Virgilio Almario Biography & Works (PDF)

VIRGILIO ALMARIO Pen name “Rio Alma” a Filipino author, poet, critic, translator, editor, teacher, and cultural manager promoted filipino literature VIRGILIO ALMARIO advocated for the use of the Filipino language named National Artist for Literature in 2003 received numerous awar...

VIRGILIO ALMARIO Pen name “Rio Alma” a Filipino author, poet, critic, translator, editor, teacher, and cultural manager promoted filipino literature VIRGILIO ALMARIO advocated for the use of the Filipino language named National Artist for Literature in 2003 received numerous awards for his works VIRGILIO ALMARIO’S NOTABLE WORKS “Doktrinang Anakpawis” – A collection of poems that explores social issues and reflects Almario’s advocacy for nationalism. “Mga Retrato at Rekwerdo” – A compilation of his poems, showcasing his deep concern for the Filipino identity and experience. “Makata sa Panahon ng Makina“ – An important work of literary criticism that examines the role of poetry in the modern age. “Balagtasismo versus Modernismo” – A critical essay that discusses the tension between traditional and modern poetic forms in Philippine literature. “Translation of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo” – Almario translated these two famous works of José Rizal into Filipino, making them more accessible to modern readers.  VIRGILIO ALMARIO WAS NAMED NATIONAL ARTIST FOR LITERATURE IN 2003 BECAUSE HE REVITALIZED AND REIMAGINED TRADITIONAL FORMS OF FILIPINO POETRY WHILE ALSO ADVOCATING FOR MODERNIST POETICS.  VIRGILIO ALMARIO’S CONTRIBUTION’S Almario was key in the second modernist movement in Filipino poetry. He promoted the Filipino language and its importance in cultural identity. He translated works. Founded Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) ANG WIKA KO by: Rio Alma Ang wika ko'y wikang atin, katutubo, Na minana pa ni ina sa nuno ng kanyang nuno; Taglay nitó ang salaysay na taal at mula puso, At ang ugat ng lumipas na tagbagyo nang tumubò. Hindi ito natatákot sa pagsákop Yumayaman ito kahit lumuluhang nakagápos, Ngunit kapag nakalayä, asahan mong magsasabog Ng bulaklak at insenso sa anak ng paghahamok. ANG WIKA KO by: Rio Alma Ang wika nga, walang wikang isinilang Upang maging mas mataas kaysa ibáng salitaan; Abá, hintay! Walang wikang sa sarilty yumayaman Nang higit pa sa may-ari't gumagámit araw-araw. Umibig man at manalig sa banyaga Ngunit huwag lilimutin ang sarili't inang wika; Malango na sa mabango't bulaklaking dáyong dila Ngunit huwag isasangla pati diwa mong malayà. ANG WIKA KO by: Rio Alma Ang wika ko'y wika nating malikhain May hiwaga ng gunitang pag hinukay, lumalalim; Langhapin mo't ang linamnam, umaalab kung haplusin, Kabaak mo, buong-buo, iyong-iyo pag inangkin. ELEMENTS OF POETRY A. SENSE Diction: Rio Alma uses both connotative and denotative meaning (e.g. “wika”). Image and Sense Impression: Vivid descriptions (e.g. "lumuluhang nakagapos") and tactile expressions (e.g. "umaalab kung haplusin") were used. B. SOUND Rhythm: The rhythm vary between lines, some words/phrases carry more stress than the others. Meter: The poem uses a consistent syllable count per line. Rhyme Scheme: The poem features end rhymes.  METER: ANG WI-KA KO'Y WI-KANG A-TIN, KA-TU-TU-BO (12) NA MI-NA-NA PA NI I-NA SA NU-NO NG KAN-YANG NU-NO; (16) TAG-LAY NI-TÓ ANG SA-LAY-SAY NA TA-AL AT MU-LA PU-SO, (16) AT ANG U-GAT NG LU-MI-PAS NA TAG-BAG-YO NANG TU-MU-BÒ (16) RHYME SCHEME: 1ST STANZA 4TH STANZA 5TH STANZA... katutubo,...banyaga...malikhain...nuno;...wika;...lumalalim;...puso,...dila...haplusin,...tumubo....malaya....inangkin. C. STRUCTURE Word Order: uses a straightforward subject-verb structure, making the meaning clear and direct Punctuation: commas create pauses that enhance the emotional weight of the statement Shape: divided into stanzas, each with a consistent structure Tone: Proud, defiant, and nostalgic. Voice: written in first person point of view D. THEME The main theme of "Ang Wika Ko" is the celebration of native language as an essential expression of cultural identity, resilience, and pride, and the importance of preserving it in the face of external influences.