JEDDAH, 26 May 2006 — Here’s a chance for Pinoy poetry enthusiasts to show off their best: A haiku contest is open to all Filipinos citizens in the Philippines or abroad, according to statement obtained from the Philippine Consulate.

Dubbed “Pinoy Haiku: Verses for Mother Nature,” this year’s “Haiku,” a form of poetry that was developed in Japan, is in commemoration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year.

The contest is being promoted by the Embassy of Japan in Manila, in coordination with the Graduate School of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

“Haiku, which seem so light, free and spontaneous, are built on discipline,” wrote Jane Reichhold in his Haiku Rules that have Come and Gone article

“If you’ve a desire to write haiku, you are manifesting a desire for a few more rules in your life. And rules aren’t bad as long as they are your rules for your work.”

Another haiku writer, Robert Frost, says: “poetry without rules is like a tennis match without a net and it is true also for haiku.”

To create an impressive Haiku, follow the rules below then write down your thoughts, impressions, and feelings.

These are the contest rules:

• The message of the haiku must deal with appreciation of the environment, love of nature, care for the ecology, or a commentary on the natural world. Entries may be in Filipino or English.

• In Filipino, the haiku must be in 7-5-7 syllables. The lines may use any of the following rhyme schemes: a-a-a, a-b-a, a-a-b, a-b-b, or a-b-c. The Filipino haiku entry must be accompanied by a free or direct English translation below the page. In English, the 5-7-5 syllables should be observed with or without a rhyme scheme.

• A maximum of two haiku entries are allowed per contestant. Submissions may be submitted by mail, e-mail, or fax. If submitted by mail, entries should be printed by computer or typewritten (12-point font size). If submitted via e-mail, entries must be in a Word Document file and sent as an attachment. A scanned signature is required in the entry form. If this is not possible, send one accomplished Entry Form with your signature by mail or fax.

• If submitted by fax, entries should be printed by computer or typewritten (12-point font size) on the Entry Forms. Two haiku per Entry Form should be observed. Do not put any distinguishing mark on your entries.

• Please avoid fancy, hard-to-read typefaces. Send your entries to: Japan Information and Cultural Center Embassy of Japan, 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300, Philippines. Entries can also be sent by fax to (00632) 551-5784. E-mail to: [email protected] or [email protected].

• The works must show literary merit and social significance. Only haiku entries that passed the criteria for evaluation of the judges will be published. The decision of the judges is final.

• Winning entries will appear in “The Japan Bulletin” (The official publication of the Embassy of Japan); “The Booklet of Winning Works, Pinoy Haiku Contest” of the UST press publication; and on the Internet.

• Deadline of submission should be not later than June 2, 2006. For inquiries, please call JICC-EJ at tel. (+632) 551-5710; fax: (+632) 551-5784 or e-mail them at: [email protected] or [email protected] or visit their website: www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp.