By Keziah Escabarte
Nature and women were both celebrated in the latest installment of the Xavier English Language and Literature's annual literary seminar “Over a Cup of Coffee.” This year's theme was aptly titled "Nature, Women, and Wisdom" and was organized collaboratively with the Ecocriticism class of Dr Arlene Yandug and the Practicum 2 class of Ann Catherine Acenas. The talk was held at the Xavier University Little Theater on March 8, coinciding with the International Women's Day. The auspicious date, despite landing on a busy Thursday, still gathered a number of audiences for the event.
(Photo courtesy of Dr Lilia Cotejar)
The main speaker, English department chairwoman Dr Lilia Cotejar, talked about women’s deep connection to nature in Ninotchka Rosca's novel “State of War” (1988). Regaling audience with stories of women from the past, Dr Cotejar pinpointed the enabling capacity of women priestesses (also known as babaylans) said to be imbued with a sensibility towards nature. Her talk was insightful especially as she likened the exploitation of nature to that of the oppression of women.
The event was also made memorable with special guests that read poetry based on nature and women. Dr Rogelio Gawahan, current principal of Xavier Ateneo Senior High School, read a heartrending poem about the horrors of the devastating Sendong titled “Ang Sigwa (Alaala ni Sendong)” by German Villanueva Gervacio. Raul Moldez, a prolific Kagay-anon poet, read two of his poems that centered on women. NAGMAC senior writer and Xavier Ateneo alumnus Mark Anthony Daposala also read from his own works. The last reader was Lumin Sario, resident faculty member of XU English department, who read “Lakip ang mga Goryon.”
"NATURE, WOMEN, AND WISDOM." Xavier English Language and Literature's annual literary seminar “Over a Cup of Coffee” was held at the XU Little Theater on March 8, coinciding with the International Women's Day. The auspicious date, despite landing on a busy Thursday, still gathered a number of audiences for the event. Supplied photo by XELLO.
Two XU students also shared their melodic voices through songs in appreciation of nature. Joelle Bince, a fourth-year AB English Literature student, sang soulfully the Disney classic “Colors of the Wind.” Junior AB English Language student Mark Eugenio, meanwhile, crooned “What a Wonderful World” and had everyone in the theater sing along with him.
After the awarding of certificates and photo-ops, guests and audiences were then invited to warm up with free coffee distributed outside the theatre. With the seminar’s conclusion, more minds have been made aware of the influence of the natural environment and natural crises permeating through local literature. Not only that but also awareness of the representation of nature and women in literature and how the perception of both changes through time. With the world slowly progressing towards a future more inclusive and environmentally aware, literature opens doors to a better understanding of these issues.∎
Poster courtesy of XELLO.