The latest poetry book of National Artist Virgilio Almario (a.k.a. Rio Alma), entitled Kanta kay Josefina (published by NCCA) and translated into English by poet Michael de Lara Co with illustrations by Celeste Lecaroz, will be launched at the “Pista ng Sining sa Ferndale” at Ferndale Homes, Quezon City on the afternoon of August 19, 2025.
Aside from Virgilio Almario’s book, a book of satirical poems Dog Country (published by San Anselmo Press) by Atty. Marvin Aceron, and a poetry anthology on EJK entitled Tokhang-Tokhague (published by Librong LIRA) edited by Mia Jalandoni Sumulong and Sejo Esguerra, with cover illustration by Paul Eric Roca, will also be launched.
The launching falls on Quezon City Day and Araw ng Wika; this is the first time the Ferndale Homeowners Association is holding an event to commemorate the birth anniversary of Manuel L. Quezon. “We want to present the cultural face of our subdivision,” explained Atty. Felipe Cruz, president of the Ferndale Homeowners Association. “We have doctors, engineers, and other young professionals in our place, but we are proud to also have teachers, artists, and writers.”
Aside from the book launch, “Pista ng Sining” will feature the opening of an exhibit of artworks by resident-artists and the inauguration of Silid Aklatan, a library of literary collections for the youth.
All these events will take place from 4-6 PM of August 19 at the Ferndale Homes Clubhouse and will be open to the public. Pista ng Sining will also feature a mini book fair and the unveiling of a new line of poetry-inspired Linya-Linya shirts.
The events will be preceded by a visual arts workshop at 1-4 PM to be conducted by Maestro Fernando Sena for selected students and residents.
Pista ng Sining is co-sponsored the Kyusi Pambansang Araw ng Pagtula Task Force led by Atty. Noel del Prado, LIRA, and San Anselmo Press.
