Mr. Melchor Francisco Cichon as A Writer

Mr. Melchor  Francisco Cichon as A Writer* 

Mr. Melchor F.Cichon, 60, College Librarian III and Head, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Library, University of the Philippines in the Visayas has been working in the University of the Philippines Library for more than 30 continuous years.

But he is not just an ordinary librarian.

He is also a local historian, a teacher, a feature writer, an organizer, and a poet of par excellence. John Eremil Teodoro, a Palanca awardee,  calls him as the “Father of Aklanon Poetry”, while Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada, Known as the Father of Modern Written Literature of Western Visayas, calls him as the “Leading Aklanon Poet”.

This write-up focuses on Mr. Cichon as a creative writer.

I. As a Feature Writer. Mr. Cichon has published several articles on various topics and short biographies of famous Filipinos. He wrote articles on instant bagoong, termite as feed or food, the pinya industry in Aklan. He wrote short biographies of Prudencia Conlu, Leoncio Deriada, Agustin Umali, Deogracias Villadolid, Pedro Pidlaoan, Albert Herre, Pedro Domantay, Edna L. Faral, Levi Mercado, and Pepito Fernandez, Sr.

II.                As a Poet.

1. He made many firsts for Aklanon writers.

a.            He won First Prize in the first Home Life Poetry contest with his entry, A Letter.

b.            He was the first Aklanon to receive a writing grant from the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

c.             His poem, Inay, was the first Aklanon poem to be published in the Philippine Collegian.

d.            His poems, Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii, Inay, and Ambeth, were the first and second Aklanon poems to be published in the Philippine Panorama.

e.             He was also one of the first Aklanon whose poems in Aklanon were published in a national journal, Ani.

f.             He was one of the two of the first Filipinos to be published in an international haiku journal, Heron’s Nest, vol. 1V, No. 9, September, 2002.

g.            His Aklanon poem was one of the first Aklanon poems to be published in London, Modern Poetry in Translation, New Series, No. 9, Summer, 1996. King’s College London.

h.            His translation of the Philippine National Anthem is the first Aklanon translation on our national anthem (see http://my.akeanon.com, Everything Aklan section). It is also found in Makata, December 2003

i.              His website Aklanon Literature features almost all forms of Aklanon literature. As of June ,2005,  it has been visited more than 13,000 times since March 2001. This website features Aklanon riddles, legends, short stories, poems, luwa, hueobaton or maxims, and short profiles of Aklanon writers.

j.              He wrote the first book on Aklanon poems, Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii? (Bakit Madilima ang Gabi?), 1991.

k.             He was the first Aklanon to attend the national creative writing workshop conducted by the late Edilberto Tiempo and his wife, Edith Tiempo, in Dumaguite City.

l.              He was also the first Aklanon poet to attend the national creative writing workshop in Iligan,  Third Iligan National Writers Workshop and Literature Teachers Conference in 1996

m.           He represented Aklan in two national writers assemblies, one in Cebu and another in Intramuros, Manila, June 29, 1998

n.            He is the first Aklanon Gawad Pambansa Alagad in Balagtas awardee.

o.            His maxim . “Raise your voice and your dignity is lowered.—“ is compiled in www.farid-hajji.net/quotes/anger.html - 64k along with the maxims  of  world famous people like Aristotle, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Bertrand Russel, Martin Luther King, Mark Twain, Alexander Pope, Albert Einstein, and others.

2. As Organizer:

a. He was one of those who was instrumental in the founding of the Akeanon Literary Circle, where he served as one of its advisers. Through this circle, four creative writing workshops were held in Aklan, which was attended by more than one hundred young writers.  Dr. Leoncio Deriada, considered as the Father of Modern Written Literature in Western Visayas, directed the workshops. The results of the workshops were published in the special issue of Ani, the literary journal of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The Circle also sponsored book launchings, like that of the work of Dominador Ilio. (see Buebod issues)

b. He helped found, Bueabod, the literary journal of Akeanon Literary Circle, and served as its senior editor. This one-page journal featured the poems of John Barrios, Alex de Juan, Roman de la Cruz, Dominador Ilio, Melchor F. Cichon, and others. Aside from being anthologized in Ani, Mantala, and Patubas, some of the poems here were judged as the best poems of the month in Isagani Cruz’s column, Critic at Large.

c. Founder and first Auditor of The Ilonggo Literature Archive, Inc., an organization of creative writers in Western Visayas. One of the major accomplishments of this organization was the launching of the website: Ilongo Literature Archive (now out of site), and the publication of ILA Lang na Tanan, Aton man ina gihapon…),  a literary folio, where Mr. Cichon was the editor.

