Expanding Literary Spaces: Sukit-Sukit 2024 Colloquium Showcases Panitikan Research

by Andrea Ross Sedero

Ten literary research papers were presented by second-year BA in Panitikan students in Sukit-Sukit 2024, a colloquium organized in culmination of the course, PAN116: Pampanitikang Pananaliksik held last May 15 at the Institute Mini Theater.

With the theme, “Ang Espasyo ng Pananaliksik Pampanitikan Tungo Sa Panlipunang Kamalayan,” this colloquium provided a platform for Panitikan students enrolled in PAN116 to present and defend their literary research papers, fostering academic discourse on the various literary works that were the focal points of their studies. 

“Ang gawain na ito ay hindi lamang pagtuklas kung ano ang kakayahan natin kundi pagbubukas din sa ating kamalayan, na hindi lamang hanggang sa papel tayo nakapagbibigay ng puna. Nabibigyan tayo ng pagkakataon na tingnan pa ano pa ang mas nakahihigit sa loob ng mga binabasa nating akda,” Prof. Loi Vincent Deriada, PAN116’s course instructor emphasized in his message.

Three MSU-IIT alumni were invited to serve as panelists: Ms. Michelle Ann Sayre, a graduate with a BA in English Language Studies, who currently works as an offshore writer at Moorish Times, an independent online media outlet based in Arizona, USA; Mr. Jerson Aboado, a graduate with a Bachelor of Secondary Education in Filipino, who currently serves as a faculty member of the Filipino Department at La Salle Academy, Iligan City; and Ms. Erica Abejuela, a graduate with a BA in Filipino, who previously worked as an assistant lecturer at MSU-Naawan and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Panitikan at MSU-IIT.  

Each research presentation was given a fifteen-minute time slot, with an open forum following every two presentations, typically lasting over 20 minutes each.

The first literary study presented was entitled, “Shantay, You Stay or Sashay Away: Ang Espasyong Queer sa Iligan City at ang Diskurso ng Relihiyon at Kasarian, Gamit Ang Pagiging Bakla ay Pagkabayubay rin sa Krus ng Kalbaryo ni Rolando A. Bernales.” Representing their group were Ernel John Paul Laranjo and John Paul Villamora who received the award for 3rd place ‘Pinakamahusay na Presenter’ group category as well as 3rd Best Paper or ‘Pinakamahusay na Pananaliksik’.

As discussed by Laranjo, their study aimed to provide clarity and understanding to Iliganons regarding the issues faced by Queer individuals in their search for societal space, referencing Rolando A. Bernales’ poem titled “Ang Pagiging Bakla ay Pagkabayubay rin sa Krus ng Kalbaryo”.

“Mahalagang pag-aralan natin ang ganitong isyu sa lipunan partikular na rito sa Iligan City upang mabigyang boses ang mga queer na tao na sila ay may espayo pa rin sa mundong ating ginagalawan dahil alam kong tayong lahat ay tao lamang at alam ko na maiiba pa ito sa susunod na henerasyon. Hindi sila nag-iisa sa laban na ito kundi collective effort ito upang maipatupad ang SOGIE Bill at magkaroon ng pantay-pantay na karapatan ang bawat mamamayan sa Pilipinas lalong-lalo na sa Iligan City,” Villamora stated at the end of their presentation.

The second literary paper was titled: “Sa Mata ng Isang Bata: Implikasyon ng mga Kaganapan sa Kabataan ni Julian Candelabra,” presented by Dianna Catalonia and Scarlet Teves. As elucidated by Catalonia, their paper aimed to examine the impact of Julian Candelabra’s traumatic childhood experiences and their implications on a child’s development based on his parents’ upbringing. This study was awarded the third best paper alongside the previously mentioned study, ‘Shantay, You Stay or Sashay Away’.

“Ayon sa isinagawang pag-aaral, may nakitang epekto sa lahat ng nabanggit na aspeto, sa aspetong sosyal, moral, sekswal. [...] Sa huli, ma come up natin na nagkaroon talaga ng kamalayan para mabago ‘yung pamamaraan ng pagpapalaki ng isang bata dahil bilang mga magulang or mga magiging magulang pa lamang, batid natin na sa mga magulang mismo nagsisimula ‘yung pagkatuto or paghubog ng kamalayan ng isang bata,” Teves expressed while discussing their study’s conclusion.

Following this was, “Balat ay Kayumanggi, Dilang Estranghero: Paglalakbay Tungo sa Sariling Pagkakakilanlan,” which was introduced by Ricardo Jose Gagno and Leila Franz Dimasimpun, the third presenters. Based upon the literary work, ‘Si Bb. Phathupats’, their study aimed to analyze the effects of migration on the identity of ‘Binibining Phathupats’, particularly in the context of language, culture, and self-perspective, examining the changes in the main character’s identity, Yeyeng, and sought to understand the various implications of being a migrant on identity.

Subsequently, Treshia Jane Ganoy and Cheska Mae Rellin discussed their paper, “Ang Pagsibol ng Kababaihan: Pag-aaral sa ‘Isa Pang Kawing’ ni Steven P.C. Fernandez sa Lente Kultural na Feminismo” as the fourth presenters. Their study aimed to examine and analyze the traditional concept of Maranao women. Through the character of Soraya, they elucidated on the principles that contradicted the customary culture of Maranaos as depicted in Steven P.C. Fernandez’s work “Isa Pang Kawing.”

“Patuloy na isinasabuhay ng kulturang Maranao ang pagiging konserbatibo at patriarchal sa kabila ng hindi mapigil na pagbabagong pangyayari sa lipunan. Itinuturing na mahalaga at sagrado ang kulturang Maranao lalong-lalo na sa kapurihan sa mga kababaihan. Kung titingnan natin ito sa labas ng kanilang kultura ay masasabi natin na napakahigpit ang kulturang mayroon sila, ngunit kung titingnan natin ito sa lenteng kultural ay masasabi na ito lamang ay isang way paano nila ginagalang ang kanilang kababaihan,” Rellin noted at the end of their presentation.

For the fifth presentation, Xercys Nicolle Awa and Althea Janine Macapundag introduced their study entitled, “Salamin, Salamin: Isang Postkolonyal na Feminismong Pagdalumat sa Imahe ni Yeyeng sa Akdang ‘Si Bb. Phathupats’ Bilang Representasyon ng Kababaihan”. Their paper aimed to illuminate the impact of colonialism on women and address the gaps in women’s experiences then and now by exploring the character of Yeyeng in Juan Crisostomo Soto’s work, “Si Binibining Phathupats.”

Meanwhile, in an interview with CASSayuran, Xercys Awa was asked of her thoughts on why it is important to open the conversation about literary research, to this, she noted how her course has introduced her to many lesser-known Filipino authors beyond the known ones like Rizal and Balagtas. She emphasized how underappreciated authors like Bienvenido Lumbera contribute to the nation’s identity through their diverse writings including regional literature. Reflecting on their writing process, Macapundag stressed the necessity of repeated, intensive reading to grasp texts thoroughly. This aspect, she noted, was what mainly made the process mentally taxing.

“Pag-usbong ng Kababaihan: Pananaw sa Paghubog ng Midya, Paglalakbay tungo sa Pagwawakas ng Diskriminasyon” was the sixth literary study presented, delivered by Carol Jean Abing and Rhea Mae Sumanduran. Their study aimed to analyze the identity of women through their chosen literary poem, ‘Sine’ by Marra P. Lanot and the process of media shaping the image of women.

Having been asked the same question as Awa on the importance of literary research, Rhea Sumanduran expressed in her interview, “Through literature kay ma explain bitaw og unsa ang mga issue nga naa sa atoang kasaysayan karon especially sa mga nahitabo karon sa kasalukuyang panahon. Ang sa akda man gud, is example gisulat na siya before, dayon pwede pa siya maungkat [again] if nagpadayon pa ba ni siya nga issue.”

For the seventh presentation, Analy Revalo and Mickylla Fugoso presented their study titled, “Paglalakbay Gamit ang Teoryang Realismo: Pag-asa sa Kabila ng Hirap ng Isang Batang Ulila.” Their research aimed to identify the experiences faced by orphaned children in Efren R. Abueg’s story ‘Mabangis na Lungsod,’ emphasizing on the state of poverty and change. Through their chosen study, they sought to elucidate the long-term effects of orphanhood at a young age.

