The death of a poet: Pangasinan literary icon dies
MULTI-awarded poet Santiago ‘Sonny’ Villafania, 53, died 1 a.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024.
Villafania’s daughter, Wenna Louise, confirmed his death in her post on his Facebook account:
“Dear friends and family, it’s in heavy heart that we write this post. My father, Santiago B. Villafania passed away at 1am this morning at Nazareth Hospital and will be at home at Purok 1, Tadeo Road, Brgy. Buenlag, Mangaldan.”
Two hours earlier, she earlier posted an update about the status at the Nazareth General Hospital.
Villafania, a true blue Pangasinense born in Santa Barbara town on January 31, 1971, was a staunch champion of Pangasinan heritage.
As a poet and writer, he authored six books containing anlong (Pangasinan term for poetry), sonnets, haikus, and other literary pieces written in Pangasinan and English: Balikas na Caboloan (Voices from Caboloan, 2005), Malagilion: Sonnets tan Villanelles (2007), Pinabli & Other Poems (2012), Bonsaic Verses (2012), Ghazalia: Maralus ya Ayat (2013), and As I Tango (2016).
He was the vice president for the Philippine Center of International PEN, a group supporting writers, promoting literature and freedom of expression. His undying love for Pangasinan earned him the province’s highest honor –2010 ASNA Award for Literature.
Below is a one of his latest work, English translation of the popular folk song Malinak Lay Labi.
A Night Piece
the night is calm my love
and time is fleeting still
the wind is breathing low
kissed by the evening dew
how sweet it is to dream
that i have to wake for you
your fair attemper face
i shall always caress
O when the night is come
and you my love i see
the sadness all is gone
buried deeply in my soul
whenever i recall
loving ways you are wont to
i shall not forget you
until i am laid to rest (Ahikam Pasion)
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