Zambales '08 4: Subic Bay Diving (Again!)

Dec. 22, 2008: My second time to go scuba diving. A splendid end to our trip, after our unplanned mountain & cave hiking, education outreach program, and tour of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

As with my first diving experience, our adventure was sponsored by the Boardwalk Dive Center (owned by sir George Ang Dy Pay). Maraming, maraming salamat po, sir Jojie!

Hapon na kami sumisid, at inabot kami ng takipsilim. Pinuntahan na nga kami ng coastal police, buti na lang at malakas ata si sir Jojie sa kanila.

From the standpoint of personal ease, mas nadalian at mas kumportable ako sa dive kong ito kesa noong 1st time, kung kelan barado ang ilong ko sa sipon (at kaya madaling sumakit ang ulo ko sa baba ng tubig). The opposite held true for Ynna, who was battling fever. Pero siyempre, di niya mapalagpas ang oportunidad, kaya ayun, dive pa rin! Mataas nga lang ang lagnat niya pag-ahon.

Dahil nga may sakit si Ynna, naiwan kami sa dive center while the other LIRA poets went on a night tour of the beachfront. Oks lang sa amin magpaiwan dahil nakapag-night beachwalk na rin kami sa Subic.

Bago maghatinggabi ay lumarga na kami pa-Maynila, at doon nagtapos ang napakasayang paglalakbay namin. Saktong-sakto para sa Pasko.

Halo-halo na dito ang mga kuha mula sa cam ko, kay Ynna, at kay ms. Beng. Ang mga underwater shots ay galing kay ms. Bebang. Pagpasensyahan niyo ang mga pangit kong kuha -- medyo bago-bago pa ang DSLR ko nito at wala pa akong muwang sa tamang composition, among others.

Full album list of our 12/08 Zambales trip:

• Part 1: Impromptu Mountain & Cave Trekking


• Part 2: Teaching Poetry, Mayor's Party


• Part 3: Subic Tour (Spanish Gate to Shipwreck)


• Part 4: Subic Bay Diving (Again!)

Trip background: Two years ago, the poets of LIRA traveled north to teach poetry to teachers & students in Sta. Cruz, Zambales under the "Sining ng Tugma at Sukat" program of LIRA & the NCCA, under the leadership of sir Michael M. Coroza & then-LIRA President Beverly W. Siy. (STS Overall Project Coordinator pa lang ako nito, and 2 months away from being elected LIRA President. Kaya mukha pa akong totoy!)

2nd time ko palang pumunta sa Zambales for 2008 (the first time for STS Subic, and yes, my first diving experience).

This album is a bittersweet reminiscing, too: this was the first and last time that we were on an out-of-town trip with poet-mountaineer Mark Schwab, who joined his creator in 2009. Pre, pakitagay mo na lang kami sa mga anghel ha.

Zambales '08 3: Subic Tour (Spanish Gate, Shipwreck)

Dec. 22, 2008: SBMA tour before our diving and the day after our unplanned mountain & cave hiking and education outreach program.

We went to three places that I had failed to visit during my first Subic tour a few weeks earlier: the San Roque church, the gate to the old Spanish naval yard, and a museum for a Manila-Acapulco galleon shipwreck, along with a ship replica by the sea.

Pagkatapos magliwaliw ng buong umaga, bumalik kami sa Boardwalk Dive Center (owned by sir George Ang Dy Pay, at kung saan kami natulog) para mananghalian at maghanda sa diving adventure...at nasa susunod na album na 'yun.

Halo-halo na dito ang mga kuha mula sa cam ko, kay Ynna, at kay ms. Beng. Pagpasensyahan niyo ang mga pangit kong kuha -- medyo bago-bago pa ang DSLR ko nito at wala pa akong muwang sa tamang composition, among others.

Full album list of our 12/08 Zambales trip:

• Part 1: Impromptu Mountain & Cave Trekking


• Part 2: Teaching Poetry, Mayor's Party


• Part 3: Subic Tour (Spanish Gate to Shipwreck)


• Part 4: Subic Bay Diving (Again!)

Trip background: Two years ago, the poets of LIRA traveled north to teach poetry to teachers & students in Sta. Cruz, Zambales under the "Sining ng Tugma at Sukat" program of LIRA & the NCCA, under the leadership of sir Michael M. Coroza & then-LIRA President Beverly W. Siy. (STS Overall Project Coordinator pa lang ako nito, and 2 months away from being elected LIRA President. Kaya mukha pa akong totoy!)

2nd time ko palang pumunta sa Zambales for 2008 (the first time for STS Subic, and yes, my first diving experience).

This album is a bittersweet reminiscing, too: this was the first and last time that we were on an out-of-town trip with poet-mountaineer Mark Schwab, who joined his creator in 2009. Pre, pakitagay mo na lang kami sa mga anghel ha.

Zambales '08 2: Teaching Poetry, Mayor's Party

Kuha ni ms. Beng.

Dec. 21, 2008: After our unplanned mountain & cave hiking, dumeretso kami sa bahay ni Mayor Luisito Marty para sa tanghalian, tapos ay sa Sta. Cruz North Central Elementary School para magturo ng tula sa pamumuno ni sir Michael M. Coroza & then-LIRA President Beverly W. Siy. (STS Overall Project Coordinator pa lang ako nito, and 2 months away from being elected LIRA President. Kaya mukha pa akong totoy!)

After the STS seminar-workshop, bumalik kami sa Marty residence para sa hapunan slash Xmas parteh. (Wala naman talagang party, pero masaya ang gabi.)

Pagkatapos, bumiyahe kami papunta ng Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Doon na kami natulog at nagpahinga para sa Subic tour & diving kinabukasan...at nasa susunod na album na 'yun.

Halo-halo na dito ang mga kuha mula sa cam ko, kay Ynna, at kay ms. Beng. Pagpasensyahan niyo ang mga pangit kong kuha -- medyo bago-bago pa ang DSLR ko nito at wala pa akong muwang sa tamang composition, among others.

Full album list of our 12/08 Zambales trip:

• Part 1: Impromptu Mountain & Cave Trekking


• Part 2: Teaching Poetry, Mayor's Party


• Part 3: Subic Tour (Spanish Gate to Shipwreck)


• Part 4: Subic Bay Diving (Again!)

Trip background: Two years ago, the poets of LIRA traveled north to teach poetry to teachers & students in Sta. Cruz, Zambales under the "Sining ng Tugma at Sukat" program of LIRA & the NCCA.

2nd time ko palang pumunta sa Zambales for 2008 (the first time for STS Subic, and yes, my first diving experience).

