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

 

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

                      

 

A Tribute to Roberto " Bobby" Flores Villasis

 

There aren't many writers in the world who shine as brightly as

Bobby Flores Villasis, the Palanca Literary Icon, is a genuine literary knight.

He wrote stories of wonder and delight while holding a pen in his hand, captivating readers with his words day and night.

Born on November 16, 1946, in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, Bobby Flores Villasis also spent some of his early years in Iloilo City. He completed his undergraduate studies in English at Paul's College in Dumaguete. He began teaching English and theater literature in 1960 at the Liberal Arts Education in St. Paul, which is now known as the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education.

Finally, he started as a freelance writer, He received writing guidance from the late Edilberto Tiempo, Edith Lopez Tiempo, and Albert Faurot. He was a creative writing fellow at both the National Writers Workshop in Silliman University and the University of the Philippines National Writers Workshop, where his manuscript entitled “Storm Signals” won the prize for best fiction in 1974.

Tito Bobby participated in the Summer Writers Workshop in 1966 as a fellow and afterward as a regular panelist. He was also a writing associate at Silliman University's Edilberto and Edith Tiempo Creative Writing Center.

He was invited to teach as a guest lecturer in literature and drama at Foundation University's College of Arts & Sciences. He also served as the school paper adviser and on the executive committees for the First Provincial Folk Festival and the Buglasan Festival, both of which were hosted there.

In St. Paul College, he directs and writes plays like Macbeth in 1968, Maria Clara in 1971, Edsa in 1987, Annie in 1990s, and Life of St. Paul in 2000, to name a few. He was the moderator of the Paulinian Arts Society and adviser to the school newspaper, "The Paulinian." In 2004, he was given the distinguished Centennial Alumni Award in the category of literature, arts, and culture.

He has also received multiple Don Carlos Palanca Awards for his plays, including "Vigil" [1st Prize, 1978], "Demigod" [2nd Prize, 1979], "Fiesta" [1st Prize, 1987], "Salcedo" [1st Prize, 1988], "Brisbane" [2nd Prize, 1989], "Eidolon" [Honorable Mention, 1990], and "Caves" [3rd Prize, 1994].

His short fiction has also won honors from Focus Magazine and the Philippines Free Press. He received first-place awards for "Menandro's Boulevard" in 1994–1995 and "Elegies from Another Book" in 2004 for the latter. Demigod, a 1998 collection of plays, poems, and short stories, and Suite Bergamasque, a collection of tales about Dumaguete's renowned Rizal Boulevard, are two of his publications that have been published. Along with Merlie Alunan, he served as co-editor of Kabilin, the official publication of the Negros Oriental Centennial Celebration.

In addition, Tito Bobby served as the Editor in Chief of Dayon Magazine for three years, and the Negros Oriental Cultural & Arts Officer, of the Provincial Tourism Unit until his retirement. Who passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 6:30 a.m. He suffered from Parkinson's disease for many years.

He worked tirelessly to promote the arts and maintain the Negros Oriental history as a cultural officer, serving with commitment and pride while honoring his heritage, culture, and people.

Bobby Flores Villasis, is a literary icon, a true treasure, A symbol of the power of words, of measure. A tribute to his life and legacy, we give with joy, For he will forever be remembered, as a literary envoy.

Escaño Beach : A Memory to Hold 2011

 

Escaño Beach : A Memory to Hold

 

Escaño Beach, a memory I hold dear,

The sand was so fine and the waters so clear,

The sky above, so blue and bright,

The sun shone down a glorious sight.

 

The waves crashed onto the shore,

The sound is so soothing,

I can't ignore it,

The sea breeze blowing through my hair,

As I walk along the beach, without care.

 

The Talisay  trees sway in the wind,

A tranquil scene,

I won't rescind,

The memories of that day still remain,

A moment of peace, free from any pain.

 

The laughter and joy shared with friends,

The time we spent, never ends,

Escaño Beach, a memory so sweet,

A place I long to return to and meet.

The memories of that day still bring me bliss,

 A moment of serenity I'll always miss, Escaño Beach,

 a place that stole my heart,

 A memory that will never depart.

