May 26, 2008

Adarna Book Sale and Upcoming Events

Back-to-School SALE at the Showroom

Spend a little, learn a lot, and have fun buying books at our showroom from May 15 to June 15. We'll be offering 50% to 70% discount on selected copies. Each day, one featured item has a very special rate!

The Adarna House Showroom is open Mondays to Saturdays from 8am to 5pm, and is located at 2/F FSS Bldg., 20 Scout Tuason cor. Scout Castor Sts., Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City

Storytelling sessions for June

For the month of June, watch our stories come alive! Catch the storytelling sessions of Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Read-Along on the second and fourth Saturday of the month of June. Call PDI Read-Along at 897-8808 local 329. We will also be having a storytelling session at Hooked on Books on June 28, in partnership with Purefoods Hotdogs. Hooked on Books is located at 138 Ching Santos Building, Katipunan Ave, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. You may reach Hooked on Books at 911-2149.

We’re going places!

Our showroom is not the only place where you can find Adarna House books at a discount. Head over to one of our sales booths this month: May 22 to 24 at Mission Ministries in Starmall, May 24 at the University of Asia and the Pacific, and May 30 to 31 at the Philippine Daily Inquirer Office in Makati. Call Genesis at 3723548 local 101 for details.

Free field trip to the MIBF

This year, we’re giving three (3) schools free field trips to the Manila International Book Fair! The MIBF field trip will include storytelling sessions, book-signing with an author and an illustrator, free entrance to the Fair, and partial transportation. The MIBF will be held at the SMX Convention Center (beside Mall of Asia).

Those interested may choose from a morning or afternoon slot on the days of September 12, 15, and 16. Contact Genesis now and ask about our Katuwang program! 372-3548 local 101 / genesis@adarna.com.ph / 0917-3722639

Tag: EVENTS

May 26, 2008

5 play set for PETA's 41st Season

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents 5 exciting new plays in its 41st Theater Season.

Opening the season in July, Soxie Topacio directs Nic Tiongson’s NOLI AT FILI DEKADA 2000 (DOS MIL). The play is set in a small town in the Quezon province where the small town politics and social mores become the backdrop of Rizal’s novels. Performances are slated for July 18 to August 24, 2008, Fridays to Sundays at 10am and 3pm.

TOSCA (August 29 and 30, at 2:30pm and 7:30pm) is an adaptation of Puccini’s classic opera piece. PETA sets its interpretation during the Japanese occupation and Tosca becomes the battle ground of Japanese Imperialism, patriotic love and selfish greed.

Christine Bellen’s MGA KUWENTO NI LOLA BASYANG and BATANG RIZAL are back to back presentations of the Children’s Theater productions for September to October. Lola Basyang features three of Severino Reyes’ folktales: Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Mahal na Hari and Ang Prinsipeng Duwag, tackling the mythical journeys into self discovery and value formation. Batang Rizal revisits the notions of heroism and love of country from the point of view of a child. Shows will be on September 19 to October 12, 2008, Fridays to Sundays at 10am and 3pm.

SAAN BA TAYO IHAHATID NG DISYEMBRE? is the featured play from November 14 to December 7, with Friday performances at 2:30pm and 7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday performances at 10am and 3pm. The third of Tony Perez’s trilogy on friendship love and compassion, the play, directed by Nonon Padilla is about the unbreakable love and bonding between best friends and among family members, despite complications of betrayal, jealousy and anger.

The season ends with ADAPTING THE EUROPEAN MASTERS in a pseudo festival that will showcase an end to a ten month project that will take at least forty of our artist be they writers, directors and actors into the study of European playwrights. Shows from February 6 to March 15, 2009, on Fridays at 2:30pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 10am and 3pm.

Season subscription is available for only PhP1,000.00. Each subscriber will be entitled to one (1) entry pass to all productions at the Theater Center plus privileges including discounts for up to two (2) companions, regular mail or e-mail updates on the latest happenings in PETA, a subscriber ID and acknowledgment in the souvenir program of all productions.

For more details, contact the PETA Marketing and Public Relations office at The PETA Theater Center, 5 Eymard Drive , New Manila, QC with telephone numbers 4100821 or 7256244, or email petampro@yahoo.com. Schedules may change without prior notice.

Tag: EVENTS

May 18, 2008

Eros Atalia to attend book signing

VPE Publishing will host a book signing for author Eros Atalia. This will be on May 24, 3 to 6p.m. at the Cubao Shoe Expo in Quezon City, near Puregold Supermarket and SM Cubao.

The event is open to the public. For more details, you may contact 0922-8771975.

Eros Atalia is a faculty member at the UST. His book, Taguan-Pung at Manwal ng mga Napapagal, a collection of flash fiction, was published by the UST Publishing House in 2006.

Tag: EVENTS

April 19, 2008

NDBD hosts Villafania lecture

The National Book Development Board, Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo and the Ortigas Foundation Library will host a lecture by Santiago B. Villafania. This will be at the Ortigas Fopundation Library, 2/f Ortigas Building, Ortigas corner Meralco Avenues, Pasig City on April 26 at 10 a.m.

Dr. Crisanta Nelmida-Flores of the University of the Philippines will be the guest speaker.

Villafania is the author of Malagilion Sonnets tan villanelles.

Tag: EVENTS

April 2, 2008

UP writers to hold forum in UP Baguio

by Arvin Abejo Mangohig

A stellar list of panelists will be in UP Baguio on April 11, 2008 to discuss New Trends in Philippine Writing. They are Virgilio Almario, Jun Cruz Reyes, Vim Nadera and Charlson Ong. They will be at the UP Baguio AVR from 2 to 5 p.m.

The UP Institute of Creative Writing Associates will be in town for the 47th UP National Writers Workshop to be held at the Igorot Lodge in Camp John Hay, Baguio City from April 6 to 13, 2008.

The fellows are: (Fiction in English) Tara Sering, Luis Katigbak, Ian Casocot; (Poetry in English) Ana Maria Katigbak; Vincenz Serrano; (Creative Non-Fiction in English) Rica Bolipata Santos; (Drama in Filipino) Nicolas Pichay, Rodolfo Lana Jr.; (Poetry in Filipino) Roberto Añonuevo, Frank Cimatu; (Fiction in Filipino) Abdon Balde Jr., Allan Derain.

In keeping with how the UP ICW has been at the forefront of writing, it has reformatted the workshop and raised the bar for other workshops to emulate. Fellows are now in mid-career, having published books and won major national awards. They present works-in-progress to their peers and the ICW associates.

The forum on Philippine writing will be held just before the workshop ends on the 13th. As any workshop fellow would know, writers interacting with each other create literal bursts of energy, very much like stars working off and against each other. The panelists will shed their light on new writing in the country, an event that their fans and students should not miss.

For more details on the forum you may contact the UP ICW at 922-1830 or call/SMS Ms. Eva Cadiz at 0927-924-5242.

Tag: EVENTS

March 13, 2008

Palm Sunday puppet show

Watch Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio’s Papet Pasyon, the Philippines’ 1st and only children’s senakulo in puppetry, for free. This will be on March 16, 2008, Palm Sunday, 3:00 & 5:30 pm at the Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Teatro Papet Museo, 64 Mapagkawanggawa St., Teachers Village, Quezon City.

Landmarks are Holy Family School and Aqua Gel Water Station (along Maginhawa St.) and fronting Talleres de Nazaret (on Mapagkawanggawa St.).

For details call 921.9773, 929.0895 or 918.903.2040

Tag: EVENTS

March 11, 2008

LIRA Lecture: Kababaihang Makata

Bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Kababaihan, inihahandog ng Linangan sa Imahen Retorika at Anyo (LIRA) ang isang panayam ukol sa Panulaan ng mga Kababaihang Makata. Ang panayam ay gaganapin sa Marso 16, 2008, Linggo, 9:30 ng umaga sa Room 201 ng College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Building sa University of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City.

Ang pangunahing tagapagsalita ay si Bb. Nikka Osorio, isang kasapi ng LIRA. Nagtapos siya ng AB Literature sa De La Salle University at kasalukuyang kumukuha ng MA Filipino sa Ateneo de Manila University.

Ang panayam ay libre at bukas sa publiko. Kung may katanungan ukol dito, makipag-ugnayan kay G. En Villasis sa cell no.: 0922-4596365.

Isa lamang ang panayam na ito sa mga serye ng mga gawaing handog ng LIRA bilang ambag sa lalo pang pagpapaunlad ng panulaan at panitikang Filipino.

Tag: EVENTS

February 29, 2008

UP Press Bookstore Diliman’s 5th Anniversary Sale

The University of the Philippines Press (UPP) Bookstore in UP Diliman is turning five years old this March. And we are sharing our joy with loyal patrons by holding a month-long sale. Visitors to UPP Bookstore - Diliman will enjoy discounts of up to 80% on UPP titles (even our latest titles will be sold at a 20% discount) and 5% on non-UPP titles. Similar sales will also be held in other UPP Bookstore branches in Baguio, Cebu, and Davao.

UPP Bookstore - Diliman is at the ground floor of Balay Kalinaw, Guerrero corner Dagohoy Streets, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Store hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. A lunch break from 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is observed. For inquiries, call (02) 920-2313.

UPP Bookstore’s regional branches, operating hours, and contact details are as follows.

UPP Bookstore - Baguio
2/F Isabelo de los Reyes building, UP Baguio, Baguio City
Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 12:00 a.m., 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
(074) 442-5703

UPP Bookstore - Cebu
1/F Arts and Sciences Building, UP Cebu College, Lahug, Cebu City
Tuesday and Friday, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
(032) 233-9034

UPP Bookstore - Davao
2/F Terraza Milesa Building, Anda corner Rizal Streets, Davao City
(082) 222-2223
Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 - 12:00 a.m., 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Tag: EVENTS

February 26, 2008

NBDB Book Club to discuss sudden fiction anthologies

The NBDB Book Club will be reading two volumes of the country’s best collection of sudden fiction stories.

Written by the finest writers of this generation, Mga Kuwentong Paspasan and Very Short Stories for Harried Readers (both volumes published by Milflores Publishing) contain 30 stories in Filipino and 41 short stories in English. Both volumes are edited by Vicente Garcia Groyon.

The book club meeting will be held on March 15,Saturday, 10 a.m. at the Ortigas Foundation Library. Award-winning writer Tara FT Sering will moderate the discussion.

Mga Kuwentong Paspasan and Very Short Stories for Harried Readers are available at National Bookstore branches for P290 each.

For more details about the NBDB Book Club, please call 926-8238 or 631-1231 local 222 and 228.

Everyone who has read the featured books is invited to come. Admission is free.

Tag: EVENTS

February 22, 2008

Poet Marne Kilates to discuss writing poetry

The UP Institute of Creative Writing in cooperation with Powerbooks and Read Or Die present the third series of Write Or Die: Writers Write lecture-workshops. The discussions will be held every weekend from November 2007 to February 2008 in different Powerbooks branches and will be moderated by some of the best writers in the country. The purpose of the workshops is to promote the Gawad Likhaan: The University of the Philippines Centennial Literary Prize.

The workshops has three areas: Fiction (November 2007-December 2007), Non-Fiction (January 2008), and Poetry (February 2008).

Noted Bikol poet and translator Marne Kilates will be speaking on writing poetry in English on February 23, 2008 (Saturday) in Powerbooks Greenbelt from 2PM to 4PM. The talk is free and open to the public.

Marne Kilates is a member of the Board of Directors of the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) and is an Associate Fellow of the Philippine Literary Arts Council (PLAC). He has also won several Palanca Awards and the 1998 SEA (Southeast Asia) WRITE Award given by the Thai royalty. For more information please contact us at readordie.ph@gmail.com.

Tag: EVENTS

February 16, 2008

New rock musical at the CCP

EJ: Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson is a rock musical presented by Tanghalang Pilipino Cultural Center of the Philippines . The playdates will be:

Feb 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, March 01, 07, 08, 2008 8:00 PM
Feb 16, 17, 23, 24, March 01, 02, 08, 09, 2008 3:00 PM

This will be at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

This unique rock spectacle is written by Ed Maranan and directed by Chris Millado. Legendary OPM Band The Dawn will perform the music.

EJ: Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson is both eulogy and exaltation, an exhortation to never forget, a celebration of two human beings who enriched our country's history, and whose ideas and beliefs will surely stand the test of time.

Ed Maranan writes plays, poems, essays, short fiction, and children's stories. His play Ang Panahon ni Cristy was written when he was a political detainee in Camp Bagong Diwa during the martial law era. It won the Carlos Palanca first prize for full-length drama in 1978. He also wrote a 'drama historico,' Tolentino, about the life and times of the Katipunan's revolutionary playwright Aurelio Tolentino, staged at the CCP's Bulwagang Gantimpala under the direction of Tony Espejo.

His other plays include Ang Unang Pagtatanghal ng Dulaang Pugadsisiw Bilang Pagdiriwang sa Pandaigdigang Taon ng mga Bata, Ang Alamat ng May-I and Ang Tagapagligtas among many others. His play EJ: Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson, was commissioned by Tanghalang Pilipino, Cultural Center of the Philippines .

Tag: EVENTS

February 6, 2008

The NBDB Book Club reads The Kite of Stars

The NBDB Book Club invites you to its first book club meeting for the year on
February 15, 2pm here at our new office at the 2nd floor of the NPO Bldg., EDSA
cor. NIA Northside Road in Diliman. Kicking off our 2008 list of must-reads is Dean Francis Alfar's highly-praised debut collection The Kite of Stars and Other Stories published by Anvil.

The Kite of Stars is a wondrous collection of 16 stories of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and things in between from the same author who brought us the award-winning novel Salamanca.

Dr. Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo says of Alfar, "Surely one of the most unusual
writers to burst on the literary scene in the last decade or so is Dean Francis
Alfar, who may have introduced the term 'speculative fiction' to Filipinos. This
first collection of short stories is so obviously from the same hand that
wrought the funny, magical Salamanca, the hand of a warlock dreaming dreams of
unnamed stars. Readers would do well to step into the dreams."

Mr. Dean Alfar himself will be coming over to join our discussion. The book club will be moderated by another award-winning writer Tara FT Sering.

The Kite of Stars and Other Stories is available at all Powerbooks and
National Bookstore branches for P280.

To confirm your attendance, pls. call the NBDB Secretariat at 926-8238. Look for Dianne Mendoza or Grace Santos.

Tag: EVENTS

January 21, 2008

UP ICW hosts Man Asian Literary Prize executive director in lecture, discussion

The UP Institute of Creative Writing will host Peter Gordon, Executive Director of the Man Asian Literary Prize. The event will be at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, January 24 at the AV Room, 2nd floor, Rizal Hall (Faculty Center), UP Diliman. Gordon will be in the country to promote the prize among Filipino writers and to speak on “International Opportunities for Filipino Writers.”

The Man Asian—informally known as the “Asian Booker”—was established in 2006 and recognizes the best unpublished novel in English or English translation by an Asian. Dr. Jose Dalisay Jr.’s novel Soledad’s Sister made the shortlist of the inaugural prize, which drew 243 entries from all over Asia. The deadline for the 2008 Man Asian is March 31.

Gordon will speak about the prize and on literary publishing in Asia in general. The UP ICW is inviting all interested writers, translators, publishers, teachers, and students to attend the lecture-discussion, which will also feature Dr. Dalisay and fellow novelist and columnist Alfred “Krip” Yuson.

Peter Gordon is a founder and former Director of the Man Hong Kong International Literary Festival (held each March in Hong Kong), founder and editor of the Asian Review of Books, and publisher at Chameleon Press. He writes a weekly column in the Hong Kong daily The Standard and is chairman of the Russian Interest Group at the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

For more details on the Prize: http://www.manasianliteraryprize.org/. For details on the lecture, contact Eva Cadiz at 922-1830.

Tag: EVENTS

January 13, 2008

UP ICW sponsors Read or Die Workshop with Maria Isabel Garcia

The UP Institute of Creative Writing in cooperation with Powerbooks and Read Or Die present the second series of Write Or Die: Writers Write lecture-workshops. The discussions will be held every weekend from November 2007 to February 2008 in different Powerbooks branches and will be moderated by some of the best writers in the country. The purpose of the workshops is to promote the Gawad Likhaan: The University of the Philippines Centennial Literary Prize.

The workshops will have four areas: Fiction (November 2007-December 2007), Non-Fiction (January 2008), and Poetry (February 2008).

Maria Isabel Garcia, winner of the 2007 National Book Awards for Essay for her book "Science Solitaire" (Ateneo Press) and acclaimed science columnist of the Philippine Star, will kickstart the Non-Fiction series on January 12, 2008 (Saturday) in Powerbooks Greenbelt from 2PM to 4PM with a discussion on science writing. The talk is free and open to the public.

For more details please contact Read Or Die at readordie.ph@gmail.com or visit http://write-or-die.org.

Tag: EVENTS

December 14, 2007

UP Press year-end blast

The University of the Philippines Press ends the year on a high note by staging Paglulunsad 2007: Ikatlong Yugto at Pasasalamat.

Everyone is invited to this grand book launch cum cocktail party happening on December 14, 2007 at the Balay Kalinaw in UP Diliman campus, Quezon City .

The event will highlight six important factors in UP Press, as follows:

• launch of the third installment of book titles for 2007
• introduction of UP Press' new Editorial Board
• announcement of the UP Centennial Books project
• the celebration of UP Press authors who won or became finalists of this year's National Book Awards by the Manila Critics Circle
• the five-year anniversary of UP Press bookstores
• launch of the new UP Press website

The event will start at 6 p.m. Food, music and books will be abundant in this year-end celebration. It is also a way of thanking UP Press patrons and partners.

Ikatlong Yugto will complete the 2007 roster of titles. Some of the titles in this third installment include the following:

• Best Filipino Stories: The NVM Gonzalez Awards 2000-2005 edited by Gemino Abad and Gregorio Brillantes
• Cordillera in June by Ben Tapang
• Defiant Daughters by Rina Corpuz
• Forcing The Pace: The Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas: From Foundation to Armed Struggle by Ken Fuller
• Likhaan: The Journal of Contemporary Philippine Literature, Issue I edited by Jose Dalisay Jr.
• Mannahatta Mahal: Collected Expatriate Poems by Luis Cabalquinto
• Mostly in Monsoon Weather by Marne Kilates
• Sexuality and the Filipina by Lilia Quindoza-Santiago
• Sawikaan 2006: Mga Salita ng Taon edited by Robert Anonuevo and Galileo Zafra

Some of the authors will be present in the event. Balay Kalinaw is at the corner of Guerrero and Dagohoy streets, UP Diliman, Quezon City (near Ilang-Ilang Residence Hall). Dress code for the party is smart casual.

For confirmation of attendance or for more information, please contact: Ms. Libay Linsangan Cantor (UP Press Special Projects Assistant) 0918 249 5377; 920-6863; libay.cantor@gmail.com

Tag: EVENTS

December 11, 2007

Pasko ng Komiks in UP Diliman

As part of the U.P. College of Arts and Letters "Linggo ng KAL" event on December 6-14, the U.P. Likhaan: Institute of Creative Writing (UP-ICW) and Read or Die sponsor Pasko ng Komiks or PASKOM symposium on December 11 (Tues), 9am at the Pulungang Claro M. Recto, College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

PASKOM will discuss the relevance of comics arts in contemporary Filipino life. Four related topics, which foreground new perpectives on a growing popular arts tradition, will be discussed, namely "Komiks in Philippine Culture and History," "The Study and Collection of Komiks," "Women in Komiks," and "Creating Komiks."

In the morning , Pablo Gomez, Patrick Flores, Gerry Alanguilan, Glady Gimena, Dennis Villegas, and Orvy Jundis will talk on the two first topics. Then in the afternoon, the women artists—Sherry Baet, Ofelia Concepcion, Vivian Limpin, Elizabeth Chionglo, Joannah Tinio-Catinglo, and Gilda Olvidado—will talk about how the feminine and comics arts intertwine toward a liberative cause.

Still later in the day, comics creators Carlo Vergara, Andrew Drilon, Andrew Villar, Carlo Pagulayan, Randy Valiente, Jonas Diego, Melvin Catinglo, Rey Tiempo, KC Cordero and Victor Balanon will unravel the energy and inspiration behind their works.

The day long discussion will be synthesized and commented upon by Bobby Yonzon (Mango Comics), Emil Flores, Joey Baquiran, and Lawrence Mijares.

Prior to the symposium, a comics exhibit, featuring the actual works of contemporary and past comics artists will be on show beginning December 8. It will be set at the Galleries 1 & 2 of Bulwagang Rizal, College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman.

