QUEZON City, Philippines – In a heartfelt celebration of the power and beauty of poetry, the historic 86-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe hosted a unique "Pandesal Forum" last Thursday, March 20, 2025, in advance of World Poetry Day.
The event brought together esteemed poets, young literary talents, and media representatives to honor the enduring significance of poetry in human life and society.
The forum featured 86-year-old National Artist for Literature Prof. Dr. Gemino Abad, accompanied by his daughter, Ateneo de Manila University educator Cyan Abad Jugo, and award-winning poet Prof. Dr. Vim Nadera. Together, they shared profound insights on the role of poetry, recited their own works, and inspired the next generation of poets.
Dr. Abad, in his eloquent address, advised aspiring poets to "work on your language the way the farmer works on his land," emphasizing the importance of linguistic mastery and imaginative expression.
The event also showcased the vibrant talents of young poets from Neptali A. Gonzales High School in Mandaluyong, led by Queen Jeramay R. Saldivar, Aries King T. Federis, and Pearl Mae Angela Cabudlan, under the guidance of their teacher Jayson A. Cruz and supported by their principal Dr. Corazon Regino. The students captivated the audience with a spectacular performance of Balagtasan, the century-old Filipino tradition of poetic debate.
Dr. Abad expressed his admiration for Filipino literary giants such as Nick Joaquin and Francisco Arcellana, while Dr. Nadera paid tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Alejandro Abadilla, and Emilio Jacinto. Cyan Abad Jugo shared her personal favorites, including Marjorie Evasco, Vim Nadera, and Jean Paje Ta*, her former classmate and editor of Ateneo's "Heights" literary journal.
The forum’s moderator, Wilson Lee Flores, also contributed to the celebration by reciting his original poem, "Ang Tinta ng mga Diwata", a tribute to the rich legacy of Filipino poets. In his poem, Flores honored the following literary icons: Francisco Balagtas, Dr. Jose Rizal, Huseng Batute (José Corazón de Jesús), Jose Garcia Villa, Amado V. Hernandez, Carlos Bulosan, Nick Joaquin, Emman Lacaba, Virginia Moreno, Rio Alma (Virgilio Almario), Gemino Abad, Jose "Pete" F. Lacaba, Krip Yuson, and Alfredo Navarro Salanga.
In continuation of the celebration, Kamuning Bakery Cafe offered free brewed coffee in exchange for an original poem in any language yesterday, March 21, 2025. This unique tradition, initiated by writer and realty entrepreneur Wilson Lee Flores, has become a beloved annual event in honor of World Poetry Day, as declared by UNESCO.
Poetry lovers and aspiring writers are visited Kamuning Bakery Cafe at Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Barangay Kamuning, Quezon City, they shared their verses and enjoyed a cup of coffee.
Congratulation for another successful event!
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