Makata Issue No.6 is now available online featuring the poetry of our new and in-house poets Eoin Dunford, Rosendo M. Makabali, Bill Mitsuru T. Shimizu, Alexander Agena, Charles Carpio, Jose Jason L. Chancoco, Michael Francis C. Andrada, Alexander Martin Remollino, Alvin Diano Campos and Estelito B. Jacob

Literary, Movie Stars Read Poetry at Marikina

The country's largest group of writers-the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), the U.P. Institute of Creative Writing (ICW), the UP Writers' Club and the Marikina City Mayor's Office will host the most exciting poetry reading night ever on 5 June, Thursday, 6 p.m. onwards. Billed as "Marikit na Taludtod sa Lungsod ng Sapatos," the event will be held at the City Hall of Marikina. It is inspired by theDragon boat Festival, and also commemorates the death of Qu Yuan (pronounced as Chu Yuan) 2,300 years ago. Qu Yuan was a legendary Chinese poet-statesman who flourished during an era plagued by corruption. As a political statement, he drowned himself in the river. People who believed in his idealism desperately rushed to where his body sank.

The UMPIL invited literary-inclined showbiz personalities to lend glamour to the event. On the other hand, nationally renowned poets, Chinoy, Non-Pinoy writers, rising young versesmiths from major colleges and universities and homegrown talents from Marikina City will furnish the gravitas. There will be an open mic session for anyone who wishes to share their own works. The public is invited. For particulars, please call the UMPIL Secretariat at 372-3548, 372-3549 or 410-3116 or ICW @ 922-1830 or 920-5301, loc.7914

Cutting edge Pinoy poets release spoken word album

Philippine poetry takes on an aural dimension with the release of UNIBERSO: New Pinoy Poets Calling, a compilation album of poetry and spoken word pieces. The album launching will be held on June 17, Tuesday, 8 p.m., at Millennia Cafe, Kamuning, Quezon City.

UNIBERSO brings together today's most exciting and innovative poets writing in Filipino and English. These include Lourd de Veyra, Khavn dela Cruz, Lilledeshan Bose, Allan Popa, Marc Escalona Gaba, Mesandel Virtusio Arguelles, Jerry Gracio, Conchitina Cruz, L. Lacambra Ypil, Jose Beduya, Kerima Lorena Tariman, Ed Geronia, Mayo Uno Martin, Ronaldo Santos, Bomen Guillermo, Easy Fagela, Neva Kares Talladen, Roberto Ofanda Umil, Ericson Acosta, Mabi David-Balangue and Richard Gappi.

Eschewing traditional notions of poetry, UNIBERSO offers 21 lyrical tracks ranging from the sublime to the downright absurd, all set to a wide variety of music, from classical and hiphop to industrial and reggae. Music is not relegated to the background but is part of the whole listening experience, as it alternates between clashing with and complementing the spoken word pieces.

Guest performers at the launch include the bands Radioactive Sago Project, Ciudad, Twisted Halo, Matilda and The Purplechickens. There will also be performances by UNIBERSO poets and an open-mic session.

UNIBERSO: New Pinoy Poets Calling is produced by Mayo Uno Martin. Executive producers are Avant-Pop Music, littlebrownindie, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. For details and inquiries, contact (0918) 935-4489, or e-mail at labordei@hotmail.com or littlebrownindie@hotmail.com. You can also log on to www.sanghaya.com permaLink | 0 comments