PASKOM is made possible through the support of National Books Development Board, Powerbooks, Mango Comics, WikiPilipinas, New Worlds Alliance, Read or Die, Komikera, Subway Productions, and the U.P. College of Arts and Letters.

Comics fans, students, and teachers are welcome to attend the symposium and see the exhibit which will run until December 14. For details, call Ms. Eva Cadiz at 9221830.

Tag: EVENTS

December 1, 2007

Writers Night set for December 8

Writers Night on December 8 at the Bulwagang Rizal in U.P. Diliman promises to be more than a chance to meet the idols of Philippine literature. If one stays on long enough, one will actually see many of them do poetry performances. Or sing. Yes, many writers are singers. And band members too. So expect this December affair to be a party experience that will be just as fun and memorable as the previous writers night.

The event starts off at 5:30 pm with the awarding ceremony of the Madrigal-Gonzalez Best First Book Award at the Teatro Hermogenes Ylagan. This award honors authors whose maiden publications merit an auspicious introduction to modern day readers. Among the sterling nominees are Dean Francis Alfar's Salamanca (novel); Barbara-Ann Gamboa Lewis's Barefoot in Fire (creative non-fiction); Maria Isabel Garcia's Science Solitaire: Essays on Science, Nature and Becoming Human (essays); Rica Bolipata-Santos's Love, Desire, Children, Etc (essay); Helen Yap's From Inside the Berlin Wall (essay); and Katrin De Guia's Kapwa: The Self In The Other (essay).

After the awards, partying begins with performances by invited guests Cesare Syjuco, Heber Bartolome, DJ Alvaro, dancer/choreographer Myra Beltran, zitar player Joey Valenciano, ventriloquist Ony Carcamo, experimental artist Jeena Marquez, Romancing Venus, and poets Marne Kilates and Teo Antonio.

Then, everyone will be in for a surprise as daring writers join a mock fashion show staged by campus groups UP Quill, UP Speca, UP Ugat and UP Writers Club. All in the spirit of carnivalesque play.

Friends and guests of writers, as well as readers and fans are welcome to attend the 2007 Writers Night. For details, call Ms. Eva Cadiz at U.P. ICW, 9221830.

Tag: EVENTS

November 23, 2007

Tanghalang Ateneo Stages The Death of Memory

Tanghalang Ateneo goes contemporary Filipino in The Death of Memory, the second production of the company’s 29th season. Written by Glenn Mas, it is a Palanca-prize winning play and an awarded thesis production of the Catholic University of America. Tangahalang Ateneo’s Staging would be the play’s Philippine opremiere production.

In the play, four people are trapped in a nowhere land where time has topped, and with no memory how they got there, and no ides on how to get out. Eah one carries a painful and violent memory- sexual abuse, abandonment, murder- that assaults them at unpredictable moments and ties them to this purgatorial prison.

Ralph Quiblat and Brian Sy alternate as the newcomer Juan, while Rachel Quong and Margarita Paje play the Keeper, the ethereal guardian of the nowhere land. The rest of the faculty cast is Randy Solis, Dianne Laserna, Miguel Lizada and Angela Serrano. In turn, the rest of the student cast is composed of BJ Crisostomo, Regina Francisco, Nicolo Magno and Gianna Villavicencio.

Director Ricardo Abad and porduction designer Salvador Bernal depart from their Asian motifs to create an abstract world that is replete with surreal and violent images. Joining them are choreographer Matthew santamaria, lighting designer Jonjon Villareal, and sounds and graphic designer Reamur David. Kastski Flores, finalist in Cinemalaya 2007, incorporates film images of the character’s memories.

The Death of Memory runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, 4 to 8, and 11 to 15 at 7 p.m., with additional 2 p.m. shows on Dec. 1, 8, 15 at the Rizal Mini-Theater of the Ateneo de Manila University. For inquiries call Sheila Concina at 0915-5715665 or the Rizal Mini-Theater at 426-6001 local 5121. The play is for mature audiences only.

From The Philippine Star, November 19, 2007

Tag: EVENTS

November 18, 2007

Ang Bagong Libro: The Exhibit

Read Or Die and Goethe Institut Manila present "Ang Bagong Libro," an art exhibit featuring re-interpreted covers of Filipino books by Filipino artists using their chosen media. The purpose of the exhibit is to foster an intersection between Filipino literature (and writers) and Filipino art (and artists) through the medium of book cover design as art.

We are encouraging Filipino artists of all artistic stripes and affiliations to participate. If you are interested in submitting artwork for the exhibit please take a look at our guidelines .

The exhibit will open on January 25, 2008 at the Goethe Institut, 4-5/F Adamson Centre, 121 Leviste St. , Salcedo Village , Makati City.

Tag: EVENTS

November 1, 2007

UP Gawad Likhaan: Write Or Die lectures in Powerbooks

The UP Institute of Creative Writing ,in cooperation with Powerbooks and Read Or Die, present the first series of Write Or Die: Writers Write lecture-workshops. The workshops will be held every weekend from November 2007 to February 2008 in different Powerbooks branches and will be moderated by some of the best writers in the country. The purpose of the workshops is to promote the Gawad Likhaan: The University of the Philippines Centennial Literary Prize.

We especially encourage people who are non-professional or non-academe-based to attend the workshops and submit their works to the Gawad Likhaan. Teachers are welcome to bring their students. No reservations are needed.

The workshops will have four areas: Fiction (November 2007-December 2007), Non-Fiction (January 2008), and Poetry (February 2008).

The schedule for the Fiction workshops is as follows:

Dean Alfar
November 10, 2007
Powerbooks Megamall
2PM - 4PM

Jun Cruz Reyes
November 17, 2007
Powerbooks Trinoma
2PM - 4PM

Amelia Lapena Bonifacio
November 24, 2007
Powerbooks Trinoma
2PM - 4PM

Charlson Ong
December 1, 2007
Powerbooks Trinoma
2PM - 4PM

Admission is free and open to the public. For more details, contact Eva Garcia-Cadiz at 922-1830.

Tag: EVENTS

November 1, 2007

Komedya Fiesta 2008

In celebration of the UP Centennial, the  College of Arts and Letters, in cooperation with the Office of the Chancellor and OICA, presents Komedya Fiesta 2008.  

The Komedya Fiesta 2008 is a month long event which aims to present, create an awareness, and increase the  understanding of  and appreciation for the komedya.  The komedya  is a colorful theatrical tradition whose plot revolves around the social, political, and religious conflicts between the Muslims and Christian heroes. It is usually presented in festivals with the support and patronage of the communities. This theater form has its origins in the theatrical traditions of Spain and Mexico in the 16 th -18 th century. It reached the Philippines through the Hispanic Christianization of the Philippines . This is precisely the reason why many of the plots have Hispanic leitmotifs. While komedya performances will be the principal event, Komedya Fiesta 2008 will also feature an international conference, an exhibition, and a colloquium to provide scholars, cultural researchers, artists and production teams a venue for sharing ideas.

The existence of active komedya/moro-moro groups in a number of regions in the Philippines today warrants an intensified effort to assert the significance of this centuries-old theater tradition. Although the komedya, which is also referred to as  moro-moro among the Tagalogs and Ilokanos; linambay among the Cebuanos; moros-moros among the Ilonggo's;  palo-palo among the Ivatan, is still performed to this very day and draws a following, it enjoys limited exposure.

As one of the traditional theater genres that is fully developed and which has dominated the Philippine theater for over 300 years across regions, the komedya truly deserves a serious examination. It is sad that after substantial studies conducted by some scholars in the early eighties, no significant event has been initiated to further the studies nor promote the understanding of and appreciation for this form on a national level. As a theater form, it is significant to study its performance conventions, production process, and organizational practices that make it possible to survive to this day. In the same light, the persistence of this tradition ensues an interest to look more closely at the manner and processes of transmission of this tradition from one generation to the next. It is in this light that the first national festival is conceived.

The festival seeks to celebrate the komedya as a significant legacy in the continuing history of the Philippine Theater.   More significantly, the effort, talent and creativity that have been manifested by several komedya groups all over the country to make this tradition survive for more than three hundred years is definitely worth celebrating.

The celebration primarily aims to encourage the academic study and research on the komedya and other traditional theater forms in the country. It  will also examine how the disciplines of theatre and performance studies, including related fields, struggle with questions of globalization. This event can be a platform for discussions across disciplines in the Arts and Humanities, History, Philippine Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, Tourism and others. It will also provide a venue for sharing expert knowledge about traditional performance practices across a broad spectrum of perspectives. In the process, this exchange will hopefully develop among scholars and researchers a theoretical grasp of the relationship between performance and culture in the context of globalization and transnational mobility.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Komedya Fiesta 2008  will be composed of the following:

A. Research

As a pioneering effort to hold the festival on a national scale, the research component plays a significant role in substantiating all the major events of the festival. An updated information on the existing komedya troupes, their performance practices as well as their organizational management processes is  necessary to create a better understanding of this form.  The information will govern the nature and substance of all the festival events.  

B. Performances

As the flagship component, regular performances will be held every Friday for the whole month of February 2008. Each performance will have  "entreme"  or front act performances prior to komedya performances. It may include a balagtasan, an amateur singing contest, magic, circus etc. Since the komedya's running time varies from 1 ½ hours to several days, a further study on how to regulate the performance period is necessary. Nevertheless, there will be one komedya group to perform each night.  

C. International Conference and Workshop

The two-day gathering  will include the presentation of academic papers in the morning and workshops on the different aspects of komedya productions in the afternoon. The conference hopes to tackle the current state of this tradition in the Philippines and in some parts of the globe.  

D. Exhibition

This component is a month long exhibition that features modern works, installations and other contemporary visual arts expressions on the  komedya. The exhibit will also include a historical overview of  its origin, assimilation, indigenization and diffusion of komedya tradition in the Philippines . This exhibit will highlight the data on the existing komedya groups, komedya performances, production process and the maintenance of the organization. The panels of text will be punctuated by the presentation of significant komedya material elements like orihinal (scripts), props, costumes, shields, headdress etc.  

E. Colloquium

The half day colloquium will be a discussion among all the comediantes , production team and accompanists that comprise the groups. The discussions will center on the strengths, weaknesses of the groups and their recommendations for the future of  the komedya on a national scale. This component hopes to establish a network of komedya groups of the country.  

F. Special Events

1. Opening Ceremonies

This event will usher in the entire celebration by a parade of all komedya players along major streets in UP. They will be accompanied by marching bands. The Opening Ceremonies will have a program that will officially announce the opening of the festival. All the performing groups will be presented to the public. The UP officials, the officials of major stakeholders as well as important organizations in UP are also part of the parade. Fireworks display will highlight the Opening Ceremonies.

2. Serenata ng mga Banda

Marching bands play an important role in any komedya performance. To give prominence to this role, a "serenata ng mga banda" will be held on selected afternoons within the festival period.  

3. Auxiliary Events

The auxiliary events will feature activities that help create the "fiesta" atmosphere. They include a singing contest, jugglers, magic tricks, mime performances, higantes on a stilt, fire eaters (if allowed), and circus among others.

4. Closing Ceremonies

This event focuses on a video presentation of the week that was. This is the time when the participating groups will sit down as guests. The highlight of this event is the mass playing of different participating bands. Hundred voices will render pieces relevant to komedya. Choral Groups will render musical pieces relative to komedya. The highlight of the program is the singing of UP HYMN by hundred voices.

Target Date of Implementatio: February 1, 8, 15, 22, 27-29, 2008

Venue: The Ampitheater, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City   

Tag: EVENTS

The 12th Biennial Symposium on the Literatures and Cultures of the Asia Pacific Region

November 22-24, 2007
Department of English and Comparative Literature
University of the Philippines

The Asia Pacific region has been the site of the enthusiastic production of literature and other cultural texts for the last fifty years but many of these productions have so far been just a token presence in the anthologies and scholarship outside the region. Even within the region, knowledge of each other's literatures and cultures is minimal. Current theories have helped address the imbalance by privileging " Third World " or "postcolonial" texts, by exposing processes of containment, co-optation and mediation, and by suggesting solutions such as retrieval, negotiation and recuperation.

REWOR(L)DINGS: CONTESTATIONS AND RECONFIGURATIONS IN THE LITERATURES AND CULTURES OF THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION seeks to up the ante by questioning the paradigms that have forced the writer and scholar in this region to retrieve, negotiate and recuperate, contesting the worlding that has relegated the region to the margins. It will explore possibilities of re-mapping culture so that no center has single dominance, and every center retains a fidelity to its people's history and culture without negating a colonial past or current global imperatives.

Specifically, the conference will explore breaking away from popular paradigms for the creation and analysis of literature and culture. It will review concepts ubiquitously present in current discourse-globalization, for instance, and postcoloniality with its panoply of accompanying terms, such as hybridity, diaspora, dialogic. It will invite new discourses that promote reconfigurations and new visionings, e.g. the creation of "moving"/ "untranslatable" identities, translation as a globalizing force. It will cite regional realities that should inform this new cartography and the ways by which the writers, especially those in the "new" genres, have responded to them. It will encourage the creative writers to share their process of resolving contradictions between art and subjectivity. Writers, translators and scholars will be expected to draw from traditions and currrents in their cultures, and through the power of the word and the image, re-world this region's literature and culture.

Topics that will be of interest are the following:

• Literary Theory: Windows from the Pacific
• Europe-Asia: Dis/Connections
• Re- Searching Language and Literature: Methods of Research
• In/Trans-nation: Issues of Translation
• The Past in Present: Myths and Folklore in Literature
• Gendering the Word: Gender and Literature from Another Perspective
• Narratives of Self-Fashioning
• Literary Fetish(es)
• Borders and Borderland Cultural Landscapes and Mindscapes
• "Untranslatable"/"Moving" Identities
• Asia-Pacific Literature in the Global Market
• Memory and Narratives of Terror and Displacement
• The Word in/and Cyberspace: Re-imagining the self in cyber community
• English and the Linguistic Realities of the Asia Pacific Writer
• The "New Genres"
• Children's Literature: Stirrings and Movements
• Speculative Fiction
• Genre Fiction
• What's Chic about Chick Lit?
• The Literary Blog
• The New Gothic Literature
• Literature and Anime
• Narratives of the Game/Gaming (Video games storylines)

The network's conferences usually allow only a minimum number of non-paper readers to participate. For this symposium, a considerable number of non-paper readers will be invited to participate in the conference. These participants will come from various local tertiary institutions which may benefit from an international conference on Asia Pacific literatures and cultures.

Tag: EVENTS

October 7, 2007

British Council and U.P. Likhaan sponsor Reading Workshops
by Arvin Abejo Mangohig

What do literature teachers do during their spare time?

The British Council has Alan Pulverness to offer. The internationally acclaimed reading specialist will deliver five lectures in the Philippines for free between October 19 and 27 and the UP Likhaan: Institute of Creative Writing will host him on October 26, 9am to 5pm, to talk about "Teaching Language through Literature: Reading Across Cultures" at the UP College of Arts and Letters Audio-Visual Room, Faculty Center, UP Diliman.

Alan Pulverness is a freelance teacher trainer, materials writer, and an Associate Trainer with the Norwich Institute for Language Education. His areas of special interest are culture and the teaching of literature. He has a degree in Comparative Literature and Applied Linguistics from the University of East Anglia . He has edited and advised for several new volumes on new fiction and worked on an award-winning course on Macbeth.

Pulverness was part of the Reading Reputations, 20th annual British Council Conference on the teaching of literature and Animating Literature, the British Council regional seminar held in Prague , among others.

In the Philippines , his itinerary includes:

• 19 October "Using Literature in Teaching Content Areas" In-Service Training for Teachers - Cluster 1 ( Luzon );
• 22 October "Using Literature in Teaching Content Areas" In-Service Training for Teachers - Cluster 1 (Visayas-Mindanao);
• 25 October "Theory and Practice in Language and Literature: A Revisit and Re-vision" with Council for Department Chairs in English and the College English Teachers' Association;
• 26 October "Teaching Language through Literature: Reading Across Cultures" with the UP Likhaan: Institute of Creative Writing
• 27 October "Boogie by the Book (main lecture): Teaching Language through Literature: Reading Across Cultures"

For more information and confirmation of the lectures, please contact Eva Garcia-Cadiz at 922-1830 or the British Council at 914-1011 to 14 or e-mail the British Council at britishcouncil@britishcouncil.org.ph or visit British Council website.

Tag: EVENTS

October 7, 2007

DLSU hosts Ka-Tribo Ko

The Harlequin Theatre Guild, the official theater organization of De La Salle University-Manila, is going to have a week-long exhibit entitled "Harlequin Week: Ka-Tribo Ko" in line with the world's celebration of Indigenous Peoples month. The event shall culminate in a concert featuring some of the Philippines ' brightest luminaries in world music.

The exhibit will run from Monday, October 15, 2007 until Friday, October 19, at the Yuchengco Building Lobby, DLSU-Manila campus, and the culminating activity will be held at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium on October 19, from 7pm to 9pm. Admission for the exhibit is free, while tickets for the culminating activity is available for 100 pesos for students, 120 for general patrons.

Tag: EVENTS

October 7, 2007

Pangasinan Language and Culture Conference

The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) and the Dr. Jose De Guzman Tamayo Foundation, Inc,.in cooperation with the Pangrehiyong Sentro sa Wikang Filipino, Pangasinan State University (Bayambang Campus) and the Ulupan na Pansiansia'y Salitan Pangasinan, cordially invite you to a conference on "Revitalizing the Pangasinan Language and Cultural Heritage."

WHAT: A two-day conference devoted to paper presentations and discussion pertaining to the Pangasinan language and cultural heritage; Pangasinan history and historiography; the literary and folkloric legacy of its people, and the state of literacy and education in the province. A literary contest known as the Gawad Komisyon 2007 (Wikang Pangasinan) shall also be held.

AIMS: The conference aims to:

• bring into focus the linguistic, socio-cultural, and educational practices of the people of Pangasinan;
• reflect on how these practices influence, and are affected by, the regional, national, and global cultures;
• chart the directions for research and creative work in Pangasinan cultural studies, advocate for policy changes and draw up long-term and medium-term programs in the cultural, educational and linguistic fields; and
• forge linkages and foster cooperation with the various stakeholders in pursuit of these plans and policy advocacies;

WHEN and WHERE: November 8 and 9, 2007 at the Urdaneta City Cultural Center , 2nd and 3 rd floors;

WHO ARE INVITED: The conference is open to academic institutions; teachers; students; educators and other professionals; cultural workers and tourism officials; provincial, city and local government leaders and administrators; religious and lay leaders; and individuals.

CALL FOR PAPERS: Abstracts of papers may be submitted to the program committee until October 18, 2007. The abstract should be less than 400 words; be original; and adhere to the conference theme and/or deal with related topics. Notice of acceptance of abstracts shall be on or before October 26, 2007. Paper readers to be entitled to honoraria must submit their full papers on or before November 2, 2007.

FEES: Regular Registration fees: P750.00 for 2 days, inclusive of lunch and snacks. P500.00 for graduate and undergraduate students.

The Gawad Komisyon 2007 (Wikang Pangasinan)

The Gawad Komisyon 2007 (Pangasinan) is a literary competition in the short story and poetry categories. The contest is administered by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, but the prizes are provided for by the Dr. Jose De Guzman Tamayo Foundation. The contest rules are:

• The contest is open to all, excepting KWF employees;
• Entries must be original (not translations from other languages); have not won a major prize in other contests; and have not been published.
• The entries must not bear the name or any identifying feature of the author and must be accompanied by a separate form that can be secured from the organizers or can be downloaded at http://wika.pbwiki.com/Mga+Pormularyo
• Length. For poetry (anlong), the entry must be a collection of seven to 10 poems. For short story, it should be from 10 to 20 pages long, double spaced.
• The prizes shall be as follows: first prize: PhP15,000 + plaque, which shall be known as the Gantimpalang Tamayo; second prize: PhP10,000 + plaque; third prize: PhP8,000 + plaque; three (3) consolation prizes: PhP2, 000 + certificate. Non-winning authors shall be entitled to a certificate of participation.
• Only one (1) entry per category per individual shall be accepted;
• The deadline for submission on entries is on October 19, 2007. The winners shall be announced during the cultural night of the conference on November 9, 2007.

THE ORGANIZERS AND PARTNERS: The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino is the official language agency of the Republic of the Philippines created by Republic Act No. 7419. The Dr. Jose De Guzman Tamayo Foundation, Inc. is a private institution whose projects are designed to identify, safeguard, preserve and revitalize the cultural and literary heritage of the Pangasinan people. The collaborating organizations are the Pangrehiyong Sentro sa Wikang Filipino (Pangasinan State University-Bayambang Campus) and the Ulupan na Pansiansia'y Salitan Pangasinan, an organization of Pangasinan writers and cultural artists.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call the KWF office: (02)736-25-21 c/o Crispa or Elvie; the DJGT Foundation, Perpetual Help University, Malasiqui Office c/o Rhia, 09193721808/(075) 536-34-12; the ULUPAN office, United Way Building, Alvear St., Poblacion, Lingayen, Pangasinan, (075) 541-0863; the Pangasinan State University c/o Mary-Ann, 09205971505, annmacaranas@yahoo.com.ph.

Tag: EVENTS

October 7, 2007

Call for Papers for the 1st International Theatre Conference on Komedya

UP College of Arts and Letters in celebration of the centennial of the University of the Philippines is announcing the KOMEDYA Fiesta 2008, a celebration of tradition, culture and performativity. Part of this grand activity is the 1 st International Theatre Conference focused on Komedya and Moro-Moro . The conference aims to interrogate komedya as a Philippine traditional theatre form; reevaluate its nature and elements; rediscover the past (history) through this theatre form; and historicize its continuum and dynamics. The conference will be held on February 27 - 29, 2008 at the College of Arts and Letters Building and Bulwagang Rizal, University of the Philippines , Diliman, Quezon City . The theme of the conference is Komedya: Revisiting the Past for the Possibilities of the Future. The conference has the following objectives:

• to gather a community of Philippine Performance Studies scholars interested and / or focused on komedya ;
• to provide opportunity for presentation and discussion on researches among academic scholars and practitioners in the theatre and performance studies in the Philippines ;
• to theorize on the present state of komedya as part of Philippine Performance Studies discourse through the series of researches and / or presentations;
• to exchange information among scholars and practitioners in the theatre and performance studies regarding this traditional theatre form; and
• to build networks among scholars and practitioners for future collaboration in research, academic exchange and performance praxis.

Who should attend the conference?

• Researchers, academics and consultants with research interests on Philippine Theatre and Performance Studies (specially those who specialize in komedya studies)
• Administrators of academic programs in Philippine theatre, dramatic literature, speech communications and performance studies
• Theatre practitioners - actors, directors, artistic staff, production staff and stage staff who specialize and / or perform komedya
• Graduate and post-graduate students in theatre, performance studies and related fields
• Publishers of journals and / or academic textbooks in Philippine Theatre and Performance Studies
• Students in theatre arts, arts studies, art education, performance studies and related disciplines

The conference will invite papers on either completed research or a preliminary report on a research in progress. Best papers will be competitively selected and authors will be acknowledged with plaques and certificates.

General Interest Sessions: The conference will feature several plenary sessions that will include panel presentations and / or forums focusing on:

1. Komedya: The Literary Form
2. Komedya as Community / Folk Theater
3. Komedya and the Hispanization of the Islands ( Philippines )
4. Komedya, Christianity and Islam
5. Komedya and History
6. Komedya, Aesthetics and Sensibility
7. Komedya: Translations, Negotiations and Adaptations to Modernity
8. Komedya: Deconstruction and Reconstruction
9. Musical Elements in Komedya
10. Dance and Movement in Komedya
11. Performance/s of Komedya in Other Regions and Other Languages
12. Production Management Process
13. Any other papers related to the theme of the conference

Submission Guidelines (for the abstracts):

1. One page abstracts (typed double spaced) not exceeding 500 of proposed papers should be submitted for the final selection process.
2. Submit abstracts by email to the conference secretariat, komedya2008@yahoo.com
3. Deadline for the submission of abstracts is on October 15, 2007 .
4. Paper Review Committee will conduct a refereed screening of abstracts. Authors of accepted abstracts will be informed by the conference secretariat within 3 weeks after the abstract is received.
5. Once the paper is accepted, at least one of the authors must register for and present the paper at the conference.

Submission Guidelines (for Final Papers)

1. Full paper submission is allowed for the final selection process.
2. Full papers for review need to be edited as per the final paper format.
3. Submit full papers for review by email to the conference secretariat, komedya2008@yahoo.com
4. Deadline of full paper submission for a refereed screening process is November 30, 2007 .
5. Once the paper is accepted, at least one of the authors must register for and present the paper at the conference.
6. Completed Full Papers will be professionally published in the conference proceedings (with ISSN number).
7. Papers will only be published in the conference proceedings if at least one of the authors registers and attends the conference.

Call for Workshop Presentations

 Workshop Presentation is another highlight of KOMEDYA Fiesta 2008 and the 1 st International Theatre Conference focused on Komedya. Practitioners of komedya are invited to submit workshop presentation proposals. Also, practitioners of some aspects of komedya like arnis instructors, poets specializing in awit, playwrights , choreographers and/or dancers of paso doble, batalya and the likes may submit proposals.

What aspects of komedya may be workshopped?

• Movement in komedya
• Footwork and swordfighting in komedya
• Voice and Diction in komedya
• Writing a komedya
• Writing an awit
• Writing a song for komedya
• Any other possible workshops related to komedya

Workshop presentations will be given 120 to 180 minute sessions.

Submission Guidelines (for workshop proposals):

1. One page proposals (typed double spaced) of proposed workshops should be submitted for the final selection process.
2. Include in the proposals, objectives of the workshops, materials needed, strategies and proposed number of participants.
3. Submit proposals by email to the conference secretariat, komedya2008@yahoo.com
4. Deadline for the submission of proposals is on October 30, 2007 .
5. Workshop Review Committee will conduct a refereed screening of proposals. Facilitators of accepted proposals will be informed by the conference secretariat within 3 weeks after the proposal is received.
6. Once the proposal is accepted, at least one of the facilitators must register for and present the workshop at the conference.

Registration

Registration forms will be available very soon at the UP College of Arts and Letters website, www.kal.up.ed.ph . Early Bird Registration Fee (on or before February 1, 2008 ) of research presenters and workshop facilitators is Php 2,000.00 for local participants and USD 90.00 for foreign participants. Non-presenters' early bird registration fee is Php, 2,500.00 for local participants and USD 100.00 for foreign participants. Regular registration (after February 1, 2008 ) of research presenters and workshop facilitators is Php 3,000.00 for local participants and USD 100.00 for foreign participants. Non-presenters' regular registration fee is Php 3,500.00 for local participants and USD 120.00 for foreign participants. Student participants must attach a copy of student ID and certificate of studentship to the registration form. Student registration fee is Php 1,500.00 for both local presenters and non-presenters and USD 50.00 for both foreign presenters and non-presenters.

For inquiries, email the conference secretariat, Prof. Sir Anril P. Tiatco at sir_anril.tiatco@up.edu.ph or komedya2008@yahoo.com

Tag: EVENTS

September 22, 2007

British Council and UP ICW hold performance poetry workshop
by Arvin Abejo Mangohig

Poetry, both a spoken and written art, is actually a performance medium. Readings and others multimedia performances bring poetry closer to a generation reared on MTV, youtube, and blogs.

The British Council, in cooperation with the Likhaan: University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing, will be holding performance poetry workshops as part of its Animating Literature project. London-based Francesca Beard will gather a select number of young Filipino writers to train in UP Diliman and UP Baguio, in coordination with its deans - National Artist Virgilio Almario and Elizabeth Calinawagan respectively. They in turn will spread the expertise Beard will share to others, especially elementary and high school teachers, who would like to venture into performance as art.

ICW Director Vim Nadera, himself a noted performance poet, is delighted at hosting Francesca Beard once again. She caused quite a stir during her last visit two years ago, and this second one, Nadera hopes, will be more fruitful and more artistically fulfilling. The British Council wasted no time in contacting the ICW -- for the latter's Literatour -- a program offered to literature teachers and students alike. Beard will be training performance poets at the Pulungang Claro M. Recto of the UP Diliman's Faculty Center (September 26-28) and UP Baguio's College of Arts and Communications (September 30-October 2) for the seminars.

For details, please contact Eva Cadiz at 9221830.

Francesca Beard was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . She grew up in Penang and now lives in London. She is also a lyricist and a workshop facilitator. She has traveled the world and toured in Azerbaijan , Bulgaria , Colombia and the Philippines, which she considers advanced in performance poetry comparatively.

Tags: EVENTS

August 25, 2007

Poetry symposium, jazz concert in Baguio slated

The Baguio Writers Group in cooperation with Baguio Country Club and Smart Communications Inc. presents a poetry symposium on “To Do or to Be: How to Make a Poem” on Sept. 15, Saturday, 2-5 p.m. at the Wolfson Room of the Club.

Panelists include Marjorie Evasco, Sid Hildawa, Marra Lanot, Francis and Priscilla Macansantos, Edgar Maranan and Alfred Yuson.

In the same evening the writers group will host an invitational concert, “Jazz for Tonight,” at 7 p.m. at Par 7 of the Country Club. Featured performers are Jacqui Magno, Gou de Jesus, Richard Cariño, Desiree Caluza, Butch Cando, Egay Buñing, Joanifer Abubo, Enrico Subido, Ivan Cruz and On-Call.

Seats are limited. To reserve call or text 0927-989-0191.

August 5, 2007

"Transpormers" at the UP Press Bookstore

Three young writers in Filipino will read their latest works at the UP Press Bookstore Diliman on August 17. Vladimeir Gonzales, Carlos Piocos, and Mykel Andrada will be featured in the afternoon program titled "Transpormers." Included in the works to be performed are pieces that are anime-, love-, and political killings-inspired. "Transpormers" will be held at the rear veranda of the UP Press Bookstore Diliman at the ground floor of Balay Kalinaw, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. The reading begins at 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

"Transpormers" is part of the series of monthly readings at the UP Press Bookstore Diliman, which started in May with a reading of new stories by Anna Sanchez, Mary Jessel Duque, Francezca Kwe, and Marie Aubrey Villaceran. This was followed by a chapbook launching and reading by High Chair poets Marc Gaba, Misandel Arguelles, and Jose Beduya. July featured Paolo Manalo reading poems he wrote at in the USA and Scotland. In September, Conchitina Cruz will be reading her latest works.

Transpormers is part of the UP Press's activities in celebration of Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa. For more information on these and other UP Press events, call (632) 9282558 local 110.

Tag: EVENTS

August 5, 2007

National Artist Jose to give lecture

National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil Jose will grace the Ortigas Foundation Library on August 16, 2007 to give a lecture entitled, “History as Literature.”

The lecture will be held on Thursday, August 16 at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information please call 631.1231 local 222 or email ortigasfoundation@ortigas.com.ph.

F. (Francisco) Sionil José, founded the Philippine Center of PEN, an international organization of poets, playwrights, essayists, and novelists. His work includes eleven novels, five books of short stories, a book of verse, a collection of stories for children and four books of essays. He has received numerous fellowships, honorary Ph.D’s and awards, which include: the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Award (1980); the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Centennial Honors for the Arts (1999); the National Artist Award for Literature (2001); and the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award (2004).

Tag: EVENTS

August 5, 2007

Pistang Panitik 2007

After success of last year’s "Pistang Panitik," LIKHAAN: The U.P. Institute of Creative Writing, in partnership with the Book Development Association of the Philippines, Prime Trade Asia, Anvil Publishing, the National Book Development Board and Read Or Die, will mount "Pistang Panitik 2007" at the World Trade Center from August 30, 2007 to September 2, 2007 to coincide with the 28th Manila International Book Fair.

"Pistang Panitik" was conceived by UP ICW Director Vim Nadera as a literary festival where readers and writers alike can meet and greet. This year’s "Pistang Panitik" is much more ambitious as it spans over the 5 days of the Manila International Book Fair.

Araw ni Bienvenido Lumbera
AUGUST 30 (Thursday)
Function Rm A
1:00-3:00 p.m.

KRITIKO: Dr. Roland Tolentino, Dr. Rod Nuncio, at Dr. Rosario Torres Yu
TAGAPAGTANGHAL: Bb. Susan Magno
MULA SA MAMBABASA: Kristin Mandigma & Marianne Suba

Araw ni Francisco Sionil Jose
AUGUST 31 (Friday)
Function Rm A
1:00-3:00 p.m.

KRITIKO: Dr. Neil Garcia, Dr.Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta at Ferdie Lopez
TAGAPAGTANGHAL: Under Siege
MULA SA MAMBABASA: Mia Sereno & Israel Realin

Araw ni Virgilio Almario
SEPTEMBER 1 (Saturday)
Function Rm B
1:00- 3:00 p.m.

KRITIKO: G. Roberto Añonuevo, Prof. Mike Coroza at G. Rogelio Mangahas
TAGAPAGTANGHAL: Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo
MULA SA MAMBABASA: Kristel Autencio, Renita Norada

Araw ni Alejandro Roces
SEPTEMBER 2 (Sunday)
Function Rm A
1:00- 5:00 p.m.

KRITIKO: Dr. Isagani Cruz, Prof. Lito Zulueta, at Prof. Danton Remoto
TAGAPAGTANGHAL: Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines
MULA SA MAMBABASA: Rachel Teng, Karen Inocencio & Paolo Cruz

Araw ni Edith Tiempo

PANAUHIN: G. Alfred Yuson, Dr. Gemino Abad, Prof. Ralph Galan
TAGAPAGTANGHAL: Ony Carcamo
MULA SA MAMBABASA: Pamela Punzalan & Mia Marci

Visit the "Pistang Panitik 2007" website for the schedules and updates, or call the UP ICW at 922-1830.

Tag: EVENTS

June 25, 2007

UP Centennial Commission launches literary contest

The UP Centennial Commission is formally launching the Gawad Likhaan: The University of the Philippines Literary Prize on Friday, June 29, 2007, 3:45 pm at the Bulwagang Recto, Faculty Center, UP Diliman. This Contest is administered by The UP Institute of Creative Writing (UP-ICW) as part of the celebrations of the UP Centennial in 2008.

There are six awards, each one worth P200,000, for original, book-length works in 3 genres in either English or Filipino: the novel or short story, poetry, and creative nonfiction or sanaysay. Only one prize per genre in either language will be awarded.

The complete rules are available at the UP-ICW office in UP Diliman. They will also be uploaded on the UP-ICW website and on www.panitikan.com.ph, the literary portal hosted by the UP-ICW.

All entries to the contest are to be submitted to the Board of Judges, Likhaan: The UP Institute of Creative Writing, Faculty Center, UP Diliman. Deadline for submission is Monday, March 31, 2008 at 5 pm. The names of the winners and the members of the board of judges will be announced in June 2008.

The UP-ICW is also sponsoring two other events taking place on the same day as the launch. First is the inauguration of the UP Likhaan Centennial Lecture Series, commencing with the lecture of Dr. Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, titled “Fiction as Response to History: Philippine Fiction in English.” At 6 pm on the same day, the UP Press will launch at Balay Kalinaw, UP Diliman, among ten other titles, The Children’s Hour, a two-volume anthology of stories on childhood by Filipino writers in English, edited by Gémino H. Abad and Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo.

Tag: CONTESTS, EVENTS

June 25, 2007

First National Conference on Literature for Children

The UP Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas (UP DFPP) will be sponsoring the first-ever Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panitikang Pambata (National Conference on Literature for Children) with the theme “Tungo sa Gintong Panahon ng Panitikang Pambata” (Towards the Golden Age of Literature for Children) on July 25-27, 2007 at the Claro M. Recto Hall, Faculty Center, UP Diliman. The national conference will feature paper presentations by both established and young literary critics, creative writers, and visual artists for children led by renowned UP scholar Dr. Rosario Torres-Yu. Topics include interpretation and interpellation of Filipino aesthetics, historical and regional narratologies, educational and informational praxes, the culture of reading, media, diaspora, sexual politics, folklore, ethnography, peace talks, and poverty and revolution, – all in relation to literary production for children. Keynote speech will be delivered by critic and National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario. The said conference will also feature workshop talks by illustrator Jose Miguel Tejido, Adarna House publisher Ani Rosa Almario, and renowned writer for children Prof. Rene O. Villanueva. For inquiries about conference fees, reservations and the like, contact Dr. Eugene Y. Evasco (eugene.evasco@gmail.com) and/or Prof. Will P. Ortiz (bilogangbuwan@gmail.com). You may also contact UP DFPP (9244899).

Tag: EVENTS

June 12, 2007

Portrait of the City: The Literary Imagination and the City We Live In

A literary exhibit of places in the city that have inspired great works of literature

“To begin with, it is impossible to write of Pasay without feeling — one thinks of it with love and repulsion and sorrow.”-Kerima Polatan from The Rise and Fall of Pasay, Author’s Choice, Selected Writing of Kerima Polotan

See how words can take you to places and make you feel the city throb with emotion; realize the beauty in the bustling chaos. Experience the works of Philippine authors come alive in this unique exhibit.

As part of the celebration of the 11th Philippine Book Development Month, the National Book Development Board (NBDB), in partnership with the Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL), is mounting a literary exhibit entitled, “Portrait of a City: The Literary Imagination and the City We Live In”. The exhibit will feature the places around the metropolis that have inspired great works in Philippine literature, from Rizal all the way to young contemporary writers. The exhibit is free at the Glorietta III Park, from June 27 to July 1, 2007, and at the Trinoma Mall from July 4-8, 2007.

To further enhance the literary experience, on June 30, there will be a Portrait of the City tour, wherein an actual tour will be held visiting the places in Makati, Pasay, and the City of Manila. Starting and ending at the exhibit at the Glorietta Park, participants will experience the written word come alive in this one-time, one-of-a-kind tour. The tour will be guided by reading enthusiast Ms. Joanna Abrera Del Prado.

Powerbooks is the official bookseller of the exhibit. The books will be on display for sale during the literary exhibit at the Trinoma Mall.

To join the Portrait of the City tour, please call the Filipinas Heritage Library at 892-1801, look for Ms. Sheila Cayton. The Portrait of the City tour costs five hundred pesos (P500) per head to cover transportation and meals. Limited seats available. Guided tours of at the exhibit itself will be available on June 28 to 29 at the Glorietta III Park and July 5 and 6 at the Trinoma Mall at these times: 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

For schools and teachers interested in guided tours of the exhibit itself for their students, or for the schedule of events during the Portrait of the City exhibit please call the NBDB at 928-0048 and look for Mr. Jun Briola.

Tag: EVENTS

March 22, 2007

LIRA hosts Lila

Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) and Ortigas foundation invite you to  Lila: Handog sa Buwan ng Kababaihan, a series of multimedia exhibits, film showings, lectures, book fair, and performances in celebration of Women's Month.  This will be at the Ortigas Foundation Library, 2nd floor of the Ortigas Building along Ortigas Avenue from March 24 to March 30.  The exhibit features pieces by Vivian Limpin, Maningning Miclat, Maureen de la Cruz, Beverly Siy, Raul Funilas, and Vim Nadera.  Lectures of different aspects of womanhood and literature will also be given by Rebecca Anonuevo, Luna Sicat Cleto, Betty Uy Regala, and Kora Dandan. The ribbon-cutting will be on March 24, at 1:30pm.  This event is free and open to the public.

Tag: EVENTS

March 22, 2007

Filipino Program launches a Philippine literature festival

A two-day Philippine literature festival to celebrate Filipino writing and writers will take place on April 12 & 13, 2007 at the University of Hawaii Manoa campus and the Philippine Consulate General of Hawaii.

Initiated by the UH Filipino and Philippine Literature Program, the festival will convene writers from the Philippines, the US mainland and Hawaii. The first day is called "Pagtatagpo: Filipino Writers Summit", a roundtable discussion on the direction of Philippine writing in the United States. The panelists include Ma. Josephine Barrios, a well-known playwright, poet and novelist from the Philippines; R. Zamora Linmark, distinguished visiting writer from the UH Department of English and author of Rolling the Rs ; Ninotchka Rosca, New York-based international human rights activist and author of the award-winning State of War ; Marianne Villanueva, San Francisco-based short story writer and author of Mayor of Roses ; Michelle Cruz Skinner, Punahou teacher and author of Mango Season ; and Francis Tanglao-Aguas, a playwright/stage performer and author of the collection, Purple.

The authors will be met by local writers and UH aspiring writers/performers on April 12, 2:00-5:00 pm at the QLC Student Services 412 in the Manoa campus. Among the invited local writers are Amalia Bueno, Michael Cueva, Elynia Mabanglo, Aurelio Agcaoili, Amado Yoro, Khalil Apuzen, Nilda Boland, Felino Tubera, Jovita Zimmerman and many other young writers from the University of Hawaii campuses.

To celebrate writing, the festival will have a musical literary event on the 13th, 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the lanai of the Philippine Consulate General of Hawaii. The evening will showcase performances of invited writers and contributors to the third volume of the Katipunan Literary Journal.

