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 deeply appreciate...

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 shaped not just the...

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 its own set of...