January 28, 2025 — The Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Institute of the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education of the University of San Agustin recently concluded its annual San Agustin Writer’s Workshop, which took place from January 13 to 15, 2025. This prestigious event gathered ten exceptional writing fellows for an immersive three-day program designed to hone their craft under the guidance of award-winning panelists and literary experts.
The workshop commenced with an opening program, with USA President, Fr. Arnel Dizon, warmly welcoming the panelists and writers, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the arts. Following this, the workshop director, Mr. Noel Galon de Leon, provided a comprehensive program overview, outlining the enriching activities planned for the fellows. The workshop is particularly important for this year, Dr. May Anne Jaro has mentioned, since it was held at the Learning Commons of the Fray Luis de Leon Hall, so named after Augustinian friar Fray Luis de Leon, for which the workshop was named after.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in craft lectures delivered by the distinguished panelists, each a celebrated voice in the literary world. These award-winning panelists included Dr. Isidoro Cruz, who provided a craft lecture on poetry, Professor Early Sol Gadong on short fiction, and Dr. John Iremil Teodoro on Creative Nonfiction. These lectures explored key elements of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, offering invaluable insights and inspiration. Additionally, fellows participated in constructive peer critiques aimed at elevating their skills.
Mr. De Leon expressed the importance of the writer’s workshop in fostering creative excellence and building a vibrant community, whilst Dr. Teodoro and Dr. Cruz expressed pride in how the workshop has come to produce award-winning authors, providing fellows with the opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished authors in the region.
Aside from Dr. Teodoro, Dr. Cruz, Prof. Gadong and Mr. De Leon, other award-winning panelists included Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia, Dr. Elvie Victonette Razon-Gonzalez, and Dr. Isabel D. Sebullen.
The 10 fellows for this year are the following: Niel Lorilla Ibañez, Al Jeffrey L. Gonzales, Jorvelyn Jaruda-Espinosa, John Paul Lopez Araneta, Richard D. Olano Jr., Klara Domagotoy Espedido, Hazel Ann P. Cesa, Noel Abada Pahayupan, Jemuel Barrera Garcia, Jr. and Michelle Bayaua.
The San Agustin Writer’s Workshop is part of the Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Institute’s ongoing commitment to cultivating talent and supporting the next generation of writers. With its collaborative environment and access to renowned literary minds, the event was an unforgettable experience for all involved. The 21st SAWW is under the the leadership of Dr. Nenelyn de la Fuente, CLASE Dean, with workhop director Mr. De Leon,Dr. Teodoro as Deputy Workshop Director, Dr. Jaro as Project Director, Dr. Cruz as Deputy Project Director and USA alumnus, writer and teacher, Mr. Jose Anthony Gerard Muyco, as secretariat. The workshop also awarded the Leoncio P. Deriada Award for Flash Fiction, Leoncio P. Deriada Award for Poetry, and the Jigger S. Latoza Prize for Socially Relevant Literature, given in honor of the late stalwart supporter and the founder of the SAWW, respectively.
For more information about the Writer’s Workshop or the Creative Writing Institute, please contact cas@usa.edu.ph or visit the CLASE office at RADA Hall.–mrb
