Workshop 2005 Highlights

It is fitting that the first NVM Gonzalez Writers Workshop should happen in UCLA. It was here two years before NVM was diagnosed with a kidney ailment that he was able to enjoy the company of students and colleagues and their endless musings on the nature and future of Filipino writing. It was lso in Los Angeles, in a Chinese restaurant across the Union Station that Russell Leong, Prosy and Ike dela Cruz and myself gestated over endless cups of tea the shape and color of what the workshop should be. It took two years to realize the plan - a series of workshops in the campuses where NVM taught. Finally, in 2005 we began what we hope will inspire a new generation of writers, our humble tribute to NVM's spirit.

The Workshop

It was an intense schedule characterized by exercises, readings, and more exercises. Guest writer Peter Bacho made sure each participant had the opportunity to read and receive feedback on their revisions. At first it was a slow start as the students figured out the intentions of the teacher. Once it was clear how Peter was to direct their work-in-progress, the pace picked up. On the second day, after an almost sleepless night for a few, their work showed obvious improvements --more dialogue, better characterization and intensity. The last hours of the afternoon was capped by a violin solo by Nonoy Alsaybar, a long-time friend of NVM. The day ended at the gourmet Filipino restaurant Asian Noodles. Thus ended two days of delicious creativity.