Hello, readers. Here’s a life update. I recently attended the prestigious University of the Philippines Writers Night on November 28, 2024, at the Gimenez Gallery in UP Diliman, Quezon City. Writers who participated in the UP Likhaan Institute of Creative Writing’s seminars and workshops were invited to join. Additionally, there were also distinguished writers who graced the event.
If you remember, I was one of the 2024 Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio Writing Workshop Fellows last July, so I had the chance to attend this event. I also participated because I read an excerpt from my Young Adult novel, Iska Dipasupil at Nawawalang Kampana. This novel was my MA thesis and was published by Likhaan in their 18th Journal Special Issue.
Upon arriving, I immediately saw various publishers selling books. Ateneo Press, UST Press, and UP Press were among them. Zines were also available. The Gimenez Gallery was filled with readers and members of the literary community. I was part of the crowd too! I must say that I can genuinely call myself a writer. Yay!
The program started at 6:00 PM. There were welcoming remarks by Dr. Vlad, my professor. The event was headed by Sir Charlson Ong, another established Filipino writer. The hosts were Trist’n and Hanna, who participated in the UP National Writers Workshop this year.
There were book launches, including titles from the Philippine Writers Series and the Philippine Translation Series. Likhaan Journal’s English and Filipino Special Issues were also released.
Here’s my photo reading my book’s excerpt:
Quick story: Si Iska Dipasupil at ang Nawawalang Kampana is a Young Adult novel featured at this event. My thesis adviser, Dr. Eugene Evasco, gave me a beautiful and meaningful introduction. Here’s a part of his introduction:
“Ang kanyang mga akda ay isang imbitasyon sa kabataan na mahumaling, maaliw, at manalig sa pagbabasa. Ang paraan, wika, at paksa ng kanyang panulat ay paraan upang bumuklat ng aklat ang kabataang nag-aalangang magbasa. Sa maingat na pagpapalano ng isang nobela, makakapaghatid si Derla ng aliw at ng aral.” – Dr. Eugene Evasco (2024), on my novel Si Iska at ang Nawawalang Kampana.
IMAGINE MY KILIG WHEN I READ AND HEARD THIS! Who am I, really? Huhu. I am thankful for this experience. This is my first UPWN, and I hope it won’t be my last. 🙂