Ari Ning Parnaso

Through the efforts of Holy Angel University's (HAU) Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS), a new Ari Ning Parnaso (King of Parnassus) got elected last Saturday, August 8, 2009.

This indeed is a historic event in terms of Pampanga's culture. As I've mentioned in a previous blog, the Ari Ning Parnaso is a lifetime position. And I'm so proud to have been a witness to it since I was representing the new Ari Ning Parnaso himself, Renato Alzadon.

Here he is between Pids Rivera and Josie Henson during the launching of his book of poetry, May of last year, Kasapunggul a Sampaga.


The new Capampangan College of Poets Laureate have to give CKS credit for hosting such a dignified, almost royal event. We had to march to the election chamber with each poet wearing his/her laurel crown with the HAU's rondalla flanking us while they were playing Capampangan music. We had to stop a bit to listen to Dr. Tec Sanchez-Tolosa recite a poem by the previous Ari Ning Parnaso, the late Vedasto Ocampo before proceeding to the actual chamber.



There was all kinds of media to witness and record the event. Here's the illustrious Tonette Orejas herself, a Capampangan and regular contributor to The Philippine Inquirer.


Here is my brother Poet Laureate Rafael Maniago during his turn to take the oath to keep the election proceedings a secret.


We had to break for lunch when we couldn't come up with the required vote.


Watch here as the new Ari ning Parnaso, Renato Alzadon, is proclaimed by Josie Henson, after which the new Prinsipi ning Parnaso, Romy Rodriguez read the poem he wrote the night before, "Ing Parnaso Kapampangan".


The new Prinsipi ning Parnaso, Romy Rodriguez chaired an impromptu meeting after the election and discussed issues that needed immediate attention.


And then, it was picture taking time!!!!


Everyone's looking forward to the Ari Ning Parnaso's coronation on August 28.