The Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) pitched home excellence for the province as it welcomed to her hometown, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya the National Artist for Literature, Dr. Edith Lopez-Tiempo in a tribute from August 9 to 10, 2009.
As a national event, the university’s tribute for Dr. Tiempo convened the national artist’s family and friends, and the province and nation’s academicians and luminaries.
First in the salvo of events, an exhibit of Dr. Tiempo’s works was launched at the Nueva Vizcaya People’s Library and Museum through the generosity of the provincial governor, Hon. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma on August 9. The exhibit proper was officially opened with a ceremonial cutting of ribbon led by the national artist in the company of the NVSU President, Dr. Marilou Gilo-Abon and organizers of the event, the NVSU College of Arts& Sciences, Bambang Campus.
The unveiling of the bust of the national artist at the NVSU guest house ensued the next day with UP Institute of Creative Writing (UPICW) Director Prof. V. E. Carmelo Nadera, Jr. leading the pack. The event featured a short performance of the bust artist/ sculptor, Mr. Raul “Tata” Funilas from UP Diliman. Words of pride and gratitude from NVSU key officials and family members of the National Artist were expressed. Articulate and still sharp at age 90, Dr. Tiempo later expressed her gratitude in a Gaddang song.
Subsequently, the lecture-forum themed “Discovering/ Uncovering/ Recovering the Charmer’s Box: A Conference on the National Artist Edith L. Tiempo” at the NVSU Mini-theater highlighted thoughts from the writings of Dr. Tiempo. Lecturers were renowned literary critics Prof. Oscar Campomanes (Ateneo de Manila University), Prof. Ralph Semino Galan (University of Santo Tomas), Prof. Ferdinand Lopez (UST), Prof. John Jack Wigley (UST), and Prof. Joselito Zulueta (UST) who discussed side by side the dominant trend of thought during Dr. Tiempo’s time, the new criticism, and contemporary issues involving gender discourses and criticism.
In the homage’s last stretch, “The Return:” Tribute to the National Artist for Literature, Dr. Edith Lopez-Tiempo, the national artist not only gave her own mind about poetry writing, but engaged the audience, more so the youth, in creative activities that balanced poetic form with substance. The series of cultural performances in “The Return” bridged the long lost daughter of Vizcaya to the province’s early cultural dances and songs. Aside from the NVSU Voices& Graces Cultural Federation, performers in the event included the Solano band and folk icon musician/ conductor Francisco “Ikko” Panganiban.
A cry of jubilation broke out of the national artist’s lips after seeing the short theatrical rendition on her novel, The Alien Corn. Directed by Philippine Science High School (Cagayan Valley Campus) faculty Ms. Ann Richie Garcia- Balgos, the play exhibited raw talents from the ranks of Vizcayano youth and students in a minimalist mode that stretched the room for overwhelming meaning. The play served as the culminating act in the last leg of the tribute.
The resolutions from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Region 02 conferring Dr. Tiempo the Gaddang name “Casta” and another one from the municipality of Bayombong declaring April 22, her birth date, as a local holiday made the event more meaningful.
Supported by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the UPICW, the tribute was realized under the leadership of the NVSU President and Project Director Dr. Abon, and through the assistance of the office of the municipal mayor of Bayombong, Hon. Atty. John Severino Bagasao.#
Dr. Edith Lopez-Tiempo, National Artist for Literature, with Dr. Marilou Gilo-Abon, NVSU President cuts ribbons during the opening of the exhibit of her works at the NVSU People’s Library and Museum on August 9, 2009. Dr. Tiempo is accompanied by family, and flanked by NVSU officials and exhibit organizers from the NVSU-College of Arts& Sciences, Bambang Campus. |
Don Tiempo unveils the bust of his mother, Dr. Tiempo as opening of the salvo of events on August 10, 2009. Joining him in the ceremony are the NVSU President, Dr. Abon, and the Vice Presidents (VP), Prof. Elmer Castañeto, Dr. Jacinto Cabalonga (hidden). Not shown are VPs Dr. Cristina Salvosa and Dr. Orland Espiritu. |
Prof. Oscar Campomanes (ADMU) speaks on new criticism, Dr. Tiempo’s pet theory, during the Lecture-forum on August 10 at the NVSU Library Mini-theater. The Line-up of speakers include Prof. John Wigley (UST) (hidden), Prof. Joselito Zulueta (UST), Prof. Ralph Semino Galan (UST), and Prof. Ferdinand Lopez (UST) (not shown). |
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 02 Director Ruben S. Bastero joins NVSU President Dr. Abon in the “Puttungan,” a ceremony that gave Dr. Tiempo a crown of flowers, a Gaddang tapis and the resolution that conferred her the Gaddang name for beauty and power, “Casta.” |
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Clad in her Gaddang skirt given during the “Puttungan,” Dr. Tiempo receives the Resolution declaring April 22, her birth date, as a local holiday from the Bayombong mayor, Hon. Atty. John Severino Bagasao. Accompanying the national artist are her son, Don, NVSU President Dr. Abon, and the UP Institute of Creative Writing (UPICW) Director Prof. V. E. Carmelo Nadera, Jr. |
