they bid each other a final bye. The

curiosity was still sparking—stories yet to be told. Luna waltz outside and said...

“Babye, Lola Lina, see you again!”

The End
33
34
 PROLOGUE

Nowadays, facts and evidence are not just a pure manifestation of real ideology and events.

It is now incorporated with flowering style, so the purpose of informing the reader would

become more efficient. This type of writing is the future of the journalistic flame—the

creative nonfiction.

Gutkind in 1987 stated that creative nonfiction is a type of 21st century genre that makes

use of literary techniques and styles to tell real-life and factual narratives or events. It is a

chameleon that blends the factual nature of nonfiction with the flowering expression of

fiction to create compelling stories and articles.

Furthermore, creative nonfiction is deeply rooted in ancient storytelling, but it was only in

the 20th and 21st centuries that it gained popularity. It became popular due to technological

advancements wherein news and articles are being posted on the internet, such as blogs,

posts, and others.

The objective of this genre is to deliver a new flavor of storytelling without sacrificing the

accuracy of data and information.

In this chapter, the author had written three (3) examples of creative nonfiction. The

examples tackle the real-life and social issues that occur in our country. This will allow the

readers to engage and to update themselves as to what is happening on the national stage.

To top it all, creative nonfiction has been effectively equipped with thought-provoking,

bold, and brave pen power.

35
 1.Chinese Crocodiles

TIS, April 5, 2024: Two Chinese Coast Guards water-cannon Unaizah May 4 (UM4), a

wooden resupply boat of the Philippines, near Second Thomas Shoal on March 23, 2024.

This is already the second merciless attack made by China, but the Philippines still has no

concrete plans to address it. How much damage are we going to sustain before we act on

this territorial dispute?

Bloody wounds of Filipino crews boarding UM4 are a testament that China puts our

country’s freedom at alarming risk. “China’s latest acts of dangerous maneuvers against a

legitimate resupply mission caused severe damage to properties and physical harm to

Filipinos," said the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTFWP) after the

incident.

Furthermore, on July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court on Arbitration in the Hauge

announced that China has no legal claims on WPS. Additionally, the United Nations

Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) ordered China to immediately stop aquatic

activities inside the Philippines' territory. This makes China’s occupation and attacks on

the Second Thomas Shoal near the WPS illegal and unreasonable.

Moreover, President Bong Bong Marcos released a Facebook statement on this issue on

March 28, 2024. “The Philippines is set to implement a response and countermeasure

package in the face of illegal and dangerous attacks by China in the West Philippine Sea,"

said PBBM in his post. While it is true that the President took the initiative to meet with

36
the National Security and Defense Leaders, his statement failed to provide the ‘quick

protection’ our Filipino Coast Guards need.

Editorially, China is already stepping out of the line. They have no right to invade our

oceans, and much more to hurt our Filipino Coast Guards. Incidents such as the UM4 attack

are an indication to our Republic to start protecting our territories. Now is the time to raise

our flag and eliminate those Chinese crocodiles lurking in our waters.

If the Philippines remained silent on its sovereign penetration, UM4 destruction might just

be the start of more explosive conflicts. The government should implement strategies to

protect our country by strengthening foreign alliances and designating more military

outposts to barricade WPS. This will integrate resilience and allow fast protection when

China dares to attack once more. Such tactics must then be done safely and peacefully to

settle conflicts without igniting disastrous war. #

2. Can modules beat this heat?

SONHS, April 3, 2024: The Department of Education (DepEd) authorized school heads to

suspend face-to-face classes and implement modular learning in their schools due to

extreme heat. Quezon, Caloocan, Navotas, and more cities in the Philippines have already

shifted to Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM), or modular learning. However, these cases

could have been avoided if DepEd had been willing enough to solve them.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration (PAGASA), the heat index will hit a scorching 48 degrees Celsius lasting

37
until May 2024. Because of this, a student in Zamboanga City suffered from fainting and

nose bleeding due to high temperatures. Such reports alarmed DepEd to allow schools to

practice modular learning again. But modules are only temporary and do not serve as a

long-term solution to this infernal weather.