This album is a bittersweet reminiscing, too: this was the first and last time that we were on an out-of-town trip with poet-mountaineer Mark Schwab, who joined his creator in 2009. Pre, pakitagay mo na lang kami sa mga anghel ha.

Zambales '08 1: Impromptu Mountain & Cave Trekking

Ms. Beng, ako, Ynna, Levi, Rye, Mark (RIP), the Basco sisters (Marly & Tina).

From ms. Tina's cam.

Dec. 21, 2008: Two years ago, the poets of LIRA traveled north to teach poetry to teachers & students in Sta. Cruz, Zambales. May diving sa susunod na araw, pero ang di namin alam, may sidetrip pa pala kami sa mismong Dis. 21.

Ang sidetrip: hiking up and down a mountain to reach the Sagrada Familia Caves. It was my first time to go spelunking -- although we were terribly overdressed (naka-smart casual kami ni Ynna) because we had been prepared to teach, not to trek! Hehe.

2nd time ko palang pumunta sa Zambales for 2008 (the first time for STS Subic, and yes, my first diving experience).

This album is a bittersweet reminiscing, too: this was the first and last time that we were on an out-of-town trip with poet-mountaineer Mark Schwab, who joined his creator in 2009. Pre, pakitagay mo na lang kami sa mga anghel ha.

Madaling-araw nagkita-kita ang mga tao sa Philcoa. Before 9 AM, nasa Zambales na kami, where we were treated to breakfast at Mayor Luisito Marty's house. Dumeretso na kami sa Sta. Cruz North Central Elementary School para magturo ng tula sa pamumuno ni sir Michael M. Coroza & then-LIRA President Beverly W. Siy. (STS Overall Project Coordinator pa lang ako nito, and 2 months away from being elected LIRA President. Kaya mukha pa akong totoy!)

Dahil hindi pa kakailanganin ang mga LIRA workshop facilitators sa morning lecture, ms. Bebang sent us on an excursion to the caves, escorted by local folk. (Bale iniwan namin si sir Mike. Sorry po!)

Excited kami, siempre. Ang kaso, di namin alam na aakyat pa pala ng bundok! Buti na lang at may baon kaming tsinelas. The hilarity of how our pa-pormal clothes are backdropped by the rugged environment is demonstrated by the photos below.

Sakto ang balik namin para sa tanghalian at afternoon STS session...at nasa susunod na album na 'yun.

Halo-halo na dito ang mga kuha mula sa cam ko, kay Ynna, kay ms. Beng, at kay ms. Tina. Pagpasensyahan niyo ang mga pangit kong kuha -- medyo bago-bago pa ang DSLR ko nito at wala pa akong muwang sa tamang composition, among others.

Full album list of our 12/08 Zambales trip:

• Part 1: Impromptu Mountain & Cave Trekking


• Part 2: Teaching Poetry, Mayor's Party


• Part 3: Subic Tour (Spanish Gate to Shipwreck)


• Part 4: Subic Bay Diving (Again!)

"Lirang Pilak": LIRA & Vibal Foundation to Launch New Poetry Anthology

“Lirang Pilak”: LIRA & Vibal Foundation to Launch New Poetry Anthology
Along with “Aninaw” chapbook

The celebrated Filipino poetry group Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) will launch a new poetry book in celebration of its 25th anniversary during its Silver Jubilee Culminating Night on December 4, 2010.

Titled “Lirang Pilak” and edited by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, the book features works from forty LIRA members, award-winning veterans and emerging talents alike, namely, Giancarlo Lauro C. Abrahan V, Mariane A.R.T. Abuan, Rebecca T. Añonuevo, Roberto T. Añonuevo, Lilia F. Antonio, Mesandel Virtusio Arguelles, Gerardo I. Banzon, Romulo P. Baquiran Jr., Grace Bengco, Salvador Biglaen, Ronaldo Carcamo, Teofilo Catanyag, Michael M. Coroza, Maureen Gaddi dela Cruz, Faye Cura, Fer Edilo, Rogerick Fontanilla Fernandez, Noel Fortun, Mikael Rabara Gallego, Reparado B. Galos III, Ezzard Gilbang, Jerry Gracio, Phillip Kimpo Jr., Claire Madarang, Francisco Arias Monteseña, Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D. Nadera Jr., Deborah Rosalind D. Nieto, Joselito Delos Reyes, Willester Robles, Edgar Calabia Samar, Romel Samson, Louie Jon A. Sanchez, Lee Sepe, Beverly W. Siy, Kathline Anne Sigua Tolosa, Enrico C. Torralba, Michael Jude C. Tumamac, Charles Bonoan Tuvilla, Enrique Villasis, and Fr. Arnel S. Vitor. Baquiran and Kimpo are also the book’s associate editors.

The anthology will be accompanied by the launch of the fourth and final LIRA chapbook of the year. Titled “Aninaw” and edited by Ronaldo Carcamo, the chapbook features twenty-five poems from Giancarlo Lauro C. Abrahan V, Mariane A.R.T. Abuan, Mel G. Boquiren, Noel Fortun, Mikael Rabara Gallego, Danilo Gonzales, Phillip Kimpo Jr., Erwin C. Lareza, Claire Madarang, Francisco Arias Monteseña, Carla Payongayong, Louie Jon A. Sanchez, Renato Santillan, Lee Sepe, Rem Tanauan, Michael Jude C. Tumamac, and Enrique Villasis.

The main book anthology and the fourth chapbook were preceded by the first chapbook, “Lámang” edited by Edgar Calabia Samar, the second chapbook “Iláng” edited by Jerry Gracio, and the third chapbook “Rurok” edited by Enrico C. Torralba.

The book and chapbooks were published by Vibal Foundation, the socio-cultural development arm of Vibal Publishing House, Inc., and Aklat LIRA, the publishing imprint of one of the country’s major literary organizations and oldest active group of poets in Filipino.

The LIRA Silver Jubilee Culminating Night on December 4 at Crossroad 77, Quezon City will also witness the awarding of the winners of the Timpalak Tulaan sa Facebook and Premyong Bulawan: Php 50,000 Timpalak sa Tula at Kritisismo; the recognition of nine institutions who have helped LIRA and Filipino poetry as a whole; and a recap of LIRA-organized events this year, including the April 2 Good Friday “penitence-rally” by artists and writers, the nine-town Sining ng Tugma at Sukat literary education outreach program, the recent National Conference on Poetry in Filipino, and the five-month-long LIRA Poetry Clinic. Attendance to the event is by invitation only.

