September 21, 2006

LIKHAAN offers workshops, fellowships

LIKHAAN: The UP Institute of Creative Writing (UP ICW) now accepts application for the 46th UP National Writers Workshop to be held in Baguio City for one week the summer of 2007.

UP ICW director, Professor Vim Nadera, also announced that 12 fellowships for advanced writers are available. Qualifications are: must be writers in English or Filipino; must have attended at least one creative writing workshop (national/regional, including the UP National Writers Workshops), or earned a degree in Creative Writing/Malikhaing Pagsulat, or won at least one national/international literary award; must have published at least three poems or two short stories or two pieces of creative nonfiction (e.g., essays, memoirs, profiles) in reputable collections or anthologies, journals, magazines (including campus publications), or refereed Internet web magazines. Some of these qualifications may be waived in exceptionally meritorious cases, with the unanimous concurrence of the UP ICW Associates, Advisers and Resident Fellows. Writers who have been Fellows at any of the UP National Writers’ Workshops are eligible.

Applicants must submit the following: (1) one original, unpublished story, poem, or creative non-fiction in digital file plus four hard copies (12 points, double-spaced, 8.5" x 11"), not previously submitted to any other workshops; (2) a 2-paragraph description of a work-in-progress in any of the above genres, in English or Filipino (also 12 points, double-spaced, 8.5" x 11"); photocopies of the applicant’s published works, including publication details; and (4) application form available from the UP ICW office in UP Diliman.

During the UP workshop, the original manuscripts will be discussed. Additionally, fellows will be expected to make a presentation of a chapter or draft of the work-in-progress referred to above, discuss an aspect of their writing or of the genre in which they work in particular.

Deadline is December 15. For inquiries, call 9221830.

Deadline extended until January 15, 2007.

September 20, 2006

Ani’s Global Pinoy issue launched

Ani 32, with the theme “Global Pinoy,” will be launched next Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at the Conspiracy Garden Café, 7 to 9 p.m. Contributors of the issue include A.S. Agcaoili, E. San Juan Jr., Herminio S. Beltran and Abdon M. Balde.

John Torralba and Dexter Cayanes are among those set to perform their contributions during the launch to be emceed by contributors Manolito Sulit and Luis Gatmaitan. Open Mic Night will follow after the launch.

September 20, 2006

Author McLerrran Flies to the Philippines

American children’s book author Alice McLerran will hold a writing workshop in the country on November 11 at the Filipinas Heritage Library. The day-long event, hosted by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, (SCBWI) will cover everything from Ms. McLerran’s personal journey as an author, to the writing process, to critiquing and revising manuscripts.

The event will also see the launching of the special Philippine editions of Ms. McLerran’s The Mountain That Loved A Bird.

Registration fees vary. For more information please on the event please contact Beaulah Taguiwalo at beaulah.taguiwalo@yahoo.com or 0917-787-4956, or Dominique Garde Torres (Nikki) at nikkigarde@yahoo.com or 0917-667-1267.

September 19, 2006

Young Filipino poets from this side of the world
by Beverly W. Siy

Last August, my classmates in graduate classes and I organized a very important literary event in Sta. Cruz, Zambales: the 1st Mayor Luisito E. Marty Literary Arts Festival. It’s a four-day lecture workshop where selected high school students from six schools participated. The fest consisted of lectures, discussions, criticisms of literary works by the students, and individual conferences between the students and us, the facilitators.

It was conceived by no other than Mayor Luisito Marty himself. He believes in the value of the work and vision of creative writers and so, he has concocted this activity to hone the creative writing skills of various high school students from his hometown.

I taught indigenous forms of Tagalog poetry. Some students had difficulty with rhyme and meter but a lot of them were able to create simple and yet deliciously (as sweet as mangoes in Zambales!) beautiful poems with the given restrictions.

Now, it’s an understatement to say that I’m showing off but I’m really REALLY proud to present the poems written during the literary arts fest by the young Filipino poets of Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

DIONA
Ang diona ay isang katutubong anyo ng tula na binubuo ng pitong pantig kada taludtod, tatlong taludtod kada saknong at may isahang tugmaan.
(I asked the students to write a diona about any Zambales product.)

Ang butil na kaysarap,
Parang gintong kumislap,
Katapat nito’y ulap.

-Darlene Mayo

O, manggang sakdal tamis,
Lipos ka ng pag-ibig
Ng bayan ng Zambales.

-Analyn Alegonza

Hugis-puso na prutas
Ang naghandog ng galak
Kay Mariang masipag.

-Rachel Ebuenga

Ako ang ibigin mo.
Tawag sa aki’y tubo.
Tamis ang handog sa ’yo.

-Jayson Merced

Mangga ng Zambaleña,
Tikman mo’t may halina
Ang tamis ng pagsinta.

-Debbie Villanueva

Balat na kulay-dilaw,
Kulay-berde pag hilaw,
Panlasa’y mapupukaw!

-Mary Cathlyn Orgen

Ang mangga dito sa ‘min:
Marami, nakabitin
At masarap kainin!

-Julie Anne Villanueva

Ang mangga ng Zambales,
Walang makatitiis
Dahil napakatamis.

