Anvil winners at the 28th National Book Awards

Major wins at the 28th National Book Awards (for books published in
2008)!

Congrats to Anvil authors:

GRACE NONO (The Shared Voice)

AMANDO DORONILA (Afro-Asia in Upheaval)

ADELAIDA LIM et al (Cafe by the Ruins)

BINO REALUYO (The Gods We Worship Live Next Door)

NICK DEOCAMPO (Sine Gabay)

ANVIL also won Publisher of the Year (9 glorious times now!).

What a shower of blessings! Read full list of winners via Dr. Isagani R. Cruz's blog

JOB OPENING: Marketing Coordinator

Hi guys :)

Anvil Publishing is currently looking for a Marketing Coordinator who can handle events and promotion of new and backlist books.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

1. Prepares all publicity, promotions and merchandising requirements for all Anvil publications.
2. Requests the publishing department for materials needed for the preparation of the above.
3. Monitors all publicity materials released on TV, radio and print, and distributes these to the sales and the publishing departments.
4. Organizes all book launchings and coordinates requirements with the concerned departments.
5. Requests for promotional and merchandising materials of supplied trade books on an exclusive distributorship deal with Anvil from their respective publishers.
6. Conceptualizes and organizes lectures, readings, book signings, seminars and other special activities for backlist in cooperation with sales personnel.
7. Helps marketing and sales department with their internal/external correspondence.
8. Designs and implements backlist promotions plan/campaigns under the guidance of the Marketing Manager.
9. Supervise website maintenance and updates, and give new materials to the IT personnel for posting.
10. All other duties that may be assigned to carry out the job as marketing assistant.

Requirements:

• Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree in Mass Communication, Management or Literature or any equivalent course.
• At least 1 - 2 years of working experience in the related field is required for this position.
• Preferably at least 1/2 years Experienced Employees specializing in Marketing or equivalent job role as Marketing Officer.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Required Skills: Microsoft programs (Word, Powerpoint, Excel)
• Preferred Skills: Photoshop, Pagemaker, Dreamweaver
• Able to work on weekends and holidays as required.
• Full-Time positions available.
  

Interested parties must e-mail their updated resume at marketing@anvilpublishing.com.

Bye, Aling Bebang!

"borrowed" above image from a Likhaan link.

learned about the sad news early today. the wake is in Sanctuarium in Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. Interment will be this Wednesday, March 25, 2009. more details to be posted here as soon as we get them.

got the following bit from Ian Rosales Casocot's blog:

Genoveva Edroza Matute, or Aling Bebang, died in her sleep Saturday night. She was 94. Fondly read for her award-winning stories and essays, the great writer Genoveva Edroza Matute was born on 3 January 1915. A devoted educator, she spent many years as head of the Philippine Normal University’s Department of Filipino. In 1992, she was conferred the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining (Panitikan) by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. She has won the Palanca multiple times for stories written in what critics have called "very accessible" Tagalog. These stories include "Kuwento ni Mabuti," "Paglalayag sa Pusa ng Isang Bata," "Parusa," "Maganda Ang Ninang Ko," and "Pagbabalik." Her books include Mga Piling Maiikling Kuwento, Tinig ng Damdamin, Katipunan ng Kanyang mga Piling: Sanaysay, and Sa Anino ng EDSA. Ang Kanilang Mga Sugat is Matute’s first novel.

Slum Book Questions: Valentine's Edition

Four simple questions. That’s it. They should be easy to answer. Unfortunately only 8 gracious souls out of about 80 Anvil authors, artists and editors replied to our email asking for answers to four very simple questions in time for Valentine’s Day. But we guess the others who ignored the questions were 1) too shy to answer; 2) too tired rolling their eyes, ho-humming and poo-poohing us; or 3) didn’t want people to know their deep, dark secrets. So anyway, the 8 respondents who did give us their time have very interesting answers (some of them didn’t answer all questions, though, but who cares?). In the spirit of hearts day, enjoy!


SLUM BOOK QUESTIONS: Valentine’s edition


Who was your first crush?
Christine: si Steve ng Voltes V (abnormal)

Panch: I think it was Andre Gower from the Monster Squad

Patti: A Jesuit priest

Nemah: My catechism instructor (a seminarian), when I was in second grade.

