Instituto Cervantes launches in Madrid an exhibition on Philippine literature in Spanish

UNDER the title “Na linia secreto del horizonte: El legado de Filipinas al mundo hispánico, la literatura hispanofilipina” (In the secret line of the horizon: The legacy of the Philippines to the Hispanic world, Philippine literature in Spanish), a very particular exhibit was inaugurated in Madrid on March 25. With a wide array of novels, books of poems, newspapers, journals and plays, the bibliographic collection is a testimony of cultural and literary legacy of extraordinary value that is not as known in Spain or even the Philippines as it should be. As it turns out, the organizer of the exhibit was a friend, Dra. Beatriz Álvarez-Tardío, who had lived many years in the Philippines and loves the country. I did not miss the chance to interview her for The Manila Times:

How did you come up with the idea of organizing this event?

The exhibit, “Na linia secreto del horizonte: The Philippine legacy to the Hispanic world, Spanish-Philippine literature,” features the Filipiniana preserved by the Instituto Cervantes library in Manila and sheds light on the works of Philippine writers in Spanish over the centuries. This event has been made possible thanks to people’s collaboration from Spain and the Philippines over the years, people who have devoted their efforts to saving, preserving and studying Philippine literature written in Spanish. Some time ago, the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid was the crossroads of these efforts. The former director de cultura, Martín LópezVega, came up with the idea of organizing this event.

How did you become interested in Philippine literature in Spanish?

My interest in Philippine literature sprung when I attended a debate about Jose Rizal at the National Library of the Philippines, during the centennial celebrations in 1996. Then I started reading Rizal’s novels and his other works. So, in 1998 I enrolled at UP [University of the Philippines] to take up doctoral studies in Philippine literature. At that time, I realized the importance of protecting the Philippine heritage written in Spanish not only from oblivion but from its destruction and disappearance.

Do you think Spaniards would be interested in the topic?

The general Spanish public may have some curiosity. Certainly, this exhibit will help draw a new picture of the connection between the Philippines and Spain and the Spanish-American countries. I expect the exhibit to be of special interest to researchers, intellectuals and students.

Which elements of the exhibition would you like to highlight?

The focus of the exhibit is twofold: the holdings and their preservation and the Philippine literature written in Spanish. Then, a book like Perfil de cresta by Manuel Bernabe, or the book by Paz Zamora Mascuñana, Cuentos cortos, 1919-1923, y recuerdos de la liberación, could be two examples of how relevant the preservation task is. The exhibit also highlights the modern editions of “Clásicos Hispanofilipinos” by Instituto Cervantes in Manila, which is recovering texts such as the novels of Jesus Balmori and Antonio Abad.

Is there any writer in Philippine literature in Spanish that deserves more recognition? Why?

The best known, Jose Rizal, who deserves more recognition as a writer. His works deserve further studies from literary and linguistic perspectives. Antonio M. Abad is a major figure for his linguistic and literary works. Do not forget the lesser-known who deserve to come to light, such as Rosa Sevilla de Alvero.

What can be done to make this literary heritage more known among the Philippine readership?

In my opinion, I would start by providing access to learning the Spanish language to anyone interested. In parallel, I would

establish a cultural and academic center for Hispanic studies in the Philippines, hosted by a university or similar institution, a joint effort with private and public funding. This center could develop activities, publications and educational materials under the umbrella of cultural plan with the purpose of preserving and making known this Philippine literary heritage.

Do you expect any specific outcome from the exhibition?

The exhibit by itself is already an outcome. The main purpose is achieved by just having people looking at Philippine books and periodicals, by acknowledging this Philippine heritage. Furthermore, I like to think that, thanks to the exhibit, some scholars and students will consider reading and researching about Philippine literature in Spanish.

Will the exhibition come to the Philippines?

Yes, that is the plan so far.