Ilonggo Literature

- Geographic and Linguistic Background:

- Kinaray-a, the mother language of West Visayas, including Hiligaynon literature, was spoken by the 10 datus from Borneo.

- Elements of Hiligaynon Literature:

- Literary forms include “Binalaybay” (poem), “Paktakon” (riddle), “Hurubaton” (proverb), “Ili-ili” (lullaby), “Balitaw” (love song), “Ambahan” (long song), “Asoy” (tale), and “Siday” (poetic duel).

- Cultural Traditions and Practices:

- Folk songs accompanied by various instruments.

- Notable Panay epics like “Labaw Donggon” and “Hinilawod” exist.

- Introduction of the “composo,” a ballad honoring folk heroes or significant community events.

- “Bordon,” a common game during vigils, where the loser recited the “Luwa” quatrain.

- Incorporation of Cultural Practices:

- Hiligaynon literature incorporated the “Flores de Mayo” devotional prayer.

- Ode called “Pagdayaw” performed by poets in honor of saints during feast celebrations.

- Contributions of Mariano Perfecto:

- Established Makinaugalingon Press in Iloilo City.

- Liwayway Publications introduced “Hiligaynon” magazine, broadening its audience reach.

- Notable Writers and Literary Works:

- Exemplary poets include Delfin Gumban, Flavio Zaragosa Cano, Santiago Alv. Mulatom, and Serapion Torre.

- Novelists like Isabelo Sobrevega, Hernando Siscar, Ramon L. Muzones, Abe Gonzales, and Santiago Alv. Mulato made significant contributions.

- Growth of Hiligaynon fiction in subsequent decades with emphasis on irony and characterization.

- Emerging writers in the 1960s include Mario L. Villaret, Nilo P. Pamanog, Romeo Garganera, Ismaelita Floro-Luza, and Ma. Luisa Defante Gibraltar.

- Origin of Hiligaynon Literature:

- Hiligaynon literature originates from the mother tongue of Kinaray-a.

- Both Hiligaynon and Akeanon languages in West Visayas evolved from Kinaray-a.

- Oral Tradition of Hiligaynon Literature:

- Includes forms such as "Binalaybay," "Paktakon," "Hurubaton," "Ili-ili," "Balitaw," "Ambahan," "Asoy," and "Siday."

- Folk Songs and Epics:

- Folk songs are accompanied by string, percussion, or wind instruments.

- Notable Panay epics are "Labaw Donggon" and "Hinilawod."

- Impact of Spanish Influence:

- Spanish arrival didn't hinder the prosperity of Hiligaynon folk literature.

- Introduction of "composo," a ballad honoring folk heroes or community events.

- "Bordon" game during vigils; losers recited "luwa" quatrain.

- Cultural Concepts and Practices:

- Concepts like "passion," Flores de Mayo, and novenas were prevalent.

- "Pagdayaw" involved tributes to fiesta queens by local poets.

- Contribution of Mariano Perfecto:

- Established Imprenta La Panayana, late 1800s.

- Published "Almanake Panayanhon" containing various literary works.

- Evolution of Hiligaynon Literature:

- Introduction of zarzuela, moro-moro, and corrido.

- American period marked a Golden Age.

- Publications like "Hiligaynon" magazine expanded its reach.

- Post-War period saw publications like "Yuhum" and "Kasanag."

- Novelists like Jose E. Yap and Conrado Norada enriched Hiligaynon fiction.

- Emergence of writers like Mario L. Villaret and Nilo Pamonag in the 1990s.

- Increased focus on campus writing during Corazon Aquino's administration.

- About the Author, Dr. Genevieve L. Asenjo:

- Associate Professor of literature and creative writing.

- Writes in Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, and Filipino.

- Received awards from prestigious literary organizations.

- Notable works include "Nagakanta ako ka paglaum," "Pula ang Kulay ng Text Message," and "Komposo ni Dandansoy."