instant haiku

In order to stretch out my time this coming weekend (specifically Saturday) and avoid conflicting schedules, I, together with Raissa Matunog and Mario Trinidad Jr., had decided an hour ago that we shall take our final exams in World Literature ahead of the rest.

In about 30 minutes, we finished it.

What was interesting in our exam was that we were to write a haiku; being the last part of the test. Wow, this would be my first time to write a haiku! And as if everything had thrilled me, the final line of the instruction stated was more eye-catching: "...write a haiku about a frog."

How coincidental -- a frog. Of all the creatures in the world... Well, here is my haiku entitled "The Amphibian."

On pads of lilies,

subtle serenity lies

when croaks bid goodbyes.

Though I must admit that the final line of this haiku made me relate to my elementary writing compositions, at the very least it amused me to read something about a frog.

Ribbit.

_________________________________________________

some things about backs

Dark Blue Southern Seas

The Sillimanian Magazine is back into works after a two-year (or so) absence in the literary scene of the university -- and even the country.

With Rodrigo Bolivar II as the Editor-in-chief, Michelle Eve de Guzman as the Prose Editor, Marianne Catherine Tapales as the Poetry Editor, and I as the Graphic Editor, we just perpetually hope that this comeback would materialize before the students and the faculty will be going home for summer.

It was hard but fun making this magazine. With the special help of this mysterious Isagani Morales (hehe...), our "little baby" is worth lending your eyes and mind into its pages.

The magazine's title too is great! Made my stomach ache when I first heard it (wink!).

* * *

Turning Back

I knew there was turning back on her decision. She dreamed for it but also hesitant and at seven o'clock this morning, memories began to haze in my mind.

In silence. In solitude.

* * *


Neglected

That's how the wheel turns. That person must face it. All I see was the "back," or am I just seeing things? Or maybe I am blind... Bullfrogs! Bullshit.

an act

(for M )

. . .

abandonment is but a
state of abrupt mild arrest.

amidst gossips and augurs
keen aspiration persists.

and with ascended words that
makes one an assemblage, you

arrive somewhere, distanced and
revered, in absolute nil.

?
__________________________________________________

the authority and the critters

Upper Row from left: Sir Ian Rosales Casocot, Lyde Villanueva,

Rodrigo Bolivar II, Robert Jed Malayang. Bottom Row from left: Marianne Catherine Tapales,

Michelle Eve de Guzman, Anthony Odtohan, Fred Jordan Mikhail T. Carnice.

Well, those are the people that composes LitCritters Dumaguete--for now. One member will leave us for a short while; and wait, that would be for one year.
______________________________________________________

litcritters dumaguete

Originally a brainchild of Dean Francis Alfar, LitCritters is a witty play on the words “literary criticism” to signify those who take part in the practice. With Sir Ian Rosales Casocot at the helm of this Dumaguete chapter and with Dean’s special grant of branching out, I as the latest member to take part in the group will surely learn a lot from anything literary under the blessings of the sun.

Mind you, I am a Creative Writing major in Silliman University so I direly need this training! Hu hu hu...

Hours ago we had just discussed, studied, and grilled(?) stories such as "The Music Child by Alfred Yuson,""Stella for Star by Yvette Natalie Tan,""The Rememberer by Aimee Bender," and "The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier" at a quiet beach in Dauin. Considered as my first serious meeting, it was indeed amusing hearing Dirg's, Mich's, Odie's, Marianne's, Rj's, Lyde's and, our special student government president-guest, Razcel's sentiments concerning the stories.

I just hope I can hone this craft.

Sideline: Thanks to Marianne Catherine Tapales who suggested me to take her place for she will be flying off to Japan this March 15. “Bye Mar! We will miss you loquacious lady!”
__________________________________________________

outplay. outlast. the survivors.

The Weekly Sillimanian Staff of school year 2006 - 2007.

Niño: Mr. Kris Aquino
Even with his sharp tongue, we still bow down to this Tagalog genius who could juggle Weekly work with his Accountancy load. A private, opinionated person, he feasts on any Kris tidbits with the same relish he gives to his spiritual journey.

Dirg: Patron Saint of Beer
Geek kuno. But inside that hyperactive mind is a Philippine literature fanatic. (Hint: He was the spark that ignited the Literatura Festival, after asking Sir Casocot if “the pen is dry in Dumaguete”). A future editor, he has a drunken humor and worships Angelo Suarez poems.

Kim: Office Psycho
Her blog is of her being a psychologist/musician/journalist/student nurse. Walay tulog. Forever lost daw, but her real talent lies in organizing events and tracking down errant information. This tech staff mom has all the patience in the world, except for those who can’t beat deadlines.

Claudine: Japanese Pancoon
The Campus Ambassador Chair who named herself the Witch of Finance who hates mess. Always stressed (Panda+Racoon=eyebags), she keeps us well-fed with Neva’s pizzas. When she gets drunk, she laughs nonstop and speaks Nihonggo (she did it once in front of Sir Casocot).

Marianne: Loquacious Ratatatatat
Our Japan-bound writer who considers silence a mortal sin. Whenever she leaves the office, maghilom gyud. The sportswriter who shares Dirg’s love (uyyy…) for Philippine lit and celebrity interviews, she is DYWeekly personified. Abandon all hope ye who seek to silence her.

Odie: Mr. Shades
Smart and multi-talented, this debater is perhaps the only news editor in tWS history who doesn’t shout. He has a special knack for caption titles and staying up late just to finish editing. An understanding little guy, he gives extensions to news writers, to the EIC’s eternal frustration.

Donna: Loveable Biatch
She is the Timon to Janseven’s Pumba. A spunky fashionista (she’s a milder version of Hitler) with a nose for the morbid and the bizarre, this petite management major once bought bottles and bottles of tequila and rhum at Lee all by herself, to the amusement of the salesladies.

Micah: The Prophet
The youngest in the Editorial Board, this pastor-in-making is quote-unquote brilliant. A biker around campus, he head butts the EIC every Monday at 12midnight, and reads aloud Confucius teachings. Quick to challenge illogical fallacies, we’re happy he shifted from nursing. He is philosophy.

Rochelle: Haggard Supergirl
The debater and nursing college honor who fights for her rights (wink wink). She is perhaps the nicest girl in the office, and we all bow down to her biiiiig books and multiple ballpens. The genius juggler, she sprinkles the front page with a dash of animal flavor.

Michelle: Bosing ng Masa
Stressed bisan dili Nursing, she is obsessed with Wednesday morning tWS circulation. Aside from Sundays-Tuesdays, she is as bouncy as a toddler. A Dr. Doolittle of all things electronic, she is the always smiling O.C. who looks forward to being a bum next semester.

John Boaz: Skimmer Wannabe
Literature enthusiast and computer junkie, he is a multilingual athlete with a crazy yet subtle sense of humor. Bogoy nga opao, and pachoychoy nga libakero. Bitaw, another future editor, he wowed us with his Alice story—read the SU Mag.

Jordan: the Semi-opao Bullfrog
A visual artist and one of only four creative writing majors left, he satisfies his pet worm Ben with Bikolana every 11:30am. Daghan ni ug bodyguards. Always relaxed and calm (once ra ni namo nakit-an nastress), he’s known for his “Comets and Stars” rendition and wicked humor.

John Steve: Cookie Monster
Like the Sesame Street character, he’s an eating machine during meetings. Always in a hurry, he is the youngest Masscom staffer and an all-around helpful, religious, eager, good boy. Quotable quote: “Bitaw.”

Claro: Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Way klaro kuno. But his pictures undoubtedly rock. After graduating last semester, we can only sit here and remember when he nonchalantly entered in the middle of a convo in sando and slippers, and took perfect pictures of the pulpit while chewing gum before leaving. Pagkaperfect.

Jeruel: Ginoong Polsci
This tWS veteran and graphics expert holds the record for 20 straight hours of layout during our 8-page issue. This outspoken chief tig-sugba loves to quote celebrities like Juday and Heart and invite everyone to “shottings” at El Amigo.

Paul: Car Pimp
Without him, the office computers would have long combusted due to our abusive techno jinx selves. A lover of anything resembling cars, this Engineering-adopted kuya is also the Superman and tagakalat ng lagim sa office.

Aiken: La Bongga Diva
Multi-talented nga bayota. Writer, dance troupe member, VSC finalist. We do not know where he finds the time to pass articles on time and grace the office with Beyonce/Miss Saigon flights of fancy, but we love him for it.

Janseven: Pooh nga Palahubog
Si Master kay self-confessed pa-cute nga chubby. Ahem. A tWS veteran with a megaphone voice, he is the other half of the staff couple (hardcore ni manguyab!), and the Demolay leader who has been known for his certain…fondness for debaters in the office.

Joseph: the Creative Albino
The epitome of Gonggong, he once scared us at Forest Camp with his blinding whiteness. Described as the vampire with pimples, this computer game addict and guitar player is a kindergarten kid who gives good advices, although palpak ang uban minsan.

Eugene: Gentle Giant
His back debuted in the Weekly for the “Luv U Pre” article. An extremely nice and hardworking guy, his hilumon nature adds diversity to the otherwise noisy staff during post-mortem meetings.

Sesi: And the Academy goes to…
The “Heroes” fanatic, he can’t be seen without his backpack. The seemingly shy guy who is in-charge of tWS’ reputation to the outside world (i.e. the website), he shocked us with his amazing acting abilities in “Kayamanan sa Ilalim ng Tansan”.

Pearl: …of the Orient
Usa sa among babies, this sweet and soft-spoken nursing student has a lot of potential. She was crowned Best Actress during the Christmas party for her portrayal as a robot hairdresser.

Marvin: Promil Kid
Another Portal import, he makes us proud—usa ni nga college honor and student leader. He has a fashion sense that amuses Aiken, and chada siya’g camera.

Ma’am Gina: Mother Goose
Described as the light that brightens the paths of those who are spiritually, socially and technically lost, she is the calm one who encourages and supports the crazy bunch mentioned above. Patient even if bulyagon mi, she is a brilliant adviser who pays attention to the details.

___________________________________________

the vsc and beyond

-due to some circumstances, this article should have been posted last last week

The Valentines Songwriting competition (VSC) in the 1990s was held at the Guy Hall’s music sala, with only a grand piano for accompaniment. The winner then was given a Php300 prize.

VSC’s humble beginnings pale in contrast to these past few years’ excellently extravagant preparations: the Luce Auditorium, the band and back-up singers, the outfits.

The dream just keeps getting better and better as the VSC sticks to its commitment to discover and showcase new talents, celebrating the universality of music. The entries were certainly testaments of how musically inclined we are.

Raul Navarro, chairperson for conducting at the University of the Philippines School of Music and chair of the board of judges in the February 13 VSC, commented, “It confirms that the Filipinos are very creative and musical, and that we are up to par with international standards.” He further stressed, “It also shows that we are good in interpreting the song, not just [composing it.]”

“To improve this competition for the coming years, I think the marketing strategy of the event should be much well-planned. Hopefully, a lot would join next year,” Navarro said.

This year, the song that bagged first prize was “Solace,” from mass communication junior Primy Joy Cane. The song pertained to her angst when her parents separated, and her finding comfort and assurance in her boyfriend. It was a quick favorite of a giggling crowd that night.

“I am very thankful to my boyfriend for being my solace at that time,” she said before her winning performance.

However, the chance for Sillimanians to express romantic odes didn’t come at an easy price.

The competition itself has had its own share of angst through its entire history. The years 2003 and 2004 left excited would-be participants with their hopes swirling down with the last note.

“The Sigma Mu Lambda, which organizes the VSC, during that time weren’t able to come up with a concrete goal to maintain working on the competition,” said Sigma Mu Lambda adviser Jomar Abrio. Apparently, one of the reasons production was halted in those years was that the student body didn’t work well together for it.

“Another reason for its sudden halt was the dissemination processes. There was a time when the extended deadline came; there were only six to eight entries. There was a unanimous decision not to continue with it,” Abrio added.

When it comes to future VSCs, Abrio suggested that maybe they could tap the university’s student government.

With the SG’s extensively influential arm it could reach more and more students in the campus, especially with the Council of Student Organizations.

“The music is definitely star quality and this must be the reasons for its staying power. I am sure record companies would find the songs appealing enough to mass produce,” said Noel Vallente, a mass communication junior and a disc jockey of the radio station Killerbee. “To gain more appeal to the public, the committee should hold promotional tours, let’s say, for a cause.”

Moreover, tWS writer and 2nd-runner up “Dreams” co-composer Aiken Emmanuel Quipot said that VSC could also increase its level of participation from the community.

“I would be very glad to know if COPA would open the VSC to the Dumaguete community. With this, Silliman can build relationship between other schools in the city,” Quipot expressed. “It could provide an avenue for musically-inclined students, not only Sillimanians, to share their talents.”

Learning from the lessons of the past, it’s all uphill from here for the VSC.

(photos taken by Leon Medado)

the end of the game

Finally,

we

made

it.

It

is

over.

Bye bye.

It

is

fun

though.

I will sorely miss this.

___________________________________________

announcement for submission of entries to the 46th dumaguete national writers workshop

National Artist for Literature Edith L. Tiempo has announced a March 31 deadline for applications for fellowships to the 46th National Writers Workshop to be held in Dumaguete City from May 7 to 25.

Panelists this year are Gemino Abad, Alfred Yuson, Susan Lara, Anthony Tan, DM Reyes, Marjorie Evasco, and others. They will compose the revolving panel of writers together with National Artist for Literature Edith Lopez Tiempo, and resident panelists César Ruìz Aquino, Bobby Flores Villasis, and Ernesto Superal Yee.

Fifteen (15) fellowships are open for young writers all over the country.

The first screening panel, composed of the workshop’s resident writers, selects the writing fellows for the summer based on the manuscripts submitted by the applicants. These selected manuscripts are forwarded to the Director of the Workshop, who does the final screening and formally approves the final lineup of writing fellows.

The writing fellowship covers (1) lodging for the full 22 days of the duration of the entire workshop, (2) a modest stipend, (3) one-way fare reimbursement, and (4) workshop manuscripts and reading materials.

The applicant must submit the following requirements:

1. Original manuscripts consisting of at least three to five short (3-5) stories, or three to five (3-5) essays/creative non-fiction, or two (2) one-act plays, or seven to ten (7-10) poems. Stories, poems, plays, and essays in English are preferred. Only unpublished manuscripts are accepted. Works which have previously won in literary contests will not be accepted.

2. An application letter addressed to Workshop Director Dr. Edith Tiempo

3. A diskette or CD containing the various submitted literary works encoded in Microsoft Word Version 6.0

4. A recommendation letter from a renowned writer or literature teacher

5. Two 2x2 pictures

6. A brief biodata or résumé

These must be sent before the 31 March 2007 deadline to:

Dr. Edith Lopez Tiempo

National Writers Workshop

c/o College Assurance Plan

2nd Floor, CAP Building

Rizal Boulevard

6200 Dumaguete City

Accepted fellows are usually notified by postal mail, or email, or by phone call, although the announcement is usually published by major Philippine dailies.

Interested parties may also apply for sit-in or auditing privileges.

The National Writers Workshop was established by Edith and Edilberto Tiempo in 1962, making it the longest-running creative writing workshop in Asia. The 2007 edition is sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Silliman University, and College Assurance Plan, in coordination with the Creative Writing Foundation Inc. and the Dumaguete Literary Arts Service Group, Inc. (DüLA). Donors to the fellowship program include Senators Edgardo J. Angara and Mar Roxas as well as former NCCA Chairman Jaime Laya and Ms. Erlinda Panlilio.

_____________________________________________________

strings of unity

If there is anything that could transcend barriers of geography, politics, language and culture, music may well be one of its most vital keys.

In celebration of the second International Rondalla Festival, the musical concert was held at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium last February 22, plugged as One: Cuerdas sa Panaghiusa or Strings of Unity showcasing unique and world-class performances from Israel, Russia, and our very own Philippine representatives.

It was presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

“‘Strings of Unity’ means that with music, with sound, with art, we can connect. We build a bridge where politics and economies have separated us,” said Yueal Avital of the Three Strings Plucked group from Israel, a war-torn country knowing full well the significance of unity and peace. “Through this, we find ourselves in our highest form of expression.”

It may be distressing to find that the rondalla is said to be on the verge of disappearing in the music scene. But thankfully there are various groups and organizations that uphold the rondalla as part of their country’s rich cultural heritage. This then counters the stringed instrument’s lack of palatability in the popular market.

“We attend workshops every summer para malalaman din namin kung anong bagong piyesa ang maaari naming matutunan,” said Andrew Duma-up, one of the lively children of the Kabataang Silay Performing Arts and Rondalla Ensemble.

One composition, Yueal Avital’s “Dark Red City”, showed such adoption of popular contemporary trends in music. Collaboratively played by Silliman’s own Kwerdas group with the Israel ensemble, Avital remarked, “For me, the words ‘experimental’, and ‘avant garde’ are just terms of freedom: freedom to express yourself, freedom to put something from yourself that has not been done already.”

Avital further stressed that there are certainly risks to be expected because the expression he mentioned were not familiar to the listeners. The instruments employed weren’t very familiar, either.

