* Vast Literature: The region has a rich literary history, encompassing centuries of poetic traditions.
* Diverse Languages: Central Visayas includes various languages like Cebuano, Boholano, and Waray, each with its own poetic forms and styles.
* Unrecorded Works: Many poems exist in oral tradition, passed down through generations and not yet documented.
Instead of a comprehensive list, here's what I can offer:
* Famous Authors & Works:
* Teodoro Agoncillo: A renowned Filipino historian and writer known for his Cebuano poetry.
* Vicente Sotto: A prominent Cebuano writer and politician, known for his works in Cebuano literature.
* Jose Ma. Panganiban: A national poet from the region, whose works explored themes of love, nature, and nationalism.
* Traditional Forms:
* Balitaw: A Cebuano poetic form combining dance, song, and dialogue.
* Sugidanon: A type of narrative poem that tells stories of heroes, myths, and legends.
* Modern Poetry:
* Contemporary Cebuano poets: Explore themes of social justice, identity, and the complexities of modern life.
To explore the region's poetry, you can:
* Visit local libraries and archives: They may have collections of poetry in various languages.
* Attend cultural events and festivals: Many festivals in Central Visayas feature traditional poetry performances.
* Connect with local literary organizations: They can guide you to resources and provide insights into the region's literary heritage.
* Search online databases: Some libraries and institutions have digital collections of Philippine poetry.
By exploring these avenues, you can uncover the wealth of poetic expression that exists in Region 7.