Had to go to the dentist so missed Vicente L. Rafael's translation lecture. Decided to go instead to Greg Brillantes' book launch and was a bit late, although Mang Tony Serrano of the Institute for Creative Writing (formerly Creative Writing Center) told me that the event also started late. He also informed me that Butch Dalisay gave a wonderful speech (darn, decided to grab something to eat at McDo Philcoa so missed that).

Later, Alexis "Exie" Abola (this year's first-place winner of the Palanca Award for the English short story) arrived, and told me that the translation lecture was great, and Mr. Rafael was a great lecturer/speaker. He also reported that Dr. Jimmy Abad was present to liven up the discussion (Dr. Abad was by this time already present at the Brillantes' launch ).

Anyway, decided to buy two books -- the new Looking for Jose Rizal in Madrid (UP Press, 2004, 2005), a collection of essays, and the relatively older On a Clear Day in November Shortly Before the Millennium, Stories for a Quarter Century (Anvil, 2000) -- hurt a bit pocket wise (P650 total) but hey, it was Greg Brillantes. After I let him sign the books, gave him my contact info. Actually what happened was I had to shout into his ear the first time, about giving him my contact details -- forgot that he was already hard of hearing. I took his nodding to mean "yes" so came back later to give him my contact details. He then surprised me by calling me back -- he saw from the piece of paper I gave him (reminder to myself: design that business card already) that I was a publisher. I said that I was a "website publisher"; he said he thought I was in "desktop publishing." I was about to leave when he surprised me again by volunteering his email address. Well, really shouldn’t have been surprised both times since what inspired me to give him my contact info was the fact that he mentioned something about texting and Internet in a relatively longish post-modernist and satirical excerpt he read that night -- I correctly guessed that he might be technologically up to date.

At any rate, hope I can muscle him into submitting to the site. Charlson Ong, who was also present, and my usual dependable buddy in these events, also promised an article. Same with Exie Abola. Just have to remind them all. :)