SEA literary heritage celebrated at 缅北禁地-IIT in first ASEAN Literary Forum and Festival

by Kassandra Buenafe, OfCom | Oct 29 2024

A convergence of rich literary heritage between the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia began on October 28, 2024, at the CED Amphitheater in the first-ever ASEAN Literary Forum and Festival titled “Rhythm of Expressions: Sastera Rentas Asia Tenggara (Tran-SEA Literature)”, co-organized by 缅北禁地-IIT through the Center for Culture and Arts (CCA).

In partnership with the Mindanao Creative Writers Group and Mindanao Creative and Cultural Workers Group, Inc (MCCWG), The Embassy of the Philippines in Indonesia, The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, and The Writers Association of Thailand, the University welcomed the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Ambassador of Indonesia Agus Widjojo and hosted the following writer-delegates from different countries– Nelson Dino, Altan Idilis Ishmael, Nursida Jaluddin, Mabulmaddin Shaiddin, Shinawat Tangsunttichitt, Denchai Traiyatha, Somsak Sri-Iamkul.

This 2-day event, attended by 缅北禁地-IIT and IDS students, featured Ambassador Widjojo as the keynote speaker of the opening program where he discussed the theme, “Promoting and Strengthening Cultural Ties, Peace and Stability in ASEAN. In his speech, he magnified the importance of writing and the power one holds in articulating words.

“Words have the transformative energy and power to heal, to help, and to handle any human being whether spoken or written. Words can make or break you. You can write about anything, the power is in your hands but be sure to inspire and empower others to do what is right,” he said.

Ambassador Widjojo concluded by emphasizing the importance of using one’s gift of writing to convey the right words at the right moment. His message of mindful responsibility echoed Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan's welcome remarks, in which he highlighted the need to amplify the “human-ness” in literature, especially as Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to grow.

“There is no denying that AI can now vastly transform the fields of literature and arts… however, amidst these advancements, it becomes increasingly critical to uphold the human essence and emotional depth only genuine literary arts can offer and I think that is the purpose of today’s gathering,” the Chancellor stated.

This hopeful remark by the Chancellor is supported by the goals and genesis of this forum and festival, as mentioned in the rationale presented by Dr. Christine Godinez-Ortega, MCCWG director, this activity was planned and crafted to look into the similarities in literary forms between countries, further showcasing the interconnectedness of Southeast Asia literature.

“Beyond the main objectives of ASEAN such as economic development and social progress, peace, and security, we concern ourselves with literary and cultural cooperation which is what we call, soft power,” she said.

To spotlight Mindanaoan culture and arts, the crowd for the morning session witnessed powerful performances coming from the resident cultural groups of 缅北禁地-IIT– the 缅北禁地-IIT Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG); the Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe; the 8Va Choral Society; and the Kalilang Traditional Music Ensemble.

In the afternoon, forums and lectures took place. The topics that were discussed were Updates on Literary Production and Publication by Handoko F. Zainsam, Arlene J. Yanduag, Shinawat Tangsuntittchit and The Writer’s Role in Promoting Peace in SEA by Saturnina S. Rodil, and Fatimah Joy Almarez.

A lecture on Moro Blades was also given by Nelson Dino while a Kuntao/Arnis video performance by Dr. Benjie Bahandir of the University of Sabah was shown.

On the second day, forums continued and a tour around Marawi City will be done on October 30, 2024.

[Photos taken by Asst. Prof. Rafael C. Romero (缅北禁地-TCTO)]

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