Tuesday, April 22, 2008 3 US-based poets to be crowned
THREE US-based Kapampangan poets will be coming home on May 17 to receive their laurel crowns as Poeta Laureado (poets laureate), one of the most prestigious literary honors bestowed on a poet.
The poets are Rafael Maniago of Mexico, Ernesto Turla of Lubao and Renato Alzadon of Capas, Tarlac.
The tradition of crowning poets dates back to the so-called Golden Age of Kapampangan Literature in the early 1900s. Poets competed against each other during town fiestas and other special occasions; the winner was crowned poeta laureado at the end of the program. In succeeding years, poets laureate were chosen also by acclamation, especially in the absence of a competition.
The first-ever Kapampangan poeta laureado was Amado Yuzon, who was crowned after winning the first-ever ligligan (contest) held in 1927 in Magalang town.
As dictated by tradition, the Ari ning Parnaso (King of Parnassus), Vedasto Ocampo of Magalang, will crown the new poets laureate on May 17.
The Ari ning Parnaso is considered the most coveted title among Kapampangan poets, to be won only after winning in a battery of contests that include crissotan, poetry writing, short story writing and oration.
Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio is expected to grace the occasion, to be held at the new University Theatre of Holy Angel University, during a program dubbed Aldo ning Amanung Sisuan. Dozens of Kapampangan poets are expected to participate in a reunion of old and young poets as well as local poets and those already living abroad.
The affair is co-sponsored by the Academia ning Amanung Sisuan International (Anasi) and the HAU Center for Kapampangan Studies.
Maniago, aside from writing poetry, is also a prominent portrait artist. His works include portraits of the governors of Pampanga on the walls of the Capitol.
Turla is the author of Kapampangan poetry books and the Classic Kapampangan Dictionary (published in 2000). An ardent cultural advocate, he maintains websites that promote the Kapampangan language, downloads Kapampangan videos on TouTube, and moderates Kapampangan forums on the Internet.
Alzadon is a prolific Kapampangan writer whose works regularly appear on the Internet. His poetry book, entitled "Kasapunggul a Sampaga" will be launched on May 17 as part of the Aldo ning Amanung Sisuan.
Interested individuals may inquire at the Center for Kapampangan Studies, Holy Angel University, or call (045) 888-8691 local 1311, or text at 0918-9418599, or email at rptmt@yahoo.com.
