Add this to your reading list: Virgilio Almario’s quarantine poetry series

Despite the enhanced community quarantine, there are many ways to honor national literature month from the comfort of our homes. One of these is by reading works from National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, who has been composing new poetry since the quarantine began.

Under the pen name Rio Alma, the writer has published works that discussed issues about the government’s shortcomings and honored frontliner who have lost their lives to the pandemic—all of which can be accessed through his Facebook page.

“Naisip ko kasi na baka ito ang pagkakataon para ipakita sa mga tao na ang tula ay puwede nilang basahin kaugnay ng kanilang buhay at sa paraang madali nilang maintindihan,” the author explained in an interview with Inquirer Lifestyle.

So if you’re looking for a way to celebrate local literature, look no further. We’ve put together some of Almario’s newest works to help you get started: