March 26, 2009

UP PRESS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE



by Arvin Abejo Mangohig

The UP Press has launched a new website loaded with features. The site sports an ochre and grey design and its home page lists down news, the Press' newest titles as well as links to other pages. The new website has a list of all the titles the Press has published from 1965 to the present. The Category, Author and Title pages present the books individually as well as in the larger contexts of their categories and the year in which they were published.

The new books listed down are already available for purchase, like Fabulists and Chroniclers by Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, 1908: The Way It Really Was by Raul Rafael Ingles and Lola Coqueta, a daintily designed book of poems from Isabela Banzon. Forthcoming titles are also listed like Joel Toledo’s The Long Lost Startle, his second volume of poetry.

The Browse page opens to thumbnails of the series published by the UP Press like the 100 Centennial titles, the Likhaan Anthology series and the bestselling Damiana Eugenio collections of Philippine folk literature. Visitors can easily order by downloading the order form and e-mailing it back to the Press. Buyers can also check out the maps of the UP Press bookstores and contact data should they want to visit the stores. The website even features a downloadable brochure about how to get published by the UP Press.

For more details and orders, try the uppress.com.ph’s Order page or contact the Marketing department at press@up.edu.ph or 926-6642.

GUIDELINES FOR LIKHAAN JOURNAL ANNOUNCED 

Likhaan: The UP Institute of Creative Writing announces that it is now accepting submissions for possible inclusion in the third issue of Likhaan: the Journal of Contemporary Literature.

Likhaan, the country's leading literary peer-reviewed journal, is funded by the Office of the UP Diliman Chancellor, and is published annually. The ICW fellows and associates take turns serving as its editor.

The initial issue, released in December 2007 during the Institute's traditional Writers' Night was edited by Jose Dalisay, present ICW director. Issue No. 2, released in January 2008, was edited by National Artist Virgilio Almario, the present dean of the College of Arts and Letters, and a former ICW director. Likhaan 3 will be edited by Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, also a former ICW director and presently UP Vice President for Public Affairs. Associate editors will be Roland Tolentino (for Filipino) and Charlson Ong (for English).

The guidelines follow:

1. For its third issue, Likhaan: the Journal of Contemporary Philippine Literature 3, will accept submissions in the following genres, in both English and Filipino:

•  Short stories ranging from about 12 to 30 pages double-spaced, in 11-12 points Times Roman, New York, Palatino, Book Antique, Arial or some such standard font. (A suite of short prose pieces will be considered.)

•  A suite of four to seven poems, out of which the editors might choose three to five. (Long poems will be considered in lieu of a suite.)

•  Creative nonfiction (essays, memoirs, profiles, etc.), subject to the same length limitations as short stories (see above).

•  Critical/scholarly essays, subject to the same length limitations as short stories (see above)

•  Excerpts from graphic novels, or full short graphic stories, for reproduction in black and white on no more than 10 printed pages, 6” x 9.” (Excerpts should be accompanied by a synopsis of the full narrative.)

2. All submissions must be original, and previously unpublished.

3. All submissions must be accompanied by a biographical sketch (no more than one or two short paragraphs) of the author, including contact information (address, telephone number, e-mail address).

4. Submissions may be e-mailed to likhaanjournal@gmail.com, or posted to The Editors, Likhaan Journal, UP Institute of Creative Writing, Rizal Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101.

5. All submissions should be received (whether by e-mail or post) no later than May 31, 2009.

6. All submissions will undergo a strict pre-screening and blind refereeing process by the editors, and a panel of referees composed of eminent writers and critics from within and outside the University of the Philippines .

7. Writers whose work will be accepted for publication will receive a substantial cash payment and a copy of the published journal.

8. The editors reserve the right to edit any and all materials accepted for publication.

9. The editors may also solicit or commission special, non-refereed articles for publication outside of the aforementioned genres and categories to enhance the editorial content and balance of the journal.

