They say to love a Tamaraw is to be quenched by both their oasis and braving desire.

So this Valentine’s Day, I write this poem for all of the Tamaraws I’ve loved before.

1. To the Tamaraw I loved during my first year—who made my freshman year feel thrilling, hopeful, and carefree. I hope you’re thriving, and maybe… just maybe, you’re no longer using Grindr while trying to work things out with someone.

2. To the Tamaraw I met in my GE class, who became my motivation for waking up at 7 a.m.. Thank you for the delusions you inspired from simply choosing the seat beside mine.

3. To the one I met in the bar, who I haven’t seen since. Cheers for making that night out memorable, and for somehow convincing me that two shots could solve an existential crisis.

4. To the Tamaraws I used to be friends with—who I used to share both laughter and tears, it was great while it lasted but I hope we never cross paths again.

5. To the Tamaraw who made group work feel like an extreme sport—for the sake of your future groupmates, please change. Maybe learn how to cite references properly instead of chasing clout on social media.

6. To the Tamaraw who broke up with me right before my midterm exams, truly demonstrating a talent only a Tamaraw could have. I hope you know you’re the reason why my name slipped from the Dean’ List and almost got an earful from my parents.

To all the Tamaraws I’ve loved before—as lovers, friends, and situationships, this is for you. Because once you're loved by one, you never really recover, you just carry the green and gold with you.

And of course, to my current Tamaraw, treat me better or I will write a poem about you too.

- Sean Clifford M. Malinao 

(Illustration by Iya Maxine Linga /FEU Advocate)