Kulokabildo: Dialogues with Cebuano Writers

Kulokabildo is the second volume of Dr. Hope Yus book series about Cebuano
Literature. The DVD was overall very interesting. It had actually made me want to write
something productive or creative. The answers the Cebuano writers gave to the
questions asked was so convincing that you can really tell that they have gone through
a lot in writing. Every word they said was so well said that it made me realize things
essential in writing. I have always been fond of books and novels, and I have this desire
to write my own story one day. That was why I was very interested in the film; to see
what Im lacking to create my masterpiece. Though what I was most intrigued about was
this volumes title. The word, dialogue, is used but its something not different from the
word, conversation, which was used in the previous volumes title. As expected of a
talented writer to really capture the essence of an idea by using the appropriate words.
If we compare dialogue and conversation, I believe dialogue is done between two
persons for a purpose like a discussion. It is more formal than a conversation which
seems more fun because of its spontaneity (the unpredictability of topics the
conversation might lead to). And indeed, the author used the correct word to describe
the contents of his book.
This part of the series tackles more on personal things as a writer. Its full of
experiences about being a writer; what their roles are; how and how often they write;
what and who makes them want to write; why they write; and so much more. Many
authors in the film say that the role of being a writer is to experience life so that they
may be able to express, clarify, and provoke something to change lives. They write not
in the language of English, Cebuano, Tagalog, or any other language, but rather in the
language of compassion, sympathy, and love.
Inspiration is the very root of their works. Writers like to write anywhere as long
as it is peaceful and serene. Most writers said that inspiration is needed in writing, but a
few mentioned that there is no such thing as inspiration and that emotion and feelings
dont matter. I strongly disagree with those few. Inspiration is really important. Works of
literature would have no meaning if emotions and inspirations arent involved. It would
be like a beautiful huge tree but is really hollow inside.
A writer mentioned that the reason why he writes was because he has a mind
pregnant with ideas and in order to give it birth, he lets it all out in the form of writing.
This particular scene was my favourite. How I wish I could just let all my imagination out
like a pro writer.
Shaina May Q. Romero
BSA 2
Aesthetics 3:30 4:30 MTW

July 27, 2015

Kapulongan: Conversations with Cebuano Writers

Kapulongan is the first volume of Dr. Hope Yus book series about Cebuano
Literature. I found this part of the series more fun to watch because its more on
comparing the works of Cebuano literature then and now. It was slightly interesting
because it reveals the real situation of Cebuano literature. There were sort of real-life
shocking/sad facts mentioned every once in a while, which is fun because it came
spontaneously.
Almost all of us dont want to read because of internet and gadgets. Its a sad
fact that reveals the degrading level of readers. Thats not my case though because I
started to read because of internet and gadgets. How cool of me is that! Unfortunately
for me, Im one of those who have low level in understanding deep mother tongue. Its
hard for me to understand Visayan words that are not frequently used in my daily life. I
could barely even read fluently a local newspaper.
Cebuano writings then had a real touch of everything. It was more refreshing and
reader-friendly, a lot more humorous and vigorous. It has a sort of strength that is no
longer fully seen in todays works. Now though, the number of works might have
decreased because of much access to mass media. People get bombarded with
information from different sources. Most people nowadays have lost the habit of
reading. Im a bit thankful though when an author mentioned that a number of todays
Cebuano literary works still retained the essence of the spirit of the old writings.
Its amazing how Cebuano writers can get to their writing. They have different
ways or process in writing. Some just read until they have something in mind, and some
think back to their memories in the past and relate it to the present. They feel courage to
write when they want to change what needs to be changed. They think. They judge.
They test. They lead some directions. They tell stories that were critically self-analyzed.
From the film, I had never thought that there are a number of famous Cebuano
writers. The film talked about this guy or that guy who was very famous for his writings,
but that guy is someone who I, and in my generation, never knew. I could really see a
huge gap because of that, and we cant have that.
What I liked about this volume is that they included tips in writing which was fun
to know. It would be really helpful to those like me who are interested in writing. Though
if I were to be honest to myself, I dont think Id be able to write any Cebuano writings at
this moment.