The Margins presents “Osipon,” a folio of poetry, short fiction, and literary criticism from the Bikol region of the Philippines. The folio takes its name from the precolonial Bikol oral narrative osipon, and each of the six pieces of literature extends and subverts its meanings, giving continuous life to the form. As guest editor Kristian Sendon Cordero writes in his editor’s note, osipon is “our way of revealing, of complaining, of reprimanding, of shouting, of teasing… [our] storytelling is a promise.”

Each piece in “Osipon” features art by Rustom Pujado.

“Editor’s Note: The Omega of Our Osipon”
By Kristian Sendon Cordero, translated from Bikol by Bennard Cariño Fajardo

Our guest editor introduces “Osipon,” the latest folio from The Margins.

“A Omegang Babayi | The Omega Woman”
By Francisco V. Peñones, Jr., self-translated from Bikol-Rinconada

Get out of the ring, or you’ll die in pain

“Bangkera | The Boatwoman”
By Emmanuel Barrameda, translated from Filipino by Eric Abalajon

“Desperation sets in, and they dance and offer eggs to Santa Clara in Obando, walk on their knees inside the Quiapo and Baclaran shrines.”

“Kuminalpos an Silaod | Slipped the Snare”
By Ana T. Calixto, translated from Bikol by Mia Tijam

“If it’s Polding’s character that you like, why did you pledge to marry Don Lope?”

“Ang Osong na si Beatriz | The Osong That Is Beatriz”
By Raniela E. Barbaza, translated from Filipino by King Fernandez Almero

The woman in Ana T. Calixto’s osipon.

“Revolt from Hymen”
By Angela Manalang-Gloria

O to be free at last

“Kung Tawagin Siya’y Angela Buruka: Sa Alaala ni Angela Manalang-Gloria | And We Call Her Angela Buruka: In Memory of Angela Manalang-Gloria”
By Niles Jordan Breis, translated from Filipino by Floraime Oliveros Pantaleta

A writer contends with the legacy of a difficult, much-hated local woman who was also a giant of Philippine letters.

“About the Art: Rustom Pujado”
By Kristian Sendon Cordero, translated from Bikol by King Fernandez Almero

Rustom Pujado’s prognostics, signs, and gnosis.