The recent political developments and the upcoming polls have urged National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario to come up with a 220-page anthology entitled Lugaw ni Leni, Pink Parol, KKK, Kakampink, Atbp.
The book, which Almario co-edited with Aldrin Pentero, contains almost 200 pages of curated poems, short stories, essays, and letters, plus original prayers, musical compositions, and statements of support inspired by servant leader Vice President Leni Robredo who is running for president in the May 2022 national elections. All the works, except for one, are written in Filipino. The book, which is set to be launched on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, also features a 24-page colored insert of photos and images showing VP Leni’s journey as a leader and presidential candidate, aside from photos of crowds at her recent political rallies and colorful illustrations. Book design is by Fidel Rillo with cover illustrations by Mark Anthony Taduran and Kapitan Tambay.
The anthology will be initially available in San Anselmo Publication, Inc.’s FB page and Shopee, and soon in other bookstores.
Over 75 Filipino artists contributed works to the noteworthy volume composed of two major chapters. In his introduction written in Filipino, Almario described the theme of the first chapter as an exposition of current state of corruption in Philippine society and politics, while the second chapter shows the awakening political consciousness of various sectors and their search for a new government.
Among the featured writers include award-winning poets, journalists, spoken word artists, pop culture icons, newspaper columnists, authors, professors and other advocates of Filipino literature.
Almario initially wanted to feature only poems. But, as he wrote in Filipino, his plan changed completely because of what he called as an ongoing cultural revolution borne out of the 2022 elections. The outpouring of support from people at the rallies and the spontaneous announcements from various sectors— these motivated Almario to create the anthology. As he explained, “Ang dagsa ng pakikiisa sa kampanya ni Leni tumanghal sa nagsisikip-sa-tao na mga panimulang rali sa Lungsod Naga at Lungsod Quezon. Dumagsa din ang mga pagpapahayag ng taguyod mula sa mga sector ng edukador, relihiyoso, at mga politico. Tinawag ang kilusan na Himagsikang Rosas—na para sa aking titig ay pagkilala sa halaga ng pagbabagong pangkultura at sa tungkulin ng mga alagad ng sining upang ‘ipanalo ang Laban ni Leni.’”
Lugaw ni Leni, Pink Parol, KKK, Kakampink, Atbp. is published by San Anselmo Press, the publisher of the best-selling “100 Pink Poems Para Kay Leni.”
