My search for a corner in this universe brought me, among many places, to words. I am myself among conversations, stories, peoms and people. In response to this given opportunity towards purpose, I involve myself in literature.
This scenario opens a dilemma. I am in a culture that is academically promoted in English, nationally projected in Filipino and locally lives in Bisayan (or the other native dialects). Furthermore, Philippine soil isn't friendy to the art of words. It is overtly criticized and underappreciated. Thus the question, 'Why involve myself in Philippine Literature.'
This country is poor. Majority of its people are poor. These facts precipitate in non-involvement towards the development of culture. This cause and effect picture is very much valid. Survival comes before aesthetics.
Yet, this picture isn't one sided. It has hope. Those who have the privilege of good deucation could elevate the reality of povety in this country. Those who experience this poverty could grapple against the monotony of their being poor. This task is massive. The mere thought of the possibility can exhaust those who could initiate and develop change. It is in this angle that literature comes in. Literature exposes, inspires and encourages. The Filipino poverty is a story. Within this story is a theme that gives hope. The promise of this theme moves people to continue.
Art doesn't diminish in essence when applied in varied froms. Inspiration is both a want and a need. A writer produces literature according to inspiration. A Filipino writer may choose to express himsef in English if he wants to project himself to the world. He may choose Filipino to identify himself as a citizen of his country. He may write in his dialet to offer that comprehension and nostalgia, which no other tongue could give.
Does this diversity make one superior to the rest? As an art, a story remains true to itself in spite of what medium it takes to be expressed. An English, Filipino or Bisayan story is the story of the Filipino. So as long as a writer is read by his brothers and sisters, the value of the spirit of his work will live on, will extend and will develop.
To write is a choice. Criticism and lack of monetary compensation may dampen enthusiam towards writing. This is true in the Philippine context. A writer in this country is poor. Yet, despite this reality, our artists still produce the fine craft of Filipino prose and poety. It takes choosing in order to write. Fortunately, a lot choose to do so.
Why involve myself in Filipino Literature?
This country deserves literature. It has a story to tell. It has a people to hear these stories. It has storytellers who do not cease to share their craft. So as long as a Filipino will pick up a paper to read, Filipino literature will survive. It may remain inferior to the ethnocentric mind of te West, but it will be our story.
I have the desire and the need to wrote. I have no other means, but to write as a Filipino.
johnmarc
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