TAGBOAN SA TABOAN

I was invited as delegate during the NCCA sponsored Taboan: Philippine International Literary Arts Festival held at UP-Diliman, Ateneo de Manila and Cubao Expo on February 11-13. Some writers from Thailand and Vietnam were also in attendance to converge with our own writers coming from all over the country. Far from being just a social event, the congress had plenary and panel sessions delving on various issues surrounding the writer’s life.

I was also on official business representing not just the Bicol region but also SM City Naga (to open early May this year). Surely, the opening of the mall will clear new grounds in Bicol’s literary and cultural landscape.

During the festival I was given the inter-related topics “Writing Off-Center” and “Lingo ng Wika”. For me, language is culture and same with language art, is also defined by geography. And the center, if it exists at all could very well be just a parameter for literary practice. For instance, an academized, workshoped, publication and award centered literary practice may just be a culture of urban origin in contrast with the oral tradition still extant in some areas in the countryside. But then we cannot say that this urban literary culture has not permeated to some extent the literary practitioners in the provinces. In Bicol, we also have the academe, and the workshop, publication and award system. It is just that Bicol-based writing ought to reflect if not approximate the Bicol life and whatever universal value that could be derived from it. I would dare say that it is much easier for Bicol-based writers to achieve a higher degree of authenticity and that with this, the concept of being “tukal sa daga” or dislocation is far-fetched. Truly, a new center has emerged and more will follow. Centers defined by culture-base, that is.

But then again, there is language. How does it define authenticity? During the conference, I asserted that the language issue is a product of historical anomaly and multilingualism should not be seen as a problem but rather as a solution—as power and advantage. The Bikol writer is typically multilingual and this is good. Anyway, literary material would tend to ensconce itself in a language that suits it—as defined to some extent by the writer’s language proficiency.

In the main, the Taboan was still a success and must be replicated. The government must finance another gathering of the same magnitude and provide airplane tickets, food and drinks, and hotel accommodations for our writers. It is one way for this government to make atonement for its misgivings. Also, since most of the writerly issues have already been discussed, the next Taboan must focus on the business of partying, drinking and sharing of talents. Writers have enough solitude to last a lifetime.

GRAB YOUR COPIES!

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) announced today that 62 writers are included in the annual literary anthology Ani. Ani, which means harvest in the Filipino language, is a project of CCP’s Literary Arts Division. For its 34th issue, Ani focused on the theme “Spirituality and Healing”, the book launching will be held on December 17, 7:00 p.m. at the CCP ramp.

The 62 writers who submitted prose and poetry featured in Ani 34 are Kris M. Alingod, Mark Angeles, Lilia F. Antonio, G. Mae B. Aquino, Carlos A. Arejola, Edgar Bacong, Isabela Banzon, Janet Tauro Batuigas, Gil S. Beltran, Herminio S. Beltran, Jr., Kristoffer Berse, Jaime Jesus Borlagdan, Nazzer C. Briguera, Catherine Candano, Desiree Caluza, Nonon Villaluz Carandang, Dexter B. Cayanes, Jose Jason L. Chancoco, Joey Stephanie Chua, Kristian Sendon Cordero, Genaro R. Gojo Cruz, Mario L. Cuezon, Maureen G. dela Cruz, Rodrigo V. Dela Peña, Jr., U Eliserio, Dennis Espada, Filipino L. Estacio, Rogerick F. Fernandez, Raul Funilas, Nena Gajudo-Fernandez, Jeneen R. Garcia, Luis P. Gatmaitan, Fernando R. Gonzalez, Erwin C. Lareza, Jeffrey A. Lubang, Nestor C. Lucena, Melba Padilla Maggay, Perry C. Mangilaya, Noahlyn Maranan, Francisco A. Monteseña, Ursula B. Nelson, Wilhelmina S. Orozco, Chuckberry J. Pascual, Noel P. Pinggoy, Dinah Roma-Sianturi, Hope Sabanpan-Yu, Joseph T. Salazar, Romel G. Samson, Aida F. Santos, Rakki Sison-Buban, Beverly W. Siy, Jason Genio Tabinas, Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr., Vincent Lester G. Tan, Dolores R. Taylan, Enrico C. Torralba, Gerardo Z. Torres, Joel H. Vega, Gina Verdolaga, Santiago B. Villafania, Ana Maria Yugalca, and Manuel Zacarias.

Herminio S. Beltran, Jr., CCP Literary Arts Division head and Ani 34 editor, wrote in the Introduction, “Reading the compilation of poems and prose in this year’s issue, there is indeed a close connection between creative or imaginative writing and spirituality, and with it, healing.” “It is as if the act of writing, and with it, reflection and meditation, is itself spirituality, which brings about healing, first in the writer, and consequently, the reader,” Beltran continued.

For inquiries on the next issue of Ani, which will delve on the experiences of the Filipinos in general and the Filipino writer in particular as members of the Asian community, please send an e-mail to aniyearbook@yahoo.com.

For inquiries or to schedule interviews, please contact Betty Uy-Regala at the following numbers: 0906-2604175; 832-1125 local 1706 (CCP Literary Arts Division) or email aniyearbook@yahoo.com

PAGTUKDO, PAGSURAT BIKOLNON 2008

I have been attending national writers’ workshops and really enjoy them. Trying to be a writer in a republic of non-readers can get quite alienating sometimes. These workshops (more of writers’ retreats really) help alleviate the loneliness of writerly existence.

Tomorrow, along with other writers based in Bicol (Kabulig-Bikol), I will be attending a conference for teaching and writing Bikol literature. This will surely be another avenue for Bikol writers to convene and share ideas—together with teachers of literature. It is hoped that the existing Bikol literature agenda will be updated and be given extensive attention by the government, the academe and society in general.

I will be sharing some insights about Bikol Drama and our regional dramatic tradition. I will focus more on how we could utilize the art form as pedagogy of literature. Its very nature would reveal its potent power as a servant art, one that could wrap-up all the other Bikol literary art forms into one package that could fit well within literature modules.

The conference, dubbed as Pagtukdo, Pagsurat Bikolnon 2008 is sponsored by the Kabulig-Bikol, Naga College Foundation, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Naga City LGU.

HAGBAYON’S 2007 YEAR-END REPORT

“Onward you move regardless of plans, you my friend are a roadworthy man.”—Wolfgang, ‘Roadworthy Man’

Now let us recapitulate some of the important events that I got involved in this year.

I helped in my father’s candidacy as a Baranggay Kagawad. Though it made me see the real score behind this political exercise, I still believe that we can still do better and improve grassroots legislation for national progress.

As writers, we are also legislators. Thus on July 1, 2007, Kabulig-Bikol ratified its Constitution and By-Laws. Though I see that there are still provisions that require some work, as it is, the current By-Laws can already help the organization function with some degree of formality. This country is run by law and not by men, and the same goes for any organization.

I served as Election Officer during Kabulig-Bikol’s selection of the new NCCA-National Committee on Literary Arts Representative. As part of the process, we interrogated the candidates with regard their plans and programs. And then we proceeded to the electoral process via secret balloting. The margin was so close, and to complicate matters, one of the members took an early leave and so we needed to contact him and know his vote. Not wanting a delay in the process, Estelito B. Jacob conceded to Carlos A. Arejola.

We processed the nomination and sent it to the then Head of the NCLA, Lito Zulueta. But later on, we had to resend the nomination because the NCCA, after revising its IRR made some changes in the nomination requirements. They now required a joint nomination (we tapped DIBA, Inc.) and a duly-accomplished application form. As Election Officer and likewise Kabulig-Bikol’s PR Officer, I provided Carlos Arejola with updates with regard the changes in the requirements. We sent the documents again, and this time, not anymore to Lito Zulueta but to the Project Management Division (as indicated) and Carlos Arejola’s application was approved.

