This is for all those who can read and speak Hiligaynon.
My poetry mentor Dr. Deriada always reminded me that even though I can easily write in English or Filipino, nothing compares to writing foremost in one’s own native dialect to hone the craft. My stance, he said, would be natural, my tone flawless, as I would be writing in the natural language of my heart and mind. He was right of course. Around 1993, I started writing in the language of my birth and since then I’ve amassed a significant collection of Hiligaynon poems. For a time I actively participated in Hiligaynon literary conferences and workshops, and even in national poetry competitions sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). One of my Hiligaynon favorites is this, a poem which I think is relevant to many of us…
SUYOP BUGA
tuktok sang salsalon
naglaton sa ngipon
mala, madulom
ang bibig sang tagumatayon.
ang anta nga kalayo
nangin ilahas
sa punta sang tudlo.
may gyera
sa lublob nga bahin
sang balatyagon, nakabandera
ang mapait nga asu
malapuyot ang duga
nga napurga
sa preska nga mga kuris
sang baga
kada tulo, isa ka dulot
sang pala sa lunang.
pagtulog sang kalayo
mapahuway ang asu
matimbuok ang abu
sa kada hutik
sang hangin.
- JCT 1993
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