On its 59th year, the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards), the country’s most prestigious and longest-running literary contest, officially opens on March 1, 2009.

This year, the Palanca Awards announces the introduction of two new categories – Poetry Written for Children in the English Division and Tulang Isinulat Para sa mga Bata in the Filipino division. In these new categories, envisioned to encourage the development of a body of poetry for young children, an entry must consist of a collection of at least 10 but not more than 15 poems. It may deal with any subject and must be comprehensible within the grade-school reading level of children ages 6-12, but accessible in its oral form by younger children.

The complete regular categories under which participants can submit their entries are: English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, Full-length Play; Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tulang Isinulat Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula; Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon and Short Story-Iluko. Each contestant may submit only one entry per category.

Meanwhile, in the Kabataan Division, Palanca Awards’ special division for young writers below 18 years old, the Kabataan Essay theme in the English category is “How can the Filipino youth help build a globally competitive nation?” and in the Filipino category “Paano makatutulong ang kabataang Filipino sa pagtataguyod ng isang maunlad na bansa na maihahanay sa mga nangungunang bayan sa buong mundo?”

The literary contest is open to all Filipino (or former Filipino) citizens, except current officers and employees of its organizing body, the Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. Contest rules and official entry forms are available at Palanca Awards’ official website, www.palancaawards.com.ph. Entries with complete requirements may be submitted to the Foundation’s office at the 6th Floor, One World Square Bldg., 10 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City or may also be entered online through the Palanca Awards website or sent through email at palancaawards@yahoo.com. Deadline of submission of entries for this year’s awards is midnight of April 30, 2009. Winners will be announced on September 1, 2009. For further information, you may call telephone number 856-0808.

February 26, 2009

UP PRESS RELEASES UNIQUE EXAMPLE OF JOURNALISM AS HISTORY
By Arvin Abejo Mangohig

The University of the Philippines Press announces the release of “ 1908—The Way It Really Was” by Raul Rafael Ingles. Subtitled Historical Journal for the UP Centennial 1908-2008, the volume is a day-to-day chronicle of events and issues which unfolded within the year of UP's founding.

Ingles, UP professor emeritus, conceived of the book as tribute to the University he has served faithfully for many years. It compresses 365 days into less than 400 pages, and offers an immensely interesting record of the year 1908. The events covered range from the insignificant and amusing to the momentous. The volume opens with an account of the New Year's eve “midnight revelry” from the Manila Times and closes with the 12th anniversary of the death of Jose Rizal and an announcement of New Year celebrations in Malacañang.

The book's foreword is by UP President Emerlinda Roman, who says of it that “every single item is fascinating,” and praises the “discerning mind, historical sense and literary flair” of the man who “had the imagination and the diligence to undertake the laborious research and writing of this extremely interesting book.”

In his short introduction, National Historical Institute chair, Ambeth Ocampo notes that “the past becomes relevant to our times, because history as he presents it sounds strangely, and sometimes painfully, familiar.” Perhaps the unintended wisdom the thinking Filipino will glean from its pages is that the more things change in the Philippines , the more they stay the same. Ocampo adds that the book is an engaging read, proving that “history is interesting and if you think otherwise, you probably have had a boring textbook or a boring teacher.”

Finally, in an afterword, National Artist for Literature and UP professor emeritus Bienvenido Lumbera observes in his postscript that the book is "both history and journalism," adding that it “causes us to ponder the early years of the American occupation of the country and to look beyond 1908 to UP's emergence as an intellectual center of vital relevance to the development of national consciousness of the Filipino people.”

The hardcover edition sells at P800 and is available at the UP Press Bookstore in UP Diliman.

February 26, 2009

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: LIRA POETRY CLINIC 2009



On March 5, the nine new members of Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) will be formally sworn in. Mariane Abuan, Teofilo Catanyag, Perfecto Edilo, Noel Fortun, Deborah Nieto, Willester Robles, Renato Santillan, Natalie Sepe, and Ryan Tanauan are products of the yearly poetry clinic being held by LIRA in pursuit of its mission of championing Filipino poetry.

The newly elected officers of LIRA will also take their oaths alongside the new members. They are Phillip Kimpo Jr. (President), Francisco Monteseña (Vice President), Vivian Limpin (Secretary), Enrique Villasis (Treasurer), at Ynna Abuan (Public Relations Officer).

