Future Seafarers Train As Creative Writers

The University of Cebu – Maritime Education and Training Center (UC-METC), through the initiatives of its General Education Department, held a whole-day writing training titled Seafarers as Creative Writers: A Writeshop facilitated by renowned Cebuano author, critic, educator and Toastmaster Prof. Desiree Balota on March 14, 2016 at the Dormitory AVR of the campus.

The English 2: Writing in the Discipline class of Gianne Rensen V. Antonio sponsored the said writeshop. In the rationale of the event, Mr. Antonio quipped: “Those who venture to sea for work should have the zeal to share both their exhilarating and poignant experiences through creative work. The kind of work they have can generate a powerful catharsis that should be propelled properly. As creative writers, seafarers can be exceptionally entertaining and inspiring.”

The writeshop required each trainee to come up with outputs that range from poems and short stories to creative essays and drama scripts. After the presentation and critiquing, the trainees were directed to have their outputs published online through their individual WordPress accounts. In her closing, Prof. Balota also encouraged the trainees to submit their works to writing fellowships and to continue ‘squeezing their creative juices’ even at work onboard.