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Join a celebration of ink, pens and the art of writing
In 2008, a baker’s dozen of fountain pen enthusiasts led by acclaimed writer, academic, and newspaper columnist Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. met at his house in UP to share pens, ink, and their enthusiasm for fine writing instruments.
That first meeting led to the establishment of Fountain Pen Network-Philippines (FPN-P), now with 500 registered members on their Internet forum and nearly 2,000 members on their Facebook group.
Almost every weekend, members gather for mini-"penmeets", with the major assemblies staged in July and December – the Anniversary and the Christmas penmeets respectively.
On International Fountain Pen Day, Saturday (Nov. 7), FPN-P will host a celebration of fine writing instruments at Century City Mall. “Celebrating Analog Writing in the Digital Age” will bring a diverse group of people together, from students to professionals, who all share a common passion for using fountain pens to put their thoughts on paper.
I belong to this tribe myself, for whom the process is as important as the end result. Nothing compares to the feel of a fountain pen nib sliding across the paper, laying down ink almost like a brush. The words seem painted on, elevating the mundane activity of scribbling notes or making grocery lists into an art.
A photo posted by Jenny Ortuoste (@jensdecember) on
A photo posted by Jenny Ortuoste (@jensdecember) on
Fountain pens are also “green” tools – they help preserve the environment by reducing waste, being reusable and refillable unlike ballpoint pens. They are more interesting to use because they come in different types of nib, from needlepoint (skinny) to flex (offers line variation), and because inks now come in a myriad of colors and finishes, including the new “shimmering” inks with gold or silver flecks.
Fountain pens are accessible to anyone and can fulfill both simple and luxurious desires. They come in all price ranges—from the affordable (P200 or less for a plastic-barrel Inoxcrom with a steel nib) to the ridiculous ($750,000 for a diamond-encrusted limited-edition Montblanc).
They are versatile: their use is not limited to writing and calligraphy. Fountain pens are also used for sketching and drawing, inking, and other artistic pursuits.
Inked for the week: Pelikan, TWSBI, and Lamy. #FP #fountainpens #POTW #Pelikan #TWSBI #Lamy
A photo posted by Clement Dionglay (@clemdionglay) on
A photo posted by Clement Dionglay (@clemdionglay) on
On International Fountain Pen Day, FPN-P will offer activities including a workshop for children (introduction to fountain pens and drawing with them), calligraphy for kids, calligraphy demo, nib work demonstration (nib restoration and tuning), and a pen-and-ink art exhibit. There is no admission fee.
Pens, ink, notebooks, and other art and writing materials will also be available at the event. — BM, GMA News
The International Fountain Pen Day celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7, Saturday, at the Cinema VIP Lounge of Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. Entrance is free.
