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Saysay Bikol, Naga City (2026)

13/06/2026

𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗔𝗟𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗭: 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗢
Marjun A. Sedeño, Translation by Christian Jesse Bala

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13 Hunyo 1852 namundag an abogado asin estadista na si Francisco Martinez Alvarez sa Caramoan, probinsya kan Ambos Camarines. An saiyang mga magurang iyo sinda Jose Alvarez asin Gertrudis Martinez. Nagklase sya sa Seminario Conciliar de Nueva Caceres dangan nagpadagos sa Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Nagtapos sya nin abogasya sa Unibersidad kan Santo Tomas sa Manila dangan kan 1903, minidbid an saiyang propesyon kan Korte Suprema.

Nagin matrayumpo an saiyang karera bilang abogado sa syudad kan Nueva Caceres (ngunyan Naga) kun sain nagsirbi sya bilang katuwang na direktor kan peryodikong La Union. Kan 1907, kan mabilog an asembleya nasyunal, bilang pag-utob sa Philippine Organic Act of 1902, naelihir si Alvarez sa lindong kan Partido Nacionalista bilang inot na representante kan ikatulong distrito kan Ambos Camarines. Kaayon sa distritong ini an mga banwaan kan Buhi, Caramoan, Goa, Lagonoy, Sagnay, San Jose, Siruma, Tigaon, saka Tinambac.

Susog sa historyador na si Dr. Stephen Henry Totanes, si Francisco Alvarez an pinakagurang na Bikolnon na myembro kan asembleya nasyunal, huli ta naelihir sya sa edad na 55. Kasabay ni Alvarez an walong elihidong representante hali sa man-iba-ibang distrito kan mga probinsya sa Bikol: sinda Tomas Arejola, Tomas Almonte, Pedro Chavez, Vicente de Vera, Carlos Imperial asin Angel Roco.

Mahalaga an pagkakaelihir ki Francisco Alvarez sa irarom kan kolonyal na gobyerno kan Amerika nin huli ta sya an inot na politikong hali sa distrito kan Partido sa Camarines Sur na nagkaigwa nin posisiyon sa lehislatura kan Pilipinas. Nagsirbi sya bilang myembro kan komite sa industriya, komersiyo, asin trabaho, kun sain pinakusog nya an pagpapatalubo kan mga patrabahong pampubliko asin imprastraktura. Nagin katuwang man siya ni Tomas Arejola sa pagtulod kan sarong proponidong ley manungod sa pagbayad nin taripa sa makinarya asin kagamitan pang-angrikultura na inaangkat sa ibang mga nasyon.

Binawian nin buhay si Alvarez sa edad na 72 kan 1 Marso 1925 sa syudad kan Naga.

Dawa ngani dakula an saiyang papel sa asembleya nasyunal kan 1907, dai sya midbid na marhay bilang personalidad sa kasaysayan kan politika sa Kabikulan. Dakol an dai nakakabisto saiya nin huli ta kadikit an mga basehan na impormasyon manungod sa saiyang buhay. Kaipuhan matawan nin atensyon kan mga historyador an saiyang istorya danga mga naginibuhan tanganing mamidbidan sya sa rehiyon, sa probinsya, urog na sa ikatulong distrito o o an Partido.

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MGA SUSUGAN

Artigas y Cuerva, Manuel. Galería de Filipinos Ilustres. Manila: Imp. Casa Editoria Renacimiento, 1917.

Directorio Oficial de la Asamblea Filipina. Manila: Bureau of Printing, 1909.

Nieva, Gregorio. Philippine Assembly: Official Directory, First Philippine Legislature. Manila: Bureau of Printing, 1908.

Totanes, Stephen Henry S. “Revisiting the Philippine Assembly of 1907: Profiles and Political Careers of Bikolano Assemblymen.” The Journal of History 54 (2008): 283–309.

Tuohy, Anthony R. Album Historico de la Primera Asamblea Filipina. Manila: I.F., 1908 [2022].

Villamor, Ignacio. Tratado de elecciones o commentarios a la ley electoral de Filipinas, (ed. 2). Manila: Tip. de Santo Tomas , 1911.

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13/06/2026

IN PHOTOS: Saysay Bikol Vice President Mr. Javier Leonardo Rugeria presented his working paper, "The Principalia and the Creation of Towns in the Spanish Philippines: The Case of Daet and Lagonoy, 1802–1809," at the inaugural international conference of the Society for Early Transpacific Studies (SETS), held on 9–11 June at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

His presentation challenged the assumption that the creation of towns was solely a top-down process driven by the colonial civil government or the friars. By examining the cases of Daet and Lagonoy, he highlighted the role of native elites in negotiating the separation of visitas from their matriz (mother towns) and in the establishment of independent pueblos.

The SETS conference, which brought together scholars of the Spanish Empire from around the world, was hosted by the UP Department of European Languages and the UP College of Arts and Letters.

Photos courtesy of Dr. Karminn Yañgot, Mr. Charles Talavera, and the UP Department of European Languages.

09/06/2026

For Saysay Bikol, archives are everywhere: national repositories, digital databases, regional collections, school holdings, community records, family cabinets, and lived memories. We labor across distances and correspondences, here and abroad, to uncover overlooked sources and bring you new, well-grounded stories that deepen and enrich our understanding of Bikol history and our region's place in the narratives of the nation and the world.

Happy International Archives Day!

05/06/2026

𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗢: 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗚𝗔𝗗𝗢, 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗧, 𝗕𝗜𝗞𝗢𝗟𝗡𝗢𝗡

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𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙚: Saysay Bikol’s collection of biographical essays has come full circle, at least as far as our initial list is concerned. From here on, we shall begin publishing Bikol translations of pieces we have previously released. New essays, meanwhile, will continue to appear in English to ensure wider accessibility, including for non-Bikol readers. We hope these translated works will give Bikolnons greater access to our materials—for academic pursuits, leisurely reading, personal interest, or whatever purpose they may serve. Para po sa padagos na pagsaysay!

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Sarong abogado, peryodista, dangan paratulod kan lenggwaheng Bikol si Francisco Gavino Celebrado, na namundag kaidtong 5 Hunyo 1901 sa Nabua, Camarines Sur. Pagkatapos na amay mailo sa ina, nagdakula si Celebrado sa pangataman kan saiyang ama. Natapos nya an kursong Bachelor of Laws sa Philippine Law School kaidtong 1924 asin nakapasar sa Bar examinations kan nagsunod na taon.

Kaibahan sa mga nagin katungdan nya sa serbisyo publiko iyo an pagigin kaayon sa Provincial Board puon 1928 sagkod 1931, dangan an pagigin Justice of the Peace kan Magarao asin Canaman, Camarines Sur, puon 1932 sagkod 1933. Nagin myembro man sya kan Inot asin Ikaduwang Asembleya Nasyonal. Digdi ipinamahala saiya an nagkapirang mga komite, kaibahan na an mga komite sa Serbisyo Sibil, Asuntong Panluwas, asin Pampublikong Edukasyon.

Saro sa mahalagang ambag nya sa lehislatura iyo an pagtulod tanganing magin banwaan an Del Gallego, na dating kinukumpunir kan mga barangay kan Danawin asin Kilbay na kaidto sakop kan Ragay. Pormal ining namukna sa irarom kan administrasyon ni Presidente Manuel L. Quezon.

Aktibo si Celebrado sa lado kan kultura. Kaidtong 1927, kaayon sya sa mga nagtugdas kan Academia Bicolana, kaibahan sinda P. Luis Dimarumba, Mariano Nicomedes, P. Jose Ofrasio, Casimiro Perfecto, asin si Lorenzo Rosales. Sa paagi kan publikasyon na Sanghiran nin Bikol, nagi syang kag-ambag sa pangataman, pagtulod, asin kauswagan kan lenggwaheng Bikol.

An saiyang pamana mamamansay nanggad sa kinaban kan pulitika asin kultura. Digdi winalat nya sa rehiyon an importanteng mga ambag sa kasaysayan dangan identidad Bikolnon.

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MGA SUSUGAN

Directorio Oficial de la Asamblea Nacional. Manila: Bureau of Printing (1940). .

Encyclopedia of the Philippines: The Library of Philippine Literature, Art and Science, Volume 9: Builders of the New Philippines. Manila: P. Vera & Sons, Company (1936). .

The Commercial & Industrial Manual of the Philippines, 1940-1941. Manila: Publishers Incorporated. .

Executive Order No. 56, 5 October 1936 .

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05/06/2026

𝗔𝗡 𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗡 𝗡𝗜 𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗢 𝗚𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗢 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔 𝗦𝗔 𝗞𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗨𝗛𝗔𝗡
Ruben Jeffrey A. Asuncion

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𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙚: Saysay Bikol’s collection of biographical essays has come full circle, at least as far as our initial list is concerned. From here on, we shall begin publishing Bikol translations of pieces we have previously released. New essays, meanwhile, will continue to appear in English to ensure wider accessibility, including for non-Bikol readers. We hope these translated works will give Bikolnons greater access to our materials—for academic pursuits, leisurely reading, personal interest, or whatever purpose they may serve. Para po sa padagos na pagsaysay!

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Sa aldaw na ini kan taon 1921 namundag sa Bulan, Sorsogon, si Bonifacio Hubilla Gillego, myembro kan militar dangan igot na kritiko kan Martial Law ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Saro si Gillego sa mga taga-Bulan na nanindugan kontra sa diktadurya kaidtong dekada ‘70 sagkod ‘80: kasabay sinda Liliosa Hilao, Nanette Vytiaco, pati naman si Gregorio Honasan.

Nagklase si Gillego sa Sorsogon, sa Albay, dangan sa Far Eastern University sa Manila. An inot na karera ni Gillego nangyari sa lindong kan Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) kan an Pilipinas dayupot na kasurog kan Estados Unidos sa kapinunan kan Cold War. Napasabak sya sa aktwal na labanan bilang kaayon kan Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), na nagtabang sa pakilaban sa mga pwersa kan North Korea dangan pati man sa mga boluntaryong Tsino na inapod kaidto bilang “people’s volunteers” na hali sa sur na parte kan mga linderos kan North saka South Korea. Dai naghaloy, naglingkod man si Gillego sa Operation Brotherhood, na sarong proyektong sibikong aksyon sa kahadian kan Laos na kaidto nagsasapo nin kariribukan huli sa durulak kan mga komunista saka monarkista.

Linaog ni “Boni” an pulitika kan 1970 kan nanggana sya bilang delegado sa 1971 Constitutional Convention—paghiro na an mga aspirasyon dai napangyari huli sa palihíp na mga lakdang ni Marcos Sr. tanganing magdanay pa sya sa kapangyarihan. Huli ta amay pa sana kritiko na si Gillego kan mga pandiktador na gawi-gawi ni Marcos, napiritan si Gillego na mamuhay bilang sarong destyero or exile sa Estados Unidos sa laog nin 14 taon.

Mantang nasa Amerika, nag-ayon sya saka nagin aktibong myembro kan Movement for a Free Philippines (MFP). An MFP sarong organisasyon nin mga aktibistang kontra ki MArcos, na an kadaklan dating naka-base sa Pilipinas alagad napiritan na magdulag sa nasyon kan ipinautob an Proclamation No. 1081—Martial Law—puon kan 22 Septyembre 1972. Nanutaran kan mga pag-iriba ni Boni sa MFP na haloy na nyang kinukwestyon an katutuuhan manungod sa mga medalya sa gyera na ipinag-aablada ni Marcos kaidto. Sa kampanya sa pagkapresidente kan 1965, ginamit ni Marcos an mga medalya na patotoo subuot kan saiyang urag laban sa mga Hapones kan panahon kan gyera.

An mga pagduda na ini, dai naghaloy napatutuuhan nanggad kan siyasaton ni Gillego an mga artsibong militar sa Estados Unidos dangan nagsaliksik sya manungod sa Ikaduwang Gyerang Pangkinaban sa Pilipinas. Sa katapusan kan saiyang igot na pag-adal saka beripikasyon, ipinublikar ni Gillego an mga nadukhayan nya sa We Forum, na midbid kaidto bilang saro sa mga publikasyon na binansagan “mosquito press” huli ta subuot garo sa na kagat nin namok an epekto kan mga kritikal na artikulong nakapalaman digdi. Saro pang artikulo, na daing ngaran nin kagsurat alagad itinatakod nanggad ki Gillego huli ta konektado ini sa nagkairinot na serye, igwa nin titulong “Marcos is a Fake Hero, Says his Ex-Commander.”

Matatandaan man na kasuhay na ibinuyagyag kan Amerikanong historyador na si Alfred McCoy kaibahan an peryodistang si John Sharkey na peke an mga medalya sa gyera ni Marcos. Huli kaini, binalos si Gillego saka an pabliser kan We Forum na si Jose Burgos Jr. nin kasong libelo na naghuhurot nin danyos na maabot 40 milyon piso. Sa huring parte kan 1982, sa kasuguan ni Marcos Sr., sinalakat dangan ipinasara sa mga operatiba kan Metropolitan Command Intelligence Service Group (MISG) an mga pasilidad kan We Forum. Alagad, dai naghaloy,idineklara kan Korte Suprema na iligal an nasabing raid kan MISG.

Kaibahan sa pinakaimportanteng pagbuyagyag ni Gillego iyo an saiyang pahayag an gibu-gibo sana man ni Marcos an subuot guerilla unit kaini na inapod An mga Maharlika. Lain pa kaini, ibiniklad ni Gillego an pag-angkin ni Marcos sa kabayanihan nya subuot sa Bessang Pass sa kabukidan kan Cordillera kaidtong 1945, mantang si Major Conrado Rigor an totoong bayani sa ralaban na idto.

Nasaksihan ninda Gillego saka Burgos an trayumpo kan People Power Revolution sa EDSA, na nagpatalsik sa diktadura kaidtong Pebrero 1986.

Sa pagbalik kan demokrasya, naglingkod si Gillego bilang kongresista kan probinsya kan Sorsogon sa panahon sa lindong kan administrasyon ni Presidente Corazon Aquino. Nailuklok sya bilang representante kan ikaduwang distrito puon kan 1987 sagkod 1998 dangan nagin maigot na paratulod Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law kan 1988.

Apat na taon pagkatapos kan saiyang huring termino sa Kamara, nagtalikod sa kinaban si Bonifacio Gillego kaidtong 1 Agosto 2002. Sa taon man sanang idto, minidbid kan Bantayog ng mga Bayani an saiyang mga pagmaigot para sa katutuuhan dangan demokrasya, kun kaya ibinilang an saiyang ngaran sa listahan nin mga bayani kan Batas Militar.

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MGA SUSUGAN

“Bonifacio Gillego.” Bantayog ng mga Bayani.

Javar, Roderick; Asuncion, Ruben Jeffrey; Tugano, Axle; Santos, Mark Joseph. 2022. 50-50: Talambuhay ng mga Pangunahing Personalidad ng Batas Militar. Limbagang Pangkasaysayan.

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05/06/2026

𝗔𝗡 𝗜𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗡𝗔 𝗠𝗚𝗔 𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗔 𝗦𝗔 𝗕𝗜𝗞𝗢𝗟 𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗢 𝗗𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗔
Javier Leonardo V. Rugeria

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𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙚: Saysay Bikol is republishing translated—and updated—versions of articles originally written in English and previously published here, for the benefit of the wider Bikol audience. Please note that the original English pieces are continuously revised as new information and data become available. New articles will continue to be published in English for everyone’s use. Dyos mabalos po!

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Pormal na binuksan an Ateneo de Naga (AdeN) kan 5 Hunyo 1940 sa pamamahala ni P. Francis Burns, S.J., an inot na rektor kan eskwelahan. Sa inot na mga taon, ginibo an mga klase kaini sa sarong edipisyong harani sa Katedral na dating ginagamit kan Catholic Academy (na ngunyan iyo an Naga Parochial School), bago maglipat an eskwelahan sa presenteng kampus sa Bagumbayan.

Kaibahan sa inot na grupo nin mga Heswitang idinestino sa Bikol iyo sinda P. Burns, P. Bernard Lochbölher, dangan an mga iskolastiko (seminarista) na sinda Gregory Horgan, Albert Grau, Saturnino Monzon, saka Richard McSorley, na iyong minimidbid na kagsurat kan liriko kan “Regnum Dei,” an martsa kan AdeN. Kan huring parte kan taon 1941, nadugangan an komunidad nin mga Heswita sa Naga kan nag-abot sinda P. Matthew Reilly saka P. Joseph Bittner, kaibahan an mga iskolastikong sinda Francis Lucas, John Nicholson, saka Edward Sullivan.

