Beijing, China – In partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts through Sentro Rizal Beijing, the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Beijing, China commemorated the 2021 National Heritage Month through a literary event titled “Filipino Literature in Contemporary Philippine Literature” in a hybrid online and on-site format last 27 May 2021.

F. Sionil Jose, National Artist of the Philippines, and Luisa A. Igloria, Filipino-American Poet Laureate of Virginia, joined as resource speakers by videoconference from the Philippines and the United States, respectively. Each of them spoke about their literary inspirations, experiences as writers, and views about the future of the tradition of Philippine Literature in English. They virtually interacted with the live audience during the Q&A portion.

In his remarks, His Excellency Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana, Ambassador of the Philippines to China, highlighted the rich literary tradition in the Philippines that has evolved through time alongside the history of the Philippines itself, thus enriching the shared heritage of Filipinos. He thanked F. Sionil Jose and Luisa A. Igloria for sharing their knowledge and experiences as prime movers in the aforementioned literary tradition.

The on-site programme was attended by representatives of Filipino Community organizations and members of the diplomatic corps in Beijing. Applicable COVID-19-related protocols were observed.

Watch the full video recording of the Forum via this link (if you’re in China, VPN is needed): https://youtu.be/ZSKJALcnjm0. /END