-Kim Aquino

TANAGA

Ang tanaga ay isang katutubong anyo ng tula na binubuo ng pitong pantig kada taludtod, apat na taludtod kada saknong na may isahang tugmaan.
(I asked the students to write a tanaga about love for country.)

Sa gubat na madawag,
Tala’y mababanaag.
Iyon ang tanging hangad,
Buhay ma’y igagawad.

-Bannie Pearl Mas

Tumayo ka nang tuwid,
Ang kamay ay sa dibdib.
Awitin, ating himig
Nang totoo sa tinig.

-Romualdo Verzosa, Jr.

Sa Muli Nating Pagkikita

Noong malayo ako,
Nasa kabilang dako,
Itong puso’t isip ko,
Bayan, para lang sa ’yo.

-Rachel Muyano

DALIT

Ang dalit ay isang katutubong anyo ng tula na binubuo ng walong pantig kada taludtod, apat na taludtod kada saknong at may isahang tugmaan.

(No theme for dalit-writing exercise.)

Tindi ni Amang

Nag-aral siyang pilit
Nang karangala’y makamit.
Buong buhay s’yang nagtiis.
Makapagtapos ang nais.

Ang pera niya’y tinipid,
Sa guro ay di sumipsip.
Markang mataas, nakamit:
Tagumpay nga ang kapalit.

-Zoren Mercurio

MALAYANG TALUDTURAN

(I asked the students to write a poem using words that they gave me when I was lecturing about rules in Tagalog poetry rhyme scheme.)

Bata pa lamang siya nang landas niya’y lumihis.
Pumunta siya sa kung saan ang pook ay liblib
Ngunit ang saya’y napalitan ng ligalig.
Napagtanto niyang siya’y gipit na gipit.
Damit niya lamang ang kanyang kipkip,
Maging ang bulsa niya’y sadyang said.
Doon niya nalamang sa paglalayas pala’y pera ang salik.
-Bannie Pearl Mas

Pighati

Bakit sa biyaya, tila ako’y salat?
Mga problema’y tila apoy na naglalagablab.
Puro kabiguan ay siyang namalas.
Buhay ko ngayo’y saan sasadsad?
Para itong nalugmok sa mataas na pagkalaglag.
Sana’y matikman ang matamis na halakhak
Kahit puso’y tila nilaplap.

-Mary Grace Menor

Kawawang Magsasaka

May isang magsasakang sinamsam ang lupa niyang sakahan.
Sa kalooban niya, daig pa ang nasupalpal.
Kaya’t sa kanyang pagkaasar,
di na napigil ang kanyang galaw.
Wala siyang nagawa kundi gumapang
at naisip na lang: magpatiwakal sa tulay.

-MC Kenneth Abella

September 19, 2006

The Akira's Nightmare Animation Scriptwriting Laboratory

The goal of this laboratory is to develop animators who can create their own materials. This workshop also seeks to develop animation "toon" writers/story editors (primetime or non primetime).

The Laboratory will start : Second Week of October

Fee : PhP 7,000.00 for 6 sessions
Schedule : 6 sessions ; 3hrs. per session
Saturdays and Sundays : 10am-1pm
(Katipunan Area, Quezon City, Philippines)

Basic Animation Writing

(Workshop Outline : 6 Sessions : 3hrs. per session)

I. Understanding the Animation Industry
II. Components: Animation Production
III. Types of Animation
IV. The Character Matrix
V. Building a Character
VI. Creating a Character
VIII. The Story Beats
IX. The Outline
X. The Script
XI. Components of the Script
XII. Writing In Terms of Types of Distribution
XIII. Concept, Presentation and Bible
XIV. Project Development
XV. How to Pitch
XVI. Steps in Promoting Your Product

For inquiries pls. email this address akiras_nightmare@yahoo.com
On Yahoo! Messenger: akiras_nightmare

Contact numbers
Landline: 6822404
Mobile: 09215081060

Look for Mhelchor. Registration ongoing.

Group Email Addresses

Related Link: http://akirasnightmare.blogspot.com/
Post message: akiras_nightmare@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: akiras_nightmare-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

September 12, 2006

Adarna House and AILAP Award 9 Barlaya Fellowships

Adarna House and the Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP) of the Ateneo de Manila University have awarded nine (9) fellowships for the 5th Barlaya Writing for Children Workshop to be held at the AILAP Conference Room, Kagawaran ng Filipino, Horacio de la Costa Hall, ADMU on September 14 and 15, 2006.

The nine writing fellows are Joshene Bersales, Catherine Bucu, Frederic Declaro, Edilberto Epalan, Rhandee Garlitos, Wilgrace Maglalang, Alice Mallari, Ella Orbiana, and Jeanette Patindol.

Joshene Bersales is an AB Literature (English) 2005 graduate of ADMU, and Frederic Declaro is a 1993 graduate of the Ateneo Law School.

Some speakers and members of the panel are distinguished writers and experts from the Ateneo--Dr. Honey Carandang, Ramon Sunico, Christine Bellen, and Edgar Samar.

September 12, 2006

Filmakers and documentarists needed in Guimaras

The 2006 International Coastal Cleanup is looking for filmmakers/ documentarists who are willing to lend their talents for free to this year's event by documenting it. Please contact Sasi Cosino at 09168943360.

Be a volunteer!