LIRA is now accepting sign-ups for its next poetry clinic. All those interested must submit one Word Document file containing the following: one-page bio data , ID picture, contact numbers, and five (5) poems in Filipino, to palihan@liraonline. org . An envelope containing the requirements may also be dropped off c/o Prof. Vim Nadera at the UP Institute of Creative Writing, 2/F Faculty Center, UP Diliman, 1101 Quezon City. All submissions should be in on or before April 30, 2008.

The regular clinic period is from June to August and will be held every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Classes will continue until December.

Celebrating its 24th anniversary this 2009, LIRA is an organization of poets in Filipino. It was founded by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (a.k.a. Rio Alma) in 1985 and counts among its members award-winning poets such as Roberto and Rebecca Añonuevo, Romulo Baquiran Jr., Michael Coroza, Jerry Gracio, Vim Nadera, and Edgar Samar.

For more information about LIRA, visit www.liraonline. org .

February 23, 2008

VERSES AND AMORSOLO, Paint Like Amorsolo With Words

Ayala Museum and the Filipinas Heritage Library present Verses & Amorsolo, a four-day English and Filipino poetry workshop inspired by Ayala Museum’s contribution to the Amorsolo Retrospective, Amorsolo’s Women: Concealed and Revealed.

Workshop Fee is Php 2,500 for Non-Members and Php 2,000 for Ayala Museum and Asia Society Members.

A downpayment of Php 500 is required to reserve a slot. The deadline for reservations is March 1.

For more information, please call 757-7117 to 21 local 29 or e-mail education@ayalamuseum.org.

==========

DATES AND VENUES

Day 1
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Ayala Museum
6:00PM to 8:00PM

Day 2
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Filipinas Heritage Library
6:00PM to 8:00PM

Day 3
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Filipinas Heritage Library
6:00PM to 8:00PM

Day 4
Friday, 13 March 2009
Ayala Museum
6:00PM to 8:00PM

==========

THE FACILITATORS

Mookie Katigbak
Mookie Katigbak finished her MFA in New York and lives in Manila. She has won Palanca and Philippines Free Press awards for her poetry and has done writing workshops for A Different Bookstore and Ateneo de Naga. Her first collection of poetry, “The Proxy Eros”, was published by Anvil in 2008. When asked if being a poet is like playing with life, she quotes the singer Edith Piaf and answers half-jokingly, "What else is there to play with?"

Allan Popa
Allan Popa is the author of six books, two of which won the Manila Critics Circle National Book Award for Poetry, “Morpo” (Collective Axis) in 2001 and “Samsara” (AVHR) in 2002. He also received the Philippines Free Press Literary Award in 1998-1999. He co-edited the anthology “Latay sa Isipan: Mga Bagong Tulang Filipino”, published by the UST Press in 2007. He has received degrees from University of the Philippines-Diliman and De La Salle University-Manila and teaches at the Ateneo de Manila University. “Basta”, a new book of poems in Filipino will be published this year by the Office of Research and Publications (ORP). He is one of the founding members of High Chair (www.highchair.com.ph).

February 23, 2008

PETA PRESENTS SAAN BA TAYO IHAHATID NG DISYEMBRE?

PETA brings together two geniuses: Nonon Padilla and Tony Perez, to create a psychological drama masterpiece.

They have previously worked together for "On the North Diversion Road", "Oktubre, Noong Tayo’y Nagmamahalan Pa" and "Nobyembre, Noong Akala Ko’y Mahal Kita"; a collaboration that introduced a new genre of thought-provoking plays–psychological dramas that fascinate and tease the imagination.

Nonon Padilla and Tony Perez started out as young artists working closely with PETA - Nonon, as a noted artist and Founding Director of Tanghalang Pilipino and Tony as a writer and playwright.

Together, they individually produced plays that are raw and rich, unconventional and experimental, but grounded on fundamental themes such as love and friendship.

For the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) 41st Theater Season, the two are back to perfect another work of genius. Preparing their latest opus, the third piece of Tony Perez’s psychological trilogy: "Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?". A story about two friends, Lalaki (Julienne Mendoza, Jack Yabut), and Isa Pang Lalaki (Lex Marcos) and their love affair with the same woman, Babae (Angeli Bayani), who is torn between her feelings for the two.

But "Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?" cannot be easily dismissed as ‘just another love story'. Aside from the three characters fighting over love—Tony Perez adds another character that creates another dimension to the piece: Isa Pang Babae (Alison Segarra), a clairvoyant young woman from the present who oversees the turn of events, as the three other characters get tangled in a complex web of episodes.

With emphasis on love, truth and sacrifice, "Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?" is a bold and non-traditional production crafted by the country’s most daring writer and ingenious director, Tony Perez and Nonon Padilla. Something—that you sure don’t want to miss.

"Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?" is showing at the PETA Theater Center on February 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-28; March 1, 6-8, 13-15, 2009 (Friday 2:30PM/ 7:30PM, Sat and Sun 10AM /3PM) .

For inquiries call PETA Marketing at 410 0821 or 0917-8044428/0917-8154567 or email petampro@yahoo.com.

February 18, 2009

NBDB BOOK CLUB DISCUSSES NOT BY THE BOOK

Young and exciting fashion designer Tippi Ocampo will be joining the NBDB Book Club, as we discuss NOT BY THE BOOK: Fashioning Design by Tippi Ocampo, on Saturday, Feb. 21, 4pm, at Cafe Xocolat, Serendra, The Fort.

Not by the Book debunks our usual notion that fashion inspiration should always come from glitzy settings, as Tippi shows as how even the most unlikely everyday things can spark the creative fashionista in anyone.

Tippi Ocampo owns and designs for retail brands Lounge Lizard and Pret-a-Party.

The Book Club will be moderated by bestselling chick lit writer Tara FT Sering.

To order the book, you may email order@notbythebook.net or send an SMS to +63.915.710.0357 for details.

RSVP Dianne Mendoza @ 926-8238.

February 18, 2009

DULAANG UP PRESENTS ANG KIRI FOR SARSWELA FEST

Ang Kiri is a mad chase of characters who have trampled each others dreams to escape their own emptiness and sadness. In vain, they search for that other person who shall make them whole. However, in the end, they must face reality, confront themselves and know the true reason why they are alone.

Ang Kiri is Dulaang UP's offering for the UP Sarswela Festival 2009 and is directed by the same person who brought Orosman at Zafira to life.

The sarsuwela features Tassy Garrucha, Joaqs Valdez,
Red Concepcion, Mitoy Sta. Ana, Ricky Ibe,
Edna Mae Landicho, Jacinta Remulla, Jules de la Paz,
William Manzano and the Dulaang UP Ensemble:
Mac Amarante, Natasha Cabrera, Allen Diansuy,
Everett Elpusan, Jeddan Flores, Nic Guila,
Cacai Hernandez, Ralph Jalbuena, Mara Marasigan,
Cindrella Mayo, Lucky De Mesa, Vincent Pajara, RJ Solis

Libretto: Servando de los Angeles
Music : Leon Ignacio
Direction and Choreography: Dexter M. Santos
Arranger: Diwa de Leon
Musical Director: Felix Rivera
Set : Tuxqs Rutaquio
Costume: Mitoy Sta. Ana
Lighting: John Neil Ilao Batalla
Dramaturg: Patrick Valera
Photography: Jojit Lorenzo
Production Manager: Niel Kenneth Jamandre
DUP Artistic Director: Alexander Cortez

February 18, 2009

TEATRO PASIKING'S LOVE OFFERING

Teatro Pasiking, the backpack/mobile theater group of the Philippines, offers Ang Sistema ni Propesor Tuko by Al Santos for the love month. The play portrays the seemingly hopeless situation of the educational system in the Philippines. Professor Tuko, using traditional pedagogical means, represents the old and outdated way of learning. Behind the play’s humor lies the reality faced by the Filipino students who try to cope with the hardships of academic work amidst their responsibilities at home. The play ends with the students’ attempt to make Tuko realize his mistakes and change his ways for the better.

Propesor Tuko stars Jethro Tenorio, Mariel Dionisio, Virlynn Ramirez, Mike Cuepo, and Dick Espanol. Richard de Guzman directs. The show will be on February 24, 2009, Tuesday, 8:00 pm, at the Conspiracy Bar, Visayas Ave., Quezon City. T icket priceis at Php. 120. Support Philippine theater! Contact 0915.391.5941 or email teatropasiking@yahoo.com to reserve tickets.

The Dumaguete National Writers Workshop is now accepting applications for the 48th National Writers' Workshop to be held May 4-15, 2009 in Dumaguete City.

This Writers Workshop is offering fifteen fellowships to promising young writers who would like a chance to hone their craft and refine their style. Fellows will be provided housing, a modest stipend, and a subsidy to partially defray costs of their transportation.

To be considered, applicants should submit manuscripts in English on or before March 27, 2009 (seven to ten poems; or three to five short stories; or three to five creative non-fiction essays). Manuscripts should be submitted in hard copy and on CD, preferably in MS Word, together with a resume, a recommendation letter from a literature professor or a writer of national standing, a certification that the works are original, and two 2X2 ID pictures.

