Likhaan: The UP Institute of Creative Writing

Likhaan: The UP Institute of Creative Writing announces that it is now accepting submissions for possible inclusion in the third issue of Likhaan: the Journal of Contemporary Literature.

The guidelines follow:
1. For its third issue, Likhaan: the Journal of Contemporary Philippine Literature 3, will accept submissions in the following genres, in both English and Filipino:
• Short stories ranging from about 12 to 30 pages double-spaced, in 11-12 points Times Roman, New York, Palatino, Book Antique, Arial or some such standard font. (A suite of short prose pieces will be considered.)
• A suite of four to seven poems, out of which the editors might choose three to five. (Long poems will be considered in lieu of a suite.)
Creative nonfiction (essays, memoirs, profiles, etc.), subject to the same length limitations as short stories (see above).
• Critical/scholarly essays, subject to the same length limitations as short stories (see above)
• Excerpts from graphic novels, or full short graphic stories, for reproduction in black and white on no more than 10 printed pages, 6” x 9.” (Excerpts should be accompanied by a synopsis of the full narrative.)
2. All submissions must be original, and previously unpublished.
3. All submissions must be accompanied by a biographical sketch (no more than one or two short paragraphs) of the author, including contact information (address, telephone number, e-mail address).
4. Submissions may be e-mailed to likhaanjournal@gmail.com, or posted to The Editors, Likhaan Journal, UP Institute of Creative Writing, Rizal Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101.
5. All submissions should be received (whether by e-mail or post) no later than May 31, 2009.
6. All submissions will undergo a strict pre-screening and blind refereeing process by the editors, and a panel of referees composed of eminent writers and critics from within and outside the University of the Philippines .

7. Writers whose work will be accepted for publication will receive a substantial cash payment and a copy of the published journal.
8. The editors reserve the right to edit any and all materials accepted for publication.
9. The editors may also solicit or commission special, non-refereed articles for publication outside of the aforementioned genres and categories to enhance the editorial content and balance of the journal.
10. Please direct any and all inquiries to the editors at likhaanjournal@gmail.com

My Freedom

The first historical place I remembered visiting was Rizal’s house in Calamba, Laguna, and that was during a field trip in high school. I couldn’t remember my parents ever brought me to a children’s museum even to Luneta Park prior to that. I knew they were busy doing something else like working hard so as to send me to a better school; to learn about history and other things in books. I didn’t want their hard work to go in vain, so I read as if every word would equal every drib of sweat they make.
Every page turned was an answer to a faint cry of the universal perplexing question: “Who am I?” I was like a little girl returning to her bird pet, dead in the cage, leaning with her elbows on the windowsill, suddenly seeing herself as part of the complete story, or a young adult who found, for the first time, a teacher who awakens something and she begins to breathe as an individual, conscious of her strength. I became fascinated about knowing my country’s past; how Filipino fought for freedom, whichever weapon they used, and was amazed that pen proved to be the sharpest of all. I understood that freedom was an accomplishment that all Filipino acquired because they set their mind to that direction; and to love freedom is a tendency that I was born with.
After many years, no longer guided by teachers or parents on a school field trip, I had a chance to visit Fort Santiago in Intramuros; another historical place in my list that would substantiate the things I read in history books. It was a Saturday morning, a day off from work and I was not yet attending Creative Writing class. The pale sky was clear and the sun is generous of its radiance. Most sojourners were young Koreans and elementary Girl Scout students sweating on their green uniform, yellow kerchief tied under their starched collar - I wondered why I never had a trip like this in my elementary years. I also saw young white couple, leaning over the lagoon, a mile farther from the ticket booth. They chose to spend their date strolling under the heat of the sun rather than watch a movie or hold hands while walking along the air-conditioned mall.
In the pathway, the once active powder cañons that guarded the massive walls and surrounding broad squares, grand houses and churches was preserved; still like a sleeping beast– the remnants of war and oppression.

For admission fee of 15 Pesos (for student) and 40 Pesos (for adult), I had a concrete view of the rich accounts of the past. During the Japanese occupation in World War II, Fort Santiago was used as a headquarters for the occupying forces where hundreds of civilians and guerillas were imprisoned, tortured and executed. It was one of the oldest fortifications built in Manila.
Restoration & maintenance of the fort began in 1951 under the National Parks Development Committee. In 1992, management was turned over to the Intramuros Administration. Since then, the fort was made open to the public daily. There are guides donned in their 19th century military uniforms stationed throughout the grounds. Their plastic nametags and small radios though are probably not authentic.
The buildings that make up the Intramuros are not the original structures of the past centuries. Despite its aged looks with crumbling wall and battlements, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies, many of the buildings are reconstructions of the originals, some rebuilt more than once. Three centuries of typhoons, floods, fires and earthquakes have also taken their toll. Numerous atrocities were committed in the fort including the deaths of over six hundred people crammed into subterranean cells who drowned during high tides and when Pasig River flooded the cells in February 1945.
What I like most among the many stories in regards to Philippine history connected with the fort is the account on Jose Rizal, the Filipino poet, patriot, and later a martyr for independence who was imprisoned here before his execution by firing squad in the nearby Luneta Park. Visitors can see the cell and literally walk in his final footsteps. Painted footprints trace his final walk from the cell to the fort's gate and his execution site. On his last night in his cell he composed his last and best known work. It was untitled originally but is now commonly known as “Mi Ultimo Adios" (My last Farewell). One of the buildings has been turned into a museum called Rizal Shrine in honor of his memory –you have to pay 10 Pesos to get in. The translation of Ultimo Adios to several languages -Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Chinese and Tagalog to name a few - was displayed here. Inside was several stuff of Rizal like old business card, a little smaller than the size of a ¼ index card, rusty old medical tools, fencing sword and dumbbell. There were also several furniture pieces displayed as part of Rizaliana Collection. These furnishings were turned over to the Philippine government on 1948 by Trinidad Rizal, unmarried sister of Dr. Jose Rizal. The washbasin that Rizal used in his Hong Kong office was also showcased along with his ensemble of Americana and boots. The four post bed, including his bedpan, from their house in Laguna added an interesting piece in the museum. The three century old ‘lampara’ where Rizal hid the ‘Last Farewell’, before he was executed, was encased with a glass like a spectacle of precious gem in auction.
The great world war had come and gone. These featured artefacts were the only remains of it. Luckily, the world has been changed for me; I was not to survive it, but to preserve it and to make sure that I would keep the world changing for the next generation who would inherit it.
The pale sky has turned orange to vermilion when I left the fort. Pride was tight in my chest knowing that the free spirit of the Filipino persisted; it recurred, because it has never been successfully wiped out, by flood, earthquake, fire, or oppression.

Reading is like making love

I was reading An E.B. White Reader and came across a passage that tickled my sensuous mind. It stated that reading is the work of the alert mind, is demanding and under ideal conditions produces finally a sort of ecstasy. To understand the passage more, I pictured a more concrete image (one thing I learned in poetry).I envisioned a couple making love and conjured that intimate moment they shared in a dim lit room like there's no other world exists beyond it. And as in sexual experience, there are never more than two person present in the act of reading - the writer, who is the impregnator, and the reader who is the respondent.

To Find the Metaphor

I was thinking of doing a collection of poetry that goes on the theme of taboo, in a way, giving it a voice of existence. It was actually suggested by Dr. Marj. during one of our workshop classes. It started by composing 'When Thunder Strikes' followed by 'Candlewick'. Now I have to find a new metaphor and do the crazy little thing called poetry. Where to find it? that I do not know. Maybe I'll walk (with someone) around Manila, just like what Reg did to rub off the 'cabin fever', and try to feed my senses with things; the cobblestone street, the iron balconies of Intramuros or the well maintained grasses of its golf course, the tee girls while holding up big umbrella, the 'mani' vendors, the non stop jeepneys along the road, or I could just watch the ennui of the sky (still with someone).

Now I'd better find that someone(besides two is always better than one), then it would be nicer to find the metaphor together.

The Master Rapper Wrapped it up

Francis M. died of Leukemia at the age of 44.

I was in High School when his rap career was soaring high. I remember I made a book binder out of card board with his poster in the front cover.

Stolen Survey

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

No, but unfortunately I have the most cliche name of all. darn!

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

The other night. I just feel like crying.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?

no, I like Dr. Marj's penmanship hahaha!

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

Salmon/blue marlin/steak

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?

no but I like to have one.


6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

Definitely. we'll be like sisters since I don't have one.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?

all the time, especially to conceited type of person.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?

Yes, thank God.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?

no dammit! I still want to get old and writing.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?

no, I don't eat cereal

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?

I don't, I take it off with my other feet.

12. WHERE IS/ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACE(S) TO VISIT?

Library, every Saturday

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?

vanilla and Strawberry combine in Fruits in Ice Cream!

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?

Face features...clothes, lol...accent too...

15. RED OR PINK?

Red

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?

I'm shifty, impatient. (wish I'm not)

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?

Kuya Glenn,

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?

I'm not wearing pants or shoes now.

19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

sound from the stand fan

20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?

Red

21. FAVORITE SMELLS?

fresh parchment, book pages, freshly mown grass.

22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?

Rangi Harris


23. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?

Tennis


24. HAIR COLOR?

black

25. EYE COLOR?

black

26. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?

yes I have to or I'll be blind.

27. FAVORITE FOOD?

Spicy, sea food, pizza,

28. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?

happy endings, but since Adam Sandler said happy endings doesn't happen in real life, I'll just shift to SCARY.

29. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED ON THEATER?

When I Met you (didn't like it much!)

30. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?

Sleeveless Striped black and gray with lace strap

31. SUMMER OR WINTER?

summer

32. HUGS OR KISSES?

both

33. FAVORITE DESSERT?

Ice cream with rock melon or any fruit on top.


34. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?

Reading Poetry (Millet), Passages (Jing P. Hidalgo)

35. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?

i don't use one

36. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?

Tayong Dalawa

37. FAVORITE SOUND(S)?

sound from a kiss

38. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?

I like both

39. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?

Australia

40. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?

I can be stupid without even trying

41. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

Paranaque City


42. WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?

Give up my apartment, quit my job

43. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER?

haven't met him.

down and sick

I don't really feel well today. Poor thing!