The country’s best writers and cultural institutions paid homage this year to the 100th anniversary of the late National Artist Nick Joaquin.
Ironically, had Joaquin been around, he might never have allowed the tributes and accolades given in his honor. Or maybe, he would, but at great discomfort.
Said writer Jose ‘Pete’ Lacaba, “Sinasabi sa amin ni Nick pag dumadalaw kami sa mga burol ‘ayaw ko ng mga tribute-tribute. Ibalot niyo na lang ako sa banig, itapon niyo ako sa Pasig River.’ Pero tinatanggap din naman niya pag binigyan siya ng award [Nick would tell us whenever we were in a wake, ‘I don’t like tributes. Just wrap me in a mat and throw me in the Pasig River. But he still would accept every time he is given an award].”
Europe, the seat of everything that was grand, powerful, and prosperous, was caught in the teeth of the First World War, the year Nicomedes Márquez Joaquín was born on May 4, 1917. It was half a world away from a boy who would emerge half a century later as one of the greatest literary minds in a poor and exploited country still caught in its own, long drawn-out war of independence in 1917.
“Our sense ... of our country is a sustained act of imagination. From that vantage, it can be said that our writers and artists, who are men and women of imagination, create our country (italics mine). That is to say: they evoke those images of ourselves as we live life day and night, those images of ourselves which we share and by which we recognize our nativity. We are our own best interpreters of our history and culture because it is we who have lived through that history and created our own values by which we live.”
—National Artist for Literature Gemino Abad
It’s a four-year-old book of poetry—a slim book, all of 90 pages, with 55 poems published in 2022, ready to be read and absorbed.
And for English-proficient third-millennium Filipinos—whether aspiring for comfort or already living in ease—the images spun by 16 of the 55 poems hark back to a time beyond their consciousness.
That is why Jim Pascual Agustin’s Bloodred Dragonflies can be the metaphorical blood transfusion required to pump poignant, visual, and painful cells of old memory into the veins of the unconcerned and unaware.
It was the type of news that jarred the senses because it was the first time it happened in the country. Government officials called it an “unprecedented tragedy.”
On the morning of June 22 of this year, two students, aged 14 and 15, bypassed the security checks of San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
One student carried in his bag a Glock 17 pistol, the other carried a .38-caliber revolver. At past 9 a.m. both opened fire indiscriminately inside the school’s crowded rooms and hallways. And then the shooting stopped, but not after killing three students and wounding 20 more.
Eight years ago, Rosario “Chat” Lachica, 58, made her first visit to the Libingan ng mga Bayani. She was there to pay her last respects to National Artist Nick Joaquin who died in his sleep on April 29, 2004.
“Our sense ... of our country is a sustained act of imagination. From that vantage, it can be said that our writers and artists, who are men and women of imagination, create our country (italics mine). That is to say: they evoke those images of ourselves as we live life day and night, those images of ourselves which we share and by which we recognize our nativity. We are our own best interpreters of our history and culture because it is we who have lived through that history and created our own values by which we live.”
—National Artist for Literature Gemino Abad
For decades, mining has occupied a complicated place in the national conversation, caught in a tug-of-war between the promise of economic growth and the cost of environmental degradation.
It was the type of news that jarred the senses because it was the first time it happened in the country. Government officials called it an “unprecedented tragedy.”
On the morning of June 22 of this year, two students, aged 14 and 15, bypassed the security checks of San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
One student carried in his bag a Glock 17 pistol, the other carried a .38-caliber revolver. At past 9 a.m. both opened fire indiscriminately inside the school’s crowded rooms and hallways. And then the shooting stopped, but not after killing three students and wounding 20 more.
The SM by the Bay at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex was transformed into a thrilling, inclusive celebration as SM Supermalls, in collaboration with RunRio, hosted SM Supermalls’ first-ever Pride Run on Saturday, June 22, 2024. The event brought together thousands of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) members and allies for a day of unity, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
A Historic First: The energy was electric as over 5,000 runners gathered for 10km, 5km, and 3km races. Decked out in Pride Run singlets, race bibs, and timing chips, participants were ready to hit the pavement and make history.