Send all applications or requests for information to Department of English and Literature, attention Prof. A.G. Soluta, Chair, Silliman University, 6200 Dumaguete City.

February 15, 2009

ANVIL LAUNCHES TWO NEW POETRY BOOKS

Marra PL. Lanot's RIDING THE FULL MOON and Mookie Katigbak's PROXY EROS, two new poetry collections published by Anvil Publishing, will have a book signing at 7-9 pm, on Tuesday. February 17, at Conspiracy, on 59 Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. The event is in time for the celebration of Valentine's Day and of the February Arts Month.

Spices of the evening include performances of poems set to music by singer-composers Cynthia Alexander, Khvan dela Cruz, Girl Valencia, and Isha.

The books will be available to interested buyers on the February 17 at Conspiracy.

In celebration of the Cultural Center of the Philippines ’ 40th Anniversary, Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, restages Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio’s SITA & RAMA: PAPET RAMAYANA. This is the Philippines ’ 1st puppet version of the well-loved Indian classic, the Ramayana. It is also a very popular material for dance and theatrical presentations and has its counterparts, or local versions, in most Southeast Asian countries.

SITA & RAMA: PAPET RAMAYANA will be presented in Filipino retaining India as the setting but combining both traditional and contemporary motifs. A blend of shadow and rod puppets are designed by the playwright. Cynthia Alexander and Joey Ayala compose and arrange the music while Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete directs the young MULAT puppeteers. In the tradition of the Bunraku Puppet theater or Japan, two young puppeteers, Roel and Aina Ramolete, 7 and 10 years old respectively, are performing important roles in this puppet play.

SITA & RAMA: PAPET RAMAYANA goes onstage on February 20 (Friday), 10 am & 3pm, and February 21 (Saturday) 3pm & 7pm at the Tanghalang Batute, Cultural Center of the Philippines.

For details, call 823-1125 (CCP) or MULAT at 921-9773, 0918-9032040 or e-mail mulatpuppets77@yahoo.com

Melodies, Arrangements & Musical Direction: Cynthia Alexander

Melodies: Joey Ayala

Direction: Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete

Puppet Manipulation: Teatrong Mulat puppeteers

Voice Talents: Tony Mabesa, Romnick Sarmenta, Harlene Bautista-Sarmenta, Alex Cortez, Jovy Peregrino, Jim Bergado, Aileen dela Cruz, Marte Nerona, Marco Harder

Synopsis

The God Vishnu reincarnates himself as Prince Rama, the first son of King Dashrata, to stop King Ravana from continuing his evil reign. Young Prince Rama grows up to be a strong man and by his strength he wins the love of Princess Sita. Before King Dashrata is able to bestow the throne to Rama, his second wife, Kaikeyi, requests that he fulfill the two wishes he granted her in return for having saved his life during the war. Her first wish was to make her son Bharata the crowned king and second, to banish Rama in the forest for fourteen years. To honor his father’s word, Rama consents and goes to the forest with Sita and his brother Laksmana. While Rama was in exile, the ogress, Surpanakha, falls in love with him but he denies her. While they drive her away, Laksmana cuts Surpanakha’s nose. Furious of being insulted and hurt, Surpanakha demands her brother, King Rava, to avenge her. King Ravana, having heard of the beauty of Princess Sita, wants her to make her his wife and so, King Ravana seeks revenge for his sister by kidnapping Princess Sita. Prince Rama and Prince Laksmana team up with the monkey king, Sugriva, and the monkey general, Hanuman. Together with the army of monkeys, Prince Rama and Prince Laksmana face the dangers that await them in King Ravana’s kingdom. They save Princess Sita and return home on the 14th year of their exile. Prince Rama becomes King and leads the kingdom with Queen Sita by his side.

Performance Schedule

February 20 (Friday) 10 am & 3 pm

February 21 (Saturday) 3 pm & 7 pm

Venue

Tanghalang Batute

Cultural Center of the Philippines , Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

Ticket Price is @ PhP 300 each; avail of discounts for group sales. Contact Teatrong Mulat at 921-9773, 0918-9032040 or e-mail mulatpuppets77
@yahoo.com.

February 11, 2009

AUF STAGES OEDIPUS REX

The Angeles University Foundation (AUF) Repertory Theater is staging "Oedipus Rex", in February and March 2009, at the AUF St. Cecilia's Auditorium here, said AUF president Ricardo Pama.

