National Artist Virgilio S. Almario led a book donation activity on February 14, 2024, which aside, from being Valentine’s Day, is also known as International Book-Giving Day. Among the books donated was his latest work, a collection of poems titled “Lemlunay: Pagunita sa Gunita.”
The books were donated to the main branch of the Quezon City Public Library and the 27 other branches and affiliate libraries in the city.
Among those who also donated books were San Anselmo Publications Inc. led by their Executive Publisher Atty. Marvin Aceron and Gay Ace Domingo. Crystal Tanigue, Vice President for the writer’s organization Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), facilitated the donation of books from their publishing arm, Librong LIRA.
“Lemlunay: Pagunita sa Gunita” contains 30 of Almario’s poems written in Filipino with English translations by Marne Kilates, accompanied by photographs taken by Roel Hoang Manipon. The main title is from the concept of paradise and the dream of a better country in T’boli mythology.
Almario said he is happy to share his poems on his insights regarding Philippine history. “Cultural objects, from primitive art, relics and fossils and those created by visual artists, give me inspiration.” He hopes that the fusion of artworks and literature within the book brings out the readers’ love of country.
Tanigue expressed that it was a great honor for her to represent LIRA in donating books to the Quezon City Public Library. She said that this library served as her second home when she was in college and still unable to buy her own books. San Anselmo’s Aceron also said that through the donation, they were not only adding books to the shelves but also contributing to the wide body of knowledge and imagination that encompasses humanity.
- With reports from Crystal Tanigue
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