Literary landmarks sprout in Manila -2

Children's poet

Today, Villa's poetry is revered for its modernism. And while

much of his mystique remains, the whimsy and innocence of his

poetry appeal best to today's children. A newly launched

collection of his poems is entitled ''A Parliament of Giraffes.'' An

interpretative rendition of his poetry by SSC grade school

students, under the direction of veteran actress Naty

Crame-Rodgers, capped the ceremonies. Ms Rodgers herself

recited Villa's own ''Ars Poetica.'' This was a most appropriate

introduction to Garcia Villa for children.

With literary landmarks such as Villa's, it is hoped that children

will become better acquainted with great literary minds who

were born and educated in Manila. This is the first step in

honoring many other important figures in Philippine literature,

the same way a city like London faithfully and reverently

acknowledges who lived where and when. One cannot walk a

block there without bumping into a commemorative marker or

two.

But right now, look at how a simple literary campaign has taken

off and gone to otherwise uncharted territory.