“Nasusukat ang pag-ibig sa bayan alinsunod sa pagpapahalaga sa gunita ng ating bayan.” – Virgilio S. Almario

National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, popularly known by his pseudonym as Rio Alma, launched and distributed his book “Lemlunay” at University of Antique New Audio-Visual Room (AVR) today, November 13, 2024.

Lemlunay, a word that means paradise, the word used by T’boli people to define their current location, signifies Almario’s dream of a better Philippines through a deeper reflection and continuous appreciation of our history and culture.

“Kailangan hanapin natin sa ating sarili kung ano ang magiging itsura ng Pilipinas na gusto nating maging lemlunay,” the National Artist stated addressing the members of the executive committee, librarians, faculty, and students present during the launching.

Almario also personally distributed copies of his book to the librarians of the five campuses of UA and selected Department of Education (DepEd) schools in the Province of Antique.

Lemlunay, a collection of 30 poems written by Almario that reflects on the history of the Philippines, was published by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through the support of Senator Loren Legarda.