10. Please direct any and all inquiries to the editors at likhaanjournal@gmail.com.

March 25, 2009

WRITING WORKSHOPS AT THE FILIPINAS HERITAGE LIBRARY THIS SUMMER

Travel Writing Workshop with a Viaje del Sol Day Tour
Session 1: March 18, Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Session 2: March 21, 2009, Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Session 3: March 30, 2009, Monday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Would you like to convey the wonder, humor, and stories of your travels to others? Join award-winning writer Tara Sering in this basic Travel Writing Workshop with a tour to the south of Luzon known as the Viaje del Sol: The way of the sun from San Pablo to Quezon. The workshop is designed for beginners and those with some experience in travel writing. If you want to be published or write a book about your trip, the Travel Writing workshop is for you.

This workshop includes a day tour of the following places Sulyap Art Gallery Café, Carlito Ortega’s Sculpture Workshop, and Ugu Bigyan Pottery and Food Demonstration.

Speaker Tara FT Sering is a columnist of the Philippine Star and the managing editor and co-founder of Contemporary Art Philippines, a bi-monthly glossy magazine dedicated to Philippine art. She is also author of six books, most of them of the Chick Lit genre, and has written numerous lifestyle and travel articles. She has been a managing editor of Cosmopolitan Philippines, a senior writer of ELLE Singapore, and a managing editor of Mabuhay magazine. Workshop fee is P5,000 inclusive of handouts, materials, meals, transportation, entrance fees, and a certificate.

A down payment of P1,000 is required to reserve a slot. The deadline for reservations is March11, 2009. A 10 percent discount will be given to those who pay in full on or before the deadline. The first and the third session of the workshop will be held at the Filipinas Heritage Library located along Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati City (across The Peninsula Manila). Payments may be given in cash, through credit card, or Globe GCash.

For inquiries, please call Jen Bascoguin at 892-1801, send an SMS to 0917-800-9857, or email bascoguin.jm@ayalafoundation.org.

Art Writing with Tour
March 14, Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
March 21, Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 28, Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Take the challenge and explore the different avenues of writing about art with renowned artist, Yason Banal. The Art Writing with tour workshop is open to writers and art lovers who wish to learn the basics of writing about art, whether for purposes of artistic expression and cultural enrichment or as a career path. The workshop includes a tour of the Ayala Museum and several art galleries to further demonstrate and exemplify the actual process of looking at and writing about art.

Speaker Yason Banal is an internationally acclaimed young artist, writer, lecturer, and independent curator. He obtained an MA in Fine Art at the Goldsmiths College, University of London. Yason’s recent exhibitions include Photographing Britain/Late of Tate, Tate Britain and Disaster But Disco, AIT Tokyo. Besides an international art practice, Yason is also a columnist for the Philippine Star and an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines Film Institute. Workshop fee is P4,500 inclusive of handouts, materials, snacks, and certificate.

A down payment of P500 is required to reserve a slot. The deadline for reservations is March 9, 2009. A 10 percent discount will be given to those who will pay in full on or before the deadline. The first and the second session of the workshop will be held at the Filipinas Heritage Library located along Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati City (across The Peninsula Manila).

For inquiries, please call Jen Bascoguin at 892-1801, send an SMS to 0917-800-9857, or email bascoguin.jm@ayalafoundation.org.

An Effective Business Writing Workshop with Focus on Grammar Improvement April 25, 2009 | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This workshop will guide professionals in producing effective business correspondences. It includes a segment on improving one’s grammar. Speaker Isabelita O. Reyes is currently an associate professor at the Department of English and Comparative Literature in UP Diliman, where she obtained her undergraduate, masteral, and doctoral degrees in Creative Writing. She is also the assistant vice president for Public Affairs and the director of the UP System Information Office. She worked as an editor for such publications as LegManila and the Philippines Free Press. She regularly conducts business-writing seminars for different companies and organizations.

Workshop fee is P2,500 inclusive of handouts, materials, snacks, and a certificate. A down payment of P500 is required to reserve a slot. The deadline for reservations is 17 April 2009. A 10 percent discount will be given to those who pay in full on or before 13 April 2009. Payments can be given in cash, through credit card, or Globe GCash. For inquiries, please call Jen Bascoguin at 892-1801, send an SMS to 0917-800-9857, or email bascoguin.jm@ayalafoundation.org.

