Sunshine Place’s writing classes have seen retired professionals tap into their creative fountains and bring out their inner writers. A total of 3 books have been produced and launched since the lessons were first held and last December 2, the third anthology, Bridges of Memory was released to the public.
According to writing class teacher Professor Oscar Penaranda, a recipient of the UMPIL Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, Bridges of Memory is a collection of memoirs from 12 “non-writers” who opened up a window to their soul for the reader to reflect upon, experience, partake, be moved by, and learn from their slices and slivers of life in various stages and in various literary genres.
In her piece titled “The Guava Tree”, Linda Atayde wrote: “This tree was previous to the family because according to her [Lily’s] parents it represented the strength of the Bravo family of Zamboanga to remain intact during and after the recently concluded second world war.” Her piece is in the Memoir section of the book.
Another writer, Mario Torrento, blends his work experience in his unique narratives. “Writing essays and poems made me relook at my learnings in life. Having a strong hold on oneself, one’s identity is an anchor for reassurance, a source of confidence that we can make it through just as I have done in the past.”
Aside from Atayde and Torrento, the others writers are Lorenzo Clavejo, Len Torres Fernandez, Rodolfo Fernandez, Arlene Gonzales, Melanie Lago, Victoria Lopez, Consuelo Regino, Mariquit Reventar, Mario Torrento Jr., Imelda Trillo, and Maria Suzana Yap.
The writers took turns reading their poems, with Victoria Lopez who was in the U.S. reading her piece via video. Guest of honor and speaker of the launch was Dr. Jose “Butch” Dalisay, an award-winning author. He has won awards for his works on fiction, poetry, drama, non-fiction and screenwriting. He is also recipient of 16 Palanca awards. Also present was Prof Vim Nadera who wrote the introduction to the book.
The authors dedicated the book to Mrs. Felicidad T. Sy who envisioned and established the Sunshine Place Senior Recreation Center. For the authors, Sunshine Place is a haven where creativity flourishes, friendships are made, and dreams are nurtured.
