MANILA, March 11 — Two books written by Ilocano writers residing in Metro Manila will be launched on April 9 at the start of a three-day national convention of GUMIL Filipinas at Pangil Beach Resort facing Luzon Bay in Pinili, Ilocos Norte.
Organizers said the first “Sarming Ti Kannawidan (Mirror of Culture)” is a collection of 240 haiku, the Japanese-inspired form of poetry, written by Maria Rosa A. Cabie, director of GUMIL Filipinas, the national association of Ilocano writers here and abroad.
The 6”x9” book, edited by Honor Blanco Cabie, former President of GUMIL Filipinas and News Editor/Producer of NBN Channel 4, contains vignettes on Iluko culture.
The Introduction was written by Cles B. Rambaud, managing editor of the weekly Iluko magazine Bannawag, while book design and layout were done by Heracles Lord Bernardo A. Cabie.
Iluko literature sources said the book on haiku may be used to craft a module for elementary and high school students wanting to have a glimpse of Iluko culture.
The other book to be launched is a compilation of 17 short stories, also written by Ilocanos from the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley who are now hacking out a living in the metropolis.
The 6”x9” book, titled “Batonlagip (loosely translated Remembrance),” was edited by Honor Blanco Cabie, Engr. Ansel D. Cargo and Feliciano Martin T. Rochina – all known fictionists of the region.
Included in the compilation are stories by Sonny F. Abrajano, Jovito F. Amorin, RTC Judge Vivencio S. Baclig, Crispina B. Bragado, Jose A. Bragado, Maria Rosa A. Cabie, Leonardo S. Fagaragan;
Mark Anthony Ganotice, Juan S.P. Hidalgo, Jr., Jake F. Ilac, Linda Lingbaoan-Bulong, Vicente Palcong, Ariel S. Tabag, and Aida C. Tiama.
The national convention, held annually since GUMIL Filipinas was formally organized in October 1968, is expected to be attended by members from the different chapters in Northern Luzon and Metro Manila as well as those from Hawaii and Greece. (PNA)v3/JCA/pr