The UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS) held the 11th edition of the UST Authors Series, showcasing six literary works across different genres, on Feb. 24 at the Miguel de Benavides Library Auditorium.
“When we designed this program, it was in the hopes that it would promote more readership,” Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, director of CWWLS, told the Varsitarian.
Among the titles presented is Hidalgo’s “Encantada,” a compilation of her notable works spanning more than 50 years.
She advised audiences and novice writers to never make mental block as an excuse to hinder their writing.
“It’s not going to be always easy because there are many distractions, and you may not immediately win awards or get invited to participate in book launchings, but keep at it,” Hidalgo said.
Creative writing professor Chuckberry Pascual’s “Mga Bubuyog na Nagkumpulan” tells the story of queer relationship between Gabriel and Alejandro, while interpolating horror elements, such as a serial killer and uncanny figures, that blur the line between the real and the supernatural.
An English translation of Pascual’s work by Ralph Semino Galán, assistant director of CCWLS, is also part of the collection.
Galán said the decision not to use the literal translation of the “Mga Bubuyog na Nagkumpulan” better captures the social undertones present in the story.
“I could have translated it into the swarming bees because that’s the more accurate translation. But I chose the gathering bees because there’s a more ominous sound to it. Like the gathering storm, the gathering,” Galan said in an interview with the Varsitarian.
Joel Toledo’s ekphrasis poetry collection titled “Seasonal Adversities” was also presented in the event.
“[This book] really advises its readers to have their feet hurt on the pavement and beg for involvement,” Toledo added. “If you are writing about the climate crisis, naturally you’d want the poems [to] resonate with people.”
Literature professor John Jack Wigley emphasizes how writers are always collectors of stories in his collection of travel essays titled “The Travel Bug.”
“I think part of being a writer is that we should be open to all kinds of experiences,” Wigley told the Varsitarian. “Because it helps our writing. I don’t want to limit my life, because that will also make me a limited writer.” Marigela Isabel R. Cirio
