BALATIK
A CW 100 project by a group of BA English (Creative Writing) students under the instruction of Prof. Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, PhD.
A CW 100 project by a group of BA English (Creative Writing) students under the instruction of Prof. Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, PhD.
Stars alone cannot drive away the vast darkness of the cosmos, but their faint glow endures, illuminating each of their spaces. And when they gather, they form constellations–patterns that guide and inspire, they’re a midnight serenade for the lost and the dreamers. Balatik–a word shared by several Indigenous Filipinos to describe the Orion constellation–stood as a symbol of resilience and harvest, a steadfast light that guided generations through the night.
This space is our shared night sky, where each of us carries both the fragility and brightness of a star. From the reverberating calls from the first wondering to the unspoken of the present. Alone we may be scattered and unseen in the vast darkness, but binding together our own light, we form Balatik–a beacon that promises that we will never be lost in the darkness.
We are a group of Creative Writing students brought together by our colliding journey. Each of us carries a captivating story shaped by our unique life experiences. Some are rediscovering the magic of words after exploring different fields, and others, stumbling upon unexpected paths that ultimately led to writing. Through this project, we have crafted works reflecting our passion and creativity.
The unveiling of our website held on the 13th of December 2024, was a moment of shared celebration and creativity. Together, we presented Balatik, our collective works in essay, fiction, drama, and poetry. The website launch event was a culmination of our efforts, where we shared not only our works but also a part of ourselves. Highlights included the website presentation, live readings, and featured performances. The event, filled with joy, shared meals, and heartfelt connection showcased a constellation of resilience and inspiration for dreamers and storytellers alike.