Feature Writing Workshop
20, 22, and 24 April 2009 | 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Filipinas Heritage Library invites everyone with a knack for storytelling and an interest in current events to learn about the art and craft of Feature Writing.

This introductory workshop will focus on the basics of writing a feature story. It will help participants find and develop stories behind facts, and focus on writing at a more personal level and in a more narrative style. Learn what defines a feature story, its different types and styles, and get some tips on finding good human interest topics.

Facilitator: Ianne Evangelista
Workshop fee: Php3,000 (inclusive of handouts, materials, snacks, and certificate).

A Php500 is required to reserve a slot. Deadline for reservation is 13 April 2009. Those who pay in full on or before 8 April 2009 are entitled to a 10% discount. For inquiries, please call Jen Bascoguin at 892-1801, send an SMS to 0917-800-9857, or email bascoguin.jm@ayalafoundation.org.

March 25, 2009

DESIRE AND DOOM WITH DANTON REMOTO

Pinoypoets invites you to an afternoon talk with poet-activist Danton Remoto on April 25 (Saturday), 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Powerbooks Megamall. The talk, entitled "Desire and Doom in Philippine Gay Poetry", is the second of a series of lectures held in celebration of Pinoypoets' fifth anniversary and is launched in partnership with Anvil and Powerbooks.

Should you have questions, please contact Xam at 0916-6390640 or Rhodge at 0923-8096002. You may also email us at mail@pinoypoets.com. I could also be reached through kathline@pinoypoets.com. Please feel free to forward this invite to anyone who might be interested.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

The University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing (UP ICW) has selected the fellows to the 48 th UP National Writers Workshop to be held from April 12 to 19 in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. The fellows and associates of the UP ICW selected twelve writers in mid-career to participate in the annual workshop. This year's workshop director is National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario.

This year's fellows for Filipino are Mikael Co and Ayer Arguelles for poetry, Jing Panganiban for creative nonfiction, and Norman Wilwayco, Vlad Gonzales, and Alvin Yapan for fiction. The fellows for English are Angelo Suarez and Carlomar Daoana for Poetry, Felisa Batacan and Dean Alfar for fiction, and Criselda Yabes and Carljoe Javier for creative nonfiction.

The workshop panelists are all advisers, fellows, and associates of the ICW. Aside from National Artist Almario, the panelists are National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera, ICW director Jose Dalisay, Jr., Gemino Abad, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Neil Garcia, Charlson Ong, Conchitina Cruz, Jun Cruz Reyes, Victor Carmelo Nadera, Rolando Tolentino, Mario Miclat, and Romulo Baquiran, Jr.

Unlike most national writing workshops, the UP National Writers Workshop is only for advanced writers. The UP ICW is the only institution that holds a workshop of this kind in the country. The current workshop format was meant to address the dearth of venues for writers in mid-career to exchange ideas on their craft and their current literary projects.

Prior to the new format, the UP ICW has held the annual UP National Writers Workshop for the country's most promising beginning writers since the 1960s. Through the years other writing centers of other universities have instituted their own workshops for beginning writers, thus freeing the UP ICW to address other concerns.

The UP ICW is setting up a blog hub to keep the public abreast of the developments in the workshop. The hub will bring together blogs of the panelists, fellows, and staff. It will also contain more information on the workshop participants. The blog hub will soon be accessible at http://upwritersworkshop09.tk.

March 16, 2009

Call for Papers: Second National Conference on Children's Literature


The Pilandokan (National Research Society for Children's Literature) and National Commission for Culture and the Arts invite scholars who are engaged in the study and research on children's literature to submit abstracts for the Second Conference on Philippine Children's Literature on July 16-18, 2009.

Submissions might focus on topics such as:

•  Filipino childhood and culture of childhood

•  the Filipino child in literature, children's literature, and literature by children

•  the Filipino child and contemporary social problems

•  the Filipino child in culture industry/ popular culture

•  the state of Philippine children's literature

•  production and power in Philippine children's literature

•  representations of power in Philippines children's literature

Researchers should submit a 200-word abstract in English or Filipino no later than 3 April 2009. Successful applicants will be notified by 14 April 2009. The abstract must clarify the substantive issue which your paper will address. Please include your name, affiliation, and other contact information.

Those selected have to submit full-length papers, of around 5,000 words in length, by 26 June 2009. Please send abstracts to pagongatmatsing@yahoo.com. For you, or someone you know.

March 12, 2009

2nd PALIHANG ROGELIO SICAT: UP DFPP 2009 PAMBANSANG PALIHAN SA MALIKHAING PAGSULAT

Petsa: Mayo 27-31, 2009

Lugar: Palayan City , Nueva Ecija

Kwalipikasyon : Nagsisimulang manunulat sa wikang Filipino. Nakapagsulat na ng alin man sa mga sumusunod: tula , maikling kuwento, maikling kuwentong pambata, at dula Bukas sa lahat ng mag-aaral sa kolehiyo, nakapagtapos man o hindi pa.

Kahilingan : Limang kopya kasama ang digital file (12 points, doble-espasyo, 8x11) ng alin man sa mga sumusunod na anyo: (5) tula , (2) maikling kuwento (10 pahina), (2) maikling kuwentong pambata (5-7 pahina), (1) dula (one act). Magsubmit din ng maikling tala sa sarili na may larawan. Ang application form ay makukuha sa opisina Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, Kolehiyo ng Arte at Literatura, UP Diliman.

Ang deadline ng pagpapasa ng aplikasyon ay sa Abril 13, 2009. Para sa mga tanong at iba pang deatalye, hanapin sina Jimmuel Naval/Reuel Aguila sa DFPP o mag-email sa palihanan2008@yahoo.com . Maaari ring tumawag sa bilang na 9244899, hanapin si Susan Alcantara.

CALL FOR SUBMISSION OF MANUSCRIPTS TO THE 1ST J. ELIZALDE NAVARRO WORKSHOP FOR CRITICISM ON THE ARTS

The University of Santo Tomas Varsitarian is now accepting applications to the 1st J. Elizalde Navarro Workshop for Criticism on the Arts to be held April 19-25, 2009 in Baguio City. This National Workshop in honor of National Artist for the Visual Arts and art critic J. Elizalde Navarro is offering ten fellowships to promising young critics who would like to enhance their analytical skills.

Fellows will be provided free board and lodging for the duration of the workshop, and transportation cost from Manila to Baguio and vice versa. To be considered for the fellowship, applicants should submit a scholarly, properly documented critical essay (seven- to twelve-pages, double-spaced, 12-point font) on any of the art forms (literature, painting, sculpture, architecture, dance, drama or music) on or before March 31, 2009.

Manuscripts should be submitted in hard copy and on CD, preferably in MS Word, together with a resumé, a recommendation letter from an academic mentor or a literary/art critic, a certification that the works are original, and two 2X2 ID pictures. Address all applications to Ferdinand M. Lopez and Ralph Semino Galán, Faculty of Arts and Letters, University of Santo Tomas, España Street, Sampaloc , Manila.

Send your queries to Prof. Ralph Semino Galan: aquaboy0221@ yahoo.com

March 12, 2009

BAGUIO BOOK DRIVE THIS MARCH

The Baguio Creative Writers Group, Inc. (BWG) exists to celebrate Cordilleran literature and to nurture the souls of Cordilleran writers. Every year we hold workshops in which we give critiques of newly written pieces, or we give classes on how to write in different genres. Our participants are mainly Baguio residents and students from around the region who come to attend school here. Through these workshops, we envision the growth of a new body of Cordilleran literature, and the multi-sited blossoming of creative writing in the vernacular.

