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Magazines

“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, September 2005: Vol. 4 # 25, pages 29-30.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, October 2005: Vol. 4 N# 26, pages 66-67.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, November-December 2005: Vol. 4 # 27, pages 48.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, January 2006: Vol. 5 # 28, page 4.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, February 2006: Vol. 5 # 29, page 6.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, March-June 2006: Vol. 5 # 30, page 7.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, July-August 2006: Vol. 5 # 31, page 7.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, September-October: Vol. 5 # 32, page 8.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, November 2006: Vol. 5 # 33, page 27.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, December 2006: Vol. 5 # 34, page 8.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, 2007: Vol. 5 # 35, page 8.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, 2007: Vol. 5 # 36, page 9.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, 2007: Vol. 5 # 37, page 7.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, 2007: Vol. 5 # 38, page 8.
“Babetalk,” Red Magazine, 2007: Vol. 5 # 39, page 8.

To buy back issues of RED MAGAZINE, e-mail redmagphils@gmail.com for details.

Thesis

“THE BEGINNINGS OF CONVERSATION: A Collection of Poetry from the Early Years (1992-1997),” The University of the Philippines at Los Baños, Undergraduate Thesis, 2nd Semester, 1998.

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Magazines

“Dinner At His Place,” The Philippines Free Press, April 4, 1998, page 46. (Poetry)
“I See You,” The Philippines Free Press, April 25, 1998, page 46. (Poetry)
“Eyes,” The Philippines Free Press, July 4, 1998. page 45. (Poetry)
“Fleeting Passion,” The Philippines Free Press, August 8, 1998, page 37. (Poetry)
“Waiting Game,” The Philippines Free Press, October 24, 1998, page 36. (Poetry)
“Ghosts,” The Philippines Free Press, February 13, 1999, page 35. (Poetry)
“Silence of a Thousand Years” Mirror Weekly, March 22, 1999, page 45. (Poetry)
“Sans Poetical,” The Philippine Graphic, May 8, 2000, page 35. (Poetry)
“Don’t Quit Your Day Job,” The Philippine Graphic, May 8, 2000, page 35. (Poetry)
“Commuter 8,” The Philippine Graphic, May 8, 2000, page 35. (Poetry)

Books

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RED COFFEE: A COLLECTION OF ROMANTIC POETRY (1992-1999)
by Sheryl S. Raros is published by GIRAFFE BOOKS
Philippine Copyright © 1999
ISBN 9718832009

HEARTBEAT CITY: PROMETRY (2000-2007)
by Sheryl S. Raros is published by A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services.
Philippine Copyright © August 10, 2005
By Sheryl S. Raros
ISBN 9789719354901

By 2013, an audio book containing published and unpublished poems will be sold for public consumption. Stay tuned for details. 

SAMPLES FROM RED COFFEE: A COLLECTION OF ROMANTIC POETRY (1992-1999)
by Sheryl S. Raros
is publbished by GIRAFFE BOOKS
Philippine Copyright © 1999
ISBN 9718832009

“…Hushed shadows in every crescendo,
Like two strangers
peeking into each other’s pockets:
A shelved concerto.
A solitary chord.
Strings, taut.
Muted music in the air.
The high note of bliss.

The shortest conversation in a kiss.”

- Sample cut from “Silence Between Berceuse in D-Flat, Opus 57″ of the volume, PERSISTENCE OF ROMANCE, page 15 of RED COFFEE: A COLLECTION OF ROMANTIC POETRY (1992-1999), Giraffe Books.

“…Water,
wash me,
flood all my secret chambers.

Cross my boundaries
I am a cup to be filled,
a cup to be spilled.

Tease me with
foams crawling over
the sum of my painted soul.

Overwhelm me,
and draw blood back
as you uncurl from the sand…”

- Sample cut from “Intimacy” of the volume, THE LOVERS, THE DREAMERS page 32 of RED COFFEE: A COLLECTION OF ROMANTIC POETRY (1992-1999), Giraffe Books.

“…To stroke your thoughts
with the tongue of silence.
To breathe your smile
in that secret sense of bliss and desire.

To answer passion there
in the unreasoning hunger of your mouth.
To linger, just there —
in the frozen music of your eyes…”

- Sample cut from “Union” of the volume, CITIZENS OF THOUGHT, page 42 of RED COFFEE: A COLLECTION OF ROMANTIC POETRY (1992-1999), Giraffe Books.

“…While you were asleep,
I pretended to count the stars …
A million ways for us to fall in love.

I knew you were on the rebound.
No comment. You kept talking
of the open wound. I could sense
the hung fuse. There’s the option —
Of waiting. Waiting for the fireworks
to kick us in the face, when, Dear Friend,
Alone with you is a roomfull;
I can still smell the laughter
in your hair, loneliness on the sheets.
Smoke where your heart is burning…”

- Sample cut from “Dearest Sleeper” of the volume, TRAFFIC IN PARADISE, page 73 of RED COFFEE: A COLLECTION OF ROMANTIC POETRY (1992-1999), Giraffe Books.

All rights reserved, no copies can be made in part or in whole without written permission from the author or the publisher: GIRAFFE BOOKS (02)928-9269. You may e-mail them: giraffebooks@asia.com OR write to Gloria F. Rodriguez, #7 Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, 1128 Philippines. You may also write to A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services, 19-B Maplewood Estate, Philand Drive, Barangay Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City, 1116, Philippines. Versions of the author’s poems have already appeared in the following publications: POETRY NOW: A PUBLICATION OF THE SACRAMENTO POETRY CENTER, MIRROR WEEKLY, PHILIPPINES FREE PRESS, and PHILIPPINE GRAPHIC. Some versions also appear on the author’s networking webpage http://ssraros.multiply.com

THE FOLLOWING BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE WITH:

GIRAFFE BOOKS
DATELINES
JRL BOOKSTORE
KABAYAN CENTRAL
ANT MPS

While waiting for your orders to arrive, browse a copy of RED COFFEE at BOSTON CAFE, Robinson’s Branch, Los Baños, Laguna 4031 Philippines. Stealing is a crime, so get your own copy.

School Magazines

“Imagery:1st Volume of Literary-Feature Articles,” The Blue Knight, 1993. (Poetry)
“Back to the Rivers of Belief,” The Los Baños Observer, 1996. (Short Story)

“Politics,” The Blue Knight, 1992. (Short Story)

“Yellow Men,” POETRY NOW: A PUBLICATION OF THE SACRAMENTO POETRY CENTER, Vol. 7 #12, Dec. 2001, page 6. (Poetry)

vol 5 # 35 p. 8: Looking For the Perfect Gift

(Joy? Sacrifice? Peace? Commitment? Love?)

“…This Babe Talk issue is not a grocery list of great items you can get at a store or a list of romantic destinations. It’s all about the priceless treasures that you can give your partner for the holiday season. And for those of you who are truly in love, go out there and find unique ways to express that love. Bear in mind too that although there’s a song called “More Than Words,” don’t misread its intentions by keeping your love for her a mystery. No matter what your girlfriend says or does, she still needs to hear it. So don’t stock your love in the Bermuda Triangle…”

vol 5 # 36 p. 9: Making Relationships Last

“…Some people think that when the magic dies, the love is gone. They throw that love away like an old toy and go off in search of that new dream partner only to be disappointed with the same results. What a waste of time and emotional energy. But what if we look at it differently? What if love only begins after the magic dies? So, instead of searching for a different lover, why not search for something new to love in your partner? Wouldn’t that be better than going through the revolving doors of short-lived affairs? Think about it…”

(J.B., 39, Makati)

“…don’t compare your love story to what you see in the movies or advertisements. Rearranging your love life to match the idealistic portrayals in the media is not realistic or healthy. It will only ruin your enthusiasm in this journey and lead you to think that finding the right partner is the end, and they all lived happily after, etcetera ad infinitum. Life is not picture perfect…”

vol 5 # 37 p. 7: Spy Boy

(Nico, 21, Alabang)

“…Don’t insist on meeting her and winning her heart just because you believe your boss doesn’t deserve her. Even if you do it all in the name of love, trust me…if you ever got her, in the end, you wouldn’t love her…”

