VIRGIN LABFEST 7 SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

THREE BICOL WRITERS TO LAUNCH BOOK OF COLUMNS

by Frank Penones Jr.

Three writers will launch a selection of their columns in the Naga City-based Bikol Reporter, in a book titled Sinaraysay: Halo-Halong Blog nin Buhay.

Coined from the combination of the Bikol words sinurat (written), sinaray (compiled) and sinaysay (narrated), Sinaraysay will be launched on June 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the STA Auditorium of the Naga City College Foundation, the main sponsor.

Sinaraysay gathers in a single book the three columns of  H. Francisco V. Peñones Jr. (Halo-Halo), Rizaldy M. Manrique (Bikol Blogger), and Judith Balares-Salamat (Hinghing nin Buhay) which appeared alternately and shared the  same space in the weekly newspaper.

It features reportage and discussions about the contemporary Bikol cultural scene from the respective lenses and academic disciplines of the three writing friends who share similar literary and educational backgrounds.

Peñones finished his MA in Teaching Literature from the De La Salle University and his MFA in Creative Writing from the San Jose State University.  Manrique, on the other hand, was graduated with an AB-English (Creative Writing) from the University of the Philippines and his MA in English from the University of Nueva Caceres; while Judith Balares Salamat has a PhD in Comparative Literature from U.P.; and has M.A. (Honours) English in Post-Colonial Literatures from the University of Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia.

All three have also won their respective recognitions and awards for their writing like the Palanca and the Premio Tomas Arejola.

NCF President Michelle Marguerite Padua-Hornby will welcome the authors and their guests during the launch which will include readings of column samples and their stage interpretation, review of the book by Willie B. Prilles, head of the City Planning and Development Office of Naga City; book signing and responses from the authors, as well as the donation of copies to the NCF Library and the Naga City-Roco Library. 

UMPIL TO HOLD ANNUAL CONVENTION AND THE RIZAL SESQUICENTENNIAL LITERARY CONFERENCE FOR TEACHERS

GAWAD BALAGTAS DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JUNE 15

The Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) now accepts nominations to its annual conferment of three literary awards: Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, Gawad Paz Marquez Benitez, and Gawad Pedro Bucaneg.

Gawad Balagtas is open to living Filipino writers who have contributed outstanding works in any language currently used in the Philippines; who have dedicated their lives and talents to the development, propagation, and promotion of any Philippine literature; and who are accepted and recognized by their peers or by their leaders for their significant pioneering work or their contribution to the enrichment of their particular literary form. Qualified writers must be nominated by respected literary groups or institutions, or by at least two members of the UMPIL Gawad Search Commitee (headed by Marne Kilates).

Gawad Paz Marquez Benitez and Gawad Pedro Bucaneg are open to outstanding educators/organizations in the field of literature and communication. Last year's winners were Dr. Thelma Kintanar of the UP Department of English and Comparative Literature and Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA).

Each nomination must contain proper documentation or requirements of the nominee's literary career/background, his/her biodata, and recent photos (passport size, four copies for individuals and 5" x 7" for organizations). Nomination forms are available by request from theUMPIL Gawad Balagtas Committee.

Nomination must be submitted on or before 15 June 2011 to the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas, c/o Likhaan: UP Institute of Creative Writing, 2/F Bulwagang Rizal, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines or emailed to gawadbalagtas2011@gmail.com.

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ATENEO PRESS HOLDS ANNUAL BOOK SALE THIS JUNE

The National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the Northwest Samar State University, in coordination with the ASCA-NwSSU, Lamiraw Literary Arts Organization, and Katig Writers Network, Inc., proudly announce the 8th Lamiraw Regional Creative Writing Workshop (LRCWW) to be held on November 8-11, 2011 in Calbayog City, Samar.

Panelists invited in said workshop are Dr. Marjorie Evasco of De La Salle University-Manila, Prof. Merlie Alunan, Professor Emeritus of UP Tacloban, Dr. Victor Sugbo of UP Tacloban, Dr. David Genotiva of Eastern Visayas State University, Ms. Janis Claire Salvacion of National Maritime Polytechnic, Mr. Dante Rosales of Ibabao Arts Council of Calbayog, and the guest panelists Mr. Harold Mercurio of Northwest Samar State University; Mr. Voltaire Oyzon of Leyte Normal University, and Mr. Jethol Paanod of Naval State University.   