Join the 2006 International Coastal Cleanup rally concert on Sept. 12, Tuesday, 6pm onward at the Podium Chill area.

With live performances from Kadangyan, The Youth, Mano Mano, Lolita Carbon of ASIN, Join the Club, Flying Rat’s Ass, Einstein Chakras, Jacob, and other bands.

Visit the daylong underwater photo and film exhibit at the Lounge area, 2nd floor of The Podium.

The coastal cleanup is happening on Sept. 16, Saturday, at the Planet Dive Resort, Mabini, Batangas.

This year’s cleanup is brought to you by Glowingbasket Productions, Planet Dive Resort, International Marinelife Alliance, Center for Environmental Awareness and Education, The Podium, Rotary Club of Manila San Miguel District 3810, Greenpeace, San Miguel Beer and NU107.

September 12, 2006

Call for Submissions: Arabesques International Literary and Cultural Review and OV BOOKS

The *Arabesques International Literary and Cultural Review* is now accepting submissions for the October issue "*The New Romance*", November issue "*War and Politics*", December issue "*Colors*" and would be very happy to read and consider your contribution.

Arabesques which is published in Algeria and US emphasizes the deep importance of culture, civilisations dialogue and identity in contemporary writing. The journal is also open to all writers in English and welcomes international writers.

Arabesques is proud of its tradition of featuring the work of established and emerging international artists in its most current issue "*Identities*". Writers such as Bill Teitelbaum, Sheila Murphy, Joseph Farina, Gordon Massman, Brent Powers, Ross Clark, Cortney Bledsoe, Ron Savage, Thomas Aiello, Steve Mayoff, JA Tyler, Nick Bruno, David Taylor, Owen Elmore, Davide Trame, Socorro Venegas, Jai Clare and Gary Lehmann have all make the pages of this cultural anthology. But we also pride ourselves on our publication of new and up-and-coming writers, case in point in this recent book the talented Farrah Sarrafa and Zeina Hashem Beck. Lastly, TAR is dedicated to introducing non-english speaking voices to our audience through the translation of the french version of our journal.

READ | A Review of translations of Socorro Venegas by Toshiya Kamei
<http://arabesquespress.org/journal/node/192>

READ | Contemporary fiction from Thomas Aiello
<http://arabesquespress.org/journal/node/178> and *David Taylor*
<http://arabesquespress.org/journal/node/191>

READ | New poetry from Sheila Murphy.(US)
<http://arabesquespress.org/journal/node/189> and *Les Merton*(UK) <http://arabesquespress.org/journal/node/174>

For more details, see our web site at:
*http://www.arabesquespress.org/*

email: *submissions@arabesquespress.org*

***

OV BOOKS is considering short fiction for A Stranger Among Us, an anthology focusing on cross-cultural collisions/bonds Deadline: December 31.

SASE for response only. No E-mail submissions. Word limit: 8,000. Previously published pieces eligible.

OV Books, Dept. of English (MC 162), 601 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607

September 12, 2006

Workshop: Comedy Writing for TV

Comedy Writers' Television Workshop (CWTW)
(Level 1)

Coverage:

1 Comedy Writing: concept construction, development, and management (3 sessions)
2 Comedy Writing: script development and management (3 sessions)

Schedule:

Saturdays and Sundays
Time: 2-5 pm
Starts second week of October

Registration: on-going

For more info and registration scheds contact:

Mel Escarcha (09215081060/6822404) or Jhune Lauro Cainñaa (09208793237)

Workshop Fee: P 7,000
Early Registrants: P 6,000

Venue:

Future Prospects Gallery
62-63 Marikina Shoe Expo
Gen. Romulo Ave.
Cubao, QC

September 6, 2006

Call for One-Act Plays: Philippine PEN

The Philippine Center of International PEN is now accepting manuscripts for one-act plays in English by young playwrights 45 years old and below.

The works must be unpublished, may or may not have been performed by local and foreign theater groups and may or may not have been awarded in any national or university-wide literary competition. English translations of local works may be submitted provided these have permission from the original playwrights or are already considered as public property.

The works will be published as part of a four-volume collection of literary works to be released in 2007.

Address your manuscripts to:

Dr. Jose Victor Z. Torres (Editor)
Philippine Center of International PEN
531 Padre Faura Street, Ermita
Manila

or email at: philippinepen@yahoo.com

For inquiries, contact the Editor at 5273102 (weekdays only) or at 0917-9153508

Deadline is on December 31, 2006.

September 6, 2006

Palanca Winners Honored

The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature honored last September 1, 2006 this year’s winners of the country’s premier literary awards for its 56th edition.

Majority of the winners are university students, two winners are affiliated with the two leading networks, and one winner each from a local radio station and a national magazine.

More than half of the awardees are first-time winners.

The awarding ceremonies held yesterday at the Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City had National Artist for Literature Dr. Edith Lopez Tiempo as guest speaker.

Dr. Tiempo presently holds key positions that are geared towards the development of Philippine literature. She is the Executive Consultant and Head of the National Academic Review Board, CAP College – Dumaguete Office; English Professor in Silliman University; and Director of the National Summer Writers Workshop in Dumaguete City.

