Earlier this evening I went to IMIX Bookstore to see ManilaRyce perform his poetry as part of the monthly “Off the Books” Open Mic event. I was too late to catch his performance live, but I was able to find it when I got home via their ustream recording (His performance is at 14:30). He did a great job.

This was the second “Off the Books” that I attended, and each time was a special experience from me. The events are hosted by Bambu, a talented Hip-Hop artist, and they have a very heavy socially conscious message and are Filipino-centric. I encourage you to watch their ustream archives because these events were very inspiring and the participants were very talented.

Unfortunately, tonight marked that last “Off the Books” event. The planners are moving on to other projects and won’t have the time to continue coordinating this awesome event. Hopefully the community which has benefited from them will find new venues for creative expression.