 (Raffy, 19, Katipunan)

“…Dump her. She could be Miss Philippines or Miss Universe but all that glitters isn’t gold. Treat her physical beauty like a mask and truth is, she’s definitely rotten at the core. Don’t succumb to her sweet and seemingly innocent excuse. To exchange the truth for beauty is idolatry. Find someone who’ll be true to you because if you put up with a girl like that, you’ll spend the rest of your time away from her wondering if she’s kissing someone else behind your back…”

vol 5 # 38 p. 8: Caught Up

(Wilson, 24, Bulacan)

“…I know you want to make peace with your wife but before you can convince her otherwise, you have to accept the blame for the mess you made. Once you do, you are paving the way for reconciliation. Miracles still exist. Broken trust can be repaired. Vows can be remade. Some marriages bounce back even from the worst case scenarios. But unless you convince yourself that the deception you carried out with both your wife and mistress during your affair was not only wrong but malicious, you won’t be able to convince your wife that you’re truly sorry and willing to change for the better…”

(Jax, 22, Libis)

“…Maybe if you revealed your fears about job security (to your supervisor seductress), she might realize that she’s abusing her position to claim your affection…”

 (Luis, 29, Makati)

“…We live in a real world and in here, you have to fight for the one you love. So, why not just take the risk and tell her? I wish you all the best…”

 Vol 5 # 39 p. 8, My Officemate

 (Vernandsky, 30, Las Pinas)

“…YES, you’re right. It IS bad to steal or court a girl when she’s already in a relationship. However, there are ways to steal a girl from her boyfriend without even courting her…”

HEARTBEAT CITY: PROMETRY (2000-2008) By Sheryl S. Raros
is published by A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services.
Philippine Copyright © August 10, 2005
ISBN 9789719354901
 

“…For how long shall we make red
A history still pregnant
With the unborn dead?

Guns, bombs, and protests are the dialects
of our confusion. Who is worthy
to take helm and steer our nation?

Away from the litter of murdered truths?
Of forked tongues in a constitution of fools.
Who can live in a land where deception rules? …”

- Sample cut from “Promise The Land” of the volume “METROPOLITAN BURGER” page 16 in the book HEARTBEAT CITY: PROMETRY (2000-2007) By Sheryl S. Raros, A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services.

“…We pronounce it “Hi(gh)-men”
In English, rhymes with golden,
Oven, women, and Heaven.
Has curious allusions to
“Haaay, men!”, which reminds me
Of a commercial I once saw.
Must have been for Close-up,
With matching Smile. Or maybe
It was an ad for bouncy hair, shiny
Hair, guaranteed to give satisfaction.
Vitamin B, deep penetration.

For external use only…”

- Sample cut from “Hymeneutics” of the volume “BOOTS AND HEELS” page 30 in the book HEARTBEAT CITY: PROMETRY (2000-2007) By Sheryl S. Raros, A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services.

“…God paints in light and lava. Clouds, seas, and bodies.
Rhythm and rhyme are in every branch and twig of a tree.
In the tendrils of a living vein. In the beating wings
of an aorta. He breathes rain and lightning between
the twin faces of a blue ocean and the everlasting sky.

He speaks to us in the kiss of still air or the mighty fist
of a windstorm. He touches us with those hands and
faces of lovers being born; In that tender confusion of
arms and legs, as we rock and kiss and hold each other to
the sound of misery knocking on our front door…”

- Sample cut from “State Of Grace” of the volume “THE CLOUD SEEDERS” page 52 in the book HEARTBEAT CITY: PROMETRY (2000-2007) By Sheryl S. Raros, A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services.

“…Once upon a time
Was an abominable crime

That all the policemen know
But they let the mayor’s son go

The judge didn’t lift a finger
He wanted to stay in power

Local reporters dare not write
The wrong from right

The witness fled to save his life
After they took care of his wife…”

- Sample cut from “Old Town” of the volume “THE COURT JESTER” page 55 in the book HEARTBEAT CITY: PROMETRY (2000-2007) By Sheryl S. Raros, A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services.

