Word Play

Last week, I and four other writers gave a talk about our books and our writing process at ‘58’ in Dumaguete. It was hosted by Libraria. The crowd was pretty big for the small venue making it an intimate evening. The panel discussion featured all local writers. Focusing on publishing and our writing process, we culminated with book signing afterwards. Refreshments were available during the book signing, along with an open mic for poetry and song. I want digress though. I really need to take a moment to talk about the venue at 58, because it’s revelation! 

‘58‘ has become a sort of an art collective here in Dumaguete. Not just for visual arts, but all the arts in general. Note to my readers: 58 is changing it’s name to ‘Arts + Design Collective’. It’s the safe place in Dumaguete for ‘Creatives’ for every stripe. First off, there’s a book store, Libraria. They specialize in Filipino authors. They sell new, used and some antiquarian books. Gail, the owner/operator of the bookstore kindly spearheaded this event. (Feel free to check out my books at Libraria.) But there is more. Mister Saigon is a Vietnamese restaurant with simple and delicious food. They’ve expressly hired deaf workers as their staff. This is unusual for any business model here or abroad.

There’s a little store in the 58 hub. It’s called Ritual. It smells so wonderful and fresh when you go into it. Ritual specializes in organic and locally sourced products. It is the go-to place for unique salts, soaps, incense, natural cleaning products, natural grains and flour. Isla Brewing is also located in this creative hub. They have a small outlet selling is their handcrafted beer. IPAs are my husbands favorite. He’s so excited about this place! There is a refreshment stand offering Kafir and fermented teas and drinks. There are working art space available for local artists at 58 and a gallery curtsey of PFAStudios. There are even music lessons and ceramic groups that meet here. 

I want to say again how appreciative I am to  Libraria for supporting local authors like me. I want to encourage the community to continue to support the local arts at 58, the Arts + Design Collective in Dumaguete. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful community. 

You may purchase my books here at Libraria.
Libraria Order Form (google.com)

See video here below.