Fifteen slots are open to young and adult writers who are willing to hone their craft in poetry, fiction, essay and drama. Three slots are allotted for fellows coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao areas (1 slot per area), nine slots for writers residing in Samar, Leyte and Biliran, and three slots for Inabaknon writers in Capul, Northern Samar. Applicants who have not yet attended any regional or national writers workshop are given top priority. Writers may send entries in Waray, Sebuano, Inabaknon, or English. Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao guest fellows may submit works/entries in their regional language provided that there is a translation for every work (either in Filipino or English). Likewise, the Lamiraw organizers require all writers from Eastern Visayas to provide translation of their entries in Filipino or English for the benefit of non-Region 8 fellows. 

Interested writers may submit any of the following: 5 poems, 1 short story, 2 essays, a  one-act play, or any reasonable combination of the above genres in hardcopy and on CD containing the manuscripts, its translation and the application form in MS Word format ( font size 12, Arial) and two 2x2 pictures in JPEG format. The entries and other requirements can also be submitted at lamiraw@yahoo.com. A statement from one person of authority (an established writer or a notary public) attesting to the originality of the work must also be included in the submission. The application form posted at Panitikan.com or the NCCA website can be used.

The privileges of workshop fellows include free board and lodging, and a proportionate travel allowance. Walk-in auditors will have to pay a registration fee of P3,000.00.  Applications must be postmarked on or before August 30, 2011.
All entrees will not be returned to its senders and will be kept as file copy of Lamiraw Workshop, thus applicants are advised to secure a copy of their manuscripts. Send all applications to Phil Harold L. Mercurio, Secretariat, Lamiraw Regional Creative Writing Workshop c/o Office of the Arts, Social and Cultural Affairs of NwSSU, Calbayog City, Samar, 6710. For inquiries, call at 09177982781 or email at lamiraw@yahoo.com.

Download the application form here.

AMBAGAN 2011 SET FOR SEPTEMBER

Inihahandog ng TEATRO BAGUNTAO sa ika-13ng Tagdula ang
Bungang Araw III - "Muling Pagdanas: Mga Alamat na Kahapon Lang Sinulat"

Tampok ang mga dulang:

POOT ANG PINAGMULAN ni Guelan Varela-Luarca
Direksyon ni Mark Jason Alcantara

AKO ANG HARI ni Aric Mamonluk at Jego Mallillin
Direksyon ni JV Valmores

ANG TATLONG ALIMANGO ni Avie Alcantara
Direksyon ni Roi Anos

HINDI LANG TAO ni Joe-Nel Garcia
Direksyon ni Jerome Ignacio

Disenyo ng Produksyon: Andre Alcantara
Disenyo ng Ilaw: Jay Caluag
Disenyo ng Musika: Karla Quilicot at Itos Ledesma
Disenyo ng Tunog: Kim Quilicot
Disenyo ng Sayaw: Tonyo Aguilar
Punong-Direksyon: Guelan Varela-Luarca

Mayo 25 - 27, 2011, 6pm, sa Bulwagang Hayes ng Mataas na Paaralang Ateneo de Manila. Ang door price ng tickets ay 150 Php, pero maaaring i-contact si CJ Manlapaz (cjsmanlapaz@yahoo.com) o si Cholo Ledesma (chololedesm@gmail.com) para sa discounted price.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TO THE NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND

BIKOL POETS AND PERFORMING ARTISTS CONVERGE FOR AILING POETESS

FIFTEEN WRITING FELLOWS CHOSEN FOR 4TH PALIHANG ROGELIO SICAT



From more than 100 applicants, 15 young writers have been chosen as fellows to the 4th Rogelio Sicat Writing Workshop. This year, the participants of the only national creative writing workshop  in  the Filipino language are the following:

POETRY: Philip Anorico (Angono, Rizal), Joshua Diokno (Quezon City), Lolito Go (Olongapo City, Zambales), Ram Hernandez (San Mateo, Rizal), Louie Jon Sanchez (Caloocan City), Randel Urbano (Quezon City), and Jenny Whil Mesiera Valenzuela (Lucena City, Quezon). 

