Ateneo's Office of Research and Publications has put out a call for applicants for its second writer's retreat.  As with last year, the retreat is intended to give writers quiet time in beautiful surroundings (Boracay) to reflect and write.  Last year's retreat produced a compilation of work--essays, fiction, poetry, etc.--that will be launched by the end of this summer.  This retreat is expected to do the same.

I did not apply for last year's retreat because it's schedule conflicted with some departmental commitments.  Besides, in the face of nationally-recognized, award-winning authors, I didn't think I had a chance of making it in. Later on, though, someone selected for the retreat approached me and asked, "Why didn't you apply?"  This year, another person involved encouraged me to try.  Commitments and intimidating company aside, I have long wanted to participate in something like this. 

And so I have sent in my application.  Let's see how this plays out.