CALAMANSI BLOG #13

PANUBLION: An Ancestral Gift from JOEY AYALA

by W. J. Manares

Last February 21, 2026, Kalibo, Aklan came alive with the rhythm of storytelling and music at Panublion: Songwriting Workshop led by none other than Filipino music icon JOEY AYALA. For me, it was more than just a learning session - it was a once-in-a-blue-moon chance to learn from one of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters, connect with fellow creatives from our province, and give voice to a cause close to my heart.

Who is Joey Ayala?

Joey Ayala is a renowned Filipino folk and world music artist, composer, and activist whose career spans over four decades. Hailing from Bukidnon, he’s known for blending indigenous Filipino musical traditions with modern sounds, weaving themes of environmental stewardship, cultural identity, and social justice into his work. His iconic songs like "Karaniwang Tao" and "Magkaugnay" have become pillars of OPM (Original Pilipino Music), and he’s widely recognized for using art as a tool to inspire positive change and preserve local cultures.

Lessons that Struck a Chord

The workshop delved deep into the craft of merging prose, poetry, and music. We explored how words carry their own natural rhythm, and how to build melodies that enhance rather than overshadow their meaning. One of the most memorable takeaways was "Hiningang Dagat" - a unique ritualistic exercise that mimics the ebb and flow of the sea. By synchronizing our inhales and exhales with the imagined movement of waves, we learned to center our minds, clear mental clutter, and prevent stress before tackling any creative task. It’s a practice I now use every time I sit down to write.

"LILO": A Collaboration for Aklan River

The highlight of my day was performing my composition "LILO" - the Aklanon word for whirlpool. The piece focuses on the urgent need to protect the Aklan River, our province’s lifeblood that faces threats from pollution and unsustainable practices. I’d crafted the lyrics and spoken word elements on my own, but fellow workshop participant J-Marc Mendoza helped me bring it to life with a melody that mirrors the river’s gentle currents and powerful surges. Our collaboration proved that great music often grows from shared passion and community support.

Connections as Inheritance that Lasts a Lifetime

Beyond the technical lessons, the workshop gave me the chance to meet talented songwriters from across Aklan - all with unique stories to tell and a deep love for our homeland. We shared laughs, swapped ideas, and promised to keep supporting each other’s work long after the day ended.

The rest, as they say, is history - but for me, it’s just the beginning of a journey to use music as a bridge between our culture, our environment, and our community.

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NOTE:

Why "Calamansi" Blog?

I chose the name 'Calamansi Blog' because it embodies the essence of what I want my blog to be. The calamansi, that small but vibrant Philippine lime, symbolizes joy and freshness. Just as the fruit adds a burst of flavor to any dish or drink, I want my blog to bring a fresh and uplifting perspective to the readers.

Beyond its Filipino roots, the name also resonates with me on a deeper level. 'Calamansi' bears a phonetic resemblance to the Indian words 'Kalam' (कलम), meaning 'pen' or 'writing,' and 'Anshi' (अंशी), meaning 'god's gift.' This connection suggests that my writing is more than just words on a page; it's a gift, an inspiration, perhaps even divinely guided.

My 'Calamansi Blog' represents a blend of Filipino zest and a sense of inspired creativity. It's a name that is both memorable and meaningful, reflecting my commitment to sharing content that is joyful, refreshing, and purposeful.

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W. J. Manares is the Partner/Distributor of Ukiyoto Publishing via Ukiyoto House, Philippines. He's one of Ukiyoto's prolific authors and a one-of-a-kind writer from Aklan, Philippines, authored more than 69 books and counting, a lesser-known worldbuilder and storyteller, and labelled as "the sardonic yet whimsical author of the Philippines" since 1999. You can contact him via email: wjmanares@ukiyoto.com or via SMS at +639192015217.