SPOKEN WORD VALENTINE with Aklan Literary Circle by W. J. Manares February 14, 2026. Valentine's Day took on a different hue at Haboean Weaving Studio and Café in Kalibo, Aklan. Instead of the usual romantic dates, it was a celebration of words, art, and community, thanks to Aklan Literary Circle . I was honored to perform as Makata-ɤamad (Aklanon: "boring") , accompanied by DORAT 's experimental music, in an event that proved the pen is mightier than the sword - and far mor

SPREADING MY WINGS: Day Three @Haboean by W. J. Manares By Day 3, the Latag-Latag: Haboean Holiday Market 2 was buzzing with energy. The performer, DORAT approached me with that on-the-spot invite on Day 1, and today is the day of my debut as a "spoken word artist." Makata-ɤamad in the house! I felt the crowd’s curiosity building - one moment people were browsing books, handmade crafts, and having snacks, the next they were listening to us, drawn to the idea of live poetry sp

SPREADING LIKE WILDFIRE: Day Two @Haboean by W. J. Manares I glanced at my phone, worried I’d fallen behind schedule, but deep down, I knew I’d timed everything just right. While my second day at the "Latag-Latag: Haboean Holiday Market Year 2" started off feeling a bit slow, the excitement of connecting with a fellow book lover who shared my passion for curating meaningful reads quickly breathed life back into my afternoon. I struck up conversations with dozens of attendee

SPREADING THE WORD: Day One @Haboean by W. J. Manares I arrived early at Villa Peraz Subdivision, New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan for the Haboean Holiday Market Year 2, dubbed "Latag Latag" which translates to "simply spread." This was because I live by the saying, "The early bird catches the early worm." As the representative of Ukiyoto Publishing, my role was to showcase a selection of printed books. During my time there, I discovered that many book lovers and readers still de

MY POETIC SHAPERS: How Bukowski, Milligan, and Dickinson Forged My Voice by W. J. Manares There are poets who teach you how to write, and then there are those who teach you why. For me, Charles Bukowski, Spike Milligan, and Emily Dickinson do both. Three voices from vastly different times, places, and lives, yet all bound by a fierce commitment to writing what feels true. One wrote of the streets, one of the stage and psyche, one from a quiet room. But together, they’ve shape

MUST BE SEEN: Visibility Matters by W. J. Manares Writers and their works must be seen, by all means, because they are vital to fostering connection, preserving culture, challenging perspectives, and driving social progress, while also validating both creators and audiences in meaningful ways. When it comes to sharing creative work, writers and artists have diverse paths to choose from. Zines have long been a cornerstone of independent expression, while book publishing offers

ALL ABOUT ARTS by W. J. Manares The Face of a Book: Why Book Covers Matter A book’s cover is its first impression - the visual handshake that draws readers in before they even open the pages. It’s more than just a pretty design; it’s a powerful tool that communicates the book’s essence, sets the tone, and captures the attention of potential readers in a crowded market. A great cover can make the difference between a book being picked up or passed over. This is why partnering

Opening Your Wallet for Books: Buying Instead of Getting Them Free by W. J. Manares There’s something magical about scrolling through a free e-book library or borrowing a stack from the local bookstore’s "swap shelf" - instant access to stories and knowledge without spending a cent. But hear me out: setting aside a little cash to own a book or two is one of the most rewarding investments you can make for yourself, and for the world of writing itself. It's About More Than Just

Unearth Literary Gems: Why You Need to Follow Underrated Authors by W. J. Manares Hello there, Bookworms! Our Earth is overflowing with bestsellers and mainstream hype and it's easy to overlook the hidden treasures in the literary world. Today, I'm making a case for why you should expand your reading horizons and start following underrated authors. Why Underrated Authors? 1. Fresh Perspectives Underrated authors often bring unique voices and perspectives that challenge the s

WRITING DISASTER STORIES THAT GRIP THE READERS by W. J. Manares Disaster stories aren't just about chaos; they're about the human spirit tested to its limits. Storms, earthquakes - these aren't just events; they're crucibles where courage is forged and bonds are strengthened. Want to write disaster tales that leave readers breathless? Here's your survival kit: 1. Ground Zero A. Dive Deep Don't just skim the surface. Understand the science. What makes a super typhoon a monste

SAVING STORIES: Protecting Books During Typhoon Season by W. J. Manares Typhoon season in the Philippines means heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding. For book lovers, this can be a stressful time, as our beloved books are vulnerable to water damage and mold. But don't worry, with a few simple precautions, you can keep your literary treasures safe! Before the Storm 1. Elevate, Elevate, Elevate The most important thing is to keep your books off the floor. Water

Ang Makata sa Likod ng “Tuldukuwit” isinulat ni Gabrielle Lopez, batay sa pakikipanayam ni Rickyanna Rodrigues Lahat naman siguro tayo ay...

Sinulat ni Treena Millenas Sa mga araw na ito, sa ating panahong nakagisnan; ang pag-publish ng libro ay nasa ilalim ng dalawang...

Sinulat ni Treena Millenas Ang mga naghahangad na manunulat ay dapat maging handa na magsikap sa maraming larangan at may kaalaman kung...

Sinulat ni Treena Millenas Karamihan na ata sa lahat ng manunulat ay pangarap na maging isang pisikal na libro ang kanilang mga akda....

Image Credits: Unsplash Isa na ata sa maituturing na mahirap isulat ang napakalawak na kategoryang “Non-Fiction” sa mga manunulat kung...

Sinulat ni Treena Millenas Ang Publishing Industry sa Pilipinas ay palago na nang palago at masasabing isa sa matagumpay na gawain sa...

Isinulat ni Yvee Faith Dado Masakit man ang kritisismo, ngunit ito rin ay para sa iyo. Ang paglalahad mo ng iyong kwento ay may layong...

Isinulat ni Yvee Faith Dado Huminga at magpahinga. Bilang manunulat, maraming oras sa ating buhay ang iginugugol sa walang humpay na...

Isinulat ni Yvee Faith Dado Magsimula at gawin ang unang hakbang! Marami, hindi lang mga manunulat, ang nakararanas ng pagpapaliban sa...