May 26, 2008

New Book on Philippine Australian Identity

Sydney-based Manila Prints Publishing releases a new book on Filipino Australian identity, showcasing fifteen short stories that explore themes of growing up Filipino, re-growing up Filipino-Australian, circumcision, schoolyard bullying, growing up Catholic, intercultural marriage, racism, social justice, war and Filipino food.

Many of the characters are children, observing and challenging stereotypes and ideological positions that have been normalised in our society.

"Is God really white?" asks one of Cabucos' child characters, with no adequate response forthcoming from the Filipino priest under question.

"It is a book that you can relate to as a Filipino and as an Australian. The stories have been woven into a world of two cultures which may be a very good tool for Literacy, SOSE, Anthropology teaching and learning in Australia," says Myrla Prianes, a Brisbane-based teacher and a community leader.

Casting a racist slur over our immigrant neighbour's smelly food is represented in one of the stories, laying bare themes of racial snobbery, prejudice and persecution of those who dare to be different.

”I love the ‘reality’ and immediacy of the style, the use of language, and the way a sense of place is created. The stories are beautifully structured - a real joy to read. So alive, touching and funny,” says Judith Cheyne, Director of ‘E-lucidate Web and Print Communications’ in Brisbane.

Cabucos is a teacher of secondary English in Brisbane and when not teaching, he writes short fiction which find their ways in various anthologies and publications including 'The Philippine Graphic Magazine and the Philippines Free Press."

"My stories are a reminder not to accept everything at face value," Cabucos said.

‘The stories are about relationships: relationships between father and son, mother and daughter, Muslim and Catholic. Cabucos deals with some very complex issues in this book and he never tries to paint anything as all black or all white…. funny and tragic at the same time,' says Pippa Kay, Author of ‘Doubt and Conviction: The Kalajzich Inquiry’, Sydney.

Coral Hartley, the publishing editor of ‘The Write Angle Magazine’ in Brisbane read 'The Bleached Hills of Cotabato' short story from the collection and comments that it is 'meaty, different and topical'.

‘What I like most about the stories of Erwin Cabucos are his characters who, even when they are in Australia, are Filipino through and through. They are touching in their simplicity and tenacity to improve their lot. [They] treasure the notion of the Family," comments Cecilia Brainard, author of ‘When the Rainbow Goddess Wept’, University of Michigan Press, USA.

‘Cabucos' stories … are well grounded in contemporary history, so that after reading his work, one has a better understanding of the Filipino-Australian experience, and of Filipino experience in Muslim Mindanao,’ Brainard adds.

The stories offer insights and humour for young adult and adult readers.

I would like to see this book gain wide coverage in Australia with a place on High School reading lists,' says Joye Alit of Wordit, Australia.

English Teachers Association of Queensland (ETAQ) President Garry Collins will launch the book on Saturday 7 June 2008 at the Brisbane Square Library, Brisbane, Australia from 12:30PM. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

Green Blood and Other Stories, ISBN 978-0-9804827-0-6 is now available in the Philippines for P320.00 plus postage and handling through Manila Prints Philippines, 42 Hernandez Street, Chrysanthemum Village, San Pedro, Laguna, Telephone: 02 8682 212, or email renperdoni@hotmail.com

Cabucos may be interviewed on erwincabucos@yahoo.com.au. See author’s site on http://erwincabucos.blogspot.com.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

May 6, 2008

Ongpin Stories launched

Ongpin Stories by R. Kwan Laurel is a collection of stories that deals with the Chinese in the Philippines and Chinese Filipinos before they were stereotyped as wealthy businessmen. These stories show the effects of global forces on the lives of simple people who want to live in dignity amidst racism, poverty, and persecution.

In the blurb at the back of the book, the late National Artist, NVM Gonzalez in a letter to the author expressed his hope and estimation of the stories: “I hope you have pursued your Ongpin story as far as it can go. I know you are on track and need only to go on. Ongpin lives in these stories.”

Underneath the comic and painful situations of characters with names like Washington Dee See and Thomas Jefferson Go, we read about how generations sacrificed their lives for the hope of a better future, how identities are formed in the crucible of historic national and international anxieties, and how the present generation who are reaping the fruits of immigrant sacrifices may have too easily forgotten what it means to be children of the diaspora.

The book is published by Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, Inc. R. Kwan Laurel earned his doctorate in English Studies (Creative Writing) from the University of the Philippines.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

May 4, 2008

Spooky Stories

Milflores Publishing, Inc. has recently released Spooky Mo: Horror Stories, a collection of scary short stories in English by Marivi Soliven Blanco.

The nine stories in the book are all truly horrific and unpredictable because they are so imaginative. They feature the Seven Deadly Sins that we were all warned against when we were young—Pride, Envy, Anger, Avarice, Sloth, Gluttony, and Lust. The sins are committed in tandem by the characters in most of the stories, causing an eighth sin—revenge—and endings that provide the reader with a gleeful shock.

Most of the stories portray ghouls from Filipino folklore, from the cheeky “Manananggrrrl,” to the duwendes in “Child’s Play,” and the sawa of the urban legend in “Consumption”. One tale features the vagina dentata myth that recurs in several South American cultures through a Japayuki character. They are all fast-paced, satisfying reads.

Marivi Soliven Blanco won the first prize in the 1998 Philippines Free Press short story awards. Her collection of funny essays on immigrant life, Suddenly Stateside, is a bestseller. She has authored books on pregnancy, on living life as a single female, and a number of books for children, two of which won Palanca awards.

The eye-catching cover was designed by Blooey Singson, and the layout was by Zeny Ebalan.

Spooky Mo: Horror Stories is available at all National Book Stores, PowerBooks, Books for Less and other major book stores at P260 per copy.

Call 721-6431, E-mail: milflores@pldtdsl.net, or visit the Milflores website at milfloresonline.blogspot.com

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

March 11, 2008

Milflores Publishing releases new modern tale collection

Milflores Publishing’s latest release is a collection of modern wonder tales titled Tales of Fantasy and Enchantment.

Edited by prizewinning fictionist and essayist Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, the book brings together some of the most gifted young Filipino writers, in what the editor describes as “the more interesting performances of the modern tale in the country today.” They include modern fairy tales, reworked folk tales, refashioned legends, ghost stories, gothic tales, horror stories, futuristic fiction and fan fiction. The best part of the collection is that many of the stories are not just scary or marvelous, but funny.

Many of the contributing authors are familiar names. Vicente Garcia Groyon and FH Batacan are winners of the Carlos Palanca Grand Prize for the Novel. Prizewinning writers Dean Francis Alfar and Nikki Alfar edit the celebrated Philippine Speculative Fiction series. Marivi Soliven Blanco is the author of several best-selling Milflores essay collections. Tara FT Sering started Philippine chick lit. Ma. Romina M. Gonzalez, Cyan Abad-Jugo, Ian Rosales Casocot, Karl de Mesa, and Anna Sanchez have all published fiction collections and won their share of awards. Emil Flores, Gizela M. Gonzalez, Bj A. Patiño, Jose Claudio B. Guerrero, Natasha B. Gamalinda, Andrea L. Peterson, Carljoe Javier and Samantha Echavez have been published in other books and magazines, both local and foreign.

Most of these authors are UP alumni. Like the editor, Emil Flores, Butch Guerrero and Anna Sanchez are also teaching in the Dept. of English and Comparative Literature of the UP Diliman College of Arts and Letters. Guerrero is also deputy director of the UP Press. The rest were writing fellows in the UP National Writers’ Workshop conducted every year by the UP Institute of Creative Writing.

“These are contemporary fables which weave old legends and wonder tales with the new myths growing out of today’s popular culture,” says Hidalgo, who began writing and publishing her own modern tales in the early 90s with Tales for a Rainy Night and Where Only the Moon Rages.

The book’s cover design is by Mary Mariel P. Singson.

Tales of Enchantment and Fantasy sells for P350 in all National Bookstore and Powerbook branches, the UP Press Bookstore, Popular Bookstore, La Solidaridad, and Books for Less. Interested parties may also email milflores@pldtdsl.net or call 7216431.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

February 16, 2008

Poetry reading and book launch for National Arts Month, Panagbenga festival in Baguio

The National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) spearheads the celebration of National Arts Month in February, which is also the month of Panagbenga, the annual flower festival in Baguio City . Baguio poets and creative writers will celebrate National Arts Month and Panagbenga with a poetry reading and book launch on February 20 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the University of the Philippines Baguio. Among the readers slated to read their poems are Baguio Writers Group members Elizabeth Lolarga, Jimmy Agpalo, Francis Macansantos, Merci Dulawan, Elizabeth Calinawagan and Priscilla Supnet Macansantos.

The program will include readings by young writers belonging to the group Ubbug, a group of young Cordillera Writers. The Ubbug writers include Junley Lazaga and Janice Bagawi, also of UP Baguio The writers will read their own works in Filipino, English and Iloko. Francis Macansantos' book, Womb of Water, Breasts of Earth, will also be launched during the February 20 program. The book is Macansantos' 2003 NCCA Writers' Prize output for the epic poetry category.

The reading starts at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Co-sponsoring with NCCA is the UP Baguio Committee on Culture and the Arts. The poetry reading and book launch are included in the line-up of activities for Panagbenga and National Arts Month.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

February 16, 2008

Cordero launches new book of poetry

In a simple ceremony held in Ateneo de Naga University last January 31, 2008, Bikol poet Kristian Sendon Cordero launched his third collection of poems entitled Pusuanon: Mga Bersong Bikol published by Goldprint Publishing House, a local publishing house in Naga City .

In attendance where students, faculty members, booklovers and writer-friends of Cordero who at the young age of 24 has garnered local and national awards including the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, Homelife Poetry Contest, Premio Tomas Arejola Para Sa Literaturang Bikolnon, Sawikaan: Salita ng Taon and the Madrigal Gonzales Best First Book Award in 2006 for his debut collection, Mga Tulang Tulalang: Piling Tula sa Filipino, Bikol at Rinconada published in 2004. He was also the recipient of Melchor Villanueva Centennial Awards for Bikol Literature.

Luis Cabalquinto, a Bikol writer now based in New York described Cordero as one of the bright lights of the recent Bikolnon writing renaissance. He described Cordero's poems as intimate sketches and portraits of the people and land of his birth and the poet does this with a confident hand, cool detachment and, very often, with tongue-in-cheek humor. Fully in command of his material, Cordero's poetic diction deftly fuses real and surreal elements to elicit from the thoughtful reader not only high amusement but also deep understanding.

Mature for his age, Cordero surprises us with his poetic invention, his audacious use of the Bikol language in this new volume of Bikol poems. Pusuanon carries the English translations of Marne L. Kilates and H. Francisco V. Peñones Jr. For more information and book orders please text 09175012287 or leave a message to www.santigwar.blogspot.com.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

February 6, 2008

Malate Folio launch

Everyone is invited to Malate Literary Folio's Second Issue Book Launch, a night of art, performances, poetry, and music. This will be on Feb. 1, 2008 (Friday), 7:30pm at Big Sky Mind, 66 Dona J. Rodriguez St. cor. E. Rodriguez Ave, QC

The launch will feature performances, bands, readings, and an open mic session. Free admission and free beer awaits so bring friends.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

January 13, 2008

Lesbian anthology to be launched

There has long been a clamor for published lesbian literature and art whispered among us. "Where are the lesbians?" friends from all over the country ask. Well, here they are. And it is long overdue.

"People are saying that lesbians in the Philippines need to be more 'out there', meaning be more represented in the media and claim a space for themselves," says one Lunduyan ng Sining core member. "To a certain extent, we agree."

By establishing the organization, Lunduyan ng Sining hopes that this problem will be resolved. "It is extremely exciting! We have never seen so much lesbian work rush in. Now that they have a venue to showcase their talents to an audience who can relate, there's no stopping them."

It is very exciting indeed. Last year, Lunduyan ng Sining held three successful events specifically for this cause. The affairs successfully catapulted underground lesbian bands, performers, photographers, artists, writers, poetry-readers and film makers to be known to a wider audience. "There is so much potential," one LNS member quickly follows-up. "We have so much projects ahead of us, we don't know where to start."

But apparently, they have started a cult following, which led to their very first project. What These Hands Can Do, the Lunduyan ng Sining Lesbian Literary and Art Folio, is a compilation of some of the best lesbian written and artistic works collated by the tireless LNS members. The folio is unpretentious and baring- it features stories of love and lesbian life from high school students to single mothers to 2-time Palanca winners. "We wanted people who read the book to see life through different lesbian eyes. We want to show that we go through the same struggles as heterosexual people do, and we have the same talents and skills and capabilities, maybe even more."

What These Hands Can Do will be launched by Lunduyan ng Sining in partnership with RADAR Pridewear on February 8, 2008 at A-Venue , Sct., Tuazon cor. Timog, Quezon City, 7 PM. The launch will feature explosive raffles, games, prizes, performances and a dance party. Copies of the book will be for sale. Guests can witness and experience this once-in-a-lifetime milestone in Philippine lesbian efforts for a minimal fee of Php200 inclusive of one free drink.

They are also pre-selling the book for a discounted price of Php230 (regular price is Php250) and a book-and-launch package of Php380 (regular price is Php450). For more information, visit their website at lunduyanngsining.multiply.com, or send them an email at lunduyanngsining@gmail.com.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

January 3, 2008

New Bikol poetry book launched

Antisipasyon asin iba pang mga rawitdawit sa Bikol asin Ingles (Anticipation and other poems in Bikol and English), a new collection of poems by Vox Bikol columnist and Ateneo de Naga faculty member Victor Dennis T. Nierva was launched on December 20, 2007 at the Instructional Media Center of the Ateneo de Naga University.

The launch was punctuated by readings of poems from the collection by the likes of Dr. Paz Verdades M. Santos, the foremost critic of Bikol literature, who read the title poem "Antisipasyon." Other readers were Dr. Ronald Elicay, Prof. Adonis Rugeria, Prof. Jose Federico Lagdameo, Mr. Noli Ayo, and several creative writing students of Ateneo de Naga.

Bikolano poets H. Francisco V. Peñones, Jr. and Kristian S. Cordero meanwhile read their reviews of Antisipasyon during the launch. Peñones praised Nierva's "characteristic silent footprints" throughout the collection, while Cordero called the collection a "sensitive and heartfelt examination of (Nierva's) own Bikol; neglected, lost, and exploited."

Antisipasyon is a collection of sixty-seven poems in Bikol with translations in English by the author and other noted Bikolano poets such as Marne L. Kilates and Frank Peñones Jr.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

December 14, 2007

UP ICW launches LIKHAAN Journal 2007
by Arvin Abejo Mangohig

To commemorate the University of the Philippines Centennial, the UP Institute of Creative Writing has launched the LIKHAAN: The Journal of Philippine Contemporary Literature. Asserts editor Dr. Jose Dalisay Jr.: "(N)o Philippine university has produced as splendid, as significant, and as sustained a crop of literary work and talent as the University of the Philippines ."

The journal was launched at the Writers Night last December 8. UP Chancellor Sergio Cao, one of the individuals who made the journal possible, and National Artist Virgilio Almario were on hand to receive the first copies from Dr. Dalisay.

The volume, containing works in Filipino and English, features fiction from Alwin Aguirre, Mayette Bayuga, Catherine Bucu, Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio, Charlson Ong and Socorro Villanueva; poetry from Raymond de Borja, Mikael de Lara Co, Francis Arias Montesena and Joel Toledo; essays by Gemino Abad, Exie Abola and Reuel Molina Aguila; a photo essay by Vim Nadera, drama from Rene O. Villanueva and an interview of National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera.

The LIKHAAN Journal is available for P250.00 at the UP ICW and at UP Press Bookstores.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

November 23, 2007

Villafania's poetry book launched

The latest Pangasinan collection of poems by Santiago B. Villafania was launched at Urdaneta City on Friday, November 9.

Malagilion: Sonnets tan Villanelles is Villafania’s second collection of poems in Pangasinan language which was launched shortly after the 2-day Conference on “Revitalizing the Pangasinan Language and Cultural Heritage” held at the Urdaneta City Sports and Cultural Center last November 8-9, 2007.

The 390-page book includes some 300 sonnets and 50 villanelles, published through grants from the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) and Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) under the helm of Dr. Jose Paulo E. Campos.

KWF Chair Dr. Ricardo Ma. Duran Nolasco and UP Professor Dr. Ma. Crisanta Nelmida-Flores wrote the preface and the introduction to the book, respectively. Dr. Cirilo F. Bautista, Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D. Nadera Jr., Aurelio S. Agcaoili, Kristian S. Cordero, Jose Jason L. Chancoco, Christopher Q. Gozum, Jaime P. Lucas, Leonarda “Amor Cico” Carrera, Sergio A. Bumadilla and Melchor E. Orpilla contributed their respective blurbs.

Multi-award winning poet Cirilo F. Bautista says: “Villafania is the leading poet of his generation in Pangasinan today.” Villafania is currently a senior web developer/designer in Emilio Aguinaldo College – Manila. He lovingly maintains the site www.dalityapi.com.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

October 17, 2009

Mannahatta Mahal: poet expat's latest opus from UP Press

The University of the Philippines Press is proud to release award-winning poet Luis Cabalquinto's latest book of poetry.

Entitled Mannahatta Mahal: Collected Expatriate Poems, the collection boasts of 77 poems describing New York life as livid, lucid, lively, sometimes lonely, and, more importantly, larger than life—as seen through the poetic lenses of a Filipino living and working in the Big Apple.

A poem entitled "September Eleven" decidedly marks the start of the poet's latest inner and outer journeys, and eventually goes within and beyond that important event in any New Yorker's life. Here, we see Cabalquinto zoom in on the details of the streets, the people, the stores, the arts, the surroundings, even the birds and bugs that most take for granted on a busy day or active night. But as he points to these things, he pulls out to reveal meditations, ruminations and spirited thoughts about these observations. While there seems to be a default disconnection associated with life in New York, Cabalquinto is quick to point out its opposite, as he tells us of small pleasures one gets from the seemingly simple or mundane that fuels the fires of the soul, such as experiencing an outdoor classical music concert or quick restaurant meetings with dear old friends one has not seen for the longest time.

As another award-winning poet, UP College of Arts and Letters professor emeritus Gemino Abad, says of the collection, "With Cabalquinto, we enter the very heartland of poetry, its revels and revelations—there, a steady hand on the pulse of language, poise and vibrancy of expression, a clear-eyed venture into the heart's secret wagers, a maturity of insight touched at times with humor and tenderness."

Born in Magarao, Camarines Sur on January 31, 1935, Cabalquinto earned his BA in Communication at UP Diliman. He pursued further communication studies in Cornell University at Ithaca, New York under a Fulbright-Hays grant in 1968. It was in Cornell where he immersed himself fully in the world of poetry and fiction writing under the tutelage of notable literary writers. Cabalquinto was encouraged to focus on poetry when small press journals in the US began publishing his work. He also received multiple writing fellowships and awards such as the New York University Academy of American Poets poetry prize and the New York Foundation for the Arts fellowship award in poetry.

Since then, Cabalquinto's works have appeared in local and international publications such as Caracoa, Philippines Free Press, Philippine Graphic, Manoa, Asiaweek, and American Poetry Review, to name a few. He has been published in the U.S., Australia, Hong Kong, France and even in the Czech Republic.

Mannahatta Mahal adds to Cabalquinto's already impressive list of books which include The Dog-eater and Other Poems (1989), The Ibalon Collection (1990), Dreamwanderer (1991), Bridgeable Shores (2001) and Moon Over Magarao (2003).

In 2006, Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) awarded Cabalquinto the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas for poetry. According to UMPIL, the award is given to "living Filipino writers who have contributed outstanding works in any language currently used in the Philippines and who have dedicated their lives and talents to the development, propagation and promotion of any Philippine literature."

Indeed, with Mannahatta Mahal, the UP Press continues to support outstanding works by writers like Cabalquinto in its mandate of championing talented Filipino artists.

Manahatta Mahal is available in the Philippines at the University of the Philippines Press Book Stores in Diliman, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao; Fully Booked; Solidaridad; Popular Bookstore; select Powerbooks and National Bookstore branches; and other distributors in Metro Manila and the provinces. In the USA, University of the Philippines Press books are distributed by the University of Hawaii Press and Philippine Expressions Bookshop. For more information on our titles, please visit http://press.up.edu.ph.

Tag: NEWS, BOOK LAUNCH

October 9, 2007

Baguio writer Ed Maranan launches poetry book on October 15

Ed Maranan, prize-winning poet, fictionist, essayist, playwright, and children’s story writer, is launching his third book of poetry on October 15 at the Cordillera Coffee shop, SM Baguio, at 5:00 in the afternoon.

Passages / poems 1983-2006, is a selection of poems from several of his Palanca-awarded collections during the last twenty years, appearing together in print for the first time.

The book launch and poetry reading, under the auspices of the Baguio Writers Group of which Maranan is a member, will be followed by a poetry evening in the same venue, with other Baguio poets reading their own works. Both events will mark the BWG’s celebration of World Poetry Day, October 15. Cordillera Coffee is sponsoring this twin-bill literary event.

Eminent poet Dr. Ophelia Dimalanta wrote the introduction to the book. Other famous poets contributed blurbs: Gémino H. Abad, Luisa A. Igloria, Eileen R. Tabios, Rowena Tiempo Torrevillas, and Alfred A. Yuson.

With thirty Carlos Palanca awards to his name, a record of sorts, Ed Maranan has established a reputation as a prolific multi-genre and bilingual writer, and also as a translator. Bookmark is publishing several of his prize-winning stories for children, to be launched in Baguio and Museo Pambata in Manila sometime in December.

Maranan was one of four Filipino writers who represented the Philippines at the recent Ubud Writers Festival held in Bali, Indonesia, in September this year. He was also the Philippine participant at the 2006 International Writers Residency in Lavigny, Switzerland, and at the 1985 International Writing Program in Iowa, USA.

When he was a high school senior at St. Louis College in Baguio in 1963, Maranan won a national essay competition, and represented the Philippines at the New York Herald Tribune World Youth Forum.

He taught graduate courses in Philippine Studies at the UP Asian Center, Diliman, and served as Information Officer of the Philippine Embassy in London from 1993 to 2006. Back home, he is now a full-time freelance writer.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

May 25, 2007

High Chair book launch

High Chair unveiled three new collections by poets Marc Gaba, Jose Perez Beduya, and Mesandel Virtusio Arguelles. It was held on May 25, 5pm, at the UP Press Bookstore, Balay Kalinaw, UP Diliman.

Titles launched include Gaba's How Sound Becomes A Name, Beduya's Seem, and Arguelles' Hindi man lang nakita.

A founding member of High Chair, Gaba received his MFA in Creative Writing from the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop. Last year, he won the Boston Review Poetry Prize.

Beduya finished his MFA in Creative Writing at Cornell University and currently holds a residency at the Santa Fe Art Institute.

Arguelles is the author of two previous collections of poetry, Menos Kuwarto and Ilahas. He won a Palanca award for his poetry in 2005.

The event will also coincides with the launch of seventh issue of High Chair's online poetry journal (www.highchair.com.ph)

Featured are new poems by American poet Frank Bidart, Rosmon Tuazon, Oliver Ortega, Kristine Domingo, Alex Gregorio, as well as critical essays on poetry by Marc Gaba, Conchitina Cruz, and Mabi David.

High Chair is a non-profit small press that aims to promote genuine interest in poetry in the Philippines. Apart from maintaining an online poetry website, it
regularly publishes full-length books and chapbooks.

For more information, email highchair@gmail.com.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

March 4, 2007

National Artist Rio Alma Launches Two New Collections

National Artist Virgilio Almario marks another milestone in his prolific career as he launches two new collections of poetry this March. Kung Bakit Kailangan Ang Himala, published by the University of the Philippines Press, and Tatlong Pasyon Para sa Ating Panahon, from the University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, will be launched at the lobby of the Jorge Vargas Museum at the University of the Philippines, Diliman on March 9, Friday. Program begins at 6 pm.

Since the publication of his first collection of poetry more than four decades ago, Almario, better known by his pen name Rio Alma, has continuously sought to enrich literature in Filipino not only through his poetry, but also through his work in criticism, translation, and editing. His accomplishments as an educator and as a cultural manager have undoubtedly sealed his reputation as one of the moving forces behind the local literary scene, but it is perhaps through the sustained excellence of his creative work that Rio Alma remains a true inspiration. Kung Bakit Kailangan ng Himala and Tatlong Pasyon Para sa Ating Panahon, both written under a grant from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, are but the latest additions to a long list of critically-acclaimed publications.

The works of three Filipino visual artists are also featured alongside Rio Alma's new collection. It may be recalled that in 2006, the University of the Philippines Press published the handsome volume Sonetos Postumos which brought together the creative visions of Rio Alma and National Artist for Visual Arts, Ang Kiukok. This time, in line with book launch, the Jorge Vargas Museum opens the exhibits of Mark Justiniani, Neil Doloricon, and Ferdinand Doctolero whose painting appear in Tatlong Pasyon Para sa Ating Panahon. The exhibit runs from March 9-25.

by Celeste Flores-Coscolluela
Special Projects Assistant

Tag: Book Launch

January 25, 2006

Book commemorates Martial Law heroes

On Tuesday, January 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Ateneo de Manila University Press will launch Living and Dying: In Memory of 11 Ateneo Martial Law Activists, at the AudioVisual Room of the Social Development Complex.

The book features the life stories of Ateneo student leaders who were killed during martial law: Ferdie Arceo, Bill Begg, Jun Celestial, Sonny Hizon, Edjop Jopson, Eman Lacaba, Dante Perez, Ditto Sarmiento, Lazzie Silva, Nick Solana, and Manny Yap.

Friends and relatives of the eleven activists will be at the book launch.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

January 12, 2007

Charlson Ong launches new book

"It's not only the finest novel of the last ten years, or since Charlson Ong's own centennial Prize classic Embarrassment of Riches. It's the grandest, richest, most compelling and rewarding novel celebrating the Chinese-Filipino ever written in these isles of migrant marvels.... Banyaga: A Song of War gives with enormous generosity, and does it all extraordinarily well: a novel of formidable art and prose, heart and passion, power, illumination, beauty, jubilation. humanity."

This is what the Gregorio Brilliantes had to say about Charlson Ong’s new book. Anvil Publishing, Inc. in cooperation with UP Institute of Creative Writing will be launching Banyaga: A Song of War on January 23, 2007, 6-10 pm, at the Conspiracy Bar, 59 Visayas Ave., Quezon City

Ong is a multi-awarded writer. He teaches at the UP Diliman and is a fellow of the UP ICW. Among his other books are Men of the East and Other Stories (1990 and 1999), Woman of Am-Kaw and Other Stories (1993) and Conversion and Other Fictions (1996).

For more details, contact Lina Gutierrez 637-5141 or Joyce Bersales 747-1622

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

January 7, 2007

UST announces 8th National Writers Workshop

The Center for Creative Writing and Studies of the University of Santo Tomas is accepting manuscripts for the 8th National Writers Workshop to be held from April 22 to 28 in Baguio City.

The workshop iis open to writers who have not been awarded fellowships to any national writers workshop.

An applicant should submit three printed copies (on short bond paper) and a CD or diskette containing soft copies in MS Word format of his/her manuscript (at least five poems or two short stories or five fiction or non-fiction pieces in English or Filipino). He/she should submit a resume, a 2 x 2 ID photo, and a certification duly signed by an institution/company senior that the manuscript is authentic.

Fifteen fellowships are available, a percentage of which will be given to the Dominican Network of Schools, Colleges and Universities. Deadline is on Feb. 23.

For information, call 406-1611 loc. 8281 (from Tuesdays to Saturdays), or e-mail aldimalanta@gmail.com.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

December 11, 2006

Vocalese (Poems) launch at Conspiracy Bar

Aldus Santos, independent poet and singer-songwriter for the critically-acclaimed rock act The Purplechickens will launch his first poetry book entitled, Vocalese (Poems), on December 12, 2006 at Conspiracy Bar & Garden Cafe located along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City.

Enjoy a night of poetry reading and special performances by friends like Outerhope, Vin Dancel (of the now defunct Twisted Halo), and Cynthia Alexander.

Be one of the first few to get a copy of Vocalese (Poems), which will be sold at the venue for a discounted price.

Event is from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm only.

Entrance to the launch is free. However, beyond 9 p.m., patrons who are just about to get in will have to pay the cover charge for the second event: the Bikolano Poets’ Kabanggihan (Part 2). Proceeds of the said event will go to the victims of Reming in Albay and other affected areas. The booth selling copies of Vocalese (Poems), will continue to hold shop beyond 9pm though, for your information.

Tag: BOOK LAUNCH

December 8, 2006

UP Main Library Launches New Book

The University of the Philippines Diliman, Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, College of Arts and Letters, UP Center for Women's Studies, UP Main Library, and The Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies, Holy Angel University Press the launching of Albina Peczon Fernandez's Ten: Coming Home and Nine More Short Stories.

The launch will be on Monday, December 18, 2006, 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Special Collection Room of the UP Main Library. Fernandez is an Associate Professor at the College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman. She has a Doctorate in Philosophy in Philippine Studies.

For more details, call Dhang or Marci at 920-6880 or 920-6950 or fax: 920-6880.

For more information on the author and the book: visit this page.

December 4, 2006

RESIL MOJARES BOOK LAUNCHED

"Brains of the Nation" by Dr. Resil Mojares was launched last Thursday, November 30, at the Social Development Complex AVR, Ateneo de Manila University campus in Loyola
Heights.