“My musical instrument is called the double-bass balalaika -- the large triangular shaped guitar. I’ve been playing it for quite a long time,” Radi Gareev, one of the players of Quartette Phoenix from Russia, proudly said, having played his unique instrument for thirteen years.

Rondalla music has indeed summoned music lovers and players together, ranging from countries in the West like Mexico to the East like Japan and China. Many delightful surprises have been in store for them, as well as for us in the host province. Also, for all it’s worth, we’ve just made the world a little more united.

“Once in our lives we have been part of this international event, and it is overwhelming that there is music like ours played in different parts of the world. Experiences like these are very memorable,” expressed Mathilda Erojo, who led Silliman’s own contingent.

“It is a big opportunity of us to be in the 2nd Rondalla international festival. We were concerned because we might make mistakes when performing our pieces, however well screened and pinaghandaan they were,” said young Andrew of Kabataang Silay, the group from Negros Occidental. “Because in some cases, it happens on the spot. Meron talagang lapses na mangyayari and therefore we cannot avoid that. But seeing the audience’s smiles at what we had done is always really priceless.”

“The festival is a bond,” said Yueal.
“It is very profound and philosophical,” said Radi.
“It is heavy?” jokingly said the pregnant Mathilda.
“It is an honor,” said Andrew.

Now three years after the first festival was held in Naga City, Bicol, during the National Arts Month of 2004, this year’s second edition was given as a gift to everyone who cares for the art of the rondalla. Even with the different tunes, players and instruments, the same familiar objective still remains—to unify.

(photos taken by Leon Medado)

setting the papers on fire

I would always like to see myself up there, taking a sheet of paper from the hand a person so influential and full of authority. And while walking down the flight of steps, the crowd would clap their hands out of delight and happiness and not because they are forced to.

And last February 16 and 20, I received a couple of papers to burn with and to warm up the balmy night that followed the ceremony. Nothing new; I still remained on the same level while my other mates enjoyed the pleasures of being front-in-line. It was factual but unrelentingly painful.

Anyways, we received the same papers without the same printed words. And now it is time to burn the papers with passion.

______________________________________________________

vessels of love

It is the month of February and obviously red will be splashed all across business establishments, shirts, and even food! Aside from the overly rated color, couples stick together and flaunt to all people who are deprived of being bitten by the love bug; smooching and caressing for the world to see how loved each other are.

People will express, distress, and exhaust passiveness in this occasion—and I choose the latter. There’s nothing wrong with it anyway, as long as the mind, body, and soul is intact, my day should go on.

Yet, this said occasion I did not mind in totality of course. In lieu with the month of hearts, Silliman University Campus Ambassadors together with the Weekly Sillimanian organized a camera-photo competition with the theme: “Sillimanians: Vessels of Love.”

Out of absolute boredom—fortunately with a new phone at hand—we went to Quezon Park in the last weekend of January and there I found the perfect subject for my photo.

And in the following weeks, the winner is announced, published in February 14 issue of the Weekly Sillimanian.

I won! Not that the competition had great prizes in store for me but, huh, I won!

Rodrigo insisted that he took this picture—nah, it is me Dirgy! It’s mine! Ha ha ha. And by the way Claudine, where are my rewards?

losing the fairytale touch?

Could it be true that our first major encounter with “happily ever after” started when Aladdin and Jasmine flew on a magic carpet?

We look at our peers and see that they have this idea of what romantic love should be. Some rebel from it; some don’t. But in one way or another, fairytales have unknowingly modified our ideal version of couples and relationships.

Each fairytale is singularly unique the whole world over. Their only similarity is they hope to teach valuable lessons through entertaining others, mostly kids, as they employ the oh-so-familiar plot. The heroine with stupefying beauty is introduced, and antagonists set up a living hell for her. Prince charming comes to the rescue, and they live happily ever after. Colors burst as love blooms to the merry chirping of birds. Dreamy? Or sickeningly cliché?

Whatever it is, we still ask: where did the fairytales go? When did our kindergarten, fanciful bedtime stories take on a good-versus-evil leave?

Lately, we’ve been enjoying the likes of “Shrek” and “Hoodwink”, which merely lampoon the fairytales we’ve grown up with. We wonder if the classical and the traditional have lost that magic touch, and are unable to touch hearts in today’s world.

“Fairytales are for kids. That’s why they mostly have happy endings,” said nursing sophomore Luther Ocampos. “And in order to gain appeal to the mature audience, varieties were made to suit the changing preference of the populace.”

In fact, according to www.imdb.com, “Beauty and the Beast” was the last hand-drawn fairytale Disney animation. Released in 1991, it was the first, and so far the only, animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Belle descended from a line of princesses that could be traced all the way back to Snow White in 1937. Do the math and you’ll find that Snow White’s 70th anniversary is actually this year.

“Whenever the guy rescues the damsel in distress, it’s obvious that they would end up living together forever. Fairytales may be old, but they are still charismatic,” said Fiona Jade Lim, an entrepreneurship sophomore.

Www.wikipedia.com traces these stories’ origins to word of mouth, children’s story writer Hans Christian Andersen, and particularly to the Brothers Grimm. In the late 1700s, Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm and Wilhelm Karl Grimm, rendered fairytales too ghastly and grim, not to mention gruesome, for children. Disney apparently offers distilled versions of these.

And now that being said, with the concept of faraway places with spectral beings possessing remarkable skills and abilities in the midst assisting the handsome prince and the beautiful princess, surely the mind a child wanders to something flattering and lovely.

Former tWS features editor Easter Lois Marigza expressed, “Love presented in fairytales is unrealistic. They’re what make people today delusional; these fairytales embed in their heads the notion that there are Prince Charmings and damsels in distress when in fact they don’t exist. Fairytales are not love stories for the young but for the disillusioned.”

Well, we know she is not alone. But for the rest of the hopelessly romantic, go ahead. Make your fairytale Wednesday today. Just watch out for those evil witches and petulant stepsisters in the sidelines.

