Artists for Luis Katigbak
As resident editor and writer at various publications, among them The
Philippine STAR, Pulp and Esquire Philippines, Luis Katigbak’s essays, columns, features and reviews have shaped the taste and style of multitudes of readers, musicians and artists.
But it is as a fictionist that he is most influential and indelible. His distinctive voice — youthful, nostalgic, prescient, wistful, wise — has been a singular landmark of Philippine literature, and an important guidepost for future generations of readers and writers. Katigbak’s first collection of short stories,
Happy Endings (University of the Philippines Press), has seen multiple printings and continues to enthrall readers 15 years after its first publication. His long-awaited second collection, Dear Distance (Anvil), sees publication this February.
“Among our foremost writers,” Gregorio C. Brilliantes writes, “Luis Katigbak is of a special class: supreme sui generis, very much his own man and artist. So the kind and character of his works: very rare, exceptional, unique, maverick, exceedingly original fiction.”
Luis has been hospitalized since December 2015 for complications from diabetes. To help cover expenses from his hospitalization and treatment, a fundraising exhibit is being held at the mezzanine space of Blanc Gallery in Katipunan until Feb. 17. Graciously donating their work to the cause are 46 artists, including Allan Balisi, Annie Cabigting, Bernie Sim, Brisa Amir, Carina Santos, Costantino Zicarelli, Czar Kristoff, Derek Tumala, Dex Fernandez, Dina Gadia, Ernest Concepcion, Frank Callaghan, Jay Yao, Jel Suarez, Jeona Zoleta, Justine Basa, Kaloy Olavides, Kara Escay, Kidlat de Guia, Kiko Escora, Kim Oliveros, Kristine Caguiat, Lala Gallardo, Lena Cobangbang, Luis Santos, Manuel Ocampo, Mariano Ching, Micaela Benedicto, Miguel Aquilizan, Miguel Inumerable, MM Yu, Nice Buenaventura, Nicole Coson, Paulina Ortega, Pep Manalang, Poklong Anading, Pow Martinez, Ringo Bunoan, Ryan Villamael, Soler Santos, Wawi Navarroza, Yasmin Sison Ching, Yason Banal, Yvette Tan, Zean Cabangis and Zeus Bascon.
Blanc Gallery is at 145 Katipunan Avenue, St. Ignatius Village, Quezon City, and is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
For information, call 442-5262 or email info@blanc.ph. — Sarge Lacuesta