The book “Lirang Pilak” is available for Php 300.00, while copies of the four chapbooks are available for free to public libraries and educational institutions while supplies last. Interested parties may contact the LIRA Chapbook Coordinators at folios@liraonline.org.

LIRA & Vibal Foundation Launch 3rd of 4 Poetry Chapbooks

Our official press release. For those interested in getting copies, please read the last paragraph :)

* * * * *

LIRA & Vibal Foundation Launch 3rd of 4 Poetry Chapbooks

The celebrated Filipino poetry group Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) launched the third of its four poetry chapbooks for 2010 on November 16 at the Conspiracy Garden Café in Quezon City.

Titled “Rurok” and edited by award-winning poet Enrico C. Torralba, the third LIRA chapbook for the year features twenty-five poems from Giancarlo Lauro C. Abrahan V, Mel G. Boquiren, Maureen Gaddi dela Cruz, Joselito Delos Reyes, Noel Fortun, Mikael Gallego, Raymund Magno Garlitos, Ezzard R. Gilbang, Phillip Kimpo Jr., Erwin C. Lareza, Vivian N. Limpin, Claire Madarang, Francisco Arias Monteseña, Jenny B. Orillos, Betty Uy-Regala, Renato Santillan, Lee Sepe, Rem Tanauan, Michael Jude C. Tumamac, and Enrique Villasis.

The chapbook was published by Vibal Foundation, the socio-cultural development arm of Vibal Publishing House, Inc., and Aklat LIRA, the publishing imprint of one of the country’s major literary organizations.

The poetry chapbook series is one of the projects for LIRA’s year-long 25th anniversary celebrations. The first chapbook, titled “Lámang” was edited by Edgar Calabia Samar, while the second chapbook, titled “Iláng” was edited by Jerry Gracio. The fourth chapbook, titled “Aninaw” and edited by Ronaldo Carcamo will be launched in December.

The four chapbooks serve as appetizers for the launch of a new book featuring the works of LIRA poets, especially those by its new generation, to be launched in December and also published by Vibal Foundation. The anthology is edited by the founder of LIRA, National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (a.k.a. Rio Alma).

Copies of the third chapbook, “Rurok,” are available for free to public libraries and educational institutions while supplies last. Interested parties may make arrangements for pick-up by emailing the LIRA Chapbook Coordinators at folios@liraonline.org.

Extended to Nov.10 -- PREMYONG BULAWAN: Php 50,000 Timpalak sa Tula at Kritisismo

Bilang bahagi ng ika-25 anibersaryo nito, inihahandog ng Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA)—ang nangungunang institusyon ng mga makata sa wikang Filipino na itinatag ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma)—ang Premyong Bulawan: Timpalak sa Tula at Kritisismo na may gantimpalang salapi mula kay Virgilio S. Almario at nagkakahalaga ng Php50,000.

 

Nahahati ang timpalak sa dalawang kategorya, ang Premyong Bulawan sa Tula at ang Premyong Bulawan sa Kritisismo. Isa lamang lahok sa bawat kategorya ang magwawagi at tatanggap ng Php25,000. Hinahanap ng timpalak ang mga natatanging akdang may kakayahang makapagpabago o magsimula ng bagong landas sa panulaang Filipino, at magdudulot ng bagong pagtanaw sa panitikan ng Filipinas.

 

Matatagpuan ang pormularyo dito: http://liraonline.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/premyong-bulawan-pormularyo.doc

 

MGA TUNTUNIN:

 

1. Bukás ang timpalak mula 1 Hulyo 2010 hanggang 10 Nobyembre 2010 sa lahat ng manunulat at makatang Filipino na naninirahan sa Filipinas o sa labas ng bansa.

 

2. May dalawang kategorya ang patimpalak:

 

Premyong Bulawan sa Tula

 

Magpasa ng koleksiyon ng tula na hindi kukulangin sa 25 tula o isang mahabang tula na hindi kukulangin sa 50 pahina na nakasulat sa wikang Filipino. Malaya ang paksa bagaman iminumungkahi ang pagdangal sa kasaysayan at pagsulong ng Filipino.

 

Premyong Bulawan sa Kritisismo

 

Magsumite ng kritisismo o koleksiyon ng mga kritisismo ukol sa panulaan o aklat ng tula sa katutubong wika ng Filipinas na hindi kukulangin sa 50 pahina at hindi lalabis sa 100 pahina (single-spaced) na nakasulat sa wikang Filipino.

 

3. Kailangang orihinal ang lahok at hindi salin mula sa ibang wika. Ang kabuuan ng koleksiyon o lahok ay hindi pa nananalo ng ibang patimpalak at hindi pa nailalathala. (Pansinin: tatanggapin ang koleksiyon kahit ang ilan sa mga akdang kabilang dito ay nagwagi na ng premyo o nalathala na.) 

 

4. Isang (1) lahok lamang sa bawat kategorya ang maaaring ipasa ng isang indibidwal.

 

5. Ang lahok ay walang pagkakakilanlan kahit pangalan. Nakahiwalay ang pangalan, address, at iba pang impormasyong nakasulat sa pormularyong kalakip ng mga tuntuning ito. Kinakailangang nakanotaryo ang nasabing pormularyo.

 

6. Ang lahok ay kailangang isulat sa computer (font size 12, Times New Roman, single-spaced) sa 8 1/2 x 11 na bond paper at may palugit na isang (1) pulgada sa lahat ng gilid.

 

7. Kailangang isilid ang pormularyo, apat (4) na hard copy ng lahok, isang (1) CD na naglalaman ng electronic file, at curriculum vitae/résumé sa isang brown envelope.

 

8. Ipapahayag ang mga finalist—kung mayroon mang mahihirang—sa 1 Disyembre  2010. Gagawaran ng premyo ang mga magwawagi sa Disyembre 2010 sa Culminating Night ng LIRA 25th Anniversary.

 

9. Isa lamang ang hihiranging nagwagi sa bawat kategorya. Premyo sa bawat magwawagi: Php 25,000 at tropeo.

 

10. Ang pasiya ng inampalan ay pangwakas at hindi tatanggap ng paghahabol. Tanging ang isponsor ng timpalak (Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan Virgilio S. Almario) ang makaaalam ng identidad ng mga hurado na siya mismo ang hihirang. Malalaman lamang ng inampalan at isponsor ang identidad ng mga kalahok pagkatapos makapagpasiya ng mga akdang nagwagi. Walang hihiranging nagwagi kung walang mapipiling karapat-dapat na lahok ang inampalan.

