UP Talastasan Series: The Future of Cordillera Creative Writing

Baguio City, the melting pot of Cordilleran Culture, is home to the Cordillera Ubbog Writers, a group of writers from different backgrounds whose literary works primarily feature the Cordilleran way of life. As part of the Baguio Creative Festival, UP launched the UP Talastasan Series; discussions which aim to promote Cordilleran Creative thinking. This lecture titled The Future of Cordillera Creative Writing, where some members of the Cordillera Ubbog Writers, led by Mr. Alan Carino had a panel discussion on Cordilleran Literature.

The State of Cordillera Literature

Before divulging into the future, the discussion centered on the meaning of Cordilleran Literature. However, the panel did not come up with a concrete definition to Cordilleran Literature. Some things affect the manner of coming up with its meaning. Also, definitions spring from different contexts, such as political and geographical. Still, the panel came up with a conclusion.

Cordilleran Literature is a progressive form of writing. It can remain in two different states: either fluid, meaning that it will stay a debated topic, or permanent, having received a final definition. However, the panelists agree that at the moment, Cordilleran Literature must go beyond these limitations, so it remains fluid: a topic discussed for a different time.

The Need for Prolific Cordilleran Writers

One of the things that the panel recognized is that their numbers are dwindling. There are not many writers from the current generation that write Cordilleran Literature. Currently, Cordilleran Literary works rarely publish. Unlike Bicolano and Ilokano Literature, Cordilleran Literature has no strength in numbers. Because of this, the panel encourages the audience to envision the future as a community of writers, writing together about the Cordillera for the Cordillerans.

The Different Mediums of Cordilleran Literature

Modernization brings about changes that encompass everything, including literature. As a result, new generation Cordilleran Writers do not limit themselves to traditional means or conventional genres of writing. This trend has the potential for revitalizing Cordilleran Literature. Now that the younger generation is driven to write about the things that they wish to read, the time for the flame of Cordilleran Literature to ignite is at hand.

The Future of Cordilleran Creative Writing

At the end of the discussion, the panelists and the participants were able to regain insight on what to do about Cordilleran Literature. The fact that it is progressive gives us the chance to write about it without limitations, but with a tinge of reverence to the culture that features. Also, we realize that we must not exoticize our culture to avoid misconceptions. The Future of Cordilleran Writing is in our hands, and in the right direction, it can have a better place in the community.