SOMEWHERE in the blogosphere, the multimedia artist (and to my mind, prolific blogger) Ronelo Ladiao has written things about “Functus Dos: The Peter Solis Nery Arts Festival”, my Iloilo event to celebrate the 2020 National Arts Month last February.
While the bulk of it is just the PSN in an interview, it is interesting to note the kinds of questions Ronelo asks.
Ronelo is a close associate, a friend. We talk a lot often; and he, of course, updates me on the goings on in Iloilo City.
Today, I yield my column space for Ronelo’s awesome blog.
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Peter’s vision for the Peter Solis Nery Arts Festival
By Ronelo S. Ladiao
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Considered as a living Ilonggo icon in the field of literary writing for the most number of Palanca awards, international recognition, and multidisciplinary body of works in various fields of arts including filmmaking, Peter Solis Nery is back again – braver, far more visionary, and passionate to help elevate Ilonggo culture and the arts.
His Wikipedia description reads: Peter Solis Nery is a Filipino poet, fictionist, author, and filmmaker. Writing in Hiligaynon, he is a Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Fame awardee, the Cultural Center of the Philippines Literary Grantee, and the All-Western Visayas Literary Contest winner.
His first directed full-length film is “Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa” produced by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and was an entry to the 1st Sineng Pambansa 2012. He founded the Peter Solis Nery Foundation for Literature and the Arts to provide a wider venue for Ilonggo writers and artists in showcasing their works.
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Accumulating awards for various multidisciplinary arts and creative endeavors, he’s ready to unveil the Peter Solis Nery Arts Festival this Saturday, Feb. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cinematheque Centre Iloilo. It’s a free admission event so there’s no reason for you to miss this significant event intended for Ilonggo writers, artists, actors, and performers.
Before the event this week, we sat down and had a chat with the living Ilonggo literary icon on how he envisions his passion and dreams for his anticipated arts festival that will surely boost the pride of Ilonggos:
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Tell us about your vision and your mantra regarding the Functus Dos, and why Peter Solis Nery Arts Festival?
Functus Dos is a follow up to the 2017 art summit I convened at the Iloilo Casa Real. It’s for the February National Arts Month. I was also here last year, but I only had time for a Valentine’s concert at Troi Oi. This year, I wanted to have a consultative meeting with all writers, artists & creatives in the Western Visayas region because I want my books on Contemporary Arts & 21st Century Literature from the Regions to be inclusive.
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What makes the Peter Solis Nery Arts Festival unique and captivating particularly the silent short film festival?
My event is important because it will offset the politics that pervades the local listing of artists. Also, more than just talking about the notables, I hope to include the most promising & the underrated. My filmfest is probably the smallest in the world, but we have great films. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Screenings are free so just go and watch them.
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How significant, timely, and culturally relevant all of these artistic endeavors for the elevation of Ilonggo culture and the arts?
It’s most significant since in the last listing (in the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts), many true artists in the region were notably & unfairly excluded for political reasons.
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Do you have any message for Ilonggo artists willing to take part in this creative event in the near future?
Come and be heard. This is a consultative meeting & summit. Everyone is invited. Everyone is included. That’s the Peter Solis Nery mantra. There’s art for every one. It’s a shame some people play politics. I’m here to balance the scale.
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What can we expect from Peter Solis Nery through this arts festival and your consistent trails of success as an influential artist in the country?
As an artist of note, and a writer of considerable influence, I want to bring to public attention those creatives who really keep art and literature in the region alive. I want an honest, fair, democratic listing of artists. Indi inang palapitlapit sa luwag — the notorious padrino system. That one promotes divisiveness and rancor./PN