 

11. Lahat ng mga nanalong lahok ay mananatiling pag-aari ng mga may-akda nito, ngunit may karapatan ang LIRA sa unang pagpapalimbag ng koleksiyon nang walang tatanggaping royalty ang may-akda.

 

12. Ipadala o personal na isumite ang lahok sa o bago dumating ang 10 Nobyembre 2010. Kung sa koreo ipadadala, kinakailangang may tatak ito sa postal service ng petsang nabanggit.

 

PREMYONG BULAWAN

Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA)

c/o Institute of Creative Writing (ICW), 2/F Bulwagang Rizal

College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman

Quezon City, Philippines

 

Personal na tatanggapin ang mga lahok hanggang ika-5:00 ng hapon ng 10 Nobyembre 2010 sa pigeonhole ng LIRA sa UP ICW. Hindi tatanggapin ang mga lahok na ipinasa sa pamamagitan ng email.

 

Para sa mga katanungan, maaaring mag-email sa bulawan@liraonline.org.

LIRA & Vibal Foundation Launch 2nd of 4 Poetry Chapbooks

Our official press release. For those interested in getting copies, please read the last paragraph :)

* * * * *

LIRA & Vibal Foundation Launch 2nd of 4 Poetry Chapbooks

The celebrated Filipino poetry group Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) launched the second of its four poetry chapbooks for 2010 on September 21 at the Conspiracy Garden Café in Quezon City.

Titled “Iláng” and edited by award-winning poet Jerry B. Gracio, the second LIRA chapbook for the year features twenty-five poems from Giancarlo Lauro C. Abrahan V, Mariane A.R.T. Abuan, Mel G. Boquiren, Joselito Delos Reyes, Noel Fortun, Mikael Gallego, Ezzard R. Gilbang, Phillip Kimpo Jr., Erwin C. Lareza, Claire Madarang, Francisco Monteseña, Deborah Rosalind D. Nieto, Renato Santillan, Lee G. Sepe, Rem Tanauan, Michael Jude C. Tumamac, and Enrique Villasis.

The chapbook was published by Vibal Foundation, the socio-cultural development arm of Vibal Publishing House, Inc., and Aklat LIRA, the publishing imprint of one of the country’s major literary organizations.

The poetry chapbook series is one of the projects for LIRA’s year-long 25th anniversary celebrations. The first chapbook, titled “Lámang” was edited by Edgar Calabia Samar, while the next two chapbooks, edited by Enrico C. Torralba and Ronaldo Carcamo, respectively, will be launched in the next two months.

The four chapbooks serve as appetizers for the launch of a new book featuring the works of LIRA poets, especially those by its new generation, to be launched in December and also published by Vibal Foundation. The anthology is edited by the founder of LIRA, National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (a.k.a. Rio Alma). Assisting him are Rebecca T. Añonuevo, Roberto T. Añonuevo, Romulo Baquiran Jr., Michael M. Coroza, and Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D. Nadera Jr.

The chapbook launch coincided with the opening of the “Salit Sining: Wordsmiths Turned Visual Artists II” exhibit, featuring the works of eight LIRA poets. The first and second chapbooks were also launched as e-books by Vibal Foundation’s digital publishing imprint, Vee Press, at the 31st Manila International Book Fair along with over a hundred new e-book titles.

Copies of the second chapbook, “Iláng,” are available for free to public libraries and educational institutions while supplies last. Interested parties may make arrangements for pick-up by emailing the LIRA Chapbook Coordinators at folios@liraonline.org.

LIRA Poetry Clinic 2010: June-August

June-August 2010: Workshops and lectures that followed the opening day of our LIRA Poetry Clinic 2010.

Hindi ako nakapagbantay sa Klinika nang tatlong linggo because of very important family matters, kaya may mga kulang na weekend dito. (Sorry, bad President!)

Halo-halo na dito ang ilang panayam, palihan, at inuman. Trivia: the 2010 Clinic boasted the most number of active Fellows in LIRA history. The very first pic is enough evidence.

PR: Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panulaang Filipino

Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panulaang Filipino

 

Nobyembre 25-26, 2010 · Pulungang Claro M. Recto,

Bulwagang Rizal, UP Diliman, Lungsod Quezon

 

September 25, 2010

______________________

______________________

______________________

 

Dear _______________:

 

We would like to invite you and your colleagues to attend the first “Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panulaang Filipino” (National Conference for Poetry in Filipino) on November 25-26, 2010 at the Pulungang Claro M. Recto, Bulwagang Rizal (Faculty Center), University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

 

The plenary speakers are National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera, and former Dean of the School of Humanities of the Ateneo de Manila University, Dr. Benilda Santos. Other invited lecturers are notable writers and educators Rebecca Añonuevo, Roberto Añonuevo, Romulo Baquiran Jr., Michael Coroza, Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera Jr., Danilo Francisco M. Reyes, and Edgar C. Samar.

 

During the course of two days, literature and Filipino language educators from elementary school to college as well as writers and other lovers of Filipino literature will convene and discuss the present state, the changes to, and the future of how poetry in Filipino is read, taught, and written. The conference’s theme is “Mahalaga ba ang Tula?” (“Does Poetry Matter?”) We seek to answer this question with three lectures and a series of panel discussions from notable writers and teachers who are active in the reading, teaching, and writing of Filipino poetry.

 

The conference is endorsed by the Department of Education (DA No. 95, s. 2010), Commission on Higher Education, and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. It is organized by the Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA), the leading group of poets in Filipino founded in 1985 by National Artist Virgilio S. Almario.

 

The conference fee is Php 2,000 (two thousand pesos) and covers the conference kit, meals, snacks, certificate, and copies of the lectures. Groups of five or more delegates are entitled to a 20% discount. Please deposit/pay at the Land Bank saving account c/o “Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA)” at bank account number: 3071025950, Diliman Branch. Please fax or email a copy of your deposit slip to our event coordinator at 9221830 or at gondour03@gmail.com. Aside from a receipt, we will gladly issue a certification (like a voucher) for the conference fees should you need one.

 

Attached with this letter is a map to the conference venue and the contact numbers of nearby accommodations. Copies of the DepEd, CHED, and KWF endorsements are available upon request; please take note that these documents indicate a different venue, which, due to unforeseen circumstances, we were forced to change to UP Diliman.

 

For inquiries, we can be reached through Eva Cadiz at 9818500 loc. 2117 (Monday to Friday) and 0927-9245242, or at gondour03@gmail.com. Thank you very much. Mabuhay ang panitikang Filipino!

Respectfully yours,                          

 

PHILLIP KIMPO JR.            

