Rio Alma: Life and Legacy

Prominent Filipino Artists and Writers

• Virgilio Senadrin Almario (Rio Alma): Born March 9, 1944, a National Artist of the Philippines and chairman of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. Elected chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts on January 5, 2017.

• John Iremil Teodoro: Author of over 12 books. His collection "Pagmumuni-muni at Pagtatalak ng Sirenang Nagpapanggap na Prinsesa" won the National Book Award.

• Antonio Reyes Enriquez: Born in 1936 in Zamboanga City, passed away at 78 in 2014. Known for "Green Sanctuary" and various short stories and novels.

• Emigdio Alvarez Enriquez (Mig): Started writing at 20 under Jesuit guidance. Notable works include "The Devil Flower" and "House of Images."

• Anthony L. Tan: Recognized in the Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts and Authors for his poetic works "The Badjao Cemetery and Other Poems" and "Poems for Muddas."

• Ralph Semino Galan: Poet and literary critic teaching at the University of Santo Tomas. A magna cum laude graduate from Mindanao State University, he authored "From the Major Arcana."

• Candy Gourlay: Born in Manila during martial law, later moved to the UK. Author of novels such as "Tall Story," "Shine," "Bone Talk," and "Oxford Reading Tree."

• Christine G. Ortega: Held key roles including Head of the National Literary Arts Committee and Director of the Iligan National Writers Workshop. Her notable work is "Lanterns in the Sun and Other Poems."

• Joey Ayala: A renowned Filipino singer-songwriter known for fusing Filipino ethnic music with modern pop. Famous for the song "Karaniwang Tao."

• Paz Márquez-Benítez: Notable short-story writer and educator known for "Dead Stars" (1925), which criticized American imperialism, and her other work "A Night in the Hills."

Literary Regions in the Philippines

• Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): Composed of provinces such as Abra, Apayao, and Benguet. Baguio City serves as the regional center.

• Cultural Contributions in CAR: Includes epics like "Hudhud," ballads like "Ullalim," short stories like "Wedding Dance," and various myths.

• Dion Michael Fernandez: Influential writer from Baguio, known for his unique fusion of mythology, Gothicism, and modernism. Holds a Bachelor's and Master's in English and Literature.

Notable Figures in the ARMM Region

• Leonor Orosa-Goquingco: A national artist for creative dance, known for her multifaceted talents in the arts as a choreographer, director, and critic.

• Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat: Sultan of Maguindanao (1581–1671), successfully resisted Spanish invasion and conversion efforts in Mindanao. A descendant of Muslim missionary Shariff Kabungsuwan.

Explore the life and contributions of Virgilio Senadrin Almario, widely known as Rio Alma, a prominent Filipino artist and poet. This quiz covers his role as a National Artist and his impact on language and culture in the Philippines.