notes from the peanut gallery

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37612752009-10-14T11:54:33.280+08:00notes from the peanut gallerymy life as a husband, father, writer and businessmanDeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comBlogger2138125http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/flamocon.gifThis is the XML content feed for Dean Alfar's Notes from the Peanut Gallery. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site.tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-67028172813560640882009-10-09T08:46:00.001+08:002009-10-09T08:47:34.950+08:00For Benjie

For Benjie I first met Benjie year ago, in Manila. He had recently arrived from the States and had gangsta swagger around him that was immediately interesting – because beneath the tough guy was a heart so vast in its capacity to give, a mind so powerful in its ability to learn, and a spirit so enormous in ability to share. We shared stories, he and I. He, about his difficult life and how he

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-16117492940967512702009-10-08T11:19:00.002+08:002009-10-08T11:21:32.964+08:00litcritters postponed until better weather

With all the floods, power outages and rain, the usual LitCritters sessions are suspended until further notice (I just realized that I sounded like the Department of Education right there).Better to stay safe and read indoors for now.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-36052548516873564622009-10-08T11:15:00.003+08:002009-10-08T11:24:44.034+08:00last week for submissions for PSF V

Just a quick note to remind you that you have one week to go before the deadline for submissions for Philippine Speculative Fiction V.Here's the original call for submissions: http://deanalfar.blogspot.com/2009/05/call-for-submissions-philippine.htmlYour editors, Nikki Alfar and Vin Simbulan, wait for your stories with bated breath :)

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-27371751164416339052009-10-08T09:18:00.001+08:002009-10-08T11:19:24.126+08:00no water, no power

We're in the second of week of having no running water.And last night, we had no power.I hold fervently on to the hope that this too will pass.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-75196599966199229672009-10-06T15:40:00.003+08:002009-10-06T15:45:25.098+08:00secondary worlds

The Farthest Shore: An Anthology of Secondary World Fantasy from the Philippines is live and free for reading. Edited by Joseph Nacino and myself, the antho collects stories set in places other than the world we know.Go and check it :)

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-16717259705292032202009-09-02T11:53:00.000+08:002009-09-02T11:54:13.660+08:00litcritters readings for Sept 5

Here's the reading list and links for our next meeting (Saturday, Sept 5, 2009 - Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria):The Wedding Gift by Jacqueline West (Ideomancer June 2009 issue)Pearl in Shadow by Darja Malcolm-Clarke (Ideomancer June 2008 issue)Hot by Haddayr Copley-Woods (Ideomancer September 2006)This time, we check out the stories from Ideomancer, presented by publisher Leah Bobet

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-2326564961591558262009-09-02T09:46:00.003+08:002009-09-02T09:57:27.054+08:002009 Palanca Awards

The 59th Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature was held last night at the Manila Pen. Great food, great company (I especially loved National Artist Bien's speech)- kudos to all the winners (especially to Kate, Eliza, Paolo, Luis, Anne, Ferdinand Balino and the 'winningest' Ed Maranan!)Kabataan DivisionSanaysay1st – Axcel L. Trinidad (Si Ate Elsa, Si Aling Carmen, at Ako Laban sa mga

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-75971591256962216162009-09-02T09:40:00.002+08:002009-09-02T09:46:24.511+08:002009 Philippines Free Press Awards

On August 28, 2009, the 101st Philippines Free Press Awards were held at Carpaccio, Makati City.Short Story1st Place - Epic Life by Rhea Politado2nd Place- Marita Pangan by Mechu Aquino Sarmiento3rd Place (tie) - Catherine Theory by Sasha Martinez & Bad Heart by John BenganPoetry1st Place - Textbook Statistics by Arkaye Kierulf2nd Place - Poet Talks to an Old Movie by Sid Gomez Hildawa3rd Place -

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-80375521238425404142009-08-18T12:23:00.001+08:002009-08-18T13:21:13.358+08:00litcritter readings for aug 22

LitCritters!Here are the links to the readings for Aug 22, 2PM, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria:Palm Tree Bandit by Nnedi OkoraforCrossroads by Catherine Dybiec HolmRed Hands, Black Hands by Chris RobersonSee you soon!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-46742947404670696962009-07-27T14:33:00.002+08:002009-07-27T14:35:33.867+08:00LitCriiters

Readings for Saturday, Aug 1:Edward Bear and the Very Long Walk by Ken Scholes (from Revolutions SF) Diving Light by Ted Kosmatka (from Asimov's; author's website) Chenting, in the Land of the Dead by Kij Johnson (from Realms of Fantasy; author's website) See you at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria, 2PM.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-69927222365851983312009-07-15T16:32:00.003+08:002009-07-15T16:59:57.791+08:00words of encouragement

I'm happy to note that in the July issue of Locus, critic and editor Rich Horton gave both "Philippine Speculative Fiction IV" and "A Time for Dragons" thumbs up.This is fantastic news and a tremendous boost to the local spec fic community, as multiple authors from both anthos were cited. Congratulations to all the contributors (remember that the strength of an antho is derived from the quality

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-48213125715083080502009-07-07T16:29:00.003+08:002009-07-07T16:37:40.290+08:00the farthest shore TOC

Here's the TOC for "The Farthest Shore", the secondary world-themed digital anthology that Joseph Nacino and I are editing. Thanks to everyone who submitted a story for consideration. Balancing Darkness by Rodelle SantosHindsight by Paolo ChikiamcoRite of Passage by Dominique CimafrancaThe Just World of Helena Jimenez by Eliza VictoriaSpelling Normal by Mia TijamEmberwilde by Nikki AlfarLight

