The Likhaan: UP Institute of Creative Writing is now accepting applications for the 64th UP National Writers Workshop (2025). Just like last year, we will continue with the physical format of the workshop. As with previous face-to-face iterations of the workshop, we will find the most conducive space to host our dear writers and their projects.
For the 64th iteration of the workshop, we are renewing our commitment to supporting the literary arts and engaging in productive conversations with writers. We understand that like the works we discuss, the workshop itself is subject to both appreciation and criticism, both which help us make the UPNWW better as we proceed with the next decade of the institution. We will continue with the hope that writers will be empowered to establish more literary spaces all over the Philippines.
With this in mind, writers from regions outside NCR are highly encouraged to apply. In turn:
All fellows are entitled to a modest stipend.
Accommodation will be provided, as well as transportation to the venue from the pick-up point.
In order to receive the stipend, accepted applicants MUST have a Tax Identification Number (TIN), PhilHealth Number, AND a Landbank account, or must be amenable to opening an account and applying for a TIN and PhilHealth Number in compliance with the UP Diliman Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration MEMORANDUM NO. AAP 2024-44 and MEMORANDUM NO. AAP 2024-13. We hope that these unfortunate bureaucratic and administrative requirements will not discourage potential applicants.
The UP National Writers Workshop is committed to ensuring a safe space of creative freedom and productive discourse for all participants for the entire duration of the workshop.
Please note that the workshop aims to help advanced writers further hone their craft.
Below are the guidelines for application:
QUALIFICATIONS:
– Authors with at least one published book/produced play or film are preferred, but graduates of creative writing, literary studies, and related programs (on all levels), or major award-giving body prize winners (eg. NCCA, Palanca, PBBY, MGBFBA), or Likhaan Journal authors are all welcome to apply.
– Applicants must be writers in English, Filipino or other Philippine languages (manuscripts must be accompanied by a translation in English or Filipino in the latter case).
REQUIREMENTS:
1. A digital word file (.doc or .docx) of one original unpublished manuscript. The manuscripts could be a collection of short pieces (short story, poetry, creative nonfiction, one-act play, short film scripts), or excerpts from long-form work (a novel, a script for a documentary, or a full-length script for TV, film, or theater) accompanied by a synopsis to be discussed during the workshop. All submissions should not exceed 6,000 words.
Please follow this format: 12 points, Times New Roman font, double-spaced, 8.5 x 11 inches paper size;
2. A digital word file (.doc or .docx) of an essay on “What I write, how, and why” (Ano ang aking sinusulat, paano, at bakit) in relation to the work-in-progress. The essay may include, not only the applicant’s literary, cultural, and academic influences, but also personal influences relating to family, class origin, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, among others. The essay must be no longer than 2,500 words and will be the basis for a 20-minute presentation that the fellow is expected to do during the workshop.
Please follow this format: 12 points, Times New Roman font, double-spaced, 8.5 x 11 inches paper size
For reference on how to write this essay, please read Here and Now: Selected Poetics from the UP National Writers Workshop. Download through this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13zaW-3sA5zRnyeXLpy71ZUoy4j1UrQoe/view?usp=sharing;
3. Scanned copies of the applicant’s published work: this includes the cover and the copyright page for books, and for anthologies and journals, the cover, copyright page, and table of contents where the name of the author and their contribution is shown. For films and plays, a digital copy of the poster with its release date;
4. For graduates of literary programs, a scanned or digital copy of their certificate of graduation must be sent alongside the essay and manuscript;
5. Short bio and a 2×2 pic;
6. Copyright Certification. You may refer to this sample format;
Qualified applicants are requested to submit the above-mentioned materials on or before May 16, 2025, through this link: https://forms.gle/VdjbwhCTH6xDu7HD6.
Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Only writers who go through the complete application process will be considered. The selected fellows must be present for the full duration of the week-long workshop.
For inquiries about the workshop, email us at upnww64@gmail.com.
ABOUT THE UP NATIONAL WRITERS WORKSHOP
The UP National Writers Workshop (UPNWW) aims to help writers who have already published (or are on the verge of publishing) a book or have won major literary awards, in further honing their craft. It is complemented by the Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Writers Workshop (ALBWW) for young and emergent writers.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP PANEL
The workshop panel is comprised of the Advisers, Fellows, and Associates of the UP ICW: National Artists for Literature Virgilio S. Almario and Gemino Abad, Likhaan director Vladimeir B. Gonzales, Romulo P. Baquiran, Jr., Luna Sicat Cleto, Jose Y. Dalisay Jr., Eugene Y. Evasco, J. Neil Garcia, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera Jr., Charlson Ong, Will P. Ortiz, Jun Cruz Reyes, and Rolando B. Tolentino. The workshop director for the 2025 cycle is UP ICW Fellow and distinguished Filipino writer, Ramon Guillermo.
RAMON GUILLERMO is the director of the Center for International Studies (CIS) at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He is the author of the experimental novel “Ang Makina ni Mang Turing” (UP Press, 2013). As a practicing translator, he has also translated works by Walter Benjamin, Karl Marx, Pramoedya Ananta Toer, and Wiji Thukul into Filipino. He was the Faculty Regent of the University of the Philippines from 2019 to 2020. He is also one of the initiators of the Network in Defense of Historical Truth and Academic Freedom.