Lihis sa nakatudan na impormasyon, dai kaibahan sa orihinal na komunidad si Sergio Adriatico—na sarong Heswitang Hermano—bago magbungkaras an gyera, huli ta sa rekord, nakadestino sya sa sa Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. Sa dai malinaw na dahilan, ipinadara sya kan saiyang superyor na si P. John Hurley sa Naga, susog sa mga saysay kan mga Hmo. Grau, Sullivan, asin McSorley kan panahon nin gyera.

Anom na ektarya nin daga na nasa 100 metro sanang rayo hali sa Katedral an itinao ni Obispo Pedro P. Santos (1889–1965) kan Caceres para sa pagmukna kan Ateneo. Digdi tinugdok an mayor na edipisyo kan Ateneo na bantog huli sa istruktura kan Four Pillars. Paglaog kan Disyembre 1941, haros tapos na an konstruksyon kan edipisyo, kun kaya nakatalaan nang digdi na an mga klase pagbaralik kan mga estudyante pagkatapos kan bakasyon. Alagad dai ini nangyari huli sa pagpuon kan Ikaduwang Gyerang Pangkinaban sa Bikol dangan an pagsakop kan mga Hapon sa Naga sa katangaan kan Disyembreng idto.

Tulos na na dinakop kan mga Hapón an gabos na Amerikanong Heswita dangan ikinunkon sinda sa karsel kan syudad. Ginibo nindang lokal na concentration camp an bagong tugdok na edipisyo kan Ateneo. Dai na liwat nagbukas an mga klase sa Ateneo de Naga sagkod sa taon 1946.

Susog ki P. Robert Rivera, S.J., an paghusay dangan an liwat na pagbukas kan eskwelahan pagkatapos kan gyera iyo an “kapinunan kan Ateneo de Naga na midbid ta ngunyan.” Kan 5 Hunyo 1947 nagpuon an mga klase sa kolehiyo na may 87 lalaking estudyante. Kan 1953, inot na nagin koedukasyunal ini kan inako kan eskwelahan an paglaog sa klase kan limang babaeng estudyante.

Nagkapirang hoben asin aktibong mga Heswita an nadestino sa Naga, arog ki P. James B. Reuter, S.J. na kan 1948 iyong nagmukna kan Blue and Gold, an opisyal na publikasyon kan eskwelahan, siring man an midbid na grupong panteatro na Cathedral Players.

Sa mga inot na taon nin pagbangon hali sa distroso kan gyera, nagpuon na mahimo sa Ateneo de Naga an tradisyon nin kahusayan na midbid an eskwelahan sagkod ngunyan—magin ini sa lado kan akademika, isports, pataratara, teatro, pagsurat, peryodismong pangkampus, o magin sa taunan na parada militar sa Naga.

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Tandâ, a Bikol word meaning both ‘marker’ and ‘to keep in mind,’ is Saysay Bikol's way of looking back and reflecting on key historical events that shaped society and the region—highlighting moments where regional involvement played a vital role.

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MGA SUSUGAN

Meany, James, S.J. 1956. Ateneo. Philippine Studies 4 (2): 157-194.

Societatis Jesu. 1940. Catalogus Provinciae Marylandiae-Neo Eboracensis Societatis Jesu Ineunte Anno 1941. Philadelphia: Ex Typographia The Dolphin Press.

———. 1941. Catalogus Provinciae Marylandiae-Neo Eboracensis Societatis Jesu Ineunte Anno 1942. Philadelphia: Ex Typographia The Dolphin Press.

Sullivan, Edward P. S.J., Albert F. Grau, S.J. and Richard McSorley, S.J. Philippine Jesuits Under the Japanese. Woodstock Letters 74 (3): 171-283.

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04/06/2026

𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗭𝗔: 𝗢𝗕𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗢 𝗞𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗦
Javier Leonardo V. Rugeria

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𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙚: Saysay Bikol’s collection of biographical essays has come full circle, at least as far as our initial list is concerned. From here on, we shall begin publishing Bikol translations of pieces we have previously released. New essays, meanwhile, will continue to appear in English to ensure wider accessibility, including for non-Bikol readers. We hope these translated works will give Bikolnons greater access to our materials—for academic pursuits, leisurely reading, personal interest, or whatever purpose they may serve. Para po sa padagos na pagsaysay!

