“Respect is what we owe; love, what we give.” — Philip James Bailey
There are two people in Catanduanes I am in owe of.
They represent what is good and noble about islanders.
Musician Gregorio Sarmiento.
And theater advocate Efren Talla Sorra.
Both were inspiring presence in my island outreach concerts.
Now both of them have gone to the stars.
ETASOR as he is known as my fellow columnist in Catanduanes Tribune, led the standing ovation for classical guitarist Aaron Aguila during the launching of my first book of poetry at the Catanduanes State University last February 2022.
We were both named Outstanding Bicolanos in the Arts a few years back. But I didn’t make it to the awards night.
I was just proud and happy to see him get the honors he rightfully deserved.
Pablo Tariman
Tribune columnist
“Islander in the City”
In memory of the late legend of Catandungan theater, culture and arts, the Catanduanes Tribune will continue to publish starting next week the poems of Efren T. Sorra in this same corner, with the permission of his family.
The pieces will be culled from about 800 Burabod poems he wrote for Tribune readers over a period of 17 years and six months.
This way, ETASOR’s legacy will forever live in history and in the memory of future generations of Catandunganons…