LITERARY TITLES AS COLLECTIBLES

These notable writers have been on a roll. Ranged against the explosion of publications from younger writers championing various literary genres as recently displayed in the Philippine Book Festival.

- ALFRED A. YUSON

National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario remains constant in his writing, publication, and promotion of poetry. Lemlunay: Pagunita sa Gunita (Reminder for Memory), published by the NCCA, features 30 of his poems written in Filipino from 2018 to 2023. Translations in English are provided by fellow poet Marne Kilates, who expressed his own appreciation for the landmark achievement before his sad demise last year.

"Lemlunay, as we now know, should be celebratory and full of smiles. But the voice or voices in many of these poems is/are elegiac. The visual reality apparently would give us—eye-witness reader and listener-over-the-shoulder—no quarter from the growing realization that, either by slow on-coming tide or the rush of tsunami, sorrow is at hand. On the other hand, as the poet sings the Songs of the Ordinary (from the contemplation of art to the flying of the child's kite) and holds in front of himself the Mirror of History, Lemlunay demands the re-visioning and the re-education of the Filipino—under centuries of dross of post-colonial oppression and no little deceit—into a state of real self-pride, national self-respect, and true human dignity."

For her part, Sen. Loren Legarda wrote: "I support NA Almario's book as it aligns with my own belief in the significance of our native culture. It is high time we give it the attention, appreciation, and love it rightfully deserves. Almario's commitment to account for our historical narratives and his unwavering dedication to our national culture and the nation itself is commendable. I sincerely urge our readers to join us in recognizing the importance of the ideas advocated in this book."

First launched at the Gimenez Gallery in UP Diliman, the book enjoyed successive presentations, beginning at Zambales on February 23, 2024, where Casa San Miguel Booknook distributed complimentary copies for schools and libraries.