November 24, 2006

Paglulunsad ng Ang Batang Nangarap Maging Isda

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

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

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

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

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

November 24, 2006

TV MARIA Story Contest

The TV MARIA Story Contest seeks to discover stories based on real experiences that illustrate faith and morals in the decisions individuals make. These stories need not be about heroes and saints, but about the struggles one faces to try and live a holy life, a life in correspondence with God's commandments. A story can tackle one such experience. The ten best synopses will be developed into television dramas for airing on TV MARIA, the Philippines' Catholic TV station.

The story concepts should be: narrative in a Filipino context not more than ten (10) pages double spaced (Arial or Courier font size 12)

The prizes for the ten best synopses will be: PhP 5,000 each, free scriptwriting workshop with experienced writers in the television and movie industry

MECHANICS:

1. Entries must be sent to:

The TV Maria Story Contest
c/o National Office of Mass Media Xavier House
2307 Pedro Gil Street
Sta. Ana, 1009 Manila

2. Interested participants must submit the following on or before 5:00 PM, 28 February 2007, to the National Office of Mass Media:

* The entry, written in either Pilipino or English
* A brief bio-data with complete contact information (address, email, telephone numbers) , and
*Two recent (2x2) photographs

3. Winners will be announced by 25 March 2007.

4. The Scriptwriting workshop will be scheduled during the month of May 2007.

RULES and REGULATIONS:

1. All works must be new, original and written by the registered participant.

2. All works must be strictly independent works and not owned or commissioned by content publishers or producers.

3. A maximum of three (3) entries may be submitted by each party.

4. If there is more than one author, the participant must inform the screening committee. The screening committee shall not be liable for any controversy regarding the sharing of prizes among the co-authors.

5. The decision of the Screening Committee is final. The committee reserves the right not to give prizes should no entry merit them.

6. TV Maria shall own the right to the stories and will have first option to develop, produce, or farm out the stories to producers who will air them on TV MARIA. The author will be credited for the Story, should his/her entry be selected.

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

Be an Anino graphic novelist

Got a great idea for a graphic novel? Adarna House is currently looking for story proposals for its next graphic novel under the Anino Comics imprint.

Proposals should include:

1. Project brief with the following details:

*Title
*Story genre
*List of the creators to be involved in the project
*Estimated number of pages

2. One page story synopsis

3. Sample pages, character studies

Stories may be in Filipino or in English. Compilations of previously published materials are also welcome.

For inquiries and to get a copy of submission guidelines, call 372-35-48 loc 109 or email Jordan Santos at rjordanpsantos@yahoo.com.

Submissions may be sent to Adarna House, Room 201, JGS Building, 30 Scout Tuason St., Quezon City, or e-mailed to pdg@adarna.com.ph.

Deadline for story proposals is November 30, 2006.

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

Experimental manga workshops at the Cubao Expo

The Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Future Prospects Art Space and the Artists Den, presents “Experimental Manga at the Expo”, a series of manga drawing workshops at the Future Prospects Art Space, Marikina Shoe Expo, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City on November 18, 25, and December 2 & 9, 2006, January 13 and 20, 2007, from 2-5 pm.

Topics to be covered are: 1) Techniques in Expressing Emotions with Drawings by Elmer Damaso; 2) Women, Emotions and Drawing by Joanah Tinio; 3) Techniques in Exploring Emotions by Drawing by Melvin Calingo; 4) Exploring and Expressing the Darker Emotions by Marius Cornelius Funtilar; and 5) Alternative Media in Emotional Drawing by Nelz Yumul. Lyndon Gregorio, head of Artists’ Den, will give the workshop overview and an introduction to humorous drawing. The culminating activity will be an exhibition of the works by the participants on January 27, 2007 at the Future Prospects Art Space.

Workshops are free but participants are required to bring their own drawing materials (sketchpad/ paper, colored pens and pencils and, other coloring materials). Only fifteen slots are available per session, thus, interested workshop participants are encouraged to call and register their attendance on or before Friday, November 17. For inquiries and reservations, please call the Japan Foundation, Manila at tel. no. 811-6155 to 58 or log on to http://www.jfmo.org.ph/.

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 16, 2006

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

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

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

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

November 15, 2006

University of the Philippines Press launches thirteen titles

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

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

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

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

November 15, 2006

Author wins PBBY-Salanga Prize the second time

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People awards the 2007 PBBY-Salanga Prize to Jeanette Patindol, for her story entitled "Tight Times." The winning story is about a child who learns about dealing with changes in the family as her father loses his job.

This year’s honorable mention winners are Mae Astrid Tobias for "Tatay's Photographs," Emerson Bengco for "Ang Makulay na Mahika ni Tito Mona," and Lorna Billanes "The Goodbye Balloon."

Patindol shall be awarded a medal and P25,000 in cash at the National Children’s Book Day celebration at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in July 2007.

Jeanette Patindol previously won the PBBY-Salanga Prize in 2004 for her story entitled "Papa’s House, Mama’s House." She lives in Bacolod and has been a fellow of several writing workshops, the most recent of which is the 5th Barlaya Writing for Children Workshop held at the Ateneo de Manila University last September. She would like to write more quality stories for children, those which focus on addressing real life challenges and help build character and spirit at the same time.

For inquiries about the contest, contact the PBBY Secretariat at telephone number 372-3548 loc. 105 or email pbby@adarna.com.ph.

November 13, 2006

Deadline extended for "First Love" stories

They say that love is sweeter the second time around. The same is true for deadlines. Due to insistent public demand, upstart publishing company cozyreads will be accepting First Love stories until January 15, 2007.

For those who were lucky enough to have been inspired by the muses, the people at cozyreads thanks you for your submissions. You might want to start working on stories regarding the ups, downs and roundabouts of relationships for our "Match Made" collection.

Submission guidelines reminder: All contributions must be encoded in 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced on an 8 1/2 x 11 inches page with one-inch margins on all sides. Minimum no. of pages is 6, maximum is 10. Don't forget to come up with a catchy title. Authors of the selected stories will be duly compensated.

Please visit http://cozyreads.blogspot.com or email them at cozyreads@gmail.com for more info.

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 9, 2006

Joel Toledo wins Bridport Prize

Joel Toledo won 2nd place in the Bridport Prize, a contest for poetry and short story writing. His poem “The Same Old Figurative,” a sinuous lyrical meditation, impressed poetry judge Lavinia Greenlaw and earned him 1,000 British pounds (over Php 94,000).

The awarding ceremonies will be held on November 18 at the Bridport Arts Center in Dorset. Official results of this year’s contest will be published on November 19 in the contest’s website (http://www.bridportprize.org.uk/). The contest debuted in 1973 and has Andrew Motion as one of its previous winners.

Toledo’s entries so impressed Greenlaw that his other poems also garnered him third and runner-up prize in her winner’s list. The British Council sponsored Philippine entries, 120 of which were submitted to contest organizers. “Figurative” bested over 5,600 poems. A total of 10,500 entries for poetry and short stories from all over the world were received.

Joel Toledo is a Creative Writing graduate of UP Diliman. He also won this year’s NCCA Writers Prize.

Click here for the full text of “The Same Old Figurative.”

With reports from The UP Newsletter and The Philippine Star.

November 9, 2006

The 2007 Reader ’s Digest Philippines PEN AWARDS

Theme: My Best Friend

Open to all students from Philippine schools between 10 and 16 years of age. We invite you to submit stories about your closest, best friend. The story could be about an experience shared, the greatest lesson you learned from your friend, a memorable event that sealed your friendship.
Creativity is a must! The story can be funny, moving, offbeat – as long as it is original and has never been published – send it to us and you may be this year ’s winner!

Maximum Length: 1000 words
Submission Period: November 1,2006 to January 31,2007
Announcement of Winners: March 1,2007

All contributions must be typed and double-spaced and accompanied by a cover page containing the following information: Name, Age, Address, Telephone Number and Name of School

Entries should be sent through any of the following:
By post :

The 2007 Reader ’s Digest Philippines PEN AWARDS
Attn: Marianne Sabillo
Reader ’s Digest Philippines
1004 Jafer Place No.19 Eisenhower Street, Greenhills, San Juan,Metro Manila,1503 Philippines
By e-mail: Marianne_Sabillo@readersdigest.com

For more information, log on at www.rdasia.com.

So hurry and enter now! All submissions will not be returned and all decisions made by panel of judges will be final.Reader ’s Digest reserves the rights to all submitted articles including editing and reusing in any form.

PRIZES:
First Prize
“The Reader ’s Digest Philippines Pen Awards ” plaque and a Reader ’s Digest book worth P3,000 to winning school. Winner gets P7,500 cash, the “Reader ’s Digest Philippines Pen Awards ” plaque, P2,000 worth of sponsor ’s products, and a Reader ’s Digest English magazine one-year subscription.

Second Prize
“The Reader ’s Digest Philippines Pen Awards ” plaque and a Reader ’s Digest book worth P2,000 to winning school. Winner gets P5,000 cash,the “Reader ’s Digest Philippines Pen Awards ” plaque, P1,500 worth of sponsor ’s products,a Reader ’s Digest English magazine one year subscription.

Third Prize
“The Reader ’s Digest Philippines Pen Awards ” plaque and a Reader ’s Digest book worth P1,000 to winning school. Winner gets P2,500 cash, the “Reader ’s Digest Philippines Pen Awards ” plaque,P1,000 worth of sponsor ’s products, a Reader ’s Digest English magazine one year subscription.

The first 25 entries shortlisted for final judging will receive a special gift.

November 9, 2006

Call for Applications: 9th IFFR Trainee Project for Young Film Critics

The 9th IFFR Trainee Project for Young Film Critics of the International Film Festival Rotterdam offers up to six young (under 30 years), motivated and talented film critics from outside The Netherlands a chance to get acquainted with the festival and the cinema of the world.

The Trainee Project for Young Film Critics was created in 1998 motivated by the fact that young and upcoming film critics get less opportunity to explore this range of cinema and the festivals, like the International Film Festival Rotterdam, that presents it. The IFFR’s CineMart organizes a trainee project for young film producers (Rotterdam Lab) in close collaboration with its partner organizations.

What to expect:

IFFR 2007 press accreditation budget hotel accommodation from January 24 - February 3, 2007 (part of) travel costs according to country of origin. The IFFR wants its trainee film critics to really participate in the festival. Each trainee will take part in a programme of meetings and will be assigned a specific task ranging from attending the FIPRESCI Jury-meetings, covering a festival sidebar or contributing to the IFFR Daily Tiger. Each trainee will also be asked to report on their assignments and experiences in articles, interviews or essays on the IFFR website.

There will be time to explore all aspects of the festival - films, art exhibitions, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and debates.

In addition, the trainees should work on articles to be published in their home country. The trainees will form a team, supported by the IFFR Press Office and Daily Tiger Editorial Staff.

Criteria for application:

1. Age under 30 years
2. Fluent command of the English language (written and spoken)
3. Demonstrable experience in film criticism (printed media, radio/television, online)
4. Not yet established enough to profit from facilities as attending international festivals outside your country.
5. Have agreement(s) with printed and/or online media to publish a report or reports on the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2007.

How to apply

Find all application requirements on the IFFR website.
Deadline for applications: Friday November 10, 2006.
Notification before Dec 8, 2006.

For further information, please contact:
IFFR Press Office
contact person Gert-Jan Bleeker
via phone +31 10 8909090 or
e-mail press@filmfestivalrotterdam.com

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

Writing workshops and classes all this month

Classes in colleges and universities might be on hold for sem break, but writing workshops and classes continue all this month.

Award-winning screenwriters Pete Lacaba and Doy Del Mundo, along with Fred Bailey will hold screenwriting master classes at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as part of The 8th Annual Cinemanila Film Festival. For the budding screenwriters' Pete Lacaba will cover Basic Screenwriting on November 13 at 1 pm, while those who already know the basics but would still prefer to hone their skills can attend Doy Del Mundo's Advanced Screening Class. For the more adventurous and experienced, Mr. Bailey's lecture, which will focus on International Screenwriting Styles, scheduled for the 11th and 12th of November may just be what you're looking for. For more infromation on these classes, go to the Cinemanila website or join their mailing list.

Apart from the Cinemanila screenwriting master classes, Mendiola Underground is offering an Alternative Scriptwriting Workshop with a socio-political approach. The workshop, which is slated for next month will be held at the Marikina Shoe Expo, Araneta Center Complex, Cubao. Registration is ongoing through mendiola_underground@yahoo.com.

If screenwriting isn't your thing and you're more of a fictionist, Irish Patatas Entertainment will hold a Mainstream Fiction writing workshop fiction is your chosen medium. The 18 hour workshop, which is spread over three weekends promises to help you write your own brand of mainstream fiction, be it a young adult novel or your typical romance novel. Call or text for more details on this workshop +63920-8793237.

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.

November 4, 2006

Literotika available na

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 31, 2006

Madrigal-Gonzalez Best First Book Award 2006 names finalists
by Vic Nierva

Two fiction books and three poetry collections were named finalists of the annual Madrigal-Gonzalez Best First Book Award (MGBFBA), the Likhaan: UP Institute of Creative Writing (UP-ICW) and the Madrigal-Gonzalez family announced on Thursday, October 19.

Included in the shortlist are fiction books Iskrapuk (UP Press) by Allan Derain and Pangangaluluwa at Iba Pang Kuwento (UP Press) by Jimmuel C. Naval; and poetry collections Mga Tulang Tulala: Mga Piling Tula sa Filipino, Bikol at Rinconada (Goldprint Publishing House) by Kristian Sendon Cordero; Order of the Poets: Poems in English and Filipino (Akdang Bayan) by Jaime Dasca Doble; Ibang Daan Pauwi: Mga Tula (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House) by Manolito Sulit.

The winner will be announced on December 8, 2006, after a book forum with the finalists at 2 p.m. Both will be held at the Pulungang Recto, Bulwagang Rizal, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
The winner will receive a cash prize of P50,000.

The Madrigal-Gonzalez Best First Book Award, established in February 2001 and administered since then by the UP ICW, is the only award-winning body in the Philippines that recognizes first books by new authors published within the last two years. It is sponsored by the Madrigal and Gonzalez families, through Atty. Gizela Gonzalez Montinola, writer and granddaughter of Bienvenido Gonzalez, former UP President, and daughter of Gonzalo Gonzalez, former member of the UP Board of Regents.

According to UP ICW director Vim Nadera, the Madrigal-Gonzalez Best First Book Award encourages beginning writers to persevere in writing and publishing, and it also encourages publishers to take risk with new authors.

The award covers all genres of creative writing and nominations may come from publishing houses, university presses, creative writing centers, writers’ organizations, and other literary enthusiasts. It is given on alternate years to writers in English and writers in Filipino.

Previous winners were Life After X, a story collection in English by Angelo R. Lacuesta (2001), Paghuhunos, novel in Filipino by Ellen L. Sicat (2002), Smaller and Smaller Circles, a novel in English by Felisa H. Batacan (2003), Makinilyang Altar, a novel in Filipino by Luna Sicat-Cleto (2004), and The Sky Over Dimas a novel in English by Vicente Groyon (2005).

This year’s members of the board of judges are Malou Jacob, Luna Sicat-Cleto and Rene O. Villanueva.

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

ALITAPTAP Storytellers Philippines invites artists to join their poster-making contest

Our poster design competition is not a grand one as we are not a private organization. We are a volunteer group seeking help from colleagues in the field of children's literature and its allied fields. We will appreciate participating illustrators but can reward only with some cash but huge recognition the best way we can.

Guidelines:

1. You may submit as many entries as you want.
2. Poster theme should be included in the design. Theme: Nais kong pamasko, laruan, libro at mga kwento niyo.
3. Submit artwork – layout must be digital, layered, photoshop, corel, freehand, illustrator. 300dpi resolution, size must be 18x24 inches.
4. Contents of the poster is attached. If you received this through a forwarded message, you may ask for info from alitaptap_storytellers@yahoo.com.
5. Actual poster size is 18 x 24 so the texts in the poster may be adjusted to make them proportionate to the poster size.
6. Included in the design are: graphics, Child opening gifts of toys and books, child paused to read one with a smile, etc.
7. Important details in the poster are: sponsors, theme, title, dates, two categories of the contest.
8. Deadline of submission is on October 26, 2006.

CD copy of design must be submitted to:

Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines
c/o Mr. Manolo Silayan
unit 2-C RPM Bldg., cor. Sikap St .,
Boni Ave., Mandaluyong

Or email to: alitaptap_storytellers@yahoo.com

From the entries, we will select only 1 design to be used. The rest will be kept for future use in the next two years. Should any design be used, designer will be notified and given the same reward.

All entries will be displayed in our website's photo gallery.

The winner will receive P2,000 upon announcement. And an additional P1,000 after the completion of the printing of the poster. The winner is expected to make all necessary changes, revisions, etc. for the production of the poster.

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 20, 2006

3rd Lamiraw Creative Writing Workshop accepts entries

The Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Institute of Science and Technology (TTMIST) in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the UP Tacloban VISWRITE and the City Government of Calbayog, through the Office of Hon. Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento is proud to present the 3rd Lamiraw Creative Writing Workshop.

It will be on November 8-10, 2006 at the TTMIST-AVR, Calbayog City, Samar. Deadline for the submission of entries is on October 21, 2006. Entries must be addressed to the TTMIST SARS Office or at lamiraw@yahoo.com.

School publication writers and young local writers are its prospective clientele. This Samar-wide Workshop aims to revive the rich cultural heritage of the Waray people through the different literary genres. It also aims to promote more awareness and understanding of contemporary literature in Waray, Cebuano, Hinabaknon, and English.
The panelists and speakers of said workshop are: Prof. Merlie Alunan and Dr. Victor Sugbo from UP Tacloban; Dr. David Genotiva from EVSSU; Mr. Michael Obenieta, editor of Sun Star Cebu; Mr. Ernesto Lariosa, Cebuano writer; and Mr. Dante Rosales, writer and layout artist.

Submit your sample works now! Hurry! There are only 20 slots available for workshop fellows and ten slots for workshop auditors. For inquiries, call telephone number 209-3657 or email us at lamiraw@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 16, 2006

Kapampangan poetry book launch a success

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Sunstar Pampanga. 11 October 2006

October 11, 2006

New Anthology Spells New Life for Philippine Drama

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

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

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

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

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

October 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.

October 10, 2006

UP Press Releases Three New Literary Titles

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

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

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

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

October 10, 2006

All-Waray Creative Writing Workshop at UP Tacloban College

In line with its preparation for its first centennial anniversary, the University of the Philippines has set out a series of activities to highlight various aspects of Filipino cultural traditions. In UP Tacloban College, one of these activities is an All-Waray Creative Writing Workshop, which is scheduled on November 17-19, 2006.

The purpose of this Workshop is primary to provide a venue for the discussion of written Waray Literature and to provide an opportunity for people writing in Waray today to meet and present their work to the public. Two practitioners of the Waray siday will be at the workshop, Dr. David Genotiva of Eastern Visayas University, and Dr. Victor N. Sugbo of UP Tacloban College, with Prof. Merlie M. Alunan, a well-known poet and advocate of Visayan writing.

To participate in the Workshop, writers must send in three of their best works, preferably typewritten or in hard copy and encoded in Times New Roman font 12 together with a letter signifying their intention and a one-page biodata which includes their email address, mailing address, telephone and/or mobile phone. The works should preferably be in Visayan (Waray or Cebuano).

Attendance is competitive. Those who will be selected will be granted fellowships which will cover meals and snacks and workshop fee from November 17-19, 2006. Auditors are welcome upon payment of a minimum fee to cover food. Deadline for submission of entries is October 30, 2006.

Call 325-8789 for your queries. Ask for Voltaire Oyzon.

October 4, 2006

Vim Nadera Wins S.E.A. Write Award

Vim Nadera flew to Thailand to receive his 2006 S.E.A. Write Award. The awarding will be on Monday, October 9 in Bangkok. The awards presentation and gala dinner will be presided over by no less than His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm. Nadera and the other nine winners will receive cash prizes and will be feted at the welcome dinner.

Nadera won with his entry Kayumanggi, a collection of poems translated into English by Ramil Gulle, Sandra Roldan, Vic Nierva, Francis Quina and Arvin Abejo Mangohig. The collection tackles a wide variety of themes such as love, war and imperialism. Nadera is a poet, teacher and the current director of the UP Institute of Creative Writing, a position once occupied by National Artists for Literature Francisco Arcellana and Virgilio Almario.

S.E.A. Write stands for South East Asian Writers Awards which was established to honor leading poets and writers in the ASEAN region. The ten countries which comprise the ASEAN region are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The S.E.A. Write Awards is currently celebrating its 26th Anniversary of literary excellence.

Past winners of the S.E.A. Write from the Philippines are Roberto Anonuevo and Domingo Landicho.

Additional information from: http://www.seawrite.com/

October 4, 2006

Rosario Torres-Yu Launches New Book

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

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

October 2, 2006

Call for Submissions: WASAK! Stories of Pinoy Transgression and Deliverance

You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake, you are the all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world.

