On May 26 at 5:30 p.m., Instituto Cervantes de Manila, at its Intramuros branch, will host a discussion with renowned playwright Denise Despeyroux, who will speak about the importance of libraries in her development as an author, and in shaping the foundations of her creative writing.
Joining the discussion is Rody Vera, the acclaimed Filipino playwright, screenwriter, actor, and theater director, known for his major contributions to Philippine theater and contemporary Filipino storytelling.
Aspiring writers, literature enthusiasts, and lovers of the Spanish language will also have the opportunity to learn directly from Denise Despeyroux. She will be conducting a creative writing workshop in Spanish, which will take place on May 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Instituto Cervantes de Manila premises at The Enterprise Center in Makati City.
Attendees are encouraged to register in advance through these links:
May 26: Benengeli 2026: The Library, That Form of Paradise https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/14qyHiNNJS
May 27: Benengeli 2026: Creative Writing Workshop (Prose) in Spanish:
These events are part of Instituto Cervantes’ Benengeli Literary Festival, which will span all five continents during the week of May 25–29. Now in its sixth edition, this literary festival presents an annual overview of the most notable works in contemporary Spanish-language literature. With 17 cities worldwide and over a hundred guests, this festival is the only literary event in the world whose scope encompasses the entire globe.
Dedicated this year to the theme of Libraries, the festival’s program showcases the aesthetic, generational, and geographical diversity that defines one of the most vibrant literatures of our time. Throughout the event’s history, the Cervantes Institute in Manila has played a prominent leading role, as evidenced by its four participations in Benengeli’s activities, including the first edition in 2021, which was held entirely online.
It is worth noting that, within the virtual sections as well, the Cervantes Institute in Manila will premiere on its YouTube channel videos featuring writers Jesús Marchamalo and Isabel Wagemann, who will also share their perspectives on this year’s central theme at Benengeli. A festival that has already established its presence on the international scene and that this year will delve into the fascinating, multifaceted world of libraries—places where knowledge accumulates and the future dreams of humanity are shaped.
Cervantes Institutes in cities such as Sydney, Brussels, Bordeaux, Madrid, Manchester, Paris, Oran, Dakar, Belo Horizonte, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles will also be part of this wonderful network, which this year welcomes the following guest cities: Caguas, Caracas, Edinburgh, and Quito.
For more information about this event, visit Instituto Cervantes’ website at https://cvc.cervantes.es/benengeli/26/presentacion.htm or follow it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.
