La Vida Oriental Negrense

  The Buglas Literature Festival 2026 concluded as a landmark event for the Negros Oriental literary scene, blending the flavors of local heritage with the raw energy of community storytelling. Held in observance of both National Literature Month and National Filipino Food Month , the festival moved beyond the traditional confines of academic gatherings to embrace a more visceral, "real-world" connection to the arts. The Most “Bugoy” Book Launch The highlight of the festival was the unconventional book launch for writer and cultural leader Gemma Laxina Iso . Breaking away from the stiff formalities of typical literary events, the launch was affectionately described as the most “bugoy” —or rogue—gathering in recent memory. There were no stages, no scripts, and no labored speeches. Instead, the book became a living part of the space at the Wild Reef Beach Resort in Zamboanguita. Attendees engaged in spontaneous conversations and honest reactions, allowing the stories to brea...