The Davao Writers Guild (DWG), in partnership with Young Davao Writers (YDW), is celebrating National Literature Month with Kumbira, April 17, 2015 at the People’s Park. Kumbira, Binisaya for feast, gathers writers and other artists in appreciation for literature in all forms and genres through readings and an exhibit. With focus on writings from the region, the event will open at 4:00 PM with booths for Mindanao-published and/or independently produced books up for sale, such as titles from the Tubao Book Series (the publishing arm of the Davao Writers Guild), Balud Books, and SwitoTwins, Inc.
In a nod to the diversity of Philippine arts, Kumbira will also collect literatures from various ethnolinguistic groups for dissemination by way of print and audio recording, especially for those highly aural in form, like the lyric of Sama Dilaut (Badjao). Further, Davao Readers Circle (DRC), an association of book enthusiasts, will hold storytelling sessions with children at the park. And at 6:00 PM, Davaoeno writers will read or perform their own work—a poem or an excerpt from a longer prose piece. Among them are Tita Lacambra-Ayala and Jhoanna Lynn Cruz of DWG.
The year 2015 marks the country’s first celebration of National Literature Month as declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 968 with the aim to promote Philippine letters, as it is “associated with the history and cultural legacy of the State.” It is in line with various international literary celebrations, like International Children’s Book Day and International Day of the Book or World Book Day.
To know more about the event or to express interest in bookselling there, please contact Chi through cell phone number (0908) 547 0950, or Julian through email juliandelacerna at gmail dot com.