Dr. Tiempo herself won several Palanca awards: Tracts of Babylon and Other Poems, first prize, poetry in English, 1967; “The Black Monkey,” third prize, 1951, “The Dam,” second prize, 1955, and “Un Bel Di,” first prize in 1969, all in the short story in English category. Her novel, His Native Coast, won the grand prize in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Literary Contest in 1979, while her short stories “Chamber of the Sea,” 1955, and “The Dimensions of Fear,” 1959, both won first prizes in the Philippine Free Press Literary contest.

Established in 1950 to honor Don Carlos Palanca Sr., the awards aims to serve as an incentive for Filipino writers to craft their outstanding literary works; to serve as a repository of Filipino literary masterpieces, and dissemination to the public especially students.

This year’s Palanca awardees are:

Dulang Pampelikula
1st Place – Cenon O. Palomares (Kusina)
2nd Place – Jim Diamond M. Libiran (Tribu)
3rd Place – Carlos A. Arejola (Ang Mundo ay Iisa at Marami)

Dulang Pantelebisyon
1st Place – Rodolfo R. Lana Jr. (Milagroso)
2nd Place – Jose Dennis C. Teodosio (Pulo)
3rd Place – Bonifacio P. Ilagan (Negatibo)

Dulang Ganap ang Haba
1st Place – Ma. Josephine C. Barrios (Gabriela)
2nd Place – Timothy Dacanay (Teatro Porvenir)
3rd Place – Liza Magtoto (’Nay Isa)

Dulang May Isang Yugto
1st Place – Job A. Pagsibigan (The Palanca in My Mind)
2nd Place – Joel V. Almazan (Aba Ginoong Mag-asawa)
3rd Place – Christian U. Tordecillas (Dyip)

Sanaysay
1st Place – Rosario Torres - Yu (Batang Tundo)
2nd Place – Elyrah L. Salanga (Talambalay)
3rd Place – Ramon M. Bernardo (Alingawngaw ng mga Kuliglig, Kalansing ng mga Tansan)
Kabataan Sanaysay
1st Place – Wilminia J. Balon (Package)
2nd Place – Allan Jay. T. Allonar Jr. (Ang Pangako kay Asterz)
3rd Place – No Winner

Tula
1st Place – Rebecca T. Añonuevo (Sa Tanda ng Pagsisimula ng Buhay)
2nd Place – Maria Josephine C. Barrios (Salit-salitang mga Tula ng Pagsulyap, Pakikibaka at Paglingap)
3rd Place – Emmanuel V. Dumlao (Salamangka ng Santelmo)

Futuristic Fiction - Filipino
1st Place – Michael Francis C. Andrada (Tala-Huli / Huling Tala: Si Manong, Sa Dyip, Ang Drayber at Ako, Ako Lang Naman, Ang Kanyang Pasahero)
2nd Place – Enrique C. Villasis (De-Lata)
3rd Place – Vladimeir B. Gonzales (Lunes, Alas Diyes ng Umaga)

Maikling Kuwentong Pambata
1st Place – Bernadette V. Neri (Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin)
2nd Place – Maynard G. Manasala (Taguan-Pung)
3rd Place – Allan Alberto N. Derain (Ang Regalo ng Taong Ibon)

Maikling Kuwento
1st Place – Eros S. Atalia (Si Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino)
2nd Place – Kristian Sendon-Cordero (Langaw)
3rd Place – Edgar B. Maranan (Buwan at Lupa)

Maikling Kuwento – Cebuano
1st Place - Lamberto Ceballos (Ang Ungo sa San Pilar)
2nd Place – Richel G. Dorotan (Dayaspora)
3rd Place – Eleazar T. Acampado (Mata sa Bagyo)

Maikling Kuwento – Hiligaynon
1st Place – Leoncio P. Deriada (Duta para sa mga Iskolar sang Banwa)
2nd Place – Peter S. Nery (Ang Kapid)
3rd Place – Bryan Mari Argos (Sagal-i)

Maikling Kuwento – Iluko
1st Place – Bernardo D. Tabbada (Nabungon Iti Lawag)
2nd Place – Danilo B. Antalan (Tugot)
3rd Place – Arnold P. Jose (Ni Ina Baket Gimma, Ti Aso, ken Ti Atang)

English Division

Full-Length Play
1st Place – Glenn S. Mas (The Death of Memory)
2nd Place – Amelia L. Bonifacio (Chinchina and the Five Mountains)
3rd Place – Maria Clarissa Estuar (Ask Me Again When I’m Thirty)

One-Act Play
1st Place – Steven Prince C. Fernandez (Ming Ming)
2nd Place – Joachim Emilio B. Antonio (Gabrielle)
3rd Place – Nikki Alfar (Life After Beth)

Poetry
1st Place – Lawrence L. Ypil (The Highest Hiding Place)
2nd Place – Sid G. Hildawa (Building a House, and other Poems)
3rd Place – Raymundo T. Pandan Jr. (Illuminations and Sonorities)

Futuristic Fiction
1st Place – No Winner
2nd Place – Corinna Esperanza A. Nuqui (Suman)
3rd Place – Arturo Ilano (A Monumental Race)

Short Story
1st Place – Socorro Villanueva (Mahogany Water)
2nd Place – Myrza Sison (Sink or Swim)
3rd Place – Ma. Celeste Flores-Coscolluela (Trips)

Short Story for Children
1st Place – Ma. Celeste Flores-Coscolluela (Cut)
2nd Place – Grace D. Chong (Big Brother)
3rd Place – Dean Francis Alfar (How Rosang Taba Won a Race)

Essay
1st Place – Jose Edmundo O. Reyes (Fungibility, Dead Souls and OCWs)
2nd Place – Edgar B. Maranan (Hometown Stories and Footnotes to Childhood’s End)
3rd Place – Martin V. Villanueva (He’d Rather be Relevant)

Kabataan Essay
1st Place – Katrina G. Gomez (Restructuring Idealism)
2nd Place – Ryan Edward L. Chua (Home)
3rd Place – Hannah L. Co (Coming Home)

September 6, 2006

This year’s recipients of the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature were adjudged by the country’s leading literary personalities, the award sponsor Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. announced recently.

All of the judges hold key positions in institutions that promote the development of Philippine arts and literature.

Majority of the judges are members of the academe, national media organizations, publishing houses, and the performing arts, namely, movie, television, and theater.

The panel of judges includes:

FILIPINO DIVISION

DULANG PAMPELIKULA
Joel Lamangan
Mel Chionglo
Annette Gozon

DULANG PANTELEBISYON
Loida F. Viriña
Roy C. Iglesias
Rio Locsin

DULANG GANAP ANG HABA
Chris B. Millado
Arthur P. Casanova
Lito Casaje

DULANG MAY ISANG YUGTO
Manuel R. Buising
Sol Juvida
Anita M. Navarro

SANAYSAY
Lilia F. Antonio
Violeta A. Laraya
Arlene May Macapanpan

KABATAAN SANAYSAY
Pamela Constantino
Vina P. Paz
Vivencio M. Talegon, Jr.

TULA
Rogelio G. Mangahas
Nicolas B.Pichay
Luna Sicat-Cleto

FUTURISTIC FICTION
Eugene Y. Evasco
Galileo S. Zafra
Ronan Capinding

MAIKLING KUWENTONG PAMBATA
Luis P. Gatmaitan, MD.
Ani Rosa Almario
Heidi Emily E. Abad

MAIKLING KUWENTO
Herminio Beltran, Jr.
Glady E. Gimena
Marco A.V. Lopez

MAIKLING KUWENTO-CEBUANO
Belen Calingacion
Jaime An Lim
Edgar S. Godin

MAIKLING KUWENTO-HILIGAYNON
Isabel D. Sebullen
Ruby G. Alcantara
Nerio E. Jedeliz, Jr.

MAIKLING KUWENTO-ILUKO
Reynaldo A. Duque
Noemi U. Rosal
Ma. Leonida Fres-Felix

ENGLISH DIVISION

FULL-LENGTH PLAY
Behn Cervantes
Irma Adlawan-Marasigan
Ricky Davao

ONE-ACT PLAY
Floy Quintos
Pinky Amador
Joel Torre

POETRY
Ophelia A. Dimalanta
Ricardo de Ungria
Danton Remoto

FUTURISTIC FICTION
Ma. Milagros C. Laurel
Jose Neil Garcia
Khavn Dela Cruz

SHORT STORY
Gregorio C. Brillantes
Emily A. Abrera
Benjamin Bautista

SHORT STORY FOR CHILDREN
Ma. Elena P. Locsin
Ma. Teresa H. Madamba
Edizon A. Fermin

ESSAY
Bienvenido Lumbera
Conrado de Quiros
Lito Zulueta

KABATAAN ESSAY
Ma. Corazon R. Reyes
Helen Lopez
Jasmin E. Acuña

This year’s Palanca awardees were recently honored at the Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City.

Established in 1950 to honor Don Carlos Palanca Sr., the awards aims to help develop Philippine Literature for writers to craft their most outstanding literary work; and to be a treasury of the Philippines’ literary gems from our gifted writers; and to assist in its dissemination to the public, especially the students.

September 4, 2006

Finalists in 2006 Premio Tomas Arejola named
by Cora A. Arejola

Thirteen literary pieces and seven collections of poetry have been shortlisted for the 3rd Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon. This was announced by Carlo Arejola, managing director of the Arejola Foundation for Social Responsibility, the pioneering spirit behind Bicol’s premier literary prize.

Finalists

Novel

Introibo Ad Altare Dei, Carlos A. Ojeda, Naga City
Badas ni Satanas, Otello L. Santiano, Naga City

Poetry

Mga Rawit-dawit ni Padre Cabalquinto, Fr. Philip Francis R. Bersabe, Naga City
Karangahan, Jaime Jesus U. Borlagdan, Tabaco City, Albay,
Folio, Victor Dennis T. Nierva, San Fernando, Camarines Sur
Dios Marhay na Aldaw, Honesto M. Pesimo, Jr., Naga City
An Pirang Aram Ko Manonongod sa Saimong Ngirit, Edgar A. Ramores, Naga City
Sa Gapo kan Nakaagi, Jericho H. Rabadeo, Calabanga, Camarines Sur
Aripompon nin Kapapadayawan, by Otello L. Santiano

Short Story

Ibalong 2080, Estelito Baylon Jacob, Camaligan, Camarines Sur
Anghel sa Dalipay, Austin John M. Ortinero, Goa, Camarines Sur
Kolor Takla an Agaw-Diklom, Edgar A. Ramores, Naga City
Nagpalta an Dios, Otello L. Santiano, Naga City

Essay

Bingkay, Fr. Philip Francis R. Bersabe, Naga City
Pagkahalo-halo saka Hegemonikong Direksyon kana mga Rimang Pang-igin sa PNR Site, Siyudad nin Iriga, Jose Jason L. Chancoco, Iriga City
An Bikolano, Honesto M. Pesimo, Jr., Naga City
Paghuba sa Magayon, Adrian V. Remodo, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur.