“…He tried to call her back
She had already lost her phone

He assumed she was happy
She thought he was just busy

They danced around each other
Like the sun and the moon

Distant though not at war
A lost wish for every shooting star

The daydreaming of where and when
Could they see each other again

The nights they both tossed and turned
Between memory and fantasy

Conversations replayed and
Even new ones were made

Long and tender, they held each other
In their secret world …”

- Sample cut from “Familiar Strangers” of the volume “NEON HEARTS” page 68 in the book HEARTBEAT CITY: PROMETRY (2000-2007) By Sheryl S. Raros, A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services 2005.S.S.RAROS, A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services.

IDENTITY
There, at the top of a mountain grew the most beautiful wild flowers in the world. Unseen, unsought, and unknown. They bloomed.

BABYLINGUA
When it comes to money, everyone speaks the same language.

CHANGE
The world is changing. Every hour, every minute, every second, everyday…Are you?

DÉJÀ VU
If past is past and we walk around it as if it doesn’t or shouldn’t matter, where then does it get its power to hurt our future? Up until we learn from it, our past will continue to be our future like a history doomed to repeat itself.

DESTINY
It is one thing to say “Things happen and I just let them happen” and another thing to say, “Things happen but I will choose anyway.” There is a big difference in having free will and the will to be free.

HIDDEN TREASURES
We can find more truth in a single dream compared to hundreds of memories.

NAME-CALLING
Men gave names to all the animals. It would be an insult if the animal could name the man.

AMBITION
It’s the little cages that dare us to paw for bigger dreams.

PEDESTAL
Don’t put someone you love on a pedestal. You can’t play tennis with the umpire.

SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET
How do you hide the truth? Secrets, like sweat—get secreted.

- Sample prose cuts from the volume “MORSEL” page 82 in the book HEARTBEAT CITY: PROMETRY (2000-2007) By Sheryl S. Raros, A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services. The word Prometry did not exist as a literary term until October 1999. I coined it from Prose + Poetry = Prometry and the word first appears at the back cover of my 1st book RED COFFEE: A Collection of Romantic Poetry 1992-1999 (Giraffe Books). Then, the term reappears in my 2nd book (copyright 2005) first released on December 2007. It was then launched at UPLB on January 17, 2008 and its first book tour was at UPD on February 29, 2008.

All rights reserved, no copies can be made in part or in whole without written permission from the author and the publisher. Snail mail to: A.N.T. Maverick Polymedia Services, 19-B Maplewood Estate, Philand Drive, Barangay Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City, 1116, Philippines. Versions of the author’s poems have already appeared in the following publications: POETRY NOW: A PUBLICATION OF THE SACRAMENTO POETRY CENTER, MIRROR WEEKLY, THE PHILIPPINES FREE PRESS, and THE PHILIPPINE GRAPHIC. Some versions also appear on the author’s networking webpage http://ssraros.multiply.com

THE FOLLOWING BOOK IS AVAILABLE WITH:

UP PRESS at BALAY KALINAW
MAG:NET CAFE KATIPUNAN
GIRAFFE BOOKS
JRL BOOKSTORE
ANT MPS

While waiting for your orders to arrive, browse a copy of HEARTBEAT CITY prometry (prose + poetry) with a cup of coffee at BOSTON CAFE, Robinson’s Branch, Los Baños, Laguna 4031 Philippines. Stealing is a crime, so get your own copy. 

BABETALK answers questions from Jeffrey, 24, Laguna and Rod, 26, Ortigas in Vol. 5 No. 28, p4

(Do you have a soulmate?): “…While the term `soulmate’ does exist, it cannot be used as an infallible indicator to finding true and lasting love. Why?…” (More on topic: “THERE IS NO `ONE’“)

(Former crush shows interest): “…I would like to warn you that just because you are experiencing a powerful sexual chemistry with someone close by, it is not automatically love…” (More on topic: LDRs a.k.a. Long Distance Relationships)

BABETALK answers BENJ and James, 30, Q.C. in Vol. 5 No. 29, p6

(Where and How to meet babes) “…to meet women of quality, you must first be a man of quality. Why not put your valuable time and energy into developing yourself?” -for BENJ

