Cadena de Amor, New and Selected Poems by Marra PL. Lanot (published by the University of the Philippines Press) ​ was recently launched at Iago’s Restaurant on Sct. Rallos, near Morato, ​Quezon City.

Well-respected actors from Philippine theater, film, and television read from the book to an appreciative audience, who also enjoyed Iago’s food.

Writer, stage actor, and pangalay dancer/choreographer Nannette Mailac was the night’s emcee. Matilac pointed out that “when freedom​ ​ is strangled, the artist’s voice rises. And when women are verbally,​ ​ physically, emotionally, and economically abused, bad-ass and kick-ass women and girls emerge in solidarity.”

Banaue Miclat Janssen and Shamaine Centenera Buencamino read “Brave Edith” and “October,” respectively

Lollie Mara interpreted “María la del baile” and “Cadena de amor” in Spanish

Adriana Agcaoili read “Mahilig sa Guwapo,” while Bibeth Orteza did “Sa Kaarawan ni Serafin.”

Becky Demetillo Abraham and Karina Constantino David of Inang Laya capped the short program with the song “Babae.”

Among those who attended the launch were former board members of the Movie and Television Rating and Classification Board (MTRCB); writers​ ​ and journalists National Artist F. Sionil Jose, with wife Tessie Jose, Nic Tiongson, Jose F. Lacaba, Francezca C. Kwe, Kris Lanot Lacaba, Manny Buising, Raquel Villavicencio, Krip Yuson, Alma Miclat, Barbara Mae Dacanay, former Ambassador Jimmy Yambao, Bobbie Malay, Satur Ocampo, Menchu Sarmiento, Terra Daffon, Rosario Ramirez, Fe Mangahas, Lilia Quindoza Santiago, Joel Paredes, and Lualhati Bautista; film directors Joey Romero, Milo Sogueco, Seymour Sanchez, and Carlos Sigiuion-Reyna as well as film editor and restorer Manet Dayrit; artists Julie Lluch, whose sculpture is on the cover of Cadena de Amor, Ayz Ramirez, and Boboy Yonzon; singer Astarte Abraham; and University of the Philippines President Atty. Danilo Concepcion.