Iluko Culture renewed in two books launched

GUMIL Filipinas http://gumilfilipinas.com/, the national association of Ilocano writers here and abroad, held their three-day annual convention last April 9-11 at the Pangil Beach Resort. Part of the celebration is the launching of two books written by Ilocano writers residing in metro manila.

The national convention, held annually since the organization was formally organized in October 1968, is attended by members from different chapters in Northern Luzon and Metro Manila as well as those from Hawaii and Greece.

The first book is a collection of 240 haiku, the Japanese-inspired form of poetry entitled “”Sarming Ti Kannawidan (Mirror of Culture)”. It was written by Maria Rosa A. Cable, director of GUMIL Filipinas and edited by Honor Blanco Cable, former President of GUMIL Filipinas and News Editor/Producer of NBN Channel 4. Moreover, the introduction was written by Cles B. Rambaud, managing editor of the weekly Iluko magazine Bannawag, and the book design and layout were done by Heracles Lord Bernardo A. Cable.

The second book launched is a compilation of 17 short stories, written by Ilocanos from the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley who are now residing in the metropolis. The book is entitled “Batonlagip” (loosely translated Remembrance), and edited by Cable, Engr. Ansel D. Cargo, and Feliciano Martin T. Rochina—all known fictionists of the region.

Included in the compilation of short stories are masterpieces by Sonny F. Abarajano, Jovito F. Amorin, RTC Judge Vivecio S. Baclig, Crispina B. Bragado, Jose A. Bragado, Maria Rosa A. Cable, Leonardo S. Fagaragan, Mark Anthony Ganotice, Juan S.P. Hidalgo Jr, Jake F. Ilac, Linda Lingbaoan-Bulong, Vicente Palcong, Ariel S. Tabag, and Aida C, Tiama.