Instituto Cervantes celebrates Chabacano language

MANILA, Philippines - Instituto Cervantes celebrates the only Spanish-based creole in Asia, Chabacano language, with “En Torno al Chabacano” featuring music, talks and a cycle of short films from Zamboanga on July 2 and 3 at Instituto Cervantes’ Salon de Actos.

A clear manifestation of the Spanish contribution in Philippine culture, the Chabacano language was born from contact between Spanish and indigenous languages. It is a vehicular language of half a million native speakers with local varieties Ternateño, Caviteño, and Zamboangueño.

Instituto Cervantes will provide a current snapshot of the Spanish-based language through a variety of events that include a roundtable discussion, concert and films. Although contemporary Chabacano dialects have been well documented, their history and evolution lie at the heart of the debate on creole language origins.

On July 2, 5 p.m., Dr. Robert B. Torres of the Western Mindanao State University will hold a talk about Chabacano language and literature.

At 7 p.m., Dr. John Lipski, an American expert on linguistics, will present discussion that explores the contributions of Cavite Chabacano varieties to the understanding of creole languages.

On July 3, 5 p.m., Instituto Cervantes presents “Cine Chabacano” a special four-film lineup that showcases unique independent shorts filmed in the Spanish creole. This film series, curated by Teddy Co offers a selection of Chabacano short films recently shot in Zamboanga. At 7 p.m., Spain’s Javier Álvarez and Zamboangueño Marc Velasco will perform a dialogue of music in Spanish and Chabacano.

Álvarez is a homegrown talent from Cuatro Caminos in Madrid who used to play in the subway and at the Parque del Retiro.

“En Torno al Chabacano” is presented by the Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines and AECID.

For information, call 526-1482, or visit http://manila.cervantes.es/.  Instituto Cervantes de Manila is at 855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila.