Interviewing an Ilocano Writer

Iluko literature plays a vital role to Ilocanos’ lives.Firstly, it reflects the Ilocano culture. Although often overlooked, Iluko writing is as diverse and unique as the traditions of the northern Philippines. Each writer’s creation is a mirror of where they came from; their writing showcases the exclusive traits of their homes. Moreover, Iluko literature gives way for other people from other places to appreciate the Ilokano culture.

We were tasked to interview one Ilokano writer, who should have at least one published work. This was for several reasons but mainly for us to get to know Iluko literature better; to know what inspires such writers, what accomplishments they have, and more.

We first tried to set appointments with several writers but we could not fit in their schedule because they were not in Ilocos Norte. But our adviser helped us to find the suitable and the right one which was Maam Ely. Thanks to him, Maam Ely cleared her hectic schedule for us and conveniently, she was just within the city.

Elizabeth B. Madarang-Raquel, simply known as Ma’am Ely Raquel, is an Ilokano writer the province could surely boast. At 67,she is a former DepEd Public Schools District Supervisor from the Curimao District, Division of Ilocos Norte.She has won numerous awards such as the LeonaFlorentino Awards in 2009, the Champion of Lenguahe Awards 2015. She was also trusted as the President of GUMIL Filipinas(GunglodagitiMannuratngaIlokanoiti Filipinas a.k.a. Ilokano Writers Association of the Philippines)in the years 2009 until 2011, and was appreciated and given the Taddek Awards by the same organization.

Upon meeting Ma’am Ely, we found her a humble and a fun person to be with. She is very open-minded and shared lots of her memories of being a writer. She gave inspirational messages as to why we should write in the mother tongue and kept on reminding us about the beauty of writing in the dialect.

We chose three of her pieces to interpret from her book entitled, “Babaniw ken Haiku,” a poem compilation that was published in 2016. They are as follows;

Numbered as 1.from the Babaniw section of the book;

“Ti ayat a napudno

Umaplaw man tibagyo

Dintopulosmadalupo

Ta nabileg

Ti pondasionna

Ayatngaawanrikkina.”

Number 12, still from the Babaniw section;

“Maysa, duabaduya

Tallo, uppatpatupat

Lima, innempangmalem

Pito, walopanagbalo

Siam, pulomangantayon, itiputo.”

From the Haiku Section, number 6;

“ Baria, paria, kurita

Bua, baduya, dila-dila

Paggugustodagiti al-alia.”

The first one tells readers that there is not a strong disaster strong enough to destroy true love. It mirrors the relationship of its author [Ma’am Ely] and her husband, which she was very proud to mention during the interview. Also, it reflects the strength that Ilocanos are known for amidst of the struggles in life. It shows that even though lots of problems come along the way, they won't be affected anymore because of their genuine and abundant love for each other.

And although the words of the second poem may vaguely mean a thing, we think that the playful rhymes were the ones taken into consideration during the writing of the piece. Nevertheless, the second poem does a great success in expressing both Ilocanos’ and Ma’am Ely’s cheerful and positive character.

The haiku talks of the offerings people give to the spirits of their deceased. It is relevant to Ilocanos’ lives as it echoes the tradition of “atang” or offerings people leave out for the dead during occasions. As to the relevance of the third poem to its author, this haiku shows Ma’am Ely’s determination to incorporate an Ilocano’s life with art, and to remind people of the beauty of writing in Iluko.

Ma’am Ely is a remarkable person. This task of interviewing her, and meeting her in person, gave us clearer views as to why we should be proud of being an Ilocano. It also inculcated in our minds that the Ilocano culture, is indeed rich. We have learned that writing is undeniably much affected by reading. As Ma’am Ely have said, “Read, read, and read; Write, write, and write, and vice versa.” Furthermore, this task reminded us that we should not think writing in the dialect is any inferior to any other language; it just as intricate, and beautiful as any other. Lastly, it also convinced us to get to know our own literature even better, and try to write in our own dialect.

#interview #ilocanowriter