Revolutions are first born in the mind, move to the street, and then rise up like a conflagration to burn the whole catastrophe down.

If you feel the same way, write with an agressive spirit and have kick ass, mind fuck stories that burn like a firebrand, then we want you to give us that cool narrative.

Edited by Norman Wilwayco (author of Mondomanila) and Karl De Mesa (author of Damaged People: Tales of the Gothic-Punk), WASAK! Stories of Pinoy Transgression and Deliverance tracks the same territory that writers like Hunter S. Thompson, Irvine Welsh, Douglas Coupland and Chuck Palanhiuk have explored and mapped in all its brutality, dysfunction and senseless beauty.

This is an anthology that breaks the rules and finds personal salvation in burning the flag of mediocrity.

REQUIREMENTS:

1) Stories must be written in the transgressive fiction vein and must be set in the Philippines (not necessarily Manila).
2) Stories can be either in English or Filipino.
3) Stories must clock in at not more than 30 pages (double spaced, size 11 font, on 8 and a half by 11 paper). There is no minimum word count.
4) Stories must be submitted in RTF format with the subject heading: “Submission to WASAK_title of story_name of author” to pinoytransgressive@yahoo.com
5) Include a short biography with your contact information and a map of your immediate residence along with the person to call in case of medical emergency.
6) Deadline for all submissions is December 30, 2006
7) All accepted works will be paid with contributor’s copies.
8) All accepted authors must prepare for a round in the WASAK! fight club. If you don’t die, we guarantee you’ll come away with a full set of scars, bub.

September 21, 2006

LIKHAAN offers workshops, fellowships

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

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

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

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

Deadline is December 15. For inquiries, call 9221830.

September 20, 2006

Ani’s Global Pinoy issue launched

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

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

September 20, 2006

Author McLerrran Flies to the Philippines

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

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

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

September 19, 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Darlene Mayo

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

-Analyn Alegonza

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

-Rachel Ebuenga

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

-Jayson Merced

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

-Debbie Villanueva

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

-Mary Cathlyn Orgen

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

-Julie Anne Villanueva

Ang mangga ng Zambales,
Walang makatitiis
Dahil napakatamis.

-Kim Aquino

TANAGA

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

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

-Bannie Pearl Mas

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

-Romualdo Verzosa, Jr.

Sa Muli Nating Pagkikita

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

-Rachel Muyano

DALIT

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

(No theme for dalit-writing exercise.)

Tindi ni Amang

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

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

-Zoren Mercurio

MALAYANG TALUDTURAN

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

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

Pighati

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

-Mary Grace Menor

Kawawang Magsasaka

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

-MC Kenneth Abella

September 19, 2006

The Akira's Nightmare Animation Scriptwriting Laboratory

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

The Laboratory will start : Second Week of October

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

Basic Animation Writing

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

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

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

Contact numbers
Landline: 6822404
Mobile: 09215081060

Look for Mhelchor. Registration ongoing.

Group Email Addresses

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

September 12, 2006

Adarna House and AILAP Award 9 Barlaya Fellowships

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

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

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

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

September 12, 2006

Filmakers and documentarists needed in Guimaras

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

Be a volunteer!

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

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

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

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

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

September 12, 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

email: *submissions@arabesquespress.org*

***

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

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

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

September 12, 2006

Workshop: Comedy Writing for TV

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

Coverage:

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

Schedule:

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

Registration: on-going

For more info and registration scheds contact:

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

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

Venue:

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

September 6, 2006

Call for One-Act Plays: Philippine PEN

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

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

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

Address your manuscripts to:

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

or email at: philippinepen@yahoo.com

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

Deadline is on December 31, 2006.

September 6, 2006

Palanca Winners Honored

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This year’s Palanca awardees are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

English Division

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 6, 2006

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

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

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

The panel of judges includes:

FILIPINO DIVISION

DULANG PAMPELIKULA
Joel Lamangan
Mel Chionglo
Annette Gozon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENGLISH DIVISION

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

ONE-ACT PLAY
Floy Quintos
Pinky Amador
Joel Torre

POETRY
Ophelia A. Dimalanta
Ricardo de Ungria
Danton Remoto

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

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

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

ESSAY
Bienvenido Lumbera
Conrado de Quiros
Lito Zulueta

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

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

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

September 4, 2006

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

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

Finalists

Novel

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

Poetry

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

Short Story

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

Essay

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

Stories for Children

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

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

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

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

September 4, 2006

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

Short Story

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

Maikling Kuwento

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

Poetry

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

Tula

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

Read the full list of winners here.

September 4, 2006

Call for Submissions: Philippine Genre Stories

We are looking for a few good stories.

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

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

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

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

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

Another thing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary of Submission Guidelines

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

http://philippinegenrestories.blogspot.com/

September 4, 2006

Bagong Akda: Futuristic Mariposa at Iba Pang Akda

FUTURISTIC MARIPOSA AT IBA PANG AKDA
ni HONEY PIE MANIEGO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 4, 2006

Writers, artists unite for Guimaras.

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Sign the Petition.

September 2, 2006

Essay Contest on Latin America

Contest Rules and Regulations:

A. Eligibility

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

B. Division

The contest are divided into three categories:

1. College

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

C. Theme and Content

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

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

D. Prizes.

In each language category they are three prizes.

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

E. Submission

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

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

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

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

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

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

F. Criteria in Judging the Contest

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

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

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

G. Others

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

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

September 2, 2006

Sining Galing! At PETA

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

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

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

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

September 2, 2006

San Agustin calls for poems to help save Guimaras

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

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

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

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

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

August 28, 2006

Call for Submissions: Tinggayad

Inaanyayahan ang lahat na mag-ambag ng inyong mga tula, maikling kwento o sanaysay para ilathala sa seksiyong kultura ng pinoy weekly. Bukas ito sa anumang paksa, mas mainam kung napapanahon.

Ipadala lang po sa tinggayad@yahoo.com ang inyong mga kontribusyon.

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 25, 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Newsbreak

***

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

August 25, 2006

Call for Submissions: Timog Poetry Collective

Timog Poetry Collective, a group of poets from the Southern tagalog region is asking for submissions for our first ever literary folio.

What we need:

a) English and Filipino poetry. Please write on subject line POETRY SUBMISSION- ENGLISH or POETRY SUBMISSION- FILIPINO
b) Essays on poetry/ poetics (English/ Filipino). Please write on subject line ESSAY SUBMISSION
c) A reading of a Tagalog poet from the region. Some ideas include Diego Moxica, Carlos V. Ronquillo, Tomas Tirona, Lorenzo Paredes, Alejandro Abadilla, Teo S. Baylen, David Mamaril, Vic de la Cruz, Teo S. Buhain, Ambassador Ed Libid, Rogelio Ordoñez and Jimmuel Naval. (English/ Filipino) Please write on subject line CRITICISM SUBMISSION
d) An interview of a poet from the region. (English/ Filipino). Please write on subject line INTERVIEW SUBMISSION.
e) Artworks, whatever medium. Please write on subject line (ART SUBMISSION)

We will be bidding for the cover design. The cover design should be able to embody the heart of Timog, the place, the people, the poetry. From all the submissions, the editors will choose the cover. Please write on subject line COVER SUBMISSION.

Submissions MUST include the following

a) a 5-sentence bio of the artist.
b) Full name, address, contact numbers, and affiliation to Timog, if not currently residing in the region. Ex. I used to live in Laguna, or I studied in La Salle Dasma.

The deadline for entries is on IS September 31, 2006.

Please e-mail to timog_poetrycollective@yahoogroups.com if you are already part of our e-group. If not please e-mail to bastet24@yahoo.com.

August 25, 2006

Call for Submissions: Cozyreads

A new publishing company is on the lookout for original short works of fiction in English that are light, straightforward, and make for enjoyable reading to be published in a short story collection.

The theme for their first collection is "Heartbreak." Send your contributions to cozyreads[at]gmail[dot]com, or email us for more information. The publishers encourage stories that will approach the theme in other, less obvious, directions such as through humor.

Themes for other upcoming collections aree: (1) the joys and woes of "First Love" and (2) finally getting into that much-coveted relationship--and maybe finding out that it's a "Match Made" in heaven, or in hell, or, even worse, in relationship limbo.

Submission guidelines: All contributions must be encoded in 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced on an 8 1/2 x 11 inches page with one-inch margins on all sides. Minimum no. of pages is 6, maximum is 10. Authors of the selected stories will be duly
compensated.

The deadline for submission of "Heartbreak" stories is Sept. 30, 2006.

On your email message, please give us your full name and contact number, and a little background information in the format below:

Name:
Age:
School/Company:
Degree/Field:
Hobbies and interests:
Quirks:
Pet Peeves:
The worst break-up line you've ever heard:

For details, please log on to: www.cozyreads.blogspot.com

August 25, 2006

American Firm Needs Writers of Children's Stories in English

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is inviting all interested writers to work for American Institutes for Learning, LLC. Managing Director Mr. JJ Reyes explained through a letter that AIL projects involve “producing adaptations of American, British and European classic literature as supplementary reading materials for English learners.”

To facilitate this endeavor for more gainful employment for Filipino authors, Reyes through the help of NBDB, will be conducting a forum during his visit to the philippines for the 27th manila International Book Fair to further explain the details of the project to interested participants. The said forum is scheduled on 30 August 2006, 5:30-8:00 pm at
the Function Room B, World Trade Center, Gil Puyat Ave., Pasay City.

For more information, contact Salvador Briola, Jr. at 929-3887 or email NBDB through aid@nbdb.gov.ph.

From The Philippine Star, August 21, 2006

August 24, 2006

"Lobat" is Word of the Year

"Lobat" is declared word of the year during the Sawikaan 2006: Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Salita ng Taon, an annual language
conference sponsored by the Filipinas Institute of Translation, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Blas F. Ople Foundation.

Sawikaan 2006 looked at the development of Filipino as a national language and focuses on new words or phrases that were popular in the local socio-cultural scene in the preceding year.

An article by Ateneo professor Jelson E. Capilos, "lobat" is chosen by the the conference participants as one of the five finalists that included "botox," "toxic," "spa," and "orocan." The first runner up is "botox" by Dr. Luis Gatmaitan and second is "toxic" by UP instructor Michael Andrada.

"Lobat" made it as top choice because of its interesting and relevant review of literature, clear presentation, and the startling conclusion that Filipinos nowadays are much like the cellular phones—the ubiquitous machines that symbolize modernity—that rely so much on the mini batteries that discharges energy in no time. Filipinos go "lobat" because of personal, social, and global pressures.

"Botox," a brand name of a toxin injected into faces to erase wrinkles, easily made it as second choice, being popular among many beauty conscious Filipinos who can afford the expensive treatment.

"Toxic" refers to periods when operators in call centers receive excessive number of calls. Or it can be used as a tag to any irksome person, thing, or experience.

"Spa" of course is what you need when things go "lobat" or "toxic." "Orocan," a plastic product brand, refers to
hypocrites and liars.

The lone entry from Mindanao, "kudkod" refers to internet chatting, particularly the kind that aims to find a potential
mate. The other word of the year entriies include "chacha," "birdflu," "meningococemia," "karir," and "payreted,"

Now on its third year, Sawikaan is held at the University of the Philippines and attended by teachers, linguists, and students who come from all over the country. It aptly celebrates the Buwan ng Wika.

August 24, 2006

List of winners of the Pinoy Haiku contest

The Awarding Ceremonies will held at CME Auditorium, UST, Manila on September 2, 2006 1:00-5:00 PM, Saturday.

1st place Gian Carlo B. Dizon
2nd place Rodrigo V. de la Peña
3rd place Emmanuel V. Dumlao

Honorable Mention

1. Cristina A. Montes
2. Raymond T. Calbay
3. Gilbert Jacob S. Que
4. Peter G. Pagsuyuin
5. Armando G. Miclat Jr.
6. Amy L. Lee
7. Adrian Gener S. Mangui-ob
8. Adam Cornelius B. Asin
9. Lester C. Yee
10. Antonio C. Go

August 24, 2006

Philippine PEN Fiction Anthology Call for Submissions

The Philippine PEN is now accepting submissions for an anthology of short fiction in English to be published in 2007.

Filipino writers under 45 years of age are invited to submit one recent, unpublished short story of no more than 8,000 words to the:

Philippine Center of International PEN
531 Padre Faura Street, Ermita,
Manila

E-mail address: philippinepen@yahoo.com
CC to penfictionantho@gmail.com

Deadline of submissions is December 31, 2006.

Address all inquiries to the above addresses as well. Submissions must be typeset in double-spaced 12-pt Times New Roman. The title page must contain the author's name and complete contact information. The last page must be author's bio of no more than 150 words.

Hardcopy submissions must be printed on letter-size bond paper and be accompanied by softcopy in Rich Text Format (*.rtf) on floppy disk or CD. E-mail submissions must be sent as Rich Text Format attachments.

August 23, 2006

Blog Your Novel Month at WriteLit.Com

If you have been inspired by Dean Alfar's novel "Salamanca," which was written during last year's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.com) and you can't wait for November to come? Then WriteLit.Com invites yout to their first Blog Your
Novel Month (BlogYoNoMo). This event will be held the whole month of October 2006.

For more details visit the BlogYoNoMo page at WriteLit.Com:
http://www.writelit.com/blog-your-novel-month.

August 22, 2006

List of Nominees and Awardees for this year's National Book Award

ANTHOLOGY

Philippine Speculative Fiction, Volume I, edited by Dean Francis Alfar. Kestrel IMC.

ART / ALFONSO T. ONGPIN AWARD FOR BEST BOOK ON ART (P10,000)

Anita Magsaysay-Ho: In Praise of Women, by Alfredo Roces. Crucible Gallery.
Tanaw: Perspectives on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Painting Collection, edited by Ramon E. S. Lerma. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

BIOGRAPHY / AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Bababa Ba? … Bababa: Anecdotes of a Foreign Service Officer, by Jose Abeto Zaide. Academic Publishing Corporation.
Don't Ever Tell Me You Can't, by Celia Ruiz Tomlinson. DLSU Press.
John F. Hurley S.J.: Wartime Superior (1941-1945) in the Philippines, edited by Jose S. Arcilla, S.J. ADMU Press.
The Last Full Moon: Lessons on My Life, by Gilda Cordero Fernando. GCF Books.
Light a Fire: Confessions of a Jesuit Terrorist-Son, by Eduardo B. Olaguer. Edolaguer Family Publishing House.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

The Bangko Sentral & the Philippine Economy, edited by Vicente B. Valdepeñas Jr. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Making Your Money Work: Pera Mo, Palaguin Mo! 2, by Francisco J. Colayco. Colayco Foundation for Education.
Pwede Na!: The Complete Pinoy Guide to Personal Finance, by Efren Ll. Cruz. Platypus.
Setting Frameworks: Family Business and Strategic Management, by Elfren Cruz. Anvil.
The Way We Work: Research and Best Practices in Philippine Organizations, edited by Ma. Regina M. Hechanova and Edna P. Franco. ADMU Press.

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

Baha!, by Eugene Y. Evasco. LG&M Corporation.
Elias and His Trees / Mga Puno ni Elias, by Augie Rivera and Mike Rivera. UST Publishing House.
The Yellow Paper Clip with Bright Purple Spots, by Nikki Dy-Liacco. Adarna House.

COMIC BOOKS

Mars Ravelo's Lastikman, by Gerry Alanguilan, Arnold Arre and Edgar Tadeo. Mango Comics.
Siglo: Passion, edited by Dean Francis Alfar and Vincent Simbulan. Kestrel IMC, Mango Books, and Quest Ventures.

COOKBOOKS AND FOOD

Gabay sa Pagkain ng Gulay-Dagat, by Paciente A. Cordero Jr. Far Eastern University Publications.
Slow Food: Philippine Culinary Traditions, edited by Erlinda Enriquez Panlilio and Felice Prudente Sta. Maria. Anvil.

DRAMA

10x10x10: Sampung Tigsasampung Minutong Dula ng Sampung Mandudula, edited by Rody Vera and Alfonso I. Dacanay. UST Publishing House.
Mga Piling Dulang Pambata, edited by Arthur P. Casanova. UST Publishing House.

EDITING

Tandoz and Other Stories, by Delfin Fresnosa, edited by Teresita E. Erestain. Far Eastern University Publications.

EDUCATION

Edukasyong Pampubliko: Ang Karanasan ng Kabite, 1898-1913, by Emmanuel Franco Calairo. Cavite Historical Society .
University Traditions: The Humanities Interviews, edited by Ramon C. Sunico. Ateneo de Manila University.

ESSAY

The Cardinal's Sins, The General's Cross, The Martyr's Testimony and Other Affirmations, by Gregorio C. Brillantes. ADMU Press.
The True and the Plain: A Collection of Personal Essays, by Kerima Polotan. UP Press.

FICTION (SHORT STORIES)

Calvary Road: Mga Kuwento sa Balighong Panahon, by Abdon M. Balde Jr. UST Publishing House.
Jungle Planet and Other Stories, by Lakambini A. Sitoy. UP Press.
Selected Stories, by Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. UP Press.
White Elephants, by Angelo Lacuesta. Anvil.

FICTION: NOVEL / JUAN C. LAYA AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL IN A PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE (P20,000)

May Tibok ang Puso ng Lupa, by Bienvenido A. Ramos, edited by Roberto T. Añonuevo. ADMU Press.

FICTION: NOVEL / JUAN C. LAYA AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (P20,000)

Banana Heart Summer, by Merlinda Bobis. Anvil.
Out of Doors, by Ernesto Superal Yee. Giraffe.

FILM / FILM CRITICISM

Making Documentaries in the Philippines, by Isabel Enriquez Kenny. Anvil.

FOLKLORE

Literature of Voice: Epics of the Philippines, edited by Nicole Revel. ADMU.
Myth, Mimesis and Magic in the Music of the T'boli, Philippines, by Manolete Mora. ADMU Press.
Tales from the Land of Salt: A Glimpse into the History and the Rich Folklore of Pangasinan, by Emmanuel S. Sison. Elmyrs.

HISTORY

Davao: Reconstructing History from Text and Memory, by Macario D. Tiu. Ateneo de Davao University.
Malacañan Palace: The Official Illustrated History, by Manuel L. Quezon III, Paulo Alcazaren, and Jeremy Burns. Studio 5.
Patterns of Continuity and Change: Imaging the Japanese in Philippine Editorial Cartoons, 1930-1941 and 1946-1956, by Helen Yu-Rivera. ADMU Press.
To Love and to Suffer: The Development of the Religious Congregations for Women in the Spanish Philippines, 1565-1898, by Luciano Santiago. ADMU Press.
Tsinoy: The Story of the Chinese in Philippine Life, edited by Teresita Ang See, Go Bon Juan, Doreen Go Yu, and Yvonne Chua. Kaisa para sa Kaunlaran.
Under Three Flags: Anarchism and the Anti-Colonial Imagination, by Benedict Anderson. Anvil.

LINGUISTICS

Sawikaan 2004: Mga Salita ng Taon, edited by Galileo S. Zafra and Romulo P. Baquiran Jr. UP Press.

MEDICINE AND HEALTH

The Truth about Coconut Oil: The Drugstore in a Bottle, by Conrado S. Dayrit. Anvil.

MUSIC

Tunugan: Four Essays on Filipino Music, by Ramon Pagayon Santos. UP Press.

PERSONAL ANTHOLOGY

Jose Rizal: Iba't Ibang Pagtanaw, by Frank G. Rivera, edited by Arthur P. Casanova. National Book Store.
Sakit ng Kalingkingan: 100 Dagli sa Edad ng Krisis, by Rolando B. Tolentino. UP Press.

POETRY

Dark Hours, by Conchitina Cruz. UP Press.
Days of Grace: Selected Poems and New, 1984-2002, by R. Torres Pandan. University of St. La Salle Press.
Misterios and Other Poems, by J. Neil C. Garcia. UP Press.
Pana-panahon: Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot at iba pang Tula, by Aida F. Santos
Saulado: Mga Tula, by Rebecca T. Añonuevo. UP Press.

REFERENCE

100 Questions Filipino Kids Ask, by Liwliwa Malabed and Emylou Infante. Adarna House and Liwayway Marketing.

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Authentic Though Not Exotic: Essays on Filipino Identity, by Fernando Nakpil Zialcita. ADMU Press.
Kapwa: The Self in the Other: Worldviews and Lifestyles of Filipino Culture-Bearers, by Katrin de Guia. Anvil.
The Making of the Igorot: Ramut ti Panagkaykaysa dagiti taga Cordillera/Contours of Cordillera Consciousness, by Gerald A. Finin. ADMU Press.
The Star-Entangled Banner: One Hundred Years of America in the Philippines, by Sharon Delmendo. UP Press.
State and Society in the Philippines, by Patricio N. Abinales and Donna J. Amoroso. Anvil.