Following this was “Lipunan vs Queer: Ang Pagdalumat sa Konseptong ‘Gubat’ sa Maikling Kwento ni Honorio Bartolome De Dios,” which was presented by Annafe Cala and Mohammad Fahmie Salic, the eighth pair of speakers. Their study aimed to highlight the issue of discrimination against queer individuals within the story of “Giyera” by Honorio Bartolome De Dios. They sought to contextualize the characters’ struggle against society due to their gender identity, aiming to form a new perspective that supports and defends their identity by addressing the question: How do they battle discrimination and societal ideologies? By the end of the colloquium, Cala and Salic received the award for 2nd place ‘Pinakamahusay na Presenter’ group category as well as 2nd Best Paper or ‘Pinakamahusay na Pananaliksik’. Cala was also recognized as the 3rd ‘Pinakamahusay na Presenter’ in the individual category.

In an interview with CASSayuran, Annafe Cala was asked about the struggles they faced during the writing process of their literary paper, to this, she expressed, “Lisod ang literary research tungod kay mangita man gud ka og specific na akda bitaw para mosupport sa imoha in which kinahanglan ka magbasa og articles or books. Labi na kung maghimo og RRL, basahon gyud para makuha jud nimo unsay pasabot ana nga akda. [Dapat] daghan og sources para imohang tan-awon ang lahi-lahi na perspectives.”

Meanwhile, when asked about the importance of discussing literary research, Fahmie Salic emphasized that as BA Panitikan students, they ought to introduce and promote literature and its significance. He noted that literary research is not just about being objective but a huge aspect of it is also descriptive and somewhat subjective when it comes to interpretations.

Similar to the previous presentation, the ninth literary paper was also based upon Honorio Bartolome De Dios’ ‘Giyera’. The study entitled, “Ang Epekto ng Politika sa Kalikasan: Isang Pagsusuri sa Akdang ‘Giyera’ ni Honorio Bartolome De Dios,” was presented by Ryan Ampaso and Divino Piamonte. Their study aimed to showcase the impact of politics on the environment through the lens of De Dios’ work ‘Giyera,’ justifying how political power influences environmental changes.

Last to present were Russel Clint Arban and Arlie Mae Ranoco with their study titled, “Diskursong Kalibugan at ang Pag-iral nito sa Isang Indibidwal mula sa Tulang ‘Sine’ ni Marra Lanot.” Their study aimed to address the discourse of lust and its significant influence on an individual as depicted in Marra Lanot’s poem “Sine.” The paper emphasized factors related to the stimulation and intensification of lust in a person’s consciousness, aiming to prevent or reduce unplanned pregnancies and crimes such as rape. Moreover, it sought to broaden the discourse on lust, discuss its negative consequences, and utilize research papers to prevent undesirable events, contributing to the betterment of society.

This study was awarded 1st place for Pinakamahusay na Pananaliksik or Best Paper. Moreover, Arlie Ranoco and Russel Arban were recognized as 1st and 2nd placers for ‘Pinakamahusay na Presenter’ in the individual category, respectively. Collectively, they were named ‘Pinakamahusay na Presenter’ in the group category.

When reflecting on their journey through PAN116, Arban recalled his initial encounter with research writing, acknowledging his lack of academic interest during high school. He disclosed that he stumbled into the Panitikan course by chance, as it was not his primary choice. Similarly, he shared that the selection of the poem “Sine” for their study had also been fortuitous, as he discovered it while purposely trying to find short literary pieces.

Meanwhile, when asked on the importance of promoting literary research, Ranoco expressed, “Literary research plays an important role especially if concerned ka [about] society [kasi] mas maexpound and mas mabroaden pa ang ideas and perceptions sa usa ka tao, nga dili lang diay ni mao ang problem, may mga problema pang hindi nakikita na kinahanglan jud og solution.” 

 Furthermore, Ranoco reflected on their writing process, pointing out initial challenges in searching for specific literary works to support their study. She also emphasized the necessity of delving deeper beyond surface-level meanings to uncover various issues that require solutions. While acknowledging the difficulty of the task, she believed that with effort and dedication, it all became manageable.

During his closing remarks, Prof. Loi Vincent Deriada expressed his congratulations to his PAN116 students as well as gratitude to the panelists, department, the institute, as well as those who attended. “Gabay ang gawain na ito para mabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon tingnan ang iba’t ibang pilosopiya sa pag-aaral at pagsasaliksik ng mga panitikan,” he emphasized.

Prof. Deriada wrapped up the event, voicing out his anticipation for Sukit-Sukit 2025, highlighting the need for Panitikan research to be well-founded to maintain its significance. He emphasized that the colloquium event presents another opportunity to take research to new heights, encouraging everyone to participate again by next year.