The Cebu Literary Festival presents a spoken word and storytelling workshop with Fil-Am performer TJ Medel today, March 18, 3 p.m., at the Cebu Cultural Center, across the University of the Philippines Cebu, to be followed by a book launch and the #cebuLitFest Open Mic at 7 p.m.

Medel studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and at Chicago’s Second City. He has performed as a poet and spoken word artist in venues such as Chicago’s Green Mill and New York’s Madison Square Garden.

He is an ensemble member with Chicago Slam Works Poetry House Ensemble, Hip-Hop Collective Elephant Rebellion, SoChi Voices, Theater Unspeakable, and the two-man improvised spoken word group PREACH.

The book launch will spotlight “Somewhere My Anger,” a poetry book by Therese Marie Villarante, illustrated by Alexie Vidal; as well as a special edition of “Departures” featuring poems by Francis Terrado, Juanita Romualdez and TJ Medel.

Meanwhile, the #cebuLitFest Open Mic is a showcase of original poetry and songs by upcoming and established performers. Those interested to attend or perform may sign up at the Cebu Literary Festival Facebook page.