GAMABA - Federico Caballero

Federico Caballero's passion for epic poetry was sparked at an early age on the island of Panay, where he was born near a picturesque stream. With a family reputation for epic chanting, it was natural for him to be drawn to this art form. His love for the craft led him to become a talented poet himself, eventually earning him recognition as a National Living Treasure of the Philippines through the prestigious Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award. Caballero's contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Philippine culture continue to inspire future generations of epic poets.

Federico Caballero's passion for epic poetry was ingrained in him at a young age, thanks to his grandmother's gift for reciting epic tales. Her lullabies of epics enchanted him and laid the foundation for his lifelong appreciation of this art

form. When his grandmother passed away, he was inspired to preserve her legacy by creating his own epic poems. He drew inspiration from the natural beauty of his homeland, Panay Island, and the people who called it home.

Driven by his desire to share his love for epic poetry with others, Caballero co-founded the School of Living Traditions, the first of its kind in the Visayas. Collaborating with Dr. Alicia P. Mangos, a fellow champion of literature and cultural preservation, he taught children not only to read and write but also to value and safeguard their traditions, beliefs, and culture. Caballero's classes were infused with epic poetry, as he believed it was an essential part of Filipino culture that should not be forgotten. His dedication to preserving this valuable art form lives on through the many students he taught, who now carry on his legacy.

Through his dedication to preserving the beliefs, traditions, and art of the Panay-Bukidnon people, Federico Caballero's efforts have earned him the prestigious National Living Award at the age of 84.

His passion for epic poetry has not only inspired others but also made an impact on the younger generation. Caballero's works serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving valuable beliefs and traditions unique to a particular place. He has touched the lives of many and will forever remain relevant in the history of the country. His legacy continues to inspire future generations to appreciate and preserve the art of epic poetry.

Federico Caballero was known for his work on preserving the 10 Panay Bukidnon Epics or the Sugidanon Epics of Panay. Before being transcribed, translated, and recorded, the epics were in a language that is now no longer used..

These epics embody the beliefs, traditions, and life practices of the Central Panay Indigenous Peoples. In order to preserve these, he encouraged the elders in the community to read and write for documenting their indigenous practices and beliefs.

Federico Cabellero is also known to be a Manughusay, or someone who settles disagreements as he believes that this helps in preserving their community’s social fabric and in avoiding the people within the community detach from one another.

MORE ABOUT FEDERICO...

Frederico Caballero.mp4