Instituto Cervantes celebrates Chabacano Language through variety of events

Instituto Cervantes, the cultural arm of the Spanish Embassy, celebrates the only Spanish-based creole in Asia: Chabacano language through music, talks and a cycle of short films from Zamboanga on July 2 and 3 at Instituto Cervantes’ Salon de Actos.

 

A clear manifestation of the Spanish contribution in Philippine culture, the Chabacano language was born from contact between Spanish and indigenous languages. It is a vehicular language of half a million native speakers with local varieties Ternateño, Caviteño, and Zamboangueño.

 

Titled En Torno al Chabacano, Instituto Cervantes will provide a current snapshot of the Spanish-based language through a variety of events that include a round table discussion, concert and films.

 

On July 2, 5 p.m., Dr. Robert B. Torres of the Western Mindanao State University will hold a talk about Chabacano language and literature. During the talk, participants will be able to exchange ideas and personal insight in the context of Chabacano writing and literature.

 

Although contemporary Chabacano dialects have been well documented, their history and evolution lie at the heart of the debate on creole language origins. At 7 p.m., Dr. John Lipski, an American expert on linguistics, will present discussion that explores the contributions of Cavite Chabacano varieties to the understanding of creole languages.

 

On July 3, 5 p.m., Instituto Cervantes presents “Cine Chabacano” a special four-film line-up that showcases unique independent shorts filmed in the Spanish creole. This film series, curated by Teddy Co, Philippine film expert, offers a selection of Chabacano short films recently shot in Zamboanga. One of the film directors will present his work and participate in a talk with Teddy Co and the audience about the present and the future of Philippine cinema filmed in Chabacano language.

 

At 7 p.m., Spain’s Javier Álvarez and Zamboangueño Marc Velasco will perform a dialogue of music in Spanish and Chabacano.  

 

Álvarez, a homegrown talent from Cuatro Caminos in Madrid who used to play in the subway and at the Parque del Retiro will be joined by Filipino singer- songwriter Marc Velasco, on the other hand, whose song "Ordinary Song" became a top hit in 2000.

 

En Torno al Chabacano is presented by the Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines and AECID.

 

For more information, call us at 526-1482 or visit the website. Instituto Cervantes de Manila is located at 855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila.  Press release and photos from Instituto Cervantes