Awards/Citations received:

a.                   Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas (for Aklanon poetry), UMPIL, Quezon City, 2001. The first among Aklanon writers.

b.                  First Prize, First Home Life poetry contest, 2001

c.                   Outstanding Alumnus, Lezo Elementary School, Lezo, Aklan, April 1, 2001

d.                  Certificate of Appreciation, Alpha Phi Omega International Collegiate Service Fraternity and Sorority, Kappa Gamma , for unselfishly supporting the organization by sharing his time and talent as one of the Chief Judges during the Paindisanay 2003, a literary musical contest held on September 5, 2003, UPV Auditorium, Iloilo City.

e.                   Third Prize, Premyo Operiano Aujero Italia: Hari/Hara sang Binalaybay ’98, March 13, 1998, UPV auditorium, Iloilo City

f.                   First Prize, Regional Poetry Contest, written professional category, February 2002, sponsored by Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, UP in the Visayas, Iloilo City. Winning piece: Si Ambong Ati.

g.                  Second Prize, Aklanon Category, NCCA All-West Visayan Poetry Contest, 1994.

h.                  Third Prize, Filipino Category, NCCA All-Visayan Poetry Contest, 1994.

i.                    Writing Fellow, National Summer Creative Writing Workshop, Dumaguete City, 1991.

j.                    Writing Fellow, Third Iligan National Writers Workshop and Literature Teachers Conference in 1996.

k.                  Writing Fellow, Creative Writing, 3^rd Miag-ao, Summer Arts Camp, May 22-26, 1993, U.P. in the Visayas, Miag-ao Campus, Iloilo.

l.                    Writing Fellow, Baguio

List of Publications:

Books/Pamphlets

Deriada, Leoncio P., Cichon, Melchor F., Candido, Pett, Ricafuente, Joefrrey L. and  Meren, Nady M., editors. Ani aklanon, a special issue of Ani, vol. 7 (1) December 1993.

Patugmahanon sa Inakeanon. 2005. unpublished.

Cichon, Melchor F. Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii (Bakit Mdilim ang Gabi?); a collection of Aklanon poems with Filipino translations. Kalibo, the Author, 1999. Printed by Macar Enterprises, Kalibo, Aklan.  92p.

Cichon, Melchor F. Love Can Find a Way. Iloilo City, the Author, 2003.  44 p.

Cichon, Melchor, Edna L. Faral, and Losally Navarro, eds. Haiku, Luwa and Other Poems by Aklanons. Kalibo, Macar Enterprises. 2005.

Other Works by Melchor F. Cichon.

Barrios, John E., Cichon, Melchor F., and Ilio, Dominador I. Katipunan in Aklan.  Manila, National Historical Commission, 1997. 87p. (Printed by Makinaugalingon Press, Iloilo City).

Cichon, Melchor F. Philippine Oddities. Makati: Electromedia Ph. 2001. (An electronic book)

Cichon, Melchor F., Bandorio, Ninfa L., and Posecion, Mara M. compilers and editors. Thesis abstracts: food technology, 1983-1999.  Miag-ao, Iloilo, College of Fisheries Library and SOTECH Library, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, 1999. 61 leaves.

Laureta, Liberato V., Catedrilla, Leah C., and Cichon, Melchor F., editors.  Research abstracts 1982-1994. Miag-ao, Iloilo, Institute of Aquaculture, College of fisheries, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, 1996. 100p.

Serrano, Augusto E., Jr. and Cichon, Melchor F., editors.  University of the Philippines in the Visayas Research and Publications abstracts, 1987-1993. Miagao, Iloilo, Office of Research Coordination, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, 1994. 82p.

Websites on fisheries. 2005. unpublished.

Articles/essays  in Magazines/Newspapers

A trip to Bohol’s History, Nature and Culture. Paarl Newsletter (3):3-4  July-September 2003.

Agustin Umali: A distinguished Filipino Ichthyologist. Otolith 4(1);15 January-March 1997.

Aklan: A Young Yet an Old Province. Visayas Progress Recorder 11(5):9april 21, 1995. (No copy available)

Biab: Herbal miracle from Antique. Panay News, March 9-15, 1988, p. 2., 8.

Book review: Biology and Culture of Penaeus Monodon. Braskishwater Aquaculture Information system, Aquaculture Department, SEAFDEC, Tigbauan, Iloilo: the Department, 1988. UPV Newsletter, Sept. 1989, p. 3

Book Review: Distinguished Personalities of Aklan by Filemon V. Tutay. Danyag; Journal Studies in the Humanities, Education and the Sciences Basic and Applied 2(2);118-119 December 1986

Book Review: Giant Clams: A Lucrative Mariculture Alternative. UPV Newsletter March 1990, p. 6

Book review: History of the Filipino People, 7^th ed., by Teodoro A. Agoncillo and Milagros C. Guerrero. Quezon City: R.P. Garcia Publishing Co., 1987. 648p. UPV Newsletter, November 1987, p. 4

Book Review: Technical consideration for the Management and Operations of Intensive Prawn Farms. UPV Newsletter, October 1989, p. 5

Book Review: Management of Wild and Cultured Sea Bass/Barramundi (Lates calcirifer). UPV Newsletter, November-December 1989, p. 4

Current Contents: what is it all about? Otolith 2(4): October-December 1995.

Dr. Albert Herre: A Pioneer in Philippine Fisheries Science. Otolith 3(4):11-12 October-November 1996.

Dr. Deogracias V. Villadolid: Father of Fisheries Education in the Philippines. Otolith, January-March 1996, p. 13

Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada: Masiglang Lider sa Muling Pag-Uswag ng Malikhaing Panulat sa Western visayas Daluyan 5(2):8-11, Abril-Hunyo, 1994.

Instant Bagoong: A Breakthrough. UPV Newsletter 11(3):16 January-February 1997.

Jose S. Domantay: An Internationally Acclaimed Natural Scientist. Otolith 2(2):11-12, 16.

Let’s convert anay into feed or food. Panay News, May 15, 2002, p. 10

Nazario A. Pidlaoan: Pioneer Dean of UP College of Fisheries. Otolith, September-Ocotber, 1997.

Pamaeayein Aklan and Its Role in Value Formation. In: Proceedings of the Third Regional conference on Western Visayas Culture and History. UPV Center for West Visayans culture, 1994, pp. 9-14.

Professionalizing Further the U.P. Non-Teaching Employees. Pabutlak, summer 2000, pp. 2-7

Prudencia V. Conlu: Ichthyologist Par Excellence. Aklan Reporter,.August 23, 1995, p. 3.

U.P. College of Fisheries Library. A Perspective. ASLP Bulletin, September-December, 1971, pp. 109-114. Co-author with Altagracia Balane. (Note: No copy available now)

University Archives and Records Depository: A Center of UPV Heritage. Otolith 3(3):15, July-September 1996.

UPV Library goes High Tech. Otolith 2(1): January-March 1995.

UPV Museum of Natural Sciences. Otolith 2(3):15 July-September 1995.

User Studies in the Philippines: A Literature survey, 1977-1982. Journal of Philippine Librarianship, March-September, 1983, pp. 75-80.

Edna Laurente Faral, Aklan Pride. http://www.goodnewsphilippines.com. June7, 2005.

Galunggong (Roundscad), the Philippine Fish Topnotcher. http://www.goodnewsphilippines June 20, 2005.

Instant Bagoong: A Breakthorugh. http://www.goodnewsphilippinesApril 28, 2005.

Is Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo the 14^th or 15^th President of the Philippines. http://www.goodnewsphilippinesApril 29, 2005.

Levi Mercado, the Next Pinoy GM? http://www.goodnewsphilippines. Com. June 21, 2005.

Rice Coffee? April 21, 2005. http://www.goodnewsphilippines

Sea Cucumber, a Gensing of the Sea. May 16, 2005. http://www.goodnewsphilippines

The New Testament in Aklanon.  http://www.goodnewsphilippinesApril 25, 2005.

Visayan Sea, A Haven for Fishes. http://www.goodnewsphilippines. Com. May 1, 2005.

Poems in other books and magazines

Aklanon

Ambeth. Philippine Panorama, August 14, 1994, p. 24.

Ay, Saeamat. Salaming, January 1994, p. 1

Emergency Room. The Aklan Reporter, December 7, 1994, p. 10

Eva, Si Ada!  In the program of The Akeanon Literary Circle present in Eugaeog sa Euganeugan (A Poetry in Motion Performance on Tour Around the Campuses), March 13, 1995.

Haiku. , ILA Lang Na Tanan (aton man ina gihapon…), Iloilo City, ILA. 2002, p. 15

Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii, Inay? Philippine Panorama. March 27, 1994, p. 29 (First Aklanon poem published in the Philippine Panorama)

Hin-uno Pa. The Aklan Reporter, February 23,, 1994, p. 8. Also in Ani December 1993, p. 44.

