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National Artist Rio Alma pens a poem for Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz

Lifestyle

National Artist Rio Alma pens a poem for Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz

By John Legaspi

The Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino chair offers some words of wisdom for the Olympic champ

Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz has been showered with all the luxurious gifts worthy of a champion. There are numerous free dining offerings, a golden car, and a jaw-dropping P14-million condominium unit all coming from multiple private corporations. But for National Artist Virgilio Almario, famously known as Rio Alma, his gift for the Pinay weightlifter bears a true message and presents the beauty of the Filipino language and literature.

National Artist Rio Alma and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz

Last Aug. 8, 2021, the 77-year-old Filipino literary icon posted a tribute poem for the athlete titled, "Kay Hidilyn." It goes:

Nalulusaw iyang ginto,

Ang palakpak naglalaho;

Parangal ng ating bayan

Ingatan mo't walang-hanggan.

As the chairman of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, and even before that through his work as a poet, Rio has long been championing the Filipino language. He continues to challenge all to see it as "eloquent, technical, rich, and precise" as other foreign languages.

Last month, Rio shared a timely poem with the Philippine Panorama titled "O, Kapitan! Kapitan Ko!"

Related Tags

Hidilyn Diaz Buwan ng Wika Rio Alma Virgilio Almario Tokyo Olympics Arts and Culture

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