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Si Francisco Caracciolo Ureta Vizcaya de Gainza y Escobás namundag kaidtong 4 Hunyo 1818 sa syudad kan Calahorra, sa Logroño, na sarong probinsya kan España. An saiyang mga magurang iyo sinda Don Juan de la Cruz Urreta Vizcaya de Gaínza saka Doña Ana Escobás. Nag-misyon sya bilang sarong pading Dominiko (Order of Preachers) sa Cochinchina (sa ngunyan na sur na parte kan Vietnam) asin sa probinsya kan Nueva Vizcaya sa norteng Luzon, danga propesor nin Derecho Canonico sa Unibersidad kan Santo Tomas sa Manila, sagkod nagin obispo kan Nueva Caceres (ngunyan Syudad kan Naga) puon 1862 sagkod 1879.

Maigot nanggad si Gainza sa pagkadakul-dakol nyang mga proyekto bilang lider. Bago pa sya mag-abot sa Naga, duwang mahahalagang proyektong pan-edukasyon na an saiyang pinùnan: inot iyo an paghusay saka pagtao nin bagong direksyon sa Seminario Conciliar de Nueva Caceres dangan, ikaduwa, an pagmukna nin sarong Colegio-Beaterio sa saiyang dyosesis. Mayo 1865 kan pinanginutan kan obispo an pagbukas kan bagong pakarhay na seminaryo, dangan itinao nya sa mga pading Vincentino (Congregation of the Mission) an pamamahala kaini sa lado akademiko—pagtukdo asin edukasyon sa pagpadi—dangan man an relihiyoso, siyentipiko, asin administratibong direksyon kan eskwelahan. Hinimo man ni Gainza na magtugdas nin sarong Colegio na an direksyon itatao nya sa pangataman kan mga Hermanas de la Caridad (Sisters of Charity). An institusyon na ini, susog sa katuyuhan ni Gainza, iyo an mahatod kan magkakanigong Kristyanong edukasyon sa parteng ini kan Pilipinas dangan mahimo nin mga paratukdo hali sa mga hoben na kababaihan sa syudad saka mga pagtaraid na lugar. An eskwelahan na nagin Escuela-Colegio de Santa Isabel de Nueva Caceres binuksan kaidtong taon 1868.

Sa panahon kan obispado ni Gainza, ipinaghurot nya an pagpublikar dangan pag-Bikol nin manlain-lain na mga relihiyosong babasahón pati naman mga libro nin instruksyon saka pagkanuod. Saro na kaini an binikol na bersyon kan saiyang libro manungod sa kasaysayan kan Santwaryo kan Peñafrancia asin debosyon ki Ina, an El Santuario dse Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia de la ciudad de Nueva Caceres. Sinugo nya si Padre Santiago Ariston Ojeda, kura paroko kan Gubat, Sorsogon (kaidto parte kan probinsya nin Albay), na bikulon an nasabing libro. An titulo kaini nagin An Simbahan Simbahan Can Satong Señora nin Peña de Francia sa Ciudad nin Nueva Caceres, na pinublikar sa Binondo, Manila, kan 1867. Hinimo man ni Gainza an liwat na pag-imprenta kan Vocabulario de la Lengua Bikol ni Fray Marcos de Lisboa tanganing makatabang sa mga kapadian na manùdan an tataramon na Bikol. Naipublikar ini kan 1865. Lain pa kan mga ini, dai mabilang na mga nobenang Bikol, arog kan Nobena sa Mamurawayon na Santa Barbara, Nobena ki Señor San Pascual Baylon, saka Nobena ki Señor Pedro Alcantara sa Tataramon na Bikol, na gabos ipinublikar kan taon 1866.

An pagkadakul-dakol na mga naginibuhan ni Obispo Gainza sa laog kan saiyang termino na naglawig nin disisyeteng taon, nagguno nanggad nin mga pag-umaw. Sa Bikol Annals ni Domingo Abella (1906–1976), inapod kan historyador an obispo na iyong pinakamaurag na nagin obispo kan Nueva Caceres. Susog ki Abella, si Gainza “sarong matibay na administrador dangan matarom na para-plano, sarong paratugdok na matibay sa superbisyon nin mga rekurso, sarong totoong padrino nin edukasyon, sarong mahigos na parasurat. Sya bako sanáng sarong estadista, o diplomata, kundi urog sa gabos, sarong banal na apostol.”

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MGA SUSUGÁN

Abella, Domingo. 1954. Bikol Annals. Manila.