"Oedipus Rex is an Athenian tragedy written by Sophocles around 420 BC, and has long been regarded not only as his finest play but also as the purest and most powerful expression of Greek tragic drama", said director Tony Mabesa.

Oedipus Rex will feature AUF students, faculty and the AUF Repertory Ensemble. Play dates are on Feb. 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28, and Mar. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 2009.

For information, please contact Ardellen Allair at (045) 625-2888 local 746.

First presented as a staged reading during the Virgin Labfest 4 at the CCP last year, KUNG PAANO MAGHIWALAY tackles the subject of love at the moment of breaking up. The play unfolds in a non-linear manner with the different characters caught grappling and confronting the dissolution of their relationships. Emotions come to the fore like strains of a symphony seeking to answer the question, where does love go when a relationship ends?

The new theater company Stage Right Theater Productions brings Kung Paano Maghiwalay to the stage and features a powerhouse cast of thespians:

Jef Albea
Kristine Balmes
Eric dela Cruz
Joshua Deocareza
Bituin Escalante
GA Fallarme
Erwin Flores
Lorna Lopez
John Lozano
Aiza Marquez
Juliene Mendoza
Madeleine Nicolas
Paolo O'Hara
Gem Padilla
Bembol Roco
Gilleth Sandico

Playdates will be on February 16 to 21, 23 and 24, 10:30 am, 1:30 and 4:30 pm at the Bulwagang Balagtas, PUP Library.

For inquiries, please contact: 09157859325, 09228559139, and 09289077777.

February 10, 2009

PINOYPOETS HOSTS EDGAR SAMAR LECTURE



Pinoypoets, in partnership with the Ortigas Foundation, will mount a lecture by award-winning poet and novelist Edgar C. Samar on February 28, 2009, 2PM at the Ortigas Foundation Library.  The lecture, entitled "Niloloob ng Nobela ang Tula: O ang Makata bilang Nobelista" will center on the particulars of and the relations between the novel and poetry.

This is the first lecture in the Pinoypoets' lecture series for its 5th anniversary, and will be a part of the month-long anniversary celebration of the Ortigas Foundation.  This event is free and open to the public.  For further inquiries, email mail@pinoypoets.com, or contact Rhodge at 09238096002, or Xam at 09166390640/09297853276.

February 10, 2009

SUMALI SA KWENTO FANTASTIKO



Book Project: Kathang-isip: Mga Kwentong Fantastiko

Editors: Rolando B. Tolentino and Rommel Rodriguez

Mga Kasamang Manunulat,

Nais namin kayong imbitahan na mag-ambag ng isang kwentong fantastiko na tumatalakay sa mga kontemporaryong isyung panlipunang umiinog sa ating bansa.

Ang kwentong fantastiko ay mga maiikling kwentong tumatalakay gamit ang mga elemento ng kontemporaryong panahon, fantasya o kathang-isip, at fantastikong kabig (twist) sa ending. Dahil sa maigting na ugnay ng sining at lipunan sa ating bansa, nais langkapan ng elemento ng politikal (komentaryong panlipunan at transformatibong pangangailangan) ang kwentong fantastiko.

Layunin ng koleksyong ito na maitanghal ang mapagpalayang diskursong politikal ng kontemporaryong panahon sa pamamagitan ng eksplorasyon ng fantastikong pagkatha. Sa pamamagitan ng koleksyon na ito, inaasahan ang mga kontributor na magsiwalat ng mga partikular na usaping maaaring maging paraan sa higit na pag-unawa ng ating kasalukuyang lipunan, lalong higit, ang pagkritika sa mga pangyayaring politikal na humuhubog sa ating kamalayan bilang mga indibiduwal, alagad ng sining, mamamayan at iba pa. Dito rin titingnan ang maigting na ugnayan ng konsepto ng fantasya at realidad na kung tutuusi'y mayaman na materyal sa pagkatha ng maikling kwento.

Narito ang inisyal na balangkas o gabay sa pagkatha ng kwentong fantastiko:

1. Kontemporaryong panahon: napapanahon at kasalukuyan
2. Fantasyang tagpo: paglikha ng fantasmagorikong tao, nilalang, sitwasyong halaw sa kathang-isip, di pa sa tradisyon at science fiction
3. Fantastikong kabig: twist na magaganap sa huling bahagi ng kwento
4. Politikal na tema: maaaring direktang politikal ang katha o kaya'y matukoy ang politikal sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng mga simbolo at iba pang literary technique
5. Lima hanggang walong pahina lamang, 12 Times New Roman font, double spaced
6. Isang kwento kada manunulat lamang
   

Dagdag na referensya rin ang mga kwentong matatagpuan sa mga antolohiya:

1. Wolfgang Hildesheimer A World Ends*

2. Deogracias Rosario Kung Ipaghiganti ang Puso*

3. Jorge Luis Borges August 25, 1983 (Black Water: The Anthology of Fantastic Literature)

4. Horacio Quiroga The Feather Pillow (Black Water: The Anthology of Fantastic Literature)

5. Virgilio Pinera Meat (The Oxford Book of Latin American Short Stories)

Narito ang ating skedyul:

1. Enero 9, 2009-Call for contribution
2. Pebrero 28, 2009-submission of stories
3. Marso 2009-Editing at paggawa ng introduksyon
4. Abril 2009-pagsusumite sa press

Ipadala ang inyong kontribusyon sa tatlong sumusunod na email address:

kathaisip @gmail.com

magpaubaya@yahoo.com

rommelrdrgz@gmail.com

Kung mayroon kayong mga katanungan, huwag mag-atubiling ipaalam ito sa amin.

February 10, 2009

TANGHALANG ATENEO PRESENTS ARISTOPHANES' LYSISTRATA

Tanghalang Ateneo will keep audiences hungry for more as it closes its 30 th season of plays with “Lysistrata,” a classic comedy of sex and war by the Greek comic master, Aristophanes. Translated into Filipino by Jose F. Lacaba and given a contemporary look, the Ateneo production gives the play a distinct local flavor.

In the play, a band of housewives from all over Ancient Greece , led by the articulate Lysistrata, unite in a radical act of civil disobedience .  Fed up with their husbands' constant departures to wage wars , these women make a sacred vow of solidarity: they will refuse to have sex with their husbands until the men of Athens and Sparta end the war.

Deprived of sex, the husbands become cranky, insulting and violent. The women, also suffering from sexual abstinence, try to escape from their fortress to join their husbands. Meanwhile, the old men and women of Greece , acting as the chorus, heat up their battle of derision and disgust. Lysistrata has her hands full and using desire as weapon, forges a peace treaty that ends both the war and the clash of the sexes.

Tanghalang Ateneo alumna Rizzy Alejandro plays Lysistrata. Ia Solis and Bea Gulinao alternate as Myrrhine, Nayie Caga-anan and Yani Ishikawa alternate as Kalonike, and Julia Motoomull and Ysab Yuzon alternate as Lampito. Kalil Almonte and Charles Yee alternate as Kinesias, and Brian Sy and Jigs Guballa alternate as the Lingkodbayan. The leader of the female chorus is Peanuts Valerio, while the leader of the male chorus is Tito Cosejo. Company actors play members of the two choruses.

Set design by Gino Gonzales and costume design by Marlon Rivera, while Dexter Santos choreographs. Lights design by Jonjon Villareal and graphics design by Reamur David who also collaborates with Dino Concepcion of Brownman Revival for the songs and the sounds design. The production is directed by Ricardo Abad, assisted by BJ Crisostomo. Together, these artists made sure the classic retains its spunk, transcending time and culture, and making the production uniquely Filipino.

“Lysistrata” runs from February 19 – 21, 24 – 28, and March 3 – 7 at 7 PM, with 2 PM shows on February 21, 28, and March 7, at the Rizal Mini-Theater of the Ateneo de Manila University. Tickets cost P250 for non-Ateneans and P220 for Ateneo students. For inquiries and ticket reservations, please contact Bea Gulinao (0917-826-9686) or Bettina Santos (0906-241-1509), or the Rizal Mini-Theater at 426-6001 local 512 1.

February 7, 2009

PANAWAGAN PARA SA MGA PAPEL SA IKALAWANG PAMBANSANG KUMPERENSIYA SA PANITIKANG PAMBATA



Iniimbitahan ng Pilandokan (National Research Society for Children's Literature) ang mga mananaliksik, manunulat, mag-aaral, at iskolar na lumahok sa Ikalawang Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panitikang Pambata na natakdang isagawa sa Hulyo 16-18, 2009. May temang “Ang Panitikang Pambata sa Edukasyon” ang kumperensiya sa taguyod ng National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Inaanyayahan ang lahat na magpadala ng abstrak ng isinasagawang pananaliksik o pag-aaral kaugnay ng mga sumusunod na paksa:

•  kultura ng pagkabata at kabataang Filipino

•  ang batang Filipino sa panitikan, panitikang pambata, at panitikang likha ng bata

•  ang batang Filipino at ang mga panlipunang usapin

•  ang batang Filipino sa industriya ng kultura

•  ang sitwasyon ng panitikang pambata sa Pilipinas

Tatanggapin ng komite ang naturang abstrak bago o sa ika-6 ng Marso, 2009. Aabisuhan ang mga mapipiling aplikante sa ika-20 ng Marso, 2009.

