PHILIPPINES, THE POETRY HUB OF THE WORLD By: Roy Mark Corrales Better late than never. Our major newspapers have not taken serious notice of this particular event, PENTASI B Historical Forum, maybe because of the consequent chaos and sufferings brought to the Philippines by typhoon Yolanda. However, this auspicious and sterling event transpired among poets around the world gives the country renewed strength and pride. The global gathering of poets was inspired by a single man, a poet and a doctor himself, Doc PenPen, as he is endearingly called. It was his innovative and extraordinary exploration to the new poetic form; an approach that revolutionized poetry. His creation, PENTASI B is recognized by leading and famous poets around the world. Accolades and awards kept streaming in for him which he humbly accepted. For this reason alone, the Philippines, particularly the Filipino poets accorded the same appreciation and pride for our esteemed poet, Doc PenPen. He truly earned the title Father Of Visual Poetry. Thus, the convergence of poets from different nationalities was born in Manila last November 15, 2013. The National Library of the Philippines under the stewardship of Dir. Antonio M. Santos, a lawyer and the Philippine National Museum co-sponsored the said event.
The confluence of the poets was indeed an affair to remember. Being acquainted and touching shoulder to shoulder among them would be considered as their defining moments; Internationally renowned poets hobnobbing with our fellow compatriots. The intimacy among them was so heartening specially when each one had an impromptu speech, some were emotionally charged that fellow poets supported them.
Then, came the testimonies of the respected global poets. Ashok K. Bhargava, a poet laureate, founder and president of Writers International Network Society (WINS) Canada and World Poetry Ambassador to India and Nepal, said in a nutshell that Filipinos are natural poets since they have this deep sense of sentimentality. He further added that PENTASI B is a must read among poets to study and appreciate its intrinsic values that go beyond the words incorporating the visual.
An inspiring poet coupled with charm and beauty was Zayra Yves. A multi-awarded poet, she lauded PENTASI B and encouraged us to try to delve into it with avidity. By dissecting it, we would realize that visual poetry encompasses among other things, our day to day living. Another respectable lady, Lily Rose Tope, Ph.D., professor in Asian Comparative Literature at the University of the Philippines, discussed PENTASI B POETRY in the forum. She stressed that PENTASI B belongs to Postmodern Poetry. A form of poetry that deviates from the norms everyone knows. It is an unorthodox approach of conveying message to the readers. Be that as it may, she and other international and local poets re-affirmed our Philippines’