Philippine E-Journals

A POEM IN THREE VOICES: AN EXERCISE· IN TRANSLATION

Teresita E. Erestain

Discipline: Literature

 

Abstract:

Although it is often said that the translator is a traitor, I have tried as best as possible to faithfully re-express the meaning and intended effect of the original text.

 

Some years ago, knowing my interest in Bicol literature and culture, a friend gave me his copy of a souvenir program of the October 24, 1975 fiesta of Legazpi Port. It was a I 04-page publication, and as souvenir programs usually go, four-fifths of it was given to advertisements and boxed complimentary messages from sponsors and patrons. The remaining pages were devoted to messages from government and church dignitaries, the schedule of the novena masses and other religious activities, and some write-ups about the history of the area and aspects of Bicol culture. Tucked somewhere between Pablo Tariman' s account about night life in Legazpi City and Merito Espinas' essay on the sinalampati, or the Bicol folk dance commonly

known as pantomina, was an interesting item, something I almost missed because it did not even have a title nor an author-a modern Bicol poem. Up to now I have not found out who wrote it.