Mojares, UST rector lead 51st Philippine PEN writers congress
The Philippine Center of the International PEN (Poets and Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) will hold its 51st congress on Dec. 6 at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad ng Sining of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Theme of the congress is “Literature from the Margins: Changes in the Literary Canon.” Keynote speaker is Resil Mojares. He will be introduced by Cebu-based fictionist-essayist Erma Cuizon. To deliver the annual Jose Rizal Lecture is University of Santo Tomas Rector Magnificus and former Commission on Higher Education chair Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, O.P. He will be introduced by dramatist-historian Jose Victor Torres. To lead the reading of the PEN Charter is Susie Tan. CCP president Nestor Jardin will give special remarks. There will be three literary sessions:
“Struggle/People’s Literature” will be chaired by Rolando Tolentino with panelists Mila Aguilar, Gelacio Guillermo, Domingo Landicho, Rosario Cruz Lucero, Jose Rey Munsayac, Alex Pinpin, Alexander Martin Remollino and Norman Wilwayco.
“Gender Issues in Literature” will be chaired by Shirley Lua with panelists Ronald Baytan, Karina Bolasco, Neil Garcia, Thelma B. Kintanar and Jessica Zafra.
“Critical Issues/Special Topics” will be chaired by literary critic and PEN chair Elmer A. Ordoñez with panelists Malou Jacob, National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, Charlson Ong, Ma. Luna Sicat Cleto and Jun Cruz Reyes.
National Artist and Philippine PEN chairman F. Sionil Jose will preside over the plenary session. Playwright-lawyer Nick Pichay will oversee the elections of officers. Congress convenors are Lito Zulueta, Marjorie Evasco, Shirley Lua, and Ordonez.
Two new PEN anthologies published by the UST Publishing House will be launched during the congress — an anthology of dramatic works edited by Torres, and an anthology of poetry, fiction and essay by the PEN’s more senior members edited by Ordonez.
For details, call 523-0870, 525-5038, or e-mail philippinepen@yahoo.com.
