First, a poem must be magical
Then musical as a sea gull.
It must be a brightness moving
And hold secret a bird's flowering.
It must be slender as a bell
And it must hold fire as well.
It must have the wisdom of bows
And it must kneel like a rose.
It must be able to hear
The luminance of dove and deer.
It must be able to hide
What it seeks, like a bride.
And over all I would like to hover
God, smiling from the poem's cover.
So goes one of the many lyrical poems by Jose Garcia Villa (1908-1997) who changed the landscape of Philippine poetry from the 1930s to the early '60s
The literary genius earned critical acclaim in the U.S. where he lived for many years until his death, and won several awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in creative writing for "outstanding work in American literature." In Manila (where he was born) Jose Garcia Villa was proclaimed National Artist in 1973.
Not many of the youth today know Villa's poetry, or even his name. A pity really, because his poetry, some called "comma poems," are easy to memorize. In fact, "The Emperor's New Sonnet," contains no lines at all, but for the thought-provoking title. It's just a blank page.
Local fashion brand Freeway brings together the works of famous artists, on one hand, and fashion sense on the other, with the launch of its third National Artist Collector's Series, a trademark tradition that features thoughtfully crafted fashion apparel incorporating the works of an honored artist. In the process, the brand hopes to raise artistic awareness among today's youth.
In the past, its National Artists Collectors' Series has honored the works of literary giant Nick Joaquin and esteemed painter Ang Kiukok, and this June, poet Jose Garcia Villa.
To launch the new collection, an intimate tertulia (literary gathering) was held at Legarda Elementary School in Manila City last June 16.
High-profile guests included award-winning actress Cherie Gil, Hale frontman Champ Lui-Pio, TV host Tim Yap, Freeway executives Sheree Roxas Chua-Gotuaco and Katty Roxas Chua-Qua, Ms. Virginia "Virgie" Moreno—dubbed "The Empress Dowager of Philippine Poetry" by Villa himself—and Villa's niece Ruby Villanueva Precilla.
The talented kids of Legarda planned the three-hour tertulia. They danced, sang, read poems, and shared with the audience the remarkable poetry of Jose Garcia Villa.
A lively folk dance presentation by the elementary students opened the program. Next were two video presentations: one about the history of Legarda Elementary School, and the next about the life of Jose Garcia Villa.
Cherie Gil led the tertulia proper with six lovely poem readings from Villa's collection, Doveglion. She also let the students take over through a reading of Villa's magical poems for children from his book A Parliament of Giraffes.
The excerpts and readings were carefully chosen and interpreted by Philippine Literature expert Lito Zulueta.
Then close acquiantances of the late Villa shared snippets of the great poet's life. Event hosts Hannah and Erica, both elementary students, interviewed Ms. Virgie Moreno, co-member of Villa in Ravens, a group of influential writers in the 1960s and a good friend of Villa; and Ms. Ruby Villanueva Precilla, Villa's favorite niece. Students were able to ask them questions about the life and personality of Villa during the interview.
Hale frontman Champ Lui-Pio then delivered an acoustic performance of their hit songs "Blue Sky" and "Kung Wala Ka." Champ's singing with the kids brought goosebumps to the audience.
As a surprise, another talented group of students presented an interpretative dance of another Hale song "Kahit Pa." The energetic number brought smiles to Cherie Gil, as well as to the rest of the audience.
Tim Yap also graced the event with a surprise gift for Legarda Elementary School. He presented P100,000 worth of school supplies from Mongol.
The inspiration that Jose Garcia Villa imparted to the kids of Legarda Elementary School may yet give rise to another Filipino National Artist years from now.