DepEd’s ability to address extreme heat while providing education through printed

modules is in serious doubt. The truth is, it’s not heat that bothers the students in schools,

but rather the sardine-like situation they are currently in. If we put it in fair sight, extreme

heat in a tropical country is normal, but an overcrowded educational system is not.

Based on the report of The Asia Foundation, 4 million, or 18% of the entire student

populace in the Philippines, are forced to study in overcrowded public schools.

Overcrowding made their classrooms less student-friendly and more of a sardine factory.

Worsened by this heat index, students's eyebrows might not be the only thing that’s

burning.

Furthermore, according to the research by Balchin et . al. in 2016, overcrowded classrooms

limit air ventilation, which increases classroom temperature by up to 10%. He also

discovered that overcrowding amidst hot weather poses physical and mental health risks to

students, including fainting and severe nose bleeding. This proves that overcrowding is the

root of students' dilemmas when they experience literal "sunkiss.”.

On the contrary, some people believe that modular learning is efficient in solving the issue.

However, although it indeed allows students to chill in their homes, its negative impacts

on their learning are more igniting than fire. The Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 countries

38
globally in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) for 15-year-old

learners in 2022. Academic gaps caused by modular learning during the pandemic are the

reason behind this provoking result.

Editorially, DepEd should start addressing extreme heat by solving overcrowding in

schools. If DEP is just willing to lessen the overcrowding in schools, hot weather won’t be

a hindrance to learning. For now, shifting back to modular is a smart move, but settling for

it is a terrible idea. A modular system should not be used repeatedly to aid every

educational crisis because our students deserve more. Indeed, they deserve better than just

being grilled alive.

To top it all, DEP has to start making real solutions to address extreme heat in schools.

They can do it by solving overcrowding by building more classrooms in schools, especially

those that have excessive enrollment rates. Also, they must bring back the old June to

March school calendar to avoid schooldays during hot seasons in April and May. This way,

DepEd will be able to beat the “init” without compromising students’s need for quality

education.

3. Do we have to cha-cha?

While the country is busy facing its never-ending problems, the issue of cha-cha in the

economy has become on and off. Although its term has been the news content for quite a

long time, we—the Filipinos—still have no clear understanding of its concept. These

39
pending national problems and lack of information only testify that there is no need for us

to cha-cha.

Cha-cha, or Charter Change, refers to the political and legal process needed to amend the

37-year-old Philippine Constitution. Several political figures dared to execute it using the

three modes of amendment, namely Con-Ass, Con-Con, and IP. These three terms

confused the people, driving them to not care about it, which is something we must never

allow.

The Con-Ass (Constituent Assembly) allows the Congress, composed of Senators,

Congressmen, and Congresswomen, to propose a change in the constitution. This process

is not widely accepted because its members are all politicians, meaning the people's voice

is mute. Also, it is feared that Con-ass might be just a matter of "cooking show.”.

Meanwhile, Con-Con (Constitutional Assembly) allows delegates from different

community sectors, such as farming, medicine, education, and others, to propose

constitutional change. Although Con-Con allows people to put something on the table, its

expensive cost and duration make it almost impossible to do.

Given that both Con-ass and Con-con are reg-flags, the government resorts to their last

card, the PI, or People’s Initiative. Article 17, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution provides,

“Amendments to this constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the people through

a petition of at least 12% of the total registered voters in the country, with 3% per district.

PI gave butterflies to politicians, for all they have to do is convince and lure the people to

sign, something they are really good at.

40
Currently, PI is being used by the Congress to propose a change in the constitution. They

claimed that the 40% limit of foreign ownership provided by the constitution must be

changed to allow economic reform. This will open the gates of higher foreign direct

investments in the country’s sectors of advertising, education, and public utilities.

However, does changing the constitution provide significant improvements to our

economy?

Factually, Dr. Villardo Villegas, one of the 1987 constitution framers, rejected the conduct

of cha-cha in economic reform. He stated that there is no need to change the constitution

at this point, as it only redirects the government away from more pressing issues such as

poverty. “Right now, we should focus on the scandal of the 21% population living in

dehumanizing poverty rather than charter change," he said on a senate hearing on February

19, 2024.

