NAGA CITY—Bicolandia’s club scene was invaded by OragonRepublic.Com on Wednesday, July 19.

        Expecting the usual rounds of bands and beverage, Lolo’s Bar denizens were met by poets reeking with tigsik and rawitdawit.

BIKOL’S BEST - Fr. Wilmer Tria (center) author of AKO ASIN AN KAPWA KO: Pilosopiya Nin Tawo, (Ateneo de Naga University Press, 2006) poses with Bikol poets Frank V. Peñones Jr. and Cristian S. Cordero during the book launching of Fr. Tria’s book held last July 12, 2006 at the newly constructed Madrigal Amphitheater, Ateneo de Naga University Press.

        Organized by Webmasters Fer and Shiela Basbas, and Forum Moderator Jose Jason L. Chancoco, the event was meant to revive the tradition of tigsikan and performance poetry in Bicol’s club culture.

        Present were some of the prominent voices in Bikol literature such as Francisco Peñones, Kristian Cordero, Jun Pesimo, Estelito Jacob, Marissa Casillan, Dennis Gonzaga, Rizaldy Manrique and “Tigsik Queen” Aida Cirujales. Jan Rev Davila of Ateneo de Naga’s The Pillars also served as referee for the Bikol Balagtasan.

        Also around were writers Joy Bagasala and Ramon Olaño, the DJs of Mom’s Radio 95.9 FM, and the staff of ABS-CBN’s ‘Bikol Espesyal Oragon Na!’ TV program.

        The event will be featured on the program’s July 29 episode.

        Other supporters were Andy and Ningning Belmonte of Lolo’s Music Bar and Restaurant, Mike and Grace of DWNX, and Shiela Salazar and Amy Villafuerte of ABS-CBN Naga.

        The OragonRepublic Writers’ Night is primarily an open-mic event and welcomes walk-in participants. For more information (future schedule and logistics) please write fbb@oragonrepublic.com, smb@oragonrepublic.com or tarusan22@yahoo.com. You may also log on to http://www.oragonrepublic.com