THIS IS Part 2 of my interview with Ronelo S. Ladiao that started last Wednesday.
It’s for Ronelo’s blog. But it’s about PSN as an artist and writer in the COVID era.
So, I thought, why not share it with my newspaper readers?
Some people get smarter reading newspapers, you see.
I mean, we are all in this fight together, aren’t we?
Again, thank you, Ronelo, for the questions.
*
RSL: How did literary and fiction writing changed throughout the years, and especially now in the time of COVID-19 pandemic?
PSN: I’m writing a textbook on 21stcentury literature, so I have done my research. My big findings are that people (both writers and readers) are favoring the short forms now (perhaps because of the prevalence of attention deficit disorder); they also tend to write more about their personal psychosis instead of big and imaginative plots; and, of course, the themes are bolder and braver in this century (as you can see in feminist and LGBTQ writings). As for the COVID pandemic, I’m pretty sure it will impact and change the landscape of literature. If people are wise, they would have reflected on their existence during the lockdowns and quarantines. That reflection and honest self-evaluation should lead to a greater understanding of the superficiality of modern living, and segue to recognizing what is truly essential in life.
*
RSL: In your personal life, how did COVID-19 pandemic change you as a writer and artist?
PSN: To be very honest, there’s not a big change. For five years now after my retirement from nursing, I’m mostly self-quarantined. Haha. I’m a home buddy, and only really party hard when I’m traveling or vacationing somewhere. Also, and my nurse-friends tell me this, I’m so lucky to discover the secret to a happy life as early as age 40. The things people realized during the COVID situation, I have already understood and practiced years before. I can live with prayers, isolation, simple food, T-shirt and jeans, and that genuine love to minister to others even just through social media. So yeah, I gave support to people during the pandemic with my prayers, kind words, and messages of support.
*
RSL: Talking about passion, in your perspective, what other things does your foundation for literature and the arts want to achieve?
PSN: I think we are doing all right considering what little funds we have. Every time I’m in the country, I conduct consultative meetings with writers, filmmakers, visual artists, performers, educators, and sponsors or consumers of art and literature. The Peter’s Prize is on its eighth year now. So it’s a sustained effort. I wish I had more money to give away so I can award more prizes, and recognize more artists. But it’s just not my reality right now. This is God’s work I’m doing. So if it’s meant to last, or achieve more, it will happen. We will find funds every year we operate. For now, we just make do with what little monetary resources we have.
*
RSL: How will you respond or create new ways to pursue your creative endeavors like arts festival even after COVID-19 without risking the lives of your participants?
PSN: I don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. I only do what’s reasonable and possible. Last year, I had a film festival and film prize. We didn’t have the budget for it this year, so I decided to postpone it, and maybe do it again in 2021. So again, destiny! I didn’t have to require people to come together and make films in the era of COVID. Haha. I’m also glad I already did the Functus Dos Arts Festival in Iloilo in February. That checks off my quota for 2020. Although, of course, I still look forward to the Peter’s Prize awards night, and maybe a two-day festival around it later in the year when the COVID clears.
*
RSL: How do see yourself in the future as advocate of Hiligaynon literature and the arts?
PSN: Let’s face it, after the COVID scare, there is no future but now. This is me as the advocate of Hiligaynon literature and the arts when I started my foundation eight years ago. It’s still me eight years later. As the cliché that people often say to me goes, “Peter Solis Nery, you never really change!” Why would I? I think I’m doing perfectly well as I am. I do what I believe in. I don’t bother other people. I don’t ask for help if I can help it. I eat my critics alive. I wake up happy and excited everyday. I end the day thankful for all my blessings, and all the little charitable things that I do. You can find no better advocate for Hiligaynon literature and the arts than I. And even if you do, I’ll still be here doing my own thing. As I said, this is God’s work. And I am just God’s gorgeous instrument! Take note, gorgeous! (500tinaga@gmail.com/PN)
