KANTARAMON DOS

Folk Poetry and Music at Plaza Quezon
Kabulig-Writers Bureau


Before the advent of malls and fast food chains, the plazas held greater importance to the public life of the people. And it is in this line of thought that the local government of Naga through its Committee for Culture and Arts headed by Councilor Badette Roco organized a three month-long programs aptly called as ‘Arts in the Heart of Bicol’ that featured different cultural groups in the city and nearby towns. The program aims to promote the cultural vibrancy of the city and to bring to the larger populace the local artists who strive to keep the strong artistic traditions in Bikol through their music, thespian talents, and creative writings

Last April 17, 2008, another cultural show was held at the plaza which featured the Kaiba Ka, Ateneo de Naga Chorale, Pili Dramatics Guild, the Bikol Express (a group that produces documentary films on Bikol) and the members of the Kabulig-Writers Group.

Composed of award winning and published writers which include Carlos Arejola, Vic Nierva, Rizaldy Manrique, Estelito Jacob, Boboy Aguay, Judith Salamat, Jo Bisuña, Aida Cirujales, Issa Casillan and Kristian Cordero, the writers read their rawitdawit (poetry) and recited tigsik (an indigenous folk poetry) to the delight of the audience who crowded the place.

Dubbed as Kantaramon 2, the said cultural event is the second activity sponsored by the Kabulig that celebrates its 15th founding anniversary this year. Among the first members of Kabulig are Frank Peñones, Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado and Honesto Pesimo Jr., who continue to write and support the activities of the literary group. Other active members of the group are based in Albay, Manila and abroad like Abdon Balde Jr., Marne Kilates, Merlinda Bobis, Paz Verdades Santos, Luis Cabalquinto and Gode Calleja.

UP Professor-Emeritus Maria Lilia F. Realubit, one of pioneering scholars on Bikol studies also graced the occasion together with students and faculty and representatives from the business sector and the local government of Naga. After the poetry reading and the musical numbers performed by the Kaiba Ka, the Bikol Express showed their documentary feature on the island town of Rapu-Rapu. The cultural activity was seen live on air via the SkyCable.