Editorially, there is no need for us to cha-cha just to improve our economy. The Congress

must focus on following the economist’s suggestions to achieve economic reform rather

than beating around the bush in changing the constitution. Neither do we have to let Con-

con, Con-ass, or PI conduct it without proper and clear process, as even a tiny change in

the constitution could impact the way our lives work.

The 1987 Constitution is alive. It is the mother and basis of all the laws that give us rights

and liberty. Hence, whatever the reason for its amendment, it should be done with extra

care according to due process of law. Nevertheless, the government must also ensure that

any imposed cha-cha will benefit the citizens more and will never favor the personal agenda

of political crocodiles.

41
42
 Prologue

Nowadays, dissemination of information takes a new level of speed. Unlike in the past,

people tend to print numerous copies of newspapers, periodicals, books, along others in

order to attain the widespread of knowledge. This new type of methodology requires

technology to flourish called Blogs.

According to Rettberg J. W. in 2014, in his report entitled “Blogging”, a blog is an online

platform where individuals can publish their articles in a journal or diary like format. It is

posted in the World Wide Web and can be easily accessible using the Wireless Fidelity.

The main objective of blogs is to cater personal expression and to showcase professional

communication. It is widely used across all aspects and fields such as Education,

Agriculture, Business, Healthcare, and many more.

Usually, Blogs are created using HTML or the Hypertext Mark-up Language. It is a

programming tool that used tags and codes to build a framework of websites featuring

different contents that can be utilized in blogs.

In this chapter, the author had provided a sample Blog featuring the Journalistic Articles

of Simeon Ocdol National High School. The author used his programming skills using

Visual Studio Code and Notepad with great detail and accuracy to successfully make a

HTML website.

The codes and sample views are provided as examples. It is imperative to understand that

the provided examples show advanced programming technicalities. It is encouraged to look

for authentic samples on the internet for a holistic understanding of the genre called Blog.

43
SIMEON OCDOL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL WEBSITE CODES

44
45
46
\

47
48
 PROLOGUE

For centuries, male characters and masculine themes of stories have been dominating the

entire literary world. From short stories to lengthy novels, it is a common idea to narrate a

plot in a boy’s voice, and hence, they’re the only one who was heard. This ideology fell to

its abyss when the 21st century exploded. It gave birth to a new genre wherein female

matters, and their voices have a real volume – the Chick-Lit.

Chick-lit is a literary genre that puts the emotional journeys and feminine experiences of

women in the spotlight. The stories and articles typically revolved around young women

navigating themselves in the world of love, dream, failure, defeat, profession, and a wide

array of possible avenues.

The main objective of Chick-lit is to reflect the lives of under-represented women in our

society. It gives us a glimpse of a girl’s life, and continually stirring our minds to believe

that they can equal or even surpass what man can do.

In this chapter, the author had tried to expound and express feminine ideas and concepts

despite of the fact that he is a boy. Gender was never a hindrance for men to relate with the

dynamics of opposite sex, and that philosophy do apply to female, too.

To top it all, Chick-lit is a genre that this era needs, in times where domestic violence and

abuse became prevalent among women. Indeed, it is a catalyst for change convincing us

that no human being is being limited of something based on what’s found between their

legs.

49
 Don’t break the vow

(A snide piece for those who want to taste more flavors.)

Human beings have been evolving for approximately six million years. Unfortunately,

some species failed to fully develop their brains during this process. These species, with

due respect, are those who believe that paternal infidelity is normal.

Normalizing paternal infidelity is another form of murder. It is a demoralizing disregard of

a wife’s mental and physical well-being, which feels like salt being rubbed in their bloody

and wounded hearts.

How rotten the Filipino culture is, tolerating husbands to commit adultery and cheating in

defense that they are men and not saints. Are we really to call them men? ‘cause “pigs”

suits better. As a future husband at 27, I attest that I’ll do no such. But, since I’m still not

one, I should kill this smelly culture and bury it down the ground.

According to Republic Act No. 9262, known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and

Their Children Law, repeated marital infidelity is considered psychological violence

punishable with 6-12 years of imprisonment. Hence, paternal cheating and adultery

shouldn’t be normalized in any way because it is illegal. Literally, “ma-priso ka! ”Cold

bars are waiting to embrace the guilty.

Furthermore, Exodus 20:14 provides, “You shall not commit adultery," as the Seventh

Commandment of the Lord. Doing such in words, actions, and thoughts is disdainful to

50
one’s spirit and dignity, and also to the name of our God. Therefore, cheating and adultery

among husbands is a heavy red flag that is strictly prohibited in the scripture.

Back to those undeveloped species, they really are determined in believing that cheating

and adultery is a blood-like identity printed in the DNA’s of every husband; hence, it is

normal to be practiced in marital union. However, they are wrong, and this belief is quite

problematic. Based on Article XV, Section II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, marriage

is an inviolable social institution that should be protected. No kind of culture shall promote

the destruction of that union, and that being said, cheating and adultery committed by

husbands are considered freak and unconstitutional.

The more we believe what is wrong to be right, the less we will be willing to change. It is

the moment we realize that cheating and adultery are a form of abuse that we might go

back to our senses and stop doing it.

Men, look at your wife as a piece of heaven. That she is the right woman God has created

from your rib. Having someone who can be by your side at the end of the earth is more

than just a blessing, so fooling her would be even worse than a sin.

Scientifically, it is nice to say that the Earth will meet its end from

Sun engulfment 7.59 billion years from now. This means that the

undeveloped brains of people who normalized paternal infidelity

still have a lot of time to change. I know they can, but I hope they

will.

51
 Monster

Dreaming of a princess-like treatment as a toddler, I always wanted a prince

charming wearing in a shiny and silver corset holding his sword that can cut

through any surface. I always wanted to have a huge doll house, as big as the

box of our refrigerator so I can place my barbie wherever I desire. I always

wanted the finest, and the greatest.

But when the calendar shouted my 13th birthday, things changed, just like my

old school after I graduated. In my desire of wanting the finest and the

greatest, teenage life really did fulfilled my command. However, it was not

my prince charming, nor the doll house. I received the finest, and the

greatest…MONSTER of all time.

My monster really loves me, it doesn’t leave me behind. In fact, it visits me

every month, and stays with me for almost a week. My monster is also

thoughtful, it surprises me with different flavors of suffering each time it

came.

Sometimes, my monster brings me an unpredictable appetite. I craved all

weird food combinations I could think of which I find disgusting before.

Hotdog with sugar…mango with water…, and if the weather is good, I try

52
coconut water with lime juice. It makes me worried if I am pregnant, though

I never did “the thing”, don’t even know how the manufacturing process goes.

Sometimes, my monster gives me a full-face transformation. Pimples here,

pimples there, pimples everywhere. My face suddenly turns into a polka dots

whenever it happens. Also, black marks appear like magic in my thighs, neck,

and hips. At first glance, you might think that I fought a black-belter in

Taekwondo for having those marks.

Whenever I narrate these things to someone, they usually think that I am

having a bad time. Bad time, huh? It was only a fraction of suffering my

monster gives me. As much as possible, I choose to conceal the pains I

experienced, so it won’t contribute to the agony in my mind, of having an

unwanted visitor that haunts me every month.

Only if I could tell how my monster cuts my hips with a chainsaw. A pain

critically inflicted, a torture making me shout and holler and roll all over my

bed. Only if I could tell how much blood I loss, and how many medicines I

needed to take which tastes like rusty steel bars. Only if I…, but I could not,

for I chose not to, afraid of being judged and ridiculed by other people.

Because I have a monster that doesn’t come out under my bed, but from inside

my vagina.

53
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 PROLOGUE

Words and letters are not the only mediums through which ideas can be expressed in a

literary way. In this generation, 21st-century literature has paved the way for a unique and

artistic style to establish artistic connivance from one heart to another. This genre proves

that lines, drawings, and random sketches can also deliver a punch to readers just as words

and letters do—the doodle fiction.

