Baisanon Writer & Poet Leonaga Tulabing Larena

 Leonaga Hermoso Tulabing ( Mrs Larena ), known to her friends and family as "Ganda," was born on May 7, 1941, in Barangay Calasga-an, Bais City, Negros Oriental, during the pre-World War II era. She was one of the daughters of Leoncio Buquiran Tulabing, a war veteran and public school teacher from Palanas, Tanjay City, and Agapita J. Hermoso of Puan, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. Raised amidst the scenic hills and mountains of Bais City, Ganda grew up in a time of war and post-war recovery, which shaped her early years and provided a unique environment for learning.

 

Her childhood in Bais and Vallehermoso, a place rich in both nature and culture, was a foundation for her intellectual development. She embraced the opportunity to learn multiple languages, including English and Ilonggo, and became an avid reader at a young age. Some of the books she cherished were given to her by the US Government, further fostering her love for literature. This early exposure to reading, along with the influence of her family, particularly her father, who was both a teacher and a war veteran, set the stage for her future literary journey.

 

As a student, Leonaga was active in extracurricular activities and demonstrated remarkable skill in writing and literature. She participated in various school clubs, including the English Club, Book Club, and History Club, and won numerous awards in poetry and literary contests. Her early education took place at North City Elementary School, Vallehermoso Central School, and Foundation University High School, where her talent in writing flourished.

 

Through the Veterans Federation Scholarship, Leonaga pursued a Nursing Degree at Southwestern University in Cebu City. During her time in Cebu, she continued to excel, winning several essay writing and literary competitions. She passed the Nursing Board Exam in the same year. Later, she obtained a Master's Degree in Public Health Management from Arellano University.

 

After completing her nursing education, Leonaga worked in both private and provincial hospitals. She later transferred to the Ministry of Education (now the Department of Education) as a school nurse, with her last assignment as a Public Health Nurse at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) in Dumaguete City.

 

Leonaga’s personal life was marked by her deep connection to her family. She was married to Pino Villanueva Larena, her one and only husband, who tragically passed away at the young age of 36. Despite this loss, she remained resilient and focused on her passions, including her love for reading. She enjoyed books from well-known authors such as Barbara Cartland, Edgar Allan Poe, Mills & Boon, and Margaret Mitchell, and she was a member of the Dumaguete Reading Club from 1971 to 1985.

 

The Dumaguete Reading Club, founded in the early 1970s, was a vibrant and dynamic group that contributed significantly to the literary and cultural landscape of Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, Philippines. The club was composed of intellectuals, educators, writers, and passionate readers who gathered regularly to share their love of literature and foster a deeper appreciation of reading and the arts.

Among the founding members were Artenio Tadena, Leonaga Tulabing Larena, Virgie Flores, Josefina Flores, Julianna Flores, Nina Guazon, Zerlina Abella, Zarah Arrieta, Antonino Calumpang, Bobby Flores Villasis, Josefa Villanueva Perez, Alice Banogon, Sising Somoza, and Erlinda Somoza. Together, they represented a diverse group of individuals, each with a passion for reading, writing, and intellectual exchange. The club’s members were largely from Dumaguete and surrounding areas, including Bais City and nearby towns, many of whom were educators, professionals, and members of the local literary community.

The club was more than just a reading group; it became a space for discussions about world literature, poetry, and philosophy, and it helped to establish a community of like-minded individuals who nurtured each other’s literary interests. The members took part in regular readings, literary discussions, and events that focused on local and global literary traditions. The club played an instrumental role in promoting the written word, encouraging the creation of original literary works, and celebrating Filipino and world literature.

One of the notable aspects of the Dumaguete Reading Club was its emphasis on encouraging and fostering creativity within its membership. Many members, like Leonaga Tulabing Larena, became well-known poets and writers. The club provided a platform for aspiring writers to showcase their works and for seasoned writers to share their experiences and insights. This helped cultivate a rich literary atmosphere in Dumaguete City, which was already renowned for its academic institutions and vibrant intellectual scene.

Beyond literary work, the Dumaguete Reading Club’s gatherings also served as social events, where members could interact with others who shared their interests, exchange ideas, and support one another’s creative endeavors. The camaraderie within the group helped solidify its position as a vital part of the literary community in Dumaguete.

During its active years, from around 1971 to 1985, the Dumaguete Reading Club was a beacon for literary growth in the region. The club’s meetings, book discussions, and events were often held in various locations in Dumaguete City, where members could gather to immerse themselves in literary works from Filipino authors and international writers alike. The club members also became active participants in the cultural events and celebrations of Dumaguete, further integrating literature into the city’s social fabric.

While the club may no longer be as active today, its legacy lives on through the works of its members and the ongoing influence they had on the development of local literature and education. The Dumaguete Reading Club has played an essential role in nurturing a literary culture that continues to inspire future generations of writers, poets, and readers.

In addition to her nursing career, Ganda devoted herself to literature and poetry. Her works reflect her passion for world literature and her deep reflections on life. Among her notable poems are River (1973), Total stranger 1982), Rizal (2000), Corte (1990), and Katacgahan (2005). Katacgahan, in particular, is a poignant piece that speaks to the sacrifices people make in the pursuit of a better life, highlighting the resilience and strength required to overcome life's challenges.

 

Her poem River explores the simple joys and pleasures of bathing in the river, while Katacgahan delves into the struggles individuals face and the wisdom that comes from facing obstacles with faith and determination. These two poems, along with others, have been included in academic works such as Baisanon Poetry: A New Historicist Criticism (2023), which was published in Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal.

Leonaga’s literary legacy is also continued through her son, Josefino T. Larena Jr. (also known as Sir Penn), a respected writer, poet, and historian in Bais City. Together, they contributed to the cultural landscape of Bais, with Leonaga being a significant figure in nurturing and shaping the literary world in the region.

Throughout her life, Leonaga has remained an advocate for reading and the power of literature. Her membership in the Dumaguete Reading Club was a testament to her commitment to the written word, and she was passionate about encouraging others to explore the world through books.

 

As a lifelong lover of literature, a dedicated nurse, and a mother who influenced future generations of writers, Leonaga Hermoso Tulabing Larena’s contributions to both the literary and medical fields have made a lasting impact on her community and beyond. Through her poems, her advocacy for reading, and her legacy as a nurturing mother and educator, Leonaga has left an indelible mark on the cultural history of Bais City and the literary world.

Photo from Pillars 1956 Foundation University