SHORT STORY: Patricia Ruth B. Cailao (Quezon City), Mary Deane Camua (Guiguinto, Bulacan), Jesus Catigan Insilada (Calinog, Iloilo), Pia Montalban (Quezon City), Anna Christina G. Nadora (Meycauayan City, Bulacan), Renato R. Santillan (Dagupan City, Pangasinan), and Karl Ivan Dan V. Orit (Bacoor, Cavite). 

ESSAY: Ipelineo Soco (Valenzuela City)

The workshop will be conducted by pillars of Philippine literature namely Efren Abueg, Rogelio Ordoñez, and Elmer Ordoñez as well as the writing workshop’s regular faculty.

“The number of workshop applicants for this year is record-breaking. There are many well-written entries. Unfortunately, we only have 15 slots for the workshop,” says Dr. Jimmuel Naval, chairperson of the Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature (Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikang Pilipino, DFPP) of the University of the Philippines, and workshop co-director.

The Fourth Palihang Rogelio Sicat is handled by the DFPP and the Cavite Young Writers’ Association. This year’s writing workshop will be held at Alfonso, Cavite on 26 –29  May 2011.

“Many applicants were from places outside Metro Manila like Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iloilo, Negros, Bikol and Northern Luzon,” said Prof. Reuel Molina Aguila, workshop co-director.

Interested parties can visit the site palihangrogeliosicat.wordpress.com especially during the workshop period for  live quotes and photo blogging. 

EXTENDED: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS LIRA FILIPINO POETRY CLINIC 

LIRA, the celebrated and oldest active organization of poets in Filipino is now accepting sign-ups for its yearly poetry clinic. 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, although several more sessions will be held until November.

All those interested must submit one Word Document file containing the following: one-page bio data, ID picture, contact numbers, and five poems in Filipino, to palihan@liraonline.org. (Poems in English and other languages will not be accepted.) An envelope containing the requirements may also be dropped off at the LIRA pigeon hole at the UP Institute of Creative Writing, 2/F Faculty Center, UP Diliman, 1101 Quezon City.

All submissions should be in on or before May 26, 2011.

In related news, the new officers of LIRA were formally sworn in last March 5.

Phillip Kimpo Jr. was elected to his second term as President, and he will be joined by Mariane A.R.T. Abuan (Vice President), Giancarlo Lauro C. Abrahan V (Secretary), Deborah Rosalind D. Nieto (Treasurer), and Louie Jon A. Sanchez (Public Relations Officer).

Also sworn in were eleven new members and “poet-volunteers” of LIRA. Based on their skill in the art of poetry and on their willingness to serve for the nation’s culture, Mark Arisgado, RR Cagalingan, Joseph Franco, Elmer Grampon, Vins Miranda, Conrad Nuyles, Imee Rabang, Rae Rival, Crecee Roldan, James Tana, and Shiela Virtusio were chosen to become members from the graduates of the Poetry Clinic 2010.

LIRA celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. As part of its silver jubilee, the group held several key projects: a national conference, two national poetry contests, a book, four chapbooks, and the “Sining ng Tugma at Sukat 2010,” a literary education outreach program of LIRA and the NCCA in nine towns across Luzon.

LIRA was founded by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (a.k.a. Rio Alma) in 1985. Its workshops have produced award-winning poets such as Roberto and Rebecca Añonuevo, Romulo Baquiran Jr., Michael Coroza, Jerry Gracio, Vim Nadera, and Edgar Samar. For more information on LIRA, please visit www.liraonline.org.