Nararapat na linawin ng abstrak ang isasagawang proyekto, ang tekstong susuriin, at ang gagamiting framework sa pagsusuri. Pipiliin ang mga abstrak na may bagong kontribusyon sa pag-aaral ng panitikang pambata at kultura ng bata sa Pilipinas.

Mangyaring ilakip ang inyong pangalan, institusyong kinabibilangan, maikling tala sa sarili, email address, at iba pang impormasyon.

Ang mga mapipiling aplikante ay nararapat isumite ang kanilang buong papel sa ika-9 ng Mayo, 2009.

Isumite ang mga abstrak kina Dr. Eugene Y. Evasco (Direktor ng Kumperensiya) at Prop. Will P. Ortiz (Co-Direktor) sa email na ito: pagongatmatsing@yahoo.com

February 7, 2009

2009 CIPE YOUTH ESSAY COMPETITION

As part of CIPE's ongoing effort to reach out to young people, we are pleased to announce the 2009 Youth Essay Competition. The competition is an opportunity for youth around the world to get involved in a global civic discussion on issues that concern them.  The contest is open to young people ages 18-30 and has three general topics: Citizenship in a Democratic Society, Educational Reform and Employment Opportunities, and Entrepreneurship & Leadership. Essays should be 2,000-4,000 words in length and must be submitted by March 1, 2009. Please visit www.cipe.org/essay for more information. CIPE is offering a $1,000 honorarium for the winners, and will publish the top three winning essays via its Economic Reform Feature Service, which is distributed to more than 3,000 subscribers.

Essay topics and questions:

• Citizenship in a Democratic Society

What needs to be done to develop a sense of citizenship in young people and help them realize their role in a democratic society?

• Educational Reform and Employment Opportunities

How can you reform your country's education system so that graduates have the necessary skills for employment in the public and private sectors ?

• Entrepreneurship and Leadership

What needs to be done in your country to provide youth with the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and/or leaders in their communities?

Some comments from a few of the 2007 Winners:

“I entered the competition as a means of drawing attention and creating awareness to the need to constantly interact with the youth so as to identify their challenges, potentials, and visions for self-development.”
Chinwe Miriam Onwubiko – Nigeria

“Along with all the flashing stories of “ India is booming” with 9% GDP growth, I have seen, first hand, the plight and difficulty of my young friends in getting a decent job after finishing higher education and their despair and frustration, which sometimes lead to many negative outcomes. This essay contest came as a wonderful medium to express my opinions and views on this issue and prompted me to write about them.”
Tirthajyoti Sarkar – India

Feel free to contact essay@cipe.org if you have any questions.

February 5, 2009

PREMIO TOMAS AREJOLA ANNOUNCED

Ika-Anom na Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon

c/o Museo de Caceres, Holy Rosary Minor Seminary

Elias Angeles St., Naga City, Philippines

PremioTomasArejola@gmail.com

I. REGULAR CATEGORIES

Open to all Bicolano writers and literary enthusiasts writing in any of the Bikol languages. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, gender or religion. Contestants under 18 years of age are, however, required to submit a certificate of parental consent.

The 6 TH Premio Arejola is open in the Poetry, Fiction, Essay, Drama and the Novel categories.

• Entries for the Rawitdawit (Poetry) category must consist of at least 10 poems but not more than 15 poems.
• Entries for Osipon (Fiction) should be at least 7 pages in length but should not exceed 12 pages.
• Entries for the Osipon na Pan-aki (Stories for Children) should be at least 5 pages in length but should not exceed 10 pages. Entries with a plot and narrative suitable for an illustrated storybook of at least 30 pages are preferred.
• Entries in the Halipot na Dula (One-act Play) must be of sufficient length to approximate a performing time of at least thirty minutes. Halawig na Dula (Full-length Play) should have a performing time of at least an hour and a half. Entries in the play categories may be intended for children and/or adults. Plays for children, however, should be directed principally to promote Bikol values and traditions in the grade school level, ages 7 to 12.

• Entries in the Salaysay (Essay) category should be at least 5 pages in length but should not exceed 8 pages. Informal, personal essays about the Bicolano way of life are preferred.
• Entries in the Nobela (Novel) may deal with any subject, provided it is tackling issues relevant to Bikol realities.

