Sigaw Heneral showcases emerging artists at 'Literal-Kultura: Literatura' in GenSan
By Kyle Cherifaith L. Bago
In collaboration with Days Off Productions and Tridax Zines, Sigaw Heneral hosted the spoken word event “Literal-Kultura: Literatura” at Le Café Bistro Wings PH, Papaya St., in General Santos City, on October 19, 2024. This event celebrated diverse art forms and nurtured the talents of emerging artists.
Tables lined the venue's entrance hallway, welcoming guests with various crafts. On the left side, Words from the South, Sarangani Writers League, and Tridax Zines displayed a range of zines showcasing the regional literature of SOCCSKSARGEN, priced between 50 and 100 pesos.
These writing organizations serve as independent platforms for aspiring authors, committed to embracing local languages and increasing Mindanao's representation in the national literary scene.
In the same lane, Krizha Manuel from Sigaw Heneral showcased her traditional drawing skills through a live sketching session. For 20 pesos, patrons could pose or provide her with a picture, and she would transform them into adorable characters. She also displayed her paintings on the table, creating a mini art gallery.
On the right side, Days Off Productions and Pitique Collectives displayed a variety of stickers, toys, and photo cards that anime fans would love to shop for. This highlights the influence of filmmaking and animation in inspiring individuals to explore other crafts such as sculpture and digital art. Dentures Co. and Lambong Cartel joined the table with their fashionable merchandise selection.
At 6 p.m., award-winning poet Gerald Galindez, known as G!k from Tridax Zines, conducted a session on zine-making and self-publication. His lecture aimed to inspire budding writers to pursue their craft and create a platform for their literary careers. By highlighting the simplicity and accessibility of zines, the session brought literature closer to enthusiasts in the region, where the literary scene flourishes at the grassroots level.
A spoken word session followed the zine-making lecture, bringing people together through a series of performances that gave voice to their written pieces. One standout performance was by Jam Lawa, a member of Kasikas: Maasim Writers Society, who read four Blaan poems to an audience of Cebuano and Hiligaynon speakers.
Despite knowing that no one understood his mother tongue, Lawa unapologetically recited his intricately crafted metaphors in Blaan, captivating listeners who found meaning in his delivery when the words themselves eluded them. After his recitation, he explained the messages of his poems, leaving the audience in awe throughout his performance.
In a Facebook post, Lawa wrote, “Pagkatapos ng event, before ko nag-uwi, Sir G!k told me it was his first time na makarinig ng tulang sinulat sa Blaan. And I think that is enough for me to remind myself all the time why kailangan ko to pagpatuloy na gawin—ang magsulat at itanghal ang mga gisulat.”
PG Arth Murillo, chairperson of Sigaw Heneral, expressed his joy at the success of the event. He shared his initial doubts about the collaboration with Days Off Production, a metal band, and Tridax Zines, an independent self-publication, due to the differences in their crafts. However, the heads of these organizations found common ground in art as a form of self-expression, creating an event that became a vibrant melting pot of art forms amid the bustling night of General Santos City.
As the event concluded, Murillo shared these words with the audience: “Padayon! Basic words siya pero big impact siya sa mga readers, sa mga writers, ug sa mga naga umpisa pa lamang. Padayon! Explore your craft. Explore your words. Explore your universe jud. Something better awaits you.” (photo by Days Off Productions & Raihana Lamalan)
__
About the contributor
Kyle Cherifaith L. Bago is a member of Sarangani Writers League and Sigaw Heneral. She authored Cebuano-English zines entitled “Hangad”, “Gusto Ko Maglangi," and “Uhaw."
0 Comments