Flash Fiction--Flower Horn

Flower Horn
by Melchor F. Cichon
July 30, 2017

For three months, Itsong had been feeding regularly the flower horn in his master's house. He also changed its water every month to keep it clean and when brown out occurred, he stirred the water in the aquarium to replace the losing dissolved oxygen. Otherwise, the fish would not be able to breath.

 One Sunday morning, Itsong and his friends went to Jawili Falls to take a bath in its crystal clear flowing water. In the afternoon, Itsong and his friends went back home to Lezo. Immediately upon arrival, he visited his beloved flower horn. But the flower horn was missing. He went to his master and informed about the missing fish. His master told him that he took it out and sold it to his friend. Frustrated, Itsong told his master why he took it without his knowledge. But his master said, "That fish is mine and I only asked you to take care of it. But I supposed you learned something from it."

Itsong just scratched his head and walked away.

The Re-Emergence of Aklanon Literature

Note: These articles were previously posted on Wednesday, December 05, 2007. But because the background of the previous posting is not of my liking, I decided to reprint them here. I hope they can be read clearly.

The Re-Emergence of Aklanon Literature
By
Melchor F. Cichon
Updated: March 9, 2008

(This article was based on the paper which this writer read during the First Provincial Conference on Aklanon History, Culture and Society, Second Floor, Capt. Gil M. Mijares Bldg., 19 Martyrs St., Kalibo, Aklan, April 21, 2006.
The word Aklanon has two meanings. It may refer to the natives of Aklan and to their language.

Aklanon literature refers to all kinds of literary works in any languages written by Aklanons, either published or unpublished.

In this paper, unless stated, Aklanon literature refers to the kind of literature written by Aklanons in their own language.

For several decades now Aklanons have been writing literary pieces in Spanish, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a. Surprisingly, this writer has discovered that Aklanons have been writing poems in Aklanon since 1568.

In 1925, Gabriel M. Reyes published a novel, Toning. This 35-page novel in Hiligaynon was published by La Panayana. It’s last paragraph summarizes its story:

“Guincomosta niya si Toning, hinalucan ang bata sing catapusan, cag tumaliuan nga ualay guinbilin cundi ang masubo nga agui sang iya quinabuhi, nga nagapaguita sang mapait nga bunga sang bisio, cag con sa cay Toning nagapaquita man sang pagcaanyag sang virtud, cag pagcaquinahanglan sang caugdang sa isa ca babae sa bugos niya nga quinabuhi cag pagcahimtang.”

In 1926, Peping Tansinko Manyas published a short novel entitled Tagiposuon nga Hueowaran; Baeasahon Nga May Mataeupangdan. This 12-chapter novel tells about the heroic deeds of Pedring and his wife Pasing to free their fatherland from the colonizers.

Included in this work are the following poems by Manyas

“Sa Adlaw Nga Kinamatyan nay Doctor Jose Rizal”, dated December 1, 1913. This poem tells the significance of the death of Dr. Jose Rizal.

Here is the poem:

Sa Adlaw Nga Kinamatyan Nay Doctor Jose Rizal

Ni Peping Tansinko Manyas

Rizal, sa imong taeahurong eubnganan,
Nga binunyaga’t euha king ginikanan.
Sinubeaka’t matahum’g mang kabueakan;
Adlaw ngara, akon mang ginahaearan,
Ro imong mahimayaong eubongan,
Pag pamaeandong adlaw mong kinamatyan,
Pag panubos ku kalisdanang napas-an,
Ku banwang eumos sa kagha ag kaeupigan.
Dinuea, Rizal, kabuhi mo ag eawas,
Ku manga nag gahum’g, may gawing mapintas,
Apang ri’ng ngaean ag dugo nga umawas,
Nga sa kasakitan ku banwa humaw-as,
Sa among tagiposuon wa’t pag kaeugnas,
Rayang sinabod mong timgas nga eamigas,
Ay ro kaduemanan hay nabukeas,
Umiwag masigang Adlaw’t Pilipinas.
Rizal ro eubongan imo nga linugsad,
Wa mo kahilaki, kabuhing hinaead,
Sa kaeangitan imong pinanaad,
Dugo nimo nga inuea hay mamuad,
Maga kaaeaman nga ikabansag,
Nga maga hatud ku imong mga igmanghud,
Sa KAHIMAYAAN nimo nga gina hangad,
Ku banwa natong kueabos it paead.
Hinayhay sa atong manga kabukiran,
Sa makanonggusbong adlaw mong kinamatyan,
Hayahay nga bumayaw ku kadungganan,
Ku Pilipinas naton nga naeueotan,
Nga pumadabdab sa katagiposuonan,
Ku paghigugma sa banwang binugtawan;
Kabay nga imaw mabanhaw it uman,
Agud maangkon ro KAHAMUNGAYAAN.
Rizal, banwa’y naga antus kalisdanan,
Tuksa ro eangitnon nimo nga pueuy-an:
Tueoka makasisin-it nang kahimtangan,
Sa sugong nang gina antus nga kasakitan,
Eawod nga euha anang gina eanguyan,
Krus hay maw ra ana nga gabayan,
Nga sa kapilitan imaw hay maeugdang,
Kon ku atong manga kadugo imaw pabay-an.
Rizal, rayang adlaw nimong kinamatyan,
Among gina tahud ag gina padungganan,
Ag pag tahud ku adlaw nga kinamatyan,
Ku Makagagahum ag Hari sa tanan,
Tungod nga rayang adlaw mong kinamatyan,
Binayaw ag tinahod ro katarungan,
Ku Pilipinas naton nga nahamut-an.
Kalibo, Akean, Diciembre 1, 1913.

“Haead Sa Adlaw Nga Kinamatyan Ku Napueo Ag Siyam Sa Akean”, 1913. This relates to the death of the 19 Martyrs of Aklan. The English version of this poem was published in the book Hiligaynon Literature: Texts and Contexts (1992) edited by Lucila V. Hosillos.

Here is the Aklanon version:

Haead Sa Adlaw Nga Kinamatyan Ku Napueo Ag Siyam Sa Akean
Ni
Peping Tansinko Manyas

Makangingidleis, mamingaw nga kaaganhon,
Ro pomukaw sa inyo nga katoeugon,
Inyo nga gin bugtawan…Ay!...Kamatayon,
Gin tangisan it abung tagiposuon,
Ro inantus ninyong kasakit nga sugong,
Ku pag euwas sa Banwang kaugalingon.
Himaya kamon ro adlaw ngarandaya,
Nabukeas tabon sa among mata;
Sa inyong pag kamatay, kami kumilaea,
Ku pag higugma sa binugtawang banwa,
Eamigas ro inyo nga sinabod ngara,
Nga among gina palangga ag gina higugma.
Bulahan ro inyong manga kapaearan,
Ngani kamo among gina padunggan,
Himpit, tunay amon nga gina haearan,
Ro adlaw ngara nga inyong kinamatyan,
It bugana nga manga kalipayan,
Ag among gina hadkan ro inyong eubongan. (1926)

The first Aklanon translation of the Philippine National Anthem was translated into Aklanon by G. Peping Tansinko Manyas.

“Kaeantahon nga Pilipinhon” (Marcha Nacional Filipina),
Sinueat nay G. Jose Palma;
Gin Inakeanon nay G. Peping Tansinko Manyas,
Musika nay G. Julian Felipe.

Eugtang nahagugmaan,
Mutya't adlaw sa Sidlangan,
Eakas nang kasilaw,
Kimo'y naga parayaw
Eugtang maparayawon,
Natawhan't mga tawong bantugan,
Manga ibang nasyon,
Ikaw paga tahuron.

II

Sa eangit kimong gatimbang,
Sa bukid, kadagatan.
Wasaag ag hangad ku tanan,
Ro imong Katimawaan.
Ro imong hayahay nga sa pakig-awayan,
Naga banaag,
Di nimo paeung makit-an.
Anang Adlaw ag Kabituonan.

III

Eugta't kalipayan ag pag hiliuyon,
Kimo'y hamungaya mag pahimunong;
Sa imong manga inunga himaya,
Mag pagin-matay kon ikaw eupigon.


Here is my version of our national anthem.
• Banwang Hageangdon
ni Jose Palma
Gin-Inakeanon
ni Melchor F. Cichon
Sta. Cruz, Lezo, Aklan

Banwang haeangdon
Onga't Adlaw nga Oriente.
Sa imong dughan
Ro kaeayo gadabdab.

Banwa it gugma;
Duyan it baganihan.
Ro mga sumaeakay
Indi makaeapak.

Sa asul nga eangit, sa agahon
Sa bukid, sa eawod,
Ring binaeaybay gasiga,
Sa mahae nga kahilwayan.

Ro kasiga king bandera
Gatao't pwersa sa kadaeag-an.
Maski hin--uno ring bituon, ring adlaw
Owa't pagkapaeong.

Eugta't kalipayan, eugta it pagmahae.
Sa imong sabak himaya ro pangabuhi.
Gloria para kamon nga maghaead it dugo
Kon kimo may magsipaea.
•
“Haead Sa Pahayagang “Ro Akeanon”, April 26, 1913. This poem highlights the contributions of this newspaper to the development of Aklan.

Haead Sa Pahayagang “Ro Akeanon”
Ni Peping Tansinko Manyas

Binatyag it hagtob sa tagiposuon,
Ro kalipayan nga wa’t ikag tupong,
Pag kabaton ko, pahayagang RO AKEANON,
Pag katawo nga mabuhay eon nga handom,
Nga maga ta-o’t daean sa pag paangkon
Ag pag dalisay hambae nga kaugalingon.

Hamungayaon ag bugnaan’t kaeangitan,
Kabuhi nga haeawig ikaw hay taw-an,
Ayunan, dapigan, padunggan, unongan,
Sagupon, ag ku tanan ikaw buligan,
Ku mahiligugmaon sa banwang minat-an,
At ring kabuhi hay kadungganan’t Akean.

Batona rayang kubos nakong paarag,
Sa imong pag katawo akong nahaead,
Kabay nga riing daeang masiga nga iwag,
Sa mga kabanwaunan eumapeaag,
Ag sa katagiposuonan mamuskad,
Ro imong katuyoang eabi sa kayad-ayad.

Kalibo, Akean, Abril 26, 1913.

“Sa Manga Kadaeagahan Nga Tubo Sa Akean”, April, 1914. This poem relates the beauty of Aklanon ladies who are ready to offer their lives for their country.
Also in this book is Manyas’ translation of the Spanish poem by Manuel Laserna entitled: Eugta’ng Nahamut-an (Sinueat nay Manuel Laserna.). Its original Spanish version is also found in this book.

Here are the two versions of this poem. The Aklanon version is followed by the Spanish version.

Eugta’ng Nahamut-an
Ni Manuel Laserna

Hamut-ang Pilipinas,
Eugta nga naeueotan,
Kadalig ku imong ngaean,
Banwang nahagugmaan.
Sa handung ku hayahay,
Nga may adlaw ag bituon,
Gapusog tagiposuon
Nga sa kaeuwasan gutom.
Banwang gina mahae ag nahamut-an,
Kimo ko gina paarag tanan,
Manggad ag kusog pati kaaeaman,
Sa pag tinguha imong kalipayan.
Kong ra akong dugo pa kinahangean,
Sa pag eubos ku imng kaeuwasan,
Kabuhi indi pag kahilakan,
Kimo ko gina haead tanan.

Here is the Spanish version:

Quirida Filipina

Querida Filipina,
Tierra earisima,
Cuan dulce es tu nombre,
Patria amada.
Bajo la sombra de tu bandera,
Con sol y estrellas,
El Corazon palpita sediento de libertad.
Patria de mis amores,
Por y para ti ofrezco,
Salud y ciencia por lograr tu libertad.
Si mi sangre, salud y ciencia por lograr tu libertad.
Si mi sangre aun es necesaria para tu felicidad,
La vida es nada! Morir quisiera:
Todo per ti, hasta la mas cara.

Note: The title of the Spanish version is supplied by this writer.

In 1957, Tente Undoy published Mga Bilisad-on. This includes 105 maxims in Akeanon.

This is how Tente Undoy describes bilisad-on or maxim:

“Ro bilisad-on hay mga matimgas ag matadlong nga bisaea nga hanungod sa mga kamatuoran sa kinabuhi sa ibabaw it kalibutan. Ro anang kusog ku rondayang mga kamatuoran naga patadlong ku tiku nga ugali; nagapapatagumpa-aw it poaino-inong nahahababaeanga sa pag pangabuhi nga pa tunyo-tunyo; nagapabugtaw it nagakinatueog nga mga taw sa andang damguhanon; nagapapalipay it maayadayad sa linaw it kalisdanan; nagata-o it pasalig sa tagipusu-on nga naga pabaya eonlang sa hunod it maea-in nga paead; ag nagatuytoy sa daean nga gina iwagan it owa naga amamaeong nga kahayag it sidlangan.”

Here are some of them (unedited):

Item 7. Ro pinaligos nga ugali mabudlay mabanlawan. Ro kaeangsa ku hugom it ugaling watsayud ginakangil-ad it kadagayaan.

Item No. 11. Kinahangean nga duea-on tar o pagkahadluk sa atong painoino ay kun ro tawo ma-unahan it kahadluk sa atubangan it disgrasya, naduea eagi ro katunga ku anang kusog sa eawas ag kapagsik ka hibaeo.

Item No. 62. Ayaw pag matamataha o sikasika-a ro Makita mong parang minimong tawong sumaeangdo sa imong tangpaan ay indi mo masayran kun mas tampapaw pa ro ana ko imong baean-an o kabusali-an

Item No. 64. Tanan ro butang riya sa kalibutan may pagea-in sa datihan. Busa, atong nanid-an nga owat matulis nga indi masumpo,owat mataeas nga indi mag umae.

Item No. 105. Ponggan mo ring kaila kon ro imong naila-an nga bagay indo nimo mabu-oe sa matawhay ag matarung nga pag hingoha. Ayaw pag gamiti it paagi nga gina himo eamang kung sapat nga owa it paino-ino ag hibaeo. Kun hilipata nimo ra, kamana man it sapat ro pag hayga ag pag kabig kimo.

We can see some of the old Aklanon poems in the book Contributions of the Aklan Mind to Philippine Literature by Beato de la Cruz. This particular book, one can find some pre-Spanish literature, literature of the Spanish period, Spanish writers in Aklan, and the writers in the vernacular.

But the oldest Aklanon poem that this writer has known is The “Song of Balinganga”
Balinganga was said to be the eldest son of Bangkaaya, one of the first Malayan datus who migrated to Panay Island in 1212.

Nabor (1968) gives us a good background of this poem:

The “Song of Balinganga”

“Other than the syllabary itself, the most antiquated sample of Old Inakeanon writing that we have so far is the 1911 reproduction made by Capitan Juan Orbista of the 1725 Moysing reproduction of the 1568 Kabanyag reproduction of the original “Song of Balinganga.” According to tradition, the original and the rest of its copies were written on hardwood (amaga) tablets.

The Juan Orbista reproduction was submitted by Apolinar Orbista, Sr., eldest son of the former, to the chairman of the Aklaniana Research Society in appropriate ceremonies held at the Aklan College Auditorium in 1962.

In his manuscript, Orbista (the elder) explains that his reproduction is but a hokwa or a copy of a writing which goes back to Balinganga, The Orbista Ms. contains a number of other songs and poems in Inakeanon writing, It also contains Orbista’s transcription of the famous Code of Kalantiaw from the original syllabic writing system into contemporary Inakeanon graphics.”

Here is the poem:

Hambae Inakeanon

Author: Unknown

I
Hambae Inakeanon
Manat saeaysayon
Hanongod sa dato,
Nga si Bangkaaya,
Ag anang asawa,
Imaw si Katorong,
Kat sanda nga daywa
Mga bataon pa.

II
Sanda hay nagkita
Sa sangka daeanon,
Daeagang malangya
Miron nga dongganon:
Ag sanglit gaoy eon
Rato nga daeaga,
Pomaeapit dayon
Datong miron kana.

III
Sinangpit nat dayon
Nga kana omaba,
Agod di gaoyon,
Makapahoway pa.
Dayon na nga abhon
Ay mana eat opa,
Kono, kabog-at na
Kato nga daeaga.

IV
Naghinadya dayon
Miron ag daeaga:
Nagpanaw sa nayon
Kon tawgon Tawaya
Nag-abot panag-on
Sanda nag-asawa,
Nagin malipayon
Pangabohi nanda.


The Aklanon oral literature can be found in our luwa, riddles, legends, proverbs, and composo.

Luwa is a form of poetry that is usually written in four lines. It used to be the first stanza of corrido, that kind of poetry that relates the exploits of kings and princes.

Because luwa were recited in the wakes as a part of a punishment to whoever is the loser in a game like konggit, truth or consequence, and bordon, they are very much appreciated if the lines have rhymes, rhythms, and humor.

Luwa have aaaa, aabb, and abab rhyme structure. Occasionally, we can find luwa that have abcd endings.

Example of an aaaa rhyme:

Pag-agto ko sa Ibajay
May hakita ako nga patay
Ginbagting ko ra eagay
Mas mabaskog pa sa lingganay.—Unknown

For the aabb example:

Pag-agto ko sa bukid
Nakakita ako it ibid;
Paglingot ko sa waea
Gatueok kakon rang nobya.--Melchor F. Cichon

For the abab ending, here is an example.

Igto sa bukid
May busay nga naga-ilig;
Kon magpaligos igto si Ismid
May daeang butong nga binulig.--Melchor F. Cichon

And for abcd scheme, here is an example:

Ikaw ro kalipay
Ku tagipusuon kong gakusmaod,
Ikaw ro nagpahamtang
Ku probinsya it Akean sa bug-os nga kalibutan.--Cirilo Castillon, Jr.

There are luwa with Spanish and English words:

Ora pronubis
Ro habakae ni Nanay ibis
Duminum kubiskum
Ana ra nga gintuom—Melchor F. Cichon

There are bawdy luwa, but they are full of imagery. Here is an example:
Pag-agto ko sa Boracay

Napusa ro ay Inday nga tuway;
Pagkasayod ka anang nanay,
Ana imaw nga ginminueay.--Melchor F. Cichon

There are luwa that have double meanings. These are the luwa that belong to the adults, if they can decipher the meaning. Here two examples.

Masupsup kunta ako
Sa maisot mo nga tuway
Ugaling ra diperensya
May guardia nga anay. --Melchor F. Cichon

Maligos kunta ako
Sa maisot mo nga sapa
Ugaling ro kinasaea
May guardia civil sa tunga.--Unknown

There are luwa that are really metaphysical. Here is one:

Kon gusto mo gid man ako
Nga mangin nobya mo;
Ro adlaw imo nga tukuran
Agod indi kita madueman.--Melchor F. Cichon

Here are some contemporary luwa with traditional undertone.

Luwa:

Nag-agto ako sa Ibajay
Masadya gid anang bay-bay
Owa ako it oras nga magtampisaw
Ay ro barko eon hay mapanaw.--Badjao

Nagpanindahan ako sa Malinao
Kaibahan ko si Tatay
Nagbakae it bolinao
Pasalubong kay nanay.--Losally R. Navarro

Manami kunta tan-awon
Kitang mga Pilipino nagahugpong;
Paano kita magtililipon
Ay owa’t trabaho sa aton.--Ni Bugoy

Kon fiesta sa Lezo,
Ro tagbaeay owa eon gaabiso
Basta bukas ro andang pwertahan
Sueod, kumaon nga owa’t dahan.--ni.Jay Jose Feliciano

Patugmahanon

Like any other people, Aklanons like riddles. Here are some of them.

Anwang
Magueang eon si Isyang indi pa gihapon kantigo mag-iwang.

Aritos
Daywa ka itlog, gakabit-kabit.
Kon gapasueod, masakit; kon sa sueod eon, nagapamamit.

Aswete
Ro kaeo ni Esko, puno it bueawan.
Maitum ag boebueon, mapuea Kon busikaron.

Atis
Batsihon ra ueo, pero ra utok manami supsupon.
Si San Pedro, gueoson ra gueo.

Baba
Bubon nga madueom, puno it sanduko.
Bubon nga madaeum, puno it espada.

Mga Hueobaton

Like any other maxims, Aklanon maxims serve as reminder to everyone. Here are some of them:

Babaye, madanlog ro atong kalibutan.
Magdahan ka gid ay basi ka hidaphag
Ag ro imong alima hay maeapukan.

Babaye, ring kadungganan haeongi
Agod ring mga unga
Indi magpanunod king kahueoy-anan.

Baeay man nga bato
Kon ro gaestar hay demonyo,
Mas mayad pa ro kubo
Kon ro gaestar hay tawo.

Bag-o himuon ro anong butang,
Hunahunaa anay ro imong abutan.

Bag-o ka magkaon
Panumduma ro nagta-o kimo.

Bag-ong hari, bag-ong ugali.
Bag-ong pare, bag-ong paagi’t pagsermon.

Bangud sa gugma
Nahimo nga ikog si Maria.

Basta bata, gahuro-huro pa.
Basta kutikot,
Masyadong mahaeang.

Basta umpisa malisod.
Bisan alinon mo nga paksi
Ay pinaligos nga ugali.

Bisan alinon nga pagtago it baga,
Madabdab ay kaeayo.

Bisan ano kadueom
May kasanag.

Bisan ano kahaba ku eubid
May utbong gid.

Bisan ano kahaba nga prosesyon
Sa simbahan man gihapon madayon.

Bisan ano kapait patam-isa eang.
Bisan ano katig-a
May parti gid nga mahumok.

Komposo are folk songs. Aklanon folk songs deal on environment like the following:

MAMUGON

Mamugon ako, mamugon
Sa tawo nga manggaranon;
Alas dos ako pakan-on, ay, ay,
Orasyon ako paulion.
Pag-abot ko man sa baeay,
Mangayo ako it humay;
Tinuro ako ni Tatay, ay, ay,
Una sa eusong ro paeay.
Alinon ko man ro paeay,
Eawas ko karon ginabudlay;
Kon buhi kunta si Nanay, ay,.ay,
Makaon ako, mapahuway.

MAGMAMANI

Kaming magmamani, duro sa kaimoe;
Kaming magmamani, nga makaeueuoy;
Kaming magmamani, nga owa't ikasuboe;
Among ginapakita ro mehoras namon sa Daja.
Ay sa kailo kaming magmamani,
Birang do among saya, kulintas nga mani;
Singsing ag pulseras, aritos nga mani,
Among ginapakita ro mehoras namon sa Daja.

TIKWI! ABAW RONG BANUG

Tikwi! Abaw rong Banug
Nga nagbalik sa ginpukanan.
Siniba ni Bukbulilaw,
Nga batadbataran.

NAGTANUM AKO’T PINYA

Nagtanum ako’t pinya,
Sa binit it karsada;
Umagi ro maistra,
Good morning, maayong aga.”
“O Nanay, O Tatay,
Tagai ako’t piso.
Ginaalin do piso?
Ibakae it aritos!
Aritos nga moda,
Angay gid sa daeaga;
Daeagang aeon-eaon,
Angay gid pangasaw-on.

PINPIN DE SIRAPIN

Pinpin di sirapin
Kutsilyo de almacin
Haw-haw di karabaw
Batutin
Sayang pula, tatlong pera
Sayang puti, tatlong salapi
Tigbak, buang, binunu, aswang.

As for the Aklanon written literature, we find them in longer poems, short stories, novels, essays, and lately haiku.

Except for riddles, composo, proverbs and luwa, most of the Aklanon written poetry, legends and short stories are in English. This is understandable because there were no venues for Aklanon literature. If there were they were very limited. We have for example the Aklan Reporter published and edited by Mr. Roman de la Cruz that used to publish Aklanon short stories. Or those who have the means would just publish their own works.

As a result most of the Aklanon writers would contribute their pieces to national magazines like the Philippines Free Press, Liwayway and Sunday Times Magazine. But the competition in these magazines is very stiff.

After the 1986 EDSA Revolution came a new literary revolution in Western Visayas.
Spearheaded by Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada, a former professor in literature at the U.P. in the Visayas, a literary revolution took place almost simultaneously in Iloilo, Antique, and Aklan.

Through his encouragement and with funding from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and later through the Presidential Commission for Culture and the Arts, which later gave way for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), writers in these provinces started to write poems and short stories in Ilonggo, Kinaray-a and in Aklanons.

The NCCA encouraged the establishments of local arts councils and subsidized conferences, workshops and publications. It also awarded writing grants and venue grants. Two of these writers who availed of these writing grants were Prof. John Barrios and this writer. The Bishop Gabriel Reyes Foundation also availed of these grants.

Dr. Deriada’s “political approach” to encourage local writers to write in their own languages was effective. He said this to Kinaray-a writers.

“My politicizing would begin by my saying: There is no such thing as a superior language. No one can give power and dignity to your language except you. Your language has dignity and power if you can do three things with it: sing your songs in it, compose your poems in it, and pray in it. If you can do these in Kinaray-a, then your language is the same level as any language in the world.”

Later, he used the same approach to Aklanon writers.

After conducting creative writing workshops and contests among Ilonggo and Kinaray-a writers, Dr. Deriada continued his crusade to Aklan. Here is how he practically twisted the arms of Aklanon writers to write in Aklanon:

“Liberating itself likewise from literary oblivion was Aklanon. Just as the Antiquenos were forming Tabig, emerging Aklanon writers also formed the Aklanon Literary Circle in Kalibo. Spearheading this was Melchor F. Cichon, a librarian at UP Visayas. Ably assisting him was UP Visayas student John E. Barrios.

“In my various workshops in Iloilo, Cichon had been there listening to the things I was telling Kinaray-a writers to challenge them. Cichon - and Barrios - took the challenge and soon the Aklan issue of Ani, which I edited with Cichon, et al., was published by the CCP and launched in Kalibo in early 1993. Cichon, who was by then writing in English and Tagalog-based Filipino, turned out to be the leading poet in his language and has the distinction of being the first Aklanon ever to publish a book of poems in his own language. Eventually, Cichon and Barrios won writing grants from the CCP.”

The first creative writing workshop held in Kalibo, Aklan was on November 9-10, 1991 under the leadership of Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada. It was sponsored by the newly established Aklanon writers, the Akeanon Literary Circle. On January 28, 1994, the first issue of Bueabod, the literary journal of Akeanon Literary Circle, was launched in Kalibo, Aklan. . It was in the same occasion when the special Aklanon Issue of Ani was launched.

Aside from encouraging the writers in Western Visayas to write, he also encouraged them to enter into a literary contest. One of these contests is the Bigkas
Binalaybay.

This annual written and oral poetry competitions have produced a considerable number of poems in Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, Filipino and Aklanon.

Through the years, Aklanon poets have been winning in this contest. This includes Melchor F. Cichon, Rommel Constantino, Alexander de Juan, Rocky Abello, Antonio F. Tolentino, and June Mijares. Their winning entries are included in Bigkas Binalaybay; Kritisismo, Antolohiya, edited by John E. Barrios, Melchor F. Cichon, Jonathan P. Jurilla, and J. I. E. Teodoro., 2008.

When the Aklanon Literary Circle (ALC) was formed in the 1990s, Melchor Cichon, John Barrios and Alexander de Juan put up Bueabod, the literary journal of ALC. It was a one-page mimeograph or photo-copied journal. In this journal some contemporary Aklanon poets like John Barrios, Pett Candido, Alexander de Juan, Jeoffrey Ricafuente, Rommel Constantino and others contributed poems. It was also in this journal where the Aklanon poems of Dominador Ilio and Roman de la Cruz first appeared. Both writers are considered the finest among the elder Aklanon English writers.

Here is a poem by Dominador Ilio:

Bita

Ro masi-ut nga katamnan it bita
(Ro anang mapait nga panit it kahoy
Gina ea-ga para bueong sa takig)
Hay kadueom ku kinaunang eubnganan
Nga gintawag nga Bita.
Ro baeay ku tatlong magmanghod
Nga si Anacleta, si Josefa ag si Lorenza
Hay una sa maeunang nga aeagyan sa Bita.
Ro baeay ku ap-at nga eaking magmanghud
Nga si Manuel, si Tomas, si Amadeo,
Ag si Jose una man sa daean pa Bita.
Sanda tanan nagsaad nga mamuyo sa maeayo,
Sa maeayo-eayo sa Bita.
Ngani pinangasawa ni Amadeo si Anacleta
Ag nagbungkas sanda it paag sa Kabangkat,
Si Manuel dinaea nana s Josefa ag idto
Nagbaeay ag nanguma sa bukid it San Dimas,
Pinangasawa ni Tomas si Lorenza ag sa Kogon
Nananum sanda it abung euy-a ag eunga
Si Jose inapok sa Patnongon sa Antique
Idto nangasawa ag wa gid hibalik sa Bita.
Apang sa kabuhayan, ro andang mga inunga
Ro nag hatud kanda tanan balik sa Bita.

Here is one of the Aklanon poems of Roman de la Cruz:

Panaeambiton

Tampuean mo ku imong
Mainit-init nga paead
Ro maeamig ko nga likod
Ag tug-anan mo ako
Nga indi mo eon pag-aywan.
Tamda ro atong kahapon
Kat owa ka pa magtugbong sa syudad.
Nagsumpaan kita nga magmaeahaean
Hasta sa kamatayon
Suno sa kudlit ku atong paead.
Kon pumanaw ka it uman
Kahil-o man dayang gugma.
Ako magataliwan
It dayon.

Many of the poems published in this journal were anthologized in Patubas, Ani (Aklanon issue), and in Mantala. Some of them were selected as best poems of the month by Mr. Isagani Cruz in his column Critic at Large.

From 1986 to 2000, three books were published by NCCA edited by Dr. Deriada et al. which included Aklanon poems. One of these books is the Ani Aklanon issue. In 1999, the book by Melchor F. Cichon, Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii ? (Bakit Madilim Ang Gabi?) was published.

The books on poetry by Bellysarius de la Cruz came out within this period. These are With Hope Undying (1988); Earth Glare (1994) and Poems in Praise of God (1997) In 2000, the novel of Roman de la Cruz, Life with the Family; a folk autobiographical novel came out.

In 1998, five Aklanon short stories were published in the book: Selebrasyon at Lamentasyon: Antolohiya ng Maikling Kuwento ng Panay edited by Carmen L. de los Santos, Ma. Milagros G. Lachica and John E. Barrios.

A breakthrough came out in 2002 when the first Aklanon haiku written by this writer came out in SanAg, the literary journal of the Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Desk, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City.

Here are three of the five haiku:

katueondon—
ro asul nga kahayag
gaagi eampas sa kalibutan
**

tungang gabi-i—
ro eaking unga gapakalimos
sa baybaon it Boracay
**
katueondon—
si Flor nag-uli halin sa Singapore
sa sueod it kahon

Another breakthrough in Aklanon literature took place in 2002 when the haiku by this writer was published in Heron’s Nest, an international haiku journal based in America. (see the haiku below).

Another breakthrough in Aklanon literature took place in 2005 when the first Aklanon collection of short stories by Prof. John E. Barrios, Engkant(aw)o ag iba pa nga Tag-ud nga Istorya came out.

When the Aklanon Literary Circle was formed, almost all the members then were college students like John Barrios, Alexander de Juan, Jeoffrey Villafuente, and Rommel Constantino. The youngest was Am Roselo. He was still a high school student then.
But after their graduation, Bueabod hibernated for almost a decade.

While Bueabod was hibernating, a new writing venue was evolving in the Philippines. This is the internet.

And with internet, a new kind of Aklanon literature evolved. This is what is now known as the Aklanon virtual literature.

Through the internet new Aklanon writers were discovered and new types of poems were added to Aklanon literature. These are haiku, senryu, and tanka. These are all Japanese types of short poems which had never been utilized by Aklanon writers until the new millennium.

As mentioned earlier, the new crop of Aklanon poets came out as a result of the appearance of this website: http://www.my.akeanon.com/.

This website was created by a group of young Aklanons where Aklanons from different parts of the globe can exchange ideas.

Then one day a certain Tata_Goloy opened a thread, Kangga ni Tata_Goloy. In this website, many Aklanons posted their opinions on how to further develop Aklan. Some of the contributors include beeSPUNKY in Canada, bugoy in Federated States of Micronesia, Cinderella in Alaska, USA, ember in Manila, Gumamila in Iloilo, kal in Alaska, miss-terryosa in Iloilo City, SunflowR in Florida, USA, Swiss in Switzerland, Tata-Goloy in Michigan, USA, Toryo in one of the states in USA, water sprite , in Manila, yamanitoshi in Makati, Manila, and Maeara, in Iloilo. All of them are Aklanons and have one common desire—to write essays and poems.

All the contributors used aliases.

Then a certain Badjao opened a new thread in my.akeanon.com. He called it Iskul Bukol.

In this thread, some of the above contributors posted poems in Inakeanon. Noting that the so-called poems posted in this new thread needed rewriting, Maeara posted some comments to improve their works.

Then SunflowR posted a haiku written by Melchor F. Cichon from Heron’s Nest, an online haiku journal based in America.

Here is the copy of that haiku. It is a poem on the impact of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo to a town in Pampanga: And this is the first haiku published in an international journal written by an Aklanon

Sunday morning—
a boy digs in the mud
that buried a cathedral
Heron’s Nest, Vol. IV, No. 9: September, 2002

Knowing that Maeara is no other than this writer, Tata_Goloy asked him to conduct a virtual class in poetry writing.

He agreed to conduct a virtual poetry workshop.

Adopting the technique used by Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada in creative writing workshops, this writer suggested to them that they first write and post their haiku, luwa, or longer poems in my.akeanon.com website.

And they did post their contributions in this website.

Every Saturday, this writer collected their works, wrote his comments on them and then posted the original and the corrected ones.

The result of that virtual workshop is the book: Haiku, Luwa and Other Poems Written by Aklanons edited by Melchor F. Cichon, Edna Laurente Faral and Losally R. Navarro (2005).

But before this, this writer has developed a website that focuses on Aklanon literature (http://www.geocities.com/aklanonliterature) In this website one can find Aklanon riddles, maxims, luwa, longer poems, songs, legends, short stories, profiles of Aklanon writers, annotated Aklanon bibliography, and haiku. As of April 17, 2006, this website was visited 16, 417 times. Modesty aside, this website is the most popular website on Aklanon literature.

This writer has a blog, http://anahawleaf.blogspot.com, which features his haiku and luwa.

In 2007, Melchor F. Cichon selected 25 of the best poems written by Aklanons. The result of this collection is posted in his blog Bueabod It Akeanon Literary Circle, http://bueabodalc.blogspot.com/

Also in 2007, he collected the works of Aklanon women poets. Again this collection is found in the above blog.

Both collections are first in the history of Aklanon literature.
What do Aklanon writers write? Who are the writers? What is the quality of their works?

What do Aklanon writers write?

Through the years, Aklan writers, like other writers in the Philippines, wrote on oppression, corruption, poverty, exploitation of women and the environment, love, religion, politics, insurgency, and hope. This is so because many of them are college trained and have gone to many places outside of Aklan like Manila, Iloilo , Antique. And abroad.

Allow this writer to present some Aklanon contemporary poets and present some of their works.

Losally R. Navarro was born in Banga, Aklan on January 3, 1973 but grew up in Malinao. Losally now stays in Calvary, Alberta, Canada. In the February issue of Homelife, a national magazine, one of her haiku was published.

Two of Navarro's best haiku are:

indi magkahadlok
bisan ro atong taj mahal
hay obra sa botong.
***
si Maria Clara
nag-agto sa Amerika
pag-uli naka-minis-skirt eot-a

Amzi V. Martinez was born in December 1976 in Balete, Aklan. He is presently working in Tofol, Lelu, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia as a Vocational Instructor.

Here is an example of his luwa:

Manami kunta tan-awon
Kitang mga Pilipino nagahugpong;
Paano kita magtililipon
Ay owa’t trabaho sa aton?

Ellamae Fernandez was born on April 18, 1986. She is from Lezo, Aklan. Here is an example of her work:

Dominggo’t hapon—
nasa binggohan
nagasi-einggitan

Jay Jose Feliciano is from Kalibo, Aklan. He is presently working in Alaska, USA. Here is one of his poems:

paraisong pinas
naka-Mercedes nga gobyerno
nakakanggang pumueoyo

Ma. Terry F. Marte is from Poblacion, Lezo, Aklan. Here is an example of her haiku:
indi mahuyap nga euha
ro nahueog sa madamoe nga paead
sa idaeum it adlaw

Edna Romulo Laurente Faral was born in Batan, Aklan but resides in Tampa, Florida with her family. She is not only a folk dancer par excellence, but a fine haijin as well. Here are four of her finest haiku:

Oh, Eangit

Oh, eangit…
sa punta ka eang
kang tudlo

Sueat

sueat
halin kimo
ginatago sa dughan

Ikaw ag Ako

huo-
ikaw ag ako
sa tulay nga butong gaeatay

Renelyn Beglinger-Vallejo is married to a Swiss national and they now live in Switzerland. She was born in Ochando, Banga, Aklan.

Boracay

Dayang Boracay
Nga ginatawag nga paraiso—
Ham-at maputi ro baeas
Indi kaparis sa Kalibo?
7 kakilometro dayang isla
Maisot manlang ikumpara sa iba.
Ham-an abu nga hotel
Nga ginpatindog iya?
Owa sanda nahadlok’nga eumubog ra?

Cirilo Castillon, Jr. or Tata Goloy was born in Badio, Numancia. After working at the U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay, Olongapo City, he then went to Saudi Arabia, and later on settled in Michigan , USA. Here are his haiku and his luwa:

Rang Amigo

Rang anino
akong amigo
hasta sa katapusan.
***
Nag-agto Ako sa Kalibo

Nag-agto ako sa Kalibo
Nakakita ako’t mag-asawang mueto
Umalagwa gid ako it tudo
Iwag manlang gali’t awto.

Cris Ocampo. Cris was born in Kalibo and finished his high school at Pilot Science Development National High School , (now Regional Science High School) in Kalibo, Aklan. A martial law baby, one can see his political ideas in his haiku and luwa.
Matig-ang Bagoe

matig-ang bagoe
gapanago sa amamakoe
hin-aga mano-eo

Jawili

Abaw kanami isipon
Ro Jawili nga mahae nakon
Ano natabo kimo makaron
Musyon akon ikaw nga tatapon

Belle Nabor. Her haiku have been published the Mainichi Daily News, a world famous newspaper that prints haiku. . Her other haiku were included in Sakura Anthology of Haiku published in Sweden along with other world famous haijin like Robert D. Wilson, Michael Rehling, an’ya, and 27 other poets, The Makata, Short Stuff, and in Poetry Country Mouse. Her popular blog, http://short.poems.blogspot.com/, that features her short poems: haiku, tanka, and cinquain, has been instrumental in her introduction to world haiku.

Here are some of her works:

Haiku Selections

sa sueod it train
madasig man
maghueag ro siyudad
***
gaoy eon sa pagtinan-aw
it kalibutan, ro kuhoe --
nagpanago’t uman

Tanka Selections

Pag-eubong

ro kahon sa atic
hay puno’t sueat, lus-aw nga tinta
ratong owa’t kaeag nga papel—gausoy
bukon kato’t madali
ro pagpapahuway kana



Nagakahigugmang Manogbinaeaybay

para kino, maumpisa ako’t pagsueat
ku rayang binaeaybay, bag-ong hugpong
nga mga bisaea kaibahan kay tagipusuong
puno it pag-eaom
indi ako makahambae

Halipatan Ro Oras

galingkod kita nga daywa
sa idaeum it kabituonan
gabueabod ro atong mga alima
owa naton hipan-uhi
ro pag-abot it kaagahon
***

Edmund Saldivia. The poet is a licensed engineer. He now works as a system analyst in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is a native of Kalibo, Aklan.

Cacique
(Rent-Seekers)

Ku panahon it Kastila,
Ro cacique bugana.
Sanda ro ginasaligan,
Ku eugta it simbahan.

Ginatunga do patubas,
Sa mamueogon may bawas.
Sa mangunguma ikap-at nga parte,
Ro habilin ana ku prayle.


Sa makarong henerasyon,
Ro cacique, iya gihapon.
Maeapit sa trono,
Alipores it palasyo.

Inutang nga kapital,
Si Juan ro kolateral.
Pasaka taga dag-on,
Paeas-anon naton.

Kalbong kagueangan,
Abandonadong minahan,
Basta eat-a inaywan,
Pagkatapos panginpuslan.

Ma-inpluwensyang anino,
Sa tugpa-an it eroplano.
Kontrolado ro kargamento,
Sa daungan it barko.

Tubi ag kuryente,
Sa alima ga-agi.
Yutilidad monopolyado,
Pasilidad manipulado.

Owa’t mayad nga amot,
Sa agrikultura ag industriya.
Parasitiko,
Sa ikonomiya it banwa.


George Calaor. An Aklanon who wishes to have better Philippines, George has been writing poems with social relevance. Here is one of his best poems.

Sakada

Buyti't hugot ring espading
Ag hawani ratong mga panamgo
Nga ginakapyutan it kalisud
Iya sa maliway nga kampo.
Tapsa ro mga pagduhaduha
Nga nagapaeuya sa eawas
Ag pas-anon ro mga kalisud
Nga nagapabakod it dughan.
Nagadaea it pag-eaom.
Ag sa pangamuyo mo
Buksi ring tagipusuon
Ag isugid sa Ginuo
Ro bug-us nimo nga ginapangayu:
Nga ro katubwan hay mangin saksi
Sa pag-abot ku oras,
Sa mabahoe nga kadaeag-an--
Ag padayon nga kahilwayan.


Melchor F. Cichon

brown-out—
nagsueod ro aninipot
sa baeay namon

***
Ku Ati-atihan 2005 sa Kalibo
Sa plaza nag-eapta ro mga tawo
Ay nagpaburot ka armalite
Si SPO1 Jonathan Moreño


Analysis of the three periods of the Aklanon literature

Pre-Deriada, Before 1986

During this period, Aklanon writers were writing mostly in English and Spanish. But there were some Aklanon writers who wrote in Aklanon.
The most prominent among these writers were Peping Tansinko Manyas, Manuel Laserna, Roman de la Cruz, Leopoldo A. de la Cruz, and Dominador Ilio.
Although, NVM Gonzales, Josephine Barrios and Jose Dalisay are all Aklanons by blood, they never have written any Aklanon poem or short story.
Of those who wrote poems in Aklanon were Manuel Laserna and Peping Manyas. In their writings, both Laserna and Manyas wrote on freedom and love of country. Their writing structure was mostly rhymed and metered.

Deriada Period, 1986-2004. During this period, new Aklanon writers were discovered. Influenced by Deriada, through his creative writing workshops and private conversations with the Aklanon writers, these new writers wrote mostly in Aklanon, English, and in Filipino. Almost all of them wrote in free verse, except Mr. Roman de la Cruz, who preferred to write in rhyme, but not metered. Their topics are now widened: love, poverty, nationalism, environment, gender. This was due to the writers' diverse milieu and experiences. All the new writers have gone to college and have traveled outside of Aklan. The many contests and grants given by the NCCA have boostered their enthusiasm. The help of Dr. Deriada in the re-emergence of Aklanon literature is great. It was during this time that the special issue of Ani came out. It was during this period that some poems in Aklanon came out in Mantala and in Patubas. It was also in this period that Alexander de Juan, Roman de la Cruz, John Barrios and Melchor F. Cichon won local and national awards and book writing grants. The book Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii (Bakit Madilim ang Gabi) by Melchor F. Cichon was published. He eventually won the coveted Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas (for Aklanon Poetry). It was given by Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL).
It was also during this period that the New Testament was translated and published in Macar Enterprises. It was translated by Vellyzarius de la Cruz.

Post-Deriada Period, 2005-2007

With the emergence of the World Wide Web and through the encouragement of Melchor F. Cichon, many new Aklanon poets were discovered. Many of them are Aklanons living in America and Europe. Through the internet and the creation of the website: http://www.my.akeanon.com/, many of the newly discovered Aklanon poets contributed their poems in this website. They wrote haiku, luwa and other poems. The result of their creative works were published in a book: Haiku, Luwa and Other Poems by Aklanon edited by Melchor F. Cichon, Edna Laurente Faral, and Losally Navarro. It was also during this period where many Aklanon luwa were written. The subjects of their works were varied: love, nature, under development, gender, nationalism, poverty and almost all topics. It was during this period also where luwa writing was given emphasis and published in the internet . The latest addition to Aklanon literature is the publication in the internet of poetry for children. However, only about three poets who have been writing on this: Melchor F. Cichon, Cirilo Castillon, Jr. and Edna Laurente Faral.

Problems being encountered by Aklanon writers

Unlike the English and Filipino writers, Aklanon writers encounter a lot of problems.

1. There is not enough copies of Aklanon dictionaries. At the moment, there are three Aklanon dictionaries. The book by Reyes et al. is now out of print, while that
of de la Cruz is expensive. The work by Braulio is not that many.

Braulio, Eleanor Perucho. Akean-Filipino leksikon. Macar Enterprises,1999. 177p.

De la Cruz, Roman A. Five-language dictionary (Panay Island): English, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Aklanon. Kalibo: Rock Publishing, 2003. 919p.

Reyes, Vicente Salas, Nicolas L. Prado, R. David Paul Zorc. A Study of the Aklanon Dialect. Vol. 2: Dictionary. Kalibo, Aklan: Public Domain, 1969. 396p.

2. The second problem is the lack of encouragement and financial support from school administrators on the publication of their school organs.

3. Very few literature teachers in Aklan discuss the literary works of Aklanons writers in their literature classes.

4. There is a lack of literary contests in Aklan.

5. Workshops for creative writers are not held oftenly in Aklan especially for high school students, and those who are new in creative writing.

6. Lack of outlets for their outputs, although there are now blogspots.

What is next for Aklanon writers?

From the above statements, it is noticeable that Aklanon literature for children like nursery rhymes, and short stories, are very scarce. This writer hopes that this gap will soon be filled up by the present and future Aklanon writers.
It seems too that Aklanon contemporary writers will still write poetry, but mostly short poetry, like luwa and haiku.

As for the contents, Aklanon poets and fiction writers will still be writing poems, etc. with social relevance as they are still experiencing the impact of poverty, injustices, corruption, environmental degradation, and many other social issues.
In conclusion, Aklanon literature has a tradition to think of. Through the centuries, Aklanons have been writing different types of literature: poems, short stories, novels, riddles, songs, maxims, and legends. Through the internet Aklanon writers have been exposed to world literature particularly the short poems like haiku and tanka.

Sources:

Barrios, John E., Cichon, Melchor F., Jurilla, Jonathan P. and Teodoro, J. I. E., eds. Bigkas Binalaybay; Kritisismo, antolohiya. Iloilo City: Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Visayas and Pambansang Komisyon para sa Kultura at mga Sining, 2008. 171p.

Cichon, Melchor F. Belle Nabor: A Filipino Haijin. Posted November 28, 2005. http://www.akeanon.com/. Retrieved: April 16, 2006.

Cichon, Melchor F. Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada: Masiglang Lider Sa Muling Pag-Uswag Ng Malikhaing Panulat sa Western Visayas. Daluyan, the official publication of the Sentro Ng Wikang Filipino, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 8-11, 1994.

De Juan, Alexander C. Ang Pag-ahon Ng Nakasulat na Literaturang Aklanon. Daluyan, the official publication of the Sentro Ng Wikang Filipino, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, vol. 5, No. 2, pp.15-16, 1994.

De la Cruz, Beato. Contributions of the Aklan Mind to Philippine Literature. San Juan, Rizal: Kalantiao Press, 1958. 97p.

Deriada, Leoncio. Literature engineering in West Visayas. Forum, Opisyal na Pahayagan ng Universidad ng Pilipinas, March 28, 2006. http://www.up.edu.ph/forum/2000/03/28/litengg.html, retrieved: April 13, 2006.

Manyas, Peping Tansinko. Tagiposuon Nga Hueowaran. Daeang Rizal, Kalibo, Capiz. 1926. 26p. (Photo-copy)

Nabor, Fiorella I. “An Inquiry into the Ancient Inakeanon Writing System,” Silliman Journal, Ist Quarter, 1968, pp. 54-86 ((Photo-copy)

Reyes, Gabriel M. Toning. Mandurriao, Iloilo, 1925. 35p. (Photo-copy)

Tente Undoy. Mga Bilisad-n ni Tente Undoy. San Juan, Rizal, Kalantiaw Publications, Inc. 37p. (Photo-copy)
Posted by Melchor F. Cichon at 2:32 AM 0 comments
The Re-Emergence of Aklanon Literature

By
Melchor F. Cichon
Revised on June 23, 2007

(This article was based on the paper which this writer read during the First Provincial Conference on Aklanon History, Culture and Society, Second Floor, Capt. Gil M. Mijares Bldg., 19 Martyrs St., Kalibo, Aklan, April 21, 2006.)

The word Aklanon has two meanings. It may refer to the natives of Aklan and to their language.

Aklanon literature refers to all kinds of literary works in any languages written by Aklanons, either published or unpublished.

But it can also refer to the kind of literature written by Aklanons in their native language.

In this paper, unless stated, Aklanon literature refers to the kind of literature written by Aklanons in their own language.

For several decades now Aklanons have been writing literary pieces in Spanish, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a. Surprisingly, this writer has discovered that Aklanons have been writing poems in Aklanon since 1568.

In 1925, Gabriel M. Reyes published a novel, Toning. This 35-page novel in Hiligaynon was published by La Panayana. It’s last paragraph summarizes its story:

“Guincomosta niya si Toning, hinalucan ang bata sing catapusan, cag tumaliuan nga ualay guinbilin cundi ang masubo nga agui sang iya quinabuhi, nga nagapaguita sang mapait nga bunga sang bisio, cag con sa cay Toning nagapaquita man sang pagcaanyag sang virtud, cag pagcaquinahanglan sang caugdang sa isa ca babae sa bugos niya nga quinabuhi cag pagcahimtang.”

In 1926, Peping Tansinko Manyas published a short novel entitled Tagiposuon nga Hueowaran; Baeasahon Nga May Mataeupangdan. This 12-chapter novel tells about the heroic deeds of Pedring and his wife Pasing to free their fatherland from the colonizers.

Included in this work are the following poems by Manyas

“Sa Adlaw Nga Kinamatyan nay Doctor Jose Rizal”, dated December 1, 1913. This poem tells the significance of the death of Dr. Jose Rizal.


Here is the poem:

Sa Adlaw Nga Kinamatyan Nay Doctor Jose Rizal

Ni Peping Tansinko Manyas

Rizal, sa imong taeahurong eubnganan,
Nga binunyaga’t euha king ginikanan.
Sinubeaka’t matahum’g manga kabueakan;
Adlaw ngara, akon mang ginahaearan,
Ro imong mahimayaong eubongan,
Pag pamaeandong adlaw mong kinamatyan,
Pag panubos ku kalisdanang napas-an,
Ku banwang eumos sa kagha ag kaeupigan.
Dinuea, Rizal, kabuhi mo ag eawas,
Ku manga nag gahum’g, may gawing mapintas,
Apang ri’ng ngaean ag dugo nga umawas,
Nga sa kasakitan ku banwa humaw-as,
Sa among tagiposuon wa’t pag kaeugnas,
Rayang sinabod mong timgas nga eamigas,
Ay ro kaduemanan hay nabukeas,
Umiwag masigang Adlaw’t Pilipinas.
Rizal ro eubongan imo nga linugsad,
Wa mo kahilaki, kabuhing hinaead,
Sa kaeangitan imong pinanaad,
Dugo nimo nga inuea hay mamuad,
Maga kaaeaman nga ikabansag,
Nga maga hatud ku imong mga igmanghud,
Sa KAHIMAYAAN nimo nga gina hangad,
Ku banwa natong kueabos it paead.
Hinayhay sa atong manga kabukiran,
Sa makangongusbong adlaw mong kinamatyan,
Hayahay nga bumayaw ku kadungganan,
Ku Pilipinas naton nga naeueotan,
Nga pumadabdab sa katagiposuonan,
Ku paghigugma sa banwang binugtawan;
Kabay nga imaw mabanhaw it uman,
Agud maangkon ro KAHAMUNGAYAAN.
Rizal, banwa’y naga antus kalisdanan,
Tuksa ro eangitnon nimo nga pueuy-an:
Tueoka makasisin-it nang kahimtangan,
Sa sugong nang gina antus nga kasakitan,
Eawod nga euha anang gina eanguyan,
Krus hay maw ra ana nga gabayan,
Nga sa kapilitan imaw hay maeugdang,
Kon ku atong manga kadugo imaw pabay-an.
Rizal, rayang adlaw nimong kinamatyan,
Among gina tahud ag gina padungganan,
Ag pag tahud ku adlaw nga kinamatyan,
Ku Makagagahum ag Hari sa tanan,
Tungod nga rayang adlaw mong kinamatyan,
Binayaw ag tinahod ro katarungan,
Ku Pilipinas naton nga nahamut-an.

Kalibo, Akean, Diciembre 1, 1913.


@@@

Sa Araw Ng Kamatayan Ni Doctor Jose Rizal

Ni Peping Tansinko Manyas
Sinalin sa Filipino ni Melchor F. Cichon

Rizal, sa kagalanggalang ninyong libingan,
Na bininyagan ng luha ng inyong mga magulang,
Na namukadkaran ng magagandang bulaklak,
Sa araw na ito, hinahandugan ko,
Ang inyong maparaisong libingan,
Pinagmimilaymilayang araw ng inyong kamatayan,
Isang panubos ng kahirapang pinapasan,
Ng bayan na lunod sa kahirapan at kalupigan.
Niwala, Rizal, ang buhay at katawan mo,
Ng mga namahala, may gawaing mapintas,
Ngunit ang pangalan at dugo mong umawas,
Na sa kasakitan ng bayan lumisan,
Sa aming puso walang pagkakakupas,
Itong sinabog ninyong hinog na binhi,
Ang kadiliman ay nahablot,
Suminding maliwanag Araw ng Pilipinas.
Rizal ang himlayan mong kabilugan,
Hindi mo sinayang, buhay na inalay,
Sa kalangitan inyong pinanata,
Ang dugo ninyong ibinuhos ay tumubo,
Maging bantog na sagisag,
Na maghahatid sa inyong mga kapatid,
Sa minimithi ninyong KALANGITAN,
Ng bayan nating kulang ng kapalaran.
Hinayhay sa ating kabundukan,
Sa kalungkot-lungkot na araw ng inyong kamatayan,
Bandila na nagpaangat ng dangal,
Ng Pilipinas na ating minamahal,
Na nagpaalab ng ating puso,
Ng pag-ibig sa bayang kinagisnan;
Sana’y muli siyang mabuhay,
Para maangkin ang KATIWASAYAN.
Rizal, ang bayan ay nagtitiis ng kahirapan,
Tanungin ang kalangitang inyong tirahan:
Tingnan ang nakakalungkot na kalagayan,
Sa labis na hapdi na dinudusa,
Dagat ng luha ang kanyang linalanguyan,
Krus ang kanyang gabayan,
Na kung wala ng magawa siya ay malunod,
Kung ang ating mga kadugo siya’y pababayaan.
Rizal, itong araw ng inyong kamatayan,
Aming ginagalang at pinaparangalan,
At ang paggalang sa araw ng inyong kamatayan,
Ng Maykapal at Hari ng lahat,
Dahil itong araw ng inyong kamatayan,
Tinaas at pinarangalan ang katarungan,
Ng Pilipinas na ating kinagigiliwan.

Kalibo, Aklan, December 1, 1913.

@@@

“Haead Sa Adlaw Nga Kinamatyan Ku Napueo Ag Siyam Sa Akean”, 1913. This relates to the death of the 19 Martyrs of Aklan. The English version of this poem was published in the book Hiligayon Literature: Texts and Contexts (1992) edited by Lucila V. Hosillos.
Here is the Aklanon version:

Haead Sa Adlaw Nga Kinamatyan Ku Napueo Ag Siyam Sa Akean


Ni
Peping Tansinko Manyas

Makangingidlis, mamingaw nga kaaganhon,
Ro pomukaw sa inyo nga katoeugon,
Inyo nga gin bugtawan…Ay!...Kamatayon,
Gin tangisan it abung tagiposuon,
Ro inantus ninyong kasakit nga sugong,
Ku pag euwas sa Banwang kaugalingon.
Himaya kamon ro adlaw ngarandaya,
Nabukeas tabon sa among mata;
Sa inyong pag kamatay, kami kumilaea,
Ku pag higugma sa binugtawang banwa,
Eamigas ro inyo nga sinabod ngara,
Nga among gina palangga ag gina higugma.
Bulahan ro inyong manga kapaearan,
Ngani kamo among gina padunggan,
Himpit, tunay amon nga gina haearan
Ro adlaw ngara nga inyong kinamatyan,
It bugana nga manga kalipayan,
Ag among gina hadkan ro inyong eubongan. (1926)

@@

Handog Sa Araw Ng Kamatayan Ng Labingsiyam sa Aklan

Ni
Peping Tansinko Manyas

Sinalin sa Filipino ni Melchor F. Cichon

Nakakangilabot, nakakalungkot na madaling araw,
Ang pumukaw sa inyong pagkakatulog,
Ang inyong ginisingan..Ay!..Kamatayan,
Iniyakan ng maraming puso,
Ang sobra-sobrang sakit na inyong kinikimkim,
Sa paglayo sa sariling Bayan.
Langit sa amin ang araw na ito,
Hinablot ang takip sa aming mata;
Ang inyong kamatayan, aming natanto,
Ang pagmahal sa kinagisnang bayan.
Binhi ang inyong sinabod nito,
Na aming itinatangi at minamahal.
Banal ang inyong kapalaran,
Kaya kayo aming pinaparangalan,
Marubdob, tunay ang aming handog,
Ang araw nitong inyong kamatayan,
Ng labis na kaligayahan,
At aming hinahagkan ang inyong himlayan. (1926)

@@@
Kaeantahon nga Pilipinhon” (Marcha Nacional Filipina), Sinueat nay G. Jose Palma; Gin Inakeanon nay G. Peping Tansinko Manyas, Musika nay G. Julian Felipe. This is the first Aklanon translation of the Philippine National Anthem.

Kaeantahon Nga Pilipinhon
(Marcha Nacional Filipina)

Sinueat Nay
G. Jose Palma
Gin Inakeanon Nay
G. Peping Tansinko Manyas
Musica Nay
G. Julian Felipe

Eugtang nahagugmaan,
Mutya't adlaw sa Sidlangan,
Eakas nang kasilaw,
Kimo'y naga parayaw
Eugtang maparayawon,
Natawhan't mga tawong bantugan,
Manga ibang nasyon,
Ikaw paga tahuron.

II
Sa eangit kimong gatimbang,
Sa bukid, kadagatan.
Wasaag ag hangad ku tanan,
Ro imong Katimawaan.
Ro imong hayahay nga sa pakig-awayan,
Naga banaag,
Di nimo paeung makit-an.
Anang Adlaw ag Kabituonan.

III

Eugta't kalipayan ag pag hiliuyon,
Kimo'y hamungaya mag pahimunong;
Sa imong manga inunga himaya,
Mag pagin-matay kon ikaw eupigon.

“Haead Sa Pahayagang “Ro Akeanon”, April 26, 1913. This poem highlights the contributions of this newspaper to the development of Aklan.

“Sa Manga Kadaeagahan; Mga Tubo Sa Akean”, April, 1914. This poem relates the beauty of Aklanon ladies who are ready to offer their lives for their country.

Also in this book is Manyas’ translation of the Spanish poem by Manuel Laserna entitled: Eugta’ng Nahamut-an (Sinueat nay Manuel Laserna.) Its original Spanish version is also found in this book.

Here are the two versions of this poem. The Aklanon version is followed by the Spanish version.
Eugta’ng Nahamut-an

Ni Manuel Laserna

Hamut-ang Pilipinas,
Eugta nga naeueotan,
Kadalig ku imong ngaean,
Banwang nahagugmaan.
Sa handung ku hayahay,
Nga may adlaw ag bituon,
Gapusog tagiposuon
Nga sa kaeuwasan gutom.
Banwang gina mahae ag nahamut-an,
Kimo ko gina paarag tanan,
Manggad ag kusog pati kaaeaman,
Sa pag tinguha imong kalipayan.
Kong ra akong dugo pa kinahangean,
Sa pag eubos ku imng kaeuwasan,
Kabuhi indi pag kahilakan,
Kimo ko gina haead tanan.
Here is the Spanish version:
Quirida Filipina
Querida Filipina,
Tierra earisima,
Cuan dulce es tu nombre,
Patria amada.
BAjo la sombra de tu bandera,
Con sol y estrellas,
El Corazon palpita sediento de libertad.
Patria de mis amores,
Por y para ti ofrezco,
Salud y ciencia por lograr tu libertad.
Si mi sangre, salud y ciencia por lograr tu libertad.
Si mi sangre aun es necesaria para tu felicidad,
La vida es nada! Morir quisiera:
Todo per ti, hasta la mas cara.

Note: The title of the Spanish version was supplied by this writer.

In 1957, Tente Undoy published Mga Bilisad-on. This includes 105 maxims in Akeanon.

This is how Tente Undoy describes bilisad-on or maxim:

“Ro bilisad-on hay mga matimgas ag matadlong nga bisaea nga hanungod sa mga kamatuoran sa kinabuhi sa ibabaw it kalibutan. Ro anang kusog ku rondayang mga kamatuoran naga patadlong ku tiku nga ugali; nagapapatagumpa-aw it paino-inong nahahababaeanga sa pag pangabuhi nga pa tunyo-tunyo; nagapabugtaw it nagakinatueog nga mga taw sa andang damguhanon; nagapapalipay it maayadayad sa linaw it kalisdanan; nagata-o it pasalig sa tagipusu-on nga naga pabaya eonlang sa hunod it maea-in nga paead; ag nagatuytoy sa daean nga gina iwagan it owa naga amamaeong nga kahayag it sidlangan.”

Here are some of them (unedited):Item 7. Ro pinaligos nga ugali mabudlay mabanlawan. Ro kaeangsa ku hugom it ugaling watsayud ginakangil-ad it kadagayaan.
Ang pinaligong ugali ay mahirap mabanlawan. Ang malangsang amoy ng maling ugaling ay pinagkakadirian ng karamihan.

Item No. 11. Kinahangean nga duea-on ta ro pagkahadluk sa atong painoino ay kun ro tawo ma-unahan it kahadluk sa atubangan it disgrasya, naduea eagi ro katunga ku anang kusog sa eawas ag kapagsik ka hibaeo.
Kailangan iwaksi natin sa ating isipan ang pagkatakot dahil kung ang tao’y maunahan ng takot sa harap ng disgrasya, mawala kaagad ang kalahati n gating lakas at kaliksi ng kaalaman.

Item No. 62. Ayaw pag matamataha o sikasika-a ro makita mong parang minimong tawong sumaeangdo sa imong tangpaan ay indi mo masayran kun mas tampapaw pa ro ana ko imong baean-an o kabusali-an
Huwag mong mata-matahin o liit-liitin ang isang taong sa akala mo’y aba na dumating sa inyong tanggapan at baka mas umaapaw pa ang sa kanya sa iyong bayong o kabusali-an.

Item No. 64. Tanan ro butang riya sa kalibutan may pagea-in sa datihan. Busa, atong nanid-an nga owat matulis nga indi masumpo,owat mataeas nga indi mag umae.
Lahat na bagay rito sa daigdig nagbabago. Kaya, ating tandaan na walang matulis na hindi mapuputolan ng dulo, walang matalas na hindi pupurol.

Item No. 105. Ponggan mo ring kaila kon ro imong naila-an nga bagay indo nimo mabu-oe sa matawhay ag matarung nga pag hingoha. Ayaw pag gamiti it paagi nga gina himo eamang kung sapat nga owa it paino-ino ag hibaeo. Kun hilipatan nimo ra, kamana man it sapat ro pag hayga ag pag kabig kimo.
Tigilan mo ang iyong kagustuhan kung ang bagay na hindi mo makuha sa matiwasay at legal na paraan. Huwag mong gamitin ang mga paraan na hayop na walang matinong pag-iisip lamang ang gumagawa. Kung makalimutan mo ito katulad ka rin ng hayop.

We can see some of the old Aklanon poems in the book Contribution of Aklanon Minds to Philippine Literature by Beato de la Cruz.

But the oldest Aklanon poem that this writer has known is The “Song of Balinganga”

Nabor (1968) gives us a good background of this poem:

The “Song of Balinganga”

“Other than the syllabary itself, the most antiquated sample of Old Inakeanon writing that we have so far is the 1911 reproduction made by Capitan Juan Orbista of the 1725 Moysing reproduction of the 1568 Kabanyag reproduction of the original “Song of Balinganga.”

According to tradition, the original and the rest of its copies were written on hardwood (amaga) tablets.

The Juan Orbista reproduction was submitted by Apolinar Orbista, Sr., eldest son of the former, to the chairman of the Aklaniana Research Society in appropriate ceremonies held at the Aklan College Auditorium in 1962.

In his manuscript, Orbista (the elder) explains that his reproduction is but a hokwa or a copy of a writing which goes back to Balinganga, The Orbista Ms. contains a number of other songs and poems in Inakeanon writing, It also contains Orbista’s transcription of the famous Code of Kalantiaw from the original syllabic writing system into contemporary Inakeanon graphics.”

Here is the poem:

Hambae Inakeanon
I

Hambae Inakeanon
Manat saeaysayon
Hanongod sa dato,
Nga si Bangkaya,
Ag anang asawa,
Imaw si Katorong,
Kat sanda nga daywa
Mga bataon pa.

II

Sanda hay nagkita
Sa sangka daeanon,
Daeagang malangya
Miron nga dongganon:
Ag sanglit gaoy eon
Rato nga daeaga,
Pomaeapit dayon
Datong miron kana.

III

Singpit nat dayon
Nga kana omaba,
Agod di gaoyon,
Makapahoway pa.
Dayon na nga abhon
Ay mana eat opa,
Kono, kabog-at na
Kato nga daeaga.

IV
Naghinadya dayon
Miron ag daeaga:
Nagpanaw sa nayon
Kon tawgon Tawaya
Nag-abot panag-on
Sanda nag-asawa,
Nagin malipayon
Pangabohi nanda.


@@@
Salitang Aklanon

I

Salitang Aklanon

Ating isaysay
Hinggil sa isang dato,
Nga si Bangkaya,
At ang kanyang asawa,
Siya’y so Katorong,
Ng silang dalawa pa’y
Mga bata pa.


II

Sila’y nagkita
Sa isang daan,
Dalagang malangya
Binatang kagalang-galang:
At dahil pagod na
Yaong dalaga,
Agad linapitan
Ang binata sa kanya.

III

Agad
Siyang umaba,
Para hindi mapagod,
At makapagpahinga pa.
Agad niya inaba
Agalang kasing bigat ng upa,
Pero, anong bigat pala
Yaong dalaga.

IV

Agad nagsaya
Ang binata’t dalaga:
Pumunta sa nayon
Kung tawagin ay Tawaya.
Dumating ang mga taon
At sila’y nag-asawa.
Naging maligaya
Ang pagsasama nila.

Salin sa Filipino ni Melchor F. Cichon

@@@

The Aklanon oral literature are found in our luwa, riddles, legends, proverbs, and composo.

Luwa is a form of poetry that is usually written in four lines. It used to be the first stanza of corrido, that kind of poetry that relates the exploits of kings and princes.


Because luwa were recited in the wakes as a part of a punishment to whoever is the loser in a game like konggit, truth or consequence, and bordon, they are very much appreciated if the lines have rhymes, rhythms, and humor.

Luwa have aaaa,aabb, and abab rhyme structure. Occasionally, we can find luwa that have abcd endings.


Example of an aaaa rhyme:

Pag-agto ko sa Ibajay
May hakita ako nga patay
Ginbagting ko ra eagay
Mas mabaskog pa sa lingganay.—Unknown

Ng pumunta ako sa Ibajay
May nakita akong patay
Binagting ko ang kanyang bayag
Mas malakas pa kay sa batingaw.--Unknown


For the aabb example:

Pag-agto ko sa bukid
Nakakita ako it ibid;
Paglingot ko sa waea
Gatueok kakon rang nobya.--Melchor F. Cichon

Ng pumunta ako sa bundok
Nakakita ako ng bayawak;
Ng tumingin ako sa aking likuran
Nakatingin sa akin ang aking nobya.—Melchor F. Cichon


For the abab ending, here is an example.

Igto sa bukid
May busay nga naga-ilig;
Kon magpaligos igto si Ismid
May daeang butong nga binulig.--Melchor F. Cichon

Doon sa bundok
May batis na dumadaloy;
Kung maligo roon si Ismid
May dalang buko na isang buwig.

And for abcd scheme, here is an example:

Sa imong pagtaliwan,
Ro eangit nag-euha;
Apang ro haaywan mong silak,
Amon gid nga kumkum-kumkumon. --Melchor F. Cichon

Sa iyong paglisan,
Ang langit ay lumuha;
Ngunit ang naiwan mong silahis,
Ay aming kikimkimin.--Translated by Melchor F. Cichon


There are bawdy luwas, but they are full of imagery. Here is an example:

Pag-agto ko sa Boracay
Napusa ro anang tuway;
Pagkasayod ka anang nanay,
Ana imaw nga ginminueay.--Melchor F. Cichon

Ng pumunta ako sa Boracay
Nabasag ang kanyang tuway;
Ng malaman ng kanyang nanay,
Minura siya ng minura.

There are luwa that have double meanings. These are the luwas that belong to the adults, if they can decipher the meaning. Here two examples.

Masupsup kunta ako
Sa maisot mo nga tuway
Ugaling ra diperensya
May guardia nga anay. --Melchor F. Cichon

Masipsisp sana ako
Ng maliit mong tuway
Kaya lang may dipirensiya
May gwardya sibil sa gitna.


Maligos kunta ako
Sa maisot mo nga sapa
Ugaling ro kinasaea
May guardia civil sa tunga.--Melchor F. Cichon

Maliligo sana ako
Sa maliit mong sapa
Ang mali lang
May gwardya sibil sa gitna.


There are luwa that are really metaphysical. Here is one:

Kon gusto mo gid man ako
Nga mangin nobya mo;
Ro adlaw imo nga tukuran
Agod indi kita madueman.--Melchor F. Cichon

Kung talagang mo ako
Na maging nobya mo,
Ang araw ay tukuran mo
Upang hindi tayo didilim.—Melchor F. Cichon

Here are some contemporary luwa with traditional undertone.

Luwa:

Nag-agto ako sa Ibajay
Masadya gid anang bay-bay
Owa ako it oras nga magtampisaw
Ay ro barko eon hay mapanaw.—Badjao


Pumunta ako sa Ibajay
Masaya ang kanyang dalampasigan
Wala akong panahon na magtampisaw
Dahil ang barko’y aalis na. Translated by Melchor F. Cichon

Nagpanindahan ako sa Malinao
Kaibahan ko si Tatay
Nagbakae it bolinao
Pasalubong kay nanay.--Losally R. Navarro

Namalingki ako sa Malinao
Kasama ko si Tatay
Bumili ng dilis
Pamaskwa kay nanay—Translated by Melchor F. Cichon


Manami kunta tan-awon
Kitang mga Pilipino nagahugpong;
Paano kita magtililipon
Ay owa’t trabaho sa aton.--Ni Bugoy

Maganda sanang tingnan
Na kitang mga Filipino’y magkasama-sama;
Ngunit papaano kita magkasama-sama
Dahil wala naming trabaho sa atin..Translated by Melchor F. Cichon


Kon fiesta sa Lezo,
Ro tagbaeay owa eon gaabison
Basta bukas ro andang pwertahan
Sueod, kumaon nga owa’t dahan.--ni.Jay Jose Feliciano

Kung piyesta sa Lezo,
Ang mamay-ari ng bahay ay hindi na nagsasabi
Basta’t bukas ang kanilang pintuan
Pasok, kain ng walang pakundangan. –Translated by Melchor F. Cichon

Patugmahanon

Like any other people, Aklanons like riddles. Here are some of them.

ANWANG
Magueang eon si Isyang indi pa gihapon kantigo mag-iwang.
Matanda na si Isyang hindi pa rin marunong malinis ng puwit.

ARITOS
Daywa ka itlog, gakabit-kabit.
Dalawang itlog, bumibitin-bitin.

Kon gapasueod, masakit; kon sa sueod eon, nagapamamit.
Kung ipinapasok, masakit; kung nasa loob na, nagpapasarap.

ASWETE
Ro kaeo ni Esko, puno it bueawan.
Ang sombrero ni Esko, puno ng ginto.

Maitum ag boebueon, mapuea kon busikaron.
Maitim at mabalahibo, mapula kung busisikin.

ATIS
Batsihon ra ueo, pero ra utok manami supsupon.
Mabatsi ang ulo, ngunit ang utak nito masarap sipsipin.

Si San Pedro, gueoson ra ueo.
Si Pedro, galisin ang ulo.

BABA
Bubon nga madueom, puno it sanduko.
Balon na malalim, puno ng itak.

Bubon nga madaeum, puno it espada.
Balon na malalim, puno ng espada.

Mga Hueobaton
Mga Kasabihan

Like any other riddles, Aklanon riddles serve as reminder to everyone. Here are some of them:

Babaye, madanlog ro atong kalibutan.
Magdahan ka gid ay basi ka hidaphag
Ag ro imong alima hay maeapukan.

Babae, madulas an gating daigdig.
Dahan-dahan lang at baka kayo’y madapa
At ‘yong kamay ay maputikan.—Translated by Melchor F. Cicon

Babaye, ring kadungganan haeongi
Agod ring mga unga
Indi magpanunod king kahueoy-anan.

Babae, ingatan ang inyong karangalan
Upang ang mga anak ninyo’y
Hindi magmamana ng inyong kahiyaan.-- Translated by Melchor F. Cichon

Baeay man nga bato
Kon ro gaestar hay demonyo,
Mas mayad pa ro kubo
Kon ro gaestar hay tawo.

Bahay man na bato
Kung ang nakatira’y demonyo
Mas mabuti pa ang kubo
Kung ang nakatira ay tao.—Translated by Melchor F. Cichon

Bag-o himuon ro anong butang,
Hunahunaa anay ro imong abutan.

Bago gawin ang ano mang bagay,
Pag-aralan muna kung ano ang mararatnan.

Bag-o ka magkaon,
Panumduma ro nagta-o kimo.

Bago ka kumain,
Ala-alanin mo muna kung sino ang nagbigay nito sa iyo.

Bag-ong hari, bag-ong ugali.

Bagong hari, bagong ugali.

Bag-ong pare, bag-ong paagi’t pagsermon.
Bagong pare, bagong paaran sa pagsesermon.

Bangud sa gugma
Nahimo nga ikog si Maria.
Dahil sa pag-ibig
Nagging buntot si Maria.


Basta bata, gahuro-huro pa.

Basta bata, hagmamadali pa.

Basta kutikot,
Masyadong mahaeang.

Basta kutikot,
Napakahanghang.

Basta umpisa malisod.

Basta simula, mahirap.


Bisan alinon mo nga paksi
Ay pinaligos nga ugali.

Kahit anong punit,
Dahil pinaligong ugali.

Bisan alinon nga pagtago it baga,
Madabdab ay kaeayo.

Kahit anong tago ng baga,
Aalab dahil apoy.

Bisan ano kadueom
May kasanag.

Kahit anong dilim
May liwanag.

Bisan ano kahaba ku eubid
May utbong gid.

Kahit anogn haba ng sinulid,
May dulo.

Bisan ano kahaba nga prosesyon
Sa simbahan man gihapon madayon.

Kahit anong haba ng porsisyon,
Sa simbahan pa rin ang tuloy.

Bisan ano kapait patam-isa eang.

Kahit anong pait, patamisin lang

Bisan ano katig-a
May parti gid nga mahumok.

Kahit anong tigas,
May parti pa rin yang malambot.


Komposo are folk songs.

Aklanon folk songs deal on environment like the following:


MAMUGON

Mamugon ako, mamugon
Sa tawo nga manggaranon;
Alas dos ako pakan-on, ay, ay,
Orasyon ako paulion.
Pag-abot ko man sa baeay,
Mangayo ako it humay;
Tinuro ako ni Tatay, ay, ay,
Una sa eusong ro paeay.
Alinon ko man ro paeay,
Eawas ko karon ginabudlay;
Kon buhi kunta si Nanay, ay,.ay,
Makaon ako, mapahuway.


Magtratrabaho

Magtratrabaho ako, magtratrabaho
Sa bahay ng mayaman;
Alas dos ako pakainin, ay, ay,
Orasyon ako pauwiin.
Pagdating ko sa bahay,
Hihingi ako ng kanin,
Tinuro ako ni Tatay, ay,ay,
Nariyan sa lusong ang palay.
Aanhin ko ang palay,
Katawan ko’y mahina na.
Kung sana narito si Nanay, ay, ay.
Kakain ako’t magpahinga.




MAGMAMANI

Kaming magmamani, duro sa kaimoe;
Kaming magmamani, nga makaeueuoy;
Kaming magmamani, nga owa't ikasuboe;
Among ginapakita ro mehoras namon sa Daja.
Ay sa kailo kaming magmamani,
Birang do among saya, kulintas nga mani;
Singsing ag pulseras, aritos nga mani,
Among ginapakita ro mehoras namon sa Daja.

Magmamani

Kaming magmamani, maraming kakulangan;
Kaming magmamani ay nakakaawa;
Kaming magmamani na walang kakayahan;
Aming pinapakita ang aming mehoras sa Daja.
Dahil sa kahirapan naming magmamani,
Birang ang aming saya, kwintas nami’y mani
Singsing at pulsera, hikaw na mani,
Aming pinapakita ang mehoras namin sa Daja.

TIKWI! ABAW RONG BANUG*

Tikwi! Abaw rong Banug
Nga nagbalik sa ginpukanan.
Siniba ni Bukbulilaw,
Nga batadbataran.

Agila! Aba Ang Agila

Agila! Aba ang Agila
Na bumalik sa pinutulan.
Siniba ni Bukbulilaw,
Na batadbataran.

NAGTANUM AKO’T PINYA*

Nagtanum ako’t pinya,
Sa binit it karsada;
Umagi ro maistra,
“Good morning, maayong aga.”
“O Nanay, O Tatay,
Tagai ako’t piso.
Ginaalin do piso?
Ibakae it aritos!
Aritos nga moda,
Angay gid sa daeaga;
Daeagang aeon-eaon,
Angay gid pangasaw-on.

Nagtanim Ako Ng Pinya

Nagtanim ako ng pinya,
Sa tabi ng kalsada,
Dumaan ang maestro,
“Good morning, magandang umaga”
O Nanay, O Tatay,
Bigyan ninyo ng piso
Aanhin ang piso?
Ibibili ko ng hikaw!
Hikaw na moda,
Bagay na bagay sa dalaga;
Dalagang matanda
Bagay na asasawahin.


PINPIN DE SIRAPIN 3

Pinpin di sirapin
Kutsilyo de almacin
Haw-haw di karabaw
Batutin
Sayang pula, tatlong pera
Sayang puti, tatlong salapi
Tigbak, buang, binunu, aswang.

Pinpin de Sirapin

Pinpin de sirapin
Kutsilyo de almasin
Haw-haw di kalabaw
Batutin.
Sayang pula, tatlong pera
Sayang puti, tatlong salapi.
Tigbak, buang, sinaksak, aswang.


As for the Aklanon written literature, we find them in longer poems, short stories, novels, essays, and lately haiku.

Except for riddles, composo, proverbs and luwa, most of the Aklanon written poetry, legends and short stories are in English. This is understandable because there were no venues for Aklanon literature. If there were they were very limited. We have for example the Aklan Reporter published and edited by Mr. Roman de la Cruz that used to publish Aklanon short stories. Or those who have the means would just publish their own works.

As a result most of the Aklanon writers would contribute their pieces to national magazines like the Philippines Free Press, Liwayway and Sunday Times Magazine. But the competition in these magazines is very stiff.

After the 1986 EDSA Revolution came a new literary revolution in Western Visayas.

Spearheaded by Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada, a former professor in literature at the U.P. in the Visayas, a literary revolution took place almost simultaneously in Iloilo, Antique, and Aklan.

Through his encouragement and with funding from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and later through the Presidential Commission for Culture and the Arts, which later gave way for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), writers in these provinces started to write poems and short stories in Ilonggo, Kinaray-a and in Aklanons.

The NCCA encouraged the establishments of local arts councils and subsidized conferences, workshops and publication. It also awarded writing grants and venue grants. Two of these writers who availed of these writing grants were Prof. John Barrios and this writer. The Bishop Gabriel Reyes Foundation also availed of these grants.

Dr. Deriada’s “political approach” to encourage local writers to write in their own languages was effective. He said this to Kinaray-a writers.

“My politicizing would begin by my saying: There is no such thing as a superior language. No one can give power and dignity to your language except you. Your language has dignity and power if you can do three things with it: sing your songs in it, compose your poems in it, and pray in it. If you can do these in Kinaray-a, then your language is the same level as any language in the world.”

Later, he used the same approach to Aklanon writers.

After conducting creative writing workshops and contests among Ilonggo and Kinaray-a writers, Dr. Deriada continued his crusade to Aklan. Here is how he practically twisted the arms of Aklanon writers to write in Aklanon:

“Liberating itself likewise from literary oblivion was Aklanon. Just as the Antiquenos were forming Tabig, emerging Aklanon writers also formed the Aklanon Literary Circle in Kalibo. Spearheading this was Melchor F. Cichon, a librarian at UP Visayas. Ably assisting him was UP Visayas student John E. Barrios.

“In my various workshops in Iloilo, Cichon had been there listening to the things I was telling Kinaray-a writers to challenge them. Cichon - and Barrios - took the challenge and soon the Aklan issue of Ani, which I edited with Cichon, et al., was published by the CCP and launched in Kalibo in early 1993. Cichon, who was by then writing in English and Tagalog-based Filipino, turned out to be the leading poet in his language and has the distinction of being the first Aklanon ever to publish a book of poems in his own language. Eventually, Cichon and Barrios won writing grants from the CCP.”

The first creative writing workshop held in Kalibo, Aklan was on November 9-10, 1991 under the leadership of Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada. It was sponsored by the newly established Aklanon writers, the Akeanon Literary Circle. On January 28, 1994, the first issue of Bueabod, the literary journal of Akeanon Literary Circle, was launched in Kalibo, Aklan. . It was in the same occasion when the special Aklanon Issue of Ani was launched.

Aside from encouraging the writers in Western Visayas to write, he also encouraged them to enter into a literary contest. One of these contests is the Bigkas Binalaybay.

This annual poetry written and oral competitions have produced a considerable number of poems in Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, Filipino and Aklanon.

Through the years, Aklanon poets have been winning in this contest. This includes Melchor F. Cichon, Rommel Constantino, Alexander de Juan, Rocky Abello, Antonio F. Tolentino, and June Mijares. Their winning entries are included in this book.

When the Aklanon Literary Circle (ALC) was formed in the 1990s, Melchor Cichon, John Barrios and Alexander de Juan put up Bueabod, the literary journal of ALC. It was a one-page mimeograph or photo-copied journal. In this journal some contemporary Aklanon poets like John Barrios, Pett Candido, Alexander de Juan, Jeoffrey Ricafuente, Rommel Constantino and others contributed poems. It was also in this journal where the Aklanon poems of Dominador Ilio and Roman de la Cruz first appeared. Both writers are considered the finest among the elder Aklanon English writers.

Here is a poem by Dominador Ilio:

Bita

Ang matinik na taniman ng bata
(Ang kanyang mapait na balat ng kahoy
pinapakuluan
Ay kasing dilim ng nuong unang libingan
Na tinatawag na Bita
Ang bahay ng tatlong magkakapatid
Na sina Anacleta, Josefa at Lorenza
Ay nariyan sa maputik na daanan sa Bita.
Ang bahay ng apat na magkakapatid na lalaki
Na sina Manuel, Tomas at si Amadeo,
At si Jose ay nariyan din sa daan sa Bita.
Lahat sila’y nagsabi na sila’y maninirahan sa malayo,
Mas malayo kaysa Bita.

Kaya’t inasawa ni Amadeo si Ancleta
At nagbungaw ng patag sa Kabangkat,
Dinala ni Manuel si Josefa at doon
Nagpatayo ng bahay sa bundok ng San Dimas,
Inasawa ni Tomas si Lorenzo at sa Kogon
Nagtanim sila ng maraming luya at linga
Si Jose natapon sa Patnongon sa Antique
At doon nakapag-asawa at hindi na nakabalik sa Bita.

Ngunit sa katagalan, ang kanilang mga anak
Ang naghatid pabalik sa Bita.

@@@

Bita

Ro masi-ut nga katamnan it bita
(ro anang mapait nga panit it kahoy
Gina ea-ga para bueong sa takig)
pinapakuluan
Hay kadueom ku kinaunang eubnganan
Nga gintawag nga Bita.
Ro baeay ku tatlong magmanghod
Nga si Anacleta, si Josefa ag si Lorenza
Hay una sa maeunang nga aeagyan sa Bita.
Ro baeay ku ap-at nga eaking magmanghud
Nga si Manuel, si Tomas, si Amadeo,
Ag si Jose una man sa daean pa Bita.
Sanda tanan nagsaad nga mamuyo sa maeayo,
Sa maeayo-eayo sa Bita.

Ngani pinangasawa ni Amadeo si Anacleta
Ag nagbungkae sanda it patag sa Kabangkat,
Si Manuel dinaea nana s Josefa ag idto
Nagbaeay ag nanguma sa bukid it San Dimas,
Pinangasawa ni Tomas si Lorenza ag sa Kogon
Nananum sanda it abung euy-a ag eunga
Si Jose inapok sa Patnongon sa Antique
Idto nangasawa ag wag id hibalik sa Bita.

Apang sa kabuhayan, ro andang mga inunga
Ro nag hatud kanda tanan balik sa Bita.

@@@
Here is one of the Aklanon poems of Roman de la Cruz:

Panaeambiton
Tampuean mo ku imong
Mainit-init nga paead
Ro maeamig ko nga likod
Ag tug-anan mo ako
Nga indi mo eon pag-aywan.
Tamda ro atong kahapon
Kat owa ka pa magtugbong sa syudad.
Nagsumpaan kita nga magmaeahaean
Hasta sa kamatayon
Suno sa kudlit ku atong paead.
Kon pumanaw ka it uman
Kahil-o man dayang gugma.
Ako magataliwan
It dayon.

Kasabihan

Tapalan mo ng iyong
Mainit-init na palad
Ang malamig kong likod
At sabihan mo ako
Na hindi mo na akong iwan.
Balikan mo ang ating kahapon
Ng hindi ka pa nakaapak ng lungsod.
Nagsumpaan tayong magmamahalan
Hanggang kamatayan
Ayon sa guhit ng ating palad.
Kung sakaling umalis ka uli
Kawawa namang itong pag-ibig.
Ako’y papanaw
Agad.


Many of the poems published in this journal were anthologized in Patubas, Ani (Aklanon issue), and in Mantala. Some of them were selected as best poems of the month by Mr. Isagani Cruz in his column Critic at Large.

From 1986 to 2000, three books were published by NCCA edited by Dr. Deriada et al. which included Aklanon poems. One of these books is the Ani Aklanon issue. In 1999, the book by Melchor F. Cichon, Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii ? (Bakit Madilim Ang Gabi?) was published.

The books on poetry by Bellysarius de la Cruz came out within this period. These are With Hope Undying (1988); Earth Glare (1994) and Poems in Praise of God (1997) In 2000, the novel of Roman de la Cruz, Life with the Family; a folk autobiographical novel came out.

In 1998, five Aklanon short stories were published in the book: Selebrasyon at Lamentasyon: Antolohiya ng Maikling Kuwento ng Panay edited by Carmen L. de los Santos, Ma. Milagros G. Lachica and John E. Barrios.

A breakthrough came out in 2002 when the first Aklanon haiku written by this writer came out in SanAg, the literary journal of the Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Desk, University of San Agustin.


Here are three of the five haiku:

katueondon—
ro asul nga kahayag
gaagi eampas sa kalibutan

takip-silim—
ang asul na liwanag
dumaraan lampas sa daigdig

**
tungang gabi-i—
ro eaking unga gapakalimos
sa baybaon it Boracay

hating-gabi—
ang batang lalaki nagpapalimos
sa dalampasigan ng Boracay
**
katueondon—
si Flor nag-uli halin sa Singapore
sa sueod it kahon

takip-silim
umuwi si Flor mulang Singapore
sa loob ng kahon


Another breakthrough in Aklanon literature took place in 2002 when the haiku by this writer was published in Heron’s Nest, an international haiku journal based in America. (see the haiku below).

Another breakthrough in Aklanon literature took place in 2005 when the first Aklanon collection of short stories by Prof. John E. Barrios, Engkan(aw)o ag iba pa nga tag-ud nga istorya came out.

When the Aklanon Literary Circle was formed, almost all the members then were college students like John Barrios, Alex de Juan, Jeoffrey Villafuente, and Rommel Constantino. The youngest was Am. He was still a high school student then.

But after their graduation, Bueabod hibernated for almost a decade.

While Bueabod was hibernating, a new writing venue was evolving in the Philippines. This is the internet.

And with the internet, a new kind of Aklanon literature evolved. This is what is now known as the Aklanon virtual literature.

Through the internet new Aklanon writers were discovered and new types of poems were added to Aklanon literature. These are haiku, senryu, and tanka. These are all Japanese types of short poems which had never been utilized by Aklanon writers until the new millennium.

As mentioned earlier, the new crop of Aklanon poets came out as a result of the appearance of this website: http://www.my.akeanon.com/.

This website was created by a group of young Aklanons where Aklanons from different parts of the globe can exchange ideas.

In this website, many Aklanons posted their opinions on how to further develop Aklan. Some of the contributors include beeSPUNKY in Canada, bugoy in Federated States of Micronesia, Cinderella in Alaska, USA, ember in Manila, Gumamila in Iloilo, kal in Alaska, miss-terryosa in Iloilo City, SunflowR in Florida, USA, Swiss in Switzerland, Toryo in one of the states in USA, water sprite , in Manila, yamanitoshi in Makati, Manila, and Maeara, in Iloilo. All of them are Aklanons and have one common desire—to write essays and poems.

All the contributors used aliases.

Then a certain Badjao opened a new thread in my.akeanon.com. He called it Iskul Bukol.

In this thread, some of the above contributors posted poems in Inakeanon. Noting that the so-called poems posted in this new thread needed rewriting, Maeara posted some comments to improve their works.

Then SunflowR posted a haiku written by Melchor F. Cichon from Heron’s Nest, an online haiku journal based in America.

Here is the copy of that haiku. It is a poem on the impact of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo to a town in Pampanga: And this is the first haiku published in an international journal written by an Aklanon

Sunday morning—
a boy digs in the mud
that buried a cathedral

Linggo ng umaga—
humuhukay ang batang lalaki
ng lupang bumaon ng katedral
Heron’s Nest, Vol. IV, No. 9: September, 2002

Through a suggestion, Maeara agreed to conduct a virtual poetry workshop.

Adopting the technique used by Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada in creative writing workshops, this writer suggested to them that they first write and post their haiku, luwa, or longer poems in my.akeanon.com website.

And they did post their contributions in this website.

Every Saturday, this writer collected their works, wrote his comments on them and then posted the original and the corrected ones.

The result of that virtual workshop is the book: Haiku, Luwa and Other Poems Written by Aklanons edited by Melchor F. Cichon, Edna Laurente Faral and Losally R. Navarro (2005).

But before this, this writer has developed a website that focuses on Aklanon literature (http://www.geocities.com/aklanonliterature) In this website one can find Aklanon riddles, maxims, luwa, longer poems, songs, legends, short stories, profiles of Aklanon writers, annotated Aklanon bibliography, and haiku. As of April 17, 2006, this website was visited 16, 417 times.

This writer has a blog, http://anahawleaf.blogspot.com, which features his haiku and luwa.

In 2007, Melchor F. Cichon selected 25 of the best poems written by Aklanons. The result of this collection is posted in his blog Bueabod It Akeanon Literary Circle, http://bueabodalc.blogspot.com/

Also in 2007, he collected the works of Aklanon women poets. Again this collection is found in the above blog.

Both collections are first in the history of Aklanon literature.

What do Aklanon writers write? Who are the writers? What is the quality of their works?

What do Aklanon writers write?

Through the years, Aklan writers, like other writers in the Philippines, wrote on oppression, corruption, poverty, exploitation of women and the environment, love, religion, politics, insurgency, and hope. This is so because many of them are college trained and have gone to many places outside of Aklan like Manila, Iloilo , Antique. And abroad.

Allow this writer to say something about Aklanon contemporary poets and present some of their works.

Losally R. Navarro was born in Banga, Aklan on January 3, 1973 but grew up in Malinao. Losally now stays in Calvary, Alberta, Canada. In the February issue of Homelife, a national magazine, one of her haiku was published.

Two of Navarro's best haiku are:

indi magkahadlok
bisan ro atong taj mahal
hay obra sa botong.

***
Huwag matakot
Kahin yon gating tag mahal
Ay gawa sa kawayan


si Maria Claranag-agto sa Amerikapag-uli naka-minis-skirt eot-a
si Maria Clara
pumunta ng Amerika
ng umuwi nakaminiskirt na

Amzi V. Martinez was born in December 1976 in Balete, Aklan. He is presently working in Tofol, Lelu, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia as a Vocational Instructor. Here is an example of his luwa:

Manami kunta tan-awon
Kitang mga Pilipino nagahugpong;
Paano kita magtililipon
Ay owa’t trabaho sa aton?

Maganda sanang tingnan
Na tayong mga Filipino magsamasama
Nguni’t paano tayong magkasama
Dahil wala naming trabaho sa atin?


Ellamae Fernandez was born on April 18, 1986. She is from Lezo, Aklan. Here is an example of her work:



Dominggo’t hapon—
nasa binggohan
nagasi-einggitan

Dominggo ng hapon—
Nasabinggohan
nagsisigawan

Jay Jose Feliciano is from Kalibo, Aklan. He is presently working in Alaska, USA. Here is one of his poems:

paraisong pinas
naka-Mercedes nga gobyerno
nakakanggang pumueoyo

Paraisong pinas
nakaMercedes ang pamahalaan
nakakanggang mamamayan

Ma. Terry F. Marte is from Poblacion, Lezo, Aklan. She is currently taking up AB Political Science at the West Visayas State University in Iloilo City. Here is an example of her haiku:

indi mahuyap nga euha
ro nahueog sa madamoe nga paead
sa idaeum it adlaw

hindi mabilang na luha
ang nahulog sa makapal na palad
sa ilalim ng araw

Edna Romulo Laurente Faral was born in Batan, Aklan but resides in Tampa, Florida with her family. She is not only a folk dancer par excellence, but a fine haijin as well. Here are four of her finest haiku:

Oh, Eangit

Oh, eangit…
sa punta ka eang
kang tudlo

O, Langit

O langit…
sa dulo ka lang
ng aking daliri

Sueat

Sueat
halin kimo
ginatago sa dughan

Sulat

Sulat
mula sa ‘yo
tinatago sa dibdib

Ikaw ag Ako

huo-
ikaw ag ako
sa tulay nga butong gaeatay

Ikaw at Ako

oo—
ikaw at ako
dumadaan sa kawayang tulay

Renelyn Beglinger-Vallejo is married to a Swiss national and they now live in Switzerland. She was born in Ochando, Banga, Aklan.

Boracay

Dayang Boracay
Nga ginatawag nga paraiso—
Ham-at maputi ro baeas
Indi kaparis sa Kalibo?
7 kakilometro dayang isla
Maisot manlang ikumpara sa iba.
Ham-an abu nga hotel
Nga ginpatindog iya?
Owa sanda nahadlok’nga eumubog ra?

Boracay

Itong Boracay
Tinawatawag na paraiso
Bakit maputi ang buhangin
Hindi katulan na nasa Kalibo?
7 kilometro itong isla
Maliit lang kung ikumparar sa iba.
Bakit maraming hotel
Na tinatayo rito?
Hindi sila natatakot na lumubog ito?


Cris Ocampo. Cris was born in Kalibo and finished his high school at Pilot Science Development National High School , (now Regional Science High School) in Kalibo, Aklan. A martial law baby, one can see his political ideas in his haiku and luwa.

Matig-ang Bagoe

matig-ang bagoe
gapanago sa amamakoe
hin-aga mano-eo

Matigas na Bungo

matigas na bungo
nagtatago sa kabuti
bukas magsisisi


Jawili

Abaw kanami isipon
Ro Jawili nga mahae nakon
Ano natabo kimo makaron
Musyon akon ikaw nga tatapon

Jawili

Naku kay sarap isipin
Ang Jawili na mahae ko
Anong nagyari sa ‘yo
Dali asikasuhon

Belle Nabor. Her haiku have been published the Mainichi Daily News, a world famous newspaper that prints haiku. . Her other haiku were included in Sakura Anthology of Haiku published in Sweden along with other world famous haijin like Robert D. Wilson, Michael Rehling, an’ya, and 27 other poets, The Makata, Short Stuff, and in Poetry Country Mouse. Her popular blog, http://short.poems.blogspot.com/, that features her short poems: haiku, tanka, and cinquain, has been instrumental in her introduction to world haiku.

Here are some of her works:

Haiku Selections

sa sueod it train
madasig man
maghueag ro siyudad

***

gaoy eon sa pagtinan-aw
it kalibutan, ro kuhoe –
nagpanago’t uman

Tanka Selections

Pag-eubong
ro kahon sa atic
hay puno’t sueat, lus-aw nga tinta
ratong owa’t kaeag nga papel—gausoy
bukon kato’t madali
ro pagpapahuway kana

Paglibing
ang kahon sa ati
ay puno ng sulat, kupas na tinta
yong mga kaluluwang papel—naghahanap
hindi yon madalin
ang magpapahinga sa kanya


Nagakahigugmang Manogbinaeaybay
para kimo, maumpisa ako’t pagsueat
ku rayang binaeaybay, bag-ong hugpong
nga mga bisaea kaibahan kay tagipusuong
puno it pag-eaom
indi ako makahambae

Nagmamahalang manunulat
para sa ‘yo, nagsimula akong sumulat
ng tulang ito, bagong pangkat
ng mga salitang kasama ng pusong
puno ng pag-asa
hindi ako makapagsalita

Halipatan Ro Oras

galingkod kita nga daywa
sa idaeum it kabituonan
gabueabod ro atong mga alima
owa naton hipan-uhi
ro pag-abot it kaagahon

Nakalimutan ang Umaga

nakaupo tayong dalawa
sa ilalim ng mga bituin
namumulupot ang ating mga kamay
hindi natin napansin
ang pagdating ng umaga

***
Melchor F. Cichon

Haiku

brown-out—
nagsueod ro aninipot
sa baeay namon

Haiku
brown-out—
pumasok ang alitaptap
sa aming bahay

***
Luwa

Ku Ati-atihan 2005 sa Kalibo
Sa plaza nag-eapta ro mga tawo
Ay nagpaburot ka armalite
Si SPO1 Jonathan Moreño

Luwa

Nong Ati-atihan 2005 sa Kalibo
Sa plasa nagbulabog ang mga tao
Dahil nagpaputok ng armalite
Si SPO1 Jonathan Moreno


Analysis of the three periods of the Aklanon literature

Pre-Deriada, Before 1986

During this period, Aklanon writers were writing mostly in English and Spanish. But there were some Aklanon writers who wrote in Aklanon.

The most prominent among these writers were Peping Tansinko Manyas, Manuel Laserna, Roman de la Cruz and Dominador Ilio.

Although, NVM Gonzales and Jose Dalisay are both Aklanons by blood, they never have written any Aklanon poem or short story.

Of those who wrote poems in Aklanon were Manuel Laserna and Peping Manyas. In their writings, both Laserna and Manyas wrote on freedom and love of country. Their writing structure was mostly rhymed and metered.

Deriada Period, 1986-2004. During this period, new Aklanon writers were discovered. Influenced by Deriada, through his creative writing workshops and private conversations with the Aklanon writers, these new writers wrote mostly in Aklanon, English, and in Filipino. Almost all of them wrote in free verse, except Mr. Roman de la Cruz, who preferred to write in rhyme, but not metered. Their topics are now widen: love, poverty, nationalism, environment, gender. This was due to the writers' diverse milieu and experiences. All the new writers have gone to college and have travelled outside of Aklan. The many contests and grants given by the NCCA have boostered their enthusiasm. The help of Dr. Deriada in the re-emergence of Aklanon literature is great. It was during this time that the special issue of Ani came out. It was during this period that some poems in Aklanon came out in Mantala and in Patubas. It was also in this period that Alexander de Juan, Roman de la Cruz, John Barrios and Melchor F. Cichon won local and national awards and book writing grants. The book Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii (Bakit Madilim ang Gabi) by Melchor F. Cichon was published. He eventually won the coveted Gawad Pambansang alagad ni Balagtas Award (for Aklanon Poetry). It was given by Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL).

It was also during this period that the New Testament was translated and published in Macar Enterprises. It was translated by Vellyzarius De la Cruz.

Post-Deriada Period, 2005-2007

With the emergence of the World Wide Web and through the encouragement of Melchor F. Cichon, many new Aklanon poets were discovered. Many of them are Aklanons living in America and Europe. Through the internet and the creation of the website: http://www.my.akeanon.com/, many of the newly discovered Aklanon poets contributed their poems in this website. They wrote haiku, luwa and other poems. The result of their creative works were published in a book: Haiku, Luwa and Other Poems by Aklanon edited by Melchor F. Cichon, Edna Laurente Faral, and Losally Navarro. It was also during this period where many Aklanon luwa were written. The subjects of their works were varied: love, nature, under development, gender, nationalism, poverty and almost all topics. It was during this period also where luwa writing was given emphasis and published in the internet . The latest addition to Aklanon literature is the publication in the internet of poetry for children. However, only about three poets who have been writing on this: Melchor F. Cichon, Cirilo Bastillo and Edna Laurente Faral.


What is next for Aklanon writers?

From the above statements, it is noticeable that Aklanon literature for children like nursery rhymes, and short stories, are very scarce. This writer hopes that this gap will soon be filled up by the present and future Aklanon writers.

It seems too that Aklanon contemporary writers will still write poetry, but mostly short poetry, like luwa and haiku.

As for the contents, Aklanon poets and fiction writers will still be writing poems, etc. with social relevance as they are still experiencing the impact of poverty, injustices, corruption, environmental degradation, and many other social issues.

In conclusion, Aklanon literature has a tradition to think of. Through the centuries, Aklanons have been writing different types of literature: poems, short stories, novels, riddles, songs, maxims, and legends. Through the internet Aklanon writers have been exposed to world literature particularly the short poems like haiku and tanka.


Sources:

Cichon, Melchor F. Belle Nabor: A Filipino Haijin. Posted November 28, 2005. http://www.akeanon.com/. Retrieved: April 16, 2006.

Cichon, Melchor F. Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada: Masiglang Lider Sa Muling Pag-Uswag Ng Malikhaing Panulat sa Western Visayas. Daluyan, the official publication of the Sentro Ng Wikang Filipino, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 8-11, 1994.

De Juan, Alexander C. Ang Pag-ahon Ng Nakasulat na Literaturang Aklanon. Daluyan, the official publication of the Sentro Ng Wikang Filipino, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, vol. 5, No. 2, pp.15-16, 1994.

Deriada, Leoncio. Literature engineering in West Visayas. Forum, Opisyal na Pahayagan ng Universidad ng Pilipinas, March 28, 2006. http://www.up.edu.ph/forum/2000/03/28/litengg.html, retrieved: April 13, 2006.

Manyas, Peping Tansinko. Tagiposuon Nga Hueowaran. Daeang Rizal, Kalibo, Capiz. 1926. 26p. (Photo-copy)

Nabor, Fiorella I. “An Inquiry into the Ancient Inakeanon Writing System,” Silliman Journal, Ist Quarter, 1968, pp. 54-86 ((Photo-copy)

Reyes, Gabriel M. Toning. Mandurriao, Iloilo, 1925. 35p. (Photo-copy)

Tente Undoy. Mga Bilisad-n ni Tente Undoy. San Juan, Rizal, Kalantiaw Publications, Inc. 37p. (Photo-copy)
Posted by Melchor F. Cichon at 2:32 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Poems by Jose Terencio
Kayuyum
by Jose Terencio*

Maeawig nga inadlaw rang handum kimo.

Kayuyum nimo't kabubut-on,
Makabibihag tueukon;
Ring taguipuso-on
Angay kontang eumunat gugmang
May kayuyum.

Eamang kon paghikawan
Ro akong mga pagtuyo,
Kahil-o kahil-o eamang
Rang pag higugmang ga hinyo.

Nga imaw rong guigunatan
Ga sugo kakon manago,
Padueong sa maeamig nga eobnganan.


*Not much is known about Mr. Jose Terencio except that he is from Makato, Aklan.
He is using the old way of writing Aklanon words.
I got this work from a term paper written by Esther Legaspi of Lezo, Aklan while studying in U.P. in the Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo.
Posted by Melchor F. Cichon at 9:49 PM 0 comments
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Poem by Francis Cagampang*
Sur II

Should I ever shed tears?
Should there be pain
flashed across my sunburned face?--
it would be
with honor and faith for courage.
Your fall, comrade
is a passionate transition
from love embroidered
in silk
to an elegy
authored and lived
through blood and sweat
to whom you offered
your uncalloused hands spent
through the language of wilderness.

across valleys and plains
flow the blood of thieves,
traitors of class, baptisms of
Revolution, the fulfillment of dreams
to another height
of a firmer ground.

Every explosion of fury--
rifles and grenades become
the poetry of the masses.
Ah, vengeance be quenched!

And I'll stop by the rivers and seas
to feast
on your great victories.

So should I ever shed tears?
it would be of pride,
Comrade.

* Francis was a fourth year student of the College of Arts and Sciences, UPV, Miag-ao, Iloilo when he was drawn in Antique circa 1992. A literature student, he was born in Kalibo, Aklan. This is the only poem I know written by him. He used the pen name: Red East.

Source: Ang Mangingisda. Published by the the students of the College of fisheries, UPV, Miag-ao, Iloilo, September 1992.
Posted by Melchor F. Cichon at 12:43 AM 2 comment