SPECIAL INTEREST

Huling Ptyk: Da Art of Nonoy Marcelo, by Pandy Aviado, Sylvia Mayuga, and Dario Marcelo. Anvil.
Ngalang Pinoy: A Primer on Filipino Wordplay, edited by Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz. Tahanan Books.
Mga Panibagong Kulam sa Pag-ibig, by Tony Perez, edited by Susie Baclagon-Borrero. Anvil.

THEOLOGY & RELIGION

Pagsubok sa Ilang: Ikaapat na Mukha ni Satanas, by Tony Perez. Anvil.
A Pilgrim's Notes: Ethics, Social Ethics, Bioethics, by Fausto B. Gomez, OP. UST Publishing House.

TRANSLATION

Fr. Francisco Coronel's Arte y Reglas, Kapampangan Grammar and Rules, circa 1621, translated by Edilberto V. Santos. Holy Angel University Press.

TRAVEL

Ciudad Murada: A Walk Through Historic Intramuros, by Jose Victor Z. Torres. Intramuros Administration & Vibal Publishing House.
A Pilgrim's Diary: Passages and Inner Landscapes, by Angela Blardony Ureta. Treehouse Creative Village.

BEST DESIGN

Huling Ptyk: Da Art of Nonoy Marcelo, by Pandy Aviado, Sylvia Mayuga, and Dario Marcelo, designed by Pandy Aviado and Carminnie Doromal. Anvil.
The Last Full Moon: Lessons on My Life, by Gilda Cordero Fernando. GCF Books, designed by M. G. Chaves.
A Pilgrim's Diary: Passages and Inner Landscapes, by Angela Blardony Ureta, designed by Ige Ramos. Treehouse Creative Village.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Esther Pacheco

CITATIONS

Angono, Rizal 6: Pagtatala ng Gunita: Panimulang Dokumentasyon ng mga Bayan sa Pilipinas, by Ligaya G. Tiamson-Rubin and P. T. Martin. UST Publishing House.
Angono, Rizal 7: Doon Po sa Amin, by Ligaya G. Tiamson-Rubin. UST Publishing House.
Angono, Rizal 8: Lahat ay Bida, by Ligaya Tiamson-Rubin. UST Publishing House.
Angono, Rizal 9: Kakambal ng ibang mga Bayan, by Ligaya G. Tiamson-Rubin. UST Publishing House.
Angono, Rizal 10: Itanghal ang Bayan, by Ligaya G. Tiamson-Rubin. UST Publishing House.
Kultura Mangya, edited by Antoon Postma. 5 vols. Mangyan Heritage Center.
Makata sa Cellphone: Mga Dalit, Diona, Tanaga, at iba pang Tulang Sari-Sari't mga Bersong Sala-Salabid, by Frank G. Rivera. UST Publishing House.
Makata sa Cellphone (Ikalawang Aklat): Iba't ibang Pindot na Dalit, Diona, Tanaga, at iba pang Tulang Sari-Sari't mga Bersong Sala-Salabid, by Frank G. Rivera. UST Publishing House.
Makata sa Cellphone (Ikatlong Aklat): Pinindut-pindot na mga Dalit, Diona, Tanaga, at sari-saring Tula't iba pang mga Bersong Sala-Salabid, saka mga Katha ng Text Poets' Society, by Frank G. Rivera. UST Publishing House.

Awarding will held be during the 27th Manila International Book Fair at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila. (see events calendar for more details)

August 16, 2006

4th Annual Manila Comics Creation Seminar

Learn various advanced techniques and practical details for a profitable career in comic book and newspaper strip creation from comic book professional writer/agent David Campiti; artists lecturing at the Seminar will include Rainier Beredo, Jinky Coronado, Tina Francisco, Jeffrey Huet, Jonathan Lau, Carlo Pagulayan, Wilson Tortosa, and others, including some special guests.

October 14-15, 2006
10:00am-7:30pm
SM Megamall, Megatradehall, Conference Hall
Function B

Limited Capacity Only!

So hurry up and sign up now! P1000 per ticket. Good for 2 days with free meal and drinks, free drawing supplies, limited ashcan memorabilia and lots of giveaways. Personal one-on-one portfolio review by the professionals.

For more details: Pls. call our office (02) 365-2974
or mobile number, 09198436312 and look for Michelle Calanog

Send us email of your inquiries and ticket reservation
at azrael@gmail.com or Michelle@glasshousegraphics.com

Official Website Visit www.glasshousegraphics.com

August 10, 2006

UP Writers Club Issues Calls For Submissions

After coming out with the first issue of The Literary Apprentice in twelve years, the UP Writers Club is once again preparing for the next issue. Submissions to their folio The Literary Apprentice Light must be submitted on or before September 30, 2006 (see parameters below).

Submissions to The Literary Apprentice must be sent in by January 15, 2007. Fictionists may submit in English or Filipino manuscripts no more than fifteen pages double-spaced. Poets may submit suites of three poems each. Mixed genre submissions are also welcome. Author profiles of 200 words and contact data must be included. Those who submit must be under 35 years old.

Arvin Abejo Mangohig, Anna Sanchez, Mikael Co and Regina Marcos will be the issue’s section editors.

E-mail works to upwc_publications@yahoo.com.

August 10, 2006

Cinema Laboratory Registration Ongoing

3rd SINELAB WORKSHOP SERIES
3-6 pm Saturday (whole month of August)

No age or academic requirements and open to all individuals who are interested as long as you are willing to go through the workshop with an open and experimental mind. The workshop will begin September. The workshop fee is for the lectures only. Students are required to finish their short films before graduation. Limited slots available; only committed students will be accepted.

Coverage of the Workshop:

6 sessions : basic screenwriting (experimental application)
6 sessions : alternative production (producer's course)
Schedule: Saturdays 3pm to 6pm

Venue:

PABLO
Space 7, Marikina Shoe Expo, Araneta Center
Cubao, Quezon City

Fee:

PhP5,000 / 12 Sessions

E-mail Address For Registration/Inquiries:

sinelab_workshop@yahoo.com
Contact number : 09202573776

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 8, 2006

Call for Submissions: ANI 33 Literary Yearbook

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines Literary Arts Division is now welcoming contributions to its ANI 33 Literary Yearbook.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the publication, the theme of the issue is “Nature and the Environment.” Works accepted are prose and poems on the protection or destruction of the environment, the relationship of human beings and nature, harmony or disharmony in any given space or location, as well as recent events related to these topics.

Works may be in Filipino, English or any Philippine language with translation in Filipino or English. Manuscripts must be typed double-spaced in 8½ x 11 and accompanied with a three to four sentence biographical note on the author. Contributors must indicate their TIN for payment purposes. Deadline for submission is September 29, 2006.

Contributions may be received by the CCP_LAD through the following e-mail addresses: aniyearbook@yahoo.com and literature@culturalcenter.gov.ph

August 8, 2006

Call for Entries: Timpalak DFPP

Mga Tuntunin

Ang Timapalak DFPP ay kontes sa pagsulat ng tula, maikling kuwento, maikling kuwentong pambata, at sanaysay. Bukas ito sa lahat ng mag-aaral na di-gradwado ng Sistemang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, Diliman. Para sa pagsusumite, mangyaring sundin ang mga sundin ang mga sumusunod na gabay:

1. Nararapat na hindi pa nailalathala ang akdang isusumite.

2. Nakasulat ang akda sa wikang Filipino.

3. Apat ang bilang ng kopyang isusumite(isang orihinal at tatlong kopya).

4. Ang bawat lahok ay kailangang makinalyado o kompyuterisado, may 2 o dobleng espasyo sa bond paper na may sukat na 81/2 x 11, at may palugit na isang pulgada sa itaas, ibaba at magkabilang tabi. Lagyan ng bilang ng pahina ang papel. Maaaring gamitin ang alinman sa mga front na Times New Roman, Garamond o Book Antiqua at font size 12.

5. Para sa bawat kategorya:

a. 5 tula (walang takdang bilang ng pahina)
b. 1 maikling kuwento (10-25 pahina)
c. 1 maikling kuwentong pambata (5-10 pahina)
d. 1 personal na sanaysay (10-25 pahina)

6. Kalakip ng isusumiteng akda ang kopya ng Form-5.

Malaya ang mga kalahok sa pagpili ng paksang isusulat. Bukas ang pagsusumite ng mga akda mula Agosto 9 hanggang Agosto 18.

Maaaring makuha sa DFPP ang opisyal na entry form.. Ang mga hindi taga-Diliman Campus ay maaaring humingi ng kopya sa pag-email kay G. Jayson Petras sa jayson23_dgp@yahoo.com.

Ang mga magwawagi sa bawat kategorya ay gagantimpalaan ng:

Unang Gantimpala
Ikalawang Gantimpala
Ikatlong Gantimpala

Gagawaran ng gantimpalang salapi at tropeo/sertipiko ang mga magwawagi. Ipapahayag ang mga nagwagi sa timpalak sa Agosto 28, ika-8-12 n.u., Pulungang Claro M. Recto, Bulwagang Rizal.

Para sa iba pang impormasyon, tumawag sa telepono blg. 9244899 at hanapin si Jimmuel Naval, Joey Baquiran{“, U Eliserio o Vladimeir Gonzales.

August 7, 2006

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

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

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

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

August 7, 2006

Tungo sa Isang Edukasyong Filipino
ni Virgilio S. Almario
Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan

(Read during the recently concluded Sawikaan 2006)

Isang malaking kapahamakan ng Wikang Pambansa na wala itong kampeong Pangulo ng Filipinas pagkatapos ni Manuel L. Quezon. Wala namang aktibong makawikang Filipino sa mga nahirang na Kalihim ng Edukasyon sa loob ng mahigit kalahating siglo. Lalong lumubha ang sitwasyon ngayon sa magkasabwat na panunungkulan nina Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at Kalihim Jesli Lapus, na kapuwa hayagan at ganap na tumatangkilik sa globalisasyon bilang pangunahing patakarang pambansa. Dahil sa buktot na lunggati at dahil sa walang makabansang bisyon para sa Filipinas, hindi kataka-takang palaganapin nila ang isang duling kung hindi man totoong baluktot na mithiin para sa pambansang edukasyon.

Read more at the Sawikaan website

August 7, 2006

Bigger Prizes for My Favorite Book Contest 2006

National Book Store and Philippine STAR are giving away bigger prizes for My Favorite Book Contest Year 5 with new partner Innove Communications.

What You Can Win:
The weekly prize is P5,000 worth of gift certificates from NBS. The grand prizes are P50,000 for the 1st prize, P30,000 for the 2nd prize and P20,000 for the 3rd prize. (all prizes will be given in 50% cash and 50% gift certificates. Five honorable mention winners will receive P10,000 each. Innove Communications will also give Globe Handyphones to the eight grand prize winners.

What You Need to Submit:
You can write about one book, several books by different authors or about one author’s books. Submit an unpublished essay, typed double-spaced and not more than five pages long. Write your name, age, address, contact numbers and two paragraphs of background information. Also send a passport-sized photo.

Submit your entries on a diskette or CD in rich text format for PC and MS Word 4 or 5 for Mac. Mark your diskette and pictures with your name and title of article. Smail mail them to My Favorite Book Contest, Lifestyle Section, The Philippine STAR, 13th corner Railroad St. Port Area Manila.

Entries can also be submitted via e-mail to myfavoritebook@philstar.net.ph.

When You Can Submit:
The last publication date for the year is December 31. Deadline for submission of entries is December 1.

Who Can Join:
Anyone except for employees of NBS, STAR, Innove and the advertising and PR agencies.

Weekly winners may claim their prizes by calling up National Book Store Services Department at 631-8079. Look for Daisy Tuason.

August 7, 2006

Call for submissions: Missing Pulse

Missing Pulse: the Electronic Journal of Great Reads, is still under construction, but we are inviting you to submit your stories to us. Please read the submission guidelines below.

1. Missing Pulse accepts submissions in all genres, but strictly in English only. Of course, the definition of "English" must be taken here at its most pliable.

- Short stories, Long stories, Flash fiction, Essays and anything that resembles prose must be submitted anyway you like as long as it's in .doc form, and has no virus. The author's personal writing font of choice will be noted.

- Poetry. Give me poetry. Even bad ones. There will be a special section called "What Was I Writing" where exceptionally bad poetry will be showcased. Deliberately bad poetry are also welcome, but they must be exceptionally bad, or else, wouldn't that be the saddest thing in the world? To fail even in writing bad poetry?

- Digital Stories: A digital story is a narrative that factors in the medium as an integral part. This includes videos, images, and hypertext works of fiction. Video submissions must be hosted in youtube.com or other video hosting websites that allow embedding. Image Submissions include (a) scans of graphic novels or stories, (b) photographic manipulations, ala post-secret, but less emo. I'm not into emo, and no one should be; (c) a cycle or a suite of digital images accompanied by text; (d) well, it's up to you really, I mean, c'mon, just tell me what you want to do with it, and what's the story, morning glory, and let me worry about presenting it. Hypertext Fiction Submissions must be discussed thoroughly with the editors at misterman@missingpulse.com.

- Recipes, Death Threats, Obituaries, and other forms of writing which you deem necessary a venue for your story. The only limit to the form you can take is your imagination.

2. All submissions must be original, and unpublished anywhere else.

3. All submissions must be accompanied by a biographical sketch of the author, including contact information (address, telephone number, e-mail address). Authors published will be included in the database, and in the mailing list for events, and opportunities concerned with the field of writing and of reading.

4. Submissions should be e-mailed to isubmit@missingpulse.com. Submissions will be accepted all year round.

5. All rights remain with the author.

Please direct any and all inquiries to the editors at misterman@missingpulse.com.

Its isubmit@missingpulse.com for submissions, and misterman@missingpulse.com for inquiries and proposals.

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.

August 3, 2006

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

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

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

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

August 3, 2006

PETA Theater Courses

As PETA celebrates year one in its new home, the PETA THEATER CENTER, the desire to make this a center for theater education escalates, prompting us to start offering regular courses. We hope to make this center a vibrant venue for theater and education. The 39 years of providing training in theater have given us time to hone and practice our pedagogical and aesthetic capabilities. The last five years have seen us doing curriculum discussion and conferences, trying them out in our outreach and partnership programs and during regular summer workshops. Thus the PETA curriculum have been tested, PETA wishes to offer these courses this last quarter of 2006 as the beginning of another decade in its creative life.

We invite you and other theater enthusiasts to experience the PETA pedagogy at The PETA Theater Center at #5 Sunny Side Drive, Brgy. Kristong Hari, Quezon City.

Courses:

Children’s Theater Production Class

Saturday and Sunday
(September 30, October 7,8,14-15,21-22,28-29,30-31, and November 4-5)
9:00 am – 12:00 nn

A twelve-session class (8:00 am –12:00 nn) open to all children, ages 8-13, with background experience in theater workshops or productions in schools or communities. The class can accommodate 12-15 participants. There will be sessions on acting, singing and dancing for children. The artistic products will be based on themes relevant to the perspective of the children participants. The course will culminate with a full production to be premiered at the PETA-Phinma Theater.

Community Theater Workshop

Oct. 25- Nov. 4
1:00-5:00 pm

Nine sessions will be open to adults from the communities. Members of community theaters a re most welcome. The class can accommodate 14-24 participants. There will be sessions on various theater disciplines (movement, drama, writing, visual arts, music and sound) which will be done through creative group processes. The activities will focus on different theater forms coupled with the necessary production processes, culminating with a full production to be premiered at the PETA-Phinma Theater.

Creative Pedagogy for NGO Trainers

October 9-13
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Five (5) sessions (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) will be open to NGO trainers which will focus on the integrated theater arts approach for advocacy training of various NGOs. Philosophy of
Education, Principles of Teaching, Filipino Psychology, Syllabus Making,
Issue Advocacy through theater and actual production and a teaching practicum will be the highlights of the training. Participatory processes through improvisational theater will serve as a creative challenge to NGO trainers. There will be a follow-up communication to the graduates of this course for further honing of the trainers’ craft.

Basic Acting for Theater

Mondays and Wednesday (September 27)

Theater-in-Education (TIE) - This program is aimed at encouraging teachers of all subjects to use creative drama in the service of education. The integrated arts approach has always been part of the PETA pedagogy. The TIE modules prepared for teachers use this creative pedagogy and this, in turn, may be used in the teaching of all subjects.

Module One

Saturday (October 7,14,21,28)
1:00 – 5:00 pm

The first module focuses on the integrated arts approach preparing teachers for a Creative Pedagogy that may be used in their teaching. Each session is designed to show how art disciplines may flow from one to another in order to come out with holistic learning.
In this module, the session is designed to focus on one discipline and move on to a final exercise in Creative Drama.
Ideally, the session includes as many art disciplines as possible so students may learn in whole rather than in parts.

Module Two

Saturday (November 11,18 and 25, and December 2)
1:00 – 5:00pm

A module that will focus on Asian Theater: Japanese Theater Traditions, Mask and Movement, Creative Pedagogy and Asian Theater. This focus was planned to coincide with the Asian theme of the MAKABAYAN curriculum of the Department of Education, Secondary School Curriculum.

Gender Sensitivity Through Theater

This five-day workshop makes use of creative arts to sensitize and enhance capacities of women (or participants) in understanding gender-related issues. The workshop provides for a dynamic space for participants to sharpen their analysis of these issues and share experiences in creative ways. Topics include gender and sex, women’s oppression, institutions promoting gender bias, women’s empowerment. Creative outputs can be utilized in promoting gender empowerments and development.

Women’s Theater for Advocacy

A twelve-day course that aims to equip women in organizations and theater groups with women’s agenda the capacities in utilizing theater for advocacy performances. Through the Integrated Arts Approach, participants are provided with the venue to develop their capacities in music, dance, writing, drama and visual arts. The use of the creative process will allow the women to relate their own stories and experiences, while deepening their understanding and analysis of women’s issues. The workshop will culminate with the development of an advocacy performance that promote gender empowerment, which the organization can utilize in their advocacy work.

August 2, 2006

Cirilo F. Bautista Launches New Poetry Collection
by Tim Nubla

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

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

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

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

August 2, 2006

Call for Entries: 2007 PBBY-SALANGA PRIZE

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) is now accepting entries for the 2007 PBBY-Salanga Prize. The contest is co-sponsored by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and The National Library. The winner will be given a cash prize of P25,000.00, a gold medal, and an opportunity to be published. Prizes will be awarded in an appropriate ceremony to be held during the celebration of National Children’s Book Day (3rd Tuesday of July every year) in July 2007.

Contest Rules:

1. The contest is open to all Filipino citizens except those who are related to any PBBY member up to the third degree of consanguinity.
2. Stories should be intended for children aged 6 to 12 years old. The plot and the sequence must be capable of sustaining an illustrated book of 28 to 32 pages.
3. Entries may be in Filipino or English.
4. Entries must be in hard copy, double-spaced, on short bond paper. Maximum length is five (5) pages.
5. A contestant may send in more than one (1) entry.
6. Each entry must be signed by a pen name only. Five (5) copies of each entry should be placed in an envelope, on the face of which only the pen name of the contestant should appear.
7. Together with each entry, contestants must submit a second envelope, on the face of which the pen name shall appear. This must contain the contestant’s full name, address, contact numbers, a short literary background, and a notarized certification from the author, vouching for the originality of the entry and for the freedom of the organizers from any liability arising from the infringement of copyright in case of publication, and affirming that the entry or any variant thereof has a) never been published nor b) won any other contest i.e. that it has never won 1st, 2nd, 3rd, honorable mention in any other contest or otherwise been awarded a medal, a citation, or included in a publicized list of meritorious entries to a literary contest.
8. All entries must be sent through snail mail to the PBBY Secretariat, c/o Adarna House, Inc., Room 102, JGS Building, 30 Scout Tuazon St., Quezon City.
9. All entries must be received by the PBBY Secretariat no later than 5:00 p.m., October 16, 2006.
10. Winners will be announced no later than November 13, 2006. Non-winning entries may be claimed at the PBBY Secretariat until December 1, 2006.

The winning story will be the basis for the 2007 PBBY-Alcala Prize.
For more details, interested parties may contact the Philippine Board
on Books for Young People, at Room 102, JGS Building, 30 Scout Tuazon
St., Quezon City, Telefax 372-3548 or email pbby@adarna.com.ph.

August 2, 2006

Free eBooks Until August 4!

July 4th to August 4, 2006 marks a month long celebration of the 35th anniversary of the first step taken towards today's eBooks, when the United States Declaration of Independence was the first file placed online for downloading in what was destined to be an electronic library of the Internet. Today's eBook library has a total of over 100 languages represented.

The World eBook Fair welcomes you to absolutely free access to a variety of eBook unparalleled by any other source. 1/3 million eBooks await you for personal use, all free of charge for the month from July 4 - August 4, 2006, and then 1/2 million eBooks in 2007, 3/4 million in 2008, and ONE million in 2009.

Ten times as many eBooks are available from private eBook sources, without the media circus that comes with 100 billion dollar media mavens such as Google. The World eBook Fair has created a library of wide ranging samples of these eBooks, totaling 1/3 million. Here are eBooks from nearly every classic author on the varieties of subjects previously only available through the largest library collections in the world. Now these books are yours for personal use, free of charge, to keep for the rest of your lives.

This event is brought to you by the oldest and largest free eBook source on the Internet, Project Gutenberg, with the assistance of the World eBook Library, the providers of the largest collection, and a number of other eBook efforts around the world. The World eBook Library normally charges $8.95 per year for online access, and allows unlimited personal downloading. During The World eBook Fair all these books are available free of charge through a gateway at http://www.gutenberg.org and http://WorldeBookFair.com.

July 31, 2006

Rice is Life: A Short Story Writing Contest

The Asian Rice Foundation and the Alpha Phi Omega Service Sorority, in collaboration with the Department of Education, invite participation in a short story writing contest, under the theme “Rice is Life.” The contest aims to make young Filipinos aware of the significant of rice in and rice farmers in lives of the Filipinos’ past, present and future; and to come up with books for children aged 10-15, one in English, another in Filipino, each containing the three winning entries.

The contest is open to all Filipino high school students ages 12-17 and enrolled during the schoolyear 2006-2007. The deadline for submission of entries is Oct. 16, the World Food Day. Accomplished application form together with the short story and its illustrations must be submitted on or before the deadline to Asia Rice Foundation College 4031, Laguna. Winning entries will be announced by Dec. 6.

The revised guidelines of the contest and application form can be downloaded at www.asiarice.org or maybe requested from Dr. Carmen M. Paule, Asia Rice Foundation at tel/fax: (049) 536-2285.

July 31, 2006

Mga Kuwentong Pambata ng Papica: A Short Story Writing Contest

Have you ever wanted to be a published author? Do you love to tell stories to your family and friends? Do you have some amazing stories that you would like to share with other kids? Would you like to earnP10,000.00 as the winning prize for your story?

Write and illustrate a story and you could become a published author! One winner will be chosen from each region. All winning stories from each of the regions will be published together and available for sale to the public. Proceeds of the sale of the book will be used to purchase school supplies and children’s books to be distributed throughout the country. This project is the first of its kind, "a book for kids, by kids," designed to raise reading awareness and appreciation.

Contest Theme

There is no contest theme. Let your imagination run wild! Tell stories of interest that happened to you, your friends, or your relatives. Write imaginary stories about things you heard at home, school or your community. Tell animal stories or tales. Write about your most embarrassing moments, your funniest and saddest moments. What were you afraid of as a kid? How about spectacular events in your region that will capture your reader’s imagination? Ordinary events that you want people to know about your town, barrio or city. Write about friendships, music, weddings, funerals, sports, food, the market, careers, clothes, pets, your hobbies — the choices are endless.

Contest Rules & Judging

One winner will be selected from each region!!! Each regional winner will receive P10,000.00, a certificate, a copy of the book containing your published story and a box full of books for your reading pleasure.

- Contestants must be between ages 6-12 at the time of contest deadline
- Entries must be an original unpublished work of the author
- Length: Maximum length of 1500 words. Entries beyond the 1500 word limit will be judge only on the first 1500 words submitted
- Entries may be typewritten or handwritten. It could be in English or Tagalog but not a combination of English and Tagalog.
- Maximum six (6) illustrations (artwork) per story. It is not necessary that the stories be illustrated or contain artwork. However, illustrations would be helpful to aid in the publication. All writing and artwork must be the work of the child entering the contest. FPPFI retains the right to alter, modify, add or change the illustrations or artwork submitted with the entries
- Entries will be judged on originality, creative expression and storytelling. Structure, grammar and spelling will be taken into consideration
- All entries must have a completed entry form attached. Entries with missing or incomplete entry forms will be disqualified in event of inability to notify and gain parental release
- One story per contestant will be allowed Entries will not be returned and become a property of the Francis Padua Papica Foundation, Inc.

Contest Deadline

All entries must be RECEIVED by SEPTEMBER 15, 2006 at 5:00 P.M. Entries must be mailed to:

Mga Kwentong Pambata ng Papica
Backroom Inc.,
Unit 207 #116, CRM Bldg.,
Kamias Road cor. Kasing-Kasing St.
Quezon City, Philippines

Tel nos.
(632)435-1098, (632)435-1120, (632)435-1108,
(632)928-0717 Fax no. (632)435-3808

No faxed or emailed entries will be accepted.

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

Call for Publication: Liyab

Inaanyayahan ang lahat ng mga manunulat na magpadala ng tulang naglalantad ng tunay na kalagayan ng sambayanan. Mapapasama ang mga mapipili sa Liyab, ang opisyal na publikasyon ng Amado V. Hernandez Resource Center.

Ipadala ang mga tula sa lalong madaling panahon sa: avhrc_philippines@yahoo.com

July 20, 2006

Myths and Legends Volume II to be Launched

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

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

Source: PDI, July 17, 2006 issue.

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

Pinoy HAIKU Contest Deadline Extended

Good news for writers, the deadline for entries to Pinoy HAIKU for the All-Filipino Haiku Contest in Commemoration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year 2006 has been moved to the 2nd of August from the original deadline of June 2.

The announcement of winners will now be on Wednesday, August 16th, 2006, while the awarding ceremon is scheduled for September 2nd, 2006 at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center (TARC), UST, Manila, Philippines.

Click here to review contest rules and regulations.

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 17, 2006

Fundamental Comic Book Scriptwriting Workshop

A good comic book always has a good story and a set of interesting characters. If you want to learn how to construct comic book stories and characters, then join the first ever Cadaver Lover Fundamental Comic Book Scriptwriting Workshop.

If you are interested, send e-mail to this address (cadaver_lover@yahoo.com.ph). Details of the Workshop will be forwarded to you through e-mail.

July 11, 2006

Dr. Jose Y. Dalisay Awarded for Distinguished Achievement

UP Institute of Creative Writing Associate Dr. Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. was recently conferred with the 2006 Concepcion D. Dadulfalza Award for Distinguished Achievement. In rites held last 7 July at the Bulwagang Rizal, Dr. Dalisay also delivered a lecture entitled “The Writer as Teacher.”

The event was attended by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia P. Guevara, VP Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and Department of English and Comparative Literature Dr. Naida U. Rivera. It was organized by the UP Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Dalisay writes both in English and Filipino, is a Palanca Hall of Famer and has won FAMAS, Urian, Star and Catholic Mass Media awards for his screenplays. He is more popularly known as “Butch Dalisay” via his “Penman” column in The Philippine Star.

The UP Board of Regents established the Dadufalza Award on 29 June 2000 to honor individuals of distinction and to keep alive the ideals of Professor Dadufalza.

July 11, 2006

Notice to NVM Gonzalez Award Winners

NVM Gonzalez Short Story Award winners are enjoined to submit their profiles and the soft copy of their winning works to nvminc@yahoo.com and sanzjop67@yahoo.com . The works will be collected in an anthology celebrating the NVM Gonzalez Best Short Story Award.

It may be remembered that the NVM Gonzalez house in the UP Diliman was burned last year in an electrical fire. Records of the contests were damaged or lost.

The contest commemorating the life and works of NVM Gonzalez, who was conferred National Artist for Literature status in 1997, is now on its seventh year.

For more information, visit www.nvmgonzalez.org

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.

July 7, 2006

Graphic and JCI Philippines launches 1^st “National Essay Writing Contest”

JCI Philippines and the Philippine Graphic Publication, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the PGPI main office in Makati last June 7, 2006 which sealed the partnership and attended by National President JCI Sen. Ismael P. Penado and President Benjamin V. Ramos representing the Philippine Graphic Publications Inc.

The main purpose of the MOA is for the launching of the 1st “National Essay Writing Contest” which both the Philippine Graphics and JCI Philippines agreed to jointly implement through the mobilization of JCI chapters nationwide. The main objective of the project is to foster literary awareness and creative consciousness among the youth and professionals. This is also to create new readership demand for the Philippine Graphics magazine and to enhance its current marketing efforts and to establish a sustained partnership with the JCI Philippines in support to its civic programs.

The contest kicks-off this month and has three categories—high school, college professional. At stake are P 50,000 for the first prize, P 30,000 for the second prize and P 20,000 for the third prize for all the categories. Philippine Graphic executive editor Adrian Cristobal will head the board of judges. The contest will also sponsor a national seminar on essay and literary writing, or commonly known today in literary circles as creative nonfiction, targeting eight cities nationwide in the coming months.

During the search process, regular coordination with Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education officials, JCI chapters and selected media people will be done to ensure the success of the project. For student contestants, they must be enrolled at the time of the submission of the entries.

Entries must be accompanied by a letter from a ranking school or university official certifying or showing indication as proof of enrollment of the participant.

To date, the PGPI editorial team in coordination with JCI Philippines has now come up with the design and contents of the poster which are now being distributed to target audience like schools, organizations, municipalities and cities, JCI chapters and their Members and in other strategic places. The said posters contain the contest rules and regulations. The topic is the second tenet of the Jaycee Creed “That Brotherhood of Men Transcends the Sovereignty of Nations”. It also contained the contest coverage and timetable including other relevant information regarding the project. Interested parties may get the contest rules and entry forms from the weekly issues of Philippine Graphic and the Monday issues of Business Mirror newspaper. The deadline for submission of entries will be on October 15, 2006 at 5:00 pm to be submitted also at the PGPI office at 3/F Dominga II Bldg., Dela Rosa cor. Pasong Tamo St, Makati City or JCIP Secretariat, No. 14 Don A. Roces Ave, Quezon City.

For inquiries, call the Philippine Graphic-Philippine Jaycees National Essay Writing Contest secretariat at 814-0134 local 115 (look for Louie Jon Sanchez or Eloisa Laquian). For more info please log to : www.graphicjayceesessay.blogspot.com .

July 5, 2006

Call for Submissions: Likhaan: The Journal of Contemporary Philippine Literature

Sometime last month, we reported on the plans for Likhaan: The Journal of Contemporary Philippine Literature. Now, the submission guidelines are here for those interested in turning in their work.

Submission Guidelines

1. For its first issue, Likhaan 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 Antiqua, 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.

- Essays (critical, scholarly, and/or creative nonfiction), subject to the same length limitations as short stories, 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 unpublished anywhere else.

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 by post) no later than August 31, 2006.

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 or 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 .

July 5, 2006

Call for Submissions: Philippine Speculative Fiction Vol.2

Dean Francis Alfar, author of Palanca Award-winning author of Salamanca , is now accepting submissions of short fiction pieces for consideration for the anthology Philippine Speculative Fiction Vol.2 . Speculative fiction is the literature of wonder that spans the genres of fantasy, science fiction, horror, magic realism, surrealism or falls into the cracks in-between.

Submission Guidelines:

1. Only works of speculative fiction will be considered for publication. As works of the imagination, the theme is open and free.

2. Stories must cater to an adult sensibility.

3. Stories must be written in English.

4. Stories must be authored by Filipinos or those of Philippine ancestry.

5. Preference will be given to original unpublished stories, but previously published stories will also be considered. In the case of previously published material, kindly include the title of the publishing entity and the publication date.

6. First time authors are welcome to submit. In the initial volume, there was a near 50-50 split of established and new authors.

7. Each author may submit only one story for consideration.

8. Each story's word count must be no fewer than 3,000 words and no more than 5,000 words.

9. All submissions must be in Rich Text Format (.rtf – save the document as .rft on your word processor) and attached to an email to this address: dean@kestrelimc.com. Submissions received in any other format will be deleted, unread.

10. The subject of your email must read: 2nd Philippine Speculative Fiction Submission: (title) (word count); where (title) is replaced by the title of your short story, without the parentheses, and (word count) is the word count of your story, without the parentheses.

For example - 2nd Philippine Speculative Fiction Submission: The Last Siren 4500.

11. All submissions must be accompanied by a cover letter that includes your name, brief bio, contact information, previous work (if any).

12. Deadline for submissions is September 15, 2006. After that date, final choices will be made and letters of acceptance or regret sent out via email.

13. Target publishing date is December 2006/January 2007.

14. Compensation for selected stories will be 2 contributor's copies of the published anthology.

July 3, 2006

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Tropics of Love

Quatre Gats is a newly launched independent press based in the Philippines which aims to specialize in publishing innovative thematic anthologies, both fiction and non-fiction.

Quatre Gats will release a new title every four months. For the moment, they are publishing thematic anthologies. The first title is in production, they are now accepting submissions for the second title, an anthology of fiction based on/derived from Jose Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo." The anthology title is "Tropics of Love."

Deadline for submission of stories is on November 1, 2006. Listed below are the submission guidelines.

1. Stories must range between 2,000 to 10,000 words.
2. They may be written either in English or in Filipino.
3. Stories must contain or reference characters, scenarios, storylines and themes from either the Noli or the Fili or both.
4. Only writers based in the Philippines are allowed to submit.
5. A writer may submit only up to two stories for consideration.
6. All submissions must be sent as attachments (in Word or Rich Text File format) to submissions@quatre-gats.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

Call for Submissions: L A G D A

Kasalukuyang nangangalap ng mga artikulo, pananaliksik, rebyu at malikhaing akda ang Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas (DFPP) para sa isyu ng Lagda hinggil sa Kulturang Popular, Sekswalidad at Panitikan. Kaugnay rin ito ng planong pagbubuo ng teksbuk na magagamit sa pagtuturo ng Pan Pil 17 (Panitikan at Kulturang Popular) at Pan Pil 19 (Panitikan, Kasarian at Sekswalidad) sa Unibersidad.

Malugod namin kayong iniimbitahang magsumite ng inyong mga natatanging sanaysay at pananaliksik, at mga maikling kuwento, tula, dula at iba pang porma ng malikhaing akdang tumatalakay sa masalimuot na larangan ng kulturang popular at sekswalidad sa Pilipinas. Ilan sa mga iminumungkahi naming paksain ninyo ay ang sumusunod:

1. Ang Transpormasyon/Transisyon ng mga Serye sa Komiks Tungong Teleserye (Kampanerang Kuba, Panday, Darna at iba pa)
2. Independent Film Making sa Pilipinas
3. Panitikan sa Internet (blog, fan fiction, hypertext, atbp)
4. Gay at Lesbian clubs/pubs (Government, Red Banana, Fahrenheit, atbp)
5. Panitikang Chic o Chic literature
6. Panitikang popular sa mga rehiyon (nobelang romansang Iluko, Bisaya, atbp)
7. Piniratang DVD sa Quiapo
8. Gloria-gate CD, ringtone at text jokes
9. Artista bilang kultural na texto (Anne Curtis, Ethel Booba, Willie Revillame, atbp)
10. Pagsulpot ng iba’t ibang All Male Groups (Viva Hot Men, Masculados, Barakos, atbp)
11. Reproduksyon at Refabrikasyon ng tv game shows (Game KNB?, Wowowee, atbp)
12. Pagsulpot ng Gateway sa Cubao
13. Birtuwal na relasyon: E-chat, Avatar, Friendster, hi5, Photobucket, Flickr, atbp
14. Bagong advertising strategies ng fastfood chains tulad ng McDonald’s atbp
15. Virgin Cola
16. Star Circle Quest, Starstruck, American Idol, Hollywood Dream, atbp.
17. Mga panimulang pag-aaral/sanaysay ukol sa panitikan at kulturang popular, o ugnayan ng panitikan, kasarian at sexwalidad.

Mangyaring sundin ang sumusunod na gabay:

1. Ang mga akda ay dapat nakasulat sa wikang Filipino, kompyuterisado (Times New Roman, 12 font size, double space), orihinal at hindi pa nalalathala sa limbag o elektronikong anyo.
2. Hindi kukulangin sa 20 pahina, naka-encode, at doble-espasyo. Lakipan ng abstrak ang pag-aaral na hindi lalagpas sa tatlong daang (300) salita.
3. Hindi lalagpas sa sampung pahina ang mga rebyu (tulad ng pelikula, programang pantelebisyon, aklat, musika, atbp.)
4. Maghanda ng isang talatang tala sa manunulat.
5. Isumite rin ang tatlong (3) hard copy at isang soft copy na nasa Rich Text Format.
6. Humingi ng permiso sa anumang materyal (larawan, pabalat ng aklat, ilustrasyon, mapa, atbp.) na ilalahok sa inyong manuskrito.
7. Kailangang sagutan o punan ng mag-aambag ang Form 1 (Atestasyon ng Orihinalidad) na mukukuha sa opisina ng DFPP na nagpapahayag na hindi pa nailalathala ang inyong akda at kung sino ang mga posibleng tagasuri sa inyong pag-aaral.
8. Sundin ang patnubay ng Chicago Style of Manual. (14th ed)
9. Ipadala ang inyong manuskrito sa: Isyu Editor, Lagda, DFPP, UP Diliman. Sa Hulyo 7, 2006 (Biyernes) ang huling araw ng pagsusumite.

Para sa mga katanungan, magpadala ng e-mail kay G. Mykel Andrada, Prop. Will Ortiz, at/o Prop. Eugene Y. Evasco sa lagdaan@gmail.com o di kaya’y mag-text sa 0915-4413324 at/o 0917-8300330.

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 22, 2006

5th Barlaya Writing for Children's Workshop

Adarna House, the country's leading children's book publisher, is mounting the 5th Barlaya Writing for Children Workshop. Barlaya is designed to help aspiring writers for children enhance their craft.

Ten writing fellows will be chosen based on the merit of their submitted stories. Interested parties should submit three copies of one (1) original, unpublished story to Adarna House at Room 102 JGS building, 30 Scout Tuazon St., Quezon City.

Entries should be typewritten, double-spaced, and should not exceed five pages. All entries should be accompanied by a one-page backgrounder on the writer.

The deadline of submission is 5:00 PM, Friday, August 11, 2006.

June 20, 2006

UP Press to launch twelve new titles

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

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

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

The complete titles are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

Sonetos Postumos by Rio Alma

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

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

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

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

Tunugan: Four Essays on Filipino Music by Ramon Pagayon Santos

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

June 19, 2006

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

Part manual, part testament, part autobiography, The Knowing Is in the Writing : Notes on the Practice of Fiction was written by the author to engage new and young writers of fiction not only in matters of craft but also of life and livelihood. Beginning with an overview of the nature and elements of fiction, the book then deals with specific issues in the writing of fiction, from plotting and characterization to the workshop experience and publishing one's first book. "Through fiction," Dalisay says, "we best make sense of our lives by stepping away from them—by momentarily becoming strangers unto ourselves, by exploring more interesting alternatives to what we already know or most likely would do, and, ultimately, by giving ourselves a new reason to hope and believe that life indeed follows a plot we can direct—if we only knew what it was."

Jose Y. Dalisay Jr., PhD, has published fifteen books of fiction and non-fiction, with five of those winning the National Book Award from the Manila Critics Circle. A Palanca Hall of Fame and TOYM awardee for creative writing, he teaches English at the University of the Philippines. As Butch Dalisay, he writes a weekly column, "Penman," for the Philippine Star.

The Knowing Is in the Writing: Notes on the Practice of Fiction is part of the University of the Philippines Press's Ikalawang Yugto for 2006. It will be launched along with 11 other new titles on June 30, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at Balay Kalinaw in UP Diliman.

For more details, please contact the University of the Philippines Press Marketing Office at (02) 9266642 and (02) 928-2558 locals 111 and 112.

June 19, 2006

Likhaan: The Journal of Contemporary Philippine Literature to Feature the Best of the Best
by Arvin Abejo Mangohig

In a recent column of his in The Philippine Star, Dr. Butch Dalisay announced plans for the Likhaan: The Journal of Contemporary Philippine Literature. This is very good news indeed. After the stoppage of the Likhaan anthology series, the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Creative Writing continues to forge ahead with this new project. Just as the UP nears its centennial, the Likhaan Journal will underscore UP’s “legacy as the nation’s richest and most influential source of new literature,” wrote Dr. Dalisay.

The proposal has just been approved by UP Chancellor Sergio Cao. The journal will be blind refereed and its board of editors will be the associates of the ICW themselves, with Dr. Dalisay as the maiden issue’s editor. Dr. Lilia Quindoza Santiago and Dr. J. Neil Garcia will be the sub-editors.

Chancellor Cao’s fundraising will enable the Likhaan to give writers their highest honoraria yet. Dr Garcia likened being published in the journal as having won a prize in a major literary contest already. Professor Vim Nadera, the ICW’s director, had this to say about the new endeavor: “The Likhaan Journal will be one of best literary journals the country has ever seen, by virtue of its editors and referees alone. It aims to showcase the greatest as well as the latest literary works for the year.”

Likhaan will begin as an annual publication, coming out with “short stories, poems, essays... memorabilia… and a bibliography of locally published creative work,” Dr. Dalisay elaborated further. He enjoined every one to submit only their best original and unpublished manuscripts. Submissions can be sent to likhaanjournal@gmail.com.

June 19, 2006

Rene O. Villanueva Children's Reader is off the press

Children’s story writer Rene O. Villanueva has a new book that reintroduces his works for young readers to parents, teachers, and children, The Rene O. Villanueva Children’s Reader.

Published by Cacho Publishing Inc., with an introduction by renowned poet and children’s story writer Ramon Sunico, The Rene O. Villanueva Children’s Reader puts together 22 of Villlanueva’s popular previously published stories, as well as lyrics of children’s songs and children’s drama.

The Reader also includes 19 unpublished stories, three plays for the classroom, and ten songs from the pioneering educational TV program, “Batibot,” where he served as head writer for more than ten years. The book is illustrated by Elbert Or; the book cover features a painting by Robert Corbin showing the prolific storywriter surrounded by his storybook characters.

Villanueva, considered among the pioneers of modern children’s literature in the Philippines, started writing for children in 1978 as author of the first two Aklat Adarna prototypes. When he won the Gawad CCP para sa Sining in 2004, he was cited for writing children’s stories that “influenced the worldview formation of a generation of young Filipinos.”

The author is currently teaching as Associate Professor at the Department of Filipino, College of Arts and Letters, University of the Philippines in Diliman. He also serves as an associate of U.P. Institute of Creative Writing.

Villanueva has published more than 60 storybooks for children and has worked with numerous publishers for children’s books, including Aklat Adarna, Lampara, Tahanan, Anvil Juvenile, and Manila-UNICEF.

He is an honorary member of Kuting and Philippine Board on Books for Young People. He was elevated to the Carlos Palanca Hall of Fame in 1993, having won the country’s most prestigious literary award 29 times.

Rene O. Villanueva Children’s Reader is available at the children’s section of all branches of National Bookstore and other leading book stores.

June 13, 2006

Ateneo National Writers Workshop now accepting submissions

The Ateneo Institute for Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP) is now accepting applications to the sixth Ateneo National Writer's Workshop to be held on October 23-28.

Applicants must submit a portfolio of any one of the following in Filipino or in English: five poems, three short stories, or two one-act plays, together with a title page indicating the author's pseudonym and a table of contents. The portfolio must be accompanied by a file of the document(s) saved in a diskette in rich text format (.rtf).

All submissions must also include a sealed envelope containing the author's name, address, contact numbers, and a one-page biodata with a 1x1 ID picture.

Address all entries to Dr. Benilda Santos, Director, Ateneo National Writer's Workshop, c/o Filipino Department, Horacio de la Costa Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

Deadline of submissions is August 4.

For inquiries, please call workshop coordinators Mr. Jelson Capilos and Mr. Yol Jamendang at 426-6001 local 5320-5322.

June 13, 2006

New Novels by Lualhati Bautista

Acclaimed writer Lualhati Bautista has come out with new novels focusing on women’s bodies and women’s rights: Sa Kabilang Panig ng Bakod, Desisyon and Hugot sa Sinapupunan.

Each novel costs only P20.00, having been published by a woman’s NGO. Those interested may contact 09193175708 for more details.

Bautista has written modern classics like Gapo (1980), Dekada 70 (1983), and Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa? (1984). She has also written for film, winning best screenplay awards for Bulaklak ng City Jail and Kadenang Bulaklak .

June 13, 2006

Join Salaysayan 2006

Got the knack for telling stories? Get something out of it by joining Salaysayan 2006, the nationwide storytelling contest organized by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People.

Salaysayan 2006 is a book-based storytelling competition open to both amateurs and professionals aged 21 and above. There shall be two categories: Filipino and English.

Winners from each category shall get P20,000 for the First Prize; P10,000 for the Second Prize; and P5,000 for the Third Prize.

For inquiries, and if you want to obtain application forms, email events@adarna.com.ph or call 372-35-48 loc. 110 and look for Vanessa. Deadline of entries is on June 24, 2006.

Join and be heard, this is your chance at becoming one of the Philippines’ finest storytellers. The stage awaits you!

Salaysayan 2006 is organized in partnership with Anvil Publishing, Hiyas, Growers, RCBC, and Vibal Publishing.

June 13, 2006

Hawaii Centennial Literary Competition Winners

Poetry Writing Category

1st - GOJO CRUZ, GENARO R.
San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

2nd - CAYANES, DEXTER B.
Pasig City

3rd - VEGA, JOEL H.
Nijmeegen, The Netherlands

Essay Writing Category (in no particular order)

LUMABAO, JAN LORD V.
Dingras, Ilocos Norte

PONCE, ARIEL EDGAR G.
Quezon City

UBAL, RACHELLE D.
Makati City

Special Citation

PEREZ, MA. SOCORRO Q.
Makati City

One Act Play Writing Category

1st - RIVERA, ARISTEO T.
Cebu City

2nd - ESTUAR, MARIA CLARISSA N.
Mandaluyong City

3rd - PEÑA, ROMEO P.
Sta. Mesa, Manila

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

25 Poets in Caracoa 2006

Hereunder is the list of 25 poets chosen for the 2006 revival issue of the Caracoa. We received submissions from 71 poets and we had a tough time trimming the list to 25. The works of those who were not included in this revival issue will be forwarded to the upcoming Caracoa anniversary issue which will come out within the year or early 2007. We are now working on the design and layout of the book. To all those who submitted, thank you very much for contributing and for keeping the Caracoa afloat.

The Editors:

Mookie Katigbak
Angelo Suarez
Lourd Ernest De Veyra
Joel M. Toledo

1. Alexander Agena -- Lady in an Imaginary Painting
2. Jim Pascual Agustin -- Those Who Still Have Black Blood Under Their Feet
3. Ivy Alvarez -- The Elephant
4. Oscar Alvarez -- Economy Class
5. Glenn Atanacio -- Journey of Flowers
6. Amado Bajarias -- Artifacts 2 / Happiness in Other Planets
7. Luis Cabalquinto -- Details
8. Mark Cayanan -- As Dina Bonnevie
9. Frank Cimatu -- The Manifest Destiny Routine, or My Fetid Sestinna
10. Mikael De Lara Co -- Tongues
11. Vincent Coscolluela -- Church of the Meek
12. Adam David -- Instructions for the Inclined: Help Found A Writing Org
13. Raymond de Borja -- Tell Me, Where is the Soul
14. Rodrigo dela Peña -- Algebra
15. Israfel Fagela -- Condolences
16. Eduardo Geronia, Jr. -- Surfing in these Islands
17. Luisa Igloria -- Minim / Archipelago
18. Ken Ishikawa -- End of a Frontier
19. Arkaye Kierulf -- Horses
20. Sarge Lacuesta -- Modern Girls
21. Paolo Manalo -- Weekend Couple
22. Wilfredo Pascual -- A Filipino in the Charlie Brown Musical
23. Jose Ocampo Reyes -- Glimpses
24. Naya Valdellon -- New Year at the Wake
25. Joel H. Vega -- Interiors

June 5, 2006

ARTPAPER releases its maiden issue

Why are the songs of Eraserheads deep and poetic? Why is Jang Geum of "Jewel in the Palace" close to the Pinoy's heart? What makes National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco an exemplary human being? Want to get a glimpse of the 20th century performance art? How not to be duped by fake artworks and scheming art dealers and collectors?

What's the latest art magazine in town?

Find out the answers on 11 June 2006, Sunday, 6:00pm, at Pasig Museum as ARTPAPER (Impormasyon:sining@kultura.com) releases its maiden issue.

The people behind ARTPAPER are Ramon "Chitoy" Zapata (Publisher); Richard R. Gappi (Editor); Neliza de Leon, Michael Ian Lomongo, Lilimay Manalo, Claire Zapata (Editorial Board); Allan G. Alcantara, Carlos "Totong" Francisco II, Marlon "Nunong" Olinares, Wire Tuazon, Keiye Miranda-Tuazon (Creative Team); Lena Cobangbang, Mideo Cruz, Karen Ocampo Flores, Tata Raul Funilas I, Lisa Ito, Lyra Abueg Garcellano, Donna Miranda, James Owen Saguinsin, Abet Umil (Contributing writers and artists); Neil Doloricon, Patrick Flores, Alice Guillermo, Jose Tence Ruiz, Pablo Tariman (Advisers); and National Artist Virgilio Almario and National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera as consultants.

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 album “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 30, 2006

Filipino Playwright Wins Awards

Glenn Sevilla Mas makes us proud! His new play, “The Death of Memory”, won 5 awards, including Best New Play, Best Supporting Actor and Best Lighting Design, in the 2006 Gilby Theater Awards of the Catholic University of America.

May 30, 2006

Mga Nanalo sa Talinghaga sa Tag-init

Sina Raul Funilas III at Michael Kho Lim ang itinanghal na mga makata ng gabi noong Mayo 4, 2006 sa Talinghaga sa Tag-init, unang gabi ng tula sa Bahandi, isang organic restaurant sa Nakpil cor. Agoncillo, Malate, Maynila. Ang kanilang tulang “Ang Matakot sa Pungos” (RFIII) at “Kaharian sa Boracay” (MKL) ang napili ni G. Alvin Gesmundo, isa sa mga may-ari ng Bahandi.

Ang susunod na gabi ng tula sa Bahandi sa 1 Hunyo 2006. School days ang paksa ng mga tulang babasahin/itatanghal at isasama sa mini literary folio na ipamimigay din sa gabing iyon. Para sa detalye, magtext o tumawag kay Bebang Siy sa 0919-3175708 o mag-email sa bebang_ej@yahoo.com. Bukas ang poetry night sa lahat ng nais sumali!

May 25, 2006

Bienvenido Lumbera Now National Artist for Literature
by Arvin Abejo Mangohig

Bienvenido Lumbera has officially been conferred National Artist for Literature status yesterday, May 24.

"Sir Bien" was joined by six others in the elite circle: Ramon Obusan for dance, Benedicto Cabrera, painting; Ildefonso Santos, architecture; Ramon Valera for fashion design, Abdulmari Asia Imao, sculpture and Fernando Poe Jr. for film. (Poe and Valera are posthumous awardees.)

The seven were cited for their contributions to their fields by Gloria Arroyo: "preeminent achievements that have enhanced the Filipino’s cultural heritage deserve the recognition and acknowledgment of our government in pursuit of its policy of preserving and developing Filipino culture and a national identity."

Vim Nadera, UP Institute of Creative Writing director, was very happy with the honor conferred to his ICW colleague. "Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera is indeed a national artist. As an artist he's been trying to help other artists in building the Filipino language and literature that we can call national, neither regional nor international, " Nadera said.

Lumbera was recently embroiled in a controversy that spread like wildfire after poet Alfred Yuson questioned the deliberation procedures of the judges and Lumbera's credentials.

Lumbera joins Virgilio Almario as one of the two National Artists that the ICW boasts of and is one of the eight that the University of the Philippines has produced. He is a member of the ICW Board of Advisers and is in the faculty of the Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikang Pilipino.

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 25, 2006

Film Academy of the Philippines Plans Pilots for Pelikulang Pampanitikan

The Film Academy of the Philippines working committee for its Pelikulang Pampanitikan project has decided to produce a trilogy of short stories based on Filipino literary materials in the curriculum of the collegiate level as its pilot for the feature film category.

In a meeting on Friday, May 5, the committee opted to come up with a feature film based on three stories instead of a film based on a single novel or novelette. Those who attended the meeting were FAP Director General Leo Martinez, Deputy Director General Jesse Ejercito, Directors Jose N. Carreon and Felix Dalay, and Ms. Raquel Paz of the Actors' Workshop Foundation.

Two other pilots will be simultaneously produced for the short film (10 to 15 minute running time) category which will be based on a literary material being taken by high school students; and the shorter film (three to eight minute running time) category which will be based on materials in the elementary level.

As proposed by the FAP, the feature film will have a budget of P2 million, half a million pesos for the short film and P200,000 for the shorter film.

CVRP Chairman Eddie Romero, National Artist for Film, endorsed the FAP project and the CVRP members decided to approve the production of one pilot each for the three categories.

Director General Martinez said that a short list of the short stories being taken by college, high school and elementary students is still being updated. The materials to be adapted for the trilogy will come from this list.

The committee will commission scriptwriters, specially those who are also literary writers in their own right, to adapt the stories in the short list.

Scriptwriters are encouraged to lump together three stories which can be interwoven with a single or common thematic motif.

This ambitious FAP project aims to build up a library of films based on literary Filipino masterpieces.

According to the project proposal of the FAP, Pelikulang Pampanitikan will showcase published literary works by Filipino authors – legends, children's stories, poems, short stories, novels, plays – literature that are being taught in our elementary, high-school and college levels. These selected Filipino literary works will be interpreted visually in digital format as full-length feature and short films, by selected filmmakers who are also guild members affiliated with the Film Academy of the Philippines.

The finished films will be shown in scheduled exhibitions in theaters in Metro Manila and other key cities in selected provinces with students as the primary targeted viewers. In areas without theaters, mobile exhibitions may also be arranged in coordination with local schools and organizations. Ultimately, the finished films will also be reproduced in VCD to be distributed extensively at popular prices to schools, libraries, to educators, students, to embassies and consulates, and to the general public.

Pelikulang Pampanitikan is an education-directed project that hopes to generate better understanding of and a deeper appreciation for our Filipino literature and their writers. Through this project, we give due recognition to our own Filipino literature and their authors and writers, at the same time that we provide our schools with a video library of literature materials for the students.

Basically the project will take the form of a film grant to be awarded to groups of film workers interested in interpreting in digital format literary works included in a short list prepared by
FAP with the assistance of the academe.

The films under the Pelikulang Pampanitikan program will be exhibited in regular theaters in Metro Manila and other key cities in the country. The Department of Education will be requested to provide schools the viewing schedules so teachers and students can be organized to view the films as aid to Literature/English subjects and courses. In areas where no theaters operate, mobile exhibitions may be schedule by the Project Organizers in coordination with the local schools or organizations.

The finished films will become the property of the Film Academy of the Philippines which will take responsibility in their exhibition and promotion. After the prescribed exhibition period, the films will be produced in VCD for sale to interested individuals and institutions.

In implementing the project, the FAP will formulate revenue-earning measures that will allow the academy to earn funds that can be used in the succeeding projects. These measures will include a percentage share in theater sales as well as income garnered from the sale of VCD copies.

May 25, 2006

International Essay Competition for Human Rights Conference in Berlin Now Open!

Deadline: July 30th, 2007

The Irmgard Coninx Foundation is continuing its program on human rights with an international conference and adjunct workshops to address the social, political, theoretical, and pragmatic issues of human rights today.

The topic of the new focus is: Population Politics and Human Rights.

As in the years before the "Berlin Roundtables on Transnationalism" will start its new topic with an essay/working paper competition on:

Population Politics and Human Rights:

Can political intervention to family planning and fertility behaviour be brought into harmony - at the global, national and regional levels -with human rights, including the right to reproductive health, to self-determination, to freedom of movement and residence within and across the borders of the state, to a secure existence and social protection?

45 essayists will be selected by an international jury and invited to join the international conference and workshops in Berlin from February 15th - 20th. The Irmgard Coninx Foundation will cover costs of travel to and accommodation in Berlin for invited participants.

Furthermore, for the best essay the Irmgard Coninx Foundation will award to up to three workshop participants a three months research grant in Berlin for the year 2007 at the Social Science Research Centre Berlin (WZB) and the Humboldt University. The recipient will also be invited to join the workshop in 2006. The Irmgard Coninx Foundation will provide for a monthly stipend of 1000 Euro plus accommodation.

For essay details, application procedure and additional information, please visit our website: www.irmgard-coninx-stiftung.de

May 20, 2006

Call for papers: Humanities Diliman

Humanities Diliman is a refereed semi-annual journal for the humanities. It is multi-lingual and both disciplinal and multi-disciplinary. Manuscripts on any aspect of creative and cultural work are welcome. Reviews may also be submitted.

Deadlines for submission: July 14, 2006 and November 30, 2006.

Suggested themes:
1. Language and social transformation
2. Popular culture
3. Myths and institutional dynamics
4. Urban legends
5. Sense and aesthetics
6. Asian-European cultural links

Send contributions to:
The Editor-in-Chief
HUMANITIES DILIMAN
Research Dissemination and Utilization Office
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Development
Lower Ground Floor, Phivolcs Building
C.P. Garcia Ave., UP Diliman, Quezon City 1101

For more information, please contact tel. nos. 927-2309; 927, 2568 (telefax); 981-8500 local 4047
e-mail: rduo.ovcrd@up.edu.ph
website: http://www.ovcrd.upd.edu.ph

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

Food Writing Competition now accepting entries

The Manila Ladies Branch of the International Wine and Food Society (IWFS) announces the start of The Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Award 2006. On this fifth year of the competition, the theme is Filipino native cake or kakanin , its generic name.

The announcement was made at the opening Monday of the Heritage Food Festival of Ilonggo cuisine at the Mandarin Oriental Manila. It was an excellent opportunity because the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. is a sponsor and partner of the Food Writing Award starting this year. Both the Manila Ladies Branch and the Filipino Heritage Festival are working towards the same goal—that of promoting our Filipino culture.

Through the DGF Food Writing Award, the Manila Ladies are cultivating a significant body of literature about Philippine culinary culture. The latest compilation of this is in the book Slow Food: Philippine Culinary Traditions launched last year at a major event of the Branch.

Those who wish to join must write an essay on the native cakes that use rice and other grains like corn and millet, rootcrops (e.g. cassava, kamote ) and fruit (e.g. saba ). Kakanin comes in many forms--cylindrical like the suman , shaped like squares, rectangles or triangles, rounded like some puto .

The essay must be in English, not less than 4,500 characters nor more than 5,000 characters or 800 words, printed on two pages of bond paper, double-spaced.

All entries must use a pen name. Accompany the essay with a separate envelope containing the Author's Information Sheet revealing your (1) name; (2) pen name; (3) residential address and telephone number; (4) business address and telephone number, if you work; (5) cell phone number.

Deadline for submission is August 31, 2006. Submit the printed entry together with a digital copy (Word file or rtf-rich text format on a floppy disk or CD) and the Author's Information Sheet to:

Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Award 2006
IWFS Manila Ladies Branch Awards Committee
PRISM, 5 th floor, PDAF Bldg.
Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City 1200

For more information: email dgfawards@yahoo.com.ph or call Ms. Girlie Canlas, 895-2021

Cash prizes are donated by the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. The first prize winner gets P10,000.00. The runner-up gets P5,000. Finalists will get cash prizes as well. Expect gift certificates as well from bookstores, publishing houses and restaurants.

Announcement of winners will be in September 2006.

Subject Matter: FILIPINO NATIVE CAKES/ KAKANIN

Kakanin is the generic name for Filipino native cakes. While the word indicates rice or kanin as the basic ingredient, it can also mean cakes that use rootcrops (e.g. cassava, kamote ), fruit (e.g. saba ) and other grains (corn, millet).

Kakanin can be in many forms—cylindrical like the suman , shaped like squares, rectangles or triangles, rounded like some puto .

Entries must contain the descriptions of shape, color, ingredients, packaging, manner of cooking and taste. Research on origins, citing essays from other writings on the subject and interviews with kakanin specialists earn additional points.

Important: Cakes and pastries made out of wheat or corn flour are not allowed.

Some examples of kakanin :

The tinubong of Vigan is puto mixture poured into long bamboo tubes and left to cook on coals.

Cebuanos love their putomaya , suman bodbod nd biko , all made of sweetened malagkit as well as the bibingka .

Pampangos make their Christmas week specialties like putong sulot and putong lusong .

Bacolod has its Manapla puto that needs the saba banana leaf for its lining.

Sapin sapin in Bulacan are layers of creamy exquisite tasting rice flour mixed with coconut milk.

Calasiao in Pangasinan is known for its white rounded puto .

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 11, 2006 LIKHAAN cited by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino
by Arvin Abejo Mangohig

The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino recently awarded the LIKHAAN: UP Institute of Creative Writing with an Award of Recognition for its many projects that seek to promote Philippine Literature.

The Komisyon acknowledged the ICW's contributions in traditional literary fora like Kuwentuhan, the ICW's lecture series and Likhaan, the ICW's joint anthology projects with the University of the Philippines Press.

Moreover, the Komisyon took notice of the ICW's pioneering projects such as the Textula, Dionatext and Dalitext for bringing together cellphone technology and the more traditional poetic forms. Other projects that were commended were panitikan.com.ph, a website project with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, Panitikabataan, Sawikaan and Bukambibig.

Amelia Lapena Bonifacio, former ICW director, received the award in behalf of the Institute's fellows, associates and current director Vim Nadera. The awarding was held last April 4 at the Philippine Columbian Association, Paco, Manila in celebration of Balagtas Day.

May 3, 2006

15 Fellows to 13th Iligan National Writers Workshop Named

The National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), Mindanao Creative Writers Group, Inc., and MSU-IIT Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & Extension (OVCRE) announce the 15 writing fellows to the 13th Iligan National Writers Workshop on May 22-25 to be held at the Elena Tower Inn, Iligan City.

Fiction in English: Anna Felicia C. Sanchez, Marikina City (UP Diliman); Catherine C. Bucu, Caloocan City (UP Diliman); Monica S. Macansantos, Baguio City (UP Diliman); Erwin A. Martinez, Caloocan City (UP Diliman); and Romel Tomaring Villaflor, Cotabato City (UP Mindanao).

Other fellows in fiction: (Filipino) Piya Cruz Constantino, (UP Diliman); (Cebuano) Josua S. Cabrera, Cebu City (University of Cebu); (Waray) Hermenigildo A. Sanchez, Catbalogan, Samar; (Chabacano) Linda Cababa Espinosa, Zamboanga City (Western Mindanao State University).

Poetry in Filipino: Mark Anthony Angeles, Manila (PUP); Carlos M. Piocos III, Quezon City (UP Diliman); Reggy C. Figer, Tacloban City (UP Diliman); and Hilda Rosca Nartea, Quezon City (UP Diliman);

Poetry in Cebuano: Greg Fernandez, Cebu City (University of Cebu); (Hiligaynon): Lester Mark P. Carnaje, Iloilo City (West Visayas State University).

Panelists this year are: Ma. Rosario Cruz Lucero (UP Diliman), Erlinda Kintanar Alburo (University of San Carlos), Merlie M. Alunan (UP College of Tacloban), Jaime An Lim (FEU), Steven Patrick C. Fernandez (MSU-IIT), Leoncio P. Deriada (UP in the Visayas) and Michael U. Obenieta, 1996 writing fellow of the 3rd INWW and keynote speaker this year. Workshop director is Christine Godinez Ortega.

The 12th INWW proceedings titled "The State of Constant Beginnings" edited by Godinez Ortega and published by the MSU-IIT OVCRE will be launched during the last day of the workshop.

May 2, 2006

Dumaguete National Writers Workshop fellows announced

National Artist for Literature Edtih L.Tiempo, co-founder of the National Writers Workshop in Dumaguete City, has announced the list of Writing Fellows for the 45th edition of the longest-running writing workshop in the country.

For Poetry, the fellows are Darwin Chiong and Michellan Christine Sarile of De La Salle University, Andrea Teran of Ateneo de Manila University, and Ana Escalante Neri of UP Manila.

For Creative Nonfiction, they are Patricia Evangelista of UP Diliman and Noel Pingoy of Davao Medical Center.

For Short Fiction, the fellows are Douglas James Candano and Antonio Adrian Habana of Atebeo de Manila University, Erika Jean Cabanawan of UP Los Baños, Larissa Mae Suarez of Philippine National High School for the Arts, and Dominique Cimafranca of University of San Carlos.

Sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and coordinated by the Dumaguete Literary Arts Services Group or DULA Inc. headed by Atty. Ernesto Superal Yee, the workshop will be held at the CAP Building in Dumaguete City from May 8 to 26.

Among the panelists expected to assist Dr, Tiempo are Dumaguete-based writers Yee, Bobby VIllasis and Cesar Ruiz Aquino, as well as guest panelists Dr. Rowena Torrevillas from the University of Iowa, R. Zamora Linmark from Honolulu and San Francisco, NCCA Literature Arts committee chair Lito Zulueta, Dr. Gémino H. Abad, Dr. Marjorie Evasco, Susan Lara, DM Reyes, Dr. Anthony Tan and Krip Yuson.

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

Call for Submissions: KAAKUHAN-KALAYAAN FOLIO.

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, we are calling for works (poetry, short story, creative non-fiction, one-act play, art) in English and Filipino that will tackle the self, the independence of the self, the self as part of the nation, the self as an artist, the self as an ordinary person, the self as more than self, and as less than self. It will try to uncover the multiplicity of images that one and many sees of the self, or the blindness that occurs in the self.

The folio will be distributed during the event. The artists who will be selected for the folio are enjoined to perform their pieces or excerpts of it during the event. Submit all works to cavyoung@yahoogroups.com or sanghiyang@yahoogroups.com. Please include contact information, and a one-paragraph write-up about the author. For questions, comments, etc. please contact Ayn dela Cruz at 09209517707 or Ronald Verzo at 09179417365.

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.

May 2, 2006

The 5th Tagaytay Film, Broadcast and Creative Workshop

The Creative Media Professionals Guild of Asia and the Pacific (CMPGAP), a non-stock, non-profit organization composed of active media professionals, would like to invite you to join the fifth summer edition of The Tagaytay Film, Broadcast and Creative Workshop on May 8-12 and May 22-26, 2006 at the Development Academy of the Philippines Conference Center in Tagaytay City.

The Workshops is dedicated to the honing of capabilities of serious students career people in the fields of cinema, television, radio and print media. The courses are separate one-week intensive, experiential workshops conducted by renowned, multi-awarded and respected practitioners in their respective fields who generously shares their know-how to guide the participants expand their vision, sharpen their skills and reveal their potentials. In addition, the weeklong live-in set up of the workshops provides myriad of interaction with other groups.

Course fee of Php 15,000++ covers the cost of course instruction, food and shared lodging, learning materials, shuttle service within Tagaytay, technical facilities (when applicable) and workshop kits. Check payments addressed to the Guild will also be accepted as long as they are paid one week before the course schedule. Enclosed is our brochure for your reference.

We are confident that you as enthusiast in film and media would continue to find this offer a rare opportunity to be exposed to the most respected names in media practice and at the same time have a first hand experience with the technology and equipment that they will be working with in the communication industry.

For further questions about The Workshops, please call 892-9421 or 0915-9471308. You can also visit our website at www.tagaytayworkshops.com.ph or email us at tagaytayworkshops@inbox.com

April 28, 2006

UP Press Launches New Book by Two National Artists

Journey into the strange biblical landscape of Sonetos Postumos . Strewn with relics of the past, it is also scattered with keys and clues to looking at the present and contemplating the future. Between "breath and death," desert and crumbling city, Jericho and Gethsemane, the Bible can speak like the Tibetan Book of the Dead, John the Baptist might meet Dante, and Florante and Lam-Ang could encounter Plato, Nietzche or Alejandro G. Abadilla.

Explore, too, the visual experience of Sonetos Postumos . This new compelling collection by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma) is counterpointed with the stunning art of the late Ang Kiukok, National Artist for the Visual Arts.

Sonetos Postumos is the latest book published by the University of the Philippines Press (UPP). It collects within its full-color pages the poetry of Almario in Filipino, the translation into English by Marne Kilates, and paintings by Ang. The book is part of the special collection of books published by the UPP in celebration of the upcoming centennial of the University of the Philippines.

Virgilio Almario, or Rio Alma, as he is known by the nom de plume he uses for his poetic works, was named National Artist for Literature in 2003. After Ka Amado V. Hernandez, he is so far the only other literateur writing in Filipino to be so honored. As a poet, literary historian, and critic, he has 25 books of poetry and literary criticism to his name. He is currently Dean of the College of Arts and Letter of UP Diliman.

Marne Kilates writes his poetry in English but devotes special attention to writing in Filipino as translator. He was the SEA WRITE awardee in 1998, and has won several Palanca prizes for poetry and the National Book Awards.

Ang Kiukok, son of Chinese immigrants, pre-eminent cultural star of the Filipino-Chinese community, has crossed national boundaries with his work (his paintings are a regular feature in the auction houses of Sotheby's and Christie's), but has always remained truly, undeniably, Filipino. Honored as National Artist for the Visual Arts in 2001, Ang was one of the most vital and dynamic figures who emerged during the 60s, and continued to make an impact on the art scene until the time of his death in 2005.

Sonetos Postumos will be launched by the UPP on May 9, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Copies of the book will be available for sale at a 20% discount at the venue during the launch. The book is available at regular price at the University of the Philippines Press Bookstores in UP Diliman, Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao and at Aeon Books in Katipunan, Popular Bookstore in T. Morato, Solidaridad, Powerbooks, National Book Store, and Fully Booked.

April 28, 2006

Call for Entries: Bridport Prize

The Bridport Arts Centre in Dorset has issued a call for entries to the richest open writing competition in the English language!

Up for grabs are GBP 5,000 for a short story (up to 5000 words) or a poem (42 lines). Second prizes are GBP 1000 each, and third prize for each category is GBP 500.

Anyone can enter, so long as the work is unpublished. Entries must be in English, typewritten, single-sided, with pages numbered and securely fastened. Stories should be double-spaced. Entries must not show any name, address, nor identifying marks other than the title. All details should be on the entry form (available for downloading at the British Council Philippines website).

Submit to the British Council office, 10th floor Taipan Place, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Centre, Pasig on or before May 15. Entries will not be returned, and no corrections may be made after the receipt. Entry fees for qualifying works from the Philippines will be covered by the British Council.

Worldwide copyright of each entry remains with the author, but the Bridport Prize will have unrestricted right to publish the winning poems and stories, including runners-up in their annual anthology. No competitor may win more than one prize in each category.

Grand Prize winners in the worldwide competition will be notified in writing by the beginning of October, 2006. Prizes will be awarded on November 18 during the Bridport Literary Festival.

The winning stories and those shortlisted will be read by leading London literary agents with a view to representing writers. The top 26 stories and poems will be published in the 2006 Bridport Anthology. The top 13 stories will be submitted further to the National Short Story Prize, worth GBP 15K, and the top 4 poems to the Forward Prize.

The Bridport Prize has been the first step in the careers of established poets and novelists such as Kate Atkinson, Tobias Hill, Helen Dunmore, and Carol Ann Duffy. It has been a yearly opportunity for writers since 1973.

For details, contact 914 1011 to 14.

April 28, 2006

Call for Entries: OragonRepublic.Com

Premier Bicol Web site OragonRepublic.Com is now accepting contributions for its second Bikol literary anthology to be launched in September 2006.

Poems, critical essays and short-fiction written in any of the Bikol languages in soft and hard copy must be sent along with the author's bio and contact information to the following addresses: tarusan22@yahoo.com and

The Literary Editor,
OragonRepublic.Com
14C Bagong Lipunan St., Sta. Cruz,
4400 Naga City

Deadline for submission is June 30, 2006.

OragonRepublic.Com is a non-profit community Website and portal for Bikolnons and anyone who feels affinity for the place and its people. Advertisers and/or fundsupport (in cash or in kind) are welcome. Salugsog sa Sulog , the group's first literary project is distributed for free.

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 28, 2006

The 1st Akira's Nightmare Basic Animation Scriptwriting Laboratory

NARRATIVE SHORT & FEATURE FILM APPLICATION  LECTURE SERIES
  
Calling all professional, amateur and student animators! Do you want to create your own material for a narrative short or feature animated film? Then join the 1st Akira's Nightmare Basic Animation Scriptwriting Laboratory (Narrative Short and Feature Film Application).
  
The laboratory is slated for June 2006. The venue will be announced after the organizer is able to achieve a viable number of participants. Register in the e-mail address below and join our e-group.
  
  Schedule & Tuition Fee
  Saturdays & Sundays
  8 sessions: 2 hrs per session
  20-30 slots are available
  P6,000 pesos
  
  E-mail Address: akiras_nightmare@yahoo.com
  
  Subscribe: E-group
  akiras_nightmare-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

April 19, 2006

Call for Submissions: Poets Against Empire

POETS AGAINST EMPIRE is a multi-lingual anthology of contemporary Filipino poems in English and in Filipino vernaculars (Tagalog, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, Bisaya etc. in translation) on the violence and vagaries of globalization including poverty, underemployment, exploitation, forced migration, dislocation, war, and the lived experiences of Filipina/o workers, migrants and the undocumented around the globe. We seek poems that depict Filipino global experiences and realities  - the dreams, desires, fears and nightmares of Filipinos who live in the homeland or those forced to leave it. The collection will feature poems by Filipino writers and poets living in the Philippines or wherever the diaspora has taken them. We welcome contributions from new and established writers, in any of our national or regional languages. While we might consider some previously published works, the editors will give preference to new poems.

Submissions should be created as Word documents, sent as JPEG or PDF files.

Contributors must send the following:
1)  A brief paragraph on the author
2)  Poem(s)

Poems that will be chosen for publication in the anthology will be announced in October 1, 2006.

Deadline for submissions: July 1, 2006
E-mail for submissions: desarapen@gmail.com

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.

Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines Summer Workshops

Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines will hold a series of workshops designed for children's storybook writing:

May 6-7  Writing Stories for Children
Facilitator: Christine Bellen

May 13-14  Illustrating Storybooks for Children
Facilitator: Panch Alcaraz

May 20-21  The Acting and Reading Technique of Storytelling
Facilitator: Manolo SIlayan

The whole course (Writing, Illustrating and Telling) costs only 2,000.00. Or you may just choose which one you want to take. Venue will be at the Executive Lounge of The National Library of the Philippines. All from 9am-5pm.

For inquiries and reservations, please contact Ayo Noval at 5354689 or 0917539230. Limited slots only.

The 1st ROUND EYEGLASS KAPE
Malate Workshop Series

Calling All Professional, Amateur and Student Filmmakers...

No age or academic requirements and open to all individuals who are interested as long as you are willing to go through the workshop with an open and experimental mind. The workshop will begin first week of May.

Coverage of the Workshop

6 sessions : basic scriptwriting experimental application (basic scriptwriting version x)
6 sessions : alternative production (short producer's course)

Schedule & Fee

Venue : THE ROUND EYEGLASS KAPE 1774 M. Adriatco St., Malate, Manila (in front of Starbucks)

Months : May-June Sessions : 12 sessions (Saturdays and Sundays : 2-5 pm) (3 hrs per session)

Tuition Fee :5,000 pesos 20-30 /participants

Email us at larrys_army@yahoo.com to register. Please pass the word to your friends who might be interested.

Organizers : THE ROUND EYEGLASS KAPE The Malate Workshop Series

April 12, 2006

UST Announces successful applicants for 7th writers workshop

The UST Center for Creative Writing and Studies announces the names of the successful applicants to its 7 th National Writers Workshop.

The successful applicants for English poetry are Alexie Renz M. Cruz (UST), Ainnie Frances de la Cruz (UP), Jennifer U. Macapagal (UP Manila), Margaux Dominique R. Dimanlig (UST), and Tim Nubla (UST). The successful applicants for English fiction are Heizel L. Mainar (DLSU), Jonathan Siason (DLSU), and Chuck D. Smith (UST). The successful applicants for Filipino are Roxanne Herce Belan (UPLB), Hazel E. Caasi (Ateneo), Nia Catherine P. Calleja (UPLB), and Sarah Jane B. Grutas (UP).

The 7 th National Writers Workshop will be held from May 2 to 6 at the UST Creative Writing Center. It will focus on poetry, fiction, one-act play, and creative non-fiction in English and Filipino. To conduct the workshop are Ophelia O. Dimalanta, Cirilo F. Bautista, Michael M. Coroza, Lourd de Veyra, Jose Victor Torres, Nerisa del Carmen Guevara, Eros Atalia, and Carlos Luz.

April 12, 2006

Call for Submission: Caracoa 2006

Caracoa, the official literary publication of the Philippine Literary Arts Council (PLAC) and the longest-running journal of poetry in English in Asia, is now accepting submissions for Caracoa 2006.

The return of Caracoa marks the 25th anniversary of the PLAC. It will be the first Caracoa anthology to come out in almost ten years.

There is no specific theme for this issue. Those interested should submit two unpublished poems in English via email (word attachment only) thru caracoa2006@yahoo.com . Deadline for submission is May15, 2006. Those submitting should include their contact info and a brief bio-data.

Caracoa 2006 will showcase the works of 20 to 25 poets and will be guest edited by several up and coming poets in English. Caracoa 2006 is targeted for publication this coming September, and will be the first in what is envisioned to be a semi-annual publication of the journal.

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 12, 2006

Summer Workshops at the ORTIGAS FOUNDATION LIBRARY

WRITING

Introduksyon sa Pagsulat ng Tula

Facilitator: Beverly Siy (TEXT ME FOR DISCOUNT 0919-3175708)

Tatalakayin ang depinisyon ng tula, katangian, tradisyon sa panulaang Tagalog, mga halimbawa ng katutubo at kolonisadong anyo ng tula; paraan, antas, at uri ng tugma, sukat, tinig at himig, at iba pa.

. 18 years old and above
. 3 sessions, 4 hours per session
. Saturdays, 1:00pm to 5:00pm
. April 22, 29, May 6
. No. of students: 15 min, 30 max (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P2,500.00
. Contact Beverly Siy: 09193175708

Introduksyon sa Pagsulat ng Sanaysay

Facilitator: Ferdinand Jarin

Tatalakayin ang depinisyon ng sanaysay, ang mga katangian nito, ang pagsulat ng pormal o impersonal na sanaysay at ng impormal o personal na sanaysay, at mga gabay sa pagsulat ng epektibong sanaysay.

. 16 years old and above
. 4 sessions, 3 hours per session
. Saturdays, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
. May 6, 13, 20, 27
. No. of students: 10 min, 15 max (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P3,000.00
. Contact Ferdie Jarin: 09062531228

Scriptwriting for Film

Facilitator: Libay Linsangan Cantor

The workshop will tackle the basic-basics of writing for film. This is a scriptwriting workshop for absolute beginners. Focus is on the Classical Hollywood Narrative Cinema style of scriptwriting. Topics to be discussed are story/plot structure, anatomy of the screenplay, etc.

. 16 years old and above
. 5 sessions
. M, T, W, Th, 6-8 pm; Sat, 9am to 4pm
. May 22, 23, 24, 25, 27
. No. of students: 6 min, 10 max (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P3,750.00
. Contact Libay Cantor: 09192224259

Introduction to Poetry

Facilitator: Aldus Santos

This course should enable the student to read poetry critically, detect poetic devices in varying genres of poetry, and, finally, write his own poems with a heightened sensitivity for the language of modern verse. A quick survey of popular poetic forms from the later half of the century-from the confessional poems of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton, to the beat poems of Allen Ginsberg, to the more contemporary prose poems of Aaron Shurin and Anne Carson, among others-will also be included.

. 16 years old and above
. 7 sessions, 3 hours per session
. Saturdays, 9:30am - 12:30pm
. April 22, 29 May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3
. No. of students: 10 min, 20 max (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P3,500.00
. Contact Aldus Santos: 09193984469

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Arts and Crafts Workshop for Superhero Kids

Facilitator: Art Adventures

This workshop covers a wide variety of mixed media art and emphasizes on creativity and techniques. Big kids will develop a meaningful connection with art and the ability to create 'out of the box'. Through this 10-session workshop, children learn cooperation, decision-making and socialization in a relaxed atmosphere. Projects include acrylic painting, t-shirt designing, tie-dyeing, stamping, perfume and lip balm making, jewelry making, and lots of cool creativity exercises.

. 7-12 years old
. 10 sessions, 2 hours per session
. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am to 12:00nn
. April 18, 20, 25, 27, May 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18
. No. of students: 10 min, 20 max (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P4,250.00
. Contact Alessa Libongco: 0917-7371376

Art Exploration and Creativity for Teens

Facilitator: Art Adventures

Art Adventures offers this 8-session program designed for teens who want to take a dip into a different kind of art each week. This workshop covers a wide variety of mixed media art and emphasizes creativity, skill, and techniques. With more advanced projects like silk-screening, photography, comic illustration, graphic design, jewelry making, and songwriting, teens will be challenged to create art that is both enjoyable and functional.

. 13-18 years old
. 8 sessions, 3 hours per session
. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
. April 25, 27, May 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18
. No. of students: 10 min, 20 max (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P4,500.00
. Contact Alessa Libongco: 0917-7371376

Basic Jewelry Making Workshop

Facilitator: Art Adventures

Try your hand at beginner jewelry. Learn jewelry making techniques and create fashion accessories using many different metal and non-metal materials. Students will learn wire crocheting, beading, making beads and pendants with polymer clay, and creating jewelry from recycled and found materials. You imagination and creativity will be tested, as you will be tasked to create your own jewelry collection!

. 13 years old and above
. 5 sessions, 3 hours per session
. Saturdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm
. April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20
. No. of students: 8 min, 15 max (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P3,750.00
. Contact Alessa Libongco: 0917-7371376

Free Art Day (for Ortigas Foundation, Inc. beneficiaries)

Facilitator: Art Adventures

. 3-6 years old (20 max) or 7-12 years old (20 max)
. 1 session, 3 hours . Sunday, April 30, 1:30 - 4:30pm

Write and Illustrate your own storybook

Facilitator: Munting Daliri

Write and illustrate with the masters of Book Illustration from UP Illustrador ng Kabataan. Learn new ways to make your own book and fill them with fantastic illustration. We'll make images with paint, oil pastels, collage, printmaking and more.

. 8 years old and above
. 12 sessions, 2 hours per session
. Mondays to Fridays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
. May 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23
. No. of students: 8 min, 15 max (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P5,000.00
. Contact Mary Ann Uy: 09283744324

Free Hand Illustration and Digital Art Animation

Facilitator: Munting Daliri

Cartoons are among the most popular visual art forms of our time. Explore the origins of the moving picture beginning with how to draw a character to making an animation cell using simple mechanical means. Students are encouraged to invent their own characters.

Module 1: Basic foundation for illustration, free hand drawing and preparation for building of your very own character (6 sessions, to be held in Ortigas Foundation)

Module 2: Introduction to digital art. Basic free hand and 2d lecture, story boarding and storyline. (3 sessions, to be held in Academy of First Future Arts in Makati) . 8 years old and above

. Module 1: 6 sessions, 2 hours each; Module 2: 3 sessions, 4 hours each
. Module 1: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am - 12nn; Module 2: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, time to be announced
. May 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24
. No. of students: 8 min, 15 max
. P5,000.00
. Contact Mary Ann Uy: 09283744324

THEATER ARTS

Children's Theater 1

Facilitator: KC Camposuelo from Care and Counsel Wholeness Center

Introduction to acting and theater for toddlers with a play production at the end of the workshop. This workshop aims to instill and develop discipline, confidence and creativity among very young children through theatre and body movements. A bit of psycho-emotional processing will also be part of the program so that these children will learn how to handle their emotions properly and channel their expressions and energy towards positive outputs such as the arts.

. 4 to 6 years old
. 8 sessions, 2 hours per session
. Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00am - 11:00am
. April 17, 19, 24, 26, May 3, 5 (Fri), 8, 10
. No. of students: 10 min, 15 max (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P5,500.00
. Contact KC Camposuelo: 09198286184

Children's Theater 2

Facilitator: KC Camposuelo from Care and Counsel Wholeness Center

Introduction to acting and theater for children with a play production at the end of the workshop. This workshop aims to instill and develop discipline, confidence and creativity among children through theatre and body movements. A bit of psycho-emotional processing will also be part of the program so that these children will learn how to handle their emotions properly and channel their expressions and energy towards positive outputs such as the arts.

. 7 to 12 years old
. 8 sessions, 2 hours per session
. Mon and Wed, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
. April 17, 19, 24, 26, May 3, 5 (Fri), 8, 10
. No. of students: 10 min, 15 max (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P5,500.00
. Contact KC Camposuelo: 09198286184

Teen Theater (Summer Drama Workshop on Filipino Values)

Facilitator: Everyman Presents

The workshop aims to develop in its participants an increased awareness and understanding of traditional Philippine values, using the medium of drama and theater. There will be a culminating performance at the end of the workshop series.

. 13 to 19 years old
. 14 sessions, 3 hours per session
. Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:00am - 12:00nn
. April 18, 21, 25, 28 May 2, 6 (Saturday), 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 June 2
. No. of students: 12 min, max 20 (+ 5 free slots for OFI beneficiaries)
. P4,500.00
. Contact Monica Llamas: monicallamas@axti.com

For inquiries and enrolment concerns, kindly contact the FACILITATORS or the ORTIGAS FOUNDATION LIBRARY (look for KIEL), 631-1231 local 228.

Come to the Cast/LUK4 Powerbooks Summer Workshops!

This summer, Nautilus Comics and Directories Philippines Corporation present the Cast/LUK4 Powerbooks Workshop series!  If you're an aspiring writer and/or artist, or maybe you're just curious about the process of creating comic books, then drop by during our summer workshops and get some tips from the professional comic creators of Nautilus Comics.  And that's not all! Since this is our third year doing these workshops, we've decided to add some special activities this year. And all of these activities are absolutely FREE!

COMIC ART WORKSHOPS AND TALENT SEARCH

This April, learn the basics of comic illustration and some professional techniques from experienced comic artists.  Afterwards, you can enter the Cast/LUK4 Talent Search! We're looking for two artists to pencil two 2-page Cast comics that will promote the LUK4 cellphone directory service.  These two artists will be paid P3000 each for their work and have their comics published in Cast and distributed in free mini-comics by DPC Yellow Pages. If you want to join the search, bring your portfolio and samples (both pin-up art and sequential/comic) that can be submitted to Nautilus Comics.  You must be at least 18-years-old to join the talent search (but everyone can join the workshop and have their works reviewed by our artists).  
Application forms will be available during the workshop.  Even if we don't select you to work on the comic, if we like your work we will keep you on the Nautilus Comics roster for possible future projects.  
So gather up your samples and bring them to the following venues:

Powerbooks Greenbelt: 4-7 pm April 20 Thursday
Powerbooks Megamall: 4-7 pm April 29 Saturday

COMIC WRITING WORKSHOPS AND LIVE COMIC READING

For May, learn the secrets of the writers of Cast and other Nautilus Comics books.  Discover the techniques of plot development, characterization, dialogue writing and other literary skills.  
Afterwards, experience a comic book story come to life as we present live comic readings of Cast issues 7 and 8!  Cast creator Jamie Bautista, along with professional voice talents will do a live reading of Cast as the comic panels are projected on a screen. See what happens when the comic about acting is actually acted out!  This is a rare comic event you don't want to miss!  Be sure to drop by on these dates:

Workshop and Cast issue 07 performance: Powerbooks Greenbelt, 4-7 pm  
May 11, Thursday
Workshop and Cast issue 08 performance: Powerbooks Megamall, 4-7 pm  
May 19, Friday

April 3, 2006

"Salamanca" launched

The Ateneo University Press and Fully Booked launched "Salamanca" by Dean Francis Alfar, last Saturday, April 1, 2006 at Fully Booked, Promenade, Greenhills.

"Salamanca," Palanca's grand prize winner for the novel in 2005, is a powerful love story that unfolds in the mythical town of Tagbaoran in Palawan, between Gaudencio Rivera, a writer whose prodigious sensuality fuels literary feats, and Jacinta Cordova, whose transcendent beauty ignites passions in the unlikeliest individuals but ironically discourages the townsfolk from bearing children of their own.

Of Alfar's first novel Caroline Hau writes, "this audacious work of imagination takes the reader on a magical excursion into Philippine life and history while setting new standards for the Filipino novel along the way."

"Salamanca" is available at the Ateneo University Press (02-4265984; unipress@admu.edu.ph), all branches of Fully Booked (02-7244057), Aeon (02-9269406), Bound (02-4117768), Popular (02-3722162), and Solidaridad (02-5230870).

Advanced Scriptwriting Workshop Rescheduled

The schedule of the UP Film Institute's Advanced Scriptwriting Workshop was moved on April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2006 (Sundays, 1 to 6 pm).

Targeting professional screenwriters or teleplay writers, the workshop challenges participants to construct culturally meaningful subjects for their scripts. It has been designed for experienced witers to cover the advanced topics: the grammar of the film narrative, time modes in rendering the narrative subject, blocking designs to structure the plot, rhetorical devices to articulate narrative arguements and various mechanisms to heighten dramatic scenes.

The workshop will be conducted by multi-awarded screenwriter Armando "Bing" Lao, one of the juror for this year's Cinemalaya scriptwriting contest.

Interested applicants may call 9263640 or 9262722 or email bjorki71@yahoo.com for registration

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 27, 2006

2006 GAWAD LUMBERA PARA SA KRITISISMONG PAMPANITIKAN

Mga Tuntunin ng Patimpalak

Bukas ang timpalak sa pagsulat ng kritisismong pampanitikan mula 15 Marso hanggang 15 Abril 2006 sa pagtataguyod ng Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, Programa Lumbera at ng Helenica Foundation. Para sa unang taon, bukas ang patimpalak sa lahat ng mga gradwadong mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, Diliman.

Ang paksa ng panunuring pampanitikan para sa taong ito ay ang Hibik at Himagsik nina Victoria Lactaw. Maaaring makakuha ng kopya ng libretto at cd ng musika nito sa tanggapan ng DFPP.

Ang bilang ng kopyang kailangang isumite ay apat-isang orihinal at tatlong kopya. Isang lahok lamang ang tatanggapin bawat indibidwal. Hindi dapat kulangin sa 20 pahina at di higit sa 30 pahina ang panunuri. Ang bawat lahok ay kailangang makinilyado o kompyuterisado, may 2 o dobleng espasyo sa bond paper na may sukat na 81/2 x 11, at may palugit na isang pulgada sa itaas, ibaba at magkabilang tabi. Huwag ring kalilimutang lagyan ng bilang ng pahina ang papel. Maaaring gamitin ang alinman sa mga font na Times New Roman, Garamond o Book Antiqua at font size 12. Kilangan ding magsumite ng isang soft copy ng lahok na papel.

Ang mga lahok ay hindi dapat magtaglay ng tunay na pangalan at adres ng kalahok.Gumamit lamang ng sagisag-panulat sa papel. Kailangan ding sagutan ng kalahok ang Opisyal na Pormularyo ng Paglahok at ipaloob ito kasama ang resume sa isang saradong sobre (legal size).

Ang lahat ng lahok ay maaaring isumite sa DFPP, 2 nd Floor Bulwagang Rizal, KAL, UP Diliman na hindi lalampas sa ika-5:00 ng hapon ng 15 Abril 2006.

Bagamat mananatiling pag-aari pa rin ng kalahok ang mga nagwaging papel, magkakaroon ng karapatan ang DFPP at Programa Lumbera na ilathala ito sa mga akmang pagkakataon (hal. maaari itong ilagay sa website ng PL). Dapat ding kilalanin ng kalahok ang Gawad Lumbera sa anumang publikasyon ng naturang papel.

Ang Opisyal na Pormularyo ng Paglahok ay maaaring makuha sa DFPP.

Ang mga gantimpala sa patimpalak ay gaya ng mga sumusunod:

• Unang Gantimpala Php 5,000 at Sertipiko
• Pangalawang Gantimpala Php 3,000 at Sertipiko
• Pangatlong Gantimpala Php 2,000 at Sertipiko

Ang pasya ng inampalan ay pangwakas at di maipaghahabol.

Ipahahayag ang mga nagwagi sa katapusan ng Abril. Samantala, mag-abang naman ng anunsiyo ukol sa programa ng parangal sa mga nagwagi.

Para sa iba pang impormasyon, tumawag sa telepono blg. 9244899 at hanapin si Alwin Aguirre, Jayson Petras, U Elizerio o Ate Ma rie. Makipag-ugnayan din sa DFPP.

March 23, 2006

Call for Submissions - Feminist Anthology
Doing it in Strange Places... And Making Change: Young Women Fighting for Social Justice

A commonly asked question at social justice events is, "What can I do to get more involved?" This question is usually answered in one of three ways: send money, call politicians, and volunteer.

Unfortunately, none of these foster a sense of investment in an issue or offer solutions for how to be personally involved in solving the injustices in the world. It also doesn't account for the lack of time, money and resources that these three answers require. What if we could just incorporate our politics into our every day lives, particularly into our seemingly apolitical jobs/careers?

In fact, that is just what most activists do.

In this anthology, we want to hear from young women from all walks of life who have found creative ways to use their passion (from writing to banking to computer programming to being a homemaker) as an outlet for social justice activism. We seek to create an anthology that makes activism more accessible and inspire others to use the resources that they have to contribute to social justice. Changing the world won't happen over night, so let's share our daily successes and strategies for making all of our visions of a better world possible. Tell us what worked and what didn't because all experiences are valuable. We want to be sure multiple voices and perspectives are represented in the anthology.

Writers of all experience levels are encouraged to submit work. All work must be original and should not be published elsewhere.

Submission Guidelines

* We prefer to have submissions sent via email in a Word or Rich Text Format document to mandy_vandeven@yahoo.com with "Doing it in Strange Places" in the subject line.

Otherwise, submissions can be mailed to:

Mandy Van Deven
955 Metropolitan Ave, #4R
Brooklyn, NY 11211 USA

* If you would like your submission returned to you, please include a SASE.

* Word count: 2,500 - 5,000

* All submissions require your name, address, phone number, email address, and a short bio. Submissions should be received by May 1, 2006.

Please direct any questions you may have to mandy_vandeven@yahoo.com

March 23, 2006

World Bank International Essay Competition 2006

The World Bank through the ASEAN Secretariat announces the opening of the International Essay Competition 2006. This year's theme is on youth's experiences and ideas on community work and participation in public life.

The topics for the essay are:

. How do you solve problems?
. How do you influence decision making?

The essay should not be longer than 10 pages (4,000 words maximum), 1.5 line spaced and each essay should be accompanied by an abstract. The submission deadline is on April 2, 2006.

The competition is open to participants between 18-25 years of age, and not eligible for students who are currently taking Ph. D. courses. The full details of the rules are available at www.essaycompetition.org.

March 21, 2006

Call for Papers/Submissions to the Silliman Journal
Volume No. 47 Issue No. 2, 2006

Silliman Journal is now accepting submission of papers to be published in volume 47 number 2 2006. The forthcoming issue will focus on the impact of the Electronic Age on the humanities and sciences.

The issue aims to define the responses and accommodations of the disciplines to the unavoidable impact of the Internet and related technology. Papers may dwell on various issues such as Constructing Identity in the Computer Age (cybersexuality, cyberpsychology, cultural identity in cyberspace), Building Community in the Electronic Age (cellphone culture, virtual community, electronic democracy, the Global Village, e-business), and Seeking and Creating Knowledge in the Information Age (hypertext literature, cyberspace in literature, the electronic classroom, the Internet's impact on research and research skills, information overload, owning and sharing knowledge, robotics).

The deadline for submission is 31 May 2006.

Please submit either three (3) word-processed, double-spaced hard copies on good quality paper to

Mr. Ian Rosales Casocot
Department of English and Literature
College of Arts and Sciences
1/F Katipunan Hall
Silliman University
6200 Dumaguete City
Negros Oriental, Philippines

A diskette copy of the paper, formatted in MS Word 6.0 should accompany the submitted hard copy. Or you can email the manuscript as an MS Word (.doc) or Rich Text Format (.rtf) attachment to icasocot@gmail.com.

The submitted paper should also contain an Abstract. A cover letter, with an attached bionote of one paragraph, will be appreciated.

The manuscript submitted for publication should not have been previously published, nor currently being considered for publication elsewhere. At the time of submission, the contributor should indicate if a modified version of the manuscript is being considered for publication elsewhere. Silliman Journal and the individual authors hold the copyright to the published articles.

Silliman Journal generally welcomes contributions in all fields from both Philippine and foreign scholars, but papers should preferably have some relevance to the Philippines, Asia, or the Pacific.

All submissions are refereed. Articles should be products of research, taken in its broadest sense. Authors are advised to keep in mind that the Silliman Journal has a general and international readership, and to structure their papers accordingly.

Silliman Journal also welcomes the submission of "Notes," which generally are briefer and more tentative than full-length articles. Reports on work in progress, queries, updates, reports of impressions rather than research, responses to the works of others, even reminiscences are appropriate here. Book reviews and review articles will also be considered for publication.

Manuscripts should conform to the conventions of format and style exemplified in a typical issue of Silliman Journal. Whenever possible, citations should appear in the body of the paper, holding footnotes to a minimum. Documentation of sources should be discipline-based. Pictures or illustrations will be accepted only when absolutely necessary. All articles must be accompanied by an abstract and must use gender-fair language.

March 21, 2006

A Call for Pinoy HAIKU
The All-Filipino Haiku Contest in Commemoration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year 2006

Theme: "Pinoy Haiku: Verses for Mother Nature"

Contest Rules:

•  The message of the haiku must deal with appreciation of the environment, love of nature, care for the ecology, or a commentary on the natural world.

•  Contestants should be Filipino citizens living in the Philippines or abroad.

•  Entries may be in Filipino or English.

•  In Filipino, haiku must be in 7-5-7 syllables. The lines may use any of the following rhyme schemes: a-a-a, a-b-a, a-a-b, a-b-b, or a-b-c.

•  The Filipino haiku entry must be accompanied by a free or direct English translation below the page.

•  In English, the 5-7-5 syllables should be observed with or without a rhyme scheme.

•  A maximum of two (2) haiku entries are allowed per contestant.

•  Submissions may be done by mail, e-mail, or fax. Please use the free downloadable Entry Form at this website: http:// www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp for submission through the Embassy of Japan.

•  If submitted by mail , entries should be printed by computer or typewritten (12-point font size) on the E ntry F orms. Please accomplish three (3) copies of the Entry Form.

•  If submitted via e-mail , entries must be in a Word Document file and sent as an attachment. A scanned signature is required in the entry form. If this is not possible, send one (1) accomplished Entry Form with your signature by mail or fax.

•  If submitted by fax , entries should be printed by computer or typewritten (12-point font size) on the E ntry F orms.

•  Two (2) haiku per Entry Form should be observed. Do not put any distinguishing mark on your entries.

•  Please avoid fancy, hard-to-read typefaces, use the 12-point font size .

•  Please send your entries to:

Mail to: Japan Information and Cultural Center

Embassy of Japan
2627 Roxas Boulevard Pasay City 1300, Philippines

Fax to: ( 632) 551-5784

E -mails to : jicc-mnl@japanembassy.ph or jiccmanila@yahoo.com

•  Plagiarized haiku, previously-published haiku or haiku closely similar to previously published haiku will automatically be disqualified. Entries should not be submitted to other contests or publications.

•  Entries will be considered the property of the Embassy of Japan and the organizers and therefore will not be returned. Copyright of the works remain with the author but the latter grants, assigns and transfers into the Embassy of Japan and the organizers the right to publish any of the entries as it may deem at its discretion, without necessity of any payment other than the prize which may have been awarded to the winning entries.

•  The works must show literary merit and social significance. Only haiku entries that passed the criteria for evaluation of the judges will be published. The decision of the Judges is final.

•  Winning entries will appear in "The Japan Bulletin" (The official publication of the Embassy of Japan); "The Booklet of Winning Works, Pinoy Haiku Contest" of the UST press publication; and on the Internet.

Deadline of submission: Not later than Friday, June 2nd, 2006. Your entry must be postmarked or submitted on-line by this date.

Awards: Top three poems and ten honorable mentions.

Announcement of Winning Works: Winners will be notified on Friday, July 7th, 2006 . The judges will comment on the winning works at the Awarding Ceremony.

Awarding Ceremony: The ceremony is scheduled on Friday, July 28th, 2006 at the Graduate School, UST, Manila, Philippines.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Japan Information and Cultural Center
Embassy of Japan
2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300, Philippines

telephone: (632) 551-5710
fax: (632) 551-5784
e-mails: jicc-mnl@japanembassy.ph or jiccmanila@yahoo.com
website: www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp

In coordination with: THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines

Working Committee:

Mr. Rey de Vera, Coordinator, UST Haiku Group reydvra@yahoo.com
Mr. Benjie Torralba, Assistant Coordinator benjie_torralba@yahoo.com

Entry Form: Please use the entry form available here. Photocopied entry forms will be accepted.

March 21, 2006

2006 International Essay Contest for Young People

Sponsored by The Goi Peace Foundation and The World Peace Prayer Society
(UNESCO's Partners for the International Decade of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World)
Endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education
Supported by Japan Airlines

The United Nations has designated 2001-2010 as the "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World." Not only should young people benefit from this global movement, but they should be empowered to play a leading role in the creation of a culture of peace. The theme of this year's International Essay Contest is "Learning to live together: promoting tolerance and diversity in globalized societies." Young people from around the world are invited to submit their creative ideas on this theme.


* Theme:

Children's Category
"Learning to live together: promoting tolerance and diversity in globalized societies" -- In our modern world, people of different nationality, race or religion often find themselves living and working side by side. How can peoples of diverse cultures and backgrounds live together peacefully? How can young people contribute to the creation of dynamic and harmonious multicultural societies? What kind of projects can you start to achieve this goal?

Youth Category
"Learning to live together: promoting tolerance and diversity in globalized societies" -- Ignorance, exclusion, discrimination, and a lack of social integration of foreigners and immigrants within the main society may become causes of deep frustration and explosive violent clashes among young people as seen in different parts of the world. How can peoples of diverse cultures and backgrounds live together peacefully? How can young people contribute to the creation of dynamic and harmonious multicultural societies? Formulate your ideas for a project or initiative to achieve this goal.

* Guidelines:

1.    Essays may be submitted by anyone up to 25 years old in one of the following age categories:

a) Children (ages up to 14) b) Youth (ages 15 - 25)

2.    Essays must be typed or printed in English, Spanish, German or French.

Children's category: 800 words or less
Youth category: 1000 words or less

3.    Essays must have a cover page indicating (1) category (Children or Youth) (2) essay title (3) your name (4) present address (5) phone number (6) fax number (7) e-mail address (8) nationality (9) age as of June 30, 2006 (10) sex (11) school name and grade. Teachers and youth directors may submit a collection of essays from their class or group. Please enclose a list of participants' names and the name and contact information of the submitting teacher or director.
(Entries missing any of the above information will not be considered.)
4.    Entries may be submitted by postal mail or e-mail.
5.    Essays must be original and unpublished.
6.    Essays must be written by one person. Co-authored essays are not accepted.
7.    Copyright of the essays entered will be assigned to the sponsor.

* Deadline:    Entries must be received by June 30, 2006 .  

Winners will be announced in November 2006 on the Goi Peace Foundation web site ( http://www.goipeace.or.jp ). Winners will also be notified.

* Awards:    The following awards will be given in the ChildrenÅfs category and Youth category respectively:

1st Prize:    Certificate and prize of 100,000 Yen (approx. US$900)  ... 1 entrant
2nd Prize:    Certificate and prize of 50,000 Yen (approx. US$450)  ... 2 entrants
3rd Prize:    Certificate and gift  ... 5 entrants
Honorable Mention:  Certificate and gift  ... 25 entrants
All entrants will receive a certificate.
(Certificates, prizes and gifts will be mailed to the entrants by the end of the year.)

1st prize winners will be invited to the award ceremony and the International Youth Forum to be held in Tokyo, Japan in November 2006.
(Travel expenses will be covered by the sponsor.)

* Please send your entries to:

International Essay Contest c/o The Goi Peace Foundation
1-4-5 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093  Japan
E-mail: essay@goipeace.or.jp

March 15, 2006

SEMINAR-WORKSHOPS ON TEACHING CREATIVE WRITING IN FILIPINO AND ENGLISH

LIKHAAN: The UP Institute of Creative Writing and the UP Baguio College of Arts & Communications will hold a three-day seminar-workshops for college and high-school teachers who teach Creative Writing or use literary works in teaching their subjects. The seminar-workshop will be held at the UP Baguio Multipurpose Hall, 4 - 6 April 2006.

The seminar-workshop will be conducted by the Associates of LIKHAAN: The UP Institute of Creative Writing who are also part of the Teaching Staff of the 45 th UP National Writers Workshop at Pines View Hotel, Baguio City, 1-8 April 2006. University Professor Emeritus Gémino H. Abad will deliver a paper on the teaching of Creative Writing and its importance in the development of Philippine literature. A panel of writers and teachers from Baguio City, to be led by poet Francis Macansantos, will discuss writing literature from the Cordilleras. The Associates of the Institute will facilitate workshops on the short story, poetry and creative nonfiction in both English and Filipino. A public forum on the creativity of the Filipino writer will feature National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera and UP Mindanao Chancellor Ricardo de Ungria.

The seminar-workshops are duly accredited by the Commission on Higher Education and delegates will be awarded certificates of participation and attendance.

For more information, please call or fax 922-1830.

March 14, 2006

Dumaguete Workshop now accepting applications

Applications for fellowship to the 45 th edition of the national Writers Workshop in Dumaguete City are being accepted until March 31.

National artist for Literature Edith L. Tiempo, workshop director, announced that the summer sessions are to be held from May 8 to 27.

Application letters should be addressed to Dr. Tiempo, second floor, CAP Bldg., Rizal Blvd., Dumaguete City together with a resume, two 1x2 photos of the applicant, and manuscripts in English in any of the following genres, with respective quantity: three to five short stories, seven to ten poems, three to five creative non-fiction essays or two one-act plays.

The manuscripts can be sent as hard copy but should also be accompanied by a disk copy, preferable in MA Word, plus a certification that the works are original, and a recommendation letter from a professor of literature or creative writing or a writer of distinction.

Fellowships cover board and lodging and a modest stipend for the duration of the workshop, as well as partial reimbursement of travel fare.

Writers who have already received fellowships in other national workshops for this year are enjoined to apply at another time.

March 13, 2006  

Ateneo Writers Workshop now accepting submissions

The Ateneo Institute for Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP) is now accepting applications to the sixth Ateneo National Writers Workshop to be held in October 23-28.

Applicants must submit a portfolio of any one of the following in Filipino or in English: five poems, three short stories, or two one-act plays, together with a title page indicating the author's pseudonym and a table of contents. The portfolio must be accompanied by a file of the document(s) saved in a diskette in rich text format (RTF).

All submissions must also include a sealed envelope containing the author's name, address, contact numbers, and a one-page bio data with 1x1 ID picture.

Address all entries to Dr. Benilda Santos, director, Ateneo National Writers Workshop c/o Filipino Department, Horacio de la Costa Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

Deadline of submissions is August 4.

March 13, 2006

56th Palanca Awards open to entries

The Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Foundation is now accepting entries for the 56th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Entries will be accepted until 12 midnight of April 30, 2006.

The theme for this year's Kabataan Informal Essay category is "Why I Would Want to Stay in the Philippines?" (English division), and "Kung Bakit Nais Ko'ng Manatili sa Pilipinas?" (Filipino division). The Kabataan Informal Essay is a special category open to persons below 18 years of age. Palanca awardees who have won four first prizes in this category are bestowed with the Kabataan Award of Distinction. 

The Short Story category is open in English, Filipino and the Regional Languages (Hiligaynon, Iluko, Cebuano). The Futuristic Fiction, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, One-act Play and
Full-length Play categories are open in the English and Filipino divisions. The Teleplay and Screenplay categories are open only in the Filipino division. 

Entries may be submitted in person or sent by courier service to Carlos Palanca Foundation, 6th Floor, CPJ Building, 105 C. Palanca Jr. St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. All entries submitted via e-mail should be transmitted not later than midnight of April 30.

Entries should be in Rich Text Format or a Word Document File and should be sent as an attachment, together with the author's bio-data and an original copy of the notarized authorization form. 

March 7, 2006

New Landicho Book To Be Launched By UP and Ateneo

Fictionist and UP professor Domingo G. Landicho will have his new collection of stories- Bathaluman -launched on March 13, 8-12 am at the Pulungang Recto, Bulwagang Rizal, UP Diliman, Quezon City. The event will be held right after a poem reciting contest named after the author, or the Landichohan 2006.

The UP Department of Filipino, the Ateneo de Manila University Press, and the UP Office of the Initiative for Culture and the Arts sponsor the affair. Expected guest include UP President Emerlinda Roman, Ateneo Press Director Maricor Baytion, and Iluko writer Reynaldo Duque.

The fourteen stories in Bathaluman have a strong streak of the fantastic in them, thus can certainly entice the reader's imagination. These span more than four decades of the author's writing career and may explain the rich range of subjects, from religion to art, from dreams to prejudice, and more.

For details, call 929-0113 and 924-4899.

March 7, 2006

The 1^st JesCom Scriptwriting Competition

The Jesuit Communications Foundation is now accepting entries for the 1st JesCom Scriptwriting Competition. Open to all Filipino citizens of any age except regular employees of Jesuit Communications, the competition is a great opportunity for both budding and veteran scriptwriters to have their scripts produced, broadcasted and/or distributed.

THEME:

In order to qualify, the screenplay must have a Christian theme suitable for the Lenten or Christmas season i.e. family values, spiritual transformations, contemporary Christ stories, forgotten Filipino values, etc.

CATEGORIES:

SCREENPLAY
DOCUMENTARY PITCH

REQUIREMENT FOR SCREENPLAY:

-One-page synopsis, sequence treatment and character list;
-One (1) copy of screenplay, 80=150 pages of short bond, minimum of 40 sequences, with page number at the bottom and 1-inch margin on all sides, must not contain name, address and other markings;
-Must be original fiction and not have been entered in any other scriptwriting contest;

REQUIREMENT FOR DOCUMENTARY PITCH:

One (1) copy of concept paper containing a brief summary, rationale, sequence treatment and proposed budget;

-must have a maximum of 7 pages, short bond, with page number at the bottom and 1-inch margin on all sides,
-must not contain name, address and other markings;
-must be original and not have been entered in any other contest.

PRIZES:

2 winners in the SCREENPLAY category of Php30,000 each.
2 winners in the DOCUMENTARY PITCH category of Php20,000 each.

SUBMISSION

Submission of entries begins on February 27, 2006. The deadline of submission is on May 31, 2006. All entries must be submitted by messenger or mail to:

JESUIT COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION
Sonolux Building, Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights, QC

All entries should be inside a long brown envelope with an accompanying white letter envelope containing the ENTRY FORM containing the name, address, and other information about the writer, and the RELEASE FORM at the lower portion of the form properly notarized.

Entry forms are available at the JesCom Office or can be downloaded at www.jesuits.ph/jescom .

JUDGING

Entries will be judged by media professionals. The judges have the

authority to determine that no entry is suitable as a winner in any category. Scripts may not be read in their entirety. Jescom has a right to hire other writers for the winning documentary pitches.

Finalists will be notified and information on attending the competition awards ceremony will be provided. The Awarding Ceremonies will be held on June 16, 2006 at the Jescom offices.

For further inquiries, please call 4265971-72 loc. 228. Deadline of submission is on May 31, 2006.

WINNING SCRIPTS WILL NOT BE RETURNED. COPYRIGHT WILL BE OWNED BY JESCOM.

March 6, 2006

3rd Juliana Arejola-Fajardo Workshop for Bikol Writing Now Open

Manuscripts are now welcome for the only regional creative writing workshop in the Bicol region. To be held in St. Louis de Marillac School of Pili on May 18-20, 2006, the workshop has the theme: "An Parasurat sa Nagbabagong Panahon: Nagpupublikar, Nadadalan, Nadadangog, Yaon sa Tahaw kan Kasiributan (The writer in the changing times: Published, Seen, Heard and in the Middle of Various Preoccupations)."

Bicolano writers, at least 16 years old, physically fit and able to participate in the pili tree-planting and other workshop activities may submit either 3 poems, 1 short-story or a one-act play written in any of the Bikol languages. English or Filipino manuscripts will be accepted but pieces written in the Bikol language will be given preference. Entries must be original, typewritten, double-spaced, on a short bond paper and submitted together with a bio-data containing the author's brief literary background. It must come with a diskette containing soft copy of the manuscript.

Entries sent by mail or courier must be received on or before April 30, 2006 and must be addressed to the: 3rd Juliana Arejola-Fajardo Workshop sa Pagsurat Bikol c/o The Arejola Foundation for Social Responsibility, 2nd Floor Dabu Building, Elias Angeles St., Naga City. Entries sent via e-mail must be in the form of a word document file sent as an attachment to: SurataBikol@gmail.com and tarusan22@ayahoo.com.

Leading Bicolano writers, all national prize-winners and past fellows to national writer's workshops, have signed up as panelists and lecturers.

For more information, contact Workshop Convenor Carlo Arejola at 09185718616 or 2006 Workshop Director Jose Jason L. Chancoco at 054-473-04-87.

--Mr. Jose Jason L. Chancoco

March 6, 2006

UP 1^st Advanced Scriptwriting Workshop

The UP Film Institute announces its first Advanced Scriptwriting Workshop starting on March 25 and continues every Saturday therein on April 1, 8, 22, 29 and ending on May 1 (6 Saturdays, 1-6pm). 

Targeting professional screenwriters or teleplay writers, this workshop goes beyond the basics in challenging participants to construct culturally meaningful subjects for their scripts. The workshop has been designed for experienced writers to cover the advanced topics: the grammar of the film narrative, time modes in rendering the narrative subject, blocking designs to structure the plot, rhetorical devices to articulate narrative arguments and various mechanisms to heighten dramatic scenes. 

The workshop will be conducted by multi-awarded screenwriter Armando "Bing" Lao who is also one of the jurors for this year's CINEMALAYA scriptwriting contest.  Among Mr. Lao's famous screenplays are "Tuhog" 2000 (Best Screenplay: Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Philippine Movie Press Club),  "Pila Balde" 1999 (Best Screenplay: Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino and GOLD Award: 2000 Worldfest Film Festival, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.). He supervised several other screenplays (i.e. "Kubrador", 2006 Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian; "Masahista", 2005 Directed by Brillante Mendoza: Golden Leopard Winner, Locarno International Film Festival, Switzerland to name a few) and teleplays (i.e. "Walang Bakas", 2002, Docudrama, GMA 7: Best Docudrama, Catholic Mass Media etc.).  He is also a professorial lecturer of the UP Film Institute.

Interested applicants may contact 9263640 or 9250286 ask for Laisa or email Bjorki71@yahoo.com for registration.

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.

March 1, 2006

Call For Submission: Publikasyon-Iglap ng mga Tula Hinggil sa State of National Emergency

Nananawagan kami sa lahat ng mga manunulat na magsumite ng kanilang mga tula (Filipino, Ingles, at iba pang wika - basta may kasamang salin sa Filipino o Ingles) para sa espesyal na isyu ng Publikasyong-Iglap tungkol sa papatinding represyong politikal (ala-Batas Militar) ng administrasyong Gloria Arroyo. Sa partikular, naghahanap kami ng mga tulang tumutuligsa at lumalaban sa idineklarang State of National Emergency ni Arroyo , kasunod ng iba pang anti-mamamayang polisiya ng gobyerno tulad ng Calibrated Pre-emptive Response, E-VAT, atbp. Ito ang susunod na lalamanin ng espesyal na isyu ng Publikasyong-Iglap na nakatakdang lumabas sa susunod na linggo.

Ang Publikasyon-Iglap ang kagyat na pagtugon ng mga manunulat hinggil sa kaganapan sa ating bansa. Nauna na na nitong inilathala ang Pakikiramay (2004, pagpugay sa mga biktima ng masaker sa Hacienda Luisita) at Truth and Consequence (2005, koleksyon ng tula sa kampanyang Oust Gloria!). Nakatakda rin nitong ilimbag ang dalawang publikasyon (tula at dagli) tungkol sa kalagayan at paglaban ng mga manggagawa ng Nestle.

Ipadala ang inyong mga tula kasama ang maikling bionote o writer's profile at kontak na mga numero sa mykelandrada@gmail.com . Para sa mga katanungan, magpadala ng email Joi Barrios at/o Mykel Andrada o di kaya'y kumontak sa 0915-4413324.

Ang deadline ay sa Marso 2, Huwebes. Iglapan po kasi ito. Maraming salamat sa inyong suporta.

February 21, 2006

UP ICW CHOOSES 12 WRITING FELLOWS

LIKHAAN: The UP Institute of Creative Writing (ICW) has selected 12 Fellows to the 45th UP National Writers Workshop to be held at Pines View Hotel, Baguio City from 1-8 April 2006.

The Fellows are: Fiction in English – Bernice C. Roldan (UP Diliman); Fiction in Filipino – Jimmuel C. Naval (UP Diliman), Zosimo E. Quibilan, Jr. (ADMU); Poetry in English – Raymond John A. de Borja (UP Diliman), Joel M. Toledo (UP Diliman), and Lourd Ernest H. de Veyra (UST/UP Diliman); Poetry in Filipino – Ariel Dim. Borlongan (FEATI University) and Paolo M. Manalo (UP Diliman); Drama – Allan B. Lopez (UP Diliman), Lisa Magtoto (UP Diliman); and Creative Nonfiction in English – Mario I. Miclat (UP Diliman) and Virginia M. Villanueva (UP Diliman).

The Workshop, one of the major annual projects and the most important outreach program of the ICW, will have a new format this year to enable UP to continue fulfilling its leadership role in Creative Writing. Former Fellows were allowed to apply in this year’s Workshop. Applicants were asked to submit original unpublished manuscripts (short story, poem, drama, and creative nonfiction) for pre-workshop screening and for discussion during the Workshop. In addition, a two-page description of a work-in-progress in any of the above genres was also required. Grantees are also required to make a presentation of their respective works-in-progress during the workshop.

The teaching staff is composed of ICW Director Vim D. Nadera, Dr. Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo (Workshop Director), University Professor Emeritus Gémino H. Abad, National Artist and Dean Virgilio S. Almario, Prof. Emeritus Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio, Dr. Jose Y. Dalisay, Jr., Dr. J. Neil C. Garcia, Prof. Emeritus Bienvenido Lumbera, Mr. Charlson L. Ong, Prof. Jun Cruz Reyes, Dr. Lilia Quindoza Santiago, UP Mindanao Chancellor Ricardo M. de Ungria and Prof. Rene O. Villanueva.

The fellows are advised to call the UP ICW at 922-1830 or call/SMS Mr. Tony Serrano at (0918)512-2314 to confirm attendance and other related matters.

February 20, 2006

All-Visayas Workshop at UPV Tacloban College
by Merlie M. Alunan

The dominance of English and Filipino has already been systematized in academe and in government. All the languages of the country have already been reduced to minority status—it remains for media to complete the rout.

One might well ask, however, But aren’t all our other languages alive and well despite the dominance of English and Tagalog (or Filipino, if one is so minded to call it). Cebuanos continue to speak Cebuano, the Warays have not stopped using Waray, and occasionally Ilocano and Hiligaynon make it to some national ad on TV? You go to the places where these languages are spoken, to the market places, especially, and you will find these languages being used in the thick of the commerce. Doesn’t this prove that our languages are alive. Oh yes, but barely.

All that’s left of most of our languages are in these lively market scenes. Most of the songs and stories told in these languages are forgotten, or vaguely remembered or spoken about glibly or in tones of reverence though no one knows much about them anymore. Or if they are remembered at all, not much thought is being given to them. They have lost their value in the face of more immediate and popular attractions.

These are among the considerations that might have gone into a newly articulated objective of UP in the Visayas: To make UPV a center of excellence in the area of culture and the languages. Among the programs that have been instituted by UPV earlier to realize this objective is the UPV Creative Writing Workshop which operates in the three campuses of the constituent university.

The workshops are nested in the three campuses of UPV: in UPV itself under the helm of fiction writer, Dr. Leoncio Deriada whose work in reviving writing in Kinaray-a is well-recognized. The CWW is UP College Cebu is anchored by artist, art critic and poet, Raymund Fernandez. In UP Tacloban College, it is held down by poet and teacher of Literature, Merlie M. Alunan.

The largest project of UPV CWW this year is the 3rd Panagsugat All-Visayas Creative Writing Workshop which is being hosted by UP Tacloban College. The workshop is open to those who write in the Visayan languages, Cebuano, Hilgaynon, Kinaray-a, Akeanon and Waray. In recognition of the fact that young writers may actually be writing in English or Filipino, the workshop is also open to these languages.

To qualify for the Workshop, prospective fellows are enjoined to send any of the following requirements: five poems, two short stories, a chapter from a novel, a one-act play, or an act from a longer play, two non-fiction, or combinations thereof. The entries must be sent in three copies accompanied by a diskette in 12 pts New Times Roman and an application letter. Send to UPTC VisWrite All Visayas Creative Writing Workshop, UP Tacloban College, Tacloban City 6200. Deadline for submission is February 25, 2006.

February 20, 2006

13th Iligan National Writers Workshop (INWW) Now Accepting Applicants

The National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology’s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Reseach and Extension (OVCRE) are accepting applications from writers to the 13th Iligan National Writers Workshop (INWW) to be held on May 22-24, 2006 in Iligan City.

Panelists this year are Rosario Cruz Lucero, Erlinda Kintanar Alburo, Jaime An Lim, Leoncio P. Deriada, Merlie M. Alunan, German V. Gervacio, Steven Patrick C. Fernandez and this year’s keynote speaker, the poet Michael U. Obenieta, 3rd INWW Fellow (1996)

Fifteen (15) slots, five each from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are available for writing fellowships to the INWW.

Applicants are required to submit five poems, or, one short story, or, a one-act play in Filipino, English or in Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Waray (with translations) along with the applicant’s biodata, two 2X2 photos and a certification that his/her work is original. For short stories or plays, please submit a hard copy and a 3.5 diskette with the manuscripts encoded in MS Word 7.0. Unpublished works are preferred.

Writing fellows will be given free board and lodging, honoraria and a travel allowance. Applications must be postmarked on or before March 30,2006. No applications or manuscripts will be accepted if sent by fax or e-mail. Applicants are also advised to keep copies of their manuscripts since these will not be returned.

Send all applications to the 13th INWW Director, Christine Godinez-Ortega c/o OVCRE, MSU-IIT, Iligan City.

For more information call Pat Cruz tels. (063) 3516131; or e-mail: ovcre-mepc@sulat.msuiit.edu.ph

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

BE ONE OF THE 15 FELLOWS IN THE IYAS CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP WITH MULTI-AWARDED WRITERS!

The Iyas Creative Writing Workshop is now accepting fellowship applicants for this year's workshop, to be held April 25 to May 1, 2006, at Balay Kalinungan, University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City , Negros Occidental.

Fifteen fellowships will be awarded according to genre and language. Grants will cover board and lodging and a partial transportation subsidy. Deadline for application is on March 31, 2006.

Interested parties may send two short stories, six poems, or two short plays for consideration, signed with a pseudonym, along with a sealed business envelope containing the author's real name and pseudonym, a 2x2" ID photo, and a short resumé. Works must be submitted in five hard copies, manuscript format 12 pt Times New Roman, letter-size paper), accompanied by a soft copy (MS Word format) on a diskette. Works may be in English, Filipino, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, or Cebuano.

Send applications to: Dr. Gloria Fuentes, college of Arts and Sciences, University of St. La Salle , La Salle Avenue , Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100. Inquiries may be sent to glofuentes@yahoo.com .

This year's panelists include Cirilo Bautista, Marjorie Evasco, Elsi Coscoluella, Rayboy Pandan, Genevieve Asenjo, and Malou Jacob.

The Iyas Creative Writing Workshop is sponsored by the University of St. La Salle , the Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center of De La Salle University, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

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.