The festival aims to (1) create an avenue of discourse amongst writers and aficionados of Filipino ancestry about the state of the art, problems of invisibility and publication opportunities open to would-be writers; (2) discover diversity in fostering literary writings in a multi-lingual setting (Filipino, English, Ilokano or Pidgin); (3) foster the appreciation of Philippine literature through the writings of Filipino and Filipino-Americans; (4) encourage and show appreciation to Filipino and Filipino American students of the UH System, local Filipino American writers of Hawaii and the US mainland through poetry reading, storytelling and performance arts; and, (5) inspire young Filipino American writers by finding role models for them through the presence of renowned writers.

One of the organizers of the festival, novelist/poet R. Zamora Linmark commented that this festival "will reconsider Filipino diasporic writing."

Dr. Ruth Elynia S. Mabanglo, coordinator of the Filipino and Philippine Literature Program, hopes that "the festival will address issues in writing, publishing and promotion of Philippine literature in the United States. What could be done to abrogate that so-called invisibility of Filipinos in literature? How can young people be inspired to write or read? How can the Filipino community be involved in its own literacy? These are only some of the questions that can be asked."

Lester John Hael, editor of the Katipunan Literary Journal (Volume III) and literature festival coordinator, said that he volunteered to work in this project because he believes that "This will build a bridge between authors and aspiring writers to foster the appreciation of Philippine literature." He also hopes that participants "will become cognizant of the direction of Filipino and Filipino American literary writing in Hawaii and the US Mainland." He even added, "The Hawaii situation is different because there are writers who write in Filipino, Ilokano and Pidgin. Those writers should also be recognized."

Various offices and community organizations pulled their resources together to make this festival happen. At the University of Hawaii Manoa Campus, the sponsors are: the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Center for Philippine Studies, Department of Asian Studies, Department of English, Department of Hawaiian and Indo-Pacific Languages and Literatures, College of Languages, Linguistics and Literatures, Freeman Foundation Undergraduate Asian Studies Initiative and Diversity Fund Initiative. Assistance from the Filipino community comes from Filipino Association of University Women (FAUW), Filipino American Historical Society of Hawaii (FAHSOH) and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA). Some individual donors include Teresita Ramos, Gigi Graulty, Margie Pascua and Cristina Bacchilega.

Tag: EVENTS

March 22, 2007

Free puppet show on Palm Sunday

Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio will present Papet Pasyon on April 1, Palm Sunday, 3 and 5:30 PM. This will be at TACT (Tita Amel Children's Theatre) 64 Mapagkawanggawa St., Teachers Village, Q.C. [near Holy Family School along Maginhawa St.] Admission is free.

TACT also will hold a Puppet-making workshop for kids & adults. This will be at April 24-28, 2007 2 - 5 pm @ TACT. For details, text/call 0918-9032040.

Tag: EVENTS

March 15, 2007

Publish Asia 2007

Ifra Asia is pleased to announce that Publish Asia 2007 will be held in Manila, Philippines from March 27th - 28th 2007, this will be Publish Asia's 7th year running in the Asia region.

To encourage all local Philippines publishers, Newspapers, Institutions (Mass Communication, Journalism etc), Media & Publishing Association and Suppliers to attend, Ifra is offering a very attractive and special rate to all.

The theme of this year's conference is: Re-Inventing for Today's Business, Creating for Tomorrow's Challenges

The topics cover four core concerns of the publishers:

1) Business Strategy
2) Digital Media
3) Advertising Strategy
4) Circulation, Readership & Audience

Highlight on speakers and topics

High calibre speakers from across the world will share their strategies
and success stories:

* A Strategy for Integration
David O Valdes, Executive VP and COO, Philippine Daily Inquirer

* Strategy for Staying Ahead: Product Diversification
Siddharth Kothari, Director, Rajasthan Patrika

* Search Engine Strategies for Newspapers
Jo Christian Oterhals, Head of Development, VG Multimedia

*The Brand Positioning of The Times of India
Ravi Dhariwal, CEO-Publishing, The Times of India

* Launching a Community Site: www.stomp.com.sg
Chew V Ming, Executive Content Producer, STOMP, Singapore Press
Holdings

* Mobile Publishing
Saurav Sen, Head of Business - Telecoms & Internet, ABP Pvt Ltd

Attached registration form for you and your team's review. We hope that you will consider and take this opportunity to send your senior management and staff to attend and benefit from this Conference.

Ifra Asia Pte Ltd
Phone: +65.6562-8440, Direct: -8446
Fax: +65.6562-8441
IfraAsia2@ifra.com
www.ifra.com/asia
www.ifra.com

Tag: EVENTS

February 19, 2007

UP Press’ Paglulunsad 2007: Unang Yugto

The University of the Philippines Press launches nine new titles this February 23 at Balay Kalinaw, University of the Philippines , Diliman. Paglulunsad 2007: Unang Yugto is the first in this year's series of mega-launches. Program begins at 6pm followed by book-signing and refreshments.

The titles to be launched are Edith L. Tiempo's Six Poetry Formats and the Transforming Image: A Monograph on Free Verse; Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo's Over a Cup of Ginger Tea: Conversations on the Literary Narratives of Filipino Women; Antonio Enriquez's Samboangan: The Cult of War; Zosimo's Quibilan, Jr.'s Pagluwas; Bagets: An Anthology of Young Adult Fiction, edited by Carla Pacis and Eugene Evasco; Textual Relations by Ramil Gulle; The Path of the Success of Cooperatives, edited by Eugenio V. Mendoza and Eulogio T. Castillo; A Guide to Families of Common Flowering Plants in the Philippines by Irma Remo Castro; and Manila Men in the New World by Floro Mercene.

These new titles will be available at 20% discount at the launch.

Tag: EVENTS

February 12, 2007

National Arts Month literary projects from NCCA

If one keeps an open eye while stuck in traffic these cold days, one can see the colorful tarpaulins hanging on street lights announcing the National Arts Month. It is February once again, time for the National Commission on Culture and the Arts to unleash its many projects in arts, music and of course, literature. The NCCA has furnished panitikan.com.ph the schedule of programs for its National Arts Month projects Pagpupugay, PELIKUSINA: A Menu of Photography, Film and Video and Indie Sine. Panitikan.com.ph itself was launched in last year’s Arts Month.

Admission to all events is free.

PAGPUPUGAY SA PAMBANSANG ALAGAD NG SINING SA LITERATURA 2007

Bienvenido Lumbera
February 15, 9am
Lipa City Youth and Cultural Center, Lipa City, Batanagas
Paksa: Ang Lipa sa Aking Paglikha
Magtatanghal: Dulaang UP

F. Sionil Jose
February 23, 1:00pm
Presidencia (Rosales, Pangasinan)
Paksa: Fiction in the Philippines
Magtatanghal: Tanghalang Pilipino

Virgilio Almario
February 28, 2pm (tentative)
Holy Angel University Plaza San Jose Main Building, Angeles, Pampanga
Paksa: Ang Tula Bilang Pagbuhay ng Pambansang Gunita
Magtatanghal: Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation

PELIKUSINA
A Menu of Photography, Film and Video

TANGHALANG LEANDRO LOCSIN
National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 633 Gen. Luna St. , Intramuros, Manila
February 7-25

Feb 7 1:30-6pm / Edison Films and Isang Maicling Pelicula ng Indio Nacional
Feb 8 1:30-6pm / Magkaibang Lahi and Rigodon by Sari Lluch Dalena and Keith Sicat
Feb 9 1:30-6pm /Ang Ating Pag-Ibig by Enrique Moreno and Faces of Love by Eddie Romero
Feb 12 1:30-6pm /Artista and Lasponggols by Sigfrid Barros-Sanchez
Feb 13 1:30-6pm /Terror is a Man and Sa Ilalim ng Cogon by Rico Ilarde
Feb 14 1:30-6pm /Historia de Un Amor and Mga Pusang Gala by Ellen Ongkeko Marfil
Feb 15 1:30-6pm /Stardoom by Lino Brocka and Pepot Artista by Doy Del Mundo
Feb 16 1:30-6pm /Short Films and Digital shorts
Feb 17 1:30-6pm /Still Lives by Jon Red with Videolog by Tad Ermitaño
Feb 18 1:30-6pm /Bakit Dilaw ang Color ng Rainbow? By Kidlat Tahimik and Todo Todo Teros by John Torres
Feb 23 1:30-6pm /Biglang Yaman and 35mm Man with Film Toque with Tado and Roxlee
Feb 25 9:30am / Heremias by Lav Diaz

ROBINSONS GALLERIA INDIE SINE
February 14-20

Feb 14 Opening Films
6:30pm / 9:30pm /Pilipinas Custom No Touch by Joe Climaco and Rekados by Paolo Herras

Feb 15
1:30pm / 4pm / Sarungbanggi by Susanna de Guzman and Sarongbaggi by Emman Dela Cruz
6:30pm / 9:30pm / Bakit May Pag-Ibig Pa? by Ishmael Bernal/ Celso Ad Castillo and North Diversion Road by Dennis Marasigan

Feb 16
1:30pm / 4pm / Waywaya by Lamberto Avellana and Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong by Mes de Guzman
6:30pm / 9:30pm / Death Row by Joel Lamangan and Bunso by Ditsi Carolino

Feb 17
1:30pm / 4pm / Death Row by Joel Lamangan and Bunso by Ditsi Carolino
6:30pm / 9:30pm / Sarungbanggi by Susanna de Guzman and Sarongbaggi by Emman Dela Cruz

Feb 18
1:30pm / 4pm / Kaming mga Talyada by Lino Brocka and Maximo Oliveros by Aureaus Solito
6:30pm / 9:30pm / Kaming mga Talyada by Lino Brocka and Maximo Oliveros by Aureaus Solito

Feb 19
1:30pm / 4pm / Madrasta by Olivia Lamasan and Mudraks by Margaret Guzman and Arah Badayos
6:30pm / 9:30pm / Waywaya by Lamberto Avellana and Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong by Mes de Guzman

Feb 20
1:30pm / 4pm / Bakit may Pag-Ibig Pa? by Ishmael Bernal/ Celso Ad Castillo and North Diversion Road by Dennis Marasigan
6:30pm / 9:30pm / CLOSING FILMS TO BE ANNOUNCED

**Titles are subject to change. For inquiries, contact Kristine 0927-4799193

Tag: EVENTS

January 30, 2007

Pagpupugay: Homecoming tributes to National Artists
by Arvin Abejo Mangohig

Living and breathing literature legends will be coming to their hometowns for the entire month of February. From Silliman to cagayan de Oro and Batangas to Pampanga and Pangasinan, National Artists Edith Tiempo, Alejandro Roces, Bienvenido Lumbera, F. Sionil Jose and Virgilio Almario are set to be celebrated by the places which shaped their childhoods. Music, dances and tributes from other writers will be part of each program. Each National Artist will also deliver lectures on topics close to their hearts.

Part of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts’ National Arts Month, Pagpupugay sa Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan is coordinated by the Pambansang Samahan sa Wika Inc. and the UP Institute of Creative Writing.

National Artist Edith Tiempo will share her expertise in poetry in her talk entitled “Sharpening the Two Poetry Basic” at the Luce Auditorium, Silliman University, Dumaguete City on February 2.

A talk on “Short Stories” will be delivered by National Artist Alejandro Roces at the Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro City on February 3.

National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera will share his reminiscence of his hometown in “Ang Lipa sa Aking Paglikha.” It will be held at the Cultural Center of Lipa, Lipa City, Batangas on February 15.

Hometown influence is also the center of National Artist F. Sionil Jose’s talk entitled “A Hometown as Literature.” This will be held at the Rosales Presidencia in Rosales, Pangasinan on February 23.

National Artist Virgilio Almario will explain the functions of poetry as history in “Ang Tula Bilang Pagbuhay ng Pambansang Gunita” at the Holy Angel University, Angeles Pampanga on February 28.

Tag: EVENTS

January 30, 2007

International Conference at ADMU

In February 1 to 3, 2007, the Philippines plays host, through the Ateneo de Manila University, to Reading Asia, Forging Identities in Literature: Policy, Research, and Practice. This international conference locates the ground where literature and the region's concern for plural yet pronounced Asian identities interact as concurrent discourses. It looks at the reading experience across Asia---what Asia reads, the languages and forms in which its literatures flower, the collective interests that the region projects on the literary screen, and intriguing analogues of culture, politics, and the postcolonial struggle that Asia gleans from literature.

Through cultural encounters in literature, the conference pursues how Asia manages new expressions of ethnic diversity while closely guarding its mainstreams of tradition, belief, and practices. Panel presentations focus on examining the role of language and translation, forms of spoken and written English in the classroom, emerging genres and new voices in the region. Special attention to Asian approaches to the principled practice of literature makes Reading Asia the apt venue for policy makers, researchers, educators, and artists in exchanging notes on how literary studies leads to the responsible management of Asia's many cultures.

Plenary speakers include Suchen Christine Lim (Singapore), Nobuko Takagi (Japan), Romesh Gunesekera (UK), Soledad Reyes (Philippines), and Bienvenido Lumbera (Philippines).

Please address all queries to Isabel Pefianco Martin, the conference director, at litconf@admu.edu.ph or the Department of English, telefax (632) 426-6120.

This conference is co-sponsored by the British Council of the Philippines, Japan Foundation, Philippine Airlines, and Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Tag: EVENTS

January 26, 2007

Second Annual Book Harvest: Year of the Pig

You are invited to a mass launch of Bikol Books on Friday 16, 2007 at the Museum of Legazpi (at the back of the city hall of the City of Legazpi, Plaza Peñaranda, Old Albay).

The book to be sold are books about Bikol (by authors of any nationality) and/or by Bikol authors (on any subject, in any language), the lieks of Maren Kilates, Elmer A. Orodoñez, Zeus A. Salazar, Luis Cabalquinto, Francisso V. V. Peñones, Jr., Merlinda Bobis, Abdon M. Balde, Jr., Kristian S. Cordero, Malcolm W. Mintz, Ma. Lilia F. Realubit, Estelito B. Jacob, Raffi banzuela, Norman G. Owen, Juan Rafael Belgica, Jr., Marianne Moll, Paz Verdaddes Santos, Bienvenido N. Santos, Eduardo Olagure, Luis C. Dery, Merito B. Espinas, Paulino Lim, Socorro Federis Tate, Higino Ables, Jose Jason L. Chancoco, Edgar E. Escultura, Juan V. Pancho, G.B. Calleja, Azucena Grajo Uranza, Delfin Fresnosa, Francisco Mallari, Jason Lobel, William Tria, Carlos Ojeda Aureus, Jose Calleja Reyes, Elias M. Ataviado, Noe de los Santos, James J. O Brien, and many more. A veritale one-stop shop.

Get to know the writers. No speeches, no ceremonies, no special guests. Instead, there will be roses, beer, baduya. And peotry will be read. Drop in between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Tag: EVENTS

January 25, 2006

Tribute to Edith Lopez Tiempo slated

National Artist for Literature Edith Tiempo will be honored on 2 February 2007, 10 a.m. at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium, Silliman University, Dumaguete City.

The tribute is part of Pagpupugay sa Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan series, a program that brings National Artists to their hometowns. Sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Likhaan: The University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing, and the Silliman University Department of English and Literature, the Silliman leg of the series tribute features dances by the Silliman University Kahayag Dance Troupe, based on literary pieces written by the Tiempo. It will also feature tributes by writers Ernesto Superal Yee, Myrna Peña-Reyes, Cesar Ruiz Aquino, Bobby Flores Villasis, Ian Rosales Casocot, and Vim Nadera Jr. Tiempo will deliver her lecture “Sharpening the Two Poetry Basics” as the tribute’s centerpiece.

National Artists Alejandro Roces, F. Sionil Jose, Bienvenido Lumbera and Virgilio Almario will also be feted in their own Pagpupugay programs. Cagayan De Oro, Batangas, Pangasinan and Angeles, Pampanga will see their homegrown artists be feted.

For more details, e-mail Ian Rosales Casocot at icasocot@gmail.com.

Click here for panitikan.com.ph’s feature on our National Artists.

Tag: EVENTS

January 22, 2007

Chromatext Reloaded at the CCP Main Gallery

Some sixty Filipino poets and writers from here and abroad, representing several generations, get together for a rare visual cum textual art exhibit billed as “Chromatext Reloaded” from January 25 to February 28 at the CCP Main Gallery. The show turns a page from the Chromatext I & II shows in the 1980s that assembled visual artworks by poet-members of the Philippine Literary Arts Council (PLAC).

This time curated by Sid Gomez Hildawa, Jean-Marie Syjuco and Krip Yuson, "Chromatext Reloaded" by PLAC & Friends celebrates the 25th anniversary of PLAC, with its founders Jimmy Abad, Cirilo Bautista, Ricky de Ungria and Krip Yuson leading the poet-exhibitors.

Their works — from holographs to photographs, illustrations with poems to oil paintings, sculptural installations and video — will be joined by those of other distinguished writers, among them National Artists Edith L. Tiempo and Virgilio Almario, Raul Ingles, Gilda Cordero Fernando, Tita Lacambra-Ayala, Sylvia Mendez-Ventura, the late Lilia Amansec, Ophelia Dimalanta, Merlie Alunan, Marjorie Evasco, Butch Dalisay, Pete Lacaba, Cesare A.X. Syjuco, Jun Cruz Reyes, Juaniyo Arcellana, RayVi Sunico, Danton Remoto, Frank Rivera, Margot Marfori and Sid Gomez Hildawa.

From abroad, PLAC members and friends have sent in their contributions, such as from David Cortes Medalla in London and Eric Gamalinda, Nick Carbo, Luisa Igloria, Eileen Tabios, Zack Linmark and Melissa Nolledo-Christoffel s in the U.S.A. From Baguio City, the participating poet-artists include Butch Macansantos, Babeth Lolarga, Del Tolentino and Frank Cimatu.

Special guest artists who happen to be close friends to writers, if not writers themselves, include National Artists Napoleon Abueva and Benedicto Cabrera (Bencab), Danny Dalena, Pandy Aviado, Manny Baldemor, Rock Drilon, Fil Dela Cruz, Jean-Marie Syjuco, Judy Sibayan, Heber Bartolome, Beaulah Taguiwalo, Erlinda Panlilio, Bheng Dalisay, Marivic Rufino, Lorena Javier, Raul Funilla, Boy Yuchengco, Gerry Cornejo, Pancho Villanueva and Igan D'Bayan.

Among the younger generation of poets and writers joining the exhibit are Jovi Miroy, Vim Nadera, Fran Ng, Lourd de Veyra, Jessica Zafra, Sarge Lacuesta, Joel Toledo, Ana Escalante Neri, Ginny Mata, Carlomar Daoana, Mookie Katigbak and Angelo Suarez.

Performance art, readings and musical works will highlight the exhibit opening at 6pm on Thursday, January 25, to which the public is invited, as well as the closing ceremonies at 7pm on February 27.

Copies of the revived poetry journal Caracoa and special commemorative editions of CD albums featuring the recorded readings of PLAC poets will also be on sale for the duration of the exhibit. Gallery hours are from 10am to 6pm daily, except Mondays and holidays. Admission is free. For particulars, call 8323702.

* * *

FULL LIST OF "CHROMATEXT RELOADED" PARTICIPANTS

Gemino H. Abad
Napoleon Abueva
Virgilio S. Almario
Merlie Alunan
Lilia Amansec
Agnes Arellano
Virgilio Aviado
Manuel Baldemor
Heber Bartolome
Cirilo F. Bautista
Benedicto Cabrera
Nick Carbo
Gilda Cordero-Fernando
Gerry Cornejo
Frank Cimatu
Danny Dalena
Jose Y. Dalisay Jr.
Igan D'Bayan
Carlomar Daoana
Fil Dela Cruz
Rock Drilon
Ophelia A. Dimalanta
Marjorie Evasco
Hilario M. Francia
Eric Gamalinda
Nona Garcia
Sid Gomez Hildawa
Luisa A. Igloria
Raul Ingles
Lorina Javier
Raul Funilas
Barbara Gonzalez
Jose F. Lacaba
Tita Lacambra-Ayala
Angelo Lacuesta
R. Zamora Linmark
Babeth Lolarga
Francis Macansantos
Antonio Manuud
Ginny Mata
David Cortes Medalla
Sylvia Mendez-Ventura
Jovi Miroy
Vim Carmelo Nadera
Fran Ng
Melissa Nolledo-Christoffel s
Erlinda Panlilio
Piolo Pascual
Beaulah Pedregosa-Taguiwalo
Danton Remoto
Frank Rivera
Thelma Rivera
Alfredo Roces
Marivic Rufino
Judy Freya Sibayan
Danny Sillada
Angelo Suarez
Ramon C. Sunico
Cesare A.X. Syjuco
Jean-Marie Syjuco
Maxine Syjuco
Eileen Tabios
Joel Toledo
Delfin Tolentino
Emmanuel Torres
Ricardo M. de Ungria
Lourd de Veyra
Pancho Villanueva
Boy Yuchengco
Alfred A. Yuson
Jessica Zafra

Tag: EVENTS

January 22, 2007

Panawagan para sa mga papel para sa Unang Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panitikang Pambata

Iniimbitahan ng Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ang mga mananaliksik, mag-aaral, at iskolar na lumahok sa Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panitikang Pambata na natakdang isagawa sa Hulyo 25-27, 2007. Ito ang kauna-unahang pagtitipon ng mga edukador, manlilikha, kritiko, at mga nagmamalasakit sa aklat pambata upang suriin at pag-aralan ang nasabing anyong pampanitikan.

