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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Manila forum revisits visual poetry, cites Filipino poet's contributions

Manila forum revisits visual poetry, cites Filipino poet's contributions

Published Aug 1, 2026 01:54 pm
Doc PenPen Bugtong Takipsilim (center) joins scholars and cultural workers
Doc PenPen Bugtong Takipsilim (center) joins scholars and cultural workers

A literary forum in Manila revisited the work of Filipino poet Dr. Epitacio Ramos Tongohan, also known as Doc PenPen Bugtong Takipsilim, as part of discussions on visual poetry in the Philippines.

The forum, held at the National Museum of the Filipino People in Manila, brought together scholars and cultural workers to examine the form, which combines text, symbols, and visual design.

Visual poetry remains a niche practice in the country, with limited public platforms compared to more established forms such as spoken word and performance poetry.

Tongohan, a physician by training, has promoted the form through publications and literary forums. Some literary circles refer to him as the “Father of Visual Poetry.”

He was also cited in a recent recognition described as a “Prestige Father of Visual Poetry Award” in March 2026.

FAMAS, which is primarily known as a film award-giving body, did not immediately provide further details on the citation.

Participants in the forum said efforts are ongoing to document alternative literary forms and assess their place in contemporary Philippine literature.

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