DULAANG UP PRESENTS RIZAL X Dulaang UP's RIZAL X is a new work that aims to re-discover and re-introduce the relevance of our hero, Jose P. Rizal, today. Using mixed popular media of the generation now, the production will compile different points of view towards Rizal, his works and his life, in a collaboration of text, dance, music, film, visual arts and vignettes. This original production will feature young and promising theater actors of this generation, the live music of Happy Days Ahead and the works of different poets, playwrights, choreographers, film makers and artists. Rizal X will also feature the works of Dong Abay,Gerson Abesamis, Manix Abrera, Chips Beltran, Layeta Bucoy, Winter David,  Deo Dela Cruz ,Jeffrey Garcia, Al Garcia, JM De Guzman, Vlad Gonzales,Adi Lopez,Joaquin Pedro Valdes and Floy Quintos Cast includes  Reb Atadero, Natasha Cabrera, Red Concepcion, Jules Dela Paz, Bea Garcia, Alchris Galura, Jean Judith Javier,  Yanah Laurel, Nicco Manalo, Maita Ponce, Reuben Uy and the Dulaang UP Ensemble. Concept, Direction and Choreography: Dexter M. Santos Music and Lyrics: William Elvin Manzano Musical Arrangement: Happy Days Ahead Headwriters and Dramaturges: Katte Sabate and Chic San Agustin Set Design: Leeroy New Lights Design: Voltaire De Jesus Costume Design: Mitoy Sta. Ana Technical Direction: Ohm David Musical Direction: Irish Pangilinan Photography: Jojit Lorenzo Poster Design: Tuxqs Rutaquio Show opens on July 20 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, UP Diliman For ticket inquiries ,reservations, sponsorships and special bookings, please contact Cherry Bong 09177500107 or Nick 09151916384 VEE PRESS CALL FOR EBOOK MANUSCRIPTS Vee Press is accepting submissions for our upcoming e-book line. We are actively seeking talented writers who have completed a novel-length manuscript or have written more than 10 chapters of an ongoing work. Writers who are willing to work with us through our fast-paced publishing cycle are especially welcome. We are considering both popular non-fiction and fiction titles on any topic, with a great preference for plots or subjects that concern the Philippines and its culture. Both non-professional and established authors are welcome, but any work submitted to us must not have been previously published, in print or online. Self-published works are considered published. We are looking for: Manuscripts with a projected length of between 60,000 and 75,000 words. We are currently not considering works that go above the maximum word count, but we will consider pitches for potential series. A fresh premise that can be conveyed as a paragraph-length (5 sentences maximum) pitch. Non-fiction that takes a popular (mainstream, non-academic) approach on their subject matter. For fiction, works in any genre that mix engaging storytelling with exciting plot and compelling characters. Further guidelines: Please make sure the copyright and publishing rights are not owned by other parties. Unpublished manuscripts optioned by companies or organizations are not up for consideration. Works that are based on material (television, literature, etc.) that have not entered public domain are not accepted. If excerpts of the work have been previously published, we ask the authors to include this information upon submission. Submission Requirements: Email the complete manuscript and a full synopsis (beginning to end) as Microsoft Word (*.doc) attachments to kautencio@vibalfoundation.org. The manuscript and synopsis should be two separate files. Please make sure that the file extension is not *.docx or any other variation. The manuscript should be set in either 12 point Courier New or 14 point Times New Roman, with double-spaced lines. Margins should be set at 1 inch on all sides. Please do not include page numbers, headers or footers in your manuscript. In the body of your email include a brief description of the novel, estimated word count, and your publishing history (if any) such as previous books, awards, and quotes from other authors or reviews. Include the working title and your name in the email’s subject line. Authors who intend to publish using a pseudonym are still required to furnish us with the information mentioned above. For more inquiries, contact Kristel Autencio at kautencio@vibalfoundation.org or call the Vibal Foundation office at 416-840-60. Via: thepoc.net Contact Information: For inquiries: call 416-840-60 For submissions: kautencio@vibalfoundation.org Website: http://www.vibalfoundation.org/ SUMMIT MEDIA RELEASES MOBILE CHICK LIT BOOKS Summit Media releases Mobile Books--get chick lit sent straight to your phone! Get your favorite Summit chick lit titles on your mobile. Summit Media takes another step into the digital age with its latest offering, Mobile Books. You can keep these