"Brains of the Nation" looks closely at the lives and works of Pedro Paterno, T.H. Pardo de Tavera, and Isabelo de los Reyes, as Dr. Mojares portrays a generation that created the
self-consciousness of the Filipino nation.

As it traces the production of modern knowledge, the book explores the historical conditions that shaped the emergence of a modern Philippine intelligentsia and the unfinished, strange,
wondrous itineraries diverse intellectuals took in engaging Western knowledge and dealing with the local realities of the country from, of, and for which they tried to speak.

Dr. Mojares is Professor Emeritus at the University of San Carlos in Cebu, and is author of several books on history and culture.

"Brains of the Nation: Pedro Paterno, T.H. Pardo de Tavera, Isabelo de los Reyes and the Production of Modern Knowledge" is now available at Solidaridad (523-0870), Popular Bookstore (372-2162), branches of Fully Booked (756-5001) and at the Ateneo Press (426-5984; unipress@admu.edu.ph).

The Ateneo de Manila University Press is located at Bellarmine Hall, ADMU Campus, Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines. They can be reached through telephone at (632) 426-6001 loc. 4610, or through msanagustin@ateneo.edu.

Website: http://www.ateneopress.org

December 4, 2006

ANVIL EVENTS FOR DECEMBER

Want to have a literary Christmas? Anvil Publishing, Inc. is holding a Christmas booksale from November 30 - December 9, 2006. Get the lowest prices on Children's books, Pocket books/Novels, Reference books/Dictionaries, Rare Filipiniana titles and Cookbooks

They are open weekdays: 12nn-6pm and on weekends/holidays: 9am - 5pm at 8007-B Pioneer St. Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City. For more inquiries, please call 637-51-41.

Young Blood 3 will be launched on December 9, 2006. A seminar will be held from 1-5 p.m. and the Book Launching proper will be on 6 p.m. This will be at PowerBooks, Greenbelt 4. Fans of the Inquirer column and the reading public are invited.

November 24, 2006

Paglulunsad ng Ang Batang Nangarap Maging Isda

Makaraan ang higit sa dalawampung taong pagtula, ngayon lamang inilabas ni Ronaldo Carcamo sa isang aklat ang unang koleksiyon niya ng mga obra. At ilulunsad ito sa Martes, Nob. 28, 7 pm, sa Conspiracy Bar sa Visayas Ave. , QC (tapat ng Shell gas station).

Ang kaniyang Ang Batang Nangarap Maging Isda (inilimbag ng UP Press) ay kalipunan ng mga pinili niyang tula mulang 1985 hanggang 2004. Ayon kay Virgilio S. Almario (National Artist for Literature, at ang sumulat ng Introduksiyon), ang aklat niya ay isang “nakakaaliw na talipapa.” Sari-sari ang tema at taktika ng pagkatha.

Si Ony ang isa sa mga nagtatag ng LIRA (Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo), isang nangungunang grupo ng kabataang makata sa bansa, noong 1985. Naging writing fellow siya sa 1987 UP National Writers Summer Workshop. Nagkamit na siya ng maraming gantimpala sa malalaking timpalak pampanitikan, gaya ng Palanca Awards, talaang Ginto sa Tula , at Diyaryo Filipino Literary Contest. Nagtrabaho siya bilang scriptwriter, cartoonist, journalist, at advertising creative director. Kasalukuyan, bukod sa pagsusulat ay abala rin siyang nagtatanghal bilang primera klaseng bentrilokista.

Sa darating na paglulunsad, inimbitahang dumalo ang mga makatang Rio Alma, Teo T. Antonio, Marne Kilates, Vim Nadera, Jim Libiran, Khavn dela Cruz, Mike Coroza, Bobby at Becky Anonueva, ang LIRA, at maraming pang iba. Inimbitahan din ang mga komedyanteng sina Jon Santos at Candy Pangilinan. May mga magbabasa ng tula , aawit, at ang bonus sa mga dadalo: may libreng live comedy show si Ony at si Mr. Parley, ang kaniyang lasenggong papet!

Kaya halina’t makilangoy sa kasiyahan ng pagdiriwang! Kung may tanong, i-text lang si Ony (0917-3846590) o si Vim (0916-7866379).

November 22, 2006

LIRA 21: Gabi ng Tula

Ang ika-21 na anibersaryo ng Linangan ng Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA) ay idaraos sa Disyembre 5, 2006 sa Conspiracy Bar (sa Visayas Ave., tapat ng istasyon ng Shell) sa Lunsod ng Quezon, 6-9 ng gabi.

Kaalinsabay rin sa pagdiriwang ang paglulunsad ng Ang Una Naming Siglo, kalipunan ng isang daang tula ng dalawampung fellows na sumailalim sa anim na buwang palihan ngayong taong ito.

Ang LIRA ay itinatag ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan, si Virgilio Almario (aka Rio Alma), noong 1985. Taun-taon itong nagsasagawa ng palihan para sa mga nagsisimulang makata. Kabilang sa mga nagbibigay-panayam ay ang mga batikang makata tulad nina Mike Coroza, Bobby Anonuevo, Becky Anonuevo, Joey Baquiran, Vim Nadera at iba pa, na mga produkto rin ng LIRA.

November 16, 2006

Paglulunsad-Aklat ng Subverso: Mga Tula at Kuwento Laban sa Pulitikal na Pandarahas

Mykel Andrada, Joi Barrios at Rolando B. Tolentino
Mga Editor

Nobyembre 23, 2006 (Thursday), 2-5pm, Claro M. Recto Hall, Faculty Center, U.P. Diliman

Mga Manunulat at Artistang Nag-ambag: Bayani S. Abadilla • Aurelio S. Agcaoili • Mila D. Aguilar • Rio Alma • Mark Angeles • Monico M. Atienza • Romulo P. Baquiran • Don Belardo • Herminio S. Beltran, Jr. • Kristoffer Berse • Ian Rosales Casocot • Dexter B. Cayanes • Piya Cruz Constantino • Gary Devilles • Iris Pagsanjan-Estrera • Tom Estrera III • Eugene Y. Evasco • Melecio Fabros • Jayson Fajarda • Edel E. Garcellano • German V. Gervacio • Genaro R. Gojo Cruz • Vladimeir B. Gonzales • Kenneth Roland Al. Guda • Lisa C. Ito • Estelito B. Jacob • Jose F. Lacaba • Bienvenido L. Lumbera • Cynthia Nograles Lumbera • Maricristh Magaling • Rogelio Ordoñez • Will P. Ortiz • Roselle V. Pineda • Axel Pinpin • Nonilon V. Queaño • Peye Rana • Alexander Martin Remollino • Elyrah Loyola Salanga • Romulo A. Sandoval • Ina Stuart Santiago • Lilia Quindoza Santiago • Soliman A. Santos • Prestoline Suyat • Tomasito T. Talledo • John Iremil E. Teodoro • Enrico C. Torralba • Renato O. Villanueva

November 15, 2006

University of the Philippines Press launches thirteen titles

The University of the Philippines Press holds the third in a series of launches in the upcoming Paglulunsad 2006: Ikatlong Yugto. Thirteen new titles are set to be launched at the event to be held on November 17 at the Claro M. Recto Hall, Faculty Center, University of the Philippines, Diliman. The program begins at 6 pm and includes performances by actors Yul Servo and Jacklyn Jose, who will read excerpts from Irma Dimaranan’s award-winning screenplay Naglalayag, one of the titles to be launched at the event. Books shall be sold at 20% discount and authors shall also be on hand for book-signing at the end of the program.

Other titles to be launched are Ang Aklat Likhaan ng Dula 1997-2003: Kapangahasan bilang Kaligtasan, an anthology of new plays edited by multi-awarded writers Rene Villanueva and Vim Nadera; Kilates, a resource book on contemporary Philippine literary criticism edited by Dr. Rosario Torres-Yu, former dean of UP’s College of Arts and Letters; Sawikaan 2005: Mga Salita ng Taon, a collection of critical essays exploring the words that have entered and transformed Philippine lexicon, edited by Galileo S. Zafra and Michael M. Coroza; Ronaldo Carcamo’s first collection of poetry, Ang Batang Nangarap Maging Isda; Jerry B Gracio’s Apókripós; Vim Nadera’s prizewinning novel (H)istoryador(a); and Lucila V. Hosillos’ Interactive Vernacular‹—›National Literature (Magdelana Gonzaga Jalandoni’s Juanita Cruz as Constituent of Filipino National Literature).

The University of the Philippines Press has constantly proven its commitment in providing the best in both literary and scholarly publication. In over forty years of existence it has offered groundbreaking works in the arts and sciences and was twice named Publisher of the Year by the National Book Awards. This year alone, six of its titles were awarded by the same body for their outstanding contribution in their respective fields. This last installment for 2006 promises to uphold the same tradition of publishing excellence.

University of the Philippines Press titles are available at Aeon Book on Katipunan, Popular Bookstore on T. Morato, Solidaridad, Powerbooks, National Book Store, Bound Bookstore, Fully Booked, and the University of the Philippines Press bookstores in Diliman, Baguio, and Davao.

November 4, 2006

Literotika available na

Iba-ibang hilig, kanya-kanyang libog at natatagong pantasya sa seks ang inyong aabangan buwan-buwan. Samu't sari ang tawag ng laman na pinapayaman ng isip na tanging sa imahinasyon lamang nagkakabuhay.

Hot! Wild! Sexy! Ito ang mga larawang bumubuo sa ating mga basang panaginip kung gabi at nag-iisa sa kuwarto habang nakahiga sa kama. Ngayon, ang lahat ng ito ay mabibigyang-buhay sa bawat pahina ng mga nobela ng LITEROTIKA.

Babae, lalaki, third sex, bata o matanda ay may kanya-kanyang eksena na tumatakbo sa isip na parang isang pelikula. Pantasya ng nagbibinatang estudyante ang private lesson kasama ang masungit pero seksing si Ma'am na madalas umaangat ang maiksing skirt habang nagsusulat sa pisara. Habang to sir with love naman ang drama ng kolehiyala na in lab sa kanyang guwapong propesor. Sa pagpasok sa klasrum ay suot ng dalaga ang maiksing skirt na lumilislis sa tuwing nagkukuyakoy ng legs habang nakaupo sa front row, dahilan kung bakit madalas pagpawisan ng malagkit ang nagle-lecture na si Sir. Mapaglaro ang imahinasyon ni Mister dahil sa kanyang pagnanasa sa biyuda pero seksing kapitbahay. Madalas niya itong inaabangan sa umaga na magwalis sa harap ng bakuran dahil ang suot lang nito ay braless na sando at maiksing kuyukot shorts. `Di rin mapigilan ng pasyente ang paninilip sa cleavage ng konserbatibong nurse habang ito ay nakayuko sa kanyang harapan para kuhanan siya ng blood pressure. Mataas ang libido ng isang middle-age na dalaga dahil sa kakaibang pakiramdam ng nakakukuryenteng paghawak ng kanyang yoga instructor sa kanyang balakang habang tinuturuan siya ng tamang posisyon sa pag-meditate, makapag-concentrate kaya siya? `Di na rin iba ang isang gabi ng pag- oovertime kasama ang isang wild na officemate kung saan `di lang brainstorming ang nangyayari sa conference table.Pero hindi dito nagtatapos ang lahat. Dahil sa kabila ng bawat kuwentong libog ay may istoryang may saysay ang bawat tauhan.

Ang kolehiyalang si Grace ang bida sa "One Night Stand", ang isa sa dalawang pinakaunang handog ng Literotika sa mambabasang Pilipino. Iba-ibang lalaki na may iba-ibang personalidad, iba-ibang iskor at iba-iba ring laki ng ari ang kanyang naging pakikipagsapalaran. Lungkot, libog at pagod at kung ano-ano pang emosyon ang kanyang naging laban sa paghahanap ng tamang lalaki para sa tamang pag-ibig. Makabagong bayani ang tawag kay Scott dahil sa kanyang pagsabak bilang isang OFW sa Korea na dahilan kung bakit iniwan niya ang kanyang asawa na si Gelli, isang pre-school teacher at ang kanilang anak sa Pilipinas. E-mail ang naging kasagutan ng nobelang "Mingaw" para sa mag-asawa upang mapunan ang kanilang pangungulila sa isa't isa. Tinahak ng kuwento ang naging kasagutan ng mag-asawa sa kanilang pangangailangang pinansyal ngunit paano naman ang pangangailangan ng katawan?

Sa Literotika, malayang inilalarawan sa wikang Filipino ang kulturang Pilipino, seks at lipunan. Matapang at lantarang hinuhubad para sa mambabasa ang iba't ibang istorya ng bawat kasarian nang walang kimi at hiya para maipahayag ang tunay na pagnanasa ng ating katawan at isipan sa pamamagitan ng panitikan.

Ang edisyong Literotika ay mabibili sa lahat ng National Bookstore outlets. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, mga interesadong distributor at/o manunulat, tumawag sa 856-0347 o mag-email sa market2@philsprint.ph

October 16, 2006

Kapampangan poetry book launch a success

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Kapampangan poetry book Ing Bie Kung Delanan, Ing Bie Kung Balikan, launched recently at the University of the Assumption, was touted by Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS) administrators as "one of the best and nicest Pampanga had ever had."

CKS director Robby Tantingco described the launching as "tender, intimate, with the right blend of scholarliness."

The book launch, emceed by Erlinda Cruz, was attended by guests which included family, friends, and luminaries like Representative Reynaldo Aquino, former board member Rosve Henson, retired education official Ely Manaloto, HAU administrator PJ Nepomuceno, Agtaca poets with their president Geronimo del Rosario and secretary Felix Garcia, as well as members of the Aguman Buklud Kapampangan (ABK).

Also present were Fer Caylao (representing San Fernando City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez) and Councilor Roque Paule (attending for Lubao Mayor Dennis Pineda).

The book's author, Dr. Tec Sanchez-Tolosa, is a practicing dermatologist and the eldest child of the late former San Fernando mayor Virgilio Lazatin-Sanchez who passed away at the time of book printing, exactly four weeks before the launch.

Describing why she decided to push through, the author said that "to truly honor the man we loved and lost, we must emulate his zest and zeal for celebrating life at its fullest and most meaningful."

In another part of her talk, she called on all Kapampangan parents ("to instill in our children their heritage") and children ("to never forget who you are"), Kapampangan writers and artists ("to keep going and to pass the torch") and to society leaders ("to infuse literary and cultural endeavors with political support and will").

Nenita Sanchez, the author's mother, spoke briefly on her daughter's accomplishments and thanked the guests who graced the event.
One highlight of the program was the talk of designated book reviewer Lord Francis Musni, consultant/archivist of the CKS. He called Tec's opus as a "welcome impetus to the dying local literature" that makes use of the "K" orthography to make reading easy for the young.
He stated that the book "bridges the gap between the golden era and the information age," as Tec attempts to break new ground and takes poesia to a new dimension. He noted the poem "Para King Bespren Ku," a trilingual piece that boldly experiments with language. He also added that "gender-sensitive issues which early Kapampangan writers failed to address are carried out in the open."