Kabulig-Bikol also helped in raising some funds to partially shoulder Carlos’ transportation expenses for the NCLA elections held in Cebu City last December 10. And he is now officially the Representative for Southern Luzon. Though he is expected to represent Bikol writers he will cover as far as the Quezon Province in the NCLA as it tries to deliberate on and execute programs that would revitalize the literary arts scene in the region.

Meanwhile, another group that is determined to push for advocacies with regard Bicol culture and history was formed during the year. Tentatively named Bonyog-Bikolnon it has Fr. Wilmer Tria, Fr. Philip Bersabe, Estelito B. Jacob, Fabiana A. Arejola, Jose Fernando Obias, D.C. Nathan A. Sergio, Ruben P. Barrameda, Ramon Olaño Jr., Jose V. Barrameda Jr., Fr. Manny Zagaoa, Kristian Cordero and Jose Jason L. Chancoco as Incorporators. The group, during its December 9, 2007 meeting at the Madrigal Building agreed to place Jose Obias, Fabiana A. Arejola and Jose Jason L. Chancoco as Interim Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary respectively. The group is now processing its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Now this blogger believes that for Bikol literature to prosper, Bikol writers ought to think not only of their respective careers and go down from their Ivory Tower and meet up with other people also interested in the art specially the beginners. That is why my monthly Palihan continues. And I see myself doing more of these literary discussions this coming year.

As for the publications, we still got lucky. Here’s some of my published works this year:

• Homelife: “Isang Gabing Ganito” (October Issue) and “Elehiya” (November Issue)
• All with Tagalog translations—“Tigsik Lubid”, “Siklo-Real” and “Siklo Solar” in Ani 33: 20^th Anniversary Issue (Nature and Environment) edited by Mr. Herminio S. Beltran, Jr
• Along with poet Santiago Villafania, I indulged in a literary discussion with master poet Cirilo F. Bautista. And the result of this fruitful discourse was published in Bautista’s Philippine Panorama August 19, 2007 article entitled “Of Writers and Readers”
• Bikol Reporter: March 18-24, 2007 issue—“Pasakalye ki Kaye 1” and November 25-Dec 1, 2007 issue—“Opera”
• “Sa Parasurat na Inapon sa Salog”, “Sakyada”, “Sa Berde kan Marahan” and “Pasakalye Ki Kaye 1” in Burak nguna bago bunga: Ika-apat na tipon nin mga luwas kan Burak, an Dahon Parawitdawit. Pinakaray ni G.B. Calleja
• March 2007 Issue of The Pillars—reprint of “The Chanters of Baao”
• “The Social Dimension of Textual Interrogation in the Classroom” in The Arabesques Print Review, a journal based in South Africa.
• “Bakwet” in Latay sa Isipan: Mga Bagong Tulang Filipino (UST Press) edited by Dr. Cirilo F. Bautista and Allan Popa. Launched on August 30, 2007 at the World Trade Center.
• “Nekromansa” in Sawi: Funny Essays, Stories and Poems on All Kinds of Heartbreaks (Milflores Publishing)

I am still the Bikol and Tagalog editor of Dalityapi Unpoemed’s Makata. It still receives contributions from all over the world. Still, it is a portal of Philippine if not Southeast Asian literary arts.

