National Artist Virgilio Almario and Senator Loren Legarda Unite 24 Artists on Cultural Heritage Project

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National Artist Virgilio Almario and Senator Loren Legarda have joined forces to launch an ambitious project promoting cultural heritage and history among writers and artists. This initiative is titled "Kislap-Diwa: 12 Pagtatagpo ng Gunita sa Pamánang Pambansa" (Insights: 12 Interactions of Memory on National Heritage). It aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Philippine culture and heritage. In collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), the Office of Senator Legarda, the Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA), and the Unyon ng Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), the project brings together 12 poets and 12 artists to engage with and create works inspired by ancient Philippine heritage.

On May 22, 2022, the 24 participants embarked on a day-long visit to the National Museum of Anthropology and History. Their visit began with an introductory lecture by Dr. Felipe M de Leon Jr., shedding light on the significance of heritage in history, the extent of archaeological discoveries, and its relevance to nation-building. The artists and poets were then guided through the museum, immersing themselves in the vast array of artifacts and relics that represent the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. This immersive experience stimulated their creative spirits and evoked emotional and intellectual responses.

Divided into 12 pairs, each consisting of one artist and one poet, the participants discussed their assigned pre-colonial artifact or heritage piece. They could express their thoughts and emotions through poetry and painting without restrictions or limitations. This collaborative process allowed the artists and poets to draw inspiration from each other's perspectives, creating a dynamic interchange of ideas and interpretations.

The 12 artists involved in the project were Kora D. Albano, Pandy Aviado, Manuel Baldemor, Salvador Ching, Fil Delacruz, Alfredo Esquillo, Egai Talusan Fernandez, Manny Garibay, Toym Imao, Mark Justiniani, Ces Lecaros, and Eric Roca. The 12 poets included Agatha Bagares, RR Cagalingan, Mike Coroza, Mikael De Lara, Vim Nadera, Aldrin Pentero, Nick Pichay, Noel del Prado, Fidel Rillo, Egay Samar, Joey Tabula, and En Villasis. Their diverse backgrounds and artistic styles added depth and variety to the project.

The culmination of the Kislap-Diwa project will be an exhibition showcasing the finished poems and artworks. Scheduled for August, the show will coincide with the National Museum of the Philippines' 122nd founding anniversary. This platform will allow the public to witness the fruits of the artists' and poets' engagement with Philippine cultural heritage, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation among viewers.

This year's National Heritage Month celebration theme is "Heritage: Change and Continuity." It emphasizes the dynamic nature of heritage as a field that continually evolves while preserving the products of human creativity. Through initiatives like Kislap-Diwa, cultural workers and enthusiasts are reminded of the importance of embracing and safeguarding our cultural heritage as a vital part of our collective identity.

The collaborative effort led by National Artist Virgilio Almario and Senator Loren Legarda, together with the support of various organizations, has brought together artists and poets to explore and interpret Philippine cultural heritage. Kislap-Diwa has provided a platform for artists and poets to express their creative visions and contributed to a broader appreciation and understanding of our rich cultural legacy. By nurturing love and respect for Philippine culture, projects like Kislap-Diwa play a crucial role in preserving and passing down our heritage to future generations.

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