National Artist Virgilio Almario releases new poetry book 'Lemlúnay'

MANILA, Philippines — Lemlúnay is a word or term that denotes the concept of paradise in the mythology of the T’boli people of southern Philippines, thus signifying the aspiration or dream of a better country through a deeper and more critical reflection on our history and culture and interactions with cultural products.

Lemlúnay also happens to be the title of National Artist for literature Virgilio S. Almario’s new book, which was launched last December 2. 

Published by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), "Lemlúnay: Pagunita sa Gunita" is a collection of poetry featuring 30 of Almario’s poems written in Filipino in the last six years, from 2018 to 2023, using his pseudonym Rio Alma. These poems are accompanied by excellent English translations by poet Marne Kilates, who wrote his thoughts on translating the work as well as the significance of the poems.

This new book caps a prolific year for the former chairman of Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino and NCCA. On March 12, 2023, his birthday, Almario launched "Mga Póon, Mga Piyón, Mga Pusóng, Isang Púsong," his collection of poetry published by San Anselmo Publications Inc.

His second book this year, "Ang Wikang Pambansa at Amerikanisasyon: Isang Kasaysayan ng Pakikihamok ng Filipino para Maging Wikang Pambansa," was published by Ateneo de Manila University Press. Then came the third edition of "Si Balagtas at ang Panitikan Para sa Kalayaan," published by University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.

Now, it’s the turn of "Lemlúnay," which was recently launched in rites organized by the NCCA, Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Filipinas Institute of Translation and Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo.

Held at the Ignacio B. Gimenez Gallery in University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, the book launch was aptly a literary celebration attended by esteemed writers, artists, historians, academicians and cultural workers, including National Artist for dance Alice Reyes, National Artist for film and broadcast arts Ricky Lee, National Artist for music Ramon Santos, UP Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II and former Vice President Leni Robredo.

The book is one of Almario’s