I am travelling to the other side of the world to wonderful Manila to take part in our annual APWT conference. Really looking forward to meeting my friends from around the world – writers and translators. I know its going to be a terrific conference with lots of exciting panels and speakers, creative writing workshops, book launches and readings.
Also exciting key note speeches for 4 days by Jose Y. Dalisay, Romesh Gunesekera, Dr. Philip McLaren and Dr Cristina Hidalgo
Wonderful organization by our Filipino hosts and Jane Camens (Executive Director of APWT). I am looking forward to taking part in two panels.
1. FREEDOM OF SPEECH HAS COME UNSTUCK (Panel E)
Venue: University of the Philippines, Institute of Physics, Room 2
Date: October 22, Thursday Timing: 1:30 – 3:00
In the past year, writers have resigned from PEN, self-censorship has become an epidemic and there are protests outside book fairs. Never has this issue been so controversial. Guiding us through the maze are Qaisra Shahraz (England / Pakistan), Nury Vittachi (HK), Maria Carmen Sarmiento (PH)and Daryll Delgado (PH). Moderated by Isagani Cruz.
2. TRUE STORIES NEED TO BE TRUE (Panel M)
Venue: University of the Philippines, Institute of Physics, Room 1
Date: October 23, Friday Timing: 1:30 – 3:00
TRUE STORIES NEED TO BE TRUE—Or do they? It’s an area of much discussion, with several authors having been sued for fictionalizing their memoirs. But non-fiction is more popular than ever. The whole issue of truth in writing is a fascinating one, particularly when discussed by Beth Yahp (Malaysia), Romi Grossberg (Australia), Irena Cristalis (Holland), and Neil Garcia (PH). Moderated by Qaisra Shahraz.
3. City Tour: Intramuros (the walled city)
Venue: Pick Up from Microtel Inn, UP-Technohub
Date: October 25, Sunday Timing: 8:00 – 4:00
Intramural is the Spanish colonial section of old Manila still beautifully preserved and evocative of the 300 years of Spanish presence in the Philippines. Includes Fort Santiago, which houses a museum of Philippine author and national hero Jose Rizal; San Agustin Church, the oldest church in the Philippines; Casa Manila, a house museum showing how wealthy Filipinos lived at the turn of the 20th century. Includes lunch. Cost depends on numbers, but will be kept low. Includes lunch.