Supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the conference has for its theme “Never stray from the path of righteousness and justice…” (Mabini’s The True Decalogue): Writing, Writers, Moral Regeneration and National Renewal.
The 2014 conference is being held in commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini.
Main speakers are novelist Anna Maria “Bambi” L. Harper, former columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and chief of the Intramuros Administration, who will deliver the keynote address; and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna, now of the International Commission of Jurists, who will deliver the traditional José Rizal Lecture.
Featured writer-discussants in the literary sessions include Raissa Robles, Victor Peñaranda, Rene Azurin, Joel Pablo Salud, Nicolas Pichay, Floy Quintos, Dennis Marasigan, Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., Kristian Cordero, Fr. Wilmer Tria, Junley Lazaga, Alex R. Castro, Zola Macarambon, Francis Allan Angelo, Edgardo Maranan, Glenn Mas, Jun Cruz Reyes, Amadís Ma. Guerrero, Santiago Villafania, and Charlson Ong;
Ricardo Soler, Gemma Cruz Araneta, Saul Hofileña Jr., Ambassador Alejandrino Vicente, Bernardita Churchill, Karina Bolasco, Nida Ramirez, Jun Matias, Carlo Vergara, Edgar Samar and Marjorie Evasco.
To be launched are the following books: Bienvenido Lumbera’s “Paunang Salita: Pieces of a Teacher’s Mind” (NCCA); Marne Kilates’ “Time’s Enchantments and Other Reflections: New Poems”; Frank Penones Jr.’s “P.I. and Cancion nin mga Tawong Lipod/Songs of the Unseen”; Rebecca Añonuevo’s “Talab: Mga Sanaysay sa Panitikan, Wika, at Pagtuturo” Maryanne Moll’s “Married Women: Stories” (all books published by Ateneo de Naga University Press);
José Victor Peñaranda’s “Lucid Lightning: Poems and Prose” (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House); Maria Fres Felix’s “Boy in the Platinum Palace and Other Stories” (University of the Philippines Press); and Philippine PEN Journal, edited by Herminio Beltran Jr.
Other sponsors: House of Representatives Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.; DLSU Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center; DLSU Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation; Saul Hofileña Jr.; Galerie Joaquin; PEN International; SM; Solidaridad Bookstore; Swedish International Development Agency; UP President Alfredo Pascual; and UST Varsitarian.
The Philippine PEN was founded in 1957 by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil José.
The conference is open to the public. Call Solidaridad, 2541068; visit philippinepen.ph.