RAIN OF FIRE

Cesar G.Bonilla
Gumil Filipinas celebrities

CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte -- The oath-taking of the Officers of Gumil Filipinas (Gunglo Dagiti Mannurat nga Ilocano) at the town hall here proved the unity of Ilocano writers dedicated to a noble cause. Inducting officer Mayor Rosario Chua-Go, enthusiastically received the group giving much encouragement to them saying writers are considered partners of government in building a civilized society. She noted writers have been capable of changing the face of the world by their pens and idealism for peace.

The first lady president of Gumil Filpinas Elizabeth Madarang-Racquel is a model educator and gifted writer just like her contemporaries in the field. She revealed her objectives -- construction of a Gumil Filipinas convention house at a panoramic area in Suso Beach in Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur, worldwide dissemination of Gumil programs and activities through a website and reintroduction of the Gumil Filipinas newsletter entitled "Balikas."

Racquel also plans to make an anthology of Ilocano masterpieces as a conrnerstone for research among budding writers. a yearly seminar-workshop for young blood or students from different colleges and universities to spur their deep interest in writing Ilocano literature.

There must be must be transparency in all transactions involving financial spending, she said and 100 percent attendance of officers including those in provincial chapters during board meetings in every quarter of the year. Racquel requested the support of all Gumil members and non-members to realize the goals of the organization.

Meanwhile, Mayor Go, the mother, adviser, and avid supporter of Gumil made Currimao a tourist destination through the "Dinaklisan Festival" and the hospitality of the townsfolk. Her husband, Sir Marianito of Dept.Ed. Region I, provided inspiration during the oath-taking. The presence of Schools Division Superintendent of Ilocos Norte in the person of Dr.Cecilia P.Aribuabo, CEO IV added delight to writers and visitors.

She was a friend and contemporary of Madam Racquel in joining Gumil. She delivered a great speech honoring and recognizing the role of Ilocano writers in the country .As a token of gratitude, Gumil officers and members awarded plaques of appreciation to Go, Dr.Cecilia P.Aribuabo, and outgoing president of Gumil Filpinas and current DILG provincial director Baldovino Ab. Valdez.

Bannatiran awardee Marlyn Tolentino, a generous woman with a golden heart also witnessed the oath-taking to include supervisor and GUMIL-Ilocos Norte secretary Rosario Bingayen, Orincipal Milagros Sagadraca, Aurea Austria, Leticia Cudiapin, Doris Pascua, MMSU librarian Sally Albano, educator and poet Agilberto Acio, journalist Leilanie Adriano, Rudy Guittap and emcees Aileen Rambaud and Sherma Benosa.

The giants in the field of Ilocano literature and recipients of various awards and recognition because of their manifold gifts were former editor-in-chief of Bannawag . Dionisio Bulong, noted writer and professor Honor Cabie; the pride of Pinili, Palanca Awardee Severino Pablo,and all other prominent writers I failed to mention.

Officers were: president Elizabeth Madarang-Racquel; vice-president Fernando B. Sanchez; secretary general-Ariel S.Tabag, treasurer-Eden C.Bulong;PRO Sherma Benosa and business manager Benjamin B.Pacris.

The board of directors were Ma.Rose A.Cabie,Leonardo S.Fagaragan, Guillermo I.Concepcion and Rodie U.Taan. Advisers were Juan S.P.Hidalgo,Jr., Reynaldo Duque, Jose A.Bragado, Dr.Jim P.Domingo, Judge Vivencio S.Baclig and DILG provincial director Baldovino. AbValdez is ex-officio member.

I would like to express my gratitude to associate editor Cles Rambaud of
Bannawag for his kindness and accommodating attitude together with competent staff of this well-known Ilocano magazine. Long live Gumil Filipinas!