Based on the study of Goncalves in 2013, Doodle art is scribbling spontaneous, free-form

drawings that have an abstract representation. This is a flowy kind of art that does not

conform to a particular pattern, rule, or instruction. It allows freedom of expression without

having to bother about the technicality of craftsmanship.

Doodling has been a common form of literary expression for centuries, but it was only able

to gain the spotlight during the 21st century due to social media and digital platforms that

reveal its true beauty.

Doodle art has a goal that does not only encompass the purpose of expression but also a

way of relaxation. Doodling something out of your mind is a kind of detoxification process

that cleanses your thoughts and emotions by redirecting your attention to something else.

In this chapter, the author provided examples that expound on the idea of doodle fiction or

doodle art. The given examples deliver data that requires thorough study and scrutinization

in order to get its own meaning or to arrive at a new kind of interpretation.

.
55
1. DOODLE OF A YOUNG HAND: UNVEILED

56
57
58
 CROSS-ANALYSIS OF THE DOODLE

Although it may seem unusual to have a child’s drawing in a literary expression, the author

firmly believes that it is the most suitable example for doodle fiction/art.

Doodle fiction is being created through a free movement of strokes, with only the paper

size as the limiting factor. A child who draws something clearly uses a freestyle technique

that does not conform to any kind of rules or principles.

In this example, the author had requested a 5-year-old kid to draw anything on a sheet of

paper for a very short time. With no prior knowledge about drawing, the kid gently grabbed

his coloring materials and began to draw as smooth and as free as a flock of birds in the

air.

The result is a stunning and rather abstract form of doodle subject for numerous

interpretations and expressions.

In this case, the doodle showed elements such as a fire ant, forest frog, raindrops, and

flames. These elements can be deciphered based on the colors used by the kid.

Based on the author, the doodle means something about friendship. A fire ant that produces

fire and a forest frog that is used in a wet condition are playing together. They did not

bother, even if it was pouring raindrops or radiating flames. For as long as they enjoyed

the company of each other, their environment became to cause no trouble.

What about you? How do you see this doodle?

59
 Other examples of Doodle:

2. “Curvature”

3.” Notebook’s Last Page”

60
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 PROLOGUE

The world of today will not be similar to the world of tomorrow—the same philosophy

that applies to poetry. As time marches by, the poets and writers, down to the very tail of

pen holders, have developed an innovative way of making their crafts called hyper-poetry.

Hyperpoetry is a form of digital poetry that uses hyperlinks, multimedia, and interactive

elements in order to enhance the reading experience. It goes beyond the traditional pen-

and-paper poetry by allowing readers to immerse themselves in a non-linear poetry.

Furthermore, according to the journal of Ennslin in 2014, hyperpoetry “expands the

boundaries of conventional poetry by incorporating digital media elements that allow

readers to interact and engage in the poem in various ways.”.

In addition, hyperpoetry danced on its zenith as technology and gadgets such as laptops,

cellphones, computers, and others were introduced in the community. These resources

allowed the people to try something new in glamorizing the poetic side of literature.

The main purpose of hyperpoetry is to offer a navigating tool for the readers in

absorbing and enjoying every word and phrase of poetry. Greater and better understanding

of the text have also been a resounding objective of this 21st century literary genre.

In this chapter, the author had composed three examples of hyperpoetry. These examples

tackle the hopeless romantic life of Charles Erwin Pagpaguitan. However, since you cannot

click any links printed on paper, you must understand that the following examples only

serve as a reference and not the actual hyper-poetic side of literature.

62
63
64
65
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 PROLOGUE

In the 21st century, stories and messages are not solely interpreted through texts and

phrases. Instead, it has evolved tremendously that it now incorporates pictures, elements,

and other visually attractive designs. This innovative way of transforming a written work

that overshows an alphabet into a literary work of art is called a graphic novel.

