Poetry Night

CEBU, Philippines - Writers and poets of different ages gathered for the 9th "Basa Balak," a poetry night organized by University of the Philippines-Cebu creative writers' organization, the UP Tinta. It took place on October 24 at the Handuraw Events Café, on Gorordo Avenue.

The finest and multi-awarded Cebuano poets mingled and shared some of their pieces to new and aspiring rhymesters. The shared poems interpreted the theme: "The Anatomy of a Ghost: Nostalgia. Reminiscence. Mementos."

It was not only a night of poems and songs but also the launching of the chapbook of a partner organization, Bathalad, entitled "DILA + ILAB-ILAB + BLACKHOLE," by members Noel Villaflor, Jeremiah Bondoc and Josua Cabrera. According to Villaflor, the launch of their chapbook was timely for "the upcoming holiday for the dead." He also congratulated UP Tinta for reviving the interest in poetry and literature among students and younger audiences.

The night ended with a surprise performance from the night's special guest, Butch Ballido, who is regarded by many as the Father of Modern Cebuano Poetry. Ballido pointed out that the event was proof that poetry in Cebu is very much alive, especially that most of the poems shared that night were in Cebuano. His message for the young aspiring writers: "Every teenager is a poet, an artist or whatever they want to be. Talent is not unusual. It is the ability to sustain the talent [that is unusual], to continue writing even when they are already in their… 50s."

UP Tinta's vice chairperson Reyna Cadiz was the head organizer of the poetry night. She expressed satisfaction over the attendance and participation levels of the event.