So long, Roger

Some members of Church Cafe, a Bible study group founded by the late Norma Liongoren at her New York street, Cubao, gallery, are shown supporting Mario Miclat (leftmost), Gawad Balagtas awardee for excellence in essay and fiction writing in 2013, the year the Baguio Writers Group also received the Gawad Pedro Bucaneg trophy from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat ng Piliipinas. This accounts for the blogger's presence in the group shot apart from her occasionally partaking of the study of the Word. Poet Rogelio "Roger" Mangahas, who passed away at 6:14 today, is standing third from right, with wife Fe beside him. Pastor Stephen and Fe Sunil are at center, Alma Miclat beside Mario holding their only grandchild Raj.

In all photos I've seen of Roger today posted in social media he always looked trim but strong. Who'd have known the body would turn traitor and we'd lose this nationalist poet, teacher, activist so soon? As the good book says, "Who knows the mind of the Lord?"

Roger was 79. Rest in peace, gentle friend! Photo courtesy of Alma Miclat

Abanse, BWG!

Among the board resolutions passed by the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) was this:

"WHEREAS, Baguio Writers Group, as nominated, deserves the 2013 Gawad Pedro Bucaneg for Oustanding Institution for literary advancement..."

It was signed by Dr. Michael Coroza, UMPIL secretary general, and Karina Bolasco, chair.

The souvenir program for the 39th UMPIL Congress and 28th Gawad Pambansang Alagad Balagtas carried a group photo of BWG members and this description of the awardee:

"Literature in the city thrived even more with the passionate encourage and advocacy of the Baguio Writers Group (BWG) from the decade of the '80s and the group has since then pursued its artistic vision without letup. Based on the successes over the years, the organization promises the further advancement of literature  and the recognition of creative writing together with related arts in order to reach a broader audience. Through forums, presentations, and publications, the organization is able to spark more enthusiasm in both writers and readers to enliven Filipino literature in Baguio."

Representing the group at the awards rites was BWG president Frank Cimatu. Some others  were also there at the right place (Leong Hall, Ateneo de Manila University), right time (Aug. 31 at the end of Buwan ng Wika).

Pedro Bucaneg, by the way, "was a foremost Ilocano poet and Christian missionary born in Bantay, Abra" Go to http://www.poemhunter.com/pedro-bucaneg/biography/ for more on his life. May he infuse BWG with more vigor!

Mabuhay, Baguio Writers Group!

Grace Subido and Frank Cimatu hold up with pride and joy the Gawad Pedro Bucaneg and program.

Frank receives the award in behalf of BWG. With him onstage are National Artist Virgilio Almario, BWG's Ed Maranan, Grace Subido, Babeth Lolarga and UMPIL's Karina Bolasco

Frank with the other winners of the Gawad Balagtas (from left): Francisco T. Ponce represented by his sister (Iluko stories), Roland Tolentino (essays), Floy Quintos (plays) and Alice Tan Gonzales (Hiligaynon literature) represented by John Iremil Teodoro