National Artist for Literature Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera turned 80 years old

On April 11, National Artist for Literature Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera turned 80 years old. Why is the man regarded as a giant in Philippine literature? What makes him outstanding as an artist? Bulatlat.com is reposting an article about Lumbera written in 2005.

Verses and music for National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera
During rallies and other political gatherings, National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera usually performs his poems. For a change, on his 80th birthday, the literary giant just listened and savored the verses sang and recited for him. (Click here to read more)

Bien Lumbera: Activist, National Artist for Literature
Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, literary scholar, social commentator, librettist, and poet has been chosen as 2006 National Artist for Literature. He fully deserves the award, and more so than many of those who had received it ahead of him.(Click here to read more)

‘Para Kanino’?*
Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera usually recites his poems during rallies and other political gatherings. His Paanyaya kay Bush (Invitation to Bush), for example, was read at an anti-U.S. war rally at the Plaza Miranda in Manila in February 2003. ‘Para Kanino’?*”>(Click here to read more)

Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera: An Authentic National Artist
We in the artists for the Removal of Gloria (ARREST Gloria) convey our warmest congratulations to Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera – literary scholar, social commentator, librettist, and poet – for his receipt June 9 of the National Artist Award for Literature in a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace. (Click here to read more)