The Old Woman

 

To the world, a gentle face,

A portrait sweet, of quiet grace.

The neighbors saw an innocent heart,

Unaware of the shadow prepared to start.

Behind closed doors, the velvet fell,

And brought her home a taste of hell.

To stepfamily bonds, a monster born—

Greedy, cold, and sharp as thorn.

She tore at threads of blood and line,

Claiming what was never fine,

Leaving fractures, deep and raw,

A ruthless hand, an unwritten law.

Now bone and breath have turned to dust,

Yet memory holds no peace or trust.

Her shadow stretches long and deep,

A haunting promise she still keeps.

I light a candle in the dark, 

Leonaga T.Larena

1995

Bais City Negros Oriental 

Buglas Reading & Writers Club Oct reading session 2026

 

Happy Birthday  Jara Caballo Manalo 

A tribute to reading advocate and writer icon Gemma Minda Laxina Iso

Dumaguete City Women Forum

 

Negros Literary Artists

Literary Artist from Bais City and Tanjay City

Literary Artist from Bais City and Tanjay City

 

Lists of Popular People in Literature, Journalism, and Historiography in Dumaguete City /Negros Oriental

• César Ruìz Aquino , poet, fictionist, SEAWriter awardee, and four-time Carlos Palanca Memorial Award winner
• Adlai Amor, journalist and Poet 
• Alexander Amor, journalist
• Gemma Minda Laxina Iso, poet, fictionist, and Author
• Claro Ceniza†, poet and philosopher
• Penn Josefino T. Larena Jr, Historian,Writer and ,Poet 
• Elsa Martinez Coscolluela, poet, fictionist, playwright, co-founder of the IYAS National Writers Workshop, and Carlos Palanca Memorial Award Hall-of-Famer
• Ely Dejaresco, journalist
• Leoncio P. Deriada, poet, fictionist, playwright and Carlos Palanca Memorial Award Hall-of-Famer
• Sandra Villanueva Perez-Duran, visayan  journalist,radio drama actor and Writer 
• Pearl Gamboa Doromal, poet and socialite
• Christine Godinez-Ortega, poet and co-founder of the Iligan National Writers Workshop 
• Leonilda Bayran Magdamo, poet
• Simon Nino Anton G. Baena, Writer, poet
• Elena Maquiso†, historian and Ulahingan researcher
• David C. Martinez, fictionist and Carlos Palanca Memorial Award winner 
• Lilius P.Pinili, Writer, Poet and Christian Literature
• Grace Monte de Ramos, poet
• Susan Villanueva Perez Aliño , CEBUANA legend in drama and radio broadcasting
• Jose V. Montebon Jr.†, fictionist
• Alex Pal, journalist
• Myrna Peña-Reyes, poet 
• Josefa Baena Villanueva -Perez Historian, Folk Writer, Poet 
• Caridad Aldecoa Rodriguez†, historian
• Lakambini Sitoy, fictionist and Carlos Palanca Memorial Award winner
• T. Valentino Sitoy, historian
• Artemio Tadena†, poet ,Literature and Carlos Palanca Memorial Award winner
• Anthony L. Tan, poet, fictionist, co-founder of the Iligan National Writers Workshop, and Carlos Palanca Memorial Award winner
• Edilberto Tiempo†, novelist, critic, co-founder of the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, and SEAWriter awardee 
• Edith Tiempo†, poet, novelist, critic, co-founder of the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, and National Artist for Literature 
• Ryn Paul N Gonzales- Hiligaynon Literature Poet
• Domini Torrevillas, journalist
• Lemuel Torrevillas, playwright and Carlos Palanca Memorial Award winner
• Rowena Tiempo Torrevillas, poet, fictionist, essayist, and Carlos Palanca Memorial Award winner
• Gerard Jude Castil Bumanglag ,Cultural Advocate and Poet 
• Gemma Racoma Tadena -Poet, Dancer, Writer and Literature Teacher
• Rosario Fe L. Saavedra -Literature Teacher, Writer and Spanish Language Professor
• Ernesto Superal Yee†, poet and fictionist
•  Leonaga Tulabing Larena, Poet, Reading Advocate
• Bobby Flores Villasis, poet, fictionist, playwright, and Carlos Palanca Memorial Award winner 

Passionate Sunset 2024- Penn Tulabing Larena

 

In the realm of passion, two souls entwine,

A tale of love and lust, a story divine.

