Komposo Kinanta 2026 Showcases West Visayan Literary-Musical Heritage in Iloilo

By Noel Galon de Leon

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Cultural and literary programs play a crucial role in preserving a region’s identity and collective memory.

In a time of rapid social and technological change, initiatives such as Komposo Kinanta serve as bridges that sustain the rich oral and musical traditions of Western Visayas while giving voice to contemporary writers and artists.

Komposo Kinanta was held May 2, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Taohay NCCA Cultural Center and Regional Hub in Jaro, Iloilo City.

The event was organized by Hubon Manunulat: West Visayan Writers in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts through its National Committee on Literary Arts.

The program aimed to highlight selected works from the Komposo Festival and revive the tradition of komposo, a literary form that blends poetry, storytelling, and music in performance.

The program opened with welcome remarks from Dulce Maria Deriada, project coordinator of Komposo Kinanta, who emphasized the importance of integrating writing and performance to make literature more accessible to the public.

Messages of support followed from Elvert Bañares, director of the Taohay NCCA Cultural Center and Regional Hub, and Noel Galon de Leon, secretary of the National Committee on Literary Arts, who both underscored the continued development of regional literature.

The first segment featured performances of works from the 2024 Komposo Festival.

Among them was “Daet sa Panulat,” written by Jonny B. Pornel and performed by Vazel Hanz Batilaran and Vic Batilaran Jr., with guitarist Vic Batilaran of Oton, Iloilo.

This was followed by “Hambal ni Uyong,” written and performed by Rey Ann Mayuga of Dao, Capiz, and “Paghidaet kag Paghinirupay,” written by Gleceria A. Gilbaliga and performed by Rolinda Gilbaliga of Calinog, Iloilo.

Maria Eileen Lourdes Asejo Francisco and Hanneh Lou Asejo Francisco, together with guitarist Nenito Llaver, delivered a compelling rendition of “Ako kag ang Paghidaet,” written by Linda Arnaez Lee.

Arjhoina Jyn De Guzman performed “Kahilwayan nga Wala Natuman,” written by Leigh Gabrielle Marie T. Vacio, a champion in the 25-and-below performance category.

Mayuga returned to the stage with “Sa Amon Baryo,” a finalist entry in the written and performance contests in 2023.

Virgilio “Pirot” Petcheller presented a special number, adding artistic depth and variety to the program.

The second segment featured selected works from the 2025 Komposo Festival.

Rolinda Gilbaliga performed her own composition, “Samtang Buhi May Paglaum.”

This was followed by “Paghimakas ni Nonoy,” written by Linda Arnaez Lee and performed again by the Francisco sisters with Llaver.

Also featured was “Traysikad Drayber,” written by Jonny B. Pornel and performed by Hazel and Harmony Batilaran, a champion piece in the performance category.

Princess Villaluna of Jordan, Guimaras, brought “Si Maring,” written by Angel Marie Peñano, to life, while De Guzman returned to perform “Boto de Oro,” written by Karen H. Francisco.

The program concluded with Ruth Carmela Bancog of Bago City, Negros Occidental, performing her piece, “Akon Bagani sa Sini nga Panag-on, Buas, kag Tubtob sa Palaabuton,” which reflects themes of struggle and hope among the present generation.

Komposo Kinanta demonstrated the richness and depth of Hiligaynon and other West Visayan literary traditions, particularly through their integration with music and performance.

At the same time, it highlighted ongoing challenges, such as the need for broader documentation and wider dissemination to reach national and international audiences.

Programs such as Komposo Kinanta help preserve intangible cultural heritage while creating space for contemporary voices to reinterpret tradition.

They strengthen regional identity, encourage artistic collaboration, and ensure that local narratives continue to evolve and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. (Photos: Emman Lerona)