Inaanyayahan ang lahat na magpadala ng abstrak ng isinasagawang pananaliksik at pag-aaral para mailahok sa isinasagawang programa. Layunin ng kumperensiya ang mga sumusunod: (1) mapaunlad at mapagyaman ang iba’t ibang aspekto sa produksiyon ng panitikang pambata; (2) matukoy ang mga kasalukuyan at panghinaharap na hamon sa produksiyon ng panitikang pambata; (3) maging lunsaran ng mga rekomendasyong pampatakaran tungo sa lalong ikasisigla ng produksiyon ng panitikang pambata; at (4) makabuo ng sandalan (network) ng mga organisasyon at indibidwal na magtataguyod sa panitikang pambata.

Sakop ng kumperensiya ang mga sumusunod na paksain:

1. Paglikha at Pagsulat ng mga Tekstong Pambata
2. Kritisismo at Kasaysayang Pampanitikan
3. Pagtuturo ng Panitikang Pambata
4. Produksiyon ng Panitikang pambata (e.g. ilustrasyon, pagsasalin, paglalathala)
5. Salaysayan sa Iba’t Ibang Midyum
6. Aralin ukol sa Bata, Kabataan, at Pagkabatang Filipino

Mangyaring magpadala ng isa hanggang dalawang talatang abstrak ng isasagawang pananaliksik at pag-aaral bago o sa ika-7 ng Pebrero, 2007. Aabisuhan ang mga mapipiling aplikante sa ika-24 ng Pebrero, 2007. Nararapat na linawin ng abstrak ang isasagawang proyekto, ang materyales na susuriin, at ang gagamiting framework sa proyekto. Pipiliin ang mga abstrak na may bagong kontribusyon sa pag-aaral ng panitikang pambata sa Pilipinas.

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

Ang mga mapipiling aplikante ay nararapat isumite ang kanilang papel sa ika-9 ng Mayo, 2007.

Isumite ang mga abstrak sa kumperensiya_pambata@yahoo.com.

Tag: EVENTS

January 10, 2007

UP ICW welcomes 2007 with Panayam lecture series

The UP Institute of Creative Writing opens 2007 with the return of its Panayam lecture series. Scheduled for the first quarter of the year are lectures from multi-awarded writers Jun Cruz Reyes, Rene O.Villanueva and Charlson Ong.

Panayam Schedule

January 25, 2007, 2p.m.

May Kuwento ang Tula
Jun Cruz Reyes

February 9, 2007, 2p.m.

Saan Nagpupunta ang Araw Kung Gabi
Rene O. Villanueva

March 9, 2007, 2p.m.

Writing the Other in Philippine Literature
Charlson Ong

The lectures will be held at the Pulungang Claro M. Recto at the Faculty Center, Bulwagang Rizal, UP Diliman, Q.C.

Tag: EVENTS

January 10, 2007

Mads Lacuesta retrospective at the UP Film Institute

This January, the UP Film Institute Cine Adarna presents a retrospective on some of the classic works of Amado L Lacuesta , Jr., noted screenwriter.

Jan 23, 7PM Gala

Working Girls (1984 Viva Films)
Direction: Ishmael Bernal

Jan 24, 2PM

Segurista (1996 Neo Films)
Direction: Tikoy Aguiluz

Jan 24, 5PM

Balweg: the Rebel Priest (1987 Viva Films)
Direction: Butch Perez

Jan 24, 7PM

Mumbaki (1996 Viva Films)
Direction: Butch Perez

Admission is free. Please spread the word to family and friends, and support Philippine cinema.

For synopses and other details, visit www.madslacuesta.com.

Tag: EVENTS

January 3, 2007

Call for papers to the first Tamaraw conference on Philippine children’s lit

The Tamaraw Conference on Philippine Children’s Literature invites applications from scholars who are engaged in research on children’s literature to attend the First Conference on Philippine Children’s Literature on April 9-10, 2007.

Scholars working on children’s literature are invited to submit abstracts based either on work in progress that is at an advanced stage, or on completed work.

The conference is an unprecedented opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with researchers and writers from all over the country as well as chosen panelists, experts, and fellows to the Second Tamaraw Writeshop for Children’s Literature.

Registration expenses will be covered by the organizing committee for those whose abstracts are accepted for presentation. Other travel costs shall be at the presenter’s end.

Applicants should submit a 200-word abstract of their paper no later than 10 February 2007. Successful applicants will be notified by 25 February 2007. The abstract must clarify the substantive issue which your paper will address..

Please include your name, institutional affiliation, email address and other contact information.

Those selected have to submit full-length papers, of around 5,000 words in length, by 5 March 2007.

Please send abstracts to tamaraw-conference@gmail.com.

Contact Person: Winton Lou G. Ynion
Emails: wynion@gmail.com, wintonlouynion@yahoo.com

Tag: EVENTS, WORKSHOPS

January 3, 2007

Gantimpala Theater Foundation to stage Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero plays

From Gantimpala Theater Foundation (GTF), the theater company that staged the 2006 ALIW Awards Best Play (non-musical category) F. Sionil Jose’s The God Stealer/ Nick Joaquin’s The Queen’s Jewel, comes Forever/Call Me Flory, another twin-bill of Filipino plays in English written by National Artist for Theater Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero under the direction of ALIW Awards Best Director Tony S. Espejo.

The cast from the Actors Company includes Roeder Camañag (Ernesto/Federico); Monica Llamas (Maria Teresa/Matilde); Kimberly Diaz (Consuelo/Osang); Wilma Doesnt and Lailanie Ann Tejuco (alternately portraying Florencia Aragon de Caracoles also known as Flory); Billy Parjan and Vincent Reyes Kuipers (alternately portraying Oscar); Abner Delina (Ernesting); Troy De Guzman (Gordon) and Jude Sypongco (Capote).

Helping Espejo bring the 50’s glamour of Forever and the psychedelic feel of Call Me Flory are J. Dennis Teodosio (playwright for additional dialogues and characters); Joey Nombres (Lights Designer); Roobak Valle (Set Designer); Albert Figueras (Costumes Designer); Glenda Alday (stage manager) and Pamela Hundana (production manager).

The production is a collaborative artistic venture with the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC). Color Care and Everbilena support the 29th production season of Gantimpala.

Performances are slated in 2007 starting Jan 25, (10am/2pm); January 26 (9am/12nn/3pm); January 28(10am/2pm); and February 3-4 (10am/2pm) at the AFP Camp Aguinaldo Theater in Quezon City. For tickets and booking information, call 899-5745/896-3503; for outreach tours/ sponsorships, call 528-0603/536-5860.

Tag: EVENTS

December 11, 2006

College Editors Guild alumni gathering

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) will be having its alumni gathering on December 16, 2006 at the residence of Former Senator Helena Benitez in Mira-Nila, # 26 Mariposa St., Cubao, Quezon City. The gathering dubbed as Diamond Anniversary Grand Alumni Reunion is a celebration of the CEGP on its 75 years of existence

The CEGP is the oldest and the widest existing youth organization in the Philippine history. It is known as the national center for the advancement of campus press freedom and excellence in campus journalism.

For inquiries, please call Telephone number (02) 5243927 (CEGP office) or mobile numbers 09182433779 (Jose); 09198577170 (Rowie); or visit the alumni gathering blogsite www.cegpdiamond.blogspot.com

Tag: EVENT

December 4, 2006

READ OR DIE UPDATES

PINOY READERS' CHOICE AWARDS 2007

The shortlists for the Pinoy Readers' Choice Awards have been released. As it is, we've made a
couple of significant revisions to the awards mechanics:

1) We've added a category for Best Komiks (or Best Comic Book) as a way or showing our support to the Philippine comic book industry and to promote the idea that komiks is worth reading. The shortlist for this category was created by the Secretariat.

We would like to thank Mr. Gerry Alanguilan for his encouraging feedback when the subject of hosting a comic book category for the Pinoy Readers' Choice Awards was broached.

2) We have removed the category for Young Adults/Children's Literature. Instead, we will be giving out a separate award--the Gawad Kabataan Para Sa Panitikan (or the Young Filipino Readers Award)--for this genre. The Gawad Kabataan is an award for children's literature
in the Philippines the results of which will be decided--as in the case of the Pinoy Readers' Choice Awards--by the children and young people who read them.

While the mechanics, procedures, and nominations list for the Gawad Kabataan will be launched during RodCon, the actual results for the awards will not be released until RodCon 2008. More information to follow.

SHORTLISTS

While several readers did send nominations for the Pinoy Readers Choice Awards, a lot more confessed to their inability to actually come up with options. So this year's shortlist is less a popularly constituted list of nominations and more of a reading list/pre-emptive survey of what Filipinos read and/or must read. We did include nominations submitted through the website, but the character, so to speak, of the final lists is our responsibility. We hope that next year's shortlists will be entirely composed of reader nominations.

Please support the awards through voting for a nominated Filipino author. The links to the shortlists also contain the polls and voting forms.

We are working with partner bookstores and publishers so that books included in this shortlist will be featured specially in RodCon-affiliated venues by December. Furthermore, we will be holding discussion forums on the nominated books in RodCon-affiliated venues. More information to follow in our next newsletter. Otherwise, please visit our website. Look out for author interviews, more detailed profiles, and excerpts from/previews of the nominated books.

Best Fiction
"Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?" by Lualhati Bautista
"Ermita" by F. Sionil Jose
"Salamanca" by Dean Alfar
"Smaller and Smaller Circles" by F.H. Batacan

Best Non-Fiction
"ABNKKBSANPLAKo?" by Bob Ong
"Public Lives: Essays In Selfhood and Social Solidarity" by Randy David
"Rizal Without The Overcoat" by Ambeth Ocampo
"Twisted" (Volume 1) by Jessica Zafra

Best Poetry
"Dust Devils" by Virgilio Almario
"Hunos" by Allan Popa
"Minatamis at Iba Pang Mga Tula ng Pag-Ibig" by Joi Barrios
"Sunlight On Broken Stones" by Cirilo Bautista

Best Komiks
"After Eden" by Arnold Arre
"Pugad Baboy" (Volume 1) by Pol Medina
"Wasted" by Gerry Alanguilan
"ZsaZsa Zaturnah" by Carlo Vergara

Once again, the results for the awards will be decided by vote (online and text, though the latter option is still under negotiation).

If you have questions about the awards, please email us. You may also post your reactions in the Pinoy Readers' Choice Awards forum.

ANNOUNCING: PORTRAIT OF THE FILIPINO AS READER

As part of our goal to promote reading and readers in Philippine society, Read or Die is hosting a
photography competition and exhibit called "Portrait of the Filipino as Reader." Through visual media, we want to showcase the different faces of the Filipino as a reader in a world which challenges our definitions and perceptions of literacy and what it really means to read.

If you want to join the photography competition, please read the guidelines or contact us at rodcon.sec@gmail.com.

ANNOUNCING: Call for illustrations for READ THIS!

Read or Die will print customized postcards with illustrations from volunteer artists. These postcards will be given away for free to convention attendees to fill out with book recommendations for their friends and family members, or they can choose names from a directory of fellow readers requesting postcards. Stamps will be available in the convention so that attendees can mail the postcards right then and there.

We are encouraging Filipino artists to submit their illustrations. Artists whose works are chosen for the postcard exchange will be notified through email and phone by December 31, 2006 and will receive free two-day passes to the convention as well as RodCon goodie bags. Illustrations will be duly credited.

If you are interested in helping out with the postcard exchange, please read our guidelines.

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 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 22, 2006

RodCon 2007

RodCon 2007 is a two-day literary convention organized by Read or Die. The convention seeks to bring together readers, writers, publishers, government and school organizations and book dealers to highlight the importance of reading and literacy in building an open world for every Filipino through books. All proceeds of the event will be donated to AHON Foundation in conjunction with UNICEF.

The event will take place on February 3 and February 4, 2007 at the Hotel Intercontinental (Ayala Avenue, Makati City). The convention will be open from 9AM to 8PM daily.

For more information about the convention, please visit our website at: http://read-or-die.org/rodcon/

For more information about Read or Die, please visit the club website at: http://read-or-die.org

Convention weblog: http://rodcon2007.blogspot.com

November 20, 2006

Writers Night 2006
by Arvin Abejo Mangohig

Aside from the Lantern parade and Christmas day itself, one of the biggest events of December is Writers Night. Sponsored by the UP Institute of Creative Writing and co-organized by the UP College of Arts and Letters and the UP Writers Club, Writers Night brings together writers, artists and musicians in a night of literary revelry, reuniting and re-bonding.

December 8 will once again be a red letter day and night for literature lovers. The Madrigal-Gonzalez Best First Book Award will be holding its sixth annual ceremony at 2 p.m. at the Claro M. Recto Hall. A book forum featuring all the nominated authors will be held before the announcement of the winner. The Best First Book Award is sponsored by the family of Gonzalo Gonzalez. This year’s board of judges are Rene Villanueva, Malou Jacob and Luna Sicat-Cleto.

After the awarding, Writer’s Night will start at the Hardin ng mga Diwata, Bulwagang Rizal grounds at 6 p.m. The venue may be quite novel to those who were not present last year and to those who are used to going to the Balay Tsanselor. But the open air atmosphere and the nervous anticipation of getting rained out made for quite different dynamics. One had to shout over the musical numbers and sit on either grass or cement.

Last year’s Night benefited the family of the late National Artist N.V.M. Gonzalez. This year, the ICW will also be charging a minimal entrance fee for its projects.

For more details, call 922-1830.

November 20, 2006

Conference on media piracy and intellectual property in South East Asia

Many Filipinos still remember the "Asian Edition" - a scheme during the Marcos years, when American textbooks were reprinted locally and without paying royalties to the original publishers. Now, "Asian Edition" serves as title for a conference that will look at the phenomenon of media piracy in South East Asia today. Music, movie and software piracy is one of the most prominent media issues of the digital millennium. In the Philippines it has started a whole underground economy and currently seems to change the way movies and other media products are distributed and consumed products here and in other South East Asian countries.

The goal of the workshop is to contribute to an informed discussion of media piracy and issues of Intellectual Property in the age of digital reproduction. Instead of portraying piracy exclusively as a crime against artists and distributors, the proposed workshop will look at piracy as a social, cultural and economic phenomenon. And it will discuss new concepts of addressing ownership of Intellectual Property, such as Creative Commons and Open Source. Dr. Tilman Baumgärtel, Visiting Professor at the University of the Philippines, organizes the conference.

Participants include filmmaker Raymond Red, Hamburg-based artist Cornelia Sollfrank, sociologist Raul Pertierra, media scholar Rolando Tolentino, Berlin-based writer Volker Grassmuck, and filmmaker Khavn de la Cruz.

The conference will be held at the UP Film Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, CMC Auditorium on November 24, 2006 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, and is sponsored by the Goethe Institute, Manila, and the UP Film Institute.

For more information visit www.asian-edition.org

November 13, 2006

NCCA presents 3rd NEO-ANGONO Public Art Festival

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts, tutoK Karapatan (Human Rights Watch), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and NEO-ANGONO Artists Collective present the 3rd NEO-ANGONO Public Art Festival (Publikhaan: Making Human Rights Issues Public) on November 16-22.

More than 250 artists and performers from Angono, Manila, Southern Tagalog, Cebu and Mindanao will participate in the art festival which features poetry, mobile prints, mural, paintings, art installations, kinetic sculpture, time-based works, artists talk and symposium, performance art, exhibits, interactive and collaborative works, site-specific works, storytelling, film showing and video screening, shadowplay, sign intervention and concert.

“The annual NEO-ANGONO Public Art Festival celebrates the seven artistic idioms. It is an art expression and experience that is wedded in the local community and Angono people,” says Richard Gappi, the group’s president.

Here is a part of the art festival schedule:

DAY 1: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

“Keypad Unlocked” (Send-a-text Poetry about Human Rights) by poetry groups Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), Kilometer 64, Kamakatahan Poets, Timog Poetry Collective and Neo-Angono poets

“Writings on the Wall” (Poetry-Dikit Project) by LIRA, Kilometer 64, Kamakatahan Poets, Timog Poetry Collective and Neo-Angono poets

“Imprints in Motion” (Mobile Poetry and T-shirt Project) by LIRA, KM 64, Neo-Angono poets, Kamakatahan poets, Timog Poetry Collective with design and print by Aaron Bautista

1-5pm

Artists Talk and Symposium initiated and presented by URS-Angono Student Council and URS-Angono Petroglyphs writers featuring UP Institute of Creative Writing Director and Prof. Vim Nadera (“Ang Makata at Manlilikha sa Panahon ng Panggigipit”) and UP Prof. Bomen Guillermo (“The State of Philippine Art and Culture in a Globalized World”)

9:30pm

“Tagayan ng Diwa” poetry, music and performance by LIRA, Kilometer 64, Kamakatahan, Timog Poetry Collective, NEO-ANGONO poets, G2 and the Bundoocks, Tequila Sunrise and others at Banana Hemp Republic,
Col. Guido Extension, Barangay San Roque

DAY 7: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

4pm

“Terrible Sound Brigade” street performance by UGAT-LAHI with Lemurian children from Pasay City, Kamakatahan and Timog Poetry Collective at Angono town proper

November 13, 2006

Public reading of Carlos Bulosan's America is in the Heart

2006 marks the 60th year of the publication of Carlos Bulosan's America is in the Heart. The semi- autobiographical masterpiece unflinchingly chronicled the oppressive poverty that drove him from his homeland, the brutality of the immigrant experience of the 1930s-40s and the struggle for full humanity of the marginalized protagonist.

In celebration of this literary legacy, Likhanan invites you to a public reading and open mic of passages from the book and other Bulosan writings on November 16, 2006 (Thurs), 7-9 p.m., Bistro 70s, # 46 Anonas St., Proj. 2, Quezon City.

Please invite your friends as admission is free. You can sign up to do a reading at the Bistro 70s on the same day or email likhanan@gmail.com before the event.

November 6, 2006

All the books you can watch

Apart from its ongoing screenings for The Banquet starring Ziyi Zhang as opening salvo for the 2nd semester of the current school year, UP Film Institute unveils more films to your heart’s content.

In fitting commemoration of the National Book Month that falls in November, the UP Film Institute presents a string of noteworthy films derived from a variety of literature including classics and contemporary gems as well as bestsellers, cult favorites and true curio pieces. Screening schedule listed accordingly by date, time and title is as follows: November 2006

Nov 8 Wed

2 & 7 p.m. Kama Sutra
5 p.m. The Pillow Book

Nov 9 Thu

2 p.m. Nowhere in Africa
5 p.m. Maybe Baby (Sex Bomb)
7 p.m. The Misadventures of Margaret (The Story of O)

Nov 11 Sat

5 p.m. Nowhere in Africa
7:30 p.m. Kama Sutra

Nov 13 Mon

2 p.m. Nowhere in Africa
5 p.m. Wide Sargasso Sea
7 p.m. The Lover

Nov 14 Tue

2 p.m. Nowhere in Africa
5 p.m. The Naked Eye (La mirada del otro)
7 p.m. Live Flesh (Carne tremula)

Nov 15 Wed

2 p.m. Five Children and It
5 p.m. Whore (Yo puta)

Nov 16 Thu

2 p.m. Nowhere in Africa
5 p.m. Jan Dara
7 p.m. Whore (Yo puta)

Nov 18 Sat

2 p.m. Jan Dara
5 p.m. Carmen

Nov 20 Mon

2 p.m. Nanny McPhee
5 p.m. Pride & Prejudice
7 p.m. Nanny McPhee

Nov 21 Tue

2 p.m. Pride & Prejudice
5 p.m. The Devil Wears Prada
7 p.m. Pride & Prejudice

Nov 22 Wed

5 p.m. The Keys to the House (Le chiavi di casa)
7 p.m. The Bridge of San Luis Rey

Nov 23 Thu

5 p.m. Fierce People
7 p.m. The Keys to the House (Le chiavi di casa)

Nov 25 Sat

2 p.m. Carmen
5 p.m. The Naked Eye (La mirada del otro)

Always watch UP Film Institute screenings and be kept informed of all UP Film Institute’s forthcoming attractions. Be especially alert of added screenings day by day. Program is subject to change without prior notice.