This month we are launching WORD FOR WORD, a fundraising book drive. Proceeds from WORD FOR WORD will go towards the BWG’s literary workshops and help us to enable writers and teachers in the Cordilleras to teach, critique, and encourage young talents. Our dream for the future is to see these writers and teachers, or their students, hold literary workshops in their own languages and hometowns and publish their work in the vernacular.

To get WORD FOR WORD started, we are pooling together selections from our own libraries and seeking book donations from friends and supporters. The BWG will sell these books at bargain prices in the first WORD FOR WORD sale at the Cafe by the Ruins on March 22, 2009. If you like our dream and have a stack of books that you are willing to part with, please donate some of your pre-loved books towards our cause. Book donations may be dropped off during weekdays at the Office of the College Secretary, College of Arts and Communication, U.P. Baguio, Governor Pack Road, Baguio City.

If you wish to send books from out of town, the bus may be the cheapest way to do so. Please address the package to the undersigned and send us notice so that we can collect the books at the bus station. The proceeds from our book sale will be announced to all donors and we will keep donors posted on the workshops that these funds will support, so please be sure to attach your name and email address to your donation.

With your help, we hope to make the WORD FOR WORD book sale a regular event on Baguio’s calendar.

March 12, 2009

PGMA SIGNS TRUST FUND LAW FOR PHILIPPINE AUTHORS

Now, local authors, publishers and the reading public have more cause to celebrate. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has signed into law last 5 March 2009 the National Book Development Trust Fund Act after both Houses of the 14th Congress have approved R. A. 9521 - An Act Creating a National Book Development Trust Fund To Support Philippine Authorship.

A milestone legislation in local book development authored by Iloilo City Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr., Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and co-authored by several members of the House as well as Senators Edgardo Angara, Allan Peter Cayetano, and Jinggoy Estrada, this law will provide authors from all regions of the country a reasonable amount to complete their manuscripts for publication. The NBDB Chairman, Dr. Dennis T. Gonzalez, says: “this will benefit veteran and promising authors working or researching on topics in which local books are either few or non-existent.” There are many subject areas in which local books are insufficient in number and variety, and most of the books in libraries and bookstores are foreign publications.

According to data gathered by the NBDB, the United Kingdom exported £2.23 million (around Php 155 million) worth of books to the Philippines in 2007. The United States exported US$18.89 million worth of books to this country in the same year. US book export to the Philippines in 2008 (US$19.20M) is bigger than its book exports to New Zealand (US$12M), Malaysia (US$9.95M), Thailand (US$10.10M), Taiwan (US$15.06M) and Hong Kong (US$18.88M). With its enactment into law, the National Book Development Trust Fund of Php 150 million will be established within a period of one year, and the interest from the Fund will provide annually at least fifty (50) grants to authors in all regions in order to spur creativity and support the completion of local manuscripts or research works for publication.

The NBDB shall be the administrator of the Fund and shall appoint a government financial institution as portfolio manager, subject to guidelines and decision-making mechanisms promulgated by the NBDB. The Trust Fund will assist authors to produce books especially on science and technology, local history, indigenous children’s stories, and translations of classic works into local languages, among others. “This will motivate and inspire veteran and budding authors to produce new titles or complete their manuscripts,” adds Dr. Gonzalez, who is also Associate Dean of the Ateneo School of Government.

The first National Book Development Trust Fund bills were filed by then Deputy Speaker and now Justice Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez and Senator Loren Legarda at the 12th Congress in 2003.

The NBDB Chairman thanks Her Excellency for her competent and active appointees to the NBDB, viz. Executive Director Atty. Andrea Pasion Flores, Dep. Exec. Dir. Frances Jean Sarmiento, and Governing Board members DTI Usec. Elmer Hernandez, NCCA Chair Vilma Labrador, DOST Asec. Malou Orijola, CHED Commissioner Nona Ricafort, UP Vice Pres. Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Ateneo Prof. Queena Lee Chua, and publishers Alegria Limjoco, Alfredo Ramos, and Roland Robles. The NBDB hopes that the next President in 2010 will also appoint competent and responsible members of the Governing Board who shall be the ones who shall award the initial grants from the interest of the Trust Fund for Philippine Authors.

www.nbdb.gov.ph

March 9, 2009

RIO ALMA WRITES ON
by Vim Nadera

Today Virgilio Senadren Almario, National Artist for Literature, turns 65. Rio Alma is stepping down as University of the Philippines-Diliman’s College of Arts and Letters (CAL)! Last Thursday, CAL paid tribute to the said National Artist for Literature as though paving the way — to his ancestral home in San Miguel, Bulacan— hopefully to be converted into a museum called Bahay Bulawan by Fundacion Almario.