Alarcon, Rex Andrew. 2005. “Bishop Francisco Gainza, O.P. Obispo de Nueva Caceres, 1862-1879” sa Philippiniana Sacra, Vol. XL, No. 120. 611-633.

Dela Goza, Rolando S., C.M., Jesus Ma. Cavanna, C.M. 1985. Vincentians in the Philippines, 1862 1982. Manila: Congregacion de la Mision en Filipinas, Inc.

Gainza, Francisco. 1866a. Novena sa mamurauayon na Santa. Barbara sa tataramon na Bicol. Binondo: Imp. De Miguel Sanchez.

———. 1866b. Novena qui Señor San Pascual Baylon. Binondo: Imp. de Miguel Sanchez.

———. 1866c. Novena qui San Pedro Alcantara sa tataramon na Bicol. Binondo: Imp. de Miguel Sanchez.

———. 1867. An Simbahan can Satong Señora nin Peñafrancia sa Ciudad nin Nueva Caceres sa Caporoan na Filipinas an Gñaran. trans. Santiago Aristion Ojeda. Binondo: Imprenta de M. Sanchez.

———. 1872. Manga ejercicios espirituales sa tataramon na Bicol na sinapi nin sarong sacerdote sa manga ejercicion na sinurat ni San Ignacio de Loyola asin sa ibang mga marahay na libro, huli sa pagboot ni Excmo. Ilmo. y Rmo. Sr. Francisco Gainza. Manila: Imp. Colegio de Santo Tomas.

———. 1877. Reseña del Colgeio de Santa Isabel y Escuela Normal Diocesana de Nueva Caceres. Madrid: Imprenta de la Viuda de Aguado y Hijo.

Institutum Historicum Ordinis Fratrum Praedicatorum. 2005. Boletin de Historia Dominicana. Rome: Angelicum University Press.

Lisboa, Marcos. 1865. Vocabulario de la Lengua Bicol. Manila: Est. Tip. Del Colegio de Santo Tomas.

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31/05/2026

𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗢𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗝𝗢𝗟𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗
Christian Jessie Bertos Bala

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Carlos Apuan Arejola was born on 31 Mayo 1961 in Pili, Camarines Sur, a place that would deeply shape his identity, his literary voice, and his lifelong dedication to Bikol culture.

For many who knew him, Carlos Arejola, fondly remembered as Carlo, was more than an accomplished writer; he was a mentor, cultural worker, and champion of Bikol literature whose legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and advocates.

Entrepreneur and advocate Ryen Paul Sumayao recalls Arejola’s immense contribution to theatrical production and literary development, emphasizing how deeply his works were rooted in his hometown of Pili. His strong connection to his origins was reflected in the themes and narratives he cultivated, making his recognition a great source of pride for the local literary community, especially among writers from Pili who remain closely connected to his legacy.

Thespian and writer Eilyn L. Nidea likewise remembers Carlo as a figure whose influence extended across poetry, theater, and cultural heritage preservation. Perhaps his most enduring contribution was his dedication to mentoring young and emerging writers and cultural advocates. Through his guidance, he introduced many to individuals and organizations that continue to nurture their artistic growth. Even years after his passing, his impact remains evident in the thriving community of artists who actively contribute to the preservation and development of Bikol literature and identity.

One of the most significant aspects of Carlo’s work was his commitment to making literature accessible to wider audiences especially younger generations. Sumayao emphasized that while many writers often direct their works toward mature or academic readers, Arejola recognized the importance of engaging the youth as future cultural workers, understanding that they would one day carry forward and safeguard Bikolnon identity and heritage. Nidea also noted that his teachers, fellow artists, scholars, students, critics, and advocates continue to share, discuss, and celebrate his works, ensuring that his voice and vision remain relevant across generations.

Beyond his literary achievements, Sumayao described Carlo as someone who possessed a distinct sense of childlike wonder in his creative process which is an enduring curiosity and fascination that enriched his writing and allowed him to connect deeply with readers. It was natural, Sumayao recalled, for Carlo to gravitate toward meaningful causes. He was driven by a sincere desire to do good, as though such purpose was inseparable from his identity. This same principle guided his writing, which often centered on familiar and relatable experiences, making his works accessible and resonant to a broad audience.

