LIRA poets and City of Manila unveil new marker at Balagtas Shrine on April 2

The Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA), the leading
organization of poets writing in Filipino, collaborates once again
with the Office of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim for this year’s
Francisco Balagtas Day celebrations on April 2, 2012, 7 a.m. at the
poet’s shrine at Beata St., Pandacan, Manila, where the legendary poet
and author of Florante at Laura lived.

To be unveiled in the event is the new Balagtas marker, the revision
of which was initiated by LIRA founder and adviser, National Artist
for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (the poet Rio Alma). Following the
unveiling is Almario’s public lecture on Balagtas titled “Ang Bayan ni
Balagtas”.

LIRA poets Dr. Michael M. Coroza, Dr. Vim Nadera, and LIRA officers
Phillip Kimpo and Louie Jon Sanchez will read poems and excerpts from
Balagtas’ works. Performing musical numbers are Joey Ayala and
University of the Philippines College of Arts and Letters Dean Elena
Mirano.

During the event, LIRA and Mayor Lim will also launch the Andres
Bonifacio Sesquicentennial programs, which will commence next year.

The Francisco Balagtas Day celebration has become an annual pilgrimage
for LIRA for the past two years. In 2009, at the height of the
National Artists scandal, LIRA mounted a symbolic clean-up of the
shrine to call for a renewed commitment in Philippine arts and
culture. Last year, the organization began to work with the City of
Manila in celebrating the premiere poet’s contribution in Philippine
culture.

For inquiries, contact James Tana (0915-9765157) or RR Cagalingan
(0917-5615024).