The Historical Development of Buglas Reading & Writers Club

The Buglas Reading & Writers Club (BRWC) was founded in 2020, during the challenging days of the global pandemic. It was the vision of Writer Gemma Minda Laxina Iso, who served as its pioneering coordinator, to create a space where writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts could continue to nurture their craft and passion in an era of social distancing and lockdowns. Despite the limitations brought about by the pandemic, the club found a way to thrive by embracing the digital world, holding virtual meetings and creating a welcoming online community for both emerging and established voices.   From its early days, the club focused on fostering creativity, offering writers a platform to share their works, discuss literary trends, and support one another in their personal and professional development. As a result of its growing influence, the BRWC soon earned recognition at the national level. It became a proud member of the National Alliance of Reading Advocates (NARA), an organization managed by the National Book Development Board's Readership Development Division. This affiliation placed the club at the forefront of the advocacy to promote reading and literacy across the Philippines, aligning with NARA’s mission to encourage a deeper appreciation for books and literature.   Furthermore, the club's reach extended regionally through its affiliation with the Negros Oriental Alliance of Arts and Culture Advocates (NOACAA-INC). This collaboration strengthened BRWC’s role as a leading advocate for the arts, especially in Negros Island and Siquijor, where the club's members are part of a broader community of writers, poets, and cultural advocates working to promote and celebrate local creative expressions.   BRWC also became the home of notable literary artists, such as Penn T. Larena, Jara I. Carballo, Gerard Jude Bumanglag, and Roma Jane Hechanova, who have contributed immensely to the development of regional literature and the cultivation of a strong literary culture in the Visayas. The club’s work has been instrumental in shaping the literary landscape in Dumaguete and beyond, helping the city become known as a hub of artistic and literary expression.    A crucial milestone in BRWC’s development came in 2019, when Gemma Minda L. Iso—who was then serving as the Provincial Culture and Arts Officer of Negros Oriental—took a bold step to realize a vision that had long been close to her heart. She wrote to UNESCO's National Headquarters in Paris, formally expressing interest in having Dumaguete City join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a Creative City of Literature. This landmark email, along with UNESCO's positive response, marked the beginning of an ambitious journey to establish Dumaguete as an internationally recognized center for literature and the arts.    The initiative, which has since gained momentum, aims to make Dumaguete a global hub of literary culture, where writers, scholars, and creatives can gather, collaborate, and share their works with the world. BRWC’s pioneering efforts in this regard have not only elevated the city’s cultural profile but have also inspired future generations to continue championing the transformative power of literature. As the city moves closer to achieving this prestigious status, the work of BRWC remains foundational to this ongoing journey.    Looking ahead, the Buglas Reading & Writers Club is filled with gratitude for the progress it has made and excitement for the future. With its growing network of writers, poets, and advocates, the club continues to shape the literary culture of Negros Island and beyond, fostering a community united by a shared love for storytelling, reading, and the arts.

 

 

 

 

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