Silliman University National Writers Workshop Turns 50
The Silliman University National Writers Workshop celebrates its 50th year in May at the Rose Lamb Sobrepeña Writers Village located at Camp Lookout in Valencia.
During its opening ceremonies on May 2, the fellows to this year’s workshop will be formally introduced, along with the panelists who will be presented by multi-awarded writer and Silliman Literature professor Dr. Cesar Aquino. (To access list, click: List of Fellows and Panelists)
Dr. Rowena Tiempo-Torrevillas, 2004 Outstanding Sillimanian in the field of Literary Arts, is the Workshop Director-in-Residence. Coordinating the Workshop is Dr. Evelyn F. Mascuñana, Chairperson of the English and Literature Department.
About the Silliman University National Writers Workshop
The National Writers Workshop is the oldest creative writing program in Asia. The Workshop has been directed for the past 50 years by National Artist for Literature Dr. Edith L. Tiempo, along with her husband and Workshop founder, the late Dr. Edilberto K. Tiempo. In 2009, Dr. Edith Tiempo was named Director Emeritus of the National Writers Workshop, now known as the Silliman University National Writers Workshop.
The Silliman University National Writers Workshop is the only three-week long writers workshop in the country, devoted to helping writers hone their craft in the genres of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama. As the longest running among the nation’s writing workshops, the Silliman Workshop has trained several generations of writers, many of whom are now influencing the shape, direction, and development of Philippine literature. Over six hundred young writers have received the workshop fellowships, which are open for annual competitions. Many of these writers have won major prizes in the Don Carlos Palanca Literary Awards, the Philippine Graphic Literary Contest, and the Philippines Free Press Literary Contest, among others. With the workshop’s integrity and tradition over the years, it has become a rite of passage for the country’s finest writers.
Apart from Silliman University, over the years the Workshop has received support from the Ford Foundation, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the CAP Family of Companies, the Creative Writing Foundation, the Dumaguete Literary Arts (DuLA) Group, and various cultural institutes based in the United States ad Europe.
Last 2010 marked a milestone in the development of Philippine literature and the writing craft, as the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, headed by its first Director-in-Residence Dr. Rowena Tiempo-Torrevillas and University President Dr. Ben S. Malayang III first invited a writer beyond the Philippines to sit in as a guest panelist for a week to enrich the workshop by infusing Asian consciousness. The first international guest writer was Hong Kong’s Xu Xi. For 2011, it is Singapore’s Kirpal Singh.
Also in 2010, Silliman University welcomed the panelists, writing fellows, workshop alumni, and guests to the Writers Village at Camp Lookout, Valencia; its realization made possible through generous hearts.
About the Rose Lamb Sobrepeña Writers Village
The Rose Lamb Sobrepeña Writers Village is a gift by Atty. Enrique Sobrepeña Jr.—1973 Outstanding Sillimanian Awardee in the field of business—to Silliman University. Atty. Sobrepeña’s dedication to the arts has helped establish Silliman’s role as a hub for literature and creative writing in Asia. The Writers Village is named in honor of his wife Mary Rose Lamb Sobrepeña.
Today, the site is the primary venue for the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, founded by Drs. Edilberto and Edith Tiempo in 1961. The Writers Village, a project initiated by University President Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, is part of a long tradition of gifts to the University from the Sobrepeñas, avid patrons who have also helped keep the workshop alive as keen supporters through the years.
The donation for the creation of the Writers Village, located in Camp Lookout, in Bongbong, Valencia, was facilitated by former University President Dr. Quintin S. Doromal. Groundbreaking rites were held on 15 November 2009, and dedication rites were held on 13 April 2010. The Village was first used for the 49th National Writers Workshop in May 2010.
The Writers Village is now home to writers of all persuasions. Its establishment helps promote the arts and culture at Silliman University and in the Dumaguete and Negros Oriental community.
List of Fellows (1962-2011)
1962
J. Lorenzo Rivera
Jose Ferraris
Jose Lansang Jr.
Luciano Tenedo
Petronilo Daroy
Socorro Federis-Tate
Vic Samonte
Wilfredo Nolledo
1963
Alberto Florentino
Amalia Perez
Bataan Faigao
Elena Reyes
Emmanuel Osorio
Erwin Castillo
Fernando Afable
Geronimo Sicam
Indalecio de Leon
Ireneo Gancuangco
Jesus Peralta
Ko Won
Leonidas Benesa
Linda Casper
Nicanor Tabligan
Raymond Llorca
Rogelio Sicat
Valdemar Olaguer
1964
Alfredo Cuenca
Alfredo Morales
Erwin Castillo
Jose Carreon
Nelson La Rosa
Ninotchka Rosca
Orlando Hernando
Roberto Pontinela
Rolando Carbonell
Rolando Pena
Wilfredo Sanchez
1965
Alma de Jesus Tayo
Elsie Martinez-Coscolluela
Estelita Juco
Freddie Dimaya
G. Burce Bunao
J Maidan Flores
Jose Montebon
Maximo Tuason
Rita Gaddi
Teresita Dato
1966
Alfredo Pucay
Antonio Samson
Carmelo Chionglo
Cesar Victor Reyes
Federico Licsi Espino
Marra Lanot
Norman Quimpo
Salvador Bernal
1967
Antonio Enriquez
Cesar Ruiz Aquino
Edgar Libre-Griño
Eduardo Yap
Florence Baban
Jesus Chanco
Joy Dayrit
Jun Canizares
Mar Arcega
Migen Osorio
Ricardo Patalinghug
Robert Villasis
Romeo Virtucio
Sr. Ma. Delia Coronel, ICM
Sr. Mary Imelda Domingo
Thelma Enage
1968
Alfred Yuson
Armando Ravanzo
Cesar Mella, Jr.
Dionisio Gabriel
Donel Pacis
Emmanuel Lacaba
Lamberto Ceballos/Caballes
Rene Estella Amper
Rene Bonsubre
Urias Almagro
1969
Alfrredo Navarro Salanga
Artemio Tadena
Dory Robles
Gemma Tadena
Josephine Soto
Lamberto Antonio
Linda Faigao
Melquiades Allego
Rosalinda Roxas
Virgilio Almario
Wigberto Fuentebella
1970
Alberto Casuga
Carlos Aureus
Carlota Abellana
Celedonio Aguilar
Conrado de Quiros
Fr. Miguel Fernandez
Franklin Osorio
Gwendolyn Reyes
Junio Ragragio
Macario Tiu
Ricky Lee
Wilfredo Sanchez
1971
Aida Rivera-Ford
Desmond Montemayor
Dolores Martir
Edgar Griño
Eduardo Lucero
Edward Garrett
Erwin Castillo
Gil Garcia
Leticia Farinas
Loreto Matienzo Jr.
Ma. Zenaida French
Primo Pacis
Rene Martinez
Val Fajardo
1972
Alfredo Macaraeg
Edgar Maranan
Ernesto Lariosa
Francis Macansantos
Freddie Hernandez
Josefina Cabe
Luis Cabalquinto
Pantaleon Auman
Ramon Cortes III
Rene Parohinog
Rogelio Mangahas
Virgilio Vitug
1973
Angelito Santos
Anthony Tan
Antonio Orogo Jr.
Catherine Salazar
Cecilia Nava
Felix Fojas
Jaime An Lim
Jolico Cuadra
Ma. Cristina Ferreros
Mauro Avena
Meng Magno
Oriel Muspratt
Vidal Armamento
1974
Bella Apelo
Cynthia Rodriguez
Elizabeth Orteza
Gaudioso Sustento
Generoso Taduran
Gilbert Centina III
Herminio Beltran
Hortensia Balisalisa
Jose Gilbert Licuanan
Leoncio Deriada
Luis Cabalquinto
Rodulfo Alano
1975
Cristina Velez
Estrella Alfon
George Vail Kabristante
Manuel Concepcion
Oscar Pecson
Romeo Centina
Sammy Sta. Maria
1976
Danilo Estiva
Fornarina Enemicio
Goddy Ricafort Ypon
Inez Cammayo
Jun Cruz Reyes
Kee Thuan Chye
Marie Marjorie Pernia
Mario Eric Gamalinda
Socorro Tate
Teoh Choon Ean
Wong Po Wah
1977
Angelo Bernardo
Connie Imperial
Diana Gamalinda
Domingo de Guzman
Edel Garcellano
Eduardo Orozco
Ernesto Superal Yee
Noralyn Mustapha
Victor Mandala
1978
Aida Manansala
Anthony Serrano
Denise Allas
Grace Monte de Ramos
Jorge Sabino
Juan Arcellana
Melito Baclay
Nadine Rodriguez
Rene Saguin
Simeon Dumdum
1979
Enrico Enerio
Geraldine Maayo
Henry Villalva
Jessie Bandillo
Leslie Lofranco
Letty Salanga
Priscilla Supnet
Susan Lara
Vicente Bandillo
1980
Antonio Hernandez
Aries Baluyos
Augusta de Almedda
Carlos Basa Cortes
Edgar Alosbanos
Edmundo Farolan
Elsa Mampo
Ely Centina
Maria Linda Felipe
Rene Espeleta
Timbasal Tawasil
Wilfredo Alberca
1981
Achilles B. Mina
Emilia Salanga
Jose Y. Dalisay Jr.
Loretta Medina
Manolo Fernando
Mercedita Flores
Tita Taule
1982
Fanny HB. Llego
Merlie Alunan
Patricia Rivera
Rhodora Espinosa
Seth Florentino
Victoria Kapauan
1983
Baboo Mondonedo
Danton Remoto
Emmanuel Espinola Jr.
Isabela Banzon
Louie Stuart
May Datuin
Ricardo de Ungria
1984
Alexander Lee
Clovis Nazareno
Connie Maraan
Ed delos Santos Cabagnot
Fidelito Cortes
Ramon Bautista
R. Torres Pandan
Victor Peñaranda
1985
Ernesto Bitonio Jr.
Gina Apostol
Merlinda Bobis
R. Romea Luminarias
Rodolfo Silvestre
Victorio Sugbu
1986
Agustin Rodriguez
Charlson Ong
Fatima Lim
John Kenneth Go
Meynardo Macaraig
Ruby Tan Enario
Rufino Vigilar
1987
Anthony Buyawe
Nino Soria de Veyra
Cecilia Roxas
Grace Odal
Marne Kilates
Vicente Ignacio de Veyra
1988
Cesar Bacani Jr.
Cyrus Borja
Dinah Roma
Jose Celmar
Mozart Pastrano
Timothy Montes
Victorino Manalo
1989
Christine Godinez-Ortega
Cynthia Lopez Dee
Danilo Francisco Reyes
Felino Garcia Jr.
Gilbert Tan
Jose Wendell Capili
Lakambini Sitoy
Luna Sicat
Maria Jovita Zarate
Miriam Coronel Ferrer
Nenita Lachica
Ramon Boloron
Rex JMA Fernandez
Romeo Baquiran Jr
Timothy Wells
VE Carmelo Nadera Jr
1990
Albert Claude Evangelio
Anne Panning
Arile Valerio
Elmar Ingles
Franklin Cimatu
Generoso Opulencia
Jessie Garcia
J. Neil C. Garcia
Ma. Cristina Martinez
Nerissa Balce
Noel Ramiscal
Philip James Laquindanum
Pio Ricky Torre
Rofel Brion
Violeta Ledesma
1991
Adrian Antique
Ana Carla Villarmente
Ben Javier
Bonnie Jane Flores
Camilo Villanueva Jr.
Cesar Aljama
Clarita Kwan
Ma. Theresa Quintana
Ma. Criselda Bonganciso
Maningning Miclat
Minerva Chanco
Noberto Bana III
Peter Lay
Rhoda Montes
Shalom Galve
Victor John Padilla
1992
Angelo Rodriguez Lacuesta
Allan Bodoy
Antonio Mapa Jr.