(Rebound Relationships) “…I know of some people who are even hooked into first-time highs and are on perpetual rebound with no intent to form a lasting bond with anyone…” -for JAMES

BABETALK answers Owen, 22, Novaliches and James, 30, Q.C. in Vol. 5 No. 30, p7

(One Night Stand turned Relationship) “…Sex as an end in itself? Just how much fun can it truly be? You can’t make love without love…” -for OWEN

BABETALK answers Joseph, 32, Antipolo; Adrian, 24, Pasay; and Jesse from Taguig in Vol. 5 No. 31, p7

(Hookup and Breakup Addiction) “…You’re not abnormal, Joseph. You just don’t want to be in a relationship at this point in time. Admit it. You don’t. The earlier you understand and accept why the easier it will be for the girls you’re dating…” - for JOSEPH

(Good Girls like Bad Boys) “…Good boy or bad boy, just be yourself. Chill!” - for ADRIAN

(Amnesiac Girlfriend) “…Maybe she doesn’t know that you take it seriously and that you find it sweet if she could take the time to prepare…Not everybody feels the same about their birthdays. Others loathe theirs so it’s not an indicator of true love. No worries.” - for JESSE

BABETALK on EMPOWERING MEN
in Vol. 5 No. 32, p8

…Decades of Feminism have taught women to stand up and say no to abuse and injustice at home and in the workplace. Women have found their voices. Hurrah! But while more and more women are moving towards equality, why aren’t more and more men moving towards enlightenment? -Sheryl S. Raros

BABETALK answers questions from Roy, 23, Sta. Mesa and Froilan, 19, Caloocan in Vol. 5 No. 33, p27

(Nagging GF) “…Hey, Roy, hang in there. It’s such a downer when the love of your life is turning into your mother. This usually happens when you’ve been together for more than six months or so. I’ll let you in on some of our dirty little secrets…”

(Locker Room Talk) “…Any girl who respects herself will lose interest in a guy who has friends who can only see her as some sexual conquest to brag about. I mean, how would you feel if she dragged you to a girl’s soirée where they did nothing but compare penis shapes and sizes?…Why do you think they call it locker room talk? Zip it, dudes.”

BABETALK answers questions from Bobby, 33, Mandaluyong and Alvin, 26, Santolan in Vol. 5 No. 34, p8

(Wedding Bell Blues) “…You don’t love someone because they’re witty or sexy…you love them because you do and no OTHER woman, REAL or IMAGINED, will do. Your doubts are not justified. Wondering whether there’s someone better out there is not a question that a man in love will entertain. Don’t patronize your girlfriend’s qualities to cover up for the fact that you’re really not in love with her…” -for BOBBY

(Loveless Sex With L.I.P.) “…I’m not a sex guru. I’m here to tell you that you can’t expect your girlfriend to love you just because you’re living in together or having a sexual relationship…” for ALVIN

“DRAWING THE LINE”, September Issue Vol. 4 No. 25, p29-30.

(Love vs. Lust): “Love is truth–the kind that gets shot in a firing squad. It braves the streets on a dark night or journeys through waterless deserts. It weathers the rain or the scorching heat. It endures humilliation and a 1001 excruciatingly mundane tasks. Love braves boredom, restlessness, and ritual…”

“STOKING THE FIRE”, October Issue Vol. 4 No. 26, p66-67.

(Cooling off): “…If you think the fire’s going out, let me tell you that there’s nothing to be afraid of. This is absolutely normal. And if you have an open mind, you’ll find out that everything is working out just as it should be…”

BABETALK answers questions from Adrian, 24 from Bicutan and Benjamin, 31 from IloIlo, November-December combined issue Vol. 4 No. 27, p48.

“Detach yourself from your emotions and just observe them together. Casually. This means, don’t butt in when they’re having a conversation, don’t check her cell phone messages from him, hack into her e-mail address or tap his landline. Take note…55% of communication is body language, 35% tone of voice, 2% intuitive and only 8% words…” (On JEALOUS OF GF’S BEST FRIEND)

“Don’t think for one minute that you’re that one miracle to make her change her ways…” (On CHEATING GIRLFRIEND)