10 - Builder of the National Identity

People from the west tremendously influenced our culture and beliefs today. They brought their practices in our country, as well as their language and literary works. While we Filipinos rejected some of these heritages, we also come up to create our own customs and styles. The members of the Spanish and English-speaking classes proves that as the early Filipino literature was written in Spanish, or English, we established proficiency in both written and oral communication which accordingly became our way to cope with different culture. Bienvenido Lumbera, has challenged in this point of view, and became one of those who restored our classic poems and stories in our Philippine literature.

Lumbera was born in Lipa on April 11, 1932. He was only in the age of five when he became an orphan. He and his sister were adopted by their caring grandmother, Eusebia Teru. He attended schools where his teachers commend him for his dedication in his studies, as well as in reading books and making literary works. Confident, he became an enthusiastic reader and entered the University of Santo Tomas with M.A. degrees, with the wish of becoming a creative writer. Before he graduated in 1953, he published his first stories and poems. Later on, Fulbright Fellowship took him to the University of Indiana where he earned his PhD in Comparative Literature.

A few years later, he came back to the Philippines to teach Literature, Philippine Studies and Creative Writing at the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas. Sharing his knowledge from his studies, practices, and life, he did not only have the chance to teach in the country, but also in Japan. His definite form of writing inspired many of his readers until today.

He was able to create numerous well applauded literatures for publications and theater, some of which include Tales of the Manuvu, Rama Hari, Nasa Puso and Amerika, Bayan: Apatna Dulang Musika, Revaluation, Pedagogy and many more. In electing Bienvenido Lumbera to receive the 1993 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts, the Board of Trustees distinguishes his asserting faith in the place of the Philippine literature in forming the individuality of modern Filipinos. In 2006, he earned the title of Philippine National Artist for Literature.

According to him, language is the key to national identity. Until Filipino becomes the true lingua-franca of the Philippines, he believes, the gap between the knowledgeable classes and most of Filipinos will not be linked. "As long as we continue to use English," he says, "our scholars and academics will be dependent on other thinkers." His success, as well as his continuous love for the country's artistic traditions and languages just proved that we are all called to influence one another by being proud of our own heritage.

Sources:
http://freewayonline.com.ph/bienvenido-lumbera-biography/
http://www.rmaf.org.ph/newrmaf/main/awardees/awardee/profile/150
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bienvenido_Lumbera