The Spill of an Ink (SOAI) celebrated its first anniversary at the Emperor Group Center, Wanchai, Hong Kong, on September 10, 2023, with the theme A Year of Spilling Thoughts and Inking Passion”.
Composed of 11 founding members, SOAI is led not only by OFWs from Hong Kong but also Pinoys from other countries, namely: Sol Ramel, Rodelyn Tabbada, Lorna Datario, Joan Palad, Nhene Guihama, Annaliza Aquino and Leizl Rosales (Hong Kong), Ligaw Makata (Singapore), Biriterang Makata (Dubai), and Eric Mateo and Cherry Nava (Philippines).
Leaders of different OFW organizations and guests attended the event.
Vice Consul Jose Angelo D.G. Manuel of the Philippine Consulate General served as the guest of honor and speaker. He mentioned that he is very supportive of SOAI because it’s rare for him to see migrant workers who can write different styles of poems and even short stories.
Also, three special guests were present: Ms. Corazon Amaya-Canete (GMA HK Pinoy TV Correspondent), Ms. Aileen Alonzo-Hayward (Pangyao Founder), and Jay Raosa (Metrobank). They all gave commendations to SOAI.
The highlights of the said events were the Online Poem Contest, where SOAI awarded certificates and cash counterparts to the winners. Lucie Mendoza Tabao won the grand prize with her poem entitled “Tinta at Tagas”. The second prize was awarded to Sr. Mary Grace M. Gregorio with her poem entitled Tinta,” and Alab Magiliw’s poem entitled “Musa” won the third prize. Raffle draws were also part of the event, where Air Freight sponsored two door-to-door boxes while Metro Bank donated cash.
Furthermore, the founders of the SOAI showcased their talents by rendering their respective poems to the delight of the crowd. Their mission is not only to inspire and motivate migrant workers but also to encourage and uplift their confidence to write.
(reported by Leizl Rosales)
