Amb. Antonio Bernard Ma-at (Prepared Angela Kosta)
Moderator 
A Visionary Writer, Speaker, and Global Leader in Literature and Culture
Amb. Antonio Bernard Ma-at, Vice President of Legacy Crown Corporation, is a man whose work transcends borders, cultures, and artistic boundaries. Known affectionately as “Your Fellow Dreamer,” Antonio has earned recognition as a globally celebrated author, lecturer, musician, and philanthropist. His literary career is marked by a passion for blending diverse cultural influences, enriching the world of literature with each word he writes.
A Multifaceted Literary Leader
Antonio's literary accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. As a co-author of over 100 anthologies, he has contributed significantly to the global literary landscape, providing voice and space for countless writers worldwide. His most notable project, “Mothers of the World,” is a tribute to the resilience and triumphs of mothers across the globe, showcasing the stories of perseverance, love, and empowerment that shape communities. The project highlights not only personal victories but also the strength of collective spirit, affirming his belief in the importance of empowering communities through art.
As the director of international literary competitions such as POP-MAPP, Antonio has helped to nurture new generations of writers, encouraging them to explore their creativity and to amplify their voices on the world stage. His efforts extend beyond the written word, as he passionately engages with the literary community through teaching and mentorship. He serves as the Executive Director of the Writers Global Movement in the Philippines, guiding aspiring authors and supporting the growth of a thriving literary culture.
In addition, Antonio co-founded the New Leaf Writing Community and administers initiatives like Passion of Poetry and Filipino Poets in Blossoms, cultivating a vibrant, dynamic network of over 156,000 literary enthusiasts and aspiring authors worldwide. These platforms foster creativity, provide inspiration, and offer support to writers as they hone their craft.
A Renaissance Man of Artistry
While Antonio’s literary prowess is at the core of his global influence, his talents extend far beyond writing. A gifted musician and public speaker, Antonio embodies the renaissance spirit, effortlessly shifting between roles that combine artistic vision with leadership. His musical pursuits further enrich his diverse contributions to the world of art, reflecting his belief in the power of creative expression to unite people across different disciplines and cultures.
Antonio’s global reach and artistic excellence have earned him several prestigious accolades. In 2024, he was honored with the Man of the Year award at the LMA Awards and received the title of International Journalist of the Year at the Asian Pacific Luminare Awards. His literary achievements were also celebrated at Ganka 2024, where he was awarded the Literary Achievement Award, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career. Antonio’s influence continues to grow, as he has been featured in prominent magazines and even displayed on billboards, solidifying his role as a key figure in global culture and literature.
His contributions to international events, including Asia’s Icon Golden Awards and Asia’s Humanitarian Award ceremonies, showcase his commitment to blending artistic achievement with social impact. Antonio’s journey is one of unwavering dedication, shaping the cultural conversation through art, writing, and community engagement.
Expanding Horizons with the Academy of Farsala
Currently, Antonio is contributing to the Philosophy of Spring project at the Academy of Farsala in Greece, where he collaborates with philosophers on intellectual pursuits that deepen our understanding of nature, life, and renewal. The Philosophy of Spring 2024 Collection, which he is curating, will be showcased at the esteemed institution under the direction of Yannis Fikas. This collection delves into the essence of spring, exploring themes of transformation, rebirth, and natural beauty through various art forms.
Some pieces from this upcoming collection include:
Ephemeral Echoes
The Forest Hush
Oh Noble Moth
Ethereal Zephyr
Nature's Premonition
Blades of Grass
Metamorphoses
The Turquoise Vessel
Golden Leaves
Each artwork reflects Antonio's artistic vision and his deep connection to nature's rhythms and philosophical musings on change. This collaboration with the Academy of Farsala marks another step in his mission to integrate cultural, philosophical, and artistic influences into his work.
Through his work as a writer, speaker, musician, and mentor, Amb. Antonio Bernard Ma-at has proven that art is not only a form of expression but a vehicle for change. His literary projects, educational initiatives, and cultural contributions inspire others to embrace their own dreams and follow their creative passions. Antonio’s influence stretches far beyond the page, reaching into the hearts and minds of those he touches through his work and teachings.
With his ongoing projects and continuous efforts to elevate the arts globally, Antonio’s legacy is one of inspiration, community-building, and empowerment, making him a true ambassador of the dreamers and creators of the world.
1.) Metamorphosis
Within the lush meadows where the caterpillar dwells,
Deep in contemplation, mystic wisdom swells.
Whispering to the breeze, it queries, "Who am I?"
Seeking enigmatic truths beneath the towering sky.
Deep in contemplation, mystic wisdom swells.
Whispering to the breeze, it queries, "Who am I?"
Seeking enigmatic truths beneath the towering sky.
From afar, it perches, silent observations it makes,
Unseen threads weaving connections nature undertakes.
The serpent, gliding with grace and ancient lore,
Navigates wisdom's realm, embracing truths galore.
Unseen threads weaving connections nature undertakes.
The serpent, gliding with grace and ancient lore,
Navigates wisdom's realm, embracing truths galore.
The worms, humble custodians of the earthly plane,
Devour the soil, humility their steadfast domain.
Unobtrusive pillars, foundation of the forest's might,
Quietly toiling, evading the spotlight's blinding light.
Devour the soil, humility their steadfast domain.
Unobtrusive pillars, foundation of the forest's might,
Quietly toiling, evading the spotlight's blinding light.
The leech, immersed in its parasitic dance,
Concealing insights that sober the spirit in somber trance.
Each encounter, a cipher, a metaphor, a riddle unsolved,
Evolving the caterpillar's soul, a puzzle to be resolved.
Concealing insights that sober the spirit in somber trance.
Each encounter, a cipher, a metaphor, a riddle unsolved,
Evolving the caterpillar's soul, a puzzle to be resolved.
As he cocoons, embracing singularity's serene call,
He discovers a profound rest, soaring beyond the known sprawl.
Shedding layers of illusion, unveiling life's true decree,
Amidst creatures that once led, he finds solace in his own decree.
He discovers a profound rest, soaring beyond the known sprawl.
Shedding layers of illusion, unveiling life's true decree,
Amidst creatures that once led, he finds solace in his own decree.
No longer bound by conformity's veil, he unfurls his inner might,
Like wings of freedom unfettered, ready to take flight.
Learning from those who crawl and slither on the ground,
He embraces his destiny, where the sky becomes his playground.
Like wings of freedom unfettered, ready to take flight.
Learning from those who crawl and slither on the ground,
He embraces his destiny, where the sky becomes his playground.
2.) Golden Leaves
As the hues of its leaves begin to transform,
It wields a beauty ordained by the heavens.
With emerald leaves,
Once vibrant and fresh,
Now catching the light, glowing in colors of dawn's silken mesh.
It wields a beauty ordained by the heavens.
With emerald leaves,
Once vibrant and fresh,
Now catching the light, glowing in colors of dawn's silken mesh.
Like a once-unstoppable flame destined to lose its fervor,
Or molten gold that eventually forsakes its form,
So too does this splendor begin to wither.
Or molten gold that eventually forsakes its form,
So too does this splendor begin to wither.
Yet, why does my soul contemplate the beauty inherent in this transition?
While the birds serenade the day as my thoughts meander,
I ponder the transient nature of our existence.
I ponder the transient nature of our existence.
With the inevitability of old age drawing near and our mortal vessels approaching decay,
Can our descent into oblivion hold its own beauty?
Can our descent into oblivion hold its own beauty?
If the leaf is fated to descend and nourish the very earth from which it sprung,
Will our bodies and memories merge into the grand cycle of nature?
Will our bodies and memories merge into the grand cycle of nature?
I wonder...
When we pass...
Will our departure enrich or devastate this verdant land?
I wonder...
When we pass...
Will our soul glow like a golden sun,
Destined for an expedition yet to be done?
Destined for an expedition yet to be done?
3.) Nature's Premonition
Once more, the forest blinks at me...
It delves into the crevices of my being,
Gazing...
Merely observing,
Tallying my strides,
Attuning to my labored breaths.
It delves into the crevices of my being,
Gazing...
Merely observing,
Tallying my strides,
Attuning to my labored breaths.
For all is set in motion,
Every man ensnared in nature's design,
None can elude what's been ordained,
For the flesh reverts to its primal state.
Every man ensnared in nature's design,
None can elude what's been ordained,
For the flesh reverts to its primal state.
Life, death,
Happiness, sorrow,
Brightness, darkness,
Flesh, blood, and bone's marrow.
Happiness, sorrow,
Brightness, darkness,
Flesh, blood, and bone's marrow.
The birds' chorus echoes,
As if heralding their inevitable demise.
Streams' tears cascade in mournful churn,
Never to the source to return.
As if heralding their inevitable demise.
Streams' tears cascade in mournful churn,
Never to the source to return.
Nature, the silent witness tall,
As my words from the quill do fall.
The nib of my pen stands prepared,
To unveil the mysteries that nature shared,
When our eyes align, in a moment rare,
To perceive the wonders nature bared.
As my words from the quill do fall.
The nib of my pen stands prepared,
To unveil the mysteries that nature shared,
When our eyes align, in a moment rare,
To perceive the wonders nature bared.
Prepared Angela Kosta