Inay. Philippine Collegian, October 4, 1973, p. 3.

Limog sa Idaeom. Ani December 1993, p. 48. Also Ang Mangingisda, January 1993, p. 16.

Mamunit Ako Inay. The Aklan Reporter, December 28, 1994, p. 10.

Makaron Nga Gabii, Sueaton Ko. (a translation of Pablo Neruda’s poem). Ang Pagbutlak, September-October 2003, p. 16,

Mga Haiku.  SanAG 2, November 2002, p. 3 (first published Aklanon haiku in a journal)

Owat kaso, Saeamt. Mantala 3:97, 2000.

Sa Pilapil it Tangke. Ani December 1994, p. 46.

Si Ambong, Ati. Pagbutlak, April-June 2002, p. 20.

Toto, Pumailaya Ka. Pagbutlak, September 1977, p. 44. (first Aklanon poem published in Pagbutlak)

Welga. Mantala 3:99, 2000.

Poems in English/Filipino

A Letter. In: In Time Passing, There Are Things: 100 Home Life Poets, edited by Leoncio P. Deriada. Makati City: Home Life, 2000, p. 86. (this poem won first prize in the Home Life first poetry contest)

A Youth’s Voice. Ani 3(2): 152 June 1989.

Basura at Lapad. In: Wordsmith & Archipelagoes; 3^rd Iligan National Writers Workshop and Literature Teacher Conference, ed. By Jaime Ann Lim , Christine F. Godinez-Ortega. MSU-Iligan Institute  Of Technology, 1997, p. 55. Also published in Mindanao Life, August 1996, p. 24

Brother. Busay 3(1):14 December 1997.

Driver. Busay 2(1):45 October 1996.

Emergency Room. In: Wordsmith & Archipelagoes; 3^rd Iligan National Writers Worjhop and Literature Teacher Conference, ed. By Jaime Ann Lim, Christine F. Godinez-Ortega. MSU-Iligan Institute  Of Technology, 1997, p. 56. Also published in Mindanao Life, August 1996, p. 24

Grasping the Heavens. Pagbutlak, April-June, 1991, p. 17.

Sunday Morning (Haiku). The Heron’s Nest, September, 2002.

Huwag Nang Magyabang  Sa Marami Mong Patubas. Home Life, January 1997, p. 43

Ink. Pagbutlak, October 1979, p. 27.

Kung Linggo Ng Umaga Sa Lezo. Home Life, January 1997, p. 43.

Lorna. Busay 2(1): 44 October 1996. Also in Dungawan, p. 6

Mga Babae Sa Antique. In: Wordsmith & Archipelagoes; 3^rd Iligan National Writers Workshop and Literature Teacher Conference, ed. By Jaime Ann Lim , Christine F. Godinez-Ortega. MSU-Iligan Institute  Of Technology, 1997, p. 57. Also published in Mindanao Life, August 1996, p. 24

Pagtulak ng Gabi. Mediawatch. December 1993, p. 35.

Pushing The Night. Ani 3(2):151, June 1989.

Rue. Busay. June 1992, p. 91.  (This poem won third prize, English poetry writing contest, Miag-ao Summer Arts Camp Poetry Workshjop, 1992.)

Still. In: In Time Passing, there Are Things: 100 Home Life Poets, edited by Leoncio P. Deriada. Makati City: Home Life, 2000, p. 87.

Strike. Mantala 1(3):99, 2000.

Thank You, Anyway. Mantala 1(3)::98,, 2000.

Upon Seeing Magellan’s Cross. Busay 3(1):15 December 1997.

Women of Antique. Philippines Free Press, December 12, 1991.

Poem in a Textbook

Emergency Room (Aklanon). In: Libertad Bayotas-Chua. Philippine Literature: (Focus: the Literature of Western Visayas). 2^nd edition. Printed by Print World Printing Press,c2003, p. 104-105

Short Stories in newspapers/book

Silabu (Aklanon). In  Carmen L. de los Santos, ed. Selebrasyon at Lamentasyon: Antolohiya ng Maikling Kuwento ng Panay. Quezon City, Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, 1998, pp.42-53. Also printed in the Aklan Reporter, April 16-22, 1998.

Melin (Aklanon). The Aklan Reporter, October 15-21, 1998, p. 10

Sa Kamaisan (Aklanon). The Aklan Reporter, October 29-November 4, 1998, p. 8.

Filename: itsong//Lingkod ng bayan, April 3,2003

*I wrote this profile in 2003 when UPV endorsed me to Lingkod ng Bayan award. I was not lucky though.