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“BANTAWAN SA BATHALAD” features Poet Gerard Pareja

Gerard Pareja is the Poet of the Month in the June installment of the “Bantawan sa Bathalad,” a monthly poetry reading initiated by the Bathalad, or Bathalad-ong Halad sa Dagang (Divine Gift of the Quill). “Bantawan sa Bathalad” is a monthly poetry reading session that features the Cebuano poems and prose works by Bathalad members. Pareja, is a noted poet and a professional photographer. He is also a former teacher at the University of the Philippines Cebu campus, and is a fellow of numerous writing workshops. His column, “Salin sa Hulbot” is primarily written in colloquial urban Cebuano.

Nearing its third year of existence, “Bantawan sa Bathalad” is a venue for the expression of the Cebuano language, and aims to usher renaissance of Cebuano literature. According to Bathalad president, Michael Obenieta, the activity aims to nurture appreciation of Cebuano language. Local writers and people in the audience are also invited to read their original poetry during the session. The poetry reading activity has only recently begun to feature the Poet of the Month. It broke ground beginning with Cebuano poets Bambi Beltran, Vince Cinches and Kaira Alburo.

“Bantawan sa Bathalad” will be featured at the TAPAS LOUNGE, at the Crossroads, in Banilad, this Wednesday, June 20, 2007, and is sponsored by ArtCebu. For inquiries, one may call or text Mitch Tedor (0917.396.4099) of ArtCebu.

12th Bob Marley Tribute @ the Paseo Mall

A veritable host of local reggae's who's who, have been gathered to perform at the "High Noon on the Road to Zion," as tribute to the man who brought reggae to the worldwide stage.

The 12th annual Bob Marley tribute concert will be happening on March 24, 2007, at the Paseo Mall in Mabolo, Cebu City. According to Sked Besa, Sigbin Haus, Inc. band coordinator, Urbal, Island Joe, Bambu Spliff, Skunky Muggles, among others, have pledged their support. Furthermore, Sigbin Haus has invited Reggae Mistress and Milagros Dancehall Collective, from Manila, and Dumaguete-based reggae phenom, Enchi, to grace the event.

This year's tribute also featured a series of preliminary pocket concerts. These pocket events began with Junior Kilat, last February 6, at the Handuraw Events Café, followed by, "Peek Through the Eyes of a Dreadlock," with notable locals Urbal, Island Joe, Peace 4:20, Pitch Melba and DJ Black Chiny, performing at Club Vudu. The last stop on the road to "High Noon...," was at The Outpost Restaurant and Bar, last February 24, 2007.

"High Noon...," will begin with a multimedia show to raise awareness about reggae music, rastafarianism, and the "ital" way of life. A bazaar featuring locally made products will be among the features of the event.

The proceeds of the 12th tribute concert will be donated to the Albert Schweitzer Foundation. The tribute event will open at 12noon. Tickets will be available at the gates of Paseo Mall, at P100. (BR)

Cebuano Songwriting Workshop slated for April 14 & 15

Bisrock, or "Bisaya nga rock," has had phenomenal success in recent times, so much so that even local FM stations who have snubbed Bisaya songs before are now giving original Bisaya materials regular airplay. In fact, Bisrock's popularity has is so great, it has extended to the rest of the Bisaya-speaking regions in the country.

Despite this appreciation for Bisayan songs, a whiplash effect was also felt. In the rush to fill the growing clamor for Bisrock, many have traded quality for instant gratification. It is along this line of thought that the Cebuano Songwriting Seminar/Workshop was organized. It aims to help young songwriters come up with quality compositions while learning from industry professionals about the various aspects of songwriting and recording.

Eping of the Ambassadors, Ian Zafra of Sheila and the Insects, Cebuano poet Myke Obenieta of Sun.star Weekend, and Puldo Cañada of Zzubu Studio, and Lorenzo Niñal of Missing Filemon, will be covering five main topics: The first topic will be a background into the Cebuano language; and the second will be about writing lyrics in Cebuano.

The third topic will discuss melody and how a 'hook' helps make it effective when composing songs. The fourth topic is musical arrangement, and the last topic will be about using the studio.

This songwriting workshop will be held from April 14 to 15, 2007, and is open to individuals 15 years old and above. Participants are encouraged to bring at least one composition in Cebuano, in any genre. Registration is Php700, which covers meals, snacks, accommodation and transportation. Participants will also be receiving certificates, workshop giveaways, and the rare experience of turning mere words into truly memorable songs. (BR)

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