European diplomats, Filipino poets featured in ‘Bersong EuroPinoy’

INSTITUTO Cervantes de Manila will hold the sixth edition of the poetry recital “Bersong EuroPinoy” on May 26 at 7 p.m.

The recital is part of the Viva Europa program and is presented by the Spanish cultural agency along with the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, Goethe Institut, Alliance Française, Philippine-Italian Association, consulate of Slovakia and the embassies of Spain, Austria, Belgium and Czech Republic, are presenting “Literature Is in Our DNA.

José María Fons, cultural manager of Instituto Cervantes, said: “Bersong EuroPinoy is a unique multicultural event where acclaimed poems are recited by European diplomats and cultural representatives in their native languages, alongside those of reputable Filipino writers.”

Participating Filipino poets this year are Alice Sun Cua, Mookie Katigbak Lacuesta, Carlomar Daoana, Allan Pastrana, Vijae Alquisola and Shirley O. Lua.

“As for Europe, this edition we’ll be featuring poetry from eight countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Slovakia and Spain,” said Carlos Madrid, Instituto Cervantes director.

This year’s theme is “Food, Gastronomy and Table Pleasures.” Live music will also accompany the recital.

“Although the current format is working well, we like trying new developments,” said Madrid. “For future editions, I’d like to see poets from Europe attend the event and interact with Filipino writers. It would also be wonderful to see the current booklet-program growing into a book.”

“Bersong EuroPinoy” will be held at Instituto Cervantes (85 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila Entrance is free on a first-com first-served basis. Free copies the poetry compilation will b given.