Note: In the February 12 Philippine Daily Inquirer issue, Walt Disney animators announced they would bring back the hand-drawn films to the big screen. One wonders what plots Disney can come up with using the traditional 2D approach.

heart

A heart
can only be a heart
if it knows
how to maintain
the blood that lives to it
and let go
of the same fluid
when needed
or when it is ineffective.

Anytime.

It must accept that
it can never keep
anything
that enters into its
walls perpetually.
_______________________________________________________

silence of the bullfrog

Everything stands still. It is different. It is not sane.

It is one of those days when you turn your back, only to discover that there's nothing to be bothered--actually there is no single thing and there is no one to bother. The austerity and placidity are nauseous; these keep on pulsating in my mind. Spitting it all out is the last thing on my mind.

When noise in common generally gives disorientation and interruption, I just miss your noise. Tell me I am foolish of saying this but whoever reads this one, this "you" might be really you or not. My volition is cluttered with mess and I think rants and silliness and its like are the best solution of cleaning it up.

I should start getting used to this, I said to my self forcedly.
Kokak.

(and then there was silence)

____________________________________________________

portraits of an artist

Who is Edith Lopez Tiempo? Who are the Tiempos? Kinsa na siya?

I tried hard not to show any appalled reaction to these recurring lines. I tried to the best of my abilities to share who the “Mom” of the Philippine literary scene is to the rest of the unfortunately uninformed. But it is tasking. Just thinking about her and her literary works and the rest of her family’s is as profound as the legacy that she is.

It is true that moments come in our lives when we honestly forget the things that matter most. But this month, as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts honors 5 National Artists, we focus on Edith Tiempo, as a Sillimanian, as a Dumagueteño, as a literary giant, as an idol.

“She is venerable,” Prof. Phillip Van Peel said, since he once was under Tiempo’s supervision when he took up his Masters Degree in English. “She is a monument in the Philippine literary scene. Both young and mature authors in the country look up to her.”

Born in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya on April 22, 1919, Tiempo, who is now 87, became one of the finest Filipino writers of the English language. In fact, according to the January 29 Philippine Daily Inquirer issue, her “works of fiction and poetry are characterized with much substance behind those simple looking items such as a fern (A Blade of Fern, a novel) and even a monkey (Lament of the Littlest Fellow, a poem).”

Garnering numerous achievements and awards that further enhanced her chosen field of artistry, such as the 1999 National Artist for Literature, 1979 Cultural Center of the Philippines First Prize for Novel, a 1988 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, and many more; she gains the distinction she truly deserves.

The Silliman community witnessed the tribute honoring Tiempo last February 2 at the Luce Auditorium. Her works, “Bonsai”, “View of Water on a Lake”, “Dancers” and “Black Monkey” were ingenuously interpreted by the Silliman University Kahayag Dance Troupe.

“Her ‘lecture’ on poetry gave us a glimpse as to how insightful she can get when it comes to literary workshops,” said management junior Wharton Dy.

She is rightfully called “Mom” because, as what Prof. Andrea Gomez-Soluta said, “she may be a grandmom but she will always be a mom to us; she has a place in our [writers’] hearts.”

“I lost my virginity in Dumaguete. Of course, I mean my literary virginity,” stated Likhaan: UP Institute of Creative Writing Director Vim Nadera Jr. in his opening speech. And indeed a whole roster of important, contemporary and award-winning Filipino writers like Jose Dalisay Jr., Conrado de Quiros, Bobby Flores Villalis, Cesar Ruiz Aquino, Alfred Yuson, Marjorie Evasco, Ian Rosales Casocot, Angelo Suarez, Dean Alfar and Angelo Lacuesta, and many others, were also inspired  of her, through the Dumaguete National Writers Workshop that the Tiempos conceived and nurtured throughout the decades.

Even Tiempo’s daughter Rowena and granddaughter Rima got bitten by the writing bug. Rowena Torrevillas have won the Philippine National Book Awards and the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for literature, among others; most likely nourished by no less than her dad Edilberto Tiempo, another Philippine literary giant.

Rima, with her soft-spoken reading of Atty. Ernesto Superal Yee’s “The Comfort of Mom Edith”, only draws and entices the readers as to what kind of “mom” Edith Tiempo really is. With food probably, as what Yee wrote in his essay. But maybe it’s also something more, like passion for self-expression.

To those who left early on that once-in-a-blue-moon affair, maybe you have to wait another couple of years to witness great icons who shaped the landscape of Philippine culture and the arts. Edith Lopez Tiempo and her brood, biological or literary, will continue to transcend what is expected from them, and astound us with the most tangible of things—words.

the tribute

Phew.

That was once in a life time. Good thing I did not have the trait of sitting down and getting up immediatley once the even started inside the auditorium unlike those people who had unpleasant tastes--squirming in their seats and leaving even before the main event is yet to happen. such taste...

My patience paid off.

____________________________________________

burning bush on moistened soil

She knows what is sown in air
harvest storms and absence
and told him to plant their faith
on moistened soil instead;
soil where they believed,
blessings came.

He pressed the earth
at the succeeding sunrise
while she pranced
with honeyed-tongue soliloquies.
Both in filthy garments,
hymns and songs of saints
they bestowed
in this assurance of change.
He, she, in body, soul, spirit,
felt a sudden sensation
their praises they had praised
yesterday had brought.
It is the day their devotion
sprouted a bush that bloomed
festal fumes and flames.

The fire singed their skins
but felt no pain. They took off
their garments, paused on their impulses,
then cuddled and huddled on the ground,
beside the light
of the burning bush’s flame.
________________________________________________________

kill the bill

It’s weekend. You grope your pockets, and come up with a bill. A bill? What can you do?