Mr. Penn Tulabing Larena 

Baisanon Poet Penn Tulabing Larena some of his works were influenced by family, relatives and friends. Some of his works include Everlasting love in 2001,Escaño Beach : A Memory to Hold  2011, Hacienda in 2013, Hometown 2015,Rizal 2016,  The space between us in 2018 ,Spanish Bread of Jose Rafael  2018  Pretty Girl  2018.,Lockdown 2021 and Stranger of the midnight summer 2022.,The Dark Knight in Sept 2022,

Larena is regular travel, historical and lifestyle writer of Negros now daily and Negros Weekly and New York based The Negros Times.

A Poet of St. Paul University Dumaguete and a graduate of Silliman University 

He is a nephew of  Literary icons in the Philippines like Fr. Rudy Villanueva aka in literature Renato Madrid, Dr. Elsa Martinez – Coscolluela,Atty .David C. Martinez, Lilius Pinili,Dr. Tichie Saycon E. Baena ,Atty Arturo Valencia Umbac,  Simon Anton Niño Diego Galera Baena and his mother Leonaga Tulabing Larena .

Escaño Beach Piapi Dumaguete City 

Footnote to a Sunday Psalm

 

 I know you made the growth, lord, from 

which we weave these sheets

 to make our beds, and the petalry which we

 crush and  let alone to bleed, to trap

 perfume, yes and the oak and shore

 and most good things, and even perhaps

 our meeting there last monday in the 

wind, and the dirty book i caught her

 with. did you make the cats she owns? 

one of them bites, you know, and i 

felt like kicking it and I really did 

while she was out riding one of your

 horses. and i know you made her, made

 her with her dewy eyes and clasp and

 hair, made her as you wove satin and 

the shade. god, you are the greatest. 

had you added one last stroke, you 

would have had a sly and savage peer. 

 Sands & Coral 1966

David C. Martinez 1967 Co-editor David C. Martinez was born in Dumaguete City and earned his undergraduate degree from Foundation University.Teaching English ,Literature and Social Sciences in his alma Mater St. Paul University Dumaguete City. Soon after, he entered Silliman University law school, where he distinguished himself as a debater winning gold medals at national collegiate debate competitions. He also wrote poems, essays and short stories which were published in the Philippine Free Press and Weekly Graphic between 1964 to 1971. As a vocal political activist during the early years of Martial Law, he was briefly detained by the military and eventually resettled by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in California USA, where his family has resided since 1974. He edited the Asian American News in Los Angeles in 1979. Martinez was a double winner in the 1997 Carlos Palanca Award for Literature (English Division) with his “The Amulet” garnering First Prize in the Short Story Category and “Shadow on the Sun” garnering Second Prize in the Poetry Category. His book A Country of Our Own: Partitioning the Philippines was published in 2002 by Daykeeper Press and in 2004 by Bisaya Books. 

PENN (A WARRIOR TORN)

By : Gerard Jude C. Bumanglag ,MD   Jan  2021

 If a warrior were gifted a magical pen 

To change this world's chaotic arena 

Would one write down "Zen" Or invoke the Goddess Athena 

To battle - regardless of where or when –

 As cries extinguish the flame from a broken glass vitrine. 

When visions alternately brighten or dampen, 

Would weapons shine or get patina, 

As raging emotions either fade or deepen? 

No reckoning as to how eruptive or serene a Warrior whose name is Penn 

If one chooses to be as gentle as a puppy over a Hyena,

 Would this valiant being miss the chase out there in the open, 

Even though the prey is a gazelle ever graceful as a Ballerina? 

Tanjayanon Dr. Gerard Jude C. Bumanglag ,MD.He grow up in Tanjay  City Negros Oriental . He is an Art Collector, Poet, Philatelist,Civic leader,Past President of Tanjay Rotary Club,Chapter Commander of Knights of Rizal  Tanjay Chapter and Heritage & Cultural  Advocate 

History of Manuel Luis Quezon Park of Dumaguete City

The Public Plaza of Dumaguete City,was constructed in September 16,1916  by American contractor  Clyde V. Powers through a donation  of  the lot by the Patero Family during the time of Mayor Ramon Teves Pastor,Dumaguetiñoes  who wanted  the park named after their  favourite President  Manuel Luis Molina Quezon.In the center of the Park  is the Jose Rizal’s statue is the most prominent fixture in the back to back with the figure Maria Clara .She is the Famous character depicting the typical Filipina in Rizal novels and  said to be the fictionalized Leonor Rivera. Eulogio Garcia Velarde  a famous Filipino  sculptor was commission by the Provincial Governor Enrique Teves Villanueva  designer the monument of Rizal ,Mara Clara, guardian angel top of the monument .A Mi utimo Adios of Rizal  Last Farewell is on side by side in three version of  English, Spanish and Bisaya  given by the Order of the  Knights of Rizal.

