For over two decades, Gloc-9 has been a powerful, honest voice in Filipino music—turning street struggles and personal dreams into anthems that speak to millions. Now, the famed rapper is reintroducing himself to the world, not just as Gloc-9, but as Aristotle Pollisco, poet.
On March 12, 2026, at the Philippine Book Festival in SM Megamall, Gloc-9 is set to step onto a different stage. Gloc-9 will launch "Makata Sa Pinas" under his real name, a collection of seven poetry chapbooks that capture the heart and soul of his journey. For Gloc-9, “Makata Sa Pinas” isn’t just a title. It’s a hashtag he’s carried for a decade, a mantra that now comes alive in print.
This work isn’t his first foray into poetry—his book Akin Lang Naman debuted in 2017—but this new project feels different. Each slim volume, created with the small press Everything’s Fine, is both a reflection and a reimagining of his music legacy. Gloc-9 looked back at nearly three decades of songwriting, drawing out the themes that have shaped his art—and, in turn, his life.
The first three chapbooks are deeply personal. Pagkatao revisits his Binangonan roots, tracing the making of the man behind the name. Pangarap shares the dreams that kept him awake at night and the meaning of finally reaching them. Pursigi is all about grit—holding fast to one’s values and the relentless work that true ambition demands.
From the personal, Gloc-9 invites readers into his world of storytelling. Pagibig explores love in its many forms—family, romance, and even heartbreak—while Komunidad shines a light on the familiar faces and untold stories in every Filipino neighborhood.
The final two chapbooks, Lipunan and Bayan, dive into the nation’s collective struggles and triumphs. Here, Gloc-9’s voice grows bolder, reflecting on the society we’ve built, the injustices faced by the ordinary Filipino, and the resilience found in even the most difficult times.
“Makata Sa Pinas” is more than a collection of poems—it’s a tapestry of who we are as individuals, as communities, and as a nation. Through Aristotle Pollisco’s words, we are reminded of our own capacity to dream, to struggle, and to hope.
As Gloc-9 prepares to meet fans at the book launch, he’s not just sharing poetry—he’s opening the door to conversation, reflection, and maybe even healing. In a world where hashtags come and go, “Makata Sa Pinas” stands as a testament to the power of words, reminding us that the poet’s journey is not just his own, but all of ours.
The book launch for “Makata Sa Pinas: Mga Tula ni Aristotle Pollisco” takes place on March 12, 2026, from 5PM to 7PM at the Philippine Book Festival, SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall. Admission is free.