For queries, interested parties may call cinema hotline 9263640, 9262722 (telefax). Or e-mail upfilminstitute@hotmail.com and be most actively part of the country’s first established online film community.

November 4, 2006

A night for poetry sa Bahandi

Itinanghal na Performers of the Night ang grupong Pulot-Pukyutan ng PCU (Philippine Christian University) noong 19 Oktubre 2006 sa A… Takam… isang Gabi ng Pagtula sa Bahandi. Binasa nila ang "Ako ay si Takaw" na isinulat ng makatang si Raul Funilas. Sa 16 Nobyembre 2006, magaganap ang susunod na Bahandi Poetry Night, alas-7 ng gabi sa Bahandi Nakpil corner Agoncillo Sts., Malate, Manila (sa likod ng PWU).

Inaanyayahan ang lahat na magpasa ng tula kay Bebang Siy (bebang_ej@yahoo.com) sa o bago ang ika-14 ng Nobyemre para sa mini-folio na ipapamahagi sa gabi ring iyon. Ang tema ay sembreak bilang pagdiriwang ng bakasyon ng mga estudyante. Puwedeng nakasulat sa anumang wika ang tula basta’t may salin sa wikang Filipino o Ingles kung ito ay rehiyonal o wika ng ibang bansa.

Paalala: ang lahat ng matatanggap na tula para sa folio ay kailangang basahin o itanghal sa Bahandi Poetry Night. Magtext sa 0919-3175708 o tumawag sa 4362188 para sa inyong mga tanong ukol dito.

October 31, 2006

Dulaang UP presents Hamlet Redux

For its 31st season, Dulaang UP will stage Hamlet Redux, a translation of one of Shakespeare’s Hamlet by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio. Tony Mabesa directs.

Rolando S. Tinio was a playwright, actor, poet, translator, teacher, and critic. His book Kristal na Uniberso won the National Book Award. Among his many works for the theater are Larawan, the musical, Ang Mestisa, Ako, Ang Kiri, Ana Maria and the komedya Orosman at Zafira. He was known for translating Western classics, which includes the works of Shakespeare, Ibsen, Sophocles, Chekhov and Puccini into Filipino. He led theater groups Ateneo Experimental Theater and Teatro Pilipino to new heights with his artistic vision and intellectual approach. He was conferred National Artist status in 1997.

The play dates are:

November 22, 23, 24, 29 and 30 - 7p.m.
November 25, 26 - 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
December 1, 6, 7, and 8 - 7 p.m.
December 2, 3, 9 and 10 - 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

October 25, 2006

Notice to Philippine Center of International PEN Members

The contact data of PHILIPPINE CENTER OF INTERNATIONAL PEN are as follows: 531 Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila; tel: 523-0870, fax: 525-5038, email: philippinepen@yahoo.com

October 16, 2006

Literatour slated

After the successes of the revamped UP National Writers Workshop and the panitikan.com.ph, the UP Institute of Creative Writing has slated “Literatour: Pagtuturo ng Kontemporanyong Dula.” Set for 24 November 2006 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., it will be held at the Claro M. Recto Hall, Bulwagang Rizal, UP Diliman.

This groundbreaking seminar will equip literature teachers and drama enthusiasts with the necessary tools to teach drama to high school students. Literatour is in line with the UP ICW’s many projects that spread literature throughout the country.

The seminar will have National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera as keynote speaker. Drama veterans Rene O. Villanueva and Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio will deliver their lectures in the afternoon session. Excerpts from the plays of Villanueva and Bonifacio Ilagan will also be performed.

The launch of the Likhaan Book of Drama, co-edited by Villanueva and ICW director Vim Nadera, will be held right after the seminar.

The seminar fee of P1,000 already includes a reading kit, lunch and one copy of Likhaan Book of Drama. For more details and registration, please e-mail literatour.icw@gmail.com or call 922-1830. Look for Eva or Vic.

October 16, 2006

UST-CCWS to hold creative writing seminar-workshop

The University of Santo Tomas Center for Creative Writing and Studies (UST-CCWS) is holding a seminar-workshop on creative writing for the faculty members of UST. Participating colleges are the Faculty of Arts and Letters, Education, Engineering, Commerce, College of Fine Arts & Design, Architecture and Pharmacy.

The two-day activity will be held from Oct. 19 to 20 at the workshop rooms of the UST-CCWS. The lecturers are UST-CCWS director Dr. Ophelia Dimalanta, senior associate Dr. Cirilo Bautista, and Michael Coroza.

The objective of the activity is not really to teach creative writing as a profession, considering that the participants belong to different disciplines and field of expertise, but simply to bring creative writing to their awareness as a possible tool and aid in their academic experience.

For information about UST-CCWS events, call Ana Nicolas at 405-1611 local 8281 or e-mail ccws@mnl.ust.edu.ph.

October 11, 2006

Bahandi poets of the night & upcoming poetry reading

Sina Ana Karina Casiding at Alexander Martin Remollino ang napiling mga makata ng gabi sa Poet Writes for Human Rights Bahandi Poetry Night noong 21 Setyembre 2006. Tungkol sa karapatan ng babae ang tula ni Ana. Babae. Kay Alex naman ay tungkol sa malaon nang terorisasyon na ginagawa ng ilang kasapi ng militar.

Sa 19 Oktubre, magaganap ang susunod na Bahandi Poetry Night, alas-7 ng gabi sa Bahandi Nakpil corner Agoncillo Sts., Malate, Manila (sa likod ng PWU). Inaanyayahan ang lahat na magpasa ng tula kay Bebang Siy (bebang_ej@yahoo.com) sa o bago ang ika-17 ng Oktubre para sa mini-folio na ipapamahagi sa gabi ring iyon. Ang tema ay pagkain bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng International Food Security Day sa buwang ito. Puwedeng nakasulat sa anumang wika ang tula basta’t may salin sa wikang Filipino o Ingles kung ito ay rehiyonal o wika ng ibang bansa.
Paalala: ang lahat ng matatanggap na tula para sa folio ay kailangang basahin o itanghal sa Bahandi Poetry Night. Magtext sa 0919-3175708 para sa inyong mga tanong ukol dito.

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.

August 28, 2006

Farewell, Paolo Manalo at Conspiwriters' Tuesday

Tomorrow night, Conspiracy Garden Cafe will play host to Despedida, a poetry reading by the fellows of the 45th UP National Writers Workshop. This event will also be a sort of send-off party for poet Paolo Manalo, also a workshop fellow, who will leave the country next month to study abroad.

The program will run from 7 to 9 in the evening.

Upcoming events during Conspiwriters' Tuesdays are as follows September 5 (Artpaper Re-launch), September 12 (Novo Concert 1), September 19 (Novo Concert 2) and September 26 (TCF).

Conspiracy Garden Cafe is located at 59 Visayas Ave., Project 6, Quezon City, across the street from a Shell gas station. For inquiries call 453-2170.

August 8, 2006

Bikolano writers celebrate literature, culture in ‘Kabanggihan’
by Vic Nierva

CONSPIRACY Garden Café along Visayas Avenue will speak Bikol on the evening of Tuesday, August 15 as Bikolano writers come together and celebrate their native culture. In a fete dubbed as “Kabanggihan: rawit-dawit, awit, orolay-olay, asin iba pa (Bikol Writers Night),” a long list of writers will be around to read their works while a handful of Bikol songs will also be presented.

“Kabanggihan: rawit-dawit, awit, orolay-olay, asin iba pa” is held annually, and is a part of Likhaan: U.P. Institute of Creative Writing’s project called ‘Conspiwriters Tuesday.’ The main program starts at 7pm and ends at 9pm. Books and other published materials by Bikolano authors will be on display at the venue.

For inquiries, please contact Likhaan: U.P. Institute of Creative Writing at (02)9221830, look for Mr. Vic Nierva, or send text message at 09103296040.

August 3, 2006

Creative writing centers celebrate ‘Pistang Panitik’
by Vic Nierva

AS PART of the 27th Manila International Book Fair which will be held on August 30 to September 3, 2006, Likhaan: U.P. Institute of Creative Writing (UP ICW) with Anvil Publishing Inc., will initiate a festival that will bring the country’s foremost creative writing centers together in a ‘literary Woodstock’ called ‘Pistang Panitik’.

Set on the last day of the fair (Sept 3), Pistang Panitik is a gathering featuring poetry readings, performances, talks, book signings, and other literary events which will be presented by each participating creative writing center from 1pm onwards.

Newly conferred National Artist for Literature Dr. Bienvenido L. Lumbera will grace the event as its special guest and his address at 7pm will be the highlight of the festival.

Ateneo de Manila University’s Ateneo Institute for Literary Arts and Practice (AILAP), headed by Dr. Benilda Santos; De La Salle University’s Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center, headed by Prof. Malou Jacob; University of Santo Tomas Center for Creative Writing and Studies, headed by Dr. Ophelia Alcantara-Dimalanta; and UP-ICW, headed by Prof. V.E. Carmelo Nadera, Jr. have signified to participate in the festival.

‘Pistang Panitik’ will be held at the Function Room A, World Trade Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

July 20, 2006

Abad Graces Literature Festival in Rome
by Jo. Florendo Lontoc

University Professor Emeritus Gemino H. Abad, renowned poet, literary critic and anthologist, has been invited by the Province of Rome's cultural association, Akkegorein, to be one of the poets featured for the third Mediterranean Intercontinental Festival of Literature and Arts to be held in Rome from July 10 to 26.

Abad will read his poems with other poets in the town of Cerveteri and the University of La Sapienza. His poem "The Pope Expels Certain Saints" will be exhibited in a Roman public square with other poets' works and included in an anthology of poems on Rome. He will also deliver a public lecture at the University of Rome La Sapienza.

The cultural event gathers poets, writers and artists from the Mediterranean and nations and those who, while not from the Mediterranean, "recognize themselves ideally and expressively in the dialogical and multicultural values of a common Mediterranean identity."

Abad is best known for his anthologies A Native Clearing, A Habit of Shores and Man of Earth. He is also on the board of advisers of the UP Institute of Creative Writing.

Source: UP Newsletter June 2006

July 20, 2006

Florante at Laura Opens Gantimpala's 29th Season

Gantimpala Theater Foundation together with the National Parks Development Committee, opens its 29 th season with the komedya version of Francisco Balagtas' Florante at Laura .

GTF artistic director Tony S. Espejo pointed out one of the many reasons this production is special: "We bring to fore two great men of Philippine arts and culture as the famous Filipino love story now uses the literary version of National Artist Virgilio S. Almario, and we incorporate the movements of the komedya from San Dionisio, Parañaque, Nabuan, Isabela and Batanes as researched and documented by our newly proclaimed National Artist for Dance, Ramon Obusan.

Florante at Laura performances are slated July 23 (6:00 p.m., Concert at the Park Open-Air Auditorium, Manila); July 28-30 and Aug. 5-6 (10 am/2 pm, AFP Theater Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City); Aug. 11-13 (10 am/2 pm, SM Southmall, Las Piñas City) and Aug. 19 (Expo Filipino, Clark, Pampanga). For more information, call 899-5745/896-3503.

Source: PDI, July 17, 2006

July 17, 2006

Ars Poetica and Rites of Passage Returns

Two of the best plays from last year's Virgin Labfest, Ars Poetica and Rite of Passage, will be restaged at the CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute, starting on the 21st of July and running up to the end of the month.

Ticket prices are set at PhP 400.00 for regular patrons and PhP 200.00 for students.

Ars Poetica, written by Eugene Evasco and Chris Martinez, and directed by Arlo de Guzman tells the story of two poets: One is the teacher, consummate and antiquated. The other is the student, bold and brilliant. One night, they search for the muses. As the master and protégé try to capture the elusive words, their rivalry threatens to drown them in a torrent of suppressed envy. Who will emerge the victor? Or will their hunger for the ultimate honor of literary nobility drive them to madness?

The production features Soliman Cruz, Ony de Leon and Cris Pasturan in significant roles.

Meanwhile, Glenn Mas’ Rite of Passage is directed by J. William Herbert Sigmund Go and features Acey Bryle Aguilar, Bryan Correa, Nazer Salcedo, Sheenly Gener, Rosswil Hilario, Isabel Martinez, Noel Taylo, Dianne Torres.

Set in a quiet barrio in Antique, the play opens with a painful ritual that propels its reluctant protagonist into manhood. As he is seduced by the promised pleasures of sex, he bravely confronts his past in a bid to take control of his future, and the truth can be as overwhelming as the lurid images of scantily-clothed women in magazines.

For tickets and schedules, feel free to call TANGHALANG PILIPINO 832-3661; 832-1125 locals 1620 / 1621; (0920) 953-5381; (0920) 953-5419; or TICKETWORLD 891-9999.

July 17, 2006

Womyn’s Night sa Penguin

Iconic Penguin Café/Gallery, the only relic of a once-bohemian Malate, turns into a safe and cozy space for women who just want to chill out, have good (but cheap) drinks and food while listening to alternative groovy and thought-provoking music by today's truly talented crop of young women musicians.

Guys are welcome, too, as long you support or embody these ideals.

Musical performances by Isha (jazz artist from Candid Records Philippines) and Carol Bello Bandidas (Pinikpikan's Carol Bello heads this all-female group with former Agaw Agimat guitarist Teta Tulay, UP-based musicians Dibayn Leaño and Kwame Biasbas, former UP Kontra Gapi member Jhen Gamboa, and Malou Matute who also plays percussion for Cynthia Alexander and Joey Ayala).

Open mic follows. Feel free to read your literature or perform your composition. Got an announcement to make or a manifesto to share? Tara! Sell your stuff and ideologies. It's a grand marketplace of ideas.

Intellectual and courageous wares are very much needed, especially in this day and age.

Entrance fee of PhP 150.00 gives you one free drink. The women behind Komikera comics will sell their stuff. Women-focused/ women-produced works are also welcome. Grab a table and make it your stall. It's that relaxed.

Just email leaflens@gmail.com for more inquiries.

Penguin Café is located at Remedios in Malate (along the newly opened Remedios Circle, look for Changku Resto in one corner. Penguin Café is two doors down that place. Hard to miss.)

July 11, 2006

All Set for The 27^th Manila International Book Fair

For more than twenty-five years now, the Manila International Book Fair has been attracting thousands of booklovers to its grand event. Authors and artists walk along side literature lovers and over a hundred local and foreign exhibitors to peruse, mingle and discuss matters on the book industry in the Philippines.

Recognizing the great drawing power of such an event. UP Institute of Creative Writing director Vim Nadera has organized "Pistang Panitik" a literary showcase of the country's foremost university presses like the UP Press, UST Publishing House, DLSU Press and the Ateneo Press.

Set for the last day of the fair (September 3), Pistang Panitik will gather the writers from the different schools

The book fair is organized by Primetrade Asia, Incorporated in partnership with Asian Catholic Publishers, Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc. and the Publishers' Representatives Organization of the Philippines.

For more information, log on to: www.manilabookfair.com or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com.

June 28, 2006

Nationalism and Literature at UST

The Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) and the University of Santo Tomas Center for Creative Writing and Studies (UST-CCWS) would like to invite interested parties in a forum entitled, "Nationalism and Literature," which will be held on 4 July 2006, from 3 to 6 pm, at the ground floor of St. Raymund's Building, UST-CCWS Conference Room.

Three prominent literary critics, namely, National Artist for Literature Dr. Bienvenido L. Lumbera, Dr. Soledad S. Reyes of Ateneo de Manila University, and Dr. Ramón G. Guillermo of University of the Philippines will each deliver a paper addressing various concerns and controversies surrounding writers as well as artists in the Philippines ranging from popular literature to nationalist ideology to Filipino aesthetics.

The forum is the first of a series of collaborative efforts between UMPIL and UST-CCWS, and is made possible through the assistance of College of Arts and Letters Dean Dr. Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta, an eminent poet and critic herself.

June 28, 2006

Virgin Labfest 2006 at the CCP

After the sensational hit of last year’s Virgin Labfest, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino and the Writers Bloc, in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, proudly present its second edition of untried / untested / unpublished / unstaged works, from July 7 to 16, 2006 at the CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

This year’s festival features fifteen new plays culled from the year-long regular series of readings by the Writers Bloc, and penned by some of the country’s finest breed of vibrant and prolific playwrights:

I. Opening
July 7, 2006 (Friday) 8PM

A glimpse of Virgin Labfest 2 featuring three new works from the roster.

II. Like a Virgin
July 8, 2006 (Saturday) 3 & 8 PM

(previously staged works directed by the Dulaang Sipat Lawin Ensemble & J. William Herbert Sigmund Go feat. the Dulaang Sipat Lawin Ensemble)

Dulaang Sipat Lawin’s PRAGRES

A musical adaptation of F. Sionil Jose’s story. Set during Martial Law, a provincial senior clerk is sent through an arduous affair of going to Manila to seek the endorsement of her promotion. As she encounters one bureaucrat after another, she drowns in incompetence and corruption.

Alfonso Dacanay’s FIRST SNOW OF NOVEMBER

Palanca-winning play based on Bienvenido Santos’ The Day the Dancers Came. A Filipino expat in Chicago longs for home. When a group of Filipino dancers arrives for a performance, he is determined to invite them to a night of bonding and reminiscing. But how does one win the hearts of complete strangers when he himself is a stranger in a foreign land?

Rody Vera’s ANG UNANG ASWANG

The legend of the aswang: Ang unang aswang ay naulilang sanggol na sumuso sa dugo ng bangkay niyang ina. Ang kaniyang tanod ay ‘sang pusang itim, ‘sang asong may pangil at ‘sang baboy ramong nagpasuso sa kanya. Nang ang unang aswang ay magdalaga, sinipingan siya ng ‘sang binata, at nang magbunga’y kinain ang sariling supling. Ang lahat ay tumuro sa kanyang pagkabata, wala ni isang nagbintang sa binata.

III. Hora de Peligro
July 9, 2006 (Sunday) 3 & 8 PM

J. Dennis Teodosio’s BAKA SAKALI
(directed by Catherine Racsag featuring Nanding Josef & Joel Garcia)

One dreary midnight, a grandfather eagerly convinces his grandson to push their luck further. A noon time show promises instant fortune and taking a chance at it won’t harm them. Their talk gives them high hopes until fate plays its trick the next morning. Is dreaming risky?

Layeta Bucoy’s ANG ANAK NI GLORIA
(directed by Tess Jamias featuring May Bayot & Mayen Estañero)

In order to avoid prostituting herself again, Gloria clings to her Dutch boyfriend’s promise to take her to Holland. But after failing to send her money, Gloria begins to think that her lover has abandoned her. When he resurfaces, she moves heaven and earth to convince him that the dark, ugly, Pinoy-looking baby is his.

Rogelio Braga’s MAGANDA PA ANG DAIGDIG
(directed by George de Jesus III featuring Ama Quiambao)

A family tries to cover up a crime committed at the height of EDSA Dos Revolution. After finding a way to dispose the remains of a dead boy, the family faces a new challenge: how to free their conscience of the committed crime, as the mother of the dead boy arrives for a tête-à-tête with them.

IV. DespArate Voices
July 13 & 14, 2006 (Thursday & Friday) 8 PM

Nicolas Pichay’s TRES ATAQUES DE CORAZON
(directed by Vincent de Jesus featuring Eric Bisa, Andoy Ranay & Jef Dee)

Three short monologues about three characters dealing with triple blockages in the heart.

Rody Vera’s THE RETURN OF FLOR
(directed by Rody Vera featuring Mailes Kanapi)

God is playing a joke that nobody understands, and nobody’s laughing. God sends Flor Contemplacion back to earth to console Gwen, a Filipina who is also accused of a grisly murder in Singapore while Flor’s twin sons are also imprisoned for selling drugs. Flor brings along a microphone to sing and lull Gwen to sleep, as her two sons also sleep in prison. Some joke!

Rene Villanueva’s ISANG DAKILANG MAMAMAYAN NG REPUBLIKA
(directed by Regina Ronquillo featuring Mae Paner)

Sa Recto, nagtitinda ng banana cue si Lola, exasperatingly over weight at laging mamantika. Sa kanya naiwan ang tatlong apo, anak ng anak niyang nakapag-asawa ng adik. Ang bunsong apo ay laging nagkakasakit at wala siyang perang pampagamot. Akala mo melodrama ito, wrong answer! More like a suspense thriller pa!

