CCP celebrates 86th death anniversary of Huseng Batute
Published May 23, 2018 04:05 pm
A special production by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) titled “Pagbabalik Tanaw Sa Unang Hari Ng Balagtasan” commemorates the 86th death anniversary of Jose Corazon de Jesus. It’s on May 26 at the Huseng Batute Theater, a black box intended for experimental performances, which was named after the Filipino poet’s pen name Huseng Batute. CCP Pres. Nick Lizaso, a relative of the famous poet, said the event is free and open to the public.
CCP Pres. Nick Lizaso
Batute, who was born on Nov. 22, 1894, wrote his “Buhay Maynila” column in verse for the Taliba newspaper for 10 years. His poems were published in six books: “Mga Dahong Ginto,” “Gloria,” “Mga Itinapon Ng Kapalaran,” “Sa Dakong Silangan,” “Ilaw Sa Kapitbahay” and “Maruming Basahan.” He also penned lyrics for songs, most of which were kundimans. He translated the song “Nuestra Patria” into “Bayan Ko,” considered the second (unofficial) national anthem of the country.
Batute also excelled in performing in the “balagtasan,” named after Francisco Balagtas who also wrote “Florante At Laura” and “Orosman At Zafira.” It is a Filipino literary form of debate where rhymed verses were created in spontaneity under topics ranging from politics to culture.
“Pagbabalik Tanaw Sa Unang Hari Ng Balagtasan” is in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Bulacan. It will be hosted by awarded writer and performing artist Vim Nadera and Louise O. Lopez.
CCP Pres. Nick Lizaso
Batute, who was born on Nov. 22, 1894, wrote his “Buhay Maynila” column in verse for the Taliba newspaper for 10 years. His poems were published in six books: “Mga Dahong Ginto,” “Gloria,” “Mga Itinapon Ng Kapalaran,” “Sa Dakong Silangan,” “Ilaw Sa Kapitbahay” and “Maruming Basahan.” He also penned lyrics for songs, most of which were kundimans. He translated the song “Nuestra Patria” into “Bayan Ko,” considered the second (unofficial) national anthem of the country.
Batute also excelled in performing in the “balagtasan,” named after Francisco Balagtas who also wrote “Florante At Laura” and “Orosman At Zafira.” It is a Filipino literary form of debate where rhymed verses were created in spontaneity under topics ranging from politics to culture.
“Pagbabalik Tanaw Sa Unang Hari Ng Balagtasan” is in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Bulacan. It will be hosted by awarded writer and performing artist Vim Nadera and Louise O. Lopez.
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Jennylyn Mercado
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