Wikang Yaman: Kuwento at Kuwenta Language Party
In January, the “first-ever” treasure language storytelling event in the Philippines and Asia happened for the second time around. Still spearheaded by the English Language Studies majors of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), the event entitled “Wikang Yaman: Kuwento at Kuwenta” delivered stories of local fiction and lore from which its tagline was coined -- “Embracing Languages Through Enchanting Stories”.
Just like last year, the event was broadcast on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Media partners such as the university’s very own Varsitarian covered the event as well. These avenues were very helpful when it came to spreading the word about our event, and about the need to celebrate indigenous languages.
There were three main languages or mother tongues spoken in the event: Chavacano, Ilocano, and Bikolano. Jecelie de la Rosa and Jazzel Zairelle Sta Teresa returned for the second time and narrated the stories “Legend of Maria Cristina Falls” and the “Legend of Ibalon”, respectively. The event also featured new storytellers. Clary Sunga, an Ilocano storyteller, told the legend of “Sirena” (Mermaid). Mrs. Abigail Pagalilauan, a well-known foreign language professor at the same university, told a children’s story called “Duwa nga Aso” (Two Dogs). Ralph Galan then shared prose and poetry in Bicolano language.
Guest speakers gave an introduction to the history of the Philippine languages, such as the ancient ”Baybayin”, and the importance of mother tongue-based multilingual education in rural areas and free education access for the poor.
The preparation for the event, as for many others, was hectic. However, the event turned out to be successful and heartwarming. The production team worked together well, and the photos are testament to how much the audience loved the show. Nothing compares to the feeling of fulfilment that arose when the team, and our audience, shared their appreciation for our local languages.
Audience feedback included one participant describing the event as “a great learning experience”. Another audience member said the activity, whereby the audience was asked to write their names using the ancient Baybayin language, was “fun”. We felt this new interactive experience gave the audience a sense of camaraderie, and was a cool way of appreciating our indigenous languages.
As the event came to a close, this sense emerged among everyone present: that Philippine languages can be rightly sustained through recognition and celebration. The theme of the event, which centred on enchanting folklore and legends, truly helped to evoke excitement about learning and listening to other languages.
Another year of WYKK, another year of celebrating our indigenous languages, and more years to come!
–Dei Jai Otamias
The Details
Where: Thomas Aquinas Research Center Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas, Manila
When: 21 January, 2020
Format: Freestanding event, seminar-style, with morning and afternoon sessions
Storytellers: Jecelie de la Rosa, Ralph Galan (Bicolano), Jazzel Zairelle Sta. Teresa (Chavacano), Abigail Pagalilauan, Clary Sunga (Ilocano)
Production: Adrianne Milla, Andrea Bello, Kassandra Salanguit, Agatha Emocling, Ghayle Noche, and the WYKK team
Photography: Leanne Baldelovar and Deojon Elarco
More on Manila’s Language Party
https://www.facebook.com/wykk2020/
https://twitter.com/WYKK2020