Marra PL. Lanot’s Cadena de Amor book of poems launched

Marra PL. Lanot’s Cadena de Amor book of poems launched

MARRA PL. LANOT (right) with National Artist F. Sionil Jose (2nd from right), and writer Jose F. Lacaba (left).

Cadena de Amor, New and Selected Poems by Marra PL. Lanot was recently launched at Iago’s Restaurant on Sct. Rallos, near Morato Ave., Quezon City, Philippines.

Well-respected actors from Philippine theater, film, and television read from the book to an appreciative audience, who also enjoyed Iago’s food.

Writer, stage actor, and pangalay dancer/choreographer Nannette Mailac was the night’s emcee. Matilac pointed out that “when freedom is strangled, the artist’s voice rises. And when women are verbally, physically, emotionally, and economically abused, bad-ass and kick-ass women and girls emerge in solidarity.”

Banaue Miclat-Janssen and Shamaine Centenera Buencamino read “Brave Edith” and “October,” respectively.

Miclat-Janssen is an awarded theater and film actor. She has also directed in theater. She has appeared in schools as well as on Broadway and Off-Broadway plays. As teacher, she has conducted workshops for young actors and singers.

With Bobbie Malay and Satur Ocampo and other guests.

Centenera-Buencamino is an unself-conscious actor on stage, film, and television. She started acting at the Philippine Educational Theater Association and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. She’s a natural in drama and comedy, appearing both in mainstream and independent films. She garnered an Asian Film Award in Hong Kong for best supporting role.

Lollie Mara interpreted “María la del baile” and “Cadena de amor” in Spanish.

Adriana Agcaoili read “Mahilig sa Guwapo,” while Bibeth Orteza did “Sa Kaarawan ni Serafin.”

Becky Demetillo Abraham and Karina Constantino David of Inang Laya capped the short program with the song “Babae.”

Bibeth Orteza

Among those who attended the launch were former board members of the Movie and Television Rating and Classification Board (MTRCB); writers and journalists National Artist F. Sionil Jose, with wife Tessie Jose, Nic Tiongson, Jose F. Lacaba, Francezca C. Kwe, Kris Lanot Lacaba, Manny Buising, Raquel Villavicencio, Krip Yuson, Alma Miclat, Barbara Mae Dacanay, former Ambassador Jimmy Yambao, Bobbie Malay, Satur Ocampo, Menchu Sarmiento, Terra Daffon, Rosario Ramirez, Fe Mangahas, Lilia Quindoza Santiago, Joel Paredes, and Lualhati Bautista; film directors Joey Romero, Milo Sogueco, Seymour Sanchez, and Carlos Sigiuion-Reyna as well as film editor and restorer Manet Dayrit; artists Julie Lluch, whose sculpture is on the cover of Cadena de Amor, Ayz Ramirez, and Boboy Yonzon; singer Astarte Abraham; and University of the Philippines President Atty. Danilo Concepcion.

Cadena de Amor is published by the U.P. Press.

(PRESS RELEASE)

With MTRCB writers and journalists

The author with writer friends