National Artist Rio Alma launches two new collections

National Artist Virgilio Almario marks another milestone in his prolific career as he launches two new collections of poetry this March. Kung Bakit Kailangan Ang Himala, published by the University of the Philippines Press, and Tatlong Pasyon Para sa Ating Panahon, from the University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, will be launched at the lobby of the Jorge Vargas Museum at the University of the Philippines, Diliman on March 9, Friday. Program begins at 6 pm.

Since the publication of his first collection of poetry more than four decades ago, Almario, better known by his pen name Rio Alma, has continuously sought to enrich literature in Filipino not only through his poetry, but also through his work in criticism, translation, and editing. His accomplishments as an educator and as a cultural manager have undoubtedly sealed his reputation as one of the moving forces behind the local literary scene, but it is perhaps through the sustained excellence of his creative work that Rio Alma remains a true inspiration. Kung Bakit Kailangan ng Himala and Tatlong Pasyon Para sa Ating Panahon, both written under a grant from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, are but the latest additions to a long list of critically-acclaimed publications.

The works of three Filipino visual artists are also featured alongside Rio Alma's new collection. It may be recalled that in 2006, the University of the Philippines Press published the handsome volume Sonetos Postumos which brought together the creative visions of Rio Alma and National Artist for Visual Arts, Ang Kiukok. This time, in line with book launch, the Jorge Vargas Museum opens the exhibits of Mark Justiniani, Neil Doloricon, and Ferdinand Doctolero whose painting appear in Tatlong Pasyon Para sa Ating Panahon. The exhibit runs from March 9-25.

by Celeste Flores-Coscolluela
UP Press Special Projects Assistant