Republic of the Philippines

DON HONORIO VENTURA TECHNOLOGICAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Graduate School
Bacolor, Pampanga

John Reinjoe F. Namit

Master of Arts in Education major in English

Final Paper in Translation

I. Overview

All aspects of human life are always reflected through any means of literature. The study of history

would only be possible through examining the language that is only present among literatures. Yes, there is

a demarcation line between science and fiction; but that is the only reason why human creativity exists.

As such, the development of literature has been parallel to the growing needs and demands of

humankind. As an indicator of development, translation came to its publicity.

In the ancient times, translation is only applied to canon works of literatures such as the Holy Bible and

Scriptures. For some experts, to learn history and literature is to learn the world better. With that, people

started to give importance and appreciation to literature.

Translation, as a process, is one of the means to extend the understanding of a text. It gives a clear view

of the bond between language and literature. Also, it has become a tool to further disseminate literature to

other people as it can reflect the text using common languages. Therefore, only through literature that the

reader can defy the barrier towards understanding brought by its source or original language and context.

More so, there are three languages involved translation: the source language, the target language, and

the inner language.

This paper presents a translation from Kapampangan to English of the ten (10) randomly selected poems

by Delfin Quibuloy using Gregory Rabassa’s views on translation.

II. Principles of Translation

 This paper adapted Gregory Rabassa’s views on translation. He regarded it as an act of transformation

that adapts a new metaphor to the original metaphor. He affirmed that the translated text is never equal

because of its metaphorical context. Likewise, he also said that translation is a never-ending process, which

means every translation is a “draft” of the original text.

However, the following principles of translation also contributed to its further studies and development:

1. Hans Georg Gadamer believes that reading is already translation. Also, he said that the process of

translating comprises in its essence the whole secret of human understanding of the world and of

social communication;

2. Walter Benjamin deliberately sought to dissociate translations (and literature generally) from their

readerships. “In the appreciation of a work of an art or an art form, consideration of the receiver

never proves fruitful”. In doing so, he chose to ignore the consideration that the translator, as a

receiver of the original and the link between this and the translated text, deserves. Also, that the

translations which are produced for commercial purposes (as most translations of literary works) are

biased by the expectations of their audiences, who often look more for the likeness to the original

which Benjamin claims would make translation impossible than for a reflection of pure language

and a significance which may link all languages;

3. Donald Fame adheres to “Free literary translation.” He presented the pleasure and problems of

translation; tenses, politeness and impoliteness, tone and balance, measurement and meaning, plays

(verse, rhymed and unrhymed), dialect ‘patois’ titles and simplicity of the text;

4. William Weaver detailed his thought in his book titled “The Process of Translation”. He says: “The

words of the original are only the starting point; a translator must do more than convey information

(a literary translator, that is). And in amazing detail he takes the reader through all the concerns he

has about maintaining author’s original style and intentions, while making it accessible to readers

from different cultures. Once a translation of mine is published, I never re-read it. I know that, if I
 did, I would soon be reaching for a pencil, to make further additions and subtractions, in