Festivities began when Ambagan: Kumperensiya sa Paglikom ng Salita mula sa Iba’t Ibang Wika sa Pilipinas opened with University of the Philippines Diliman Chancellor, Sergio Cao, Sentro ng Wikang Filipino director Jovy Peregrino, conference chair Galileo Zafra, and him giving his keynote speech hailing Felipe Jose, Wenceslao Vinzons, Tomas Confesor, Hermenegildo Villanueva, Norberto Romualdez, and Jaime de Veyra as Mga Unang Bayani ng Wikang Pambansa. Abdon Balde Jr., Teresita Maceda, Dialicia Caup, Ma. Crisanta Nelmida-Flores, Roberto Anonuevo, Minang Dirampatan-Sharief, Albina Fernandez, Jerry Gracio, Alex de los Santos, John Barrios, Purificacion Delima, Manuel Dulawan, and Carmen Abubakar were the presentors.

Before the Rio Alma exhibit opening, we found ourselves in between the publisher, Karina Bolasco of Anvil Publishing Inc., and him, the author of the revised edition of Filipino ng mga Filipino: mga Problema sa Ispeling, Retorika, at Pagpapayaman ng Wikang Pambansa. A product of debates and discussions, it updates certain rules in using the Filipino language via his added articles to cover the latest problems and issues caused by the modernization of the national language.

Our role remains the same as in 1993 when it was first published, we played Gary “Vim,” parodizing Mr. Pure Energy’s 'Di Na Natuto' to pick on how crazy it is for us in never feeling guiltier in commiting mistakes in Filipino than in English. However, since upon reading his revision, we saw a lot of points and counterpoints to ponder, so to speak, so we ended up delivering the “Dean Virgilio Senadren Almario Professorial Chair lecture.” So provoking, for our thoughts and all, was that collection of 84 columns divided into four chapters: ANG HIRAP SA ATING MGA EDUKADO, SA DAIGDIG NG HIRAMAN, BULAKLAK NG KATUTUBONG DILA, and SA LIKOD NG PAKITANG-TAO. He did not stop on p.228, but he went on with ULAT HINGGIL SA MGA FORUM SA ISPELING with a portion on the proper name for our country, that instead of the Tagalized Pilipinas, it ought to be Filipinas! Perhaps, it is high time for U.P., for instance, after 100 years, to call itself U.F. or U. Fi?

Nevertheless, on the Faculty Center side of the University, all roads were leading to Hardin ng mga Diwata for Rio Alma’s Hat Party. Yes, hat not hot, since he had been wearing his now familiar black hat after he arrived from the United States, as if into a Balagtasan with Teo Antonio’s fashion statement! Of course, after Robin Rivera’s band singing Rio Alma’s favorite as a Beatlemaniac (and before the much-awaited Twist and Shout video with his apo from his panganay Asa Victoria) — there was poetry reading, led by Armand Sta. Ana’s Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc. as well as Dr. Belen Calingacion with Dr. Flores, Prof. Vina Paz, Dr. Amparo Adelina Umali, Dr. Ruby Gamboa Alcantara, and U.P. Speca.