Bonnie Jane Flores
Dean Francis Alfar
Homer Novicio
Jess Alfonso Macasaet
Maria Elena Paterno
Nicolas Pichay
Orlynne Genato
Ramil Gulle
Renerio Concepcion
Timothy Montes
1993
Alexander Edmund Capiz
Andre Lagunzad
Lu-Ann Fuentes
Diwata Hope Bose
Gerardo Antoy
Gerardo Torres
Eugene Gloria
Leigh Reyes
Liezl Sitosta
Lilia Maria Sevillano
Ma. Romina Gonzales
Melanie San Juan
Michael Maniquiz
Natasha Vizcarra
Padmapani Perez
Reinerio Alba
Rolito Beratio Mojica
Ruel de Vera
Vicente Groyon III
1994
Alessandra GL Gonzales
Alma Anonas-Carpio
Anthony Kintanar
Aurelio Pena
Calbi Asain
Doreen Jose
Edelisa Cruz
Espereanza Nuqui
Josefina Tejada
Lilibeth Rose Mercado
Ma. Rhodora Ancheta
Melchor Cichon
Michael Obenieta
Nerisa del Carmen Guevara
Rene Ledesma Jr.
Ruben Canlas Jr.
Sylvia de Guzman
1995
Mads Bajarias
Anne-Marie Jennifer Eligio
Beatriz Lorete
Conchitina Cruz
Francis Martinez
Januar Yap
Larissa Saguisag
Lorenzo Paran III
Lourd Ernest De Veyra
Ma. Bigonia David
Carla Pacis
Ma. Leovina Nicolas
Ma. Liza Fetalino
Maria Chona Jomilla
Melecio Turao
Melissa Salva
Michael Anthony Dizon
Ralph Semino Galan
Randolf Bustamante
Robert JA Basilio Jr.
Seann Tan
Ursula Priscilla Calasanz
1996
Abigail Aquino
Andrea Pasion
Caroline Howard
Cesar Naniong
Cherrie Sing
Christina Peralta
David Brooks
Gabriel Baban Keith
Homer Novicio
Ina Alleco Silverio
Jhoanna Lynn Cruz
John Labella
Kris Lanot Lacaba
F.H. Batacan
Mae Emmily Magtalas
Michael de Guzman
Nid Anima
Rosanna Cabusao
Tara FT Sering
1997
Alex Gregorio
Alexander Tan Jr.
Diane Coleen Jorolan
Eduardo Geronia Jr.
Frances Ng
Gad Lim
Israfel Fagela
J. Ana Flores
Jennifer Patricia Cariño
Jeremiah Bondoc
Joel Toledo
Jose Edmundo Reyes
Lor Arejola
Maribel Bagabaldo
Mary Ann Tobias
May Jennifer Amolat
Nicole Roldan
Riza Faith Ybañez
Ronald Baytan
Ronald Villavelez
Sandra Nicole Roldan
Sem Precioso Villareal
Sergio Pontillas
1998
Carlomar Arcangel Daoana
Ceres Abanil
Isagani D’Bayan Jr.
