Flesh, Spirit, Words: A Celebration of Bikol Literature

Daraga, Albay, May 20 — The Bicol University College of Education Training Hall 1 was filled with an air of anticipation as students and teachers of literature, authors, and culture and arts advocates gathered for “Flesh, Spirit, Words.” Sponsored by the Albay Arts Foundation (AAF) in cooperation with BU College of Education, BU College of Arts and Letters, the Provincial Government of Albay, and the Provincial Tourism, Arts and Culture Office, this event was a highlight of the Magayon Festival 2023.

“Flesh, Spirit, Words” was a morning of lectures and book launches, featuring Danton Remoto of Oas, Albay, and Victor Dennis T. Nierva of Lupi, Camarines Sur. The event served as a platform for the Bikol authors to share their works, insights, and experiences.

The event marked the launch of Remoto’s novel, Riverrun, published by Penguin Random House SEA in 2020. Riverrun is a rite-of-passage novel that follows the life of Danilo Cruz, a young gay man growing up in a colorful and chaotic military dictatorship in the Philippines. Remoto’s literary masterpiece skillfully combines elements of memoir, vignettes, recipes, poems, and songs, making it a work of literary fiction accessible to readers from all walks of life.

Nierva, on the other hand presented his latest book, An Dalan kan Peregrino, a Bikol translation of the autobiography of St. Ignatius of Loyola, published by the Ateneo de Naga University Press in 2022. Nierva’s recent translation work is a testament to his dedication to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region, providing readers with a unique opportunity to explore the profound intersections of acquired faith and indigenous language.

Victor Dennis T. Nierva presented “Translation of Faith, Faith in Translation.” He shared the connection between his latest book and his earlier work of translation, Doros asin mga Anghel (Air and Angels), which translated John Donne’s canonical works. Nierva expressed how both books emerged as sources of solace during challenging times in his life, with the former being translated following the passing of his mother and the latter during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. He also emphasized the importance of research in the translation process, presenting An Dalan kan Peregrino as an alternative lens through which to explore history and examine different perspectives of time and space.

Danton Remoto, a renowned advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in Philippine literature, delivered a lecture entitled “Gay Images in Philippine Literature.” Remoto took the audience on a journey through time, tracing the historical timeline of gay representations in Filipino films, fiction, poetry, and literary anthologies. Notably, he highlighted the groundbreaking work, “Ladlad: Philippine Gay Literature,” which he co-edited with J. Neil Garcia. Remoto emphasized the significant transformations in the depiction of gay characters and the increasing inclusivity in Filipino narratives, while acknowledging the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

The event was graced by officials from the Albay Arts Foundation, Bicol University, as well as faculty and students from the graduate school of Bicol University. Their attendance demonstrated a collective interest and support for Bikol literature and the impact it has on the region’s cultural landscape.

“Flesh, Spirit, Words” was a celebration of literature, identity, and the power of words. This event not only honored Remoto and Nierva but also highlighted literary heritage of the Bikol community. Through their lectures and book launches, these authors inspired attendees to embrace their own narratives, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse voices within Philippine literature.

Albay Arts Foundation extends their heartfelt appreciation to the Bicol University, the Provincial Government of Albay, and the Provincial Tourism, Arts and Culture Office for their unwavering support and contribution to the success of “Flesh, Spirit, Words.”