Pulilan, Bulacan”• In time for the Buwan ng Wika celebration this month, SM Center Pulilan became a venue of the timely gathering of new generation poets hailing from different towns in Bulacan.
Dubbed as “Kenyo: Tagalog Spoken Word” the event celebrated the evolution of Filipino Literature through time, in a friendly competition.
Hailed as winners were Claire Ann Castro of Malolos as Champion, followed by Emmanuel Custodio of Malolos (second) and Jcel Grace Albania of Calumpit (third place). Part of their award is the achievement of the Simbolikong Laurel ng Pagiging isang Makata.
Considered as an oral art, and a medium for self-expression, spoken word is a current form of Filipino poetry described as the dynamic use of words with a corresponding intonation, usually recited loud and clear in different styles and routines before an audience.
A joint project of SM Center Pulilan, National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, Philippine Cultural Education Program, and Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc., Kenyo: Tagalog Spoken Word, gathered 13 participants hailing from different towns in Bulacan.
Each took the stage to express their original spoken word compositions following the theme “Hugot ng Makatang Bulakenyo, Tatak Pilipinong Positibo.”
As home to National Artist for literature Virgilio Almario alias Rio Alma, cultural heroes like Francisco Baltazar (Balagtas) and José Corazon de Jesus (Huseng Batute), among others, Bulacan is known for its rich culture and history, making the occasion a meaningful one for Bulakenyos.
Spectators had a glimpse of genuine spoken word art and were able to ponder on certain issues raised during the competition including youth, family, love, education, and politico-social issues.
The competition aims to strengthen art and literature that which represents Bulakenyos and to document the present situation of the society through the works of art from the competition.
Meanwhile, SM City Baliwag commemorated the Buwan ng Wika with an Interpretative Play and Poetic competition dubbed “Gintong Aral Sa Oldietorium,” an event participated by at least 155 Senior Citizens from selected barangays in Baliwag.
Finally, City Youth Katropa Dance Showdown and City Youth Spoken Words Poetry were among the lineup of this year’s Buwan ng Wika at SM City San Jose Del Monte.
