Acknowledging Doc PenPen’s ground-breaking methodology in poetry, World Poetry Canada International (WPCI), a very prestigious organization composed of 64 nations, has invited the revolutionary Pinoy doctor-poet to grace the World Poetry Peace Festival

So you’ve explored many different ways to beat the heat this season: from frequent trips to the malls and the country’s finest beaches, to changing your wardrobe to let your pores breathe more freely, all the way to stacking up a variety of cold refreshments in your fridge. You’ll do whatever it takes to cool down and savor the moment braving the sun.  

Vim Nadera: How was your family after your father died? 

When one opens a birthday present, millions of neurons are fired up in the human brain, triggering an orgasmic feeling of excitement and anticipation.  However, as soon as the gift is unwrapped, what can be found inside may no longer excite the recipient but the thought of being remembered and given on a very special day of one’s life. 

The Chinese and we have long been in contact. 

Banig or brown mat is a traditional hand-woven mat commonly used for sleeping. Banig weaving is a genuine treasure handed down as a tradition or a trade from one generation to another as it is widely practiced in the country.

The true geisha, contrary to popular misconception, is the ultimate host; gracious, educated, and intuitively aware of what pleased her elite guests. A meal with her was an experience that not only satiated the senses, but also stimulated the mind.

In 1928, when classical art and Fernando Amorsolo ruled the scene, would-be national artist Victorio Edades baffled the art industry with distorted images of naked working men covered in sweat and grime in his work, "The Builders."

Three years ago, sculptor Gabriel Barredo bought boxes of antique dolls (circa 1920) from a neighbor in BF Homes Las Pinas, who also unloaded a collection of Barbie Dolls to boot. With this treasure trove, Barredo started creating a series of scintillating art pieces inspired by the carousel. 

One of the most colorful events of the season was the “2012 Islamic Fashion Collection”.  Presented by the Embassy of Malysia, it was held recently at the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Inter-Continental, Manila. 

I took President Noy’s urging at the official proclamation of the Puerto Princesa underground river as one of the new Seven Wonders of nature recently to “go and see for yourself the underground river! Maganda talaga!”

It is always a joy to discover good bargains, clean public restrooms, polite and helpful store staff; I believe in sharing information on such gems in order that more people can enjoy the very positive experience and great savings.

Limited vision however, is not something up and coming artist Reybert Ramos can be accused of. In fact, it can be said that his whole life has been spent expanding his vision as well as exploring unchartered aesthetic seas.

Vim Nadera: Do you eat death threats for breakfast too?

Our diplomats have been calling it Panatag (Tagalog for calm, steady or stable); Zambales folk, Kalburo (calcium carbide – used to ripen mangoes and I’m told, to blast fish - Scarborough, kalburo, get it?); the Chinese, Huangyan Islands; and the world, Scarborough Shoal.

Wistful scenes of lush environs, fervent townsfolk dance amongst golden farms. From a distance, birds fly to the mountains to kiss the sky, as the river proffers the bounty of unyielding crop. Such is the imagery of beautiful Batangas as interpreted by landscape artist Lino Acasio in his third solo exhibition aptly called, ‘Dito Po Sa Amin’.

If not for my visiting Vancouver-based Uncle R, we wouldn't even have braved the traffic and traveled all the way to SM North.

Many of my friends who used to go out of town weekends for lunch and a swim at Tagaytay, Laguna or Batangas have new Sunday routines which do not involve hours of driving, thousands of pesos on gas and toll fees, and wasted time lining up at expressway entrances and exits.