The Morita red fire truck on display near a balete tree is an eye catcher .It was used during the World War II AND POST –WAR time by the City’s Fire Department, also inside Quezon Park is the World War II Veterans marker and replica of the map of Negros Oriental and Siquijor Islands.There is also a bust of Don. Deigo de la Viña, unveiled in 1998, marking the 100 years of the Heritage March. De la Viña was  the liberator of the people of Negros Oriental from the Spanish Rule.

A masterpiece in the heart of the park is the colonial fountain made by Italian artist Rafaelo Palucci who design was impression of his visit to Bais in the Hacienda of the Villanueva family where he saw this group of women carrying sugar cane walking in the fields.

  

Event   in   Quezon Park Dumaguete City

The Dumaguete Tourism Office is located on one side of Quezon Park. Local and foreign tourist comes here to ask for assistance when it comes to traveling around the wonderful province. The City Hall is also located just across Quezon Park. This is a great place to see locals. Sometimes, they host a market here. There are also events that would take place here. Other times, they use this place for programs and local events. Feeding programs would also take place here. Other locals would also use this place for their dance practice. Lately, soccer games and practices happen here almost every afternoon. Every Sunday, there is show called Tayada sa Plaza with the performers being local students from different schools here in Dumaguete. They showcase their talents and skills during this event. But nevertheless, this place would always be an interesting place to just walk around and spend a little time. Since this place is just near the Bell Tower and Cathedral Church, a lot of locals would come here in stay for a while with their loved ones.

This place is also very festive during the Charter Day of the City. The City parade would start and end here. There would be some local artists who would perform at the stage. Locals would come to here to watch the programs and their favorite artists or bands. The event would continue until Christmas since the Charter day is November 25. During Christmas, this is a lively place to walk, shop for bargains and watch the locals and tourists alike. Bustling with people from all walks of life especially on Sundays and now all dressed up for Christmas. I can assure you that this place is worth a visit. Don’t forget to bring your cameras and monopods for pictorials.

Size :  No information

Location : Barangay 3

North : Gov. Mariano F. Perdices ( Old name Calle Alfonso XIII)

Left Side : Sen. Lorenzo Teves St. ( Old name Calle Colon )

Right Side : Bishop Bishop Epifanio Surban ( Old name Calle Legaspi)

South : Sta .Catalina St. ( Old  name Calle Sta. Catalina )

Parks Facilities :

Rest Room

Waste Water Treatment Facilities

Kiosk

Flag Pole

Play ground

City Tourism Office

Football field

Barangay Hall

Kiwanis Club Stage –TMO

Features of the monument bust

Historical Marker from NHCP

Last Farewell in English, Spanish and Bisaya

Information about Knights of Rizal

Poem of Jose Rizal one the novels

Funding Agency / Maintaining Agency

1.  Provincial Government in 1916 during the time of Gov. Enrique Teves Villanueva

2.   Beautification & stage Rotary Club and Lions Club in 1950 -1960

3.  Kiwanis Club 1970s to 1980s

4.  Play ground in 1999 Philippine Tourism Authority ( PTA)

5.  Beautification –City Tourism Council / City Government of Dumaguete

6.  Present  GSO City Government of Dumaguete 

The NGO /School / Government Agencies helped the beautification 

1.City Government of Dumaguete

2. Department of Tourism

3. St. Paul University Dumaguete

4. Dumaguete Tourism Council

5. Dumaguete City Festival & Arts Society Inc

Park Researcher Committee

Josefino "Penn" T.Larena  Jr.

Jessica D. Layumas

Woodrow Maquiling Jr. 

Historical day Sept 17,2016 Manolo Quezon with Heritage Advocate from Dumaguete City Festival & Arts Society NGO group promoting heritage of the place for the 100 Centennial Celebration of Manuel Quezon Park built in 1916 in Dumaguete City