However mildly cruel, stone-faced or unreasonable the UPV librarians may be, my feet will still find its way back to the library in search of a good book, especially on Philippine Anthologies. This treasure-hunting activity is an influence of my lovely friend, Bemjo (who has not updated her blog for weeks now :P), who has faithfully visited the asphyxiation-causing library.
Because of this, I learned of Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, Paz Latorena, Jose Dalisay Jr., Susan Lara and Eli Ang Barroso among others. Their written masterpieces are as historically important as the discovery of our country.
Filipino 12 and PI 100 further magnified this love. The library introduced me to the works of Rio Alma (Virgilio Almario) and Jose Iremil Teodoro. Looking for Rizal-related books, I had simultaneous flings with Nick Joaquin, Gregorio Zaide, Rafael Palma and Ambeth Ocampo. Of all of these flings, I am most infatuated with Ambeth Ocampo.
There is so much to love about the Philippines, I discovered. We are a country of amazing pen-holders, recognized and unrecognized. We are in the land of descriptive, witty, versatile and effective writers. Too bad, only a few of us requite their contributions.
Realizing this, I am thinking of taking up Creative Writing when I graduate (and rich enough to do so). Or, in the very least, put up a publishing company (dedicated to Filipino writing) so I can read books for free. Now, why did I take up CMS instead of Literature? * Hahaha!
Writing moves people. It is tragic, melodramatic and witty (or it might be sloppily done), but it inspires people. It keeps us company in bed, in buses, during the lonely nights, and even in the bathroom. I believe that all my positive attitudes are coming out when I am writing or reading Filipino works.
When all of my foreign-written books are moth-infested or drowned by some random flash flood, I will stay sane reading Filipino masterpieces. Classic is what becomes of them.
*So I can be rich enough to take Literature and be available to faithfully dedicate my time towards writing. But do not get me wrong, CMS is still my first love. 😀
Witi-Witi 