Throwback 2013, Part 2

THROWBACKS kind of interest me.

It’s nice that my life is heavily documented.

Not only on Facebook, but also in the newspaper.

In 2013, I wrote for another newspaper.

Here’s what I said in an interview there in July six years ago.

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Have you any proofs that PSN has influenced people positively?

Now, that question provokes me to boast.

I will not dignify that with a specific answer even if I am tempted to sing of my glorious and saintly deeds.

But this much I will tell you: If I did not think that I helped people with my writing in the last fifteen years, I would have given up already.

If I think that there was no need to help Hiligaynon literature and Ilonggo arts, I would not have bankrolled the creation of The Peter Solis Nery Foundation.

If I did not think that people were unhappy, I wouldn’t have blogged about happiness.

If I did not have faith in my positive influence on people, I would have silently enjoyed my life as an immigrant in the USA.

So, why do I even care about your miserable lot in this part of the world?

Because I receive notes and messages, letters and personal thanks for my unique role in preserving our Hiligaynon literature and Ilonggo art, the joy and inspiration that I bring to our youth, and the comfort and understanding that I extend to the rest.

I bet you haven’t worked in a suicide hotline as I did.

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What is The Peter Solis Nery Foundation?

It’s a promise delivered.

It’s my way of giving back to the community.

The official name of the foundation is The Peter Solis Nery Foundation for Hiligaynon Literature and the Arts, Inc. 

Its purpose is to promote, preserve and propagate Hiligaynon literature, and Filipino art and culture, through research, publications, productions, education and dissemination in such various forms and means as, but not limited to: workshops, lectures, symposia, theatre, dance, film, fashion, music, photography, animation, digital imaging, visual arts, performance, literary and cultural competitions, and online presence.

It was founded on September 6, 2012 and was incorporated by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2012.

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Don’t you need to have at least a million pesos to start a foundation?

Yes, a million pesos in the bank is a SEC requirement.

Needless to say, I bankrolled the foundation.

Well, actually, Randy Graydon and I provided the initial funds.

Now, Randy Graydon is a name you also have to remember since it will be a recurring name in this very extended interview.

But mostly, it was my money.

You see, although the foundation was my lifelong dream, I didn’t see it becoming a reality sooner than 2015, when I thought that I would have the money to give away just like that.

But my induction to the Palanca Hall of Fame in 2012 was such a personal milestone for me that I wanted it marked by some big charity.

So, I withdrew all my savings, borrowed some money from Randy, and put it in the bank for the foundation.

But because I want to have a bigger control in the foundation, I paid off whatever I borrowed from Randy.

In the end, from the initial fund of P1,000,003, all P999,999 of it came from me, and the P4 came from the four other incorporators who gave one peso each.

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What has the Peter Solis Nery Foundation done so far?

Since most of our program is about delivery of services and creating linkages, we deemed it necessary to buy a transportation vehicle.

I didn’t want the foundation to look cheap.

I mean, I wanted us to have a positive image and to attract attention and support so we purchased a slightly used high-end van.

I thought that with a pretty van, with the name of the foundation tastefully scrawled over it, we didn’t need to pay media outlets to advertise the foundation.

That was our first big expense.

Then, we published two landmark books in Hiligaynon literature: my 100 sonnets in Hiligaynon, called “Kakunyag,” and my Hiligaynon short story collection called “Stories in a Mellifluous Language.”

Of course, they have to be my books!

And why not? Am I not among the towering figures in Hiligaynon literature?

Wasn’t it my money that started the foundation?

Who better understands the mission and vision and programs of the foundation?

Those who can’t take that can just go kiss my ass!

The foundation has also released funds as thesis grants to two college students who wrote their graduation thesis on Hiligaynon literature, and on who else, but me!

Two more are candidates for this new school year.

Then, there is the Peter’s Prize for Hiligaynon Literature.

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Can you tell more about the Peter’s Prize?

Every decent successful man or woman should give a prize, especially if they can afford it.

The prize should inspire others to aim for greatness, and improve the human condition.

The Peter Solis Nery Prize wants to be one of those coveted and uplifting prizes like the Nobel, or the Pulitzer, or the Palanca.

I want to be the official sponsor of the word “inspire,” and the phrase “aspire for greatness” wherever I go, so I do not discount the possibility of awarding a Peter’s Peace Prize in the future.

But for now, Peter’s Prize is limited to excellence in Hiligaynon writing.

And for 2013, we have opened two categories: Very Short Story, and Love Poetry.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, it is only available online at this time.

I mean, it is good that it is available online because I am able to reach Ilonggos and Hiligaynon writers around the world.

When we have more reasons to visit schools and villages, as when we deliver other services of the foundation, we hope to campaign more for these contests among people who have no internet access.

More categories will be added next year, that’s for sure. Remember, we are just getting started! (To be continued/PN)

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