About the LitCritters
Discussions on Philippine speculative literature are by no means confined to Metro Manila. If you're interested in participating in a workshop on writing held outside of Manila, take a look at the workshops offered by the LitCritters.
The LitCritters is a small reading and writing group based in Manila, as well as in Dumaguete. Every week, we read and discuss several pieces of short fiction from various genres from different writers with the goal of expanding our reading horizons, improving our ability to critique, and learning how to write from the good texts. In addition to speculative fiction, we read Philippine literature in English, as well as world literature. Once in a blue moon, we are requested to conduct writing workshops (such as our recent 3-weekend stint at A Different Bookstore), and are planning to hold a more formal one, maybe next summer, as schedules and realities of life permit. For those who'd like to join us, we recommend participating in one of the workshops, or signing up for the LitCritter mailing list (which is basically me sending the readings once a week). We also accept the occasional sit-in (when we conduct sessions in restos or cafes). If you'd like to be on the mailing list or want to sit in on one of our sessions, email me at deanalfar(at)gmail(dot)com.check out this post by Dean Alfar for more details.
Submit to Philippine Genre Stories
It's always great to see more entrants to the local fiction market. Spec fic writers who are interested in getting published may wish to check out Philippine Genre Stories.
The following introductory info was taken from their submission guidelines.
We are looking for a few good stories. Ones that catch a reader's attention and captivate them so much that they lose sense of time and place in the real world because you, the writer, have drawn them to other times and places, ones of your own creation. We are a small publishing firm based in Manila, Philippines, and we hope to receive well-written, quality stories. Set them anywhere: in the Philippines, in another country (real or imagined), on the moon, under the sea, in outer space, anywhere. Populate them with characters of your own creation. And tell the story you want to tell! This does not mean we will only accept contributions from Filipino writers, by the by. We are looking for good stories. Well-written ones, in fact. As far as we know, good stories can be told by anyone no matter who you are. Another thing. We are looking for genre stories. Fantasy, science-fiction, speculative, crime, mystery, detective, horror, suspense. You can write and submit a very commercial, action-packed, plot-driven story, or a light, funny, and humorous one, or a very moody, artsy tale packed with lyrical prose and a lot of characterization, symbolism, irony, and what have you. Just make sure your story will fall into any of the above genres. And make them good and well-written. We can’t say that enough.Read more here. They already have two issues out, and they're still accepting contributions! As soon as I finish something that's somehow worth reading, I might try submitting :P
Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah the Musical
A post reviewing this landmark fantasy work is long overdue. In the meantime, here's a heads up on the hit musical based on the comic book, for those who haven't seen it yet.
Via missingpoints:
Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal (based on the award winning graphic novel by Carlo Vergara) has performed to sold out houses at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and garnered rave reviews from both critics and the public alike. Now for its third (and reportedly final) run, Zsa Zsa will once again battle giant frogs, rampaging zombies and power-tripping extra-terrestrial Amazons, this time at the heart of the Makati CBD. KEY DETAILS: Show Date: June 15 to July 1, 2007 Venue: Carlos P. Auditorium (RCBC Plaza), Makati City Cast: ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH: Eula Valdes / K Brosas ADA: Tuxqs Rutaquio / Vincent de Jesus DIDI: Nar Cabico DODONG: Arnold Reyes / Lauren Novero / Janvier Daily QUEEN FEMINA SUARESTELLAR BAROUX: Kalila Aguilos AMAZONISTAS: Wilma Doesnt, Deeda Barreto, Mayen Estañero, Skyzx Labastilla / Wenah Nagales (Swing) ALING BRITNEY: Mia Bolaños ITAY ZOMBIE: Jerald Napoles TAUMBAYAN/ZOMBIES: Wenah Nagales, Catherine Racsag, Joann Co, Mia Bolaños, Tamara Cabaero Bong Cabrera, Carlon Matobato, Red Nuestro, Paolo Rodriguez, Leo Ponseca, Amihan Ruiz I've choice seats for opening night, June 15 (Friday) and June 22 (Friday). Text 0926-702-8495 for reservation or more details. Ticket prices: Orchestra Center: P800 Loge: P800 Orchestra Side: P700 Balcony: P500 Please feel free to pass the word to people who might be interested. =)
Celebrating the 11th Philippine Book Development Month
plugging, one post at a time!
the first announcement is from Tin Mandigma of the Manila-based Read or Die Book Club:
The National Book Development Board in cooperation with the Filipinas Heritage Library and Bookmark Inc. are celebrating the 11th Philippine Book Development Month with the theme "Love Your Books." Focal activities include "Portrait of the City Exhibit and Tour: The Literary Imagination and The City We Live In" along with a special series of discussion panels and storytelling sessions. A tentative schedule of activities can be found here. Love your books! Show your support for the 11th Philippine Book Development Month by putting this logo in your blog or website.Or something more compact:
