I received a package from Ani last month which contained 4 books written by Filipino authors and published by Anvil:

“Lies My Yaya Should Have Told Me” by RJ Ledesma

“Pulutan” by Elmer D Cruz and Emerson Rosales

“Children of Two Seasons” by Lara Saguisag

“The More the Manyer” by Elbert Or

I would like to thank Ani for the books. Being away from home, I really appreciate the simple things that come from the Philippines - OPM songs, Pinoy food, and of course, Filipino literature. I enjoyed reading RJ Ledesma’s “cultured” tales and views, Lara’s mystical poems, Magdalo soldiers’ favorite pulutan and Elbert Or’s funny collection of the so-called “Carabao English” popularized by Jimmy Santos back in the 80s and 90s. 

Much has been written about Anvil Publishing’s effort to help develop Filipino literature. And it’s no surprise that they hold the record for being the 8-time winner of the Publisher of the Year Award from the Manila Critics Circle. I’d like to share with you two online articles that gave me a glimpse of the thoughts of the publishing house’s top brass:

1. The Task at Hand by Karina Bolasco

2. Languages in Education and Media—Cases of Three Countries by Annaleah V Habulan

I hope that the two articles will also help inspire you to write.  I think that the Filipino blogosphere has created a subculture of Gens X and Y writers - Writers who can contribute to our collection of local literary gems and treasures. Blogging has definitely awakened my desire to express myself in the written form. (I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the admin  of Pinoyblogosphere.com for featuring my weblog yesterday.) 

I’m sure that as more and more people try to develop their skills and talents in writing, they will also aspire to become published. This is certainly true in my case. So now I’m going to stop thinking and dreaming about writing a book.  And in the words of the Greek goddess of Victory, “Just do it!”

Image credit: http://thealchemicalegg.com/Nike.jpg

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