DAD'S POETRY PRIZE

Well now. “The 2009-2010 Filamore Tabios, Sr. Memorial Poetry Prize” is getting some attention of late -- I saw a notice this weekend in FILIPINAS Magazine...and today there's even a link over at Ron Silliman's. But both, unfortunately, replicate a misunderstanding that may seem trivial but it's not. The accurate guidelines are HERE, but somehow that section of the correct guidelines that state

"Poets of full or partial Filipino descent, living anywhere around the world."

has been misconstrued to be eligible poets being those of full or half-blooded Filipino poets. Not quite. You could have one-millionth Filipino blood and you'd be eligible...Hope that clarifies (and lack of time prevents me from addressing the logistical and racial significance of the difference in interpretation...)

And of course, consider this too a reminder of the contest whose deadline is August 31, 2009.