Frank: My sister brought me to watch Paper Moon and since then, I fell in love with Tatum O'Neal.

Tony: Carmelita Canlas

Elbert: My first crush was watching Caselyn Francisco on That's Entertainment. One day I will meet her in person and it will bring my childhood to a completion. (In the meantime, my childhood's still in a holding pattern.)

Cyan: Robin the Boy Wonder



Who was your first kiss?
Panch: Not applicable. Hahahaha.

Patti: A pimply 16-year-old boy

Nemah: Someone who was 6"4; he had to bend way down to reach my lips.

Frank: It was a classmate in Grade III. It was a dare orchestrated by my best friend, Bernardo, while playing in recess one August morning. But try as I can, I forgot her name.

Tony: Becky Misa

Cyan: my first boyfriend at 21


Who is your fantasy romantic partner?
Christine: singer Josh Groban (first choice); American actor Jensen Ackles

Panch: Johnny Depp

Patti: Someone who will remain nameless

Nemah: Depends on the time of day: Hugh Jackman in the morning; George Clooney at night. Lately, David Beckham is fading out and Barack Obama is getting into the picture.

Frank: Fermina Daza (Love in the Time of Cholera)

Tony: Secret

Elbert: My fantasy romantic partner is Natalie Portman, although I'm not sure the girlfriend will appreciate that. (I love you!)

Cyan: Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice


How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year?
Christine: usap lang kami sa phone. long distance. mahal magmahal.

Panch: Go swimming probably or working.

Patti: Will most likely forget unless reminded of it.

Nemah: Hmmm, probably curled up in bed, with a book of poems on erotica.

Frank: After the Taboan Writers Congress in QC, I will attend the "Presences and Absences" Poetry Reading at the Café by the Ruins and then drink the night away with my ruined poet friends

Tony: Meeting with Santeros Filipinos and practicing Santeria

Elbert: My better half and I are planning to go to Chinatown on a food trip with some friends during the day, then maybe cook dinner for each other, just the two of us, after that. Staying in and avoiding the Valentine crowds.

Cyan: spend time with my husband and hobbits



Cyan Abad-Jugo is the author of Leaf and Shadow: Stories About Some Friendly Creatures and has a story in the forthcoming anthology A Time for Dragons.

Frances (Panch) Alcaraz illustrated Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin, Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon, Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya, Cyan Abad-Jugo’s Leaf and Shadow and the recently released Heaven’s Butterfly.

Christine S. Bellen retells the stories of Lola Basyang in Anvil’s first children’s book series, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang ni Severino Reyes (15 titles as of this writing).


Frank Cimatu is co-editor of the forthcoming Mondo Marcos: Martial Law Babies Write About Marcos and His Martial Law.

Nemah Hermosa is the co-author of the best-selling series Our World of Reading that’s been used in schools since the 1990s.

Patricia (Patti) Laurel is the author of the young adult novel Only If You Can Find Me.


Elbert Or illustrated Ang Parusa ng Duwende, Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari and the forthcoming San Miguel Pure Foods’ Kid’s Kitchen Camp Cookbook.

Tony Perez is the author of The Calling, Mga Panibagong Kulam, and the Sitio Katakutan series.



Photos of Christine, Nemah, Elbert and Tony by Wendy Basilio, copyright by Anvil Publishing.

BENJAMIN PIMENTEL, Anvil Author for January 2009

BENJAMIN PIMENTEL grew up in Quezon City and was educated at the Ateneo de Manila, the University of the Philippines-Diliman and the University of California at Berkeley. He moved to the United States in 1990 and earned a master's degree from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism in 1993. He was a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle for 14 years and now covers technology for MarketWatch. He currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and kids.

A Q & A with Benjamin

Pimentel on Pareng Barack: Filipinos in Obama's America

What will readers find interesting about the book?

Pareng Barack is an account of how Filipinos responded to the historic election campaign. The book also examines the Filipino American story filtered through my own experiences and insights as a journalist based in Cailfornia.

What makes Pareng Barack different from other books about Barack Obama?

The book offers a look at the historic campaign and racial issues in the United States through Filipino American eyes.

Are there little known facts about Obama in the book?

I was struck when I read Obama's memoir Dreams from My Father that he had tried dog meat when he was growing up in Indonesia. He also played some games that would be familiar to Filipino children such as kite duels. More importantly, Obama got a close look at poverty in a Third World country during his time in Indonesia.

How will the presidency of Barack Obama impact on the lives of Filipino Americans?

Because race has played such a critical role in American politics for a long time, I think Obama's election as the first person of color to serve as US president has had a tremendous impact on communities of color in general, including Filipino Americans.

How did you gather materials for this book? Did you encounter any problems in information-gathering and writing?

I had followed the media accounts of the campaign and how Filipinos reacted. I also talked to some Filipinos who were involved in the campaign or were affected by the election battle. The book also was based on past issues and stories I covered as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle.

What do you like most about Barack Obama?

He is an intellectual who also has worked at the grassroots level as a community organizer. So his intellectual depth is impressive, but he can also be pragmatic having worked at many levels of public service. And he has displayed a steady temperament that is very much needed right now. As others have noted he is perhaps the most even-keeled American president in a generation.

The least about him?

He is a politician and thus will likely have to make compromises once in power. That's the part about him that's untested. How will he be affected by power and the trappings of the presidency? I have no delusions about his presidency and the challenges he faces. As one Filipino American told me, Obama now has the worst job on the planet.

What attributes made him win the presidency?

I think Americans were tired of the old order and ready to embrace a major change. Obama's intellect, temperament and his impressive campaign were enough to win the support of even the most skeptical voters.

What does Obama need to turn around the US economy?

There are no easy answers. The key I think will be to consult with as many groups and experts as possible, unite and rally these sectors around a strategy and pursue that plan.

FAST FACTS about the Author:

Full Name: Benjamin Pimentel

Literary Byline: Benjamin Pimentel

Nickname: Boying

Spouse: Mara Torres

Children: Paolo, Anton

Current job: Business journalist

Works published by Anvil: UG

An Underground Tale and Pareng Barack: Filipinos in Obama's

America

Other works: Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street (Ateneo De Manila University Press)

Awards: National Book Award Juan C. Laya Prize for fiction for Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street (2007); Golden Gate Award, 1994 San Francisco International Film Festival for Toxic Sunset, a documentary about the environmental damage caused by the US bases in the Philippines; Filipinas Magazine Achievement Award for communications (2001)

Web page: bpimentel.blogspot.com

Benjamin Pimentel's Top Five Books:

• Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
• America is in the Heart by Carlos Bulosan
• The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
• The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman
• Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal

Favorite lines from books:

From The Grapes of Wrath

“I’ll be all aroun’ in the dark, I’ll be ever’where—wherever you look. Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever they’s a copy beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there….”

From The Wisdom of No Escape

“So whether it’s anger or craving or jealousy or fear or depression—whatever it might be —the notion is not to try to get rid of it, but to make friends with it. That means getting to know it completely, with some kind of softness, and learning how once you’ve experienced it fully, to let go.”

Now, for some random questions:

Do you read the story or book first before you watch the film?

I usually read the book first. I did watch The Motorcycle Diaries, by Che Guevarra, first, before reading the book.

But with other works, such as The House of the Spirits,A Civil Action and Snow Falling on Cedar, I read the books first before seeing the film. Reading and watching either a film or stage adaptation of a published work are two different experiences and I've found that each can be engaging. For example, I totally enjoyed the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Pilipino's adaptation of my novel, Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street, which playwright Rody Vera and director Chris Millado transformed into a fun and moving musical comedy. There are times when reading is simply a more enjoyable experience. For instance, I enjoyed reading The Da Vinci Code, but wasn't that impressed with the movie (although I'm a Tom Hanks fan.)

Do you write on your books?

Not usually. But I did underline passages—and I still do, actually this—in my copies of American Pema Chodron's inspiring books, such as the The Wisdom of No Escape and When Things Fall Apart.

Have you ever named someone or something after a literary character, a book title or a writer?

I once had two pet hamsters named Alex and Pearl, after Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Pearl S. Buck. Actually, I didn't know the gender of each hamster and was surprised when Alex ended up giving birth to hamster pups.

Have you ever stolen a book from a library?

Never, I'm proud to say. One of my biggest concerns, in fact, is forgetting to return a book and getting hit with a whopping penalty years later. I've read a news story or two about something like that happening.

Name at least 2 writers or literary characters you won't invite to your kid's wedding.

Dmitri and Ivan Karamazov, Padre Salvi, Padre Damaso. Just can't imagine having a fun, memorable wedding with these neurotic or devious characters at the party.

What literary character did/do you have a crush on?

Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. I have this vague memory of wishing I were Darcy while reading the novel. And also Alba in The House of the Spirits.

What's your fantasy pen name?

Hmmm. Don't have one. And if I did, I'd probably want to keep it secret.

Which 3 writers or literary characters you want to have coffee with?

I'd love to have beer with John LeCarre and listen to him talk about his experiences as a spy and a spy novelist.

Coffee with Jose Rizal would be fantastic, of course. I'd ask him about the other novels he had planned to write.

I'd be also great to have beer with Tom Joad. I've always wondered if he ever came across Filipino migrant workers, like say Carlos Bulosan, during those tough times.

And I also would love to have a beer and sisig with my late mentor Roger Sicat, and then have other writer-friends join us, led by Pete Lacaba, Greg Brillantes and Juaniyo Arcellana. We won’t run out of things to talk about.

Welcome, 2009!

To welcome 2009, we are reviving the Author of the Month feature, which we unfortunately kind of abandoned last year due to several things that we’d rather not bore you with. We hope that this little corner of cyberspace, this time, will be much more interesting, informative and worthwhile, specially all things Anvil book authors and artists and Philippine literature and the book industry in general.

We start the year with a short feature on BENJAMIN PIMENTEL, author of the recently launched Pareng Barack: Filipinos in Obama’s America where he talks about Obama’s “incredible march to the American presidency and how Filipinos responded to his stunning campaign and victory.” The book is also about “the Filipino journey in America, how it has intersected, sometimes collided, with those of other communities, and how it has taken a dramatic turn as America enters a new era of anxiety and hope.” (pls. see next entry)

Moms and Kids Summer Treat

We will be having another Moms and Kids Summer Treat on May 10, from 3 - 5 pm, this time at the newly renovated Powerbooks Megamall (Bldg A). As always, there will be a storytelling session and fun games for the kids (we're featuring Peachy Concepcion's Hold on Tight and Panch Alcaraz's 3 books in our Lola Basyang series). Panch will also conduct a 45-minute Basic Cartooning Workshop (for kids) for those budding artists out there.

And as a treat to those hardworking mothers out there, we will hold an Everyday Adobo Cooking Demo by renowned adobo chef Nancy Reyes of Cook Magazine, plus a Home Spa demo by expert Melissa Cruz, who will teach us how to make easy and very affordable masks and foot scrubs.

The event is open to the public, with no purchase requirement whatsoever. But, as an incentive to those who will buy any of our featured books, we will raffle off 2 beautiful Moulinex blenders (courtesy of our sponsor) and several subscriptions of Philippine Graphic magazine. Plus, there's free ice cream from Selecta! Just the perfect treat to beat the summer heat!

Registration starts at 3pm, but you can come earlier and take a look around the newly renovated Powerbooks. A word of advice though; you might want to refrain from wearing any orange-colored clothing. You might be mistaken as part of the wall design. ^_^ But other than that, Powerbooks is a great place to hang out, both for bookworms and not. So come one, come all! Bring your kids, nephews and nieces, neighbors, anyone! Have fun this Saturday and get a chance to win exciting prizes!

Oh, and did I mention the books are selling for 10% off? ^_^

Photo Op!

Just some photos from our past events. We've been swamped with them since beginning of this year.

Karina David, Eleanor Laquian, Randy David and Prod Laquian during the launch of Seeking a Better Life Abroad: A Study of Filipinos in Canada on April 3 at NBS Bestsellers in Robinson's Galleria.

Ronald Baytan giving his Author's Remarks during the launch of The Queen Sings the Blues at Powerbooks Greenbelt 4 on February 2.

Elmer Cruz and Emerson Rosales promoting our sponsor's product during the press launch of their book Pulutan: From the Soldier's Kitchen on January 31 at Powerbooks Greenbelt (again!)

RJ Ledesma posing during the book launch of Lies My Yaya Should Have Told Me at NBS Rockwell on February 7.

Fr. James Reuter with Gwenn Galvez (Anvil Publishing), Louie Reyes (Reyes Publishing) and Ani Habulan (Anvil) during the launch of Mama Mary and Her Children at St. Paul's University - QC on February 9.

RJ Ledesma with Gary Lising and son Bugsy Lising during GL's launch at Powerbooks Megamall on April Fools' Day (we scheduled it on purpose).

Bart Guingona, Marco Rodriguez, Quintin Pastrana, Jay Liwanag and Edi Sian during the launching of their book Profiles Encourage at Powerbooks Greenbelt 4 on January 25.

Spend April Fools’ Day with Gary Lising!

Celebrity comedian Gary Lising adds three new titles to his list of best-selling humor books, a compilation of the best jokes to have come in and out of this country the last 10 years. Confessions of a D.O.M. (Delightful Old Man), Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown, and Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask Your Children, all published by Anvil Publishing, prove that Gary Lising is without doubt a comedian par excellence, an original who can come up with newly minted jokes at the expense of unsuspecting friends and colleagues. The new titles carry his signature wit and charm, making him stand out among Filipino comedians. Lising's panache for humor, says buddy Poch Borromeo of GNC LiveWell, is 'a rare gift of providence.'

Confessions of a D.O.M. (Delightful Old Man), Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown, and Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask Your Children will be launched on April 1 (or April Fools’ Day), 5 – 7 pm, at Powerbooks Megamall A in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Join us in this one-of-a-kind event and have your copies signed by none other than Gary Lising himself! For inquiries you may contact the Anvil Marketing Department at 637-5692.

lamay para kay rene villanueva

si rene (naka-pink na polo) kasama ang humahanga't nagmamahal sa kanyang mga manunulat (mula kaliwa): charlson ong, vim nadera, luis gatmaitan, rio alma, joey baquiran, rayvi sunico, carla pacis, isabel kenny

ang lamay para kay rene o. villanueva ay sa room 306 ng sanctuarium, araneta avenue cor. quezon avenue.

ang kanyang mga labi ay ililipat sa hardin ng mga diwata sa university of the philippines, diliman, quezon city sa sabado ng umaga (disyembre 8, 2007).

binilin ni rene na masaya dapat ang kanyang lamay. kung bibisita kayo sa kanya, magdala lamang ng mga alaalang masaya. huwag magbabaon ng lungkot.

rene o. villanueva, 53

rene o. villanueva, palanca hall of fame awardee, toym awardee, well-loved children's book author and playwright and head writer of the pioneering children's tv show batibot passed away this afternoon, december 5, 2007.

please pray for the repose of his soul and for comfort for the loved ones left behind.

details of the wake/ tribute will be posted soon--it should be near the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, as that was his "bilin" to colleagues ( i was told).

pls. email me if you know of the family's plans, too.

thanks.

rene villanueva in icu

update on rene, 12/04/07, a.m.

christine bellen texted last night to say she visited rene at the heart center. he's comatose.

i don't think it's a good idea to troop to the heart center since the ICU's visitor section can only hold a few people. will just rely on word from those who get to go there and will update this blog and paperbook alley so we all know what's happening with our dear rene.

please continue praying.


12/03/07, a.m.:

award-winning children's book author, playwright, fictionist and beloved teacher rene o. villanueva is currently at the philippine heart center's ICU.

dr. ligaya rubin of UP (via dr. luis gatmaitan's text) says he was brought to the hospital suffering from a regular seizure and was quickly revived by doctors. he's breathing through a respirator and is unconscious.

please pray that he'll get through this like he did several times before.

thanks. pls. ask friends for prayers.

anvil book sale

Anvil Publishing
brings Christmas early to you!

Join us on our early Christmas book sale
from November 29 to December 9, 2007,
12 nn-6 pm (Mondays-Fridays), 9 am-5 pm (weekends & holidays).

Book finds for as low as P5.00 on selected children's books, cookbooks,
essay collections, fiction and non-fiction, humor, inspirational books,
references, self-help books, bestselling paperbacks and many more!

Visit us at our head office, 8007-B Pioneer St., Bgy Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

For inquiries call 637-3621, 637-5141 or 747-1624.

sorry

we're very sorry for not updating this blog as religiously as we can. but please bear with us as this last quarter is proving to be very busy than usual. we promise to bring you much more interesting stuff from and by our beloved authors and artists, hopefully starting this christmas break. see you again soon!

Anvil Authors for SEPTEMBER 2007: Winners, all

Anvil was just recognized Publisher of the Year (2006)—for the eighth time—by the prestigious Manila Critics Circle, and bagged important awards in various book categories. So for this month, we celebrate the books by these authors and editors who won the awards.

ANTHOLOGY
The Manila We Knew, edited by Erlinda Enriquez Panlilio

BIOGRAPHY / AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Beyond the Great Wall: A Family Journal, by Mario, Alma, Maningning and Banaue Miclat

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
Bad Kings, by Gilda Cordero Fernando

COOKBOOKS AND FOOD

The Governor-General’s Kitchen: Philippine Culinary Vignettes and Period Recipes, 1521-1935, by Felice Prudente Sta. Maria

Potluck, Hidalgo Bonding: A Family Heritage Cookbook, edited by Jaime C. Laya and Adelaida Lim

JUAN C. LAYA AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Banyaga: A Song of War, by Charlson Ong

The Jupiter Effect, by Katrina Tuvera

SHORT FICTION
Maligayang Pagdating sa Sitio Catacutan: Mga Kuwentong Kasisindakan, Aklat 1 and

Malagim ang Gabi sa Sitio Catacutan: Mga Kuwentong Kasisindakan, Aklat 2, by Tony Perez

SPORTS

Pacific Storm: Dispatches on Pacquiao of the Philippines, by Recah Trinidad (Anvil and Inquirer Books)

BOOK DESIGN

The Governor-General’s Kitchen: Philippine Culinary Vignettes and Period Recipes, 1521-1935, by Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, designed by Guillermo Ramos

RIO replies

Calling all RIO ALMA fanatics!

Anvil Author for August RIO ALMA replies to similar questions we asked his friends and fans about him. Find out interesting tidbits about the National Artist for Literature you won't ever find anywhere else.

1. A unique pen name you want to have.
"Ola Amar"

2. Whose blood relative do you wish to be?
Sa Tatay ko.

3. If Rio Almawere a food item or dish, what would he be? Why?
Penoy. Parang Pinoy, bugok pero hindi mabaho.

4. The best line you’ve ever written or said that you think others shamelessly use to impress/ get back at other people.
"Ok ka."

5. What color don’t you see yourself wearing? Why not?
Sori, lahat ng kulay isinusuot ko.

6. What’s a good title for a movie/TV series/book about your life?
Ang Kabagot-Bagot na Buhay ng Isang Makatang Pinoy

7. Do you have a “secret language” you know by heart?
Noon, alam ko ang wika ng mga kamay at daliri sa sabong pero nakalimutan ko na.

8. What gift would you want to receive on your next birthday?
Mas gusto kong magbigay ng regalo pag bertdey ko

9. What line/ verse/ poem (yours or others’) do you think best describes you?
Walang tatama sa akin.

10. What vacation spot would you go to if you need to just run away from your hectic schedule?
San Miguel, Bulacan

11. What’s your favorite literary work (yours and/or somebody else’s)?
Florante at Laura, Noli at Fili, at lahat ng tulang banyaga na isinalin ko

12. When did you last look into a mirror?
Isang minuto bago ko sagutin ang mga tanong na ito

13. Which movie/TV star do you think you resemble the most?
Kung minsan, si James Dean. Kung minsan, si Charles Chaplin. Kung minsan, si Dolphy.

So do you really know RIO ALMA?

We asked a bunch of people random questions about Anvil Author for August, National Artist VIRGIILIO S. ALMARIO, to see how much more they know their beloved mentor and friend. Thanks a lot to Bobby, Vim, Gerry, and Becky for the very interesting replies.


1. A unique pen name you want Rio to have.
Bobby: “Berling” ang magandang pen name para kay Rio.
Vim: VSA or “Vierne S. Abado”


2. Do you wish you were Rio’s blood relative?
Bobby: No. Dakila din naman ako, at di ko na siya kailangang maging relative.
Vim: Think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think. (I was born on the Feast day of San Mario… that would mean… I’d end up as Mario Almario?) Think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think.
Gerry: Hindi ko ito nanaisin. Malayo kong kamaganak ang maybahay ni Sir Rio, pero hindi pa rin ako ligtas sa kanyang matalas na kritisismo. Sa totoo lang, kailangan kang lalong maging masipag at maingat.
Becky: Ay, ayaw. Nakaka-tense.