He called the collection of 30 contemporary Kapampangan poems as "an experience so comprehensive" and the author "indeed an effective agent of aesthetics: within, as a poet; and without, as a doctor."

The book, which includes the poems "Parul Kang Makasindi, Crissot, Nanu Na?, Ing Dalan Cabalantian, Nung Akalingwan Mu Na, Ing Ima and Kang D" is available at the Center for Kapampangan Studies (Angeles) and at the St. Ferdinand Bldg. (San Fernando).

From Sunstar Pampanga. 11 October 2006

October 11, 2006

New Anthology Spells New Life for Philippine Drama

Who goes to see plays in the Philippines? Not very many, and multi-awarded playwright Rene Villanueva is the first to confirm the less-than-ideal state of Philippine Drama in his introduction to the University of the Philippines Press' latest release, Ang Aklat Likhaan ng Dula 1997-2003: Kapangahasan Bilang Kaligtasan. Which perhaps makes the publication of this anthology of new plays both a daring and necessary act of faith— an attempt to revive what used to be one of our country's most popular and valuable art forms.

Daring, after all, as the anthology's title announces, is what Villanueva believes to be the virtue that will save drama from obscurity in these shores. And this book has daring in abundance. Edited by Villanueva and Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera, the collection showcases material that transcends boundaries of genre, accommodating works originally written for radio and film, as well translations, adaptations, even scripts for performance art. Gathered here are the voices of both established and beginning playwrights—Teo Antonio, Nicolas Pichay, Chris Martinez, Jun Lana, Allan Lopez, among many others—their works an embodiment of the vitality that should infuse new life into Philippine Drama in the years to come.

Rene Villanueva has written fifty plays in his career and is a Palanca Hall of Famer. He was executive producer of the well-loved children's show Batibot, as well as creative director of the Philippine Children's Television Foundation. He teaches at the University of the Philippines' Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature and continues to write for theater, film, radio, television, and puppetry.

Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera is currently director of the University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing. In 1992, he won a CCP Grant for Hermano Puli and a Mowelfund Grant in 1990 for his work Siyam-siyam. Founder of amorphous mass (1999), L (1998), Confradia (1998), Toki (1997) and Gatula (1996), Nadera is also an actor, producer, director and translator for alternative theater and cinema.

Ang Aklat Likhaan ng Dula 1997-2003: Kapangahasan bilang Kaligtasan is the second in a series of anthologies to be released by the University of the Philippines Press in cooperation with the UP Institute of Creative Writing. It is available at Aeon Books in Katipunan, Popular Bookstore in T. Morato, Solidaridad, Powerbooks, National Book Store, Bound Bookstore, Fully Booked, and the University of the Philippine Press bookstores in UP Diliman, Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao.

October 10, 2006

UP Press Releases Three New Literary Titles

The University of the Philippines Press proudly announces the release of three new literary titles: Apókripós by Jerry Gracios, Ang Batang Nangarap Maging Isda by Ronaldo Carcamo, and Ang Aklat Likhaan ng Dula 1997-2003: Kapangahasan bilang Kaligtasan, edited by Rene Villanueva and Vim Nadera.

National Artist Virgilio Almario recalls the great Constantine Cavafy in Jerry Gracios’ Apókripós, while Ronaldo Carcamo’s Ang Batang Nangarap Maging Isda has received glowing reviews from no less than Marne Kilates and Teo Antonio. Gracios and Carcamo, both members of LIRA (Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo), have received much recognition for their work from the Palanca Awards as well as the Talaang Ginto sa Tula. The publication of their outstanding first collections marks the arrival of two distinctive voices that shall make an invaluable contribution to poetry in Filipino.

Ang Aklat Likhaan ng Dula 1997-2003: Kapangahasan bilang Kaligtasan is the second anthology to be published by the UP Press in cooperation with the UP Institute of Creative Writing. Edited by Villanueva and Nadera, the collection showcases material that transcend boundaries, accommodating works originally written for radio and film, as well translations, adaptations, even hybrid forms of performance art. Gathered here are the voices of both established and beginning playwrights—Teo Antonio, Nicolas Pichay, Chris Martinez, Jun Lana, Allan Lopez among many others—their works an embodiment of the vitality that should infuse new life into Philippine Drama.

All three books are published by the University of the Philippines Press and are available at Aeon Books in Katipunan, Popular Bookstore in T. Morato, Solidaridad, Powerbooks, National Book Store, Bound Bookshop, Fully Booked and the University of the Philippine Press bookstores in UP Diliman, Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao.

October 4, 2006

Rosario Torres-Yu Launches New Book

Rosario Torres-Yu will launch her new book on Friday, October 6 at the UP Vargas Museum. The book, entitlted Silakbo, is a collection of personal essays.

A former UP Diliman College of Arts and Letters (CAL) dean, Dr. Rosario Torres-Yu teaches at the UP Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas. She has penned many books including Sarilaysay: Danas At Dalumat Ng Lalaking Manunulat Sa Filipino and Talinghagang Bukambibig.

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 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

August 25, 2006

A review of Beyond the Great Wall
by Romulo P. Baquiran

BEYOND THE GREAT WALL
by Mario, Alma, Maningning, and Banaue Miclat
Anvil Publishing, Inc., 250 pp., P500

THE MICLATS—Mario, Alma, the late Maningning, and Banaue—are children of two upheavals of the late 20th century Asia, the Philippines’ student activism era and China’s Great Cultural Revolution. At the height of the first, the young couple were shanghaied from Manila to Beijing and, for 15 years, served as foreign specialist at Radio Peking. Two beautiful daughters were born out of the romantic union. Right after Edsa 1, the family returned to the Philippines to get reunited with kin, friends, and their beloved, beleaguered nation.

They have come out with a book about their journey through history narrated in terms up close and personal. The stories told by the Miclats are engaging and inevitably weave a resonant whole, much like music composed in the same style, with each one expressing a distinct voice in this family literary concert.

Straddling the northern boundary of a vast territory, the Great Wall is the icon of China, sometimes vilified for its barbaric toll in human lives yet enshrined as an _expression of the soul of a most civilized nation.

In the minutiae of daily living, individual experiences could be considered as mere pieces of brick in the great wall. But the personal is also historical. Mario realizes this for himself and his family.

China is no utopia. The proletarian hegemony had caused pains to many, including Mario who was punished with solitary confinement after committing an alleged political sin against the state. Maningning, young as she was, also felt the pain from the experience that from then on she looked at the world no longer with innocent eyes but with an inward gaze that knew how reality could be a source of inexorable heartbreak.

She became an artist like her father. She was a painter, polyglot writer, translator, and more. Her essays show her refined sensibility and intelligence. She can be whimsical as in her piece “Morning Is a Bit Cold” or scholarly in “Visual Poetry in Chinese Bamboo and Xieyi Painting.”

Alma Miclat is a witness to the vicissitudes of her family. She’s a writer in her own right, producing lucid, evocative prose. Her narratives are imbued with the maternal touch and have a deep understanding of the places, events, and characters she chooses to be her subject. One particular lady Alma met at the radio station, Yuan, had a poignant story to tell. She studied music in the Philippines and had a most beautiful voice yet she was banned from practicing her
art.

In Alma’s words, “She was forced by the Red Guards to wear a dunce cap and paraded around the Radio compound with head bowed and with Chinese script in front and at the back of her body declaring her ‘political crime.’ She was accused of cultural decadence for possessing a ‘Western voice.’”

