Kamuning Bakery Cafe holds ‘World Poetry Day’ with Filipino literary icons
In a unique pre-World Poetry Day event, the 86-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City hosted a special “Pandesal Forum” on March 20, 2025. The gathering celebrated the enduring power of poetry, bringing together established writers, young talents, and media representatives.
Advance celebration of UNESCO’s “World Poetry Day” was successfully held at unique Pandesal Forum of 86-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe with National Artist Dr. Gemino Abad, poet Dr. Vim Nadera, Ateneo educator Cyan Abad Jugo, moderator Wilson Lee Flores and Neptali Gonzales High School students Queen Jeramay R. Saldivar, Aries King T. Federis, Pearl Mae Angela Cabudlan with their teacher Jayson A.Cruz. The students performed the century-old Filipino literary tradition of “Balagtasan” or poetic debate. On March 21 #WorldPoetryDay, original poem in any language is accepted whole day as payment for free brewed coffee at Kamuning Bakery Cafe. (Photo by Nilo Odiaman)
A gathering of words and wisdom
The forum featured National Artist for Literature, Professor Dr. Gemino Abad, his daughter Cyan Abad Jugo, an educator at Ateneo de Manila University, and award-winning poet Professor Dr. Vim Nadera. These literary figures shared their insights on poetry’s significance, recited their works, and offered guidance to aspiring poets. Dr. Abad encouraged young writers to cultivate their language with dedication, comparing it to a farmer tending their land.
Spotlight on students
Adding to the occasion, students from Neptali A. Gonzales High School in Mandaluyong presented a vibrant performance of Balagtasan, a traditional Filipino form of poetic debate. Queen Jeranay R. Saldivar, Aries King T. Federis, and Pearl Mae Angela Cabudlan, guided by their teacher Jayson A. Cruz and Principal Dr. Corazon Regino, impressed the audience with their skill and enthusiasm.
Honoring literary ancestors
During the forum, Dr. Abad spoke of his admiration for Filipino literary giants Nick Joaquin and Francisco Arcellana. Dr. Nadera paid homage to Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Alejandro Abadilla, and Emilio Jacinto. Cyan Abad Jugo shared some of her favorite poets, including Marjorie Evasco, Vim Nadera, and Jean Paje Tan.
Poem for Poets
Wilson Lee Flores, the forum’s moderator, contributed his original poem, “Ang Tinta ng mga Diwata,” a tribute to the rich history of Filipino poetry. His verses recognized the contributions of Francisco Balagtas, Dr. Jose Rizal, Huseng Batute (José Corazón de Jesús), Jose Garcia Villa, Amado V. Hernandez, Carlos Bulosan, Nick Joaquin, Emman Lacaba, Virginia Moreno, Rio Alma (Virgilio Almario), Gemino Abad, Jose “Pete” F. Lacaba, Krip Yuson, and Alfredo Navarro Salanga.
Free coffee for creativity on World Poetry Day
The celebration continued on World Poetry Day, March 21, 2025, with Kamuning Bakery Cafe offering free brewed coffee in exchange for an original poem in any language. This tradition, started by writer and entrepreneur Wilson Lee Flores, invited poetry lovers and aspiring writers to share their verses at the cafe, located at Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Barangay Kamuning, Quezon City, from 5 am to 9 pm.
