In The Philippine Star Butch Dalisay writes about being At the literary table at this year's Taboan -- the Philippine Literary Festival.
Among much else, he notes:
Among much else, he notes:
Small as it is, Philippine literary society is indeed ruled in a way by cliques, barkadas, orthodoxies, and prescriptions. In some cases, these institutions and conventions may have made it difficult for new, alternative, and dissident voices to emerge and be heard.(Two of his books are under review at the complete review: Killing Time in a Warm Place and Soledad's Sister.)
I myself will indefensibly admit to being part of this ruling elite -- I suppose by default, being the director of an institute of creative writing, a professor of literature, and a member of an NCCA committee that gives out grants. I've done well by the system (Silliman workshop, CW degree and MFA, Palancas, etc.) and the system, I think, has also done well by me.