Graphic novels are similar to or highly related to comic books, for they also show the

sequential and chronological phasing of a story. It also follows the plot diagram, wherein

a much longer story has its own unique exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and

denouement.

However, some graphic novels only contain short stories that express an idea or an

advocacy. Usually, a graphic novel incorporates characters that talk about a certain topic,

promoting awareness and disseminating information to the audience.

The primary goal of a graphic novel is to add an artistic twist to the narrative. Furthermore,

it also helps a reader who has difficulty digesting the message it aims to convey through

visual aids.

In this chapter, the author had made a few short examples of a graphic novel. It is

imperative for us to know that these samples only contain a brief and short idea, in contrast

to the traditional graphic novels, which are lengthy and comprehensive. Nevertheless, the

samples are still able to showcase the gist and the soul of the 21st century genre called

graphic novels

67
68
69
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 PROLOGUE

In today's era, wherein sending messages can be done with a simple click, a new genre of

literature has come into existence. This genre reflects how modern people communicate

and how dynamic its two-way process can be executed—the text-talk novel.

A text-talk novel is a story that is being narrated entirely through text messages, online

chats, e-mail, and other forms of electronic and digital communication. It shows the

communication styles of the digital and information age, wherein fragmented and brief

lengths of conversation are common.

This type of genre usually appeals more to the younger generation, as they are used to this

kind of communication medium. Text-talk novels typically cover the day-to-day

experiences and coverage of the people, which can include different topics such as

romantic relationships, disputes, barkada talks, and others.

The main objective of a text-talk novel is to offer a narrative that is close to the heart of the

people. It aims to hook a wide array of readers by telling stories that feel contemporary and

relatable by adapting and using the communication methods of today’s world.

In this chapter, the author has made a sample text-talk novel of two teenagers navigating

their realm of love and affection. Is it best to show love through online chat? Or in person?

That is what we are going to find out with the help of the 21st-century literary genre called

Tex-talk novels.

71
Ex

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 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

I. References

A. The author hereby declares that all efforts have been made to locate, contact, and ask

permission from the lawful owners of intellectual properties that were respectfully and

ethically used in this book.

B. However, the author was only able to include the following references after the full

extent of the aforementioned method.

These references are:

Ensslin, A. Literary Gaming, MIT Press, 2014.

Smith, L., & Fershleiser, R. (2008). Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six Word Memoirs

by Writers Famous and Obscure. Harper Perennial.

Gutkind, L. (1997). The Art of Creative Nonfiction: Writing and Selling the Literature of

Reality. Wiley.

Thomas, J., & Shapard, R. (2006). Flash Fiction: 72 Very Short Stories. W. W. Norton &

Company.

C. For the sake of records, all intellectual properties are not borrowed for commercial use

but only for educational purposes. The author does not claim borrowed resources in respect

of the rights and ego of the sources.

74
II. Graphic Designs

A. The author hereby declares that all efforts have been made to locate, contact, and ask

permissions from the lawful owners of graphic art properties that were respectfully and

ethically used in this book.

B. For the sake of records, the author paid a sum of money to Canva in order to lawfully

use the graphic designs, templates, elements, and others that are borrowed and used in this

book.

C. For the sake of records, all intellectual properties are not borrowed for commercial use

but only for educational purposes. The author does not claim borrowed resources as

personal property in respect of the rights and ego of the sources.

III. Typographical Editing

A. The author hereby declares that this book used “QuillBot," an artificial intelligence tool,

to efficiently and effectively correct a few grammatical and typographical errors.

B. However, the author strongly suggests that any type of AI writing tool was not used to

generate stories and ideas. The author claims all the ideas in this book are authentic,

original, and human-written pieces.

C. If it happens that this book will be subject to further AI detection, it is admitted that the

result would most likely have stains of AI. However, it is only due to the grammatical and

typographical aid leveraged by this book, and not because the author had used AI to quickly

and conveniently make literary pieces.

75
 ERRATA

If you read or observed any typographical errors and mistakes, kindly indicate it here:

Page # Original Mistake Correct Form

If you have any suggestions about this book, kindly scan this QR code and message:

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