Haiku Writing Contest
Read in a newspaper ad that the Japan Information and Cultural Center (JICC) is sponsoring a haiku writing contest. The contest, called Pinoy Haiku — Verses for Mother Nature invites interested writers to submit haikus or verses which reflect an appreciation of the environment, a love for nature, concern for ecology or states a commentary on the natural world.
Submitted haikus may be in Filipino (with an English translation), with 7-5-7 pattern or in English (no requirement for a Filipino translation), 5-7-5. Deadline for submission is June 2, 2006. The top 3 submitted poems will be chosen on July 7, 2006.
Downloadable entry forms and rules are available at: www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp You can also mail your entries to JICC, Embassy of Japan, 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City or fax them to 551-5784. You may likewise e-mail them to jicc-mnl@japanembassy.ph or to jiccmanila@yahoo.com
Here’s a sample haiku they gave, complete with English translation:
Kaluluwa ng
Naghihingalong buwan
Gandang nahimlay.
The ghost
of the dying moon
beauty at rest.
So, take a break. Smell the flowers, appreciate nature, and write a haiku. =)