Wednesday, June 29, 2011

...the poet in Macau

OFW's works featured in poetry reading in Macau

The poems of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) were read in Macau recently, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Poems from the book "Pan Chai: A Filipino Boy in Macau" were read as part of the Philippine Consulate's program to recognize the achievements of OFWs in Macau.

The book was written by Filipino author Oscar Balajadia under the pen name "Papa Osmubal."

"Four Filipino students, two from Escola Sao Joao de Brito Sucursal in Macau and two from Macau Sam Yuk Middle School, and four members of the Filipino community participated in the poetry reading," the DFA said in a news release.

The activity also served as the launching of the book to the Filipino community in Macau.

Balajadia's works

Some of the works that were read included:

  • "Gregoria de Jesus and Andres Bonifacio's Assassination" and "Filipino Diaspora" delivered by Sr. Maria Rosa Nacor Viloria;

  • "Lapu-Lapu Speaks," delivered by Emilia Aguinaldo;

  • "Katipuneros" delivered by Joao Biglete;

  • "Exchange with an American Rights Advocate," delivered by Andrea Vanessa Pangan;

  • "News from Home: 'Avalanche of Rubbish Kills 46 in Shanties'" delivered by Nathaniel Libiternos;

  • "A Filipino Migrant's Day Off" delivered by Violeta Adina;

  • "At the Fortaleza do Monte Macau" delivered by Shirley Llanes;

  • "Volcano Eruption: Pinatubo, Philippines, 1991" delivered by Lina Lawig; and

  • "A Filipino Expatriate Worker in Macau" delivered by Lulette Portuguez.

    "Pan Chai-the Filipino boy, on whom the poems were based, represents every Filipino in Macau, the man perpetually seeking home, for acceptance, and who was left unguarded and naked in this jungle we call society or civilization," the DFA said.

    Author's roots

    The author hails from Magalang town in Pampanga and studied at Holy Angel University in Angeles City on full scholarship.

    He finished his M.A. in English Studies at the University of Macau where he received a rating of "excellent" upon graduation.

    He also studied Associate Philosophy at Christ the King Mission Seminary (SVD) and came first to Macau as Catholic lay missionary.

    He now works at Hou Kong Middle School in Macau.

    Balajadia's book was published by the Association of Stories in Macau with the support of Instituto Cultural do Governo de R.A.E de Macau.

    He was nominated to the 2011 Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net 2010. - VVP, GMA News

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