It all started as a whim.
I just finished my 8-minute stint as a storyteller for Story Nights Cebu and I was about to sleep that night when I thought of creating a Vlog series about reading Poetry. I had the entire Saturday to ferment that idea and when Sunday morning came, I asked my friend Nine to help me with the series.
I decided to do my reading at the Garden Bloc in Cebu IT Park since it's near my place plus on Sunday mornings, there aren't a lot of people in the area.
I've been able to record several episodes and you can watch them on my YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/margauxcamaya) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thevisualtravelerblog).
I started with some classics like Shakespeare's sonnets, William Ernest Henley, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. I'm also open to folks suggesting their favorite poems or poets.
In the Philippines, Spoken Word Poetry, has become a popular event for Millennials. Binge-watching YouTube videos of Filipino Spoken Word artists inspired me to come up with something that can speak to those who likes to read and listen to poetry.
I'll also try my hand at writing and performing Spoken Word. It might take a little bit longer but I'll get there. I've also asked some friends to guest in future episodes.
In one of my trips to visit my parents, I brought back with me a book of poetry that my dad bought two decades ago. Most of my favorite poems are in it and when I feel melancholic or happy, I would whip out that little book and read from it.
As I am writing this post, I remembered a quote that Robin Williams as Professor Keating said in the movie, "Dead Poets Society".
"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."
Let's bring back the love for the written word.
Comments
It goes most heartening to find people (in Cebu!—and elsewhere) who still find their passion for the written word!
I’m not sure if this could be helpful material to your Poetry-at-the-Park vlog series, but there’s this e-chapbook “No Carrots, No Kidding” which has a line that mentions Cebu. The last time I looked, a copy of the chapbook may be purchased at a 100% discount (using an on-site discount coupon)at www.smashwords.com.
Go ahead and sound your poetic passions over the rooftops of Cebu--and the world!