P100

-Bargain hunting. If you have the talent for scrounging up excellent finds, venture out to the world of bargain hunting. A 6-peso ride away, Villa Amada is the ukay-ukay place in Dumaguete. Or you can also check out Unitop, the new building near Quezon Park, for cheap shopping. And do not forget Aly Mae’s Surplus Store for interesting clothes, CDs and books!

-Bookworm’s delight. For some literary craving that cannot be satisfied by the SU Main Library, go to Lee Plaza’s book sale section or San Francisco Bookstore fronting Freedom Park, to pile up on literary favorites.

-Fastfood junkie. Students spend a majority of their allowances on food anyway, so splurge the bill on the nearest fastfood outlet. Dumaguete has several so far: Greenwich, Jollibee, Chowking, Shakey’s, Pizza Hut, Dunkin, Howyang, Scoobys, among others. Who knows what will happen when McDonald’s finally finishes setting up here?

-Hit the beach. What about the Silliman Beach or the Pebble Beach in Santander Cebu? Go to Sta. Teresa and order their adobo to go. Buy some rice at the nearest tindahan. Spend the rest on fare, and then when you get there, gloriously play sun bum.

P50

-Watch-You-Want! Delayed-for-months flicks in Dumaguete aren’t so bad. Your Php35-45 can actually grant you a pass to see a movie or two straight. After the movies, spark a conversation with your companions, and critique it. For example, what did you think of Vic Sotto and Christine Hermosa’s latest “Enteng Kabisote” installment? Be the judge. It can be fun. Really.

-How thoughtful. Maybe it would be the right time to give your friend, someone close, or your parents unexpectedly a simple gift. Probably they would appreciate it more if there’s no occasion.

-Surf’s up! Indulge yourself with the wonders of the net with Netopia’s weekend Php 50 surf-all-you-can promo, or Scooby’s Php 15/hour rate. Check out the forums at Sillimanians.com, blog at Blogger.com, and stay informed with weeklysillimanian.net.

-Cheap dinner. Hop on a pedicab and head towards the barbeque haven known to Sillimanians simply as ACSAT, because of its location. Barbequed pork (Php3 and Php5), chicken, isaw (Php5), chorizo and other internal organs, all dipped in a one-of-a-kind spicy sauce.

P20

-Movie marathon. Pool your orange bills together for Video City’s movie rentals! Stay up all night to Kate Hudson’s “Almost Famous”. Get grossed out with “Saw III”. Laugh and cry to Adam Sandler’s “Click”. Then again, you can always venture out and try digital films like “Nasaan si Francis?”. Just a tip: always return the rentals on time--believe me.

-Board games bonanza! Borrow those neglected Scrabbles, Balderdash and Monopoly games at the Student Center, 2nd floor Hibbard Hall, and spend the money on snacks at the Oriental Hall kiosks. Do this on a rainy afternoon for added atmosphere.

-Stroll therapy. Step on the sidewalk and just let your feet wander. Who knows where you’ll end up? Afterwards, buy a Nescafe Freeze at the cafeteria or the ever-popular C2 at Sted’s.

-Cheese bread afternoon. Those first two words can make your day. Wait for the clock to strike 2pm and rush to the cafeteria for the infamous Php5 cheese bread. Then head towards the east quadrangle for a makeshift picnic.

Like the Mastercard commercials, let’s also leave room for “priceless” moments. The possibility of being broke is not always felt, but it could happen (in mysterious ways)! And if it does, just settle in your own homes and watch countless reruns on the tube. Tom and Jerry are always capable of giving us some hearty laughs, admit it. And you can always uhh… you know, study. Or catch up on sleep.

If you have some coins lying around, scrape some up to buy Mr. Bossing Tempura. Go to Laguna Silliman and discover (if you haven’t yet) the wonder Bossing has in store for your coins--tempuras dipped on sauce levels 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Or you can go to the banana cue place near Harold’s Mansion for soft, sweet turons.

If all else fails, take advantage of that unlimited load. Text the gang’s great spender or your boyfriend or girlfriend then palibre dayon! That way, you will feel that your last peso has its special worth.

where have the brocka's and bernal's gone?

Ask any Filipino to cite a local film that promotes excellence and values, and the you’d most likely get a blank stare, or a diminutive enumeration of popular movies at best.

The dilemma of the Philippine movie industry is it’s caught between luring audiences with a commercialistic approach or calling everyone to appreciate quality entertainment with truths and right values. And admittedly, the masa would inevitably gear towards the previous one with reasons ranging from that it is easy to watch, to that it is easy to digest.

Thus far, the problem.

It wasn’t at all any different in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. More and more every year, (MMFF is now on its 32nd) it seems to be getting superficial and, in some ways, immature when it could have been presenting films of literary and artistic competitiveness.

I’m talking about Philippine movies of as great caliber as “Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag,” “Oro Plata Mata,” or “Tanging Yaman”.

But these days, the industry gives everyone a hint of its near collapsing state. Various movements are made and even the recently concluded MMFF was called to a halt. “If the MMFF is abolished, Filipinos will get to watch nothing but Disney movies during the holidays,” said Bayani Fernando, who spearheads MMFF, in a January 7 Philippine Daily Inquirer article. “I don’t [even] know if these protesters are really speaking on behalf of the movie industry.”

Philippine cinema is indeed on top of a shaking pedestal. Money runs the mill on most film companies—not its quality and artistic value.

When asked whether Filipino films are a dying lot, film critic Ed Cabagnot was quoted in Palanca awardee Ian Rosales Casocot’s blog as saying, “Philippine film might as well be dead.”

Casocot also commented on the 2005 MMFF: “If you are sensitive enough to take note of the critical apathy given the recently-concluded Metro Manila Film Festival, you may have to acknowledge the fact that the festival, once touted as an engine for driving new interest in Filipino films, has found itself in a new plateau of indifference.