electronic books (e-books) on your mobile for easy access while on the go so that you’ll have something to keep you entertained while waiting in line or in transit. The first Mobile Book series includes Summit Media’s best-selling chick lit novels, among them The Break Up Diaries by Maya O. Calica and No Boyfriend Since Birth by Claire Betita. You can sample each book’s first section for FREE and download subsequent segments piecemeal at your own leisure. Just make sure you’re using an MMS-capable phone (you can find out how to activate your MMS service using Hand Interactive’s online guide)! To begin using this service, just text BOOK [BOOK CODE]  to 2640. After the free first section, each additional download will cost P3.00 for Smart and Sun and P5.00 for Globe. STUDENT ESSAY WRITING CONTEST FOR RETIREES (GRAND PRIZE p50,000) The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) will launch its First Essay Writing Competition with the theme, "Dear Foreign Retirees, Why you should retire in my town?" The objectives of the competition are to: 1. gather information on the different towns and cities of the Philippines that can be uploaded in the PRA website which will be made available to foreign nationals and investors; 2. promote awareness among the youth about the various assets present in their towns and cities; 3. develop the research thinking and communication skills of the youth including their familiarity with correct grammar, spelling, and writing style; and 4. publicize the winning entries, both locally and internationally, through the different government and private websites. The competition is open to all public and private high school and college students. The participating student must be currently enrolled this coming School Year 2011-2012. The student must submit, along with his/her entry, a scanned copy of his/her Student Identification Card (ID) and an endorsement letter from the school principal/headmaster or his/her duly appointed Officer-in-Charge. A student will submit only one (1) entry. The entries may be accepted starting May 2, 2011. The deadline for submission is on July 15, 2011. The following prizes will be received by the winners for each of the high school and college categories: Grand Prize PhP50,000.00 + Plaque of Recognition Second Prize PhP30,000.00 + Plaque of Recognition Third Prize PhP20,000.00 + Plaque of Recognition Five (5) Honorable Mention Awardees will receive PhP5,000.00 each. The schools and universities for both categories will receive the following prizes: Grand Prize PhP15,000.00 + Plaque of Recognition Second Prize PhP10,000.00 + Plaque of Recognition Third Prize PhP5,000.00 + Plaque of Recognition The top three (3) winners, the five (5) honorable mention awardees, and the school representatives of the top three (3) winners from each category shall be required to attend the awarding ceremonies on August 26, 2011 . For more information, visit or contact Mr. Mervin A. Magbuhat, Market Specialist, PRA at 29F Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City at telephone no.: +631 848-1412; fax no.: +632 848-7106 MCPO Box: 1147 or send a message through e-mail address: inquiry@pra.gov.ph Contact Information: For inquiries please contact inquiry@pra.gov.ph or log in to their website: http://www.pra.gov.ph/. NATIONAL LIBRARY CELEBRATES RIZAL WITH STORYTELLING SESSIONS The National Library of the Philippines joins the nation in celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal with the theme: "RIZAL : HALIGI NG BAYAN"   One of our  activities  is the JUNE 2011 STORYTELLING SESSIONS entitled " KUWENTO MO, SULAT NI RIZAL" which will feature different stories about Dr. Jose Rizal,  a sure fun way to introduce  the life and works of our national hero to Filipino children. We invite kids, parents and teachers to come and join in this activity.  For more information, please call at 525-0926 look for Ms. Melai. Call for Contributions for the First Regular Folio of Heights HEIGHTS, the official literary and artistic publication and organization of the Ateneo De Manila University, is inviting alumni, students, faculty members, and affiliates of the Ateneo De Manila  to submit poems, fiction and literary non-fiction pieces, critical papers about the visual and literary arts, and visual artwork for the first regular folio of 2012. Written contributions may be in English and/or in Filipino. There are no page limitations for written works. An artwork should be in CMYK format with a resolution of 300 dpi. There are also no limitations to the number of submissions. The first folio will be released in September 2011. For more information about HEIGHTS, visit http://heights-ateneo.org. Send your queries to heights.ateneo.org@gmail.com.

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