On Valentine’s Day, five National Artists led a roster of poets, actors, and other artists in expressing their heartfelt support for the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo at an event aptly named “Pusuan ang Sining at Kultura: State of the HeART.”
National Artists Ben Cab (Visual Arts), Alice Reyes (Dance), Ramon Santos and Ryan Cayabyab (Music), and Virgilio Almario, also known as Rio Alma (Literature) headlined the event held at the Miriam College Covered Courts.
Reyes recalled how Robredo became Vice President and fulfilled her job “against all odds.”
“She needs us, we need her. Let us do all that we can [to make her win] for the love of this country,” Reyes said.
Almario presented the Arts and Culture Kartilya (guidebook) to Robredo, which enumerates commitments such as promoting a free, creative and transformative culture and pushing for democratic education that elevates literacy across the country, among others.
In response, Robredo said: “I am very thankful that our country has the likes of you. What you have sacrificed, what you have contributed–that is more than enough, but here you are again ready to contribute for the future of our children.”
Robredo also gave her commitment to the “kartilya,” saying her team would sit with the group of artists and work on “weaving” the guidelines into her program of governance should she be elected President.
The book “100 Pink Poems for Leni,” published by San Anselmo Press, was also launched and a copy was given to the Vice President.
At the event, 10 poets also read their own original works, while nine others were read by actors.