Stories for Children

Sabi ni ‘Pay, Nestor R. Alagbate, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte
An Rosas sa Disyerto, by Jericho H. Rabadeo, Naga City

Authors of the said cited entries will each receive a framed Diploma of Merit in a gala awards night on September 12, this year, 7 p.m. at the Naga City Youth Center. The best entries, to be named in said occasion, will be awarded P2,500 and gold medallion. A grand prize winner shall then be chosen from among the said category winners, who shall then receive 10,000.00 and the Premio Tomas Arejola statuette.

To make the said contemporary Bikol writings available to the reading public, the cited entries will be posted at http://www.oragonrepublic.com. starting Sept. 1, as part of the Premio para sa Parabasa, a readership prize aimed at meaningfully involving the public by making available for their critical appraisal the best entries submitted to the Premio. Three literary criticisms will be chosen to receive a writing fellowship to 4th Juliana Arejola-Fajardo Workshop sa Pagsurat-Bikol and other prizes. Please email info@oragonrepublic.com for more information.

Apart from the Premio Tomas and the Juliana Arejola-Fajardo Workshop sa Pagsurat Bikol, the Arejola Foundation for Social Responsibility also spearheads the Aldaw ni Ludovico outreach program in Minalabac, which commemorates the 1900 ascension of Gen. Loduvico Arejola as over-all commander of Ambos Camarines and Catanduanes during the Filipino-American War. The literary prize is named in honor of a patriot, writer and leading member of the Propaganda Movement, and is co-sponored by the Naga City Government and the Raul S. Roco Library this year. (www.bicolmail.com)

September 4, 2006

List of Winners of the 56th Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards

Short Story

First Prize: Socorro Villanueva, “Mahogany Water”
Second Prize: Myrza Sison, “Sink or Swim”
Third Prize: Maria Celeste Flores-Coscolluela, “Trips”

Maikling Kuwento

Unang Gantimpala: Eros S. Atalia, “Si Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino”
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Kristian Sendon-Cordero, “Langaw”
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Edgar B. Maranan, “Buwan at Lupa”

Poetry

First Prize: Lawrence L. Ypil, “The Highest Hiding Place”
Second Prize: Sid Gomez Hildawa, “Building a House and Other Poems”
Third Prize: Raymundo T. Pandan Jr., “Illuminations and Sonorities”

Tula

Unang Gantimpala: Rebecca T. Añonuevo, “Sa Tanda ng Pagsisimula ng Buhay”
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Maria Josephine C. Barrios, “Salit-salitang mga Tula ng Pagsulyap, Pakikibaka at Paglingap”
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Emmanuel V. Dumlao, “Salamangka ng Santelmo”

Read the full list of winners here.

September 4, 2006

Call for Submissions: Philippine Genre Stories

We are looking for a few good stories.

Ones that catch a reader’s attention and captivate them so much that they lose sense of time and place in the real world because you, the writer, have drawn them to other times and places, ones of your own creation.

We are a small publishing firm based in Manila, Philippines, and we hope to receive quality stories with something about the Philippines in them. The stories could be set somewhere on any of the archipelago’s 7,100 islands (give or take a few—is it high tide, or low tide?). Or they could be set anywhere else: in another country (real or imagined), in another time, under the sea, in a haunted house, on a plane, on the moon, in outer space,…but they should have something about the Philippine culture or people woven into them.

Don’t settle for writing a story and then throwing in a Filipino character or reference and then submit it to us. Don’t put in sentences like “The man gagged but swallowed the balut, the half-formed duck delicacy from the Philippines. It was either that or go hungry.” and then continue with your story, forgetting about the Philippines the rest of the way, forgetting even to explain why there is a balut in the story, and then sending it to us.

Please, no. Use more skill in writing your story than that. Anybody can do that!

This does not mean we will only accept contributions from Filipino writers. We are looking for good stories, Well-written ones, in fact. As far as we know, good stories can be told by anyone no matter who you are. Maybe you are not from the Philippines, but your forebears are. Or maybe you met a Filipino who made an impression on you. Or maybe you visited the Philippines once-upon-a-time in your life and something about someplace or someone you encountered from here has found occupancy in your memory.

Another thing.

We are looking for genre stories. Fantasy, science-fiction, speculative, crime, mystery, detective, horror, suspense. You can write and submit a very commercial, action-packed, plot-driven story, or a light, funny, and humorous one, or a very moody, artsy tale packed with lyrical prose and a lot of characterization, symbolism, irony, and what have you. Just make sure your story will fall into any of the above genres. And make them good and well-written. We can’t say that enough.

And keep the gore and sex and other touchy stuff to a tolerable level. We know tolerance can be relative, so we have some advice. Pretend you have a teenaged kid. Now pretend you’re taking him or her to a movie. You know he doesn’t like to watch cutesy, kiddie movies anymore, and you know you don’t want him to watch bloody beheadings or barenaked butts and boobies. So you scan the movie list and look for a good film, thinking “Rated PG”, not “Rated R” or “Rated GP”. There. There’s one. You find the right film and that’s the one you watch. You and your teenager are happy. Write a story that falls under that.

We are committed to finding really good and well-written stories (See? We mentioned it again), but we admit that we are just a small publishing firm with an idea (and a hope and a prayer) to grow the readership for Philippine genre stories. So we can’t pay much. A mere pittance, really. Just the contributor’s copy and eight centavos a word. That’s eight centavos, not cents, so the conversion goes to Philippine pesos, not dollars, okay? It’s not much, we know, but we are willing to try out this venture anyway, and we hope that you are writing not just for the money but also for the joy of writing (and seeing your name in the byline). Who knows? If this idea works and the collections sell well, we may be able to pay you more for your stories in future releases. Hope is a good thing.

Some other details: there’s a 6,000 word ceiling but don’t go below 2,500 words. You have to be open to any advice or editing from us. Hopefully, we can come to an agreement to the direction your story will take if any issues come up.

Send files only in Rich Text Format, so we can avoid spreading those nasty viruses that plague our world wide web; double-space your work; and use common fonts like Courier, Arial, Helvetica, or Times Roman.

Don’t forget the cover letter: describe your story briefly, and describe yourself briefly too (but don’t give us your whole life, okay?). Let us know your contact information (any two of the following will do: email address, cellphone number, landline, address).

As of now we can only accept submissions in English. Maybe that will change in the future and we can take in work written in Filipino, but as of now, only stories in English, please. We also can’t acknowledge, reply, or critique what you send in because there are only so many hours in a day and we’re going to use those hours to get these story collections out as fast and as well-printed as we can, but rest assured that if you meet our guidelines, your work will be read and treated as objectively as possible. If your story is chosen for publication, we’ll be getting in touch with you, surely!

We are planning to release the best of the stories we receive in short collections sometime before New Year’s Day, 2007 (for this timeline, we’re keeping our fingers crossed, and so should you, because this will depend on the quality of what gets sent to us).

Thanks very much for taking the time to read this. We’re looking forward to reading your work.

If you’re sending in a fantasy or science-fiction story, send it to: pdofsf@yahoo.com

If you’re sending in a crime or mystery story, send it to: pdocrmy@yahoo.com

If you’re sending in a horror or suspense story, send it to: pdohs@yahoo.com

Summary of Submission Guidelines

Stories must be in English
2,500 to 6,000 words
Rich Text Format (RTF) files only
Cover letter (brief description of your story and yourself)
Your contact details (email address, landline, cellphone number, address)
Use only common fonts (Courier, Arial, Helvetica, Times Roman)
Double space your work

http://philippinegenrestories.blogspot.com/

September 4, 2006

Bagong Akda: Futuristic Mariposa at Iba Pang Akda

FUTURISTIC MARIPOSA AT IBA PANG AKDA
ni HONEY PIE MANIEGO

In Filipino and English
5.5 x 8 1/2 inches
102 pages
2006
PhP75.00

Isang koleksyon ng 60 mga tula, kuwento at sanaysay na nalikha mula 1995 hanggang 2000.

Sinasalamin nito ang buhay-Perpetualista (o pagiging estudyante ng University of Perpetual Help System campus sa Binan, Laguna o UPHSL), ang "metamorposis" ng manunulat noong dekada nobenta at pagninilay-nilay sa usapin ng pagkakaibigan, kabiguan, libog, pag-ibig, pangarap, pananalig at pakikisangkot.

Sa UPHSL unang pumalaot ang may-akda sa mundo ng malikhaing pagsulat. Ilang akda niya'y lumabas sa mga publikasyong UPHSL Gazette, www.tinig.com at Indymedia-QC; at sa mga antolohiya gaya ng Banaag Literary Journal, 40: Mga Tulang Alay sa mga Martir na Kabataan, GradWait, Tugma sa Laya at Makata (international poetry journal). Siya ang may-akda ng blog na Students' Struggle.

Ayon kay Honey: "Alay ko ang aklat na ito sa maraming kabataang patuloy na nakikipagsapalaran para makawala sa kahon, at sa ilang unsung heroes na pumili ng landas na bihirang tahakin."

Makabuluhan at walang katulad ang aklat na ito sa mga taga-UPHSL. Para sa mga alumni, ito'y hindi lang pinto ng alaala. Para sa mga estudyante, ito'y higit pa sa bakas ng kasaysayan. Para sa iba, ito'y naiibang karanasan.

Para sa mga order at katanungan, magtext o tumawag sa 0906-457-8244

September 4, 2006

Writers, artists unite for Guimaras.

Check out www.saveguimaras.wordpress.com for announcements. Feel free to post thoughts. Copy of the petition to save guimaras is also available.