3. If Rio Alma were a food item or dish, what would he be to you? Why?
Bobby: Bikol express. Maanghang na maanghang, ha?
Vim: Ratatouille. Because the movie (with that title) made him laugh and cry at the same time.
Becky: Everlasting (luto ng nanay ko)––the name says it.


4. The best line written or said by Rio that you shamelessly use to impress/get back at people.
Bobby: “Dakila ka!”
Vim: (Expletives excluded?) “Maganda lang yata rito ay pamagat.”
Becky: To paraphrase him: “Ano ang magbubura sa ating pambansang gunita? Mawala na ang lahat, huwag lang ang wika.” (Sinasabi niya ito sa tuwing unang lektyur niya sa LIRA, at pag sineseryoso ko ang pakikinig, halos maluha pa rin ako, tulad noong unang beses na narinig ko siyang magsalita tungkol sa kasaysayan, panitikan, at wika.)


5. What color don’t you want to see Rio wearing? Why not?
Bobby: Pink. Baka mapagkamalan siyang bading.
Vim: White. He’d be like Ed Ocampo and Tito Eduque rolled into one. Just like a piece of lumpiang ubod on carbonara sauce.


6. What do you think will be a good title for a movie/TV series/book that will feature Rio’s life?
Bobby: Alindog ni Rio Alma
Vim: Case to case basis––
Kung horror, Mga Tiyanak ni Rio Alma
Kung historical, Rio Almanac
Kung fantasy, Mga Kagila-Gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Superio
Kung drama, Babangon Ako’t Paglilirahin Kita
Kung comedy, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Almaximo Oliverio
Kung action, Kapag Puno na ang Salop, Dapat Ka nang I-K.A.L.
Kung romantic, Naalma ang Buwan sa Haba ni Rio
Kung erotic, Ang Pinakamagandang Tula sa Balat ng Lumpia
Becky: Todo: May katas (o, di ba) hanggang ika-3 milenyo/milenyum


7. What secret language do you think Rio knows by heart?
Bobby: language of the Highlanders.
Vim: an underworld lingua franca
Gerry: Si Rio ay maalam sa Español. Sekretong conio boy siya.


8. What gift would you give Rio for his next birthday?
Bobby: Viagra at liposuction by Vicky Belo.
Vim: For a man who has everything? Time would be the best gift.
Becky: Di ko siya nireregaluhan.


9. What line/ verse/ poem that best describes Rio for you?
Bobby: Oriental.
Vim: Sayang at ipinagbawal ang alay na birhen./ At pansahog na lamang sa adobo ang laurel.


10. What vacation spot would you recommend Rio if he wants to run away from his hectic schedule?
Bobby: nudist camp
Vim: Rio de Janeiro?


11. What’s your favorite literary work by Rio?
Bobby: All his poetry books, except the first one.
Vim: Doktrinang Anakpawis. When I was still a student, I saw a man standing beside me in an overcrowded bus reading it during rush hour at dusk.


12. When did you last see Rio in person?
Bobby: Yesterday (August 8)
Vim: Yesterday (August 8), when classes were suspended due to the typhoon (that failed to show up). He treated us to lunch and a movie at Gateway Mall.


13. Which movie/TV star do you think resembles Rio the most?
Bobby: Wala
Vim: A toss-up between Edu Manzano and Jay Manalo. (Good thing the hardest question’s the last).
Becky: Leonardo Di CapRIO (eeww)

Slushpile Walker: British actor John Nettles of Midsomer Murders fame. Go ahead, Google him, or better yet, watch him on TV then congratulate me for noticing it.


Pahabol ni Bobby:
Fetish ni Rio or his favorite part of the female body, according to his poems: big boobs na tirik na tirik.


Bobby is Bobby Añonuevo. Award-winning poet and chairman of the Writers Union of the Philippines
Becky is Becky Añonuevo. Award-winning poet and author
Vim is Vim Nadera. Award-winning poet and director of UP Likhaan: Institute of Creative Writing
Gerry is Gerry Banzon. Poet and in his words, "Isa sa mga saksi sa simula ng LIRA (One of the witnesses of the birth of LIRA)"