V. Hopelessly Umaasa,
July 15, 2006 (Saturday) 3 & 8 PM

Job Pagsibigan’s THE PALANCA IN MY MIND
(directed by Roobak Valle featuring Wenah Nagales, Clottie Lucero, Eric Cruz & the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company)

See how far Dory, a call center agent, can go to have a crack at the country’s premier literary competition. Up to the challenge, albeit mentally-challenged herself, one can catch a glimpse of what goes on in the minds of aspiring winners, even the most delusional of them.

Debbie Tan’s DRAGON’S BREATH
(directed by J. Victor Villareal featuring Marj Lorico)

The prospect of losing one’s sight is daunting but meeting someone who has already lost it keeps life in perspective. Dragon’s breath is a dream where inner fantasy is hope, where oriental myth merges with reality.

Niel de Mesa’s PAG-UWI ‘PAG UNDAS
(directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio feat. Chromewell Cosio & Carmela Magtuto)

Undas: Dalawang taong naghihintay sa isang dinumog na sementeryo. Isang babaeng mainipin at isang lalaking masigasig. Ano nga ba ang saysay ng buhay kung lagi na lang tayong pinaghihintay ng ating mga mahal sa buhay? E, ano nga ba ang hinihintay natin? Baka mas mabuting umuwi na lang. Pero sayang naman ang paghihintay kung mauuwi lang sa uwian.

VI. Naked Truths
July 16, 2006 (Sunday) 3 & 8 PM

Liza Magtoto’s HUBAD
(directed by Denisa Reyes featuring Nonie Buencamino & Irma Adlawan)

A middle-aged couple is discontented with their married life, so they start to engage in sex games. As they play roles and act out their fantasies as student-teacher, driver-master and even cross dressing, the woman realizes that she just wants to be accepted as she is.

Argel Tuason’s PALABAS / EXIT
(directed by Rolando Inocencio featuring Noel Escondo & Jejie Esguerra)

Sa sinehan, hinihintay ni Borji ang isang misteryosong lalaking nakaulayaw niya nuong nakaraang buwan, si Rey. Si Rey ay isang sakristang umibig sa isang pari, bagay na di nakaligtas sa mga mapang-usyosong mata ng mga taga-simbahan. Sa pag-alis sa simbahan, anong mga sagabal ang bumabalakid sa muling pagtatagpo nina Rey at Borji?

Dennis Teodosio’s PAYB-SIKS
(directed by Phil Noble featuring Gerard Pizzaras & Arnold Reyes)

Kapag may umuutang, sino ba ang mas may power, ‘yung nangungutang o ‘yung inuutangan? A seduction play about the politics of money and sexual dominance.

Buy your tickets now!

Tanghalang Pilipino
832-3661;
832-1125 locals 1620 / 1621
(0920) 953-5381
(0920) 953-5419
ccptanghalan(at)yahoo.com

TicketWorld 891-9999

June 28, 2006

SALOY 2006: Ikatlong Kumperensya ng mga Estudyante para sa Wikang Filipino.

Tema: "PAGSIPAT SA IBA'T IBANG KALIGIRAN NG WIKANG FILIPINO."

Inaanyayahan ng Departamento ng Filipino ng Pamantasang De La Salle –Maynila ang mga estudyante sa antas tersyarya para sa SALOY 2006: Ikatlong Kumperensya ng mga Estudyante para sa Wikang Filipino.

Ang pangkalahatang tema ng kumperensya para sa taong ito ay "Pagsipat saIba't Ibang Kaligiran ng Wikang Filipino." Ito ay gaganapin sa ika-8 ng Agosto 2006, 1:00 hanggang 5:00 ng hapon sa Bulwagang Ariston Estrada, Pamantasang De La Salle – Maynila. Layunin ng pagtitipong ito na mabigyan ng venyu ang mga estudyante na ibahagi at talakayin ang kanilang mgapananaw, ideya o pananaliksik tungkol sa wikang Filipino at mga kaugnay na isyu o disiplina.

Ang mga paksa ng papel ay maaaring pumaloob sa mga sumusunod na sub-tema.

a. Ang Wikang Filipino sa Iba't Ibang Disiplina at Larangan
b. Pagtuturo at Pagkatuto ng Wikang Filipino
c. Wikang Filipino: Umuusbong na Anyo at Dalumat
d. Ang Pulitika at Kultura sa/ng Wikang Filipino
e. Ang Wikang Filipino at ang Mass Media
f. Wikang Filipino sa Panahon ng Globalisasyon

Para sa mga nais magbasa ng kanilang papel o naisagawang pananaliksik, kailangang magpadala ng abstrak na hindi lalagpas sa 150 salita at naka-single space, kasama ang pangalan ng awtor, kolehiyo/pamantasang kinabibilangan, tirahan, telepono at email address.Kapag naaprubahan ang abstrak, ang pinal na papel ay hindi dapat lalagpas ng labinlimang pahina, doble espasyo, sa font size na 12 at font type na Times New Roman o Arial. Ang mga notes, bibliograpiya o ilustrasyon ay hindi kasama sa labinlimang pahina. Gayunpaman, bibigyan lamang ang bawat magbabasa ng papel ng labinlimang minuto para sa kanilang presentasyon. Ang mga papel ay dapat orihinal.

Ang dedlayn para sa abstrak ay sa Hulyo 14, 2006. Maaari itong ipadala sa Departamento ng Filipino, Room 401, William Hall, De La Salle University-Manila, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila o sa email na torralbaj@dlsu.edu.ph. Ipaaalam ang mga natanggap na papel sa Hulyo 17, 2006. Ang dedlayn para kumpirmasyon ng paglahok ay sa Hulyo 21, 2006.

Walang bayad ang pagdalo sa kumperensya, magbabasa man ng papel o makikinig. Magbibigay din ang departamento ng token at sertipiko ng pagkilala sa mga magbabasa.

Para sa iba pang katanungan, maaaring tumawag sa telepono bilang 5244611, lokal 552/509 at hanapin si Dr. Raquel Sison-Buban o John Torralba.

June 6, 2005

UNESCO International Theater Festival Opens

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is rolling out a cornucopia of plays at the UNESCO International Theater Festival (ITF) 2006. The festival of plays begins on May 30 and will run until June 25.

Held in cooperation with various embassies, arts groups and institutions, the ITF will feature plays from Japan, Australia and the Philippines.

" The Borges Project," based on Jorge Luis Borges magical short story "The Circular Ruins," is slated for May 30-31, 8PM at the CCP Huseng Batute. The Philippines, Belgium, Cameroon, Croatia, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and United States present plays of their own.

" Peregrinations...Against Reduction, " a collaboration between the Philippines and Australia, will be staged on June 9, 8 pm and June 10-11, 3 pm at the CCP Huseng Batute.

" The Coffee Shop Within the Play " will run June 22-23, 3 pm at the CCP Huseng Batute. It features a segment of Noh, a Japanese theater form still only performed by men.

Tanghalang Pilipino's hit musical play " Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah ," which tells the tale of a gay beautician who transforms into a superwoman, will be re-staged on June 16, 8 pm and June 18, 3 pm and 8 pm at the CCP Huseng Batute.

" Condor Conquest of the Galaxy: Jupiter " will be presented on June 23, 8 pm at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater). This is in cooperation with the Japan Foundation Manila and the Embassy of Japan as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Year.

"Waiting For Godot" transforms into" Godot, Wer is U? " to be staged on June 22-23, 8 pm and June 24-25, 3 pm at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater). Featured actors are Paolo O'Hara, Paolo Rodriguez, Cris Pasturan, and Bong Cabrera. This production is jointly sponsored by Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation, Inc., the French Embassy, Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

The ITF 2006 was last presented here in the country eight years. For more information on ITF performances, contact the Cultural Center of the Philippines .

Email: ccp@culturalcenter.gov.ph
Web site: http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph

CCP Complex
CCP Complex
Roxas Boulevard
Pasay City
Tel. 832-3667
Fax No. 551-5960

June 5, 2006

The Fourth International Conference on the Book
Emerson College, Boston, USA, 20-22 October 2006

The conference will address a range of critically important themes relating to the book - including the past, present and future of publishing, libraries, literacy and learning in the information society. Main speakers will include leading thinkers and innovators in the areas of publishing, editing, librarianship, printing, authorship and information technologies, as well as numerous presentations by researchers and practitioners. Publishers, librarians, academics, teachers, authors and associated professionals are all welcome to attend.

I would particularly like to invite you to respond to the conference call for papers. Presenters may choose to submit written papers for consideration before or after the conference in the fully refereed International Journal of the Book. If you are unable to attend the conference in person, virtual registrations are also available which allow you to submit a paper for refereeing and possible publication in the journal, and give you access to the electronic version of the journal.

The deadline for the next round in the call for papers (a title and short abstract) is 15 June 2006. Proposals are reviewed within four weeks of submission. Full details of the conference, including an online call for papers form, are to be found at the conference website - http://www.Book-Conference.com

We look forward to receiving your proposals and hope you will be able to join us in Boston in October 2006.

June 2, 2006

Powerhouse "all-star" cast for Cesare @ Lumiere

An all star cast representing three generations of leading advocates of Spoken Word Poetry will take center stage at Lumiere in Makati for Cesare Syjuco's live performance night on Friday, June 2, at 9:30 P.M.

Aptly titled Attacked From Underground, the Lumiere date comes three weeks after the packed performance event at the Penguin Café in Malate, which has since become the talk of the local art world. It will also be the third leg of Cesare's pre-launch promotional tour for his 15-track poetry and music album to be released later this month.

" This is an incredible new development we didn't anticipate," says event organizer Jean Marie Syjuco, herself a renowned performance artist who helped pioneer the spoken word idiom. "There's just so much new talent out there, and it's finally coming out to be heard. It's an exciting time … a bit of history in the making, with a brand new audience… and we're hoping to take this as far as it will go."

Cesare will perform two poems from his new CD, A Sudden Rush of Genius, accompanying himself on solo electric guitar. He will also be performing with an odd selection of sound-generating children's toys -- a well-known performance staple of his in the past -- deploying these devices for the first time since his standing ovation at the historic Manila International Poetry Festival in 1985.

Also featured in the powerhouse cast are Alfred Yuson, Ronnie Lazaro, Judy Freya Sibayan, Gemino Abad, Maxine Syjuco, Jim Libiran, Angelo Suarez, Jevijoe Vitug, Lirio Salvador, Tata Funilas, Bob Balingit, Kaye O'Yek Daya, Ian Madrigal, Mitch Garcia, Joel Toledo and Los Chupacabras, among others. The event will be hosted by veejay Trix Syjuco and U.P. Creative Writing Center's Vim Nadera.

Lumiere is located at the site of the former Luz Gallery, Locsin Building, Makati Avenue. Admission is free, but space is limited. Reservations can be made in advance through 8509254 and 8509278. More information is also available online through www.cesaresyjuco.com.

May 31, 2006

Artists to hold poetry and music night for detained poet.

Sometime in October last year, poet Axel Pinpin found himself writing a poem for a political prisoner captured in the Southern Luzon province of Batangas; only to find out several months later that he would become a political prisoner himself. Axel or Antoy to his many friends is now detained in Camp Vicente Lim in Canlubang, Laguna. He and his group called the “Tagaytay 5” were arrested by the Philippine National Police for rebellion charges. Axel and his companions were but the latest victims of repressive tactics of the Arroyo administration against progressive organizations

A BS Agriculture graduate, Pinpin is currently serving as consultant of the peasant organization Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kasama-Ka). He was abducted by elements of the PNP in Tagaytay City on April 28, 2006. Abducted together with Pinpin were other Kasama-Ka members Riel Custodio and Aristedes Sarmiento and drivers Enrico Ybanez and Michael Masayes. It took the PNP three days before presenting the Tagaytay 5 to the media in a press conference on May 1. On this occasion, there were visible signs that the detainees had suffered in the hands of their captors: Custodio for one, had his legs wrapped with bandages; Sarmiento on the other hand could not walk properly; and Pinpin looked as if he just had an asthma attack.

A Fellow of the UP Creative Writing workshop in 1999, Pinpin has made friends with fellow poets and artists. These friends of Pinpin’s are expressing support for their detained comrade through a poetry and music night aptly titled “Tugma sa Laya.”

Pinpin is among the many artists that have suffered the brunt of dictatorial policies of the Arroyo administration. A few weeks before the abduction of the Tagaytay 5, musician Alexis Uy, a graduate of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, was illegally arrested, detained and tortured by the military. Uy is a gifted musician who helped organize the Artistang Pangkultura ng Mamamalakaya sa Timog Katagalugan (APLAYA), one of the member organizations of ARREST Gloria. Uy, who also works as a researcher for the Kalipunan ng Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA-TK), was arrested April 30 in Lucena City together with Joey dela Rosa, also a researcher for the said peasant organization; and 12 peasant activists from KOMPRA-Quezon. Just like the Tagaytay 5, they were preparing to join a caravan to Manila for the Labor Day rally when arrested.

Tugma sa Laya is intended to gather moral and financial support for the plight of Pinpin and his other detained comrades. The event is going to be held in Mag:Net Café in Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City. The program will run from 7 to 10 in the evening. No entrance fee will be charged but sponsorship tickets that cost 120 pesos each will be available. The proceeds of which will be used to finance legal and medical services that the group badly needs.

Among those who will be performing in the event are National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera; Nanding Josef, Actor and Artistic Director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines; poet Vim Nadera, Director of the UP Creative Writing Center; Dexter Cayanes who is a Fellow of the 2005 UP Writer’s Workshop; writer and journalist Iris Gonzales; Radioactive Sago Project vocalist and poet Lourd de Veyra; TV Personality and SPIT Founder Gabe Mercado; Bobby Balingit of The Wuds; worker’s chorale from Laguna called KUMASA; and Ma. Theresa Pangilinan, Pinpin’s fellow Kabitenyo who is better known as the student who stood up against GMA at her graduation.

Tugma sa Laya is being organized by Southern Tagalog Exposure in cooperation with the Artists for the Removal of Gloria (ARREST Gloria). A similar event with the same title and intention is also going to be held in Bahandi in Nakpil St. , Malate Manila by poetry group Kilometer 64.

May 25, 2006

Mga Bagong Kasapi ng LIRA, Nanumpa; Aplikasyon para sa 2006 LIRA Poetry Workshop, Bukas na!

Noong ikalawa ng Abril, pormal nang nanumpa ang mga bagong miyembro ng Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA). Sina Claire Madarang, Francisco Monteseña, Romel Samson, at Kathline Tolosa ay ilan sa mga naging kasapi sa isang taong palihan ng LIRA na ngayon ay malugod na ring kasama ng grupo. Sa araw na ring iyon nanumpa ang mga bagong pinuno ng
organisasyon - si Ronald Atilano bilang pangulo, si Raul "Tata" Funilas bilang pangalawang pangulo, si Ergoe Tinio bilang kalihim, si Pamela Maranca bilang ingat-yaman, at si Nanoy Rafael bilang tagapaghatid-balita. Ang huling tatlo ay kasama na bagong-nanumpang miyembro.

Tumatanggap na rin ng mga aplikante ang LIRA para sa taunan nitong palihan. Ang lahat ng interesado ay inaanyayahang magpasa ng limang (5) tula sa Filipino kasama ang isang maikling bio-data at 1x1 ID picture sa LIRA Workshop c/o Dir. Vim Nadera, UP Institute of Creative Writing, 2/F Bulwagang Rizal UP Diliman, 1101 Quezon City. Maaari ring ipadala ang mga ito sa e-mail address na liraworkshop@gmail.com at/o lira_makata@yahoo.com bago o sa ika-30 ng Mayo, 2006.

Gaganapin ang mga palihan tuwing Sabado at Linggo ngayong Hunyo at Hulyo sa Kolehiyo ng Arte at Literatura sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, Diliman.

Ang Pambansang Alagad ng Sining na si Virgilio S. Almario ang magiging direktor ng workshop.

Ang LIRA ay organisasyon ng mga makatang nagsusulat sa wikang Filipino. Naglulunsad ang LIRA ng taunang kurso at palihan sa paglikha ng mga tula. Sa mga palihang ito nagmula ang mga premyado at kinikilalang makata tulad nina Vim Nadera, Romulo Baquiran, Mike Coroza, at magkapatid na Roberto at Rebecca Anonuevo. Noong Disyembre 2005, ipinagdiwang ng LIRA ang ika-20 anibersaryo nito.

***

Applications for the next LIRA Workshop are now being accepted. Applicants are invited to pass five (5) poems in Filipino along with a short bio-date and one 2x2 ID picture to LIRA Workshop c/o Dir. Vim Nadera, UP Institute of Creative Writing, 2/F Bulwagang Rizal, UP Diliman, 1101 Quezon City.

Requirements can also be sent to lira_makata@yahoo.com or liraworkshop@gmail.com. All applications should be in on or before May 30, 2006.

The workshop will be held every Saturday and Sunday this June and July at the College of Arts and Letter in University of the Philippines, Diliman.

National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario will direct the workshop.

May 25, 2006

First Filipino in Writers' Festival

Writer and poet Alfred "Krip" Yuson, representing the Philippines, is among 70 foreign writers who have been invited to participate in what is considered to be Australia's biggest annual literary event as it brings international authors, editors, publishers, speakers, and philosophers to interact together with the public through poetry readings, debates, panel discussions, workshops, and book signings.

Mr Yuson is the only Philippine-based writer to participate in the Festival's history, according to a press release from the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney this week.

Mr Yuson has written 22 books including novels, poems, short fiction, essays, children's stories and biographies. He teaches fiction and poetry at the Ateneo de Manila University, where he holds the Henry Lee Irwin Professorial Chair.

The Filipino author has won various awards: the Stalwart of Art and Culture Award in Manila in June 2003, and a Rockefeller Foundation grant for residency at the Bellagio Study and Conference Center in Italy in October 2003. He was conferred the SEA Write (South East Asian Writers) Award by the Thai Royalty for lifetime achievement, and has been elevated to the Hall of Fame of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, which is the Philippines' most prestigious literary distinction.

Mr Yuson is also a documentary filmmaker and scriptwriter, has won a FAMAS Award and a Catholic Mass Media Award for a feature-length film screenplay. He contributes a weekly literature and culture column to the daily,

*The Philippine Star.

May 25, 2006

Mindanao’s Uwahig featured in UNESCO-ITI festival

Fire and water are the overlaying images of Uwahig (Bukidnon for “water”) that presents its world premiere in May 24 (Wednesday) at the Huseng Batute studio theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The play is one of the Philippines’ entries to the UNESCO-International Theater Institute (ITI) 31st World Congress and Theatre Olympics of the Nations in Manila which the Philippines hosts for the first time.

Written and directed by Dr. Steven Patrick C. Fernandez, UWAHIG is a collaborative dance-theatre piece by MINDULANI, Inc., the network of theatre practitioners in Mindanao.

This post modern play weaves folklore in a multimedia composition. Based on the Maranao-Maguindanao Indarapatra epic, the play deconstructs the story of two brothers who defend the land against darkness. Interspersed in the dance-music narrative are several folktales notable the flood legends adapted from the various communities of Mindanao. Images of contemporary representations of darkness (war, hunger, evacuation, environmental destruction) are shaped through digital images, puppetry and masks, music, chants, chorus, and poetry.

Collaborating with Fernandez in the production of this opus are Felimon Blanco of Kumbingan Ensemble who choreographs, Boots Dumlao of Kathara Dance Theatre Collective who designs the production, and Geejay Arriola and the Mebuyan Peace Project who compose and score the original music.
Performing artists are from MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology’s Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG).

May 17, 2006

Philippine Entry to World Theater Congress Slated

The musical play "Pataya Pat(ih)aya" is the NCR Committee on Dramatic Arts' bet for the Philippine Theater Festival component of the 31 st UNESCO-ITI World Theater Congress happening from May 20-29, 2006.

U.P. professor Glecy C. Atienza wrote the play that tackles the issues of drugs, prostitution and the basketball ending game. Bobet Mendoza composed the enthralling songs, which capture the soul and sentiments of the people trapped in the web of technology and poverty. Erick Castro directs this collaboration of artists and theater workers from the various groups of the Alyansa ng mga Manggagawang Pangkultura sa Kamaynilaan at Karatig-pook, Inc. (Alyansa, Inc.)

The play is scheduled on May 27, 2006, 9:00 P.M. at the CCP Little Theater through the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

May 17, 2006

UNESCO ITI World Congress in RP for first time

The UNESCO International Theatre Institute World Congress, a major cultural event gathering theater directors, writers, playwrights and actors from all over the world, simultaneous with the with the World Festival of Drama Schools, will be held in the Philippines for the first time this summer.

