Scribblory Writers Library
Your virtual library of true stories has come to this site!
Scribblory Writers Library shelters short true-to-life stories written by the memoirists of Scribblory Writers Group. This virtual library started in 2020, at the outset of COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was losing many lives, we held our pens and preserved life stories.
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Category: Others
My Beetle Sweet Story
Written by Sisang Batute
August 5, 2020
When I was young–so much younger than today–back in the tiny barrio of Bubog in Paombong, Bulacan, my friends and I would play with salagubang (beetle). This is the usual kind of beetle with a pair of antennae and three pairs of minuscule jointed legs.
During our days, we easily found salagubang in trees. We climbed trees and shook branches for them to fall on the ground. Each of us would get one and bring them home to pet them. Before the dawn of the Japanese Tamagotchi in the late 90s, we already had been cosseting our own salagubang.
The first time I got my own salagubang, it flew away. One of the older kids in our lot taught me how to tame it so I could keep it for a long while. The first portion of their legs must be cut from its joint then the inner plastic thin part of their wings which is clasped by the outside thick one should also be removed. My friends also taught me how to put them to sleep. Placing the beetle on my cupped palm and clapping both cupped palms will put it to a sound sleep. One would know that a beetle is sleeping when all of its legs are neatly kept in their grooves.
Like an ordinary pet, I named mine “Kapkap” (reverse of ‘pakpak,’ in English ‘wings’). I kept Kapkap inside a big matchbox that I requested from our neighbor who owned a Sari-Sari Store (variety store). For days, I fed him fresh budding leaves of our gumamela plants that my Nanay (mother) grew in bushes around our dilapidated house. I played with Kapkap by letting him out of his house, placing him on the ledge of our wide window where I always sat, and watching the folk in our barrio go about their day. I would let him walk from the other end of the ledge to the other. I was not worried whenever he spread out his wings in an attempt to fly because he could not take off.
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I brought Kapkap everywhere I went to make sure that my younger brother, whom I fondly called Ato, would not get hold of him. I was afraid that he would eliminate Kapkap if given the chance. I thought of boys as tough to play with and my pet might not be able to survive it.
One Sunday morning, when we were preparing to hear the Holy Mass, I took out Kapkap from his matchbox house. He was sleeping. I thought of bringing him to the Mass so I could introduce him to Jesus. Therefore, I placed him inside my pocket. During the “peace be with you” part of the Mass, I took out Kapkap from my pocket and showed him to my brother to greet him. But Ato told me, “E Ate, patay na ‘yan.” (That’s already dead.)
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I believed him, for I nudged, I poked, and Kapkap did not budge.
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My heart missed a beat. Little by little, my tears fell. Together with my unending tears was my mucus. Picturing myself then–my face all soaked with tears and mucus, I told God, “Bakit po kinuha Niyo agad si Kapkap?” (Why did You get Kapkap right away?)
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After the Holy Mass, my Nanay muttered to me, “Ano ‘yang iniiyak-iyak mo d’yan?” (What are you crying about?)
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With my broken spirit, I only shook my head to say “none”.
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“Kapag ‘di ka tumigil, kukurutin ko singit mo para magkadahilan ang pag-iyak mo.” (If you won’t stop, I will pinch you in the groin so you’ll find a reason to cry.)
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My Nanay was already nagging while she was tagging my right earlobe, which made me cry even more.
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True enough, I had something to cry about that day.
international joke day
BICYCLE
Written by Alfred Pagunsan Gadayan
July 1, 2024
One of my all-time favorite jokes is a classic one that never fails to make me laugh no matter how many times I hear it. I first heard this joke during a family gathering when I was a child, and it has stuck with me ever since. The simplicity and cleverness of the joke—combined with the element of surprise—always manage to bring a smile to my face.
The joke goes like this:
Question: Why couldn't the bicycle find its way home?
Answer: Because it has lost its bearings!
This pun on the word "bearings" never fails to elicit a chuckle from me. The unexpected twist in the punchline, where the word "bearings" is cleverly used in a different context, is what makes this joke so amusing to me.
What I love most about this joke is its innocent and light-hearted nature. It doesn't rely on offensive or crude humor to get a laugh, but rather on wordplay and wit. The simplicity of the joke also adds to its charm, making it accessible to people of all ages. It's the kind of joke that can be shared with anyone—from children to adults—and still bring a smile to their faces.
Over the years, I have shared this joke with friends, family, and colleagues on numerous occasions. Whether it's at a social gathering, a work meeting, or just a casual conversation, I always find a way to slip this joke in to lighten the mood and bring a moment of laughter. One memorable time I shared this joke was during a long road trip with friends. We were all feeling tired and restless from the journey when I decided to break the silence with this classic joke. The groans and eye-rolls quickly turned into laughter, and soon we were all in stitches, sharing our favorite jokes and funny stories.
Another memorable time I shared this joke was during a team-building event at work. As part of an icebreaker activity, we were asked to share a joke with the group to break the ice and get to know each other better. When it was my turn, I couldn't resist sharing my favorite bicycle joke. The room erupted in laughter, and I could see the tension and awkwardness melting away as my colleagues joined in on the fun.
What I find fascinating about jokes like these is their ability to bring people together and create a sense of camaraderie. In a world filled with stress, uncertainty, and challenges, a simple joke can be a powerful tool to uplift spirits, foster connections, and spread joy. It's moments like these, where laughter fills the air and smiles light up faces, that remind me of the importance of humor in our lives.
As I reflect on my all-time favorite joke, I realize that it's not just the joke itself that brings me joy, but the memories and moments shared with others that make it truly special. Whether it's a casual conversation with friends, a team-building activity at work, or a family gathering, this joke has become a part of my repertoire, always ready to bring a smile to those around me.
In conclusion, the timeless joke about the bicycle losing its bearings holds a special place in my heart for its simplicity, wit, and ability to bring laughter to any situation. It's a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a clever pun and a shared moment of laughter to brighten our day and connect us with others. And for that, I am grateful for this classic joke that never fails to bring a smile to my face.
international joke day
guess
Written by AnKat Lopez
July 1, 2024
It was both literal and a joke. I remember hearing it as a child, and I was able to use it during one instance. Here’s what happened.
There was a time I was wearing something new, and someone asked me where I got it. I said it was given to me. The person asked, "From where?" and I answered, "Guess." They must have been confused. Anyway, here's the joke:
Person A: I like your jeans. Where did you buy them?
Person B: Guess.
A: Levi's?
B: Guess.
A: Gap?
B: Guess.
A: Jag?
Coincidentally, I recently saw a variation of that joke. Two people were meeting at the shopping mall.
Person A: Where are you? I'm at SM now.
Person B: Guess.
A: McDonald's? Jollibee?
Person B then sends a picture of the Guess Store.