Conference Director

President, LIRA        

Noted:    

 

VIRGILIO S. ALMARIO, Ph.D.

National Artist for Literature

Founder and Adviser, LIRA

Download the invitation letter: http://liraonline.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/national-conference-invite.doc

Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panulaang Filipino sa Nobyembre 2010

Pakikalat po, lalo sa mga kakilala ninyong guro. Maraming salamat!

* * * * *

Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panulaang Filipino sa Nobyembre 2010

Gaganapin sa Nobyembre 25-26, 2010 sa Maynila ang kauna-unahang Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panulaang Filipino. Layon ng dalawang araw na kumperensiya na tipunin ang mga makata, kritiko, at guro ng tula upang talakayin ang mga napapanahong usapin ng pagsusulat, pagbabasa, at pagtuturo ng Tula sa Filipinas.

Ang kumperensiya ay may endoso mula sa Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF). Itinataguyod ito ng Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA), ang nangungunang samahan ng mga makatang nagsusulat sa Filipino na itinatag ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan Virgilio S. Almario.

 

Ang bayad sa rehistrasyon ay dalawang libong piso (Php 2,000) para sa conference kit, pagkain sa kabuuan ng kumperensiya, at kopya ng mga lektura. Mayroong 20% diskuwento para sa mga grupo ng lima o higit pang delegado.

 

Ilalabas ang iba pang detalye ng kumperensiya sa mga susunod na araw. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, makipag-ugnayan lamang kay Eva Cadiz sa mga numerong 9818500 loc. 2117 (Lunes hanggang Biyernes) at 0927-9245242, o kaya sa gondour03@gmail.com.

New Directors for the Writers Union of the Philippines

Mapalad po tayong mapabilang sa Board of Directors para sa mga taong 2010-2013 ng Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL). Bagong tungkulin, kakayanin.

(Which means kelangan ko na talagang matapos ang aklat ko bago matapos ang taon at bago tumambak ang trabaho. Hay.)

Saka na lang ang mga retrato ng Kongreso; heto muna ang PR na isinulat ni ser Dan Pinto.

* * * * *

NEW OFFICERS ELECTED IN 36TH UMPIL CONGRESS
by N. Daniel Pinto

The Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas—the country’s largest alliance of writers, poets, novelists, editors and literary figures—held its its 36th Congress on August 28, 2010.

As early as eight in the morning, confreres started trickling into the GT Toyota Asian Center Auditorium at the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City, until the crowd swelled to a size big enough to prompt Dean Mario I. Miclat to take to the stage and deliver the welcome remarks. He was followed by outgoing UMPIL chair Victor Emmanuel Carmelo “Vim” D. Nadera Jr., who reported on the organization’s activities during his watch.

In his parting words, Vim Nadera underscored the need for writers to work with the educational departments for the promotion of literacy from literature. The pool of literary talents and the wealth of the country’s literary gems, he said, remain untapped because, all too often, there seems to be a break, a chasm, in the coordinative activities between the writers’ groups and the heads of educational institutions in the country. Now is the time for writers to offer assistance, with pen in hand as it were, Nadera stressed.

In a welcome innovation, the morning session featured a keynote lecture that aptly set the underlying theme of the Congress—Literature and Change—and summarized the core message of the event. And for the first of a series of what will henceforth be known as the Adrian E. Cristobal Lecture Series, the Congress organizers’ choice of inaugural lecturer went to multi-awarded UP professor emeritus Dr. Gémino H. Abad, who delivered a befitting discourse entitled “The Future Is First Shaped by Words.”

The Adrian E. Cristobal Lecture Series is a joint project of UMPIL and the Cristobal family in honor of the late Adrian E. Cristobal—litterateur, fictionist, essayist, satirist, and newspaper columnist—and in homage to the intellectual discipline that he so faithfully adhered to. (Of UMPIL’s three Chairmen Emeriti, Adrian Cristobal was the first, followed by the dear departed Mike L. Bigornia, and the now presently active and very much alive National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario.)

Before the writers settled down to a hearty luncheon catered by the durable Chinese eatery, Ma Mon Luk, they took time enough to elect from among them the incoming members of the UMPIL Board for 2010–2013. Thus: Abdon M. Balde Jr., chairman; Karina A. Bolasco, vice chair; Michael M. Coroza, secretary general; Romulo P. Baquiran Jr., treasurer; and Rebecca T. Añonuevo, auditor. Rounding off the UMPIL directorate are Marne Kilates, Mario I. Miclat, Charlson Ong, and Fidel Rillo, as well as the sectoral representatives which include Joaquin Sy, for Chinoy writers; Phillip Kimpo Jr., representing the poets of LIRA; representatives of GUMIL (for writers in Iluko), KUTING (for writers of children’s literature), and representatives of Sebuwano and Bisaya writers.

STS Vigan: Teaching Poetry + Old Spanish City + Pottery Making + Shopping

July 3-4, 2010: Pagtuturo namin ng tula sa mga guro ng Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Sulit na sulit ang mahabang biyahe. First time ko umapak sa Ilocos proper, at napakasaya ng karanasan.

Ang STS Vigan ang 4th leg ng Sining ng Tugma at Sukat 2010 project ng LIRA & NCCA na ginagabayan ko bilang Direktor. Nauna dito ang STS San Fabian, STS Baguio, at STS San Antonio.

Salamat pala kay pareng Mikael, na naging tour guide sa unang pagkakataon courtesy of his LIRA dabarkads. Hehe.

In lieu of the full album, heto muna ang ilang patikim piks mula sa aming trip. (Kapag nasa pic ako, ibig sabihin ay kuha ni miss Beng 'yun.)

Our venue: the grand library building of the ISNHS.

Yours truly giving an overview of the project.

A healthy number of delegates.

Dr. Michael M. Coroza helping out the teachers with their poems.

Mel, Debbie, and I enjoying the inimitable Vigan empanada.

Yours truly sitting on the ancient street. Mel, Mikael, Debbie sa sidewalk.

The boys, shocked (and embarrassed) at how Debbie's thing dwarfs their own juniors.

Panalo. Astig ang kuha ni ms. Beng. Pero mas astig ang talon ko (kaliwa). Naks.

The next morning. Mel, Debs, Miks, the Corozas, ms. Beng. Pag-alis namin 'to sa guest house ng ISNHS.

Kami sa labas ng bahay nina Mikael. Pagkatapos busugin ng bagnet atbp. Tenkyu po!

My failed attempt at making pottery.

Mikael's turn. Epic fail din.

Aba nadale ni Mel!

Sinadya daw 'yan ni Debbie.

Seryoso si miss Beng, hindi lang halata.

