Navigating the complexities of circuit boards by day and weaving intricate narratives by night, balancing an engineering career with a passion for creative writing might seem like a daunting feat. Yet, it’s a thrilling journey where logic meets imagination, and technical precision dances with artistic expression.
This duality is exemplified by Christopher S. Rosales, a licensed electronics and communications engineer who clinched the First Prize in the Maikling Kuwentong Pambata category in the 72nd Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature for his masterpiece “Musikong Bumbong.”
His achievement underscores the beautiful synergy between the analytical mind of an engineer and the boundless creativity of a storyteller, proving that one can indeed excel in both right and left-brain realms. When asked how he balances his career with his passion for writing, he emphasized, “Sa tuwing may libreng oras ako, naglalaan talaga ako ng panahon sa pagbabasa at pagsusulat. Kasi katulad ng ibang mga kasanayan, kapag hindi siya masyadong nagagamit, medyo pumupurol din talaga. Kaya hangga’t maaari, hangga’t makakaya ko, pinaglalaanan ko ng oras ang pagsusulat at pagbabasa.”
Regarding his professional career, Rosales mentioned that the concept of engineering has not yet influenced his approach to children’s literature. However, he believes it is possible to incorporate engineering concepts into other genres like poetry and short stories. He is excited about the prospect of taking on such a challenge and hopes to integrate these ideas into children’s literature in the future.
Musikong Bumbong: A revolutionary legacy
His winning piece, “Musikong Bumbong,” is inspired by true events which happened to a revolutionary band that used bamboo instruments during the Spanish colonial period. The story revolves around a bamboo named Lawiswis, who loves to sing. Despite being mocked by fellow bamboos, who believe they should only be used for weapons and tools, Lawiswis persists in pursuing his passion, finding a special place in the band’s journey.
The creation of his children’s story was a lengthy process, hindered by a lack of sufficient information. Rosales faced a considerable challenge until he stumbled upon a Facebook page that provided insights into the first generation of the Malabon Musikong Bumbong from the Spanish era. This rich tradition, now referred to as “Musikawayan ng Malabon,” has been preserved to the present.
Determined to gather authentic details, Rosales reached out to Gilbert Ramos, the great-great-grandchild of Felix Ramos, the founder of Malabon Musikong Bumbong, and also a Katipunero. Through a series of insightful interviews with Gilbert, Rosales was finally able to piece together the narrative and complete his draft, culminating years of dedicated research and perseverance.
A journey towards the Palanca Hall of Fame
With his latest achievement, Rosales is now just one First Prize away from being inducted into the prestigious Palanca Awards Hall of Fame. “Hindi ako makapaniwala kasi tuwing sumasali ako, hindi naman ako usually nananalo. Kapag naman pinalad na manalo, biglang First Prize, kaya talagang nakaka-overwhelm, lalo na’t ang field ko ay engineering at wala akong formal na background sa creative writing,” he said. “Lahat ng natutunan ko ay galing lang sa pagbabasa at pagsasaliksik. Basta kapag nagsusulat ako, ine-enjoy ko lang talaga ang proseso ng pag-akda. Manalo man o matalo, ang mahalaga ay may ambag sa panitikang Filipino.”
Rosales discovered his passion for writing during High School when his teacher assigned various topics for formal theme exercises. It was through these assignments that he began to appreciate the art of writing. Additionally, his exposure to diverse types of literature in High School broadened his knowledge and deepened his love for storytelling. Over time, Rosales drew inspiration from renowned Filipino writers like Dr. Eugene Evasco, Dr. Luis P. Gatmaitan, and Genaro Gojo Cruz, whom he regards as the pillars of children’s literature in the Philippines.
Throughout his writing career, Rosales has published several acclaimed children’s books, such as “Namimingwit sa Langit” and “Si Berting, Ang Batang Uling,” the latter of which won the prestigious Palanca Award for Maikling Kuwentong Pambata in 2010. His impressive repertoire of First Prize-winning pieces also includes “Gulayan Klasrum,” for Kabataan Sanaysay in 2010 and “Pugon na De-Gulong,” for Sanaysay in 2016.
Creating quality work requires a consistent writing process and routine. For Rosales, this starts with reading. “Yung utak ko kasi parang nasa dalawang side: nasa technical side for engineering, at nasa creative side for writing. Para makapag-switch ako doon sa creative side, nagsisimula ako sa pagbabasa, at kapag nakuha ko na yung flow ng ideas, tsaka ko lang sinisimulan magsulat.”
Rosales also draws immense inspiration from children’s literature from different countries. He is passionate about fostering the same level of enthusiasm and support for children’s literature in the Philippines, aiming to enrich young readers with a diverse array of stories and perspectives.
“Patuloy na umuunlad ang panitikang pambata dito sa Pilipinas. Kahit ang mga kuwento mula sa iba’t ibang probinsya ay nalalathala na. May iba’t ibang publisher na talagang nag-take risk na i-publish ang mga ito. Sila ang nagsisilbing inspirasyon ko na lalo pang pagyabungin ang kuwento at kultura ng mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng panitikang pambata.”
It is true that your job, or any other responsibilities, are not a hindrance to writing and creating meaningful stories. Regardless of the demands of your profession or personal life, the drive to craft compelling narratives can always find a way to flourish. Rosales offers this advice to aspiring writers who are also balancing other careers.
“Mahalaga na malaman mo kung para saan at para kanino ka nagsusulat. Sa ganitong paraan, kahit gaano ka pa ka-busy sa buhay, ang pagnanais mong magsulat at mag-ambag sa panitikan ng Pilipinas ay magiging tila isang kati na hindi mo mapigilang kamutin.”
