Epitacio Ramos Tongohan (born 19 November 1958), known in global literary circuits as Doc PenPen Bugtong Takipsilim, or simply Doc Penpen, is a medical doctor, indie filmmaker and producer, artist, and poet from Tanay, Rizal, the Philippines, and conferred by different poets organizations in different parts of the globe the title “Father of Visual Poetry”.[1] He is also the founder of the global organization of poets and artists Pentasi B World Friendship Poetry.[2] He is also actively campaigning for the Philippines be declared as the "Poetry Heart of the World" to help boost its tourism and literary industry.[3]
Epitacio Tongohan | |
|---|---|
| Born | Epitacio Ramos Tongohan November 19, 1958 |
| Pen name | Doc PenPen Bugtong Takipsilim |
| Occupation | Medical doctor, poet, artist, entrepreneur |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Alma mater | University of Santo Tomas University of the East |
| Years active | 2000-present |
| Notable works | Pentasi B Poetry Volumes 1 - 3 |
Early life and education
editTongohan grew up in Tanay, a municipality in Rizal. A trained medical doctor specialising in anatomic pathology, he obtained his degree in Medical Technology from University of Santo Tomas in Manila in 1979. He got his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of the East - Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in 1984. He returned to UST for his post-doctorate studies specializing in Anatomic Pathology in 1988.[4]
Poetic style
editAs a visual poet, Tongohan's poetry is "controversial" as it does not follow the conventional way of writing poetry. A journalist and critic from the Philippines called Tongohan's poetry as "out of the box," and "...dared provoke the standard, the conventional and the traditional." The critic said that Tongohan's visual poetry are "...nearly insolent bravado with which the poems were written defies time-honored rules, taunting rather mischievously the establishment without reservation, hesitation or trepidation."[5] His experimentation with words, symbols, and other elements has given his poetry "abstract" and "surrealist" characteristics, if compared to paintings.[5]
Awards and recognitions
editIn 2013, Tongohan was given the title "Father of Visual Poetry" by different Filipino poets at the National Library of the Philippines during the Pentasi B Historical forum, organized by the National Library.[6] Earlier, in 2011, he was awarded by OTUSA TV as the "Father of Philippine Visual Poetry," in an event held at the Grand Ballroom Cloud 9, in Antipolo City, Rizal.[7] Chinese poets in Beijing also conferred the same title to Tongohan during the Pentasi B World Poetree in Beijing, China in 2020.[1] Tongohan received numerous recognitions and accolades from prominent poetry groups worldwide, including the title "King of Visual Poetry," which has been given to him by poets in India.[8] As a filmmaker, Tongohan has received a special citation from FAMAS for his docu-indie film, "Takipsilim" in 2007.[5]
Philanthropy
editTongohan is also a philanthropist, having his worked auctioned for a cause. The sales of his books and paintings have been used to finance education of less privileged youths in the Philippines. In fact, his Pentasi B poetry book fetched US$30,000 and used the money for this purpose. According to sources, he also solely financed the Pentasi B Award for deserving poets and creatives worldwide. [9]
External Links
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Ramiro Rondera, Nenita (February 10, 2020). "China honors a Filipino as the Father of Visual Poetry". Philippine Star. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ Fund for Cultural Education and Heritage (December 27, 2016). "Penpen Bugtong Takipsilim | Fekt". FEKT. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ Barcelona, Noel (June 8, 2024). "Pinoy poet wants the Philippines declared as the 'Poetry Heart of the World'". The City Post. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ Cordevilla, Ed. "PENTASI B: A WORLD TREASURE FOR GLOBAL HEALING". Directorio Mundial. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ a b c Santos, Bong. "Doc Penpen's 'Visual Poems'". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
- ^ Team, The Good News Pilipinas (October 30, 2017). "World Poetree Festival honors Filipino Father of Visual Poetry in India". GoodNewsPilipinas.com. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
- ^ "'Father of Philippine Visual Poetry'". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
- ^ Takumi, Rie (October 20, 2017). "Two Pinoy poets honored at India poetry festival". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ Domingo, Ronnel (January 13, 2016). "Visa woes for poet". Inquirer.net. Retrieved September 5, 2023.