National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera and Dr. Luna Sicat Cleto reminisced as Rio Alma’s former teacher and student, respectively. And, upon the request of Dr. Wendell Capili and Prof. Regina Gochuico, we did a duet — right before the world-renowned U.P. Singing Ambassadors — with his co-Associate Dean, Dr. Maricar Castro, with our adaptation of the Lennon-McCartney’s In My Life with a slideshow of Rio Alma’s photos, including some stolen shots of his cross-dressing period for the first Faculty Follies entitled Hagikhikan 2008 last December 18. During what we would call “Euro Rio,” — we re-discovered Rio Alma after listening to the surprise number of Dr. Wystan de la Pena, our pianist, when almost their entire department read poems from in different European languages while they projected the text with pictures on screen like a “poeMTV.”

Everyone was upstaged by the ever-elegant Gilda Cordero Fernando who performed a la Mother Lily when she presented her basketful of gifts (that even required the assistance of Anvil’s Gwen Galvez) filled with all the Oriental fertility secrets from her Chinese suki in Cubao! Not only for Rio Alma but for his wife, Emelina. We were more concerned, though, with their bunso (long before Agno Virgilio), Ani Rosa, who is expecting her own baby after tying the knot with her Raya School’s co-founder, C.P., son of Prof. Randy David and Karina Constantino. Imagine the Mary-like pressure on her bearing — the apo — of the Apo Lakays in Philippine arts and sciences! Her conception, not that immaculate though, could be the centerpiece for Rio Alma’s autobiography Bunga ng Pangangailangan. After Filipino ng mga Filipino, he is supposed to give birth his own series’ panganay — Unang Siglo ng Nobela — before his parallel research on Philippine theater, children’s literature, and translation.

Rio Almanians are looking forward to his masterpiece Muling Pag-akda ng Bansa. Anytime this year, he will launch his version of Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala as well as his second edition of U.P. Diksiyonaryong Filipino (whose database is created by the SWF and the U.P. Computer Science Department). Whew, he did everything while serving as CAL dean responsible for, say, the construction or completion of buildings, faculty development programs, awards and recognitions, and such landmark projects as Komedya Festival 2008 and Sarsuwela Festival 2009.

To think, while editing BUL-OL: Bulawan Online he still finds time to teach Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) fellows who inducted its new officers: Phillip Kimpo Jr.(President); Francisco Monteseña (Vice-President ); Vivian Limpin (Secretary); Enrique Villasis (Treasurer); and Ynna Abuan (Public Relations Officer). Madam Aurelia Carandang, what is your signature campaign for? Last Saturday, during the wedding of Ramon and Rosa Jocson, as ninong he is sporting Atty. Redemberto Villanueva’s birthday gift — a brand-new brown hat!

March 9, 2009

CCP PRESENTS TATLONG MARIA

The Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc. (BKFI) stages Tatlong Maria on March 13 and 14, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Tanghalang Huseng Batute. The production, one of the activities celebrating CCP’s 40th anniversary, is presented by the CCP, Provincial Government of Bulacan and Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc.

Directed by Armand P. Sta Ana, Tatlong Maria features three women, Sebya, Saling and Sepa, who represent three different generations of the Filipina. The three little old ladies, in almost identical baro’t saya, titter and chatter about a useless attempt to hang up Christmas lanterns in anticipation of their visitors. The three women act and interact with characters unseen on the stage, and each adapts and assumes clear personalities — complete with mannerisms and accents peculiar to places where each comes from.

Tatlong Maria is composed of three separate and distinct monologues based on original masterpieces. Based on Hernando Ocampo’s “Bakya,” Sebya’s story is about her intimate memories of her husband Tonio in Negros, and her grief over his sudden death in a factory confrontation. Saling, which tells of the oppression suffered under feudal lords during Spanish regime, is taken from Rogelio Sicat’s (originally Senen de Leon) “Tata Selo.” Sepa’s story, which is based on Nena G. Fernandez’ “Mariang Tabak,” is about a Pampangueña matron whose activist-son was killed in a rally, leaving behind his pregnant girlfriend.

Tickets are at P500 each. For information, call 833-0267, SMS 0927-3889216, or e-mail barasoainkalinangan@yahoo.com.

http://www.philstar.com

March 5, 2009

MIGUEL SYJUCO TO TALK ABOUT ILUSTRADO IN LONDON



For decades, the Filipino community has watched the UK media perpetuate the negative stereotypes of the Philippines. After the latest PR beating, from BBC2’s documentary ‘Explore’, many from the Filipino community in the U.K yearn for the ‘other truths’ of the Philippines to be revealed.