The international community is ignoring the Guimaras tragedy. CNN and BBC only covered it for five days, a short attention span for something as tragic as this. 40,000 individuals are affected and it would take years for Guimaras to recuperate. Therefore, like indie cinema, we also have to go UNDERGROUND, and use online tools/digital tools to campaign for awareness.

1. Write articles, post entries in your blogs about Guimaras. (Share it with us at saveguimaras.wordpress.com)

2. Write to editors of news portals like CNN and BBC, International Herald Tribune etc. The editors now have their own blog pages. We will provide all these addresses in the future.

3. Filmmakers = create your own videos, post them at youtube.com and let us know so we can post them at our blog. Photographers, create your album of fotos at flickr and send us the url/rss feed.

4. Submit a statement from your group, include photos that says, Save Guimaras.

5. Sign the Petition.

September 2, 2006

Essay Contest on Latin America

Contest Rules and Regulations:

A. Eligibility

This contest is open to all college undergraduate students of the member schools of PACLAS who are not yet professional writers. The member school are the University of the Philippines, University of Asia and the Pacific, University of the East, University of Sto. Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University System.

B. Division

The contest are divided into three categories:

1. College

a. Essay in Filipino
b. Essay in English
c. Essay in Spanish

C. Theme and Content

1. The essay must be original, unpublished either in print or online, and shall be written within 12-15 pages. It shall be doubled-spaced, Font 12.

2.The theme of the contest in all language categories is “Why Filipino and Latin American Friendship matters today.”

D. Prizes.

In each language category they are three prizes.

1st prize: PhP 7, 500
2nd prize: PhP 5,000
3rd prize: PhP 2,500

E. Submission

1. Only one entry per person will be accepted. Moreover, a contestant can enter only one language category.

2. Entries will be accepted from 4 September noontime is the deadline. The entry must be submitted in person to the Office of the International Programs, RM. 213, Bellarmine Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Katipunan Rd., Q.C. Tel. 426-5907, or 426-2006, ext 4037 or 4038.

3. Entries must be typewritten in an 8.5 by 11 bond paper in Font 12 of any of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Arial, Tahoma.

4. Entries accepted by the committee may be withdrawn anytime, but cannot be reentered.

5. Entries can be accepted only after submitting an ENTRY FORM that has been properly filled up and has been notarized for their authenticity, their originality, their authorship and their being free from infringement upon the right of any third parties.

6. To ensure fairness, the essay should be submitted with only the title plus a number code that will be given by the organizing committee at the Office of the International Programs of the Ateneo de Manila. The Author’s name plus the assigned number code and the title will be written in an entry form that will be submitted in a separate envelope.

F. Criteria in Judging the Contest

1. Entries will be selected according to the following criteria:

a. Originality any substance: 40%
b. Relevance of the materials to the theme: 30%
c. Style and grammar: 30%

2. The board of judges reserves the right not to ward a prize or any prizes if the entries do not meet their criteria.

G. Others

1. The winning entries will be announced during the PACLAS’ Noche Latina on Friday, September 8, at 6 pm- 9pm at the Roof deck, MVP Student Leadership Center at the College Campus, Ateneo de Manila University.

2. PACLAS reserves the right of first publication of the winning entries.

September 2, 2006

Sining Galing! At PETA

You can still be part of the very first non-summer theater and arts classes to be held at the PETA Theater Center open to Filipino participants!

Sessions will begin this September and will end with performance showcases in November. Enrollment is still going on for the following courses.

For Inquiries, please contact the secretariat at 7256244, 7226911, 4100822, 09175609917 and look for Ian Segarra.

You may also visit us at the PETA THEATER CENTER, No. 5 Sunnyside Drive, Bgy. Kristong Hari, Quezon City or email us at: peta_theaterschool@ yahoo.com. ph. Or go to our website: www.petatheater. com

September 2, 2006

San Agustin calls for poems to help save Guimaras

THE Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Institute at the Coordinating Center for Research and Publications of the University of San Agustin is calling all writers to submit poems to help save the islands of Guimaras province from the oil spill.

Poems celebrating and lamenting the beauty of the beaches and the seas around Guimaras, and other sea wonders in the Philippines will be accepted to form an anthology with the working title, Poems for Guimaras, to be published by the University of San Agustin Publishing House. The poems may be written in English, Filipino, or any of the Philippine languages. Poems in the vernacular must be accompanied with English or Filipino translation. The anthology will be edited by award-winning poet John Iremil E. Teodoro. He will be assisted by a board of referees made up of nationally-acclaimed poets.

Submissions may be e-mailed to libroagustino@usa.edu.ph or iremil@usa.edu.ph. Manuscripts may also be sent to the anthology editor at UCRP, University of San Agustin, General Luna St., 5000 Iloilo City, Philippines. The deadline for submission is on January 15, 2007. The book will be launched in Naoway Island, Guimaras in April 2007. The royalties will go to the rehabilitation of the Guimaras province from the disastrous effects of the tragic oil spill.

The Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Institute is the only center of creative writing in the Visayas. It organizes the San Agustin Writers Workshop every summer, gives the annual Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Grants to Western Visayan writers, sponsors the yearly Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Lecture, and publishes the multi-lingual SanAg Literary Journal every November.

For inquiries please call:
Mr. John Iremil E. Teodoro
(033) 337-7716

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