While I also served as judge for the 2007 Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon, this blogger is also happy to report the three literary distinctions I got this year:

• Talaang Ginto: Gawad Surian sa Tula, Gantimpalang Collantes 2007 (Hon. Mention)
• Gawad “Soc” Rodrigo 2007 (From the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino and National Commission for Culture and the Arts)
• Home Life Magazine Poetry Contest 2007 (1^st Prize, Filipino Category)

I also participated in these literary activities:

• Served as host during the OragonRepublic Writer’s Night at Lolo’s Bar on July 19, 2007
• Read poems during the Mundag Literary Awards at Ateneo de Naga University on February 17, 2007
• Reactor to Dr. Cyril Conde’s lecture on February 15, 2007 at Ateneo de Naga University entitled “The Archive of Kadunong: Exploring the Oral Narrative Literature of the Bikol Region in the Philippines”. I talked about oral tradition and Bikol printed poetry.
• Forum Member or Kinatawan during CHED and KWF’s “Konsultasyon-Balikatan sa Ortograpiyang Filipino” held at DepEd-RELC, Legaspi City on July 10, 2007
• Along with other Bikol writers, I supported Dr. Cirilo F. Bautista’s nomination to the Order of National Artist 2009
• Launched the Hagbayon Podcast Channel on June 2, 2007 at http://www.gcast.com/u/hagbayon. And I think it’s the first of its kind in the country.

And of course, my thanks to ABS-CBN reporter Ms. Rizza Mostar and cameraman Christopher Hermoso for featuring this writer for the ‘Bicolano: Angat Ka!’ segment of TV Patrol Bicol on December 7, 2007.

As always, this is for God, for Bicol and the people I love. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!

READING BEFORE THEY GO

 

It was such a delight when a group of graduating nursing students led by Kate Amaranto invited me for a chat about the writing life. It turned out that it was for their Philippine Literature class at Naga College Foundation where their teacher, Mr. Joward Diocos required them to interview Bikol writers. Now this is something great because I refuse to believe that getting into the so-called Nursing Syndrome necessitates a cessation of cerebral synaptic sparks for anything artistic or regionalist. After-all, one can still be a nurse and still have interest in the literary arts, making sure to visit bookstores, museums and libraries after taking hold of that much-coveted UK or US Visa. And should I say that it is cool that NCF is really into the literary and dramatic arts, even caring to have their future nurses interview Bikol-based writers before they jet set to unknown lands and subject their cultural identity to various contortions and hybridities.

As they say, from womb to tomb—there is the nurse. That is why I emphasized to them the need to immerse into literature and know the core of the human soul. The written word leaves an architectural imprint to history and human existence as it struggles to co-write the universe, approximating the interplay between matter and spirit. Reading a poem for instance, is like breathing the air right from the nostrils of generations after generations of humanity—past to future. As poetry is simply recycled breathing space.

Literature as they say will make you more human as hospitals would tend to dehumanize. And considering that it is almost the gateway to and from life, this speaks of humanity’s need for rational detachment when witnessing such a personal and emotional experience like death. But then literature will make life and the tragedy of it (like the recent Glorietta bombing) bearable. Great fiction for instance, is not meant to obscure reason and scientific thinking but augment it. Getting into the bottom of a narrative will not make a nurse panic at the sight of a bleeding body but will make him or her play the part of the healthcare front liner in some grand plot that is life.

We conducted the interview at Beanbag and for my part, I shared how it is to be a young writer (who used to be a pre-med geek) in this part of the planet. As requested, I gave them copies of my works, all the while considering their background. So apart from letting them have my podcasts via USB, I showed them some of my clinical stuffs, sort of convincing them that it could be done. Yes, nurses can write too and create their niche.

So I heard their report was well-appreciated, exempting them from the final exams. Now they can focus more on their hospital rounds. Keeping my fingers crossed that they really will read literature when they are free (and no fundamentalist would see it wise to blow up another mall and fill the ER), for the meantime, I will enjoy the Parker pen that they gave me. Another one for my collection.

MISSING THE FEAST

 

Was away during the Peñafrancia Fiesta. Here I am claiming to be a Bikol writer and I can’t even be there for Ina on her feast day. Not to mention that I made a promise back in ‘O3 that I would never again miss it. I wanted to personally ask for permission, to visit her before I leave. But next thing I knew, I was already on a bus. I forgot

And I got sick in Manila. And believe me, it’s a place you can’t afford to get sick in. Complaining of runny-nose with watery mucous and fever, I was diagnosed of a viral infection. Manila Doctors Hospital is high-tech and topnotch but comes with a price tag.

I went on a soiree with Esmi that day. Checked on the National Museum and went for a stroll in Intramuros. We heard mass at the San Agustin Church, it was a wedding too. Come sleeping time, I was burning with fever and trembling with chill.

Cause and effect?

Part of my soiree gave me the chance to look into the exhibits at the CCP just before the Ani 33 launch last Friday, September 14. I also spent some time at the library. The program for Ani 33 allowed for public readings of some excerpts from Luis Gatmaitan, Nestor Lucena, Santiago Villafania and Raul Funilas. Bayang Barrios also rendered us one of her environmental songs. Too bad that the open-mic portion came in time with the cocktails. I was the first one called-up to read but had second thoughts because almost everybody left their seats for some food, ensconcing themselves in different areas and corners of the wide spaced CCP Ramp. I was afraid that nobody would listen to the readers and as the first one in line; I would get the first taste. I was right. And so for my next poem, I read aloud a Bikol work—without translation.

I also spent some time in Imus, trying to recuperate from fever. I actually celebrated my birthday there, my Esmi coming over for a visit. We went to Pizza Hut in Robinson’s Imus. Earlier during my visit, we went to Delicious Restaurant in Binondo and indulged in authentic Chinese cuisine. What a way to compensate for the feast I missed here in Naga!

I was also one of the judges for this year’s Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon. Too bad I missed the awards night last Wednesday, September 19. It was held at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, and I heard, was well-attended by government officials, civil society, artists, writers and cultural workers. Congratulations to all the category winners and finalists.

Cited in the essay category are: “Ringgaw nin Imahinasyon, Kawat sa Pagtukdo” by Judith Balares-Salamat of Pili, Camarines Sur” and “An Dalan nin Pakikisumaro” by Adrian V. Remodo of Lagonoy, Camarines Sur. The category grand prize went to Judith Balares-Salamat.

The finalists for the fiction category are: “Abaniko” by Marissa Reorizo-Casillan of Naga City and “An Kris” by Irene L. Taniegra of Pili, Camarines Sur. No category grand prize for fiction.

The ten poetry collections cited this year are as follows: “Ini, an mga buhay ta” by Jaime Jesus Borlagdan of Tabaco City; “Tinalbong ko su Tibabong” by Ryan B. de los Reyes of Baao, Camarines Sur; “Mga Tigsik” by Aida B. Cirujales of Naga City; “Agbay a Oras Sana” by Eurely P. Arroyo of Buhi, Camarines Sur; “Paradakop kan Pangiturugan” by Marissa Reorizo-Casillan of Naga City; “Hapiyap kan Kalangitan” by Jerico Rebadeo of Calabanga, Camarines Sur; “Rawitdawit Haleng Camaligan” by Jhonald A. Caballero of Camaligan, Camarines Sur; “Sa Banal asin sa Mga Tampalasan” by Adrian V. Remodo of Lagonoy, Camarines Sur: “Lagatak sa Riles kan Tren”by Christine P. Cordez of Milaor, Camarines Sur; and “Antisipasyon asin iba pang mga rawitdawit” by Victor Dennis T. Nierva of San Fernando, Camarines Sur.

Jaime Jesus Borlagdan and Victor Dennis Nierva tied for the grand prize, poetry category. Honorable mention went to Marissa Reorizzo-Casilan.

The title of Writer of the Year went to Judith Balares-Salamat. And writer Abdon M. Balde, Jr. and culural advocate Leonor Dy-Liaco are this year’s Lifetime Achievement Awardees.

Congrats also to the other members of the Board of Judges, Kristian Cordero and Jo Bisuña, for pulling off the difficult task of coming up with category winners and Writer of the Year after much deliberation.

Congrats also to the Arejola Foundaion for getting the judges’ nod for Naga City’s Mayoral Awards for Literature. Way to go!