MANILA, Philippines - Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish cultural center in Manila, is bringing the most exciting literary tour this year with the “Berso sa Metro Jeepney Poetry Tour.”
An interesting way of spreading literature, this unique poetry tour is a voyage of verse that will cover three venues with Filipino and Spanish poets reciting some of their most relevant poems in each stop, bringing the passion for poetry to all comers of Metro Manila. With participants onboard an electric jeepney, this tour is truly a unique way of reminding people of the beauty of words as they speed to their destinations.
This April 17, the jeepney tour will visit a variety of venues starting with A Different Bookstore in Serendra from 12 noon until 2 p.m. It will then transfer to Powerbooks in Greenbelt 4 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and will commence at the Mag:net Café in Katipunan from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Renowned Spanish poet José Luis Gómez Turé will be flying from Europe to share his poetry in a recital in these venues. Other participating poets include Alfred Yuson, Pete Lacaba, Marra Lanot, Ramon Sunico, Michael Coroza, Vim Nadera, and Joel Toledo.
Together they will feature their original works based on three different themes: “City Life” at the Serendra; “Memories, Dreams, and Nightmares” at Greenbelt 4; and the poet’s personal choice at Katipunan. The poets will also perform a friendly debate via poetry in the tradition of the Balagtasan.
“Berso sa Metro Jeepney Poetry Tour” is organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines, Ministerio de Cultura de España, Spanish Agency International Cooperation for Development (AECID), Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Cities, Filipino-Spanish Friendship Day, Light Rail Transit Authority, Icon Graphics, Mag:net Cafe Katipunan, A Different Bookstore, Powerbooks, Barcino Wine and Tapas Bar and ClickTheCity.com
Admission to this event is free on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information, call 526-1482 or visit http://manila.cervantes.es You may also get updates on the event by visiting and becoming a fan of Instituto’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/diadellibro.
Instituto Cervantes de Manila is at 855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila.