Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA) will host another special edition of their monthly poetry reading, LIRAhan, in celebration of International Women’s Month. Dubbed “EBAng Klaseng LIRAhan,” the event is free and open to the public. It will feature performances and poetry from LIRA’s women members at Sinauna Restobar in Quezon City on March 22, 2024, at 6:00 in the evening.
This edition of LIRAhan will showcase LIRA’s diverse women poets, including May M. Dolis, Jopie Sanchez, and Tala Tanigue, among many other performers. Their performances will highlight gender issues such as women’s empowerment and gender equality, weaving words and experiences to evoke thoughtful reflection through verse.
Sanchez, a new LIRA member, expressed her feelings about performing in the LIRAhan. “While I’ve participated in other LIRAhan events before, this will be my first time to do so as a member of the organization. I’m a bit anxious because doing so carries a certain kind of responsibility with how I handle my poetry—that I am no longer just writing for myself.”
Over the past years, LIRA women members have accomplished several projects, including the launch of poetry anthologies titled “Lila: Mga Tula” and “Lila: Ikalawang Aklat ng Mga Tula” and several zines of individual members. “We encourage all women members to join our activities in LIRA, such as joining the Palihang LIRA as panelists, and Kongreso LIRA as lecturers. They may also have their manuscripts published with Librong LIRA,” said Tanigue.
Throughout this month, LIRA’s official Facebook page featured poems from acclaimed and young women poets, all of which were curated by some of the organization’s women members.
Before LIRAhan, the oath-taking of new LIRA members and the newly-elected Board of Trustees will take place. The new crop of LIRA members was picked for their outstanding performance from last year’s 6-month poetry workshop called Palihang LIRA. Alongside Sanchez and Cabangon, JE Inojosa, Al Jeffrey Gonzales, Istanli Gullab, Kirk Homer Ramos, and Kaye O’yek will be joining them to take their oaths as new members.
Regarding the Board of Trustees, Dr. Joti Tabula will continue to serve as the organization’s president, with Tala Tanigue as the vice president and Karl Orit as the public relations officer. Atty. Nicolas Pichay and Abner Dormiendo will be entering their first term as the secretary and treasurer, respectively.
Established in 1985 by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, LIRA is the oldest organization of poets writing in Filipino. In 2011, LIRA was recognized as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) for outstanding services and projects by its member poet-volunteers.
LIRA has been involved in various noteworthy endeavors including giving workshops at the CCP Pasinaya and donating books to public libraries.
Celebrate the artistry and strength of women this International Women’s Month. Be part of “EBAng Klaseng LIRAhan” and witness the compelling narratives of LIRA’s talented female poets. Help amplify their voices by sharing this article and inviting friends to join us on March 22 at Sinauna Restobar. Together, let’s support and uplift women in the arts!
Here’s how to get to LIRA’s Poetry Reading:
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