CALAMANSI BLOG #9

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 attendees, from local residents eager to expand their home libraries to international visitors who were surprised and delighted by the wide selection of printed books by Ukiyoto Publishing, available at generous discount rates. Each chat felt like a small gift, weaving together stories of what draws us to the written word. Beyond book enthusiasts, I also sat down with cultural/environmental advocates and artists showcasing their work/s at the event, exploring how we might join forces to nurture and elevate our region’s creative community.

One standout group I connected with was the Aklan Trekkers, whose dedication to fostering both environmental, cultural, and artistic exchange is truly inspiring. Their vision for growing the local creative movement feels like a spark ready to ignite, and I’m confident that formal literary collaborations between our circles are just around the corner. As a mentor once reminded me: “Let’s cross the bridge when we get there.” For now, we’re sowing the seeds, and that’s more than enough.

Tomorrow, I’m heading to the Haboean Weaving Studio and Cafe once again for what promises to be another day packed with one-of-a-kind discoveries and meaningful connections.

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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.