Virgilio Almario leads first-ever National Poetry Day celebration in November
Poetry has long been regarded as one of the most sophisticated of all literary genres because of its power to express emotions in a unique and charming way.
To encourage more appreciation towards the genre, advocates of Filipino poetry, led by National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, have banded together to mount the Philippines' first-ever celebration of National Poetry Day or "Pambansang Araw ng Pagtula."
To be held on Nov. 22, the celebration also pays homage to the 128th birthday anniversary of Filipino poet Jose Corazon de Jesus, who is known for his poem, "Bayan Ko."
According to San Anselmo Publications, Inc. Executive Publisher Marvin Aceron, de Jesus' nationalism served as their motivation in organizing National Poetry Day.
"Our purpose is three-fold: to promote the art of poetry; to raise the level of appreciation for Filipino poetry, and to honor Jose Corazon de Jesus and all patriotic Filipino poets," he said.
With the theme "Ibalik ang tula sa puso ng madla” (Bring poetry back into the people’s hearts), the first-ever National Poetry Day celebration will put the spotlight on at least 50 Filipino poets and performers at a live poetry marathon that will take place at the Metropolitan Theater.
A book launch and poetry book fair will also be held in the same venue.