Pangandungan: Young Pens of GenSan

Some young writers in General Santos City have recently formed a group to help enrich the literary heritage of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. Named Pangandungan, after the largest gong of the kulintang, the group is composed of young professionals and students in tertiary and graduate school. The initial members are Saquina Karla C. Guiam, Kloyde Caday, Jade Mark Capiñanes, Adonis Hornoz, Ronnie Barrientos, Norman Ralph Isla, David Jayson Oquendo, Katrina Buhian, Ken Rix Baldoza, Adnan Razul, and Paul Bastareche. Pioneering writers Gilbert Tan and Noel Pingoy act as advisers. Membership will be opened soon to other literary enthusiasts. As its first activity, Pangandungan held a poetry reading on July 29, 2016, in General Santos City. Dubbed #Hugot Gensan, the event also featured spoken word performances. The group can be contacted on its Facebook page (Pangandungan) or on Twitter (@pangandungan).