The Philippine Scholars Program, founded by Gary W. King (Minnesota, USA), began in 1994 with prioritizing the education of children of political detainees and desaparecidos. It since has expanded to include the children from marginalized groups encompassing farmers, urban poor, among others. Participants in its workshops come from both high school and college-level students. This year, the organizers thought to include a creative arts workshop for the first time in its summer camp that took place in the SVD retreat house in Lapulapu City, Cebu, Philippines. Writer/facilitator Malou Alorro handled poetry writing and Nenita Pacilan handled music and creative dance.
In presenting poetry, Malou also introduced the hay(na)ku (thank you, Malou!). Here are photos of the lovely participants Bryle, Byron, Lalaine, Maymay, Ereln, Jasper, and Prence.:
The following is a chained hay(na)ku encapsulation of the workshop:
(Malou)
Workshop
Its literary
Now in culmination.
(Bryle)
Precious
It's treasure
Time well spent.
(Jasper)
Ideas
Good work
Expressing them well.
(Maymay)
Friendships
Are built
Knowledge is gained.
(Ereln)
Evokes
A high
Creative imagination, awareness
(Lalaine)
Scholars
Summer camp
Good times together.
(Prence)
Interesting
Unexpected happenings
So much learning.
(Byron)
Difficult
But beautiful
And it's enjoyable.
(Malou)
Poets
Now free
Are truly home.
June 25, 2023
Literary workshop of Philippine scholars at the SVD retreat house, Lapulapu City, Cebu, Philippines.
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I continued to be envious of the hay(na)ku’s global jet-setting lifestyle, but am happy to receive such field reports. Thank you, Malou and other teachers. Thank you, Universe.