“This is sad because, in the light of local filmdom’s already flagging fortunes being battered to bits by ‘stronger’ international releases, we do need annual exercises such as the MMFF. As a showcase of the Filipino Best, it has had its moments of true glory, premiering for example such worthy efforts as ‘Atsay’, ‘Burlesque Queen’, ‘Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa’, ‘Crying Ladies’, ‘Rizal’, and ‘Panaghoy sa Suba’.”

For so long, film or cinema has brought itself into the mass media from its early stages starting off as a novel breakthrough, later changing into one of the most important tools of communication and entertainment in the modern world; one of the best forms of medium to present creativity with a message.

No matter how the Filipino film industry shows signs of positive revival, the process is still slow. Perhaps it is due to its producers’ misguided motives, or due to the masa still currently stuck in mid-quality entertainment, intimidated with experimental works.

Indeed, visions from the movie greats like Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal concerning the country’s filmmaking talents fall short of where it is supposed to reach. Well, digital films are the exceptions. These are the only means for tight-budgeted producers to make films that disregard notions of the dreaded word “flop.”

A new Golden Age of Philippine Cinema is now unfolding before the very eyes for those who are willing to witness it. Because of digital technology, it served as an unexpected life-saving device to those who gained merit on various creative works.

According to Pinoyfilm.com, a website that aims to be the repository for Filipino film (and some foreign) discussions, stated that digital technology has helped give Pinoy filmmaking a comeback.

Art is not always difficult to understand. It is the common misconception of a typical Pinoy, but writers, producers, and directors should never inhibit themselves from creating what they think is the best for the industry. It should never be in drought.

sole survivors

“With all due respect, I am much better than you.”

“Oh just shut up,” said the Shoes to the Slippers, increasingly upset.

The dispute had been going on the whole day, with the Slippers losing more and more of their color, getting softer and more ductile with each retort.

The Shoes remembered when their brown backs and white leather faces were shiningly, shimmeringly, splendidly new. Now it is barely recognizable.

I have observed this fascinating and unique skirmish between footwear, with never a hint of yielding on both parties, each one proving to the other how famous, how magnificent, how functional, how economic (and so on) one is.

“Shut up, will I? You better keep your soles on the ground, you sorry excuse for footwear,” the Slippers said. “My bloodline is as royal as the holy grail.”

“Not listening,” the Shoes responded.

Actually, slippers evolved from the footwear used in Japan during the modern Meiji period, made with Japanese rice straw and wood “zori” for the sandals used with the kimono. The present-day Grolier’s Encyclopedia says flip-flops are usually of soft materials such as leather, rubber, and plastic. Through time, the world eventually tagged them “slippers.” It is recorded in English in the year 1478, deriving from the much older verb “to slip,” the notion being of a footwear that is "slipped" onto the foot.

Many companies like Dupe and Happy Feet have definitely capitalized on the slippers industry. Yup. I’m even wearing my very own black vintage Havaianas Surf while writing this.

A friend of mine, Paulalaine Martinez, a Political Science major, tells me that “Slippers are comfortable and can be used everywhere. Shoes are just so tiring to clean.”

“Slippers give the feet no restrictions whatsoever—the feet are free,” Alexis Marapao, a nursing student told me the other day. “Wearing these things aren’t just supposed to be flaunted; they are used because you just love wearing it”

However, according to sneakerhead.com, shoes also have an interesting story. Though it might be impossible to distinguish its exact phase of development up to now, one obvious reason why it was made was for protection.

Undoubtedly, shoes show the financial and social standing of the wearer. Looking at someone’s shoes, you can tell if the person is into sports, if he or she is laid-back, fussy, well-off or hugawan. It is a strong indication of personality.

In the mid part of the 20th century, the sneakers (another kind of shoes) became a more common cultural trend highlighting new “technological” offerings specifically for athletes. It was later redefined and redesigned for the fashion squad consumption. The first rubber-soled shoes, manufactured in the 1800s, were called “plimsolls”.

“Mas-better tanawon ang shoes kay formal gamay,” said Niko Cepe, a Nutrition and Dietetics sophomore. “Kung papilion ko kung unsa ang maayo jud, depende ra na sa gasuot kung angayan.”

I look back at the two fighting footwear as the Shoes’ laces bent as if they were its hands on its hips, and the Slippers flapping its straps like a chicken. I knew both have countless, gushing testimonies from their wearers; but the raging debate on who is the best sank into hotter water than before.

“We represent the basic necessity of the high, middle, and low class. And besides, without us, people will walk around their homes in heels,” the Slippers asserted.

“But we embody fortification and safety. Being incapable of purchasing us is not at all a hindrance in acquiring us,” protested the Shoes.

“Yet, we Slippers symbolize discipline and strength. We are aware of the environs’ harshness yet we are open to challenge it—to face it.”

“Challenge? We are challenge in the best form; trekking mountains, crossing fields, and training in various activities.”

“Huh, we may have rubber atrophy but we can be tough.”

“We, on the other hand, are touted as rough but we also give ease and comfort.”

“Hey, stop judging our kind!” both of them mutually (in genuine surprise) asserted to the other.

I drifted away from their dialogue when the skies suddenly shifted, fusing grey and deep indigo—a sure sign that rain would come. And yes, drops of cold rivulets caressed my bare nape while the Slippers and the Shoes continued to rant on. Oh, how we keep overlooking the most poignant lessons in the little things.

Lightning flashes in the far horizon; the rain comes roaring down, leaving the Slippers and the Shoes drenched in mud and dirt, soaked and wet, still adamantly proud of the laurels covering their eyes.

Dying out, endangered, tarnished and horribly neglected, and still ranting on.

challenging

This Romeo Forbes Children's Storywriting Competition
is even more challenging right now.
Thier latest visual art for inspiration is extremely surrealistic.
(my tiny problem here is the "basketball!")

I gave a shot to this literary contest on its second run and unfortunately it didn't hit the mark.
Anyways, I am posting this so that every time I visit my blog
and see this photo,
maybe a spark of creativity may tingle my mind.

I hope so.
__________________________________________________________

the superhero

Your results:

You are Green Lantern

Green Lantern 90% Hulk 70% Robin 60% Catwoman 60% Superman 55% The Flash 55% Spider-Man 50% Batman 50% Iron Man 40% Supergirl 35% Wonder Woman 25%

Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test


I just wish that I am a superhero.
________________________________________________

downers

Deep down,

Preachers speak
those sentiments
with revered ardor.

Listening is uplifting.

Listeners duplicate
those lines
with flaccid allegiance.

Preaching is painful.

These two will be those
that are always would be.
_________________________________________________________

searching for the labyrinth

January is nearing its expiration date and I have not yet seen a poster, a newspaper ad, a television trailer or any signs of the movie that I am really intent on feasting my eyes with. What's happening? At the least there's hope upon seeing its "pirated" copy on our favorite video nooks.

Pan's Labyrinth is just the excellent film for fantasy lovers who are mature enough for the wand-waving, dragon-riding concepts. Director Guillermo Del Toro hits the spot.

Just a thought, maybe Pan is not lost in the labyrinth by now but instead got a tiresome expedition of getting into the Philippine movie theaters!

Pan, pan, pan... If only I can get you in bakeshops right away.

___________________________________________________________

given by the dean

Butterflies fluttering inside my stomach could not be right; probably they are large scaly dragons breathing fire in my small intestine. Well that was how I felt when I received a text message from Sir Ian Casocot that I got a book from someone, gratis!

It’s no ordinary book (well, in my case I value all books that I have) and that someone is no everyday guy either. He is no other than Dean Alfar, a multi-Palanca awardee, who gave me a copy of The Philippine Speculative Fiction Volume Two.

Next target: Kite of Stars and Other Stories, and the rest of the Siglo series. I got to have my eyes peeled when I am in the bookstores.

______________________________________________________

what shocked you the most?

They say lightning never strikes twice, and I surely hope we don’t get a rerun of these most shocking things of 2006.

20. Undeniably the champ when it comes to guts, gloves and singing hits, Manny Pacquiao punched his way to Filipinos’ hearts everywhere, beating Erik Morales during their third boxing match-up.

19. Filipinos planted the national flag on the world’s highest peak. Pastor Emata, Leo Oracion, and the rest of the 1st Filipino Mt. Everest Expedition team, we salute you!

18. Retail giant Shoemart wowed every shopping addict with the completion of the Mall of Asia, the biggest in, well, Asia, with its humungous IMAX Theater and spacious strolling space.

17. Pinoy Big Brother’s Rustom Padilla’s disclosure of his homosexuality spiced up many a conversation. From rusty tough leather guy to Zsa Zsa Zaturnah’s alter ego, the contrast has never been clearer.

16. Silliman University was offered 500 hectares of land located in Masbate. Could we now boast of a 556-hectare Silliman campus this year?

15. The Guimaras oil spill made everyone think twice about the effects on the environment. And the MT Solar 1 is still underwater, leaks and all!

14. Rape, murder, theft. The City of Gentle People was plagued with highly publicized and gruesome crimes for a while. Could it be goodbye genteelness and gentleness?

13. Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith got the life sentence! A landmark in the Philippine justice system! Then… the government returned him to the US Embassy for “US supervision”. Bah! Politics.

12. Terry Lim Cua won the elusive Php2,000,0000 prize money in “Deal or No Deal!” Finally. Someone with luck on his side.

11. The peso to a dollar exchange rate reached an all-time low at Php48 point something!

10. Protests, uproars, and heated debates were the results of the nursing board examination leakage. Nationwide cheating or not, cheaters or not, those declared as passed by the Philippine Regulatory Commission ended up taking their oaths anyway.

9. A 5-year old kid swam the entire length of the Mactan Channel, with all its current, garbage, and depth. A standing ovation to Justin Daniel Juino for sheer determination and skill. Swimming for 2 hours in a 3 kilometer channel is not easy.

8. Bagyong Milenyo caused huge billboards in Metro Manila to fall, killing unsuspecting drivers. Who would have thought a blown-up face of Judy Ann Santos could end a life?

7. Box office hit “Enteng Kabisote 4” won the Best Picture in the 2006 Metro Manila Film Festival, over what the average intellectual could describe as better quality films.

6. What’s more shocking than an entertainment goddess like Gretchen Barretto—beautiful and glamorous—was said to be bringing along a microwave on a certain shampoo commercial shoot?

5. Philippine Digital Films flourished on the year of the dog. After a certain drought of quality films from mainstream cinema, these bold independent breed came to the rescue with the likes of Maximo Oliveros or a certain Masahista on the lead, gathering prestigious international awards.

4. Whoa! Some Filipinos paved their way to become one of Asia’s (if not the world’s) richest proving themselves to have a combined net worth of $16 billion as reported by the Asian edition of Forbes magazine. Henry Sy, Lucio Tan, Jaime Zobel, and Danding Cojuangco, and the rest, can you lend us some?

3. As if its growing influence and revenue in the internet arena isn’t enough, the empire of Google bought YouTube. Bad news for some though, “special” videos suddenly vanished in thin air.

2. Though 4G mobile services are offered at some countries like Japan and Korea, people of the Philippines got thrilled when 3G capabilities and offers sprouted in cell phones and networks! Finally, video calling became possible.

1. Retail giant SM conglomerate wowed every shopping addict, lifestyle connoisseur, and for those who simply have to let go the itchy feel on one’s feet with Henry Sy’s best so far, the Mall of Asia! And with its humungous IMAX Theater, any movie aficionado would probably salivate upon watching a film with his P300 to P400 ticket.

(for more fun and entertainment, you rank the numbers the way you want it. I should have placed The Great Boxer at number one but someone made me think otherwise, with a kick.)