WIKANG YAMAN: KUWENTO AT KUWENTA
(Treasure Languages: Stories and Relevance)
UST-ELSSOC's Advocacy Project
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| WYKK 2020 official poster |
In January, the first-ever treasure language storytelling event in the Philippines and Asia happened for the second time this year as an extension of UNESCO's International Year of Indigenous Languages. Still upholding its advocacy to preserve and connect indigenous languages and celebrate the beauty of our diverse culture, this event spearheaded by the English Language Studies majors of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) titled, “Wikang Yaman: Kuwento at Kuwenta” (WYKK) delivered timeless stories of local fiction and lore. Storytellers from different local provinces with distinct native languages shared their culture's stories in their mother tongue before interpreting them to English. This year's theme is known through its tagline, “Embracing Languages Through Enchanting Stories.”
Just like our first show last year, the event was broadcast and promoted on various social media platforms. Media partners, such as the Inquirer.net, and When In Manila, covered the event along with the university’s very own TomasinoWeb, and The Varsitarian, among others. These avenues were very valuable when it came to spreading the word about the event and the need to recognize and celebrate indigenous languages, especially in these modern times.
There were three main languages or mother tongues spoken in the event: Chavacano, Ilocano, and Bikolano. Jecelie de la Rosa and Jazzel Zairelle Sta Teresa returned for the second time and narrated the stories “Legend of Maria Cristina Falls" and the “Legend of Ibalon,” respectively. The event also featured new storytellers. Clary Sunga, an Ilocano storyteller, told the legend of “Sirena" (Mermaid). Asst. Prof. Abigail Pagalilauan, a well-known foreign language professor at the same university, told a children’s story called “Duwa nga Aso" (Two Dogs). Assoc. Prof. Ralph Galan then shared in prose and poetry using the Bikolano language.
| Clary Sunga telling the fascinating Ilocano story "Sirena" (Mermaid). |
| Jazzel Sta Teresa narrating Chavacano's famous Legend of Ibalon. |
From left to right: Adrianne Milla (Executive Producer), Zoey Magat (Host),
Storytellers Clary, Jecelie & Jazzel, Kyla Discallar (Host), and Andrea Bello (Producer).
| Mrs. Pagalilauan bringing the Ilocano children's story "Duwa nga Aso" to life. |
| Mr. Ralph Galan sharing his delightful prose and poetry in Bikolano. |
Esteemed guest speakers gave an introduction to the history of the Philippine languages that included the ancient writing system ”Baybayin.” It was discussed by Ms. Russell Irene Lagunsad, who also gave the audience a short, interactive activity about it. The flaws and importance of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education in rural areas, and the effects of endangered indigenous languages, were also featured in the discussion by Thomasian Professor, Mr. Jonathan Geronimo. He also emphasized the value of access to free education for the poor.
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Mr. Jonathan Geronimo on the importance of language:"Ang wika ang ekspresyon, identidad at puso ng bansa. Ito ay karapatang pantao. Mahalaga ang papel na ginagampanan nito upang patuloy tayong maging malaya at sumusugo sa lipunan na wala dapat naiiwan." |
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| Ms. Russel Lagunsad's fun interactive discussion about Baybayin. |
The preparation for the event, as for many others, was hectic. However, the event turned out to be successful and heartwarming. The production team worked together well, and the photos are a testament to how much the audience loved the show. Nothing compares to the feeling of fulfillment that remained when the team, and our audience, shared their appreciation for our local languages.
Audience feedback included one participant describing the event as “a great learning experience.” Another audience member said the activity, whereby the audience was asked to write their names using the ancient Baybayin script, was “fun” and “fascinatingly different.” We felt this new interactive experience gave the audience a sense of camaraderie and was a cool way of appreciating our indigenous languages for young audiences.
As the event came to an end, with every effort to connect our diverse cultures in a time where ignorance in preserving indigenous heritage has been a major conflict, this sense emerged among everyone present: that Philippine languages can be rightly sustained through recognition and celebration. The theme of the event, which centered on enchanting folklore and legends, truly helped evoke excitement about learning and listening to other languages that reflect our identity and culture.
Indeed, it was a great event to have witnessed the beauty and diversity of our languages. Another year of WYKK, another year of connecting cultures and celebrating our indigenous languages today, and forevermore.
Relive WYKK 2020's enchanting moments with this special video highlights, click here!
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| PHOTOS BY: WYKK Documentation Team, Leanne Baldelovar and Deojon Elarco |
Event Details:
VENUE: Thomas Aquinas Research Center (TARC) Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
DATE: 21 January, 2020
FORMAT: Seminar-style, with morning and afternoon sessions
LANGUAGES: Chavacano, Ilocano, Bicolano, Filipino, English
Adrianne Milla
PRODUCER
Andrea Bello
DIRECTOR
Kassandra Salanguit
Co-Directors:
Agatha Emocling
Ghayle Noche
CREATIVES
Head: Beatrice Adiao
Eriz Parazo
Eazel Herrera
PUBLICITY
Head: Dei Jai Otamias
Leo Pua
Roxarl Manzano
MARKETING
Heads: Janica Recuenco, Rogemir Rotoni
Brittany Kirsch
Kristina Santos
Duffny Santos
TECHNICAL
Head: Jay Disimulacion
Kenneth Dizon
Jomari Tabuzo
PROPS
Head: Nicole Menzon
Daniel Juanga
DOCUMENTATION
Head: Jasmin Villanueva
Kathleen Adduru
Jaztine Sunga
Jirah Rosario
Jeremy Comia
Miguel Muñas
Maricar Sabiduria
Faithfulness Balce
STAFF
Chief of Staff: Janina Ramos
Christine Dalogdog
Marikah Forro
Michaela Gerona
Regine Partisala
Samantha Prats
Kiya Undan
Bernadette Syjueco
Keanah Ycasas
HOSTS
Kyla Discallar
Robert Magat
More on Wikang Yaman: Kuwento at Kuwenta 2020:
More on Wikang Yaman: Kuwento at Kuwenta 2020:
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