(L-R): RunRio President Rio de la Cruz, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, 10k race category winner Juan Carlo Igos, BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Angela Wieneke, and LoveYourselfPH Head of Administration and Business Development Calvin June Sintoy
BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Angela Wieneke (second from right) presents a check amounting to P500,000 to LoveYourselfPH Head of Administration and Business Development Calvin June Sintoy (second from left). They are joined by SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno and RunRio President Rio de la Cruz.
RunRio President Rio de la Cruz
The 10k race participants, led by RunRio President Rio de la Cruz (5th from the left, front row), prepare to run the first-ever Pride Run.
Who Stole the Show? Among the standout moments, Juan Karlo Igos clinched first place in the 10km race with an impressive time of 38 minutes and 11 seconds, while Cavin Vedal dominated the 5km race, crossing the finish line in just 16 minutes and 47 seconds, and Mark Angelo Biagtan was the 3km division’s quickest finisher with a run time of 11 minutes and 6 seconds. But the real showstoppers were the participants’ dazzling outfits, turning the run into a runway of creativity.
Juan Karlo Igos finishes first in the 10km race with a run time of 38 minutes and 11 seconds. Cavin Vedal crosses the 5km finish line in first place with a run time of 16 minutes and 47 seconds.Mark Angelo Biagtan (back, center) holds up the champion’s trophy as the 3km division’s quickest finisher with a run time of 11 minutes and 6 seconds, posing with the top 10 finishers of the 3km race alongside the event sponsors.The top 10 finishers of the 10 km category with the sponsors of Pride Run.The top 10 finishers of the 5 km beam with pride alongside the event sponsors from SM Supermalls, RunRio, ArenaPlus, BingoPlus Foundation, LoveYourselfPH, Pantay Inc., and the Metro Manila Pride Organization.Participants champion a more inclusive society at Pride Run 2024.The inaugural Pride Run 2024 at SM by the BAY, SM Mall of Asia Complex unites people from all backgrounds in celebration of love and diversity.A kid joins the Pride Run, showing it’s never too early to celebrate diversity and equality.
Celebs and Influencers Spotted: The event saw appearances from notable personalities including Pantay Inc. Chairperson Thysz Estrada, actor Gardo Versoza, and popular content creator Minnie Nato. Their presence added a touch of star power to the already glittering event.
Pantay Inc. Chairperson Thysz EstradaActor Gardo VersozaContent creator Minnie Nato
Epic Performances: The finish line was just the beginning of the fun! The crowd was treated to electrifying performances by artists Dey XD, Andy Crocker, Moonlight, and the sensational Taylor Sweft, whose performance had everyone dancing and singing along.
Taylor Swift impersonator, Taylor Sweft, charms the crowd at Pride Run 2024 with a lively performance.Performers Dey XD, Andy Crocker, and Moonlight light up the stage with trending dance hits.
Costume Extravaganza: The much-anticipated Costume Contest did not disappoint. From superhero ensembles to playful banana costumes, participants went all out, adding an extra layer of fun to the festivities. The creativity and effort were truly a sight to behold.
The Pride Run’s costume contest champion wears a pair of large wings and a headpiece.The first runner-up winners in the costume contest in their good-humored demon and angel costumes.The costume contest’s second runner-up is a 10km runner who finished their race in a superhero costume.A runner brings bath time cheer to the Pride Run in this playful costume.A pair of runners donning matching banana costumes celebrate with their finisher’s medals.Friends in costume strike a pose after conquering the race with their finisher medals.
A Symbol of Inclusivity: The event was more than just a run; it was a powerful statement of support and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community. With partners like ArenaPlus, BingoPlus Foundation, LoveYourselfPH, Pantay Inc., and the Metro Manila Pride Organization, the Pride Run proved to be a monumental celebration of diversity.
Over 5,000 runners take on the Pride Run.A participant waves a pride flag while holding their finisher’s medal after completing their 10km race.
A group of friends support the Pride Run by completing a race together.
Don’t Miss Out: Missed the Pride Run? Catch up on all the highlights and see why this event is the talk of the town. For more amazing events and programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
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