‘Maling Pintuan’ Poetry Night Kicks Off the New Normal of ‘The Humidor’

MY CHOICE OF THE TOP THREE THAT SPECIAL NIGHT

It was a night of full of surprises. First, I was astounded by how alive Cubao Expo, given that there is still the threat of COVID-19 because of the Omicron variant. Second, I did not expect the ‘Maling Pintuan’ event at The Humidor to have almost dead air between every perfomance, even though a few were actually volunteered by their friends are not really prepared. MR Speaks hosted the event with explosive energy. Anyway, here are my favorite poet warriors of the night:

1. Pepe Mangubat – Not found on social media except Instagram with a hard to remember name, he performed more that three pieces but my favorite was his poem in which he referred to himself as a “makabagong bayani” and called out public figures who like to help out people when the camera is on. This is timely because many politicians do this as well as Youtubers and Tiktokers. His ‘Ang Luntiang Tabong Nakapatong sa Ibabaw ng Telebisyon’ is relatable for those who have moved on from their exes. I do not know if it is his style but he didn’t wear any socks that night.
2. DN$TY – A rising indie alternative band, they’d rather refer to themselves as a collective. They kicked off their performance with a freestyle from the two guitarists then proceeded to sing a song about not forcing things to happen. I was awed by the way the crowd knows their songs but they do not, either because I am from the Gen Y and most of them are from the Gen Z or may be I am just not underground enough.
3. Sil – Just like a drunken master, it seems that the more he drinks, the better he performs. So his song with the lines “nababaliw na ang payaso” drew applause from the crowd. I find it really catchy in a Mikerraphone kind of way.

A bonus for me was seeing a poet-singer who kind of looks like Park Shin-hye, the famous Korean actress who’s about to get hitched. If I heard it correctly, her name’s Dey and she’s a friend of Pepe. The Humidor goes beyond serving ordinary bar chow and includes exotic meat in their menu. I got my first taste of rabbit with their delectable hickory-like sauce that is reminiscent of Quizno’s addictive barbecue sauce. Tastes like chicken but a not as dry and with tougher bones, albeit smaller. I am truly glad to have entered the “wrong door” (maling pintuan) as it turned out to be a night of experiencing new stuff.

ABOUT ‘MALING PINTUAN’

It was a night of indulgence, basking in poetic words that enlighten amidst this uncertain of times—giving us love, hope, and freedom from the chains of this pandemic.

When you’re a poet, you’re always in a different room.

An elephant who wants to blend in to the colours of Society.

‘Maling Pintuan’ is the “right” room for you to establish your own poetry and nurture your words for the prosperity of your soul and also to the culture itself. This is the appropriate room of appreciation and respect on your crafts. There are still ears who want to listen from your cabinet of expressions.

‘Maling Pintuan’ opened its doors to all poets utilizing any art form who wanted to show their room, for an exhibition of their sublime words, and offered the crowd the metaphors of undefined characteristics of their soulful beings and to Society itself.

The said event kicked off last November 27, 2021 (Saturday) 5PM-11PM at The Humidor Cigar Bar in Cubao Expo, General Romulo Ave, Cubao 1109 Quezon City, Metro Manila

Malayang Tala is behind the mask of this poetry show. These are artists that help poetry to flourish in the country. They’re vanguards that lead the way in new and radical craftsmanship in poetry.

We also want to thank MPIRE Innovations Inc. (Promoting Arts and Culture. Supporting the Youth) for fuelling this art event. MPIRE Innovations Inc., makes lives better.

Together with MPIRE Innovations Inc. (Promoting Arts and Culture. Supporting the Youth.), various artists and Malayang Tala Poetry Group. We want to welcome you.

You know what they say: “Sometimes you enter the wrong door but unknowingly, you receive a greater journey.”