The older, a seasoned lover, wise and bold,

His touch, a dance of experience, stories untold.

 

 

The younger, a delicate plant  in bloom,

A heart brimming with curiosity, a soul to consume.

With fragile wings, he embarks on this new journey,

A first-time bang buddy, a moment he'll cherish, a memory.

 

Together, they explore the depths of desire,

A symphony of whispers, a fire ignites higher.

The older, a guide, a mentor, a friend,

A bond forged in the heat of passion's end.

 

The younger, a great thinker, a dreamer, a star,

In the order’s arms, he finds his own spark.

Two hearts beating as one, a connection so pure,

A moment of innocence, a love that endures.

 

As the sunset fades, their bodies entwined,

A newfound respect, a love that's combined.

For in this dance of love, they've found their place,

A connection that transcends time and space.

 

 

And so, the tale of two  buddy unfolds,

A story of passion, of hearts that are sold.

In this moment of truth, they've found their bliss,

A connection that'll forever exist.

 

One word to title this tale of two,

A journey of love, of passion, and anew.

A rhythm that dances, a love so complete.

Sir Penn Tulabing Larena

Mar. 30,2024 5pm 

Photo by JV Lam

                      

 

In Memoriam: Ernesto Superal Yee (1953-2009) Writer, Poet and Author

In the heartland of Tanjay, Negros Oriental, a brilliant literary mind was born in 1953. His name was Ernesto Superal Yee, a poet, writer, and author whose words would come to touch the souls of many. Today, we pay tribute to his remarkable life and enduring legacy.

Ernesto Superal Yee's journey of knowledge began at Silliman University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in business management and a minor in Economics. His thirst for understanding and passion for the written word led him to further his education, eventually earning his LLB at the same esteemed institution. In 1983, he triumphantly passed the Bar, showcasing his intellectual prowess and commitment to justice.

While he excelled in the legal profession, Ernesto Superal Yee's heart was deeply intertwined with the world of literature. He shared his wisdom and expertise as Clerk of Court V at the Regional Trial Court Branch 32 in Dumaguete City, and as a part-time instructor at the College of Law in Silliman. His dedication to both the pursuit of justice and the nurturing of aspiring legal minds demonstrated his exceptional character and unwavering commitment to education.

However, it was in the realm of literature where Ernesto Superal Yee's spirit truly soared. As a fellow at the esteemed Silliman University National Writers Workshop in 1977, he honed his craft and embraced his calling as a wordsmith. His eloquent verses and captivating narratives graced the pages of renowned publications such as the Philippines Free Press, Philippines Graphic, Chimera, Manila Review, Mr. and Ms., Caracoa, Ani, Panorama, Focus Magazine, and Sands & Coral. His works were cherished by readers who found solace, inspiration, and profound meaning within his words.

In his creative endeavors, Ernesto Superal Yee gifted the world with several literary gems. His books, including "About My Garden" (1991), "Ember Days and Other Tales & Stories" (1999), "Covenants & Other Poems" (1999), and the novel "Out of Doors" (2005), transported readers to ethereal landscapes, where emotions danced delicately upon the pages. With his vivid imagery, lyrical prose, and profound insights, he captivated audiences and stirred their imaginations, leaving an indelible mark on the literary tapestry of Negros Oriental.

Ernesto Superal Yee's untimely departure in 2009 left a void in the literary community, but his spirit continues to inspire generations to come. His words live on as a testament to the power of language and the transformative impact of art. Through his legacy, he reminds us of the beauty and depth that can be found in our shared human experience.

Today, we celebrate Ernesto Superal Yee, a cherished son of Negros Oriental, a poet whose verses danced like gentle whispers in the wind, a writer whose stories illuminated the path to understanding, and an author whose words continue to resonate within the hearts of all who encounter them. May his memory forever shine brightly, reminding us to embrace the power of words and to cherish the legacies left behind by our literary heroes.

Rest in peace, Ernesto Superal Yee. Your voice lives on through the timeless beauty of your words. 

Ernesto Superal Yee