The country’s literary writers gathered at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad ng Sining of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Roxas Boulevard, Manila for the 51st Philippine PEN (Poets and Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) Annual Congress last December 6, 2008.
Guided by the theme, “Literature from the Margins: Changes in the Literary Canon”, the event, organized by the Philippine Center of the International PEN (PCI-PEN) aims to address the issues and changes that has transpired in Philippine Literature over the past few years.
During the event, three new PEN books, including two anthologies were launched. These are Stage Presence: Philippine PEN Anthology of Drama edited by Jose Victor Z. Torres; Past and Present: Philippine PEN Anthology, Volume I, edited by Elmer A. Ordoñez, Marjorie Evasco, Susie Tan and Lilia Ramos de Leon; and Midnight Children by Ester V. Daroy.
Three literary sessions about the different issues and challenges in Philippine Literature were managed by notable literary writers. The first literary session, “Struggle/People’s Literature” was headed by UP Film Institute Professor Rolando Tolentino. Panelists include Ms. Lualhati Abreu, Ms. Mila Aguilar, Mr. Gelacio Guillermo, Mr. Domingo Landicho, Mr. Jose Rey Munsayac, Mr. Axel Pinpin, Mr. Alexander Martin Remollino, and Mr. Norman Wilwayco.
Professor Shirley Lua served as chair for the second literary session; “Gender Issues in Literature” Panelists were Mr. Ronald Baytan, Ms. Karina Bolasco, Mr. Neil Garcia, Ms. Thelma B. Kintanar, and Ms. Jessica Zafra.
The last literary session, “Critical Issues/Special Topics”, was headed by PCI-PEN Chair Elmer A. Ordoñez. With him are Ms. Susan Lara, Ms. Malou Jacob, Mr. Rosario Cruz Lucero, Mr. Charlson Ong, Ms. Maria Luna Sicat Cleto, Mr. Jun Cruz Reyes and National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera.
The highlight of the event was the annual Jose Rizal Lecture delivered by University of Santo Tomas Rector Magnificus and former Commission on Higher Education chair Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, O.P.
PCI-PEN is the local chapter of International PEN, founded by Mrs. C.A. Dawson Scott in London in 1921. According to their website, International PEN “is the only worldwide association of writers which aims are to promote literature, defend freedom of expression and develop a community of writers worldwide”. The Philippine branch was founded by National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil José in 1957. It is the oldest writers’ association in the country.
Guided by the theme, “Literature from the Margins: Changes in the Literary Canon”, the event, organized by the Philippine Center of the International PEN (PCI-PEN) aims to address the issues and changes that has transpired in Philippine Literature over the past few years.
During the event, three new PEN books, including two anthologies were launched. These are Stage Presence: Philippine PEN Anthology of Drama edited by Jose Victor Z. Torres; Past and Present: Philippine PEN Anthology, Volume I, edited by Elmer A. Ordoñez, Marjorie Evasco, Susie Tan and Lilia Ramos de Leon; and Midnight Children by Ester V. Daroy.
Three literary sessions about the different issues and challenges in Philippine Literature were managed by notable literary writers. The first literary session, “Struggle/People’s Literature” was headed by UP Film Institute Professor Rolando Tolentino. Panelists include Ms. Lualhati Abreu, Ms. Mila Aguilar, Mr. Gelacio Guillermo, Mr. Domingo Landicho, Mr. Jose Rey Munsayac, Mr. Axel Pinpin, Mr. Alexander Martin Remollino, and Mr. Norman Wilwayco.
Professor Shirley Lua served as chair for the second literary session; “Gender Issues in Literature” Panelists were Mr. Ronald Baytan, Ms. Karina Bolasco, Mr. Neil Garcia, Ms. Thelma B. Kintanar, and Ms. Jessica Zafra.
The last literary session, “Critical Issues/Special Topics”, was headed by PCI-PEN Chair Elmer A. Ordoñez. With him are Ms. Susan Lara, Ms. Malou Jacob, Mr. Rosario Cruz Lucero, Mr. Charlson Ong, Ms. Maria Luna Sicat Cleto, Mr. Jun Cruz Reyes and National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera.
The highlight of the event was the annual Jose Rizal Lecture delivered by University of Santo Tomas Rector Magnificus and former Commission on Higher Education chair Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, O.P.
PCI-PEN is the local chapter of International PEN, founded by Mrs. C.A. Dawson Scott in London in 1921. According to their website, International PEN “is the only worldwide association of writers which aims are to promote literature, defend freedom of expression and develop a community of writers worldwide”. The Philippine branch was founded by National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil José in 1957. It is the oldest writers’ association in the country.
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