ITI World Congress will be held in Manila from May 16 to May 30, 2006.

Festival Director Nick Lizaso of the World Festival of Drama School also announced that a workshop component, to be participated in by foreign theater professionals, will also take place simultaneously.

The workshop will be open to Filipino theater practitioners.

Professor Andrey Andreyev, of the theater Academy of St. Petersburg in Russia will handle a workshop on Russian dramatist Anton P. Chekhov that will include the production of his play The Wedding Proposal , as a workshop showcase. The workshop will be open to local playwrights, actors and directors.

Japanese stage actress and directress Sayoko Shirotani will handle a demonstration workshop on Japanese Traditional Culture to be capped by a final demonstration at the end of the workshop. Local dancers, actors and directors are invited to participate in this dance/movement workshop.

Professor Maria Horne from Buffalo University of New York will also conduct a five-day workshop that will be of particular interest to film actors and directors, as the workshop will focus on American Method Acting.

The 30-hour workshops will be held from May 17 to 21 at the St. Paul University in Quezon City with a minimum number of 25 participants per workshop.

Another workshop will have US-based international Filipino director and Onassis award-winning playwright, Dr. Anton Juan, focusing on Creative Theater which will discuss the creative techniques to achieve through theater the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals.

The development goals are envisioned to eradicate poverty and hunger by eliminating corruption; provide education for all; effect environmental sustainability; empower women; ensure material care; enable reproduction of child morality; enforce health requirements; and encourage partnership from development through debt relief to protect cultural diversity.

This 30-hour workshop will be held from May 17 to 21 at the Lyceum of the Philippines and will accommodate 25 participants, made up of actors, directors and writers.

A minimal workshop fee of P3,000 will be charged all participants to cover meals, snacks and materials. Interested participants are requested to submit their resumes on or before May 9, 2006 at the World Festival of Drama Schools Secretariat, St. Paul University, Quezon City. Inquiries can be made at 726-7986 to 88, local 144.

May 17, 2006

Indonesia Lecture Series 2006 slated by the University of San Carlos

The Department of Languages and Literature of the University of Carlos has slated two series by two Indonesian scholars. Dr. Faruk will discuss "A Survey of Modern Indonesian Literature" on May 29 to June 9. Meanwhile, Cahyaningrum Dejawati will lecture on "Women and Gender in Indonesia" from August 7 to 18.

Dr. Faruk is a distinguished scholar and critic from the Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He is the author of several books: Strukturalisme Genetik dan Epistemologi Sastra (1989), Pengantar Sosiologi Sastra (1993), Petarugan Tak Kunjung Usali (1995), Hilangan Pesona Dunia (1999), Womem Womeni Lupus (2000) and Beyond Imagination: Sastra Mutakhir dan Ideologi (2001).

The series is made possible in part by the SEASREP Foundation.

For more information, please call 9320253-1000 local 166 or contact the following

Hope Sabanpan-Yu
hsyu@usc.edu.ph

Joanalyn P. Gabales
jpgabales@usc.edu.ph

Haidee K. Palapar
hkpalapar@usc.edu.ph

May 2, 2006

Cavite Young Writer’s Association presents: KAAKUHAN-KALAYAAN

Kaakuhan-Kalayaan is an exhibit-theatre-play-poetry performance-bazaar-carnival fair presentation of the Cavite Young Writer’s Association in cooperation with other artist groups of Cavite. It will be held on June 12, our national day of independence, something that Cavitenos can be doubly proud of, because the first Independence Day was celebrated right here in Cavite. As such, it is a celebration of the independent status of artists and of the self as represented in the arts, and of the self as part of the nation.

If the theme sounds familiar, it’s because it’s a spin-off from Alejandro Garcia Abadilla’s Ang Ako, which is only fitting since this is his hundreth year celebration. Abadilla’s representations of an egocentric self, Ako ang daigdig, is taken to another level as CYWA (and others) digs deep into the self to come up with glimpses, bold glances, stolen shots, paintings, dances, music, what-have you of the self in the carnival of the universe.

A carnival with flashing lights, rides, poetry readings, bands and great music, exhibits, plays, all going all at once, no holds barred, the idea for this year’s art event in Cavite. Of the carnival itself, of the self in the carnival, of the carnival of the universe, and of the carnival-like universe, seen at different angles, and conflicting paradigms and shifts, CYWA aims to bring out cultures, sub-cultures, and counter-cultures of Cavite by involving artists, fair-goers, students, the local government, and just ordinary people who came for a show. Definitely, this is one show, they won’t soon forget.

Using the perya as a format and take-off for the ako, the event is deliberately multi-layered to represent, uncover, and add more layers to the ako, the centerpiece of the event. Thus, the following are necessary parts of the celebration:

I. Exhibit- one tent crammed wall to ceiling with artist’s representations of their own ako, their kaakuhan, their daigdig. The artworks will be pasted/ installed side by side, thus the whole exhibit is also one big installation of the ako. When viewers enter the tent, they will be treated to the daigdig of the ako, as the whole installation/exhibit will seem to engulf them in its seamlessness. Their will also be film installations all around the project site.

II. Theatre- the tula-dula, or street theatre will be highlighted in this celebration. Taking one of Abadilla’s plays and adding a modern twist to it, the play is then made accessible to ordinary people. Shown in the open, the tula-dula will call people to watch, take part, and engage in their own ruminations of Abadilla’s and their own ako.

III. Performance Poetry- as poetry is one of the more personal forms of art, the performance of it will speak of the ako of the poet, and also how s/he deals with his/her daigdig. This is synthesized by the poetry chapbook that CYWA will be releasing at the event.

IV. Dance- using the body as canvas, the dancers will elucidate in mimes, gestures, and dance their own ako, and the daigdig of their ako. The fitting backdrop for this dance festival is experimental music from emerging artists.

V. Music- an open-air concert of bands coming from Cavite. Their presence would be a sure crowd-pleaser and the music that they play, part and parcel of the general atmosphere of the perya. The thought that travels in sound is also that which powers the ako.

VI. Bazaars- anything and everything will be put up for sale, auctioned, and inspected to within an inch of their lives. In this marketplace of clothes, food, music, art, and ideas, people come to buy what they need for themselves and their souls.

What we need:

I. Artists/ artist groups for the exhibit, theatre, poetry performance, dance and band shows and video installations. We are especially looking for Cavite artists.
II. Volunteers who will help in the preparation and actual project.
III. Bazaar people/ franchisers who will sell their wares during the perya.

If you or your group is interested, please register by contacting Ronald Verzo (Acting Project Coordinator) at 09179417365, or Ayn dela Cruz (Acting Secretary General) at 09209517707. You can also e-mail cavyoung@yahoogroups.com, or sanghiyang@yahoogroups.com. We hope that you can join us in this effort to celebrate our independence, (in more ways than one), and also to turn art into a community initiative.

May 2, 2006

IPAG’s “Bak2Bak” in Cagayan de Oro

Gender politics is the theme of Bak2Bak when this twin bill of one act comedies of the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) performs in Cagayan de Oro City for its pre-29th Season offering. Bak2Bak are the plays Babuyan Island by three-time Palanca-winner German Gervacio and Isa Pang Kawing by IPAG Director Steven Patrick C. Fernandez.

Teasing yet painful, the plays essay the “put-on” relationships between couples. Babuyan Island is set in the Batanes during a location shooting where a middle-aged screenplay writer and a young sexy starlet come to terms with their unpleasant lives.

Setting irony in high relief, Fernandez’s Isa Pang Kawing is about a scheming couple who weave themselves in among awkward twists and turns in a riotous situation.

IPAG, the resident theater company of the MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, casts some of its more veteran actors: Hobart Savior (who recently returned from a Singapore international festival), Lara Maglinao (who’s with the international touring group), Phoebe Gayanelo (who’s with the national touring company and has done work in films), and Orwel Obach (a professional architect). Vicmar Paloma stage manages with production management by Arlem Abanes and technical direction by Arvin Solis. Fernandez directs.

Bak2Bak which completed a successful 12-show run in Iligan City goes onstage May 12, 3 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m. evening show at the Grand Caprice in Cagayan de Oro.

Supporting Bak2Bak are the Liceo University of Cagayan de Oro, the Liceo Theater and Performing Arts, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation, and the MSU-IIT.

April 28, 2006

Writing and Commitment

The Amado V. Hernandez Resource Center (AVHRC) will be holding a roundtable discussion on Writing and Commitment. As an institution that promotes the writings and advocacy of the late National Artist Amado Vera Hernandez, the Center will work this time with the National Union of Journalist of the Philippines to place this discussion in light of the rising tide of repression. Speakers will talk about their own practices of writing and commitment in the fields of the national dailies, campus press, academe, creative and critical work.

We will hold the discussion this coming April 28, Friday, 1 to 5 pm at the Popular Bookstore in Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

We hope that you will be part of this project. For inquiries your office may call 4120909 (AVHRC office).

April 19, 2006

Book Launch and Poetry Night at Powerbooks Greenbelt

Award-winning author Tony Perez will launch his latest book Tatlong Baro on the 22 nd of April at Powerbooks Greenbelt (2/F Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center Makati). Tony Perez fans are sure to enjoy this latest offering from the well-regarded author. Launch starts at 6:00 p.m.

Also lined up for April at Powerbooks Greenbelt, Slam Poetry, a boy versus girl poetry reading session organized by Powerbooks and the Romancing Venus group. Slam Poetry will be held at the Greenbelt branch on April 28, 7:00 p.m.

April 12, 2006

Filipino Author Carlos Bulosan is topic of symposium at the US Library of Congress

The Asian Division of the Library of Congress will hold a daylong symposium on author Carlos Bulosan, titled "America Is in The Heart for The 21st Century," from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 28, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; no reservations are required.

The Library, in conjunction with the Asian Division Friends Society (ADFS), is coordinating the program as a centennial project to commemorate the first-wave migration to Hawaii by Filipino nationals. Our Own Voice, an online literary journal for Filipinos in the diaspora, is the ADFS's partner in the project to reintroduce the writings of Bulosan to the public. Bulosan depicted the early Filipino migrant experience in the United States and is best known for his book "America Is in The Heart."

The symposium's keynote speaker will be Albert F. Del Rosario, Philippine ambassador to the United States. The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines is co-hosting the event.

In conjunction with the symposium, attendees will have the opportunity to view the Philippine Collections on display at the Asian Reading Room in LJ-150.

Reme Grefalda, editor of Our Own Voice, said "We owe it to Carlos Bulosan, the writer, to rescue his works from oblivion and bring him to his rightful place in the literary annals of America." By focusing on the body of literature contributed by Bulosan, the symposium is expected to illuminate the ideology, philosophy and vision of an important Filipino mind who valued the idea and ideals of America.

Noted Bulosan scholars are among the panelists, who include E. San Juan, Philippine Cultural Studies Center, Jorshinelle Taleon-Sonza, Rutgers University, Tim Libretti, Northeastern Illinois University, Lane Hirabayashi, UCLA- Riverside, Rick Baldoz, Stamford University, Jeffrey Cabusao, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Marilyn Alquizola, San Francisco State University, Susan Evangelista of Palawan State University, Philippines and Cynthia Domingo, Seattle community activist.

Domingo will talk on Bulosan's involvement with the labor movement in Seattle. Other papers will center on a background of the U.S. labor recruitment in Hawaii, Bulosan's life and ideology, and Bulosan's writings. Symposium co-sponsors include the Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc.; the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA); Arkipelago Philippine Books, San Francisco; Carayan Press, San Francisco; and Remedios G. Cabacungan.

April 3, 2006

The 4th Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy convention

Fully Booked in partnership with the Powerplant Mall, Rockwell and the New Worlds Alliance present "The 4th Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention: A Dream of Infinite Realities."

Join us as we celebrate imagination, creativity and passion through the various TV series and movies that we all love. Help us usher in a summer of wonder as we toast the winners of the first ever Philippine Graphic and Fiction Awards. Stretch the boundaries of your world by joining us as we explore worlds that are strange yet familiar.

All this and many more await you on the 21st, the 22nd and the 23rd of April at the Rockwell Tent. Hours are from 10am to 12 midnight each day.

Espiritu Libre

The Institute of Spirituality in Asia (ISA) is hosting ESPIRITU LIBRE! A weekend of books, films, arts exhibit, poetry, storytelling, crafts, free coffee, and lots of fun for everyone at Titus Brandsma Center, 24 Acacia St., New Manila, QC on April 8 & 9, 2006.

Those who are looking for a good read this Lenten season and this summer time may find here special books at a special price. Exhibitors are ISA Publications, Ateneo Press, Logo Publications, Claretian Publications,UST Press, Carmelite Missionaries, Spring of Carmel, St. Elijah Student-Friary, and more.

Call (Merian) 723-0449/7213391 or email: spirit@tri-isys.com for details.

UP CWC Booklaunch and Awarding Ceremonies

The UP Center for Women's Studies just held a warm and impressive awarding ceremony of the 2006 Lourdes Lontok-Cruz Awards for Best Theses/Dissertations this afternoon, March 29, 2006 at the UP Center for Women's Studies courtyard, Diliman, Quezon City from 3:30 up. The Center also launched two books and a special issue of the Review of Women's Studies.

The awardees for the Best Dissertations and Theses are:

Dissertations:

1. Ronald Baytan of the College of Arts and Letters
Ph.D. English Studies: Creative Writing
"The Queen Sings the Blues: Politics and Pathos in the Poems of a Gay
Chinese Filipino"

2. Rosario de Santos Del Rosario of the College of Arts and Letters
Ph.D. Philippines Studies
"The Ifugao 'Alim' as Gendered Discourse"

3. Victoria Narciso Apuan of the Asian Center
PhD Philippine Studies
"Perceptions of Aging Among Selected Females from the Public Sector: A
Gendered View"

4. Samson-Gaddi, Rebecca of the Asian Center
PhD Philippine Studies
"Paglalahad ng Karanasan sa Paghihilom: Paghahanap ng Kahulugan"

Theses:

5. Rina Angela P. Corpus of the College of Arts and Letters
MA Art History
"Defiant Daughter Dancing: Feminist Dance Histories of Three Independent
Women Dance-Makers"

6. Mary Jean Justiniani-Perez of the College of Social Work and
Community Development
MA Women and Development
"Organizing and Empowering Older Widows in an Agricultural Setting: The
Experience of the Widows Association of Canlaon"

7. Anita Khadka Karki of the College of Social Work and Community
Development
MA Women and Development
"Voices from Within: Experiences of Patriarchy in Traditional Marriage
and Family Life of High Caste/Class Hindu Women of Kathmandu"

8. Michelle G.Ong of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
MA Psychology
"Mga Imahe ng Katawan ng Filipina Edad 20-30"

9. Maybelle Marie B. Padua of the College of Social Sciences and
Philosophy
MA Philosophy
"The Ethos of Woman in the Philosophy of Edith Stein"

Launched were:

A Gender Review of Selected Economic Laws in the Philippines [using the
substantive equality principle of CEDAW as a framework] by E. (Leo) D.
Battad, Milagros Isabel Cristobal Amar, Rosalinda Pineda Ofreneo,
Flordeliza C. Vargas, Luz Rañeses-Raval and Carolyn I. Sobritchea

"Pagdadalaga at Pagbibinata": Developmental Contexts of Adolescent
Sexuality by Maria Theresa D. Ujano-Batangan

Review of Women's Studies special issue on Gender, Globalization,
Culture and the Economy edited by Rosalinda Pineda Ofreneo.

March 1, 2006

"Kaakuhan" CD launch in celebration of AGA's birth centenary

LIKHAAN: The U.P. Institute of Creative Writing, in cooperation with the UP Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, will launch a CD entitled — KAAKUHAN: Mga Tula ni AGA, Mga Tula kay AGA — of the poetical works of Alejandro G. Abadilla (AGA) — considered as the Father of Modern Poetry in Filipino. It will be held at the Pulungang Claro M. Recto, U.P. Diliman Q.C. on 10 March 2006 centenary of his birth — 9 a.m.-12 n.n. coinciding with the UP Portfolio Professorial Chair Lecture of Prof. Vim Nadera, U.P. I.C.W. Director, on Abadillismo.

AGA's poems, arranged chronologically, will be read as follows:

MGA TULA NI AGA

Bagong Taon (Roberto Añonuevo)
Adan (Romulo Baquiran Jr.)
Ito ang Awit Ko (Bayani Abadilla)
Erotika 4 (Jose Lacaba)
Ako ang Daigdig (Elynia Ruth Mabanglo)
Ako ang Daigdig (Khavn de la Cruz)
Talipapa (Ony Carcamo at Makatang Nonoy)
Awit sa Sarili (Bienvenido Lumbera)
Dilim, Mutyang Dilim (Mike Coroza)
Magsusupling Ako sa Iyong Kawalan (Vim Nadera)
Bangon Ka Na, Mutya (Benilda Santos)
Bangon Ka Na, Mutya (Virgilio Almario)
Sanaysay sa Tula (Lilia Q. Santiago)
Hindi Ako (Joi Barrios)
Banyuhay (Rafael Dante Cruz)
Parola (Rogelio Mangahas)
Hala, Umawit Ka (Malaya Abadilla)
Hindi Mo Ako Masasaktan (Rebecca Añonuevo)
Pasko Ko'y Sonatang Tinig Ma'y Wala Na (Teo Antonio)
Ilang Tanagabadilla (Malaya Abadilla, Bely Ygot, Vim Nadera, Snow Badua)

As a bonus, six of the readers paid tribute to AGA by writing poems for him:

MGA TULA KAY AGA

Tula sa Sanaysay (Lilia Q. Santiago)
Pagkatapos ng Almusal (Benilda Santos)
Tanaga Kay Abadilla (Romulo Baquiran Jr.)
Dilim (Mike Coroza)
Ako, Babae, Ibang Daigdig (Joi Barrios)
Bangon, Bangon, Abadilla (Rogelio Mangahas)

The UP ICW will mount an exhibit on AGA's body of work, pictures of his family and writers-friends & other memorabilia in coordination with University Librarian Salvación Arlante and her staff.

Individuals and offices who may have some such memorabilia may please send them as donations or gifts outright to the University Library.

February 12, 2006

panitikan.com.ph Launched
Portal to Philippine Literature

"Panitikan.com.ph aims to pave the way in cyberspace for all art forms." So quips Vim Nadera, initiator of what may very well be the most ambitious online literary project in the Philippines .

Recently launched at the Quirino Grandstand last 12 February, panitikan.com.ph boasts of an extensive database of authors profiles and works. As part of the National Commission for Culture & the Arts National Arts Month launching pad for programs, the website features works by individual authors ranging from poetry, fiction, drama to children's literature and creative nonfiction. Just as important, the works are submitted by the authors themselves.

The site design was executed by the same artist who created the website for the innovative indie film Pinoy/Blonde . The panitikan.com.ph staff is composed of literature lovers and also backed up by the considerable resources of the UP Institute of Creative Writing. Nadera himself, the ICW Director, and Palanca Hall of Fame writer Jose "Butch" Dalisay are the advisers.

Other features of the site are the Writers Market page, a monthly calendar of literary events, a section devoted entirely to literature from the regions and a whole lot more. Panitikan.com.ph is aiming to be the definitive portal to Philippine literature as a whole, a one-stop site that literature lovers, students and writers themselves can keep coming back to over and over again, just like the proverbial storybook.

February 11, 2006

Writer for Children Lara Saguisag to Give Lecture
UP ICW to hosts

Prof. Lara Saguisag will give a lecture entitled "Vs.: Expressing Conflict in Poetry for Children" at the CAL AVR, 2 nd floor, Bulwagang Rizal, UP Diliman Campus on 16 February 2006 from 2 to 5 p.m. The reactors will be Prof. Carla Pacis, Resident Fellow of the UP Institute of Creative Writing (ICW), and Prof. Heidi H. Abad from the Department of English and Comparative Literature. The moderator will be poet and critic Prof. J. Neil C. Garcia.

Lara Saguisag is the award-winning author of " There's a Duwende in My Brother's Soup ," " Tonyo's Wishes " and the forthcoming Cat Eyes . She received an MA in Children's Literature from Hollins University and is currently finishing her MFA in Creative Writing at The New School in New York City . She has presented papers on children's literature at the International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts in Florida , and was a panelist in the 2005 Children's Literature New England Institute. She is the recipient of the CLNE Early Career Fellowship and the Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature's Paula Danzinger Scholarship. She is a member of Kwentista ng Mga Tsikiting (KUTING) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI.) She is currently at work on a book of poems for children.

Teachers and students are especially invited.

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