THREE DOWN, 1 MORE TO GO!

Click on photo to enlarge!

The third to the last in Writers Guild's A Series of Fortunate Events (Writing Workshop Series 2006) happened without a hitch last Saturday, October 7. Guest speaker was Palanca-winner Genaro Gojo Cruz, a young professor from the universities of De la Salle and Philippine Normal.

His topic, an introduction to the art of the short story (in Filipino), made use of a series of guides to assist new writers in starting to write their own short stories. He also read one story he himself wrote and opened it to critiquing by the participants.

The participants were then asked to create their own characters (with complete details like name, age, dreams, frustrations, etc.), were grouped and charged with putting these characters together and create a short story out of them. Out of the 6 groups, 2 were adjudged as the best among the lot and will soon be published in BACKSPACE and in the Guild's year-ender paperback literary journal, Caught in the Act.

The Guild wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the following: SPi Management, through Employee Relations, in helping us make these workshops possible. The Office of CSR for sending us their teachers. FMG, Security and SPi service drivers for assisting make this activity worry and snag-free. All our participants who came from afar and spared us their weekend - please know that we do this for you so that you can prove to yourselves that you can do and be more! Genaro Gojo Cruz for sharing his time and imparting his wealth of knowledge and experience. JP Canivel, our tireless Workshop Manager.

Mabuhay po ang maikling kuwento! Pia, get well soon! Alex, we look forward to having you back with us.

Samples of Genaro Cruz's books for children

Ritchelle of SPS creates a short story together with public school teachers

Lisa of HDI together with public school teachers

Bernard Bolloso of CIS reads his group's short story

Alev of CIS narrates her group's short story

Carl of SPS opens his bag for the world to see...

...as girlfriend Kate shows off the contents of her kikay kit as Cruz looks on. It is said that what you have in your bag says a lot about you. This style or method can be used in creating a character for your own story.

Writers Guild President Dylan Gozum, speaker Genaro Cruz, and WG Workshop Manager JP Canivel. Not in the photo are WG VP Pia Manzano and Poetry Editor Alex de Juan.

All's well that ends well!!!

See you all again on November 11 & 18!!!