Waray literati launches book translation, meets SSU community

Prizewinning Samarnon writer, Jerry Bayoca Gracio, visited Samar State University main campus for the inauguration of his Waray translation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince titled “An Ditoy nga Prinsipe,” held at SSU Convention Center on Monday, February 26.

Pursuant to the celebration of “Kabilin 2024: Katbari han Kultura Samarnon,” the book launch organized by the Office of Arts & Cultural Heritage Programs (ACHeP), in partnership with the Research Center for Culture and Social Issues (RCCSI), DYSY 102.9 University Radio, and the Social Studies Circle, highlighted the book’s ceremonial unveiling as well as the awarding of the university medallion to the esteemed litterateur.

As such, ACHeP Dir. Jhonil Bajado and RCCSI Dir. Rubi Parrocho were present during the event to bestow the said medallion. Representatives from the university radio and the university library, staff, faculty, students, and visitors alike were also attendees of the book launch.

Moreover, Gracio, a four-time recipient of the prestigious Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award among other accolades, shared, “Kun may napakiana sa akon, what is your second favorite book, I will always tell them an akon second favorite book ay The Little Prince,” after jokingly revealing that the Bible is his first favorite book as it adds “ligtas points” for heaven.

“Why do we need to translate The Little Prince? Ano ang relevance ng aklat na ‘to at the moment? I guess the relevance is in the fact that the author wants us to be a child again, because when you’re a child you don’t worry about your English, you don’t worry about the looks, diba, waray ka worry,” he added.

Following his talk, the ceremomial unveiling, dubbed as “Siyahan nga Pagsipat” took place, with the book turnover to the SSU Library and closing remarks transpiring afterwards, ultimately ending with a book signing and photo op with Sir Gracio.

The multi-awarded writer is said to visit Tacloban City, and Calbayog City on February 29, and March 1, respectively, for yet another launching of the same book, and to Catarman, Northern Samar during the Ibábao Workshop on June this year.