Nidea, on the other hand, highlighted Arejola’s emphasis on discipline, focus, and consistency. For him, these were essential not only in honing one’s craft but also in sustaining artistic passion. Through both his words and his actions, he embodied the dedication required to become not only a skilled artist but also a committed cultural advocate.

Sumayao also noted that Carlo firmly believed in “going to the grassroots.” He immersed himself in communities and collaborated with public servants to strengthen appreciation for Bikol literature. His presence was not confined to literary circles; rather he brought literature directly to the people, ensuring that it remained alive, relevant, and rooted in local communities.

Carlo also holds significance as one of the pioneering LGBTQIA+ authors in the Bikol Region. His works have served as important references for scholars such as Sumayao, highlighting the enduring value of his literary contributions. It is especially meaningful that, as a Bikonon and Catholic, Carlo was able to openly express himself, produce literary works, and celebrate q***r themes in his writing. During his time, exploring such themes posed considerable challenges making his courage and authenticity more remarkable.

Among Arejola’s notable works are “Sayod Kong Tataramon (Tuwiran Kong Sasasabihin)” and “Wala Akong Bitbit na Sawiang Puso Tuwing Naglalakbay”. The “Sayod Kong Tataramon (Tuwiran Kong Sasasabihin)” is a collection of three plays written in Bikolnon and Filipino for film and theater. Critics recognized the work for its treatment of themes such as subverting patriarchy and giving voice to women and what is now understood as the LGBTQIA+ community. It was also among the five finalists of the Madrigal-Gonzales First Book Award in 2011 (Asuncion, 2025).

On the other hand, “Wala Akong Bitbit na Sawiang Puso Tuwing Naglalakbay” is a collection of poems in Filipino that was published by Ateneo de Naga University Press in 2015. Arejola also received recognition from prestigious award-giving bodies, including the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Beyond print, he contributed essays and children’s stories to the online platform Vox Bikol, where he wrote on subjects such as Filipino surnames during the Spanish colonial period (Asuncion, 2025).

Meanwhile, Nidea highlighted another significant work, “An Mutya kan Sitio Kulatoy”, a play that challenges traditional perceptions of family, community relationships, and beauty pageants.

As a cultural worker, Arejola served as the Southern Luzon representative for the National Committee on Literary Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) from 2008 to 2013. His commitment to uplifting Bikol literature also led him to initiate Premio Arejola, an award-giving body established in 2004 after the 2nd “Pagsurat Bikolnon Conference” to recognize outstanding Bikolano writers and their works. In 2008, the Unyon ng mga Manunulat ng Pilipinas (UMPIL) honored Premio Arejola with the Gawad Pedro Bukaneg for its contributions to regional literature (Asuncion, 2025).

Together with Nidea, Arejola was also co-founder and mentor of Teatro Ragayano, a semi-professional theater group based in Ragay, Camarines Sur. Through this initiative, he championed the writing and staging of original and adapted plays, fostering a vibrant theatrical culture while navigating the academic and community challenges involved in sustaining such an artistic tradition.

Carlos Arejola passed away on 20 July 2017, but his legacy remains profoundly alive. Even during the pandemic, his voice continued to resonate. Late actress Sue Prado (1981-2026) read Arejola’s 2016 poem “Sa Bawat Paglisan during the Himati” online poetry series, a reminder that though Direk Carlo may have left this world, his words, vision, and spirit continue to journey with those who encounter them. (Asuncion, 2025).

Nidea reflected that both young and seasoned artists, beginners and established creators, Bikol and non-Bikol alike continue to draw inspiration from Carlo’s works, life, and legacy. Even in death, audiences celebrate his greatness, not only as a gifted artist but also as a compassionate mentor, cultural advocate, and remarkable human being whose influence extends far beyond his lifetime.

For Sumayao, Arejola’s works remain deeply youth-oriented and continue to serve as valuable tools for inspiring younger generations. Through reading sessions, literary engagements, and educational activities, his writings encourage young people to explore and write about their own identity, culture, and lived experiences. In this way, Carlo’s legacy lives not only in the pages he wrote but also in his enduring ability to awaken cultural pride and creative passion among today’s youth.

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REFERENCES

Asuncion, Ruben Jeffrey A. (2025). Carlos Arejola: Bikol literary advocate and worker. Saysay Bikol, 2025.

Personal interview from Ms. Eilyn L. Nidea.

Personal Accounts from Mr. Ryen Paul Sumayao.

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