National Artist for Literature Gemino Abad sheds light on the vital role poetry plays in the human experience. When asked why poetry is important, Abad’s response emphasizes the fundamental elements that define poetry and all forms of creative writing: language and imagination. For Abad, poetry is not just about crafting verses; it is “a work of language and a work of imagination.” These two elements, he believes, are essential for both the creation and the appreciation of any literary work.
“Poetry can be a generic term for any creative or literary work — fiction like the short story, novel, poem, play, or drama, and what is sometimes called non-fiction essay…” Abad explains during the Pandesal Forum on March 20, held at the 86-year-old Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City, broadening the scope of poetry beyond verse.
He further elaborates, “Poetry or any creative work, what we call a poem, is a work of language and a work of imagination. A strong sense for language is the basic creative sense. The poet works a given language like the farmer works the soil to produce his crop. You work the language but you have to have a strong sense for language. A certain mastery of it.”
Abad also highlights the role of imagination in bringing human experiences to life. “But the poem is also a work of imagination. It is the imagination that makes real a human experience. What the mind apprehends, what the heart feels, thus the poem is to live.”
Abad stresses the importance of the reader’s involvement: “The poem’s reader, too, must have a strong sense for language and a lively imagination. As a matter of fact, as one reads, any literary work and is moved by it, the reader is also a source of it being read. When you are moved by a poem or a short story, you are moved. You understood something about some human experience. You were also moved…”
He concludes, “The poem, any literary work, is a work of language and a work of imagination. It is the imagination that makes real to the mind what the mind apprehends.”
In a heartfelt celebration of the power and beauty of poetry, the historic 86-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe hosted a unique “Pandesal Forum” on March 20, 2025, in advance of World Poetry Day. The event brought together esteemed poets, young literary talents, and media representatives to honor the enduring significance of poetry in human life and society.
The forum featured 86-year-old National Artist for Literature Prof. Dr. Gemino Abad, accompanied by his daughter, Ateneo de Manila University educator Cyan Abad Jugo, and award-winning poet Prof. Dr. Vim Nadera. Together, they shared profound insights on the role of poetry, recited their own works, and inspired the next generation of poets. Dr. Abad, in his eloquent address, advised aspiring poets to “work on your language the way the farmer works on his land,” emphasizing the importance of linguistic mastery and imaginative expression.
The event also showcased the vibrant talents of young poets from Neptali A. Gonzales High School in Mandaluyong, led by Queen Jeranay R. Saldivar, Aries King T. Federis, and Pearl Mae Angela Cabudlan, under the guidance of their teacher Jayson A. Cruz and supported by their principal Dr. Corazon Regino. The students captivated the audience with a spectacular performance of Balagtasan, the century-old Filipino tradition of poetic debate. Dr. Abad expressed his admiration for Filipino literary giants such as Nick Joaquin and Francisco Arcellana, while Dr. Nadera paid tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Alejandro Abadilla, and Emilio Jacinto. Cyan Abad Jugo shared her personal favorites, including Marjorie Evasco, Vim Nadera, and Jean Paje Tan, her former classmate and editor of Ateneo’s “Heights” literary journal.
The forum’s moderator, Wilson Lee Flores, also contributed to the celebration by reciting his original poem, “Ang Tinta ng mga Diwata”, a tribute to the rich legacy of Filipino poets. In his poem, Flores honored the following literary icons: Francisco Balagtas, Dr. Jose Rizal, Huseng Batute (José Corazón de Jesús), Jose Garcia Villa, Amado V. Hernandez, Carlos Bulosan, Nick Joaquin, Emman Lacaba, Virginia Moreno, Rio Alma (Virgilio Almario), Gemino Abad, Jose “Pete” F. Lacaba, Krip Yuson, and Alfredo Navarro Salanga.
In continuation of the celebration, Kamuning Bakery Cafe will offer free brewed coffee in exchange for an original poem in any language on March 21, 2025, from 5 am to 9 pm. This unique tradition, initiated by writer and realty entrepreneur Wilson Lee Flores, has become a beloved annual event in honor of World Poetry Day, as declared by UNESCO.
Poetry lovers and aspiring writers are invited to visit Kamuning Bakery Cafe at Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Barangay Kamuning, Quezon City, to share their verses and enjoy a cup of coffee.
TATAK MNL 
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