Author Evelyn Calderon Soriano of Vocabulario de la Lengua Bicol regales the crowd with interesting facts about the Bicol language.

MADRID, 22 June 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Madrid hosted the book launch and talk of author Evelyn Calderon Soriano on Vocabulario de la Lengua Bicol, an English translation of the Spanish 17th manuscript by Franciscan priest Fray Marcos de Lisboa on 22 June 2024 at the Centro de Filipinas en Madrid, as a prelude to the Filipino-Spanish Friendship Day celebration.

The book, an encyclopedia, dictionary, and grammar book of the Bicol language, is co-authored by Ms. Soriano’s mother, Ms. Leticia Arejola Hilado de Caldera, also a linguist and university professor.

During her talk, Ms. Soriano shared fascinating details about the Bicol language and the evolution of the meaning of words and how they are used. She remarked on the richness of the Filipino language, culture, values and natural resources even before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century.

In his closing remarks, Consul General Mark Francis Hamoy noted that, “Language may be considered the primary characteristic of a civilization, as no human society can become organized enough to develop its own culture, arts, customs, and traditions without language.” The fact that Fray Marcos de Lisboa was able to author a volume describing in great detail the language and culture of the Bicol region shows that there were already extant civilized societies in the archipelago even prior to the Spanish colonial presence. Consul General Hamoy also pointed out that “the plethora of languages throughout the archipelago strongly makes the point that we already had indigenous civilized societies with no need for the civilizing influence of a colonial power.”

Nonetheless, we also must not disregard the fact that our history and culture was shaped in large part by the Spanish presence in the country and should welcome more scholarly projects that translate old Spanish manuscripts and make them more accessible to modern Filipinos  who are no longer proficient in the Spanish language.

The event was widely attended by members of the Spanish academe and members of the Filipino-Spanish community, with the surprise attendance of Filipino-American businesswoman and author, Ms. Loida Nicolas-Lewis.  END

Ms. Calderon presents details about the book to the audience. 

Consul Eric Valenzuela, a proud Bicolano, was the emcee during the event. 

From left to right: Consul Eric Valenzuela: Ms.Emilia “Mimi”; Ms. Cristina Soriano; Fr. Cayetano Sanchez Fuertes; Ms. Evelyn Calderon; Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Mark Francis Hamoy; Consul Monika Kamille Limpo and Consul Dyan Kristine B. Miranda-Pastrana

Ms. Evelyn Calderon and DCM Mark Francis Hamoy (center) with Filipino and Spanish attendees of the book launch and talk.