“BANTAWAN SA BATHALAD” features Poet Gerard Pareja



A little less than three years ago, a band of wordsmiths, verse-fiends and storytellers found this nook of a place called Kahayag Café. They found it suitable conversation, the sharing of dribbles and oodles of words that poured forth from random musings and politically incorrect conjecture. Thus, was born, “Bantawan sa Bathalad.”


“Bantawan” is monthly poetry reading activity that features the oral form of the works of Cebuano writers and poets of the Bathalad, or “Bathalad-ong Halad sa Dagang” (Divine Gift of the Quill). It is a venue for the expression of the Cebuano language, and aims to usher renaissance of Cebuano literature, and nurture appreciation of Cebuano language. Local writers and people in the audience are always invited to read their original poetry during the session. A few months earlier, “Bantawan” began featuring the “Poet of the Month.” This new feature added opportunities for audience members and other writers to discuss the Poet’s works and voice their opinions about them. It broke ground beginning with Cebuano poets Bambi Beltran, Vince Cinches and Kaira Zoe Alburo. For June, "Bantawan" will be featuring the works of poet-photographer Gerard Pareja.

Bathalad is helmed by notable Cebuano writers Michael Obenieta, Januar Yap, Jeremiah Bondoc, Greg Fernandez and Josua Cabrera. “Bantawan sa Bathalad” will be featured at the Tapas Lounge, at the Crossroads, in Banilad, this Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at 8PM. This will be a temporary arrangement as their home of many readings, Kahayag Café, closed down late last month. Cabrera says the Bathalad is eyeing a few venues and hope one may be receptive to sponsoring a spot for this merry band of wordsmiths. ArtCebu is also sponsoring this month’s reading as Bathalad is in the thick of searching for a new home.

A little less than three years ago, a band of wordsmiths, verse-fiends and storytellers founded monthly event that celebrated the Cebuano language, and featured the works of local writers. Since then, the “Bantawan” has become part of local fare, entrancing audiences with the Cebuano spoken word, inviting them to beguile and be beguiled by the sharing of verses written in a language that both strange and alluring, as it is very much their birthright.






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