Agustin T. Misola uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey themes of memory and time in his poetry. In "I CAN'T FORGET," he illustrates the persistence of memories despite the passage of time, comparing time to smoke that cannot be recaptured . In "I LOVE YOU STILL," the theme is further elaborated with the image of wrinkled skin symbolizing aging, yet the memories remain bright and fresh . These poems suggest a deep emotional resonance with the past, using natural and everyday elements to symbolize the inevitability of time and the enduring power of emotional connections. The contrast between the ephemeral nature of time and the enduring clarity of memory is a prominent theme in Misola's work.

Agustin T. Misola's Ilonggo roots deeply influence his poetry, reflected through the thematic content, style, and linguistic choices in his work. His poetry often pays homage to Ilonggo culture and tradition, utilizing the Hiligaynon language to express personal and collective experiences with authenticity and resonance. By adhering to traditional Spanish-influenced poetic forms, he maintains cultural continuity while also engaging with contemporary themes relevant to Ilonggo sensibilities. This connection to his roots enriches his poetry, allowing Misola to craft works that resonate with both regional and broader audiences, thus preserving and celebrating Ilonggo heritage in a modern context .

In "I'M A SLAVE OF TEARS," Agustin T. Misola illustrates his understanding of human emotions by exploring the duality of pain and glory within emotional experiences. He uses the metaphor of being a 'slave' to tears to depict vulnerability and sensitivity to both joy and sorrow. The recurrent references to tears being hidden or almost visible symbolize the depth and complexity of feelings that are deeply personal yet universally relatable. Misola’s depiction of tears as 'Adornment of Heaven' resonates with the idea that emotional expressions, even those born of suffering, are precious and elevate the human experience. The poem underscores the profound impact of emotional states on the poet's inner life and his ability to perceive and articulate subtle emotional nuances .

Leoncio P. Deriada's educational and professional background significantly influences his literary output, particularly through his extensive training in English and Literature. His BA and MA degrees, coupled with a PhD in English and Literature with a specialization in creative writing, provide a strong foundation in literary analysis and narrative construction . Serving as a professor and chairperson of the English Department at Silliman University, as well as involvement with creative writing institutes, enhance his theoretical and practical understanding of storytelling across multiple languages. This deep academic grounding is reflected in the breadth and diversity of his award-winning works, which span various genres and narratives, demonstrating his ability to craft complex, culturally rich stories.

Agustin T. Misola acknowledges the influence of traditional guidelines and forms in Ilonggo poetry, which follow Spanish structures of measure and rhyme. He integrates these elements by adhering to the conventional forms while infusing his own voice and contemporary themes. His poetry reflects a balance between maintaining traditional metrics and exploring personal, emotional topics that resonate with a wide audience. This adherence to and creative manipulation of formal structures allow him to connect with both the pioneering and present generations of Ilonggo writers, showcasing his expertise and orientation in the Spanish poetic tradition .

Leoncio P. Deriada's main literary achievements include thirteen Palanca awards, five of which are first-prize winners, and notable awards such as the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, Asiaweek, Gawad CCP, and others . These accolades highlight his versatility and skill in creating compelling narratives across different languages and genres. His recognition as a Palanca Hall of Famer and outstanding achievements in literature underscore his contributions to elevating the status of multi-language writing in the Philippines, promoting linguistic diversity, and enriching the literary landscape with culturally resonant works. His teaching and leadership roles further amplify his impact by nurturing new generations of writers.

In "I LOVE YOU STILL," Agustin T. Misola intricately weaves the themes of love and loss by juxtaposing the enduring quality of love with the irreversible passage of time. The poem reflects on love that remains "fresh" despite physical aging and the inevitability of change and separation, symbolized by the lines of one's palm where the subject has disappeared . The persistent memory and youthful love clash with the physical manifestations of aging, creating a poignant narrative on the persistence of emotional bonds amidst temporal change. The metaphoric reference to smoke highlights the ephemeral nature of the past, while the continued vigor of love underscores its resilience.

In "Letter," Leoncio P. Deriada comments on the effects of migration and communication on personal relationships by highlighting the emotional distance and fading clarity of connection between the emigrant child and their family. The letter symbolizes a once-strong bond now strained by time and distance, as evidenced by the heavy and unreadable nature of the words, which represents the weight of unspoken emotions and challenges faced by the family . The child's request for the mother to refrain from writing underscores the emotional burden and inability to bridge the gap through correspondence, reflecting the complex dynamics and fragmentation that migration imparts on familial ties. The imagery of ink stains and islands further reinforces the disconnect and transformation of relationships over time.

Leoncio P. Deriada's career exemplifies bilingualism and multilingualism through his production of literary works across multiple languages, including English, Filipino, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Cebuano. This linguistic diversity reflects in his ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, engaging a broader audience with his narratives. His achievements, like the multiple Palanca awards in diverse language categories, underscore his mastery and versatility as a writer . Additionally, his role as head of the Sentro ng Wikang Filipino and an associate at the U.P. Institute of Creative Writing demonstrates a commitment to nurturing and preserving linguistic plurality. These elements highlight how Deriada’s multilingual abilities enhance his storytelling and contribute to the richness of Philippine literature.

The imagery of smoke and time in Agustin T. Misola's poetry is significant as it symbolizes the ephemeral nature of life and the fleeting quality of human experiences. In Misola's work, smoke serves as a metaphor for memories and time that cannot be recaptured, emphasizing the transient and elusive nature of the past . This imagery creates a poignant juxtaposition between the solidity of memories and their inherent intangibility, illustrating how moments slip away, much like smoke, leaving behind emotions and recollections that cannot be fully grasped. Through this imagery, Misola reflects on themes of nostalgia, impermanence, and the emotional intensity of remembering moments that are forever gone.