Writers galore
Last February 13, 2007, a day before Valentines Day, a different love affair was given way – the love affair with words. This was during the launching of the book 'Binalaybay' by the Sentro ng Wikang Pilipino of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas. The launching was held at Mang Inasal, Robinsons Branch with notable names as guests. No less than National Artist for Literature, Virgilio Almario (better known as Rio Alma) was present during the event. Some awarded and notable writers present were Dr. Leoncio Deriada, Prof. Vim Nadera, Mr. Melchor Cichon, Dr. Zenaida French, and Mr. John Iremil Teodoro, who, incidentally, launched his latest poetry anthology entitled, 'Mga Binalaybay sang Paghigugma' last February 14, 2008 at the Museo Iloilo.
During the book launching, writers who were featured in the book which was compiled from winning entries in the annual Bigkas Binalaybay contest of the NCCA and the University of the Phil. in the Visayas, each read their featured poems. Quite interesting was the more theatrical delivery of Meritage Global Poetry Award Winner, Marcel Milliam, of his piece, 'Tiya's Manash'.
I think that we need more activities like this one here in our region, considering that we are the cradle of arts and literature in the entire country. Nobody will contest me on this because I can easily tell them all where the first poem came from. Disheartening though is the fact that most writers from the Visayas region are either marginalized or deprived of the opportunities that most writers from Luzon usually have. The reason for this is their proximity to the headquarters of many of the organizers of activities for writers.
During the book launching that I mentioned above, I noticed the profusion of many young and budding writers to include the infant writers group Dagyang Pulong. I believe that with enough support and technical assistance from senior writers and mentors, the plight of literature in our region seems very bright. As early as now we have already produced a commendable roster of Palanca Awardees, however, I truly hope that one day the Palanca Awards would be expanded to include Poetry in the regional languages, after all, the best way to preserve the cultures of various regions all over the country is to use local languages whether when speaking or when writing.
I would like to thank Mr. John Barrios of the Sentro ng Wikang Pilipino for organizing activities especially for aspiring writers. We had a truly healthy conversation regarding the real objective of young writers in our region. He mentioned that aside from just being able to write and write well, each writer or writer's group in particular should have a guiding philosophy that would determine the body of work that he/she/they would produce, therefore, making valuable and more significant contributions to the literary corpus.
For those who love to write but do not know how or do not have the proper tools needed when writing any of the literary genres, there are many such activities like the launching where we all get to meet senior writers and get the opportunity to have our work critiqued. However, critiquing is not done in a single sitting. This is the reason why various fellowships are being offered all over the country. By the way, when we ask someone to critique our work, let us do so with open minds if we really want to learn, otherwise, the critique would fall on deaf ears and result to bitter and frustrated writers.
I just noticed – this week's column seems like it is all ramblings, so, to continue on along this trail of writing, let me just plug a few things. For young writers looking for a writers support group, you might all want to ask around about Dagyang Pulong. This group is a one of young writers who regularly meet to critique and share their work. It is headed by Mr. Rodelyn Pacsial – you can find him at the WVSU College of Medicine. Oh, and before I forget, let me also add, Marz Milliam will be opening the first Arts Café in the City of Iloilo very soon, it's called 'Kafe Binalaybay', and it is located at 992F Lopez Jaena St., Jaro, Iloilo City. The place is a very quaint, charming place, perfect for small meetings, for artist moods, and most especially for coffee. I hope to see you all there and I hope you would also spread the news to all your artist friends who would like to have a venue for their craft, whether it be visual, performing arts, or literary arts.
Be rational; be insane…every once in a while! TTFN!
I love you all! Byers!