Vanguard of Cebuano language

Way back in 1983, it was just a relatively brief encounter with the lady who is considered an embodiment of consummate writing in Cebuano. I joined the University of the Philippines Cebu High School as a substitute faculty of Professor Merlie Alunan who was on leave, in teaching Afro-Asian literature classes. After her leave, she requested to be detailed in UP Tacloban and eventually resided there. This paved the way for my teaching profession at UP. In a way I am indebted and grateful to her for I was able to take her place in the premier university.  

Though she is based in Tacloban, she would always find time to come to Cebu to conduct seminars and workshops for aspiring writers. One of the recipients is my husband who is a Cornelio Faigao fellow. And this time, Merlie is back again in Cebu with a blast. Last March 15 was indeed a great experience meeting the lady whose palpable sharpness with words cannot be repudiated. At the Cebu Cathedral Museum where she had her launching of her book "Pagdakop sa Bulalakaw ug uban pang mga Balak", published by the Ateneo de Manila University Press. The invitation came from Dr. Hope Sabanpan-Yu, director of the Cebuano Studies Center of the University of San Carlos whom I first met when she was back from her doctorate studies from UP Diliman as I had the chance to teach Play Production at USC in 2008 in their Department of Languages and Literature. 

The book launch was also a personal opportunity to meet the pillars of Cebuano poetry. Listening to the poetry readings of  Lamberto Ceballos and Ernesto Lariosa is a delightful and inspiring moment.

Merlie, months after experiencing Yolanda's wrath in Leyte, has provided a light to each Cebuano writer's heart.  Her "Pagdakop sa Bulalakaw" is her fourth book of poetry. The poems in this collection were originally conceived and written in Cebuano, then translated by herself into English. A multi-linguist, Merlie speaks local languages. Her mother tongue is Kinaray-a, but she doesn't speak it anymore, though she can read it, along with Akeanon. She can still use Hiligaynon well enough. Cebuano, of course, and a little Waray, enough for the needs of the market place. For Tagalog, she can read and speak, but cannot write.

  A Carlos Palanca award-winning writer, Merlie became the first Filipino to win the Sunthorn Phu Award for ASEAN Poet Laureates given by the Kingdom of Thailand. Just this year, she received the Ani ng Dangal of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila together with other successful institutions and individuals in various fields of arts and culture.

Portion of her poem that reveals how to catch the meteor (bulalakaw): Nan, karon, sugdi na ang pagtukaw, tangtanga ang kahadlok, ingon man ang kamingaw, ugoma sa imong baba ang kalisang. Pilay palad, sa imong pag-atang, takulahaw sa imong atubangan ang karnerong pula motungha, ug unya, hinayhinay, sa imong kiliran mutugdan ug magpahikap sa yang balhibo ang nagdilaab ug maidlas nga bulalakaw.

We wonder why poets are so powerful with words. They are in love with the magic of words. They coin words into poem that would touch our innermost sensibilities. Their poems entertain and move us. No doubt because these poets like Merlie have caught the meteor that is so elusive to others.

Merlie has caught the shooting star, and its burning inside. And she is now sharing its glow among fellow and young writers. With the proliferation and advancement of other languages, Merlie is a meteor that comes in time to reawaken the love of our rich Cebuano language. 

Merlie's power explodes but will never fade. It will remain in each of the young writer's heart and being. It is indeed a wish come true for emerging writers to get their inspiration from.  Merlie has found her roots and defined one's purpose, being a vanguard of our local language.

(NOTE: Please include "PIQUERO" on CHERRY BALLESCAS' name...thank you.. ---> CHERRY PIQUERO-BALLESCAS)