National Artist Rio Alma Pays Homage To Gilda Cordero Fernando
GILDA FERNANDO – One of the Philippines’ most renowned writers Gilda Cordero Fernando sadly passed away at the age of 90-years-old.
As an homage to the culture icon, National Artist Rio Alma released a beautiful poem. According to an article from Manila Bulletin, Virgilio Almario said that he and Fernando were very close. He explained that is was Fernando and Odette Alcantara that supported him in times that he was alone.
Almario’s poem narrates a celebration of Fernado’s work and the melancholy of her death. Fernando, the writer, visual artist, producer, publisher, and fashion designer, left an indelible mark on Philippine culture.
Furthermore, the poem, intimate in its creation, presented a private remembrance of a beautiful friendship. Fernando, through her works and personality, gave millions a positive outlook amid the bleakness of life.
Hanga ako kay Gilda dahil masigasig siya sa pagtuklas ng kulturang Filipino, Rio Alma said. As per the article, here is the poem simply titled “Kay Gilda”.
Kung pagsaulan kong basáhin sa isip
Ang nangakaraang araw ng ligalig,
Walang mahagilap na lungtiang titik
Liban na kay Gildang namugad sa dibdib.
Yaong Gildang lagìng ginugunamgunam
Na bitwing marikit at di mapaparam,
Minsang naging tanglaw niring kapalaran
Sa mundong madilim at tigib sa panglaw.
Makaligtaan ko kayâng di bigkasin
Ang kaniyang payo at masayáng bilin?
Huwag ikalungkot ang gabing madilim,
Kung nabubúhay pa at diwa ay gisíng.
Lumipas ang araw naming matatamis
Kahit nagdidilim ang buong paligid;
Ang halakhak niya’y mahimalang tinig
Pantaboy sa taksil at itim na bagwis.
Ngayong nawala na at nangungulila,
Ano ang gagawin pag muling nagdusa?
Ay! May tatamis pang dapat maalala?
Wala nang tatamis, wala na nga, Gilda!
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