Last minute shopping bago umuwi.

Waiting for someone? (Dehins sa akin ang bag na 'yan. Hehe. Pasalubong ko para kay Ynna.)

* * * * *

Heto naman ang naging press release namin:

LIRA & NCCA’s Poetry Education Series Visits Vigan

The Filipino poetry group Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will hold the fourth leg of the “Sining ng Tugma at Sukat (STS; Art of Rhyme and Meter) 2010” in the Ilocos Sur National High School (ISNHS), Vigan, Ilocos Sur on July 3, 2010.

The STS is a series of free seminar-workshops on poetry in Filipino in nine towns across nine provinces of Luzon from March to December 2010. Teachers of Filipino from public high schools are the intended beneficiaries. The STS is on its second year, with the first edition being held in 2008 when around 430 delegates in ten towns across Luzon attended.

This year’s first beneficiaries were San Fabian in Pangasinan, Baguio City, and San Antonio in Zambales. For STS Vigan, award-winning poet Dr. Michael M. Coroza of LIRA and Ateneo de Manila University will be the lecturer. The Department of Education – Region 1 and ISNHS are the event’s hosts.

The other beneficiaries of STS 2010 are Lucban, Quezon; Bataan province; Naga City, Camarines Sur; City of San Fernando, Pampanga; and Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The STS 2010 is one of the fifteen projects for LIRA’s year-long 25th anniversary celebrations. Founded in 1985 by the National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (alias Rio Alma), LIRA is the premier institute of poets in Filipino. In pursuance of its mission of enriching and promoting Filipino poetry, the organization holds a yearly five-month-long poetry clinic held for the most part in UP Diliman. The STS 2010 is an effort to bring part of this clinic outside of Metro Manila.

The project directors are Phillip Kimpo Jr., president of LIRA, and Beverly W. Siy, immediate former president and creator of the STS. The overall project coordinators are Mariane A.R.T. Abuan and Deborah Rosalind D. Nieto, while Mikael Gallego is the local coordinator for STS Vigan. To contact the STS team, email them at pamunuan@liraonline.org.

The programme.

Timpalak Tulaan sa Facebook

Our second contest, concurrent with the Premyong Bulawan. The press release:

Bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika at ng ika-25 anibersaryo ng Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA), inihahandog ng grupo ang Tulaan sa Facebook.

Ang Tulaan sa Facebook ay isang paligsahan ng mga tulang nasa katutubong anyo ng Filipinas. Sa paligsahang ito, itatampok ng mga lahok sa patimpalak ang anyong diyona – isang tulang may iisang saknong, may isahang tugma, binubuo ng tatlong taludtod, at may pitong pantig sa bawat taludtod.

Sumali na sa FB group ng Tulaan sa Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=138210462868601

MGA TUNTUNIN:

1. Bukas ang patimpalak mula 1 Agosto 2010 hanggang 25 Agosto 2010 sa lahat ng mga Filipino na naninirahan sa Filipinas o sa labas ng bansa.

2. Kailangang orihinal at nasa wikang Filipino ang mga lahok. Kailangang nasa anyong diyona - may iisang saknong, may isahang tugma, binubuo ng tatlong taludtod, at may pitong pantig sa bawat taludtod.

3. Upang maglahok ng tula, kailangang sumali sa Facebook Group na Tulaan sa Facebook.

4. Ipapaskil sa Wall ng Tulaan sa Facebook ang bawat lahok na tula. Maaaring maglahok ng ilanmang bilang ng tula ngunit isang tula lamang ang maaaring ilagay sa bawat wall post.

5. Ang unang linya ng wall post ay ang pamagat wallpost at susundan ng tatlong taludtod ng tula. Wala nang ibang maaaring ilagay sa wall post maliban sa mga nabanggit.

6. Ang inampalan ay pipili ng isang (1) magwawagi na magkakamit ng premyong P7,000, at ng tatlong (3) karangalang banggit na magkakamit ng tig-P1,000.

7. Lahat ng magwawaging tula ay mananatiling pag-aari ng may-akda, subalit may karapatan ang LIRA na ilalathala ang mga ito.

8. Ipaaalam sa mga mananalo ang resulta ng patimpalak bago ihayag ang mga magwawagi sa publiko.

Sumali na sa http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=138210462868601

PREMYONG BULAWAN: Php 50,000 Timpalak sa Tula at Kritisismo

PREMYONG BULAWAN
Php 50,000 Timpalak sa Tula at Kritisismo

Bilang bahagi ng ika-25 anibersaryo nito, inihahandog ng Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA)—ang nangungunang institusyon ng mga makata sa wikang Filipino na itinatag ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma)—ang Premyong Bulawan: Timpalak sa Tula at Kritisismo na may gantimpalang salapi mula kay Virgilio S. Almario at nagkakahalaga ng Php50,000.

Nahahati ang timpalak sa dalawang kategorya, ang Premyong Bulawan sa Tula at ang Premyong Bulawan sa Kritisismo. Isa lamang lahok sa bawat kategorya ang magwawagi at tatanggap ng Php25,000. Hinahanap ng timpalak ang mga natatanging akdang may kakayahang makapagpabago o magsimula ng bagong landas sa panulaang Filipino, at magdudulot ng bagong pagtanaw sa panitikan ng Filipinas.

Matatagpuan ang pormularyo (entry form) dito: http://liraonline.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/premyong-bulawan-pormularyo.doc

MGA TUNTUNIN:

1. Bukás ang timpalak mula 1 Hulyo 2010 hanggang 30 Oktubre 2010 sa lahat ng manunulat at makatang Filipino na naninirahan sa Filipinas o sa labas ng bansa.

2. May dalawang kategorya ang patimpalak:

Premyong Bulawan sa Tula

Magpasa ng koleksiyon ng tula na hindi kukulangin sa 25 tula o isang mahabang tula na hindi kukulangin sa 50 pahina na nakasulat sa wikang Filipino. Malaya ang paksa bagaman iminumungkahi ang pagdangal sa kasaysayan at pagsulong ng Filipino.

Premyong Bulawan sa Kritisismo

Magsumite ng kritisismo o koleksiyon ng mga kritisismo ukol sa panulaan o aklat ng tula sa katutubong wika ng Filipinas na hindi kukulangin sa 50 pahina at hindi lalabis sa 100 pahina (single-spaced) na nakasulat sa wikang Filipino.

3. Kailangang orihinal ang lahok at hindi salin mula sa ibang wika. Ang kabuuan ng koleksiyon o lahok ay hindi pa nananalo ng ibang patimpalak at hindi pa nailalathala. (Pansinin: tatanggapin ang koleksiyon kahit ang ilan sa mga akdang kabilang dito ay nagwagi na ng premyo o nalathala na.)