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-76517315300134437602009-07-03T10:10:00.002+08:002009-07-03T10:14:14.335+08:00jeffrey ford on philippine speculative fiction IV

Yes, it's a happy day!Here's what one of the authors I admire and look up to has to say on Philippine Speculative Fiction IV:I don't know how many US readers and writers are aware of it, but there is a vital and growing SF/F community in the Philippines these days. Good evidence exists for it in this latest volume of the anthology, Philippine Speculative Fiction IV. This volume is edited by

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-76238729283844523402009-06-22T10:07:00.002+08:002009-06-22T10:09:59.080+08:00LitCriiters

Hey, LitCriiters!Here's our reading list for Saturday:From the Lost Diary of TreeFrog7 by Nnedi Okorafor (Clarkesworld) Cockatrice Girl Meets Statue Boy by Willow Fagan (Fantasy Magazine) The Plagiarist by Alex Rose (Fantasy Magazine) See you 2PM at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria.And a big shout out to LitCritters Dumaguete!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-87438463104368171092009-06-15T13:40:00.002+08:002009-06-15T13:41:32.326+08:00brrrrrrrraaaiinnssssss....

The best game I've played this year!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-75334173405047591712009-06-09T09:29:00.002+08:002009-06-09T09:33:35.953+08:00litcritters

Readings:Last Son of Tomorrow by Greg Van Eekhout (from Tor.com)The Secret Lives of Cats by Kristine Kathryn Rusch (from Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine)A Weeping Czar Beholds the Fallen Moon by Ken Scholes (from Tor.com)Join us on June 13, 2PM at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-19991699003547246702009-06-04T23:01:00.002+08:002009-06-04T23:05:03.259+08:00wind

With the rainy season here for real, Nikki and I experienced how fragile our umbrellas were. Walking home from the office in the rain, powerful winds surged around us, flipping our umbrellas the wrong way. We laughed as we attempted to shift our upturned brellies against the wind, all the while getting drenched. In a matter of seconds, our attempts succeeded and we were once again in quest

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-80296561228976905982009-05-25T15:21:00.003+08:002009-05-25T15:23:54.300+08:00for andrew

After multiple, extended gaming sessions lasting into the wee hours of the morning...(Image from http:/msp101.photobucket.com/albums/m46/XSpaz_CatX/lolcats/HappyCat.jpg)

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-71807931019812468682009-05-25T12:50:00.001+08:002009-05-25T12:53:08.504+08:00litcritters

LitCritters!Our next LitCrit session is on May 30th, Saturday, 2PM at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Robinsons Galleria.Here are the readings:The Red Shoes by Genevieve Valentine (from Journal of Mythic Arts, http://www.endicott-studio.com/rdrm/rrRedShoes.html )Death on the Crosstime Express by Chris Roberson (from Sideways in Crime, http://www.chrisroberson.net/2009/01/

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-30156370930454390932009-05-18T11:33:00.002+08:002009-05-18T11:35:42.032+08:00user-friendly

Nine dream laptops are up for grabs for the people with the most sign ups in www.eyp.ph/userfriendly by July 20, 2009. All you need to do to get a free laptop is to sign up and get your friends to sign up. Go and check it out!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-57640230234539248392009-05-15T10:22:00.002+08:002009-05-15T10:25:30.421+08:00call for submissions - philippine speculative fiction V

Editors Nikki Alfar and Vin Simbulan are now accepting submissions of short fiction pieces for consideration for the anthology "PHILIPPINE SPECULATIVE FICTION V".Speculative fiction is the literature of wonder that spans the genres of fantasy, science fiction, horror and magic realism or falls into the cracks in-between.1. Only works of speculative fiction will be considered for publication. As

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-32968311664531122442009-05-12T09:39:00.003+08:002009-05-12T09:44:56.857+08:00litcritters

Everyone is invited to join us for an afternoon of stories on Saturday, May 16, 2PM at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria. Here are the readings - just follow the links and read up.A Buyers Guide to the Maps of Antarctica by Catherynne Valente(Clarkesworld Magazine)Boojum by Elizabeth Bear and Sarah Monette(from the anthology "Fast Ships, Black Sails" edited by Ann & Jeff

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-35959744340782137642009-04-28T13:07:00.001+08:002009-04-28T13:12:54.209+08:00tunay na lalake

Sino ang tunay na lalake?Tumungo dito.Wasak na wasak!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-38209772889555949362009-04-27T15:11:00.004+08:002009-04-28T11:17:48.061+08:00litcritters - readings for May 2, 2009

LitCritters!After a somewhat unexpected break (brought about by summer, schedulings, book launches, workshops, Holy Week at iba-iba pa), we resume our regular schedule beginning this Saturday, May 2. Follow the story links below, read up and meet us at The Coffee Beane & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria at 2PM."Exhalation" by Ted Chiang (download it from NightShade Books)"Evil Robot Monkey" by Mary

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-14572808170487319772009-04-18T06:14:00.004+08:002009-04-18T06:45:31.147+08:00baguio reportage

On Thursday, we began with Alvin's poetics, characterized by an elevated magical realism and "bagabag". I think this is a form of literary horror and feel that, while it may have other concerns in terms of its problematics, it's spec fic - which is really cool (his text, alternate history, has beautiful stuff like mice adopting a human). During his workshop session, an undue amount of time was

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com