Now, Philippine Generations shines the spotlight on a gem of literary talent that has emerged in 2008 Man Asia Literary Prize winner, Miguel Syjuco. His manuscript “Ilustrado” is a semi-autobiographical novel about a couple of Filipino writers in New York who belong to the Ilustrado class.

With more Filipinos appearing in the media, such as Mutya Buena seen last month on 2009 Celebrity Big Brother, Manny Pacquiao defeating boxing legend Oscar Dela Hoya in December 2008 and Myleene Klass in every shop window for M&S and every T.V screen for Pantene, is it a sign of the Filipino widespread talent standing out from the cultural mix and a greater awareness to begin?

After the success of Philippine Cuisine in June 2008, Philippine Generations have been invited to collaborate once again with Asia House who is opening its doors on 11th March 2009 at 6.30pm inviting you to join the rising literary star as he talks about his story and reads excerpts from the Prize winning manuscript.

This is an exceptional chance to see the award-winning Syjuco, a rising star in Asian fiction, discuss his work with Adrienne Loftus Parkins, Director of the Asia House Festival of Asian Literature. The talk will be followed by a reception sponsored by the Philippine Embassy, London.

In collaboration with Philippine Generations. Asia House & Philippine Generations Friends, Members & Concs £5 others £8. Please book your tickets through Asia House Tel: 020 7307 5454 Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street London, W1G 7LP.

Tickets £8 per person. Quote ‘Friends of PG’ and tickets become £.5. For membership in Philippine Generations, please contact Mae Williams through e-mail: philippinegenerations@gmail.com. More details at
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=65591405016

March 3, 2009
IPAG PRESENTS TULA

Poetry re-formed, poetry performed. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) presents the MSU-IIT Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) in Tula Tugma sa Sayaw at Dula. “ Tula ” captures the experience in poetry. This multi-media production reshapes to the stage the works of Southern Philippines ’ eminent poets Christine Godinez-Ortega, Anthony Tan, Ralph Semino Galan, German Gervacio, Don Pagusara, and Marge Evasco. Guest poets Vic Sugbo and young writer Zola Gonzales will dialogue with the audience in the “conversation with the poets” portion after the evening performances.

All the other featured poets will talk about Poetics and their creative processes. IPAG will not only guarantee another enchanting experience in the theater but will draw popular attention to these region-nurtured writers whose works speak eloquently of life outside the Big City . Local color, provincial moods, the tribesmen’s perspective, and violence under the Faiths are some of the subjects their poems reveal.

"Tula” goes onstage March 4 to 7 (10:30 a.m. / 2:30 p.m. / 7:30 p.m.), at the MSU-IIT Mini Theater. Supporting the IPAG are the MSU-IIT, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Multi-Media Information Dissemination Unit), Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corp., and SuperFerry.

SITTING AMOK is UP Quill's series of publications – a biannual anthology of literary works that undergo workshops and discussions among its pool of members, alumni, teachers, practitioners and literary enthusiasts. Amok is published through Quill's independent efforts of gathering works and raising funds through seasonal income generating projects and donations. Though modestly produced, the quality of the works in the series remains uncompromised.

After two years, UP Quill will be holding its seasonal media event Release, the launch of two years' worth of writing workshops collected in our literary folio, Sitting Amok. This semester's Release will be held on March 6, 2009, tentatively at I Love You bar at the Marikina Shoe Expo Loop in Cubao, Quezon City.

Release features poetry readings, performance poetry, and musical performances all by Quill members and friends. The highlight of the event is the launch of Sitting Amok XVII.

Start Time: Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:00pm
End Time: Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 12:00am
Location: I Love You bar at the Marikina Shoe Expo Loop
City/Town: Cubao, Philippines
Email: lucresialiwanag@yahoo.com
Facebook Event ID: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=70337070109&ref=nf

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