Hong Kong, 14 April 2025 — In celebration of National Literature Month, the Philippine Consulate General and Sentro Rizal Hong Kong hosted the inaugural “Sentro Rizal Poetry Circle Writing Workshop” for Overseas Filipinos on 6 and 13 April 2025. The Workshop featured renowned poet and educator, Prof. Vincenz Serrano, who received first prize in poetry at the prestigious 59th Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards in 2009, as its Resource Person. The Workshop welcomed seven (7) members of the Filipino Community (FilCom) in Hong Kong who were eager to refine their craft and further develop their literary skills.
Prof. Serrano is an Associate Professor at the Literary and Cultural Studies Programme at Ateneo de Manila University and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Kritika Kultura, an international peer-reviewed electronic journal of language, literary and cultural studies. He is currently a Visiting Scholar at the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK.)
During the two-day Workshop, participants — Aiko A. Pogoy, Ailenemae S. Ramos, Annaliza A. Sison, Edina P. Bueza, Joselyn U. Bisquera, Lorna Q. Datario and Veronica R. Pingol—actively engaged in writing exercises, group discussions, and lectures that addressed the essential elements of poetry. Prof. Serrano’s mentorship provided attendees with valuable insights and tools to enhance their writing skills, deepen their poetic inspiration, and express their creative thoughts more effectively.
In conjunction with the Workshop, the Consulate likewise launched an exhibition of Prof. Serrano’s literary works at the Consulate’s Sining Malaya Art Corner on 13 April 2025. The display featured selections from his newest poetry collection, “Now is a New No,” alongside photos he captured in Manila and Hong Kong.
In her Welcome Remarks, Consul Maria Sheila Monedero-Arnesto, the Consulate’s Acting Head of Post, highlighted the vital role of literature in shaping the nation’s history, identity and culture, especially prior to the advent of modern technology, resulting in progress for our country and our people. She advocated the use of literature to achieve progress for humanity, in line with this year’s National Literature Month theme, “SIKAD Panitikan: Kultura at Panitikan ng Kaunlaran.” She also urged attendees to support Filipino poets, writers, and artists by engaging with and being inspired by their works.
During the culmination of the Workshop, participants successfully crafted and presented their own poems, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, their love for family and community, and everyday reflections as Overseas Filipinos in Hong Kong. Prof. Serrano’s masterclass not only bolstered the participants’ confidence in their literary compositions but also refined their writing techniques. In his Closing Remarks, Prof. Serrano encouraged participants to continue writing and to explore diverse literary genres to further expand their creative horizons.
The Philippine Consulate General remains dedicated to fostering and promoting Filipino arts and culture in the community and looks forward to continuing its support for aspiring artists and literary talents in the city. END.
