No. 1  ·  Spring 2026

When Tigers Smoked

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Poetry · Submission · Tagalog

Piraso ng Tondo

Dalawampu't isang taon, namuhay roon,
Makukulay na ingay, galing sa kapitbahay,
Magulo at mabaho, sabi ng mga naparoon.
Puno ng krimen at droga ang bansag sa kahapon.

Sa gabi ay kinatatakutan, bawat umaga ay hinahangaan.
Ang buhay sa Tondo, sa mga ngiti ay nagtatago,
Sa bawat eskinita ay may kakaibang kwento,
Lahat ay kumakayod, pamilya ang siyang gabay

Ang naghubog sa kanya, ay ang hirap ng buhay.
Labing apat na taong nasa malayo,
Kahit saan mapadpad, hindi kailanman susuko.
Hanggang sa dulo ng mundo, dala hanggang buto,
Ibabahagi ko ang mga istoryang galing ng Tondo.

For twenty-one years, I called it my home,
Amidst the loud streets where the vibrant souls roam.
Though others called it chaotic and foul,
A place where the shadows and criminals prowl.

It is a place feared by night,
but every morning is admired.
Life in Tondo hides behind every smile.
Every alley holds a unique story,
Where everyone works always for their family,
And all their hardships have shaped their being.

For fourteen long years, I have lived far away,
Prepared for the trials that came day by day.
I carry those roots, until the end of the day,
The stories of Tondo will inspire in every way.

Translated by Lotis Que.

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