Jojo Alamillo
Jude Espina Ganzon
Lawrence Ypil
Lilledeshan Bose
Miguel Syjuco
Raymund Magno Garlitos
Rebecca April Khan
Rizaldy Dandan
Tanya Sevilla
1999
Allan Popa
Barbara Ricafrente
Bernice Roldan
Christine Flores
Indira Endaya
Jessica del Mundo
John Go
Jose Perez Beduya
Mayo Uno Aurelio Martin
Libay Linsangan Cantor
2000
Alex de los Santos
Elmer Pizo
Gerald Ramos
Isolde Amante
Jean Claire Dy
Noel Villaflor
Roberto Salva
Ted Limpoco
Ulysses Navarro
Vincenz Serrano
Wayne Mark Lopez
Ian Rosales Casocot
2001
Christine Alindada
Anna Bernaldo
Alvin Dacanay
Paul De Guzman
Jeneen Garcia
Barry Gutierrez
BJ Patiño
Janet Villa
Yeyet Villa
Marby Villaceran
2002
Kristine Alave
Daryll Jane Delgado
Ana Maria Katigbak
Peter Mayshle
Maryanne Moll
Michael Morco
Allan Pastrana
Baryon Tensor Posadas
Angelo Suarez
Naya Valdellon
2003
Mark Anthony Cayanan
Vincent Coscolluela
Jonathan Davila
Louella Fortez
Ken Ishikawa
Carljoe Javier
Maria Francezca Theresa Kwe
Nikki Paredes Jasmine
Rolando Salvaña
Anna Felicia Sanchez
Joseph Rosmon Tuazon
Niccolo Vitug
2004
Selina Alano
Ia Aparentado
John Bengan
Mitzie Correa
Hedwig De Leon
Faye Ilogon
Marie La Viña
Gabriela Lee
Glenn Maboloc
Monica Macansantos
Ginny Mata
James Iain Neish
Romel Oribe
Myrza Sison
2005
Anna Cristina Abola
Angela Balcita
Jose Perseus Canivel
Mikael Co
Elizabeth Rae Cowan
Matthew Davis
Jun Dela Rosa
Maria Cynthia Diangson
Bernadette Esposito
Whitney Fleming
Brian Goedde
Jynelle Gracia
Charisse-Fuschia Paderna
Maria Lourdes Parawan
Benedict Parfan
Gerardo Peralta
Bonnie Rough
Rica Santos
Alex Sheshunoff
Virginia Villanueva
2006
Douglas Candano
Dominique Cimafranca
Erica Jean Cabanawan
Darwin Chiong
Patricia Evangelista
Antonio Adrian Habana
Anna Escalante Neri
Noel Pingoy
Michelle Sarile
Larissa Mae Suarez
Andrea Teran
2007
Kristian Abe Dalao
Krisette Sia-Valderia
Jennelyn Tabora
Sharleen Banzon
Cecille La Verne de la Cruz
Pancho Villanueva
Catherine Alpay
Sasha Martinez
Janina Marie Rivera
Michelle Eve de Guzman
Robert Jed Rio Malayang
Mia Tijam
Martin Villanueva
Jan Paulo Bastareche
Primy Joy Cane
Justine Megan Yu
2008
Lawrence Bernabe
Noelle Leslie dela Cruz
Ma. Celeste Fusilero
Rodrigo dela Peña
Arelene Jaguit Yandug
Bron Joseph Teves
Marguerite Alcarazen de Leon
Dustin Edward Celestino
Joshua Lim So
Liza Bacay
Fred Jordan Mikhail Carnice
Ma. Elena Paulma
Anna Carmela Tolentino
Lamberto Varias Jr.
2009
Mariane Amor Romina Abuan
Jonathan Gonzales
Arkaye Keirulf
Patricia Angela Magno
Niño Manaog
Keith Bryan Cortez
Ana Margarita Stuart del Rosario
Monique Francisco
Russell Stanley Geronimo
Aleck Maramag
Gabriel Millado
Gabrielle Nakpil
Joy Rodriguez
Philip Kimpo Jr.
Marck Ronald Rimorin
2010
Gian Paolo Simeon Lao
Dominique Allison Santos
Jacob Dominguez
Oscar Serquina Jr.
Aaron James Jalalon
Jenette Ethel Vizcocho
Gilda Ysobel Galang
Anne Carly Abad
Gino Francis Dizon
Jose Carlo Flordeliza
Ida Anita Del Mundo
Samantha Echavez
Kelly Marie Tulio Conlon
Miro Frances Capili
Christina Mae del Rosario
2011
Charmaine Carreon
Evangeline Gubat
Jeffrey Javier
Allen Samsuya
Alyza Taguilaso
Glenn Diaz
Christine Lao
Emmanuel Lava
Andrea Macalino
Marius Monsanto
Philline Donggay
Rogelio Garcia Jr.
Miguel Sulangi
Elaine Tobias
Maria Villaruel