Banaue’s only piece in the collection tells of her sojourn in New York as a theater student and how much she misses Maningning (who took her own life in 2000) in a loving and thoughtful poem.

In his piece “Learning My Fist Mandarin Words,” Mario demonstrates his wry sense of humor as he tells how he learned topsy-turvy in the Chinese language. One gets a dose of his witty storytelling in “The Movies in Our Mind.” A most funny thing happened to his mother-in-law who visited the Miclats in Beijing and watched Atsay, which was showing then in the public theaters. But she could not understand one word from Nora Aunor nor Eddie Garcia. Why? Because the Filipino film was dubbed in perfect Mandarin. As a matter of course, he experienced the bitter Beijing winters; the first time being the most serious as it almost cost him his life. At another time, he volunteered to live in a commune and witnessed firsthand the unremitting facts of peasant life.

Mario played the judicious father to his wise daughter. When one day Maningning came home crying after her teacher told her not to write about beggars, Mario told her not to heed the adult’s advice. She must instead always “look into her heart and write.” From such an event, one can glean that what saved the Miclats from the arrows and slings of the times were writing and love of the arts. Aside from a literary passion, the book shows photographs that tell a thousand tales. Most of these were taken by Mario who learned the dramatic style of taking pictures from his Turkish friend—Ahmet Türkistanu—to whom the book is dedicated. Alma and Maningning posed a la Madonna and Child many times in pictures that capture the beauty and magnificence of the spirit of the Miclat family.

From Newsbreak

***

Entries to the 2006 Maningning Miclat Art Competition is now open. Visit their website for more details.

August 7, 2006

Agnus Press releases first book by veteran Bikol poet
by Jason Chancoco

Prize-winning writer and Ford Foundation scholar H. Francisco V. Peñones will finally launch his first-ever title. Under a new publishing firm, the Agnus Press, RAGANG RINARANGA will showcase 52 Iriganon poems along with their English translations.

Also a distinguished visual and performance artist, Peñones was a UP National Writers Workshop fellow for Bikol poetry. His works have appeared in Asiaweek, Ani, Mantala, HomeLife, Hingowa, Bangraw, Salugsog sa Sulog and other important publications and journals. He runs a column for the Bikol Reporter and edits its Bikol poetry section. He has won the Pedro Sabido Award for Creative Writing, Sumagang Award, Catholic Mass Media Award and the Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon.

Launchings will be held on August 10, 2pm at the Iriga City Hall and on August 11, 6pm at Lolo's Bar, Avenue Square, Naga City.

August 3, 2006

Book of the Month: May Tibok ang Puso ng Lupa by Bienvenido A. Ramos

Delved into in this prize-winning novel are the farmers' multiple problems and the prolonged discussions and debates on agrarian reform. Through a creative reconstruction of the locality and its colorful characters, the novel reveals the boundary separating the landowners and the peasants; the contentions on belief and ideology; as well as the authentic dreams and feelings toward unity.

Bienvenido A. Ramos was born on 15 January 1934, in Atlag, Malolos, Bulacan. His works have won primary awards and prizes among which are the Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, Surian ng Wikang Pambansa, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Catholic Mass Media Awards, and the Gawad Dangal ng Lipi sa Bulakan. In 2004, he received the Gawad Balagtas from the Union ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL).

The book is available at the Ateneo de Manila University Press (632-4265984), Solidaridad Bookshop (632-5230870) and Popular Bookstore (632-3722162). For prices and shipping charges, please send an e-mail to msanagustin@ateneo.edu or unipress@admu.edu.ph.

August 2, 2006

Cirilo F. Bautista Launches New Poetry Collection
by Tim Nubla

“Happy Birthday” said the cake on Cirilo F. Bautista’s book launch that was held last July 29, 2006 at the Gaerlan Conservatory of the De La Salle University, Manila. It is also the birthday of his latest collection of poems Believe and Betray.

Among the well-wishers who graced the event are DLSU-Manila’s EVP for Academics and Research Dr. Julius Maridable, Dr. Carmelita Quebangco, EVP of DLSU-Manila and Dr. Isagani Cruz and Dr. Marjorie Evasco, University Fellows.

Cirilo Bautista is a winner of the Palanca Hall of Fame award in 1995 and was previously hailed in 1993 as Makata ng Taon by the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino for winning the poetry contest sponsored by the Philippine Government. The last part of his epic trilogy The Trilogy of Saint Lazarus, entitled “Sunlight on Broken Stones,” won the Centennial Prize for the Epic in 1998. “

Believe and Betray is a volume composed of four collections of Bautista’s Lyric poems from1960 to 2005, spanning more than fifty years of writing. The book is available at the DLSU Press bookstore.

July 20, 2006

Myths and Legends Volume II to be Launched

Publisher and author Marlene Aguilar wants to promote Philippine folklore through arts and letters. As a result, she is publishing Myths and Legends of the Philippines. The five-volume series, she said, "will contain around 150 stories and this is but a thumbnail of what exists." In restoring the stories, she drafted artist Jun Martinez to do the colorful illustrations.

The launching will be held at the Metropolitan Museum on July 28, 2006, 4:30pm. Guests of honor will be National Artist Napoleon Abueva, journalist and author Julie Yap-Daza, jewelry designer Laura de Guzman, ADB Director Richard Stanley and Esther Vibal of Vibal Publishing house.

Source: PDI, July 17, 2006 issue.

June 20, 2006

UP Press to launch twelve new titles

The University of the Philippines Press is about to launch twelve new titles including Sonetos Postumos by Rio Alma, The Knowing is in the Writing: Notes on the Practice of Fiction by Jose Dalisay Jr. and The Roots of the Filipino Nation, Volume 2 by former UP president O.D. Corpuz.

Entitled Paglulunsad 2006, Ikalawang Yugto , the launch will also celebrate new literary titles from Thelma B. Kintanar, Jose Duke Bagulaya and Karl R. De Mesa as well as scholarly ones from Wilhelm Solheim II, Dante Simbulan and Ramon Pagayon Santos.

The affair will be held on 30 June, 6 p.m. at the Balay Kalinaw in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

The complete titles are as follows:

Archeology and Culture in Southeast Asia: Unraveling the NUSANTAO by Wilhelm G. Solheim II

Damaged People: Tales of the Gothic-Punk by Karl R. De Mesa

Iconography of the New Empire: Race and Gender Images and the American Colonization of the Philippines by Servando D. Halili Jr.

Kuwentong Bayan: Noong Panahon ng Hapon, Everyday Life in a Time of War by Thelma B. Kintanar, Clemen C. Aquino, Patricia B. Arinto, Ma. Luisa T. Camagay

Mula sa Mga Pakpak ng Entablado: Poetika ng Dulaang Kababaihan by Joi Barrios

Sonetos Postumos by Rio Alma

Stringing the Past: An Archeological Understanding of Early Southeast Asia Glass Bead Trade by Jun G. Cayron

The Knowing is in the Writing: Notes on the Practice of Fiction by Jose Dalisay, Jr.

The Modern Principalia: The Historical Evolution of the Philippine Ruling Oligarchy by Dante C. Simbulan

The Roots of the Filipino Nation, Vol. 2 by O.D. Corpuz

Tunugan: Four Essays on Filipino Music by Ramon Pagayon Santos

Writing Literary History: Mode of Economic Production and the Twentieth Century Waray Poetry by Jose Duke S. Bagulaya.

June 19, 2006

The Knowing Is in the Writing: Notes on the Practice of Fiction by Jose Y. Dalisay Jr.

Part manual, part testament, part autobiography, The Knowing Is in the Writing : Notes on the Practice of Fiction was written