Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Booze and the written word are inextricably linked. Alcohol has played a major role in the creative lives of some of the most famous writers and poets of the last few centuries. It only makes sense to mount events that center on the art of poetry mixed with the spirit of alcohol. Photo by Zuzana Šubrtová on Unsplash Inspired by their collective experiences, friends Franchesca Casauay, Mar Guzon, and Vyx Vasquez established Drunken Poetry Night (DPN) in 2014 to provide a platform for expression through poetry readings, workshops, and discussions. After having observed how numerous people are transformed into instant poets as they consume and are consumed by the spirits of alcohol, it made sense for these three to mount events that focused on the art of poetry, mixed with the spirit of alcohol. They have since endeavored to keep these events free and open to all kinds of writers and readers. DPN7 at Albert Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City Pre-pandemic, DPN was run as a pop-up poetry event. Being a volunteer-run nonprofit project, DPN events had no fixed schedule and venue so it could cater to a wider set of audiences and not be tied down by bar guarantees. This set-up has worked so far; its live editions have attracted both local and international attendees, ranging from casual enthusiasts and novice writers, to seasoned and published poets alike. DPN has likewise successfully partnered with various organizations and venues to stage its readings, such as Amnesty International Philippines, First United Building in Escolta, Project 20 artspace in Maginhawa, and DULO MNL and Kwago/Warehouse Eight in Makati. After a lengthy hiatus, DPN is back with its 16th edition, this time partnering with DrinkManila to bring the event to the virtual world on June 11, 2021. DPN16: Kaarawan, Kasarinlan, Kalayaan is a triple celebration: a commemoration of its 7th anniversary, Independence Day, and World Gin Day. Three activities have been laid out to commemorate each of the three events revolving around the theme of Kaarawan (birthday), Kasarinlan (independence), and Kalayaan (freedom). KAARAWAN: Celebrating Drunken Poetry Night’s 7th Year Main Event: Online Open Mic June 11 | 9:45 pm to 12:00 mn DPN Anniversary Special at Project 20, Maginhawa St., Quezon City Kaarawan: Drunken Poetry Night will celebrate its seventh year online with a lively open mic event from 9:45 pm to 12:00 am. This is free and open to local and international participants from anywhere in the world with Filipino and English as the main languages. The theme “Kaarawan, Kasarinlan, Kalayaan” is just a jump-off point for readers, as any theme or topic is welcome. If you’re not that comfortable in the limelight or just want to listen to some sweet poetry, that’s fine as well. Everyone into poetry and booze is welcome! Pre-register as a reader or as audience member here. The first 10 to register will get 10% OFF soju drink orders from Juanito&Juanita! KASARINLAN: Celebrating World Gin Day with DIY Cocktails VIP Happy Hour June 11| 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm Bayani Gin & Tonic and Pinoy Collins Kasarinlan: Celebrating World Gin Day with DIY DrinkManila Cocktails is Happy Hour from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. For DPN16, we’re recreating DPN’s pre-pandemic spirited face-to-face camaraderie and collective drunkenness that accompanied the live readings by organizing an online Happy Hour before the main program. For Php 1,000, guests will receive a DIY gin cocktail kit and exclusive access to the VIP Happy Hour. VIP Happy Hour attendees will learn how to make two gin DrinkManila cocktails – Bayani Gin & Tonic and Pinoy Collins – for an extra shared experience plus extra bonding time with the organizers. Happy Hour is limited to 10 participants from Metro Manila, and payment confirmation is required to secure a slot. Those availing of the Happy Hour kit will also have access to the main program. Purchase your Happy Hour kit here. KALAYAAN: Commemorating the 123rd Philippine Independence Day, in Pandemic Year 2 Traditional Filipino Poetry - Writing Contest Deadline: June 7 Photo by Pereanu Sebastian on Unsplash Kalayaan: For the 123rd Philippine Independence Day, DPN has launched a Filipino poetry writing contest, with a call for poem submissions using the traditional Filipino poetry forms, with a contemporary spin. Feel free to write about any topic you wish: love life, the pandemic, anything goes! But make sure to follow the required rhyme scheme and meter of your chosen form. Selected entries get some cool boozy gifts and automatic access to the Happy Hour. Save your poem in a Word file and send to DPN via Messenger. Check out the contest guidelines in English and Filipino. See you on June 11th for a fun night full of drinks, poetry, and good vibes! Follow Drunken Poetry Night on Facebook for more updates.