Calling all Filipina writers! I recently heard from Amee Velasco, who is in the process of putting together the first issue of Diwa: Illuminating Pilipina Voices, a multidisciplinary publication for Filipino women. They're looking for writers, artists, professionals and service providers in the community to contribute writing, art and advertising. Here's some basic information:

DIWA: Illuminating Pilipina Voices©

would like your contributions!

Diwa [Tagalog]: "essence," or intrinsic nature of things; "soul," or cause of inspiration and energy; "spirit" or a human being's moral, religious or emotional nature; "thread" or main thought that connects different parts; "sense"; "consciousness"; "gist"; "meaning"; "idea". (Leo James English, Tagalog-English Dictionary)

Through the written word, artistic endeavors, and scholarly research, Diwa: Illuminating Pilipina Voices is a multidisciplinary publication that aims to augment the visibility of the Pilipina by providing an avenue to explore diversity amongst Pilipinas (or Filipino women); highlight Pilipina achievements in the community; create dialogues on Pinayism or Pilipina feminist paradigms; educate and provoke critical thought and discussion; bridge issues about the Pilipina in the Philippines, the U.S., and the larger global scene; and bring awareness about the Pilipina community to youth and adults within general and professional audiences.

Issue #1: "INVISIBILITY"

DEADLINE: August 4, 2008

Filipinos have long been known as the "invisible minority" within the Asian/Pacific Islander community as well as the greater community at large. Diwa's first issue will explore any aspect of the Filipino woman's experiences regarding this "invisible" status. We strongly encourage contributors to think beyond cultural representation and also highlight subpopulations, issues, and people or artists in the community that have been stigmatized and/or given little exposure. Some topics could explore issues pertaining to older Pilipina adults, "mail-order brides," domestic violence between Pinays and Pinoys, the LGBT community and definitions of femininity/masculinity, experiences of Filipino women overseas, indigenous forms of spirituality, Filipino women who are biracial, etc.

Although the subject of Diwa focuses on Filipino women, we welcome contributions from any individual regardless of race, ethnic or national origin, gender, or religious affiliation.

The deadline is August 4. For more details, including important submission guidelines and requirements, visit the Diwa MySpace page here. This sounds like a really great opportunity for new writers trying to get their voices out there (outside of their blogs).