The stormy weather failed to stop the poets from celebrating the Aldo ning Amanung Sisuan last Saturday at the Holy Angel University Theatre. In fact, it served as the perfect metaphor for their determination to weather all storms as they struggle to preserve Kapampangan culture.

Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio, who was going around the province that day to monitor areas affected by the typhoon, came and announced the Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution that created a Provincial Language Council and set the last Friday of August each year as Kapampangan Day. He called these “milestones” in the Kapampangans’ quest for the reinvigoration of the local language.

Guests included Rep. Satur Ocampo, who is a native of Sta. Rita, Pampanga; Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee Eduardo Mutuc, Board Member Catalina Bagasina, Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega, Vice President of the Laus Group of Companies Sonia Soto, Dr. Albina Peczon Fernandez of the University of the Philippines, Dom Martin de Jesus, OSB (a.k.a. Gang Gomez), Sister Josefina Nepomuceno, OSB, Dr. Fumio Watanabe of the Sophia University, Abong Tayag, Jocel Sarmiento (who represented Angeles City Mayor Francis Nepomuceno), and representatives from schools, government offices and media.

The event was co-sponsored by the Academia ning Amanung Sisuan International (ANASI) and the HAU Center for Kapampangan Studies.

Poetess Eufrocinia de la Peña put the golden laurel crowns on each of the three US-based writers who came home to be recognized as the new poets laureate of Pampanga. They are Rafael Maniago of Mexico, Ernesto Turla of Lubao and Renato Alzadon of Capas, Tarlac.

Alzadon’s book of Kapampangan poems, entitled “Kasapunggul a Sampaga,” was also launched during the program.

Poets took turns reciting excerpts from the book. Two sets of crissotan were also performed. Former Vice Governor Atty. Cicero Punzalan, himself a poet, delivered the closing poem.

The program was emceed by Dr. Tec Sanchez-Tolosa and balikbayan Ray Tanjoco.

Exhorted local and US-based poets to continue the poets, Rep. Satur Ocampo, Board Member Catalina Bagasina and Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega led the government officials who graced the affair.