Only new and unpublished works are eligible. A work that has been awarded a prize in another contest is not qualified for the awards.

All entries should be written originally in Bikol and not a translation of a work written in another language. The works must show literary merit and social significance.

Contestants may join in all categories but can submit only one entry per category.

Entries in the regular categories must be submitted in four copies, double spaced on 8 1/2 X 11 inches bond paper with one inch margin on all sides and the page number typed consecutively, e.g., 1 of 8, 2 of 8 and so on. Font must be Arial and font size must be 12. Entry must be submitted with pseudonym only and not the author's real name. Author's name and pseudonym must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope together with a bio-data containing the author's literary background, an ID picture, and contact information. A notarized declaration of originality and authenticity of authorship must accompany the entry.

Finalists in each of the categories shall receive the Premio Tomas Arejola Diploma of Merit. A top winner will be chosen from among the finalists who shall then receive the Premio Tomas Arejola medallion and P3, 000 cash prize. The said category winners are eligible for the Grand Prize, the winner of which shall be named Parasurat kan Taon (Writer of the Year) and will be awarded P10, 000. and the Naga City Jaycees Writer of the Year Trophy.

II. MGA RAWITDAWIT para ki INA Category

To honor the 2010 Tercentenary of the Bikol Devotion to the Lady of Peñafrancia, the Patroness of Kabikolan, the Premio Arejola shall once again have a poetry category for high school and elementary students. To be known as Rawitdawit para ki Ina , this category shall have the following rules:

• Participants may submit more than one entry but each entry must be computer-typed

and accompanied by a) the author's brief bio-data duly signed by a class adviser or a faculty coach and b) a certificate of parental consent.

• Entries must be written in the Bikol language, original, unpublished and not previously awarded a prize in any literary contest.
• There are no restrictions in length and style but all entries must articulate a young person's devotional sentiments to the Lady of Peñafrancia, as well as the significance of such devotion in today's world.

• Out-of-school youth not more than 18 years old are also enjoined to participate.
• Finalists and their adviser/mentor will each be awarded the Premio Tomas Arejola Diploma of Merit. The three best entries will be chosen from among the finalists who shall each receive the Naga City Jaycees Rawitdawit para ki Ina Medallion and P2, 000 cash prize. The adviser or mentor of the top three winners will receive medallions and prizes. In the event that an out-of-school youth wins, the prizes intended for the adviser/mentor will be awarded to the participant's parent or guardian.

III. PREMIO BIBIANO SABINO

The category is open to book authors, book designers/ illustrators, anthologists/editors and publishers of Bikol literary titles. To qualify, the book must be written majorly in the Bikol language, anthologized/ edited, designed/illustrated by a Bicolano native or resident. Only titles published and distributed between September 2007 and September 2009 are eligible.

Individuals involved in book publishing may nominate by submitting a copy of the book accompanied by a letter from the nominator testifying to the book's meritorious contribution to Bikol letters. Copy of winning entry shall remain with and become property of the Premio Arejola.

The winner will receive a testimonial plague, P5, 000, and shall be listed in the roster along with the winners of the regular category and Lifetime Achievement Awardees.

IV. OTHER INFORMATION

Entries for all categories must be addressed to the Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon, sent at the above address not later than June 30, 2009. Entries sent by mail or courier must be postmarked /invoiced not later than June 25, 2009.

Entries submitted via e-mail must be a Word Document file and sent as an attachment together with the contestant's bio-data containing his/her literary background and a notarized certification or authenticity of authorship of the entry. The original copy of notarized certification and ID picture must then be sent to 2009 PTALB thru mail. Entries submitted via e-mail must be submitted not later than June 25, 2009.

Failure to comply with any of the requirements shall result in disqualification from the awards.

Copyright of the works remain with the author but the latter grants, assigns and transfers into PTALB the right without necessity of any payment other than the prize which may have been awarded to publish the winning entry or portion thereof as it may at its discretion.

The Premio Arejola has the right of action against the author if it may later on discovered that the participant is not the creator or owner of the copyright to the winning work. The Premio Arejola shall not be liable to any court action if a third party files a case against the winner and/or contestant who plagiarized the work of the said third party.

Winners of all the aforementioned categories shall be responsible for the payment of government taxes.

Names of the finalists will be announced in local weeklies and radio stations on the first week of September 2009.

The names of the winners and members of the Board of Judges shall be announced on or before Sept 14, 2008, Tomas Arejola's 144 th birth anniversary, in an awarding ceremony in Naga City.

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