4. Isang (1) lahok lamang sa bawat kategorya ang maaaring ipasa ng isang indibidwal.

5. Ang lahok ay walang pagkakakilanlan kahit pangalan. Nakahiwalay ang pangalan, address, at iba pang impormasyong nakasulat sa pormularyong kalakip ng mga tuntuning ito. Kinakailangang nakanotaryo ang nasabing pormularyo.

6. Ang lahok ay kailangang isulat sa computer (font size 12, Times New Roman, single-spaced) sa 8 1/2 x 11 na bond paper at may palugit na isang (1) pulgada sa lahat ng gilid.

7. Kailangang isilid ang pormularyo, apat (4) na hard copy ng lahok, isang (1) CD na naglalaman ng electronic file, at curriculum vitae/résumé sa isang brown envelope.

8. Ipapahayag ang mga finalist—kung mayroon mang mahihirang—sa 1 Disyembre 2010. Gagawaran ng premyo ang mga magwawagi sa Disyembre 2010 sa Culminating Night ng LIRA 25th Anniversary.

9. Isa lamang ang hihiranging nagwagi sa bawat kategorya. Premyo sa bawat magwawagi: Php 25,000 at tropeo.

10. Ang pasiya ng inampalan ay pangwakas at hindi tatanggap ng paghahabol. Tanging ang isponsor ng timpalak (Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan Virgilio S. Almario) ang makaaalam ng identidad ng mga hurado na siya mismo ang hihirang. Malalaman lamang ng inampalan at isponsor ang identidad ng mga kalahok pagkatapos makapagpasiya ng mga akdang nagwagi. Walang hihiranging nagwagi kung walang mapipiling karapat-dapat na lahok ang inampalan.

11. Lahat ng mga nanalong lahok ay mananatiling pag-aari ng mga may-akda nito, ngunit may karapatan ang LIRA sa unang pagpapalimbag ng koleksiyon nang walang tatanggaping royalty ang may-akda.

12. Ipadala o personal na isumite ang lahok sa o bago dumating ang 30 Oktubre 2010. Kung sa koreo ipadadala, kinakailangang may tatak ito sa postal service ng petsang nabanggit.

PREMYONG BULAWAN
Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA)
c/o Institute of Creative Writing (ICW), 2/F Bulwagang Rizal
College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman
Quezon City, Philippines

Personal na tatanggapin ang mga lahok hanggang ika-5:00 ng hapon ng 30 Oktubre 2010 sa pigeonhole ng LIRA sa UP ICW. Hindi tatanggapin ang mga lahok na ipinasa sa pamamagitan ng email.

Para sa mga katanungan, maaaring mag-email sa bulawan@liraonline.org.

LIRA & Vibal Foundation Unveil Series of Poetry Chapbooks

Our official press release. For those interested in getting copies, please read the last paragraph :)

* * * * *

LIRA & Vibal Foundation Unveil Series of Poetry Chapbooks

The celebrated Filipino poetry group Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) launched the first of its four poetry chapbooks for 2010 in twin events held on June 15 at Conspiracy Garden Café, and on June 28 at Mag:net Café Katipunan.

Titled “Lámang” and edited by award-winning poet Edgar Calabia Samar, the first LIRA chapbook for the year features twenty-five poems from Giancarlo Lauro C. Abrahan V, Mariane A.R.T. Abuan, Noel Fortun, Berlin Gablan, Mikael Gallego, Ezzard Gilbang, Phillip Kimpo Jr., Erwin C. Lareza, Vivian N. Limpin, Kiko Monteseña, Deborah Rosalind D. Nieto, Louie Jon A. Sanchez, Lee G. Sepe, Beverly Siy, Betty Uy-Regala, and Enrique Villasis.

The chapbook was published by Vibal Foundation, the socio-cultural development arm of Vibal Publishing House, Inc., and Aklat LIRA, the publishing imprint of one of the country’s major literary organizations.

The poetry chapbook series is one of the fifteen projects for LIRA’s year-long 25th anniversary celebrations. The next three chapbooks, edited by Jerry Gracio, John Enrico Torralba, and Ronaldo Carcamo, respectively, will be launched in the next three months.

The four chapbooks serve as appetizers for the launch of a new book featuring the works of LIRA poets, especially those by its new generation, to be launched in November/December and also published by Vibal Foundation. The anthology is edited by the founder of LIRA, National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (a.k.a. Rio Alma). Assisting him are Rebecca T. Añonuevo, Roberto T. Añonuevo, Romulo Baquiran Jr., Michael M. Coroza, and Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D. Nadera Jr.

Copies of the first chapbook, “Lámang,” are available for free to public libraries and educational institutions while supplies last. Interested parties may make arrangements for pick-up by emailing the LIRA Chapbook Coordinators at folios@liraonline.org.

Dad's Induction as Rotary Club Vice-President

Maraming salamat kay ser na kumuha ng retrato namin.

June 29, 2010: Charter presentation & induction ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Mabini, Manila of which dad is the vice-president.

Venue: Grand Ballroom of the Pan Pacific Hotel, Adriatico St., Malate, Manila. Sinama lang ako ni dad para maging dakilang photographer niya, hehe. Buti na lang at libre ako nang gabing iyon.

OMG! LIRA Poets at Mag:net Cafe Katips

June 28, 2010: 2nd launch of the 1st of 4 poetry chapbooks (titled "Lámang") published by Vibal Foundation & Aklat LIRA. The anthology was launched earlier in the month at Conspi, pero nakiusap si sir Vim na ilunsad ulit sa kanyang OMG (Open Mic Gig) sa Mag:net Katipunan. Kabilang ang tatlong tula ko sa koleksiyong 'to.

Aside from the LIRA poets & fellows, present din sina sir Rio (National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario), Mike & Jeanette Coroza, and Sally Ng, a performance poet from Hong Kong.

After the reading, dumeretso kami sa ever-peyborit na Mushroomburger. Nyum.

P.S. I borrowed some pics from Elmer's FB album. Thanks man.

Our LIRA 1st Poetry Chapbook Launch

June 15, 2010: Launch of the 1st of 4 poetry chapbooks (titled "Lámang") published by Vibal Foundation & Aklat LIRA. Kabilang ang tatlong tula ko sa koleksiyong 'to.

Isinabay sa "LIRAhan sa Conspiracy Writers Night" ang chapbook launch. Pinuno ng mga LIRA poets & fellows ang Conspi. Guest of honors namin sina sir Rio (National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario) & sir Teo Antonio.

Nahatak din namin nina Ynna & Debs sina Anya at Adrian. Akalain mo! Hehe.

Di dapat ipinagbibili ang chapbook, pero nakiusap kami sa Vibal kung pwedeng isama 'to sa fundraising namin para sa ina ni sir Mike Coroza.

Para sa mga gustong makakuha ng kopya ng chapbook, pakibasa ang PR na 'to.

*Some pics borrowed from Ynna & Anya.

At Pres. Noynoy's Post-Inaugural Street Party

Photo by Elmer Grampon.

June 30, 2010: Sinamahan namin si sir Rio (National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario) sa QC Memorial Circle street party pagkatapos ng inauguration ni Pangulong Benigno Aquino III.

Present: Rio Alma, PKJ, Ynna Abuan, Debbie Nieto, Beng Limpin, Elmer Grampon. Di nakarating ang ibang makatang LIRA.

Kakagaling lang ni sir Rio sa Quirino Grandstand nito (isa siya sa mga panauhin ni P-Noy sa kanyang inauguration). Di rin kami nagtagal sa Circle at di na inabutan ang pagdating ni Noynoy.

May hiniram akong ilang retrato mula kay pareng Elmer.

LIRA Poetry Clinic 2010: Opening Day

June 5, 2010: 1st day ng LIRA Poetry Clinic at public lecture ng National Artist for Literature Rio Alma sa UP Diliman. This is the 2nd clinic under my term as LIRA president.

Morning: orientation of around 40 new Fellows, presided over by workshop director Dr. Michael Coroza. Nagpakilala rin kaming mga Kasapi ng LIRA.

Afternoon: sir Rio's traditional lecture, the "Reklamasyon ng Pambansang Gunita." Mas marami ang dumalo ikumpara sa 2009 lecture.

Evening: the customary "unang tomahan ng Klinika." Unang beses makasalamuha ng mga Fellows ang LIRA mems w/ sir Rio. Great company, and a great day.

STS San Antonio: Teaching Poetry + Violin Concert + Anawangin Beach + Rollicking Boat Rides + Santacruzan

Mayo 29-30, 2010: Pagtuturo namin ng tula sa mga guro ng San Antonio, Zambales. One of the best STS trips ever, for the reasons cited in this post's title.

Sponsored ng CASA San Miguel at ng tanyag na maestro ng biyolin, si ginoong Coke Bolipata ang accommodations, food & excursions. Todo kung todo sa hospitality. (Maraming, maraming salamat, sir Coke!)

Ang STS San Antonio ang 3rd leg ng Sining ng Tugma at Sukat 2010 project ng LIRA & NCCA na ginagabayan ko bilang Direktor. Nauna dito ang STS San Fabian at STS Baguio.

In lieu of the full album, heto muna ang ilang patikim piks mula sa aming trip:

Ynna sa aming van stop sa Subic.

Ang CASA San Miguel sa San Antonio, Zambales.

Debbie, miss Beng, and Ynna conversing with sir Coke Bolipata. 

Ako sa art gallery.

Sir Mike Coroza, sinusubukan ang piano sa teatro.

Coke Bolipata training one of his students.

Ako sa entrada ng CASA San Miguel.

Debbie sa San Miguel beach, na nalalakad lang mula sa CASA.

Kid posing with his catch.

Corsarius, balik-dagat.

Sir Mike under the shade of the century-old tree (which might be even older -- I forget!).

The rollickin' boat ride to Anawangin from San Miguel, as ably managed by Mang Nestor (in pink).

The destination: Anawangin Beach Cove.

Me, Mikael, miss Beng, and Debbie at Anawangin. (Photo taken by Ynna.)

Auburn-haired mermaid Ynna...and her Datu Puti vinegar! (Nadale kasi ng dikya.)

Miss Eilene, sir Mike, National Artist Virgilio S. Almario (a.k.a. Rio Alma), Ynna, yours truly, Debbie, Mikael at San Miguel beach. (Photo taken by miss Beng.)  

Celebrities spotted in San Antonio's Santacruzan parade! Hehe. Sir Mike and Debbie with some of the town's youth.

The next day (STS program proper): Dr. Coroza with the early-bird delegates.

Upstairs, a budding violin virtuosa tries her skill with the cello.

Coke Bolipata and the Pundaquit Virtuosi serenade the National Artist for Literature.

Grandest venue ever in the STS's two-year history?

Dr. Coroza commanding the delegates' attention.

Wall art in the grounds of the CASA.

Ynna guides a delegate in writing her own tanaga.

Ako kasama sina sir Mike at sir Coke.

Free concert by Coke Bolipata and the Pundaquit Virtuosi.

* * * * *

Heto naman ang press release namin:

National Series of Poetry Seminar-Workshops Visits Zambales

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the celebrated Filipino poetry group Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) held the third leg of the nationwide “Sining ng Tugma at Sukat (STS; Art of Rhyme and Meter) 2010” in CASA San Miguel, San Antonio, Zambales last May 30, 2010.

Violin virtuoso Coke Bolipata of the CASA San Miguel was the event’s host. Teachers from different public and private schools from Zambales attended the day-long seminar-workshop presided over by award-winning poet and professor Dr. Michael M. Coroza of LIRA and Ateneo de Manila University.

In the morning, Dr. Coroza, along with the young LIRA poets who facilitated the event, taught the basics of rhyme and meter and the traditional forms of Filipino poetry. Along the way, the delegates were informed of the misconceptions being promulgated by errant textbooks.

National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (a.k.a. Rio Alma) was the guest of honor of the event. The afternoon saw the delegates crafting short poems of their own in the traditional tanaga and awit forms.

After the workshop, Bolipata, Coroza, and LIRA President Phillip Kimpo Jr. awarded the certificates to the delegates.

The STS is a series of free seminar-workshops on poetry in Filipino to be held in nine towns across nine provinces of Luzon from March to December 2010. It is on its second year, with the first edition being held in 2008 when LIRA and the NCCA taught poetry to around 430 delegates in ten towns across Luzon.

For 2010, the first beneficiaries were San Fabian in Pangasinan and Baguio City. The STS is also scheduled to make the rounds of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; Lucban, Quezon; Bataan province; Naga City, Camarines Sur; City of San Fernando, Pampanga; and Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The STS 2010 is one of the fifteen projects for LIRA’s year-long 25th anniversary celebrations. Founded in 1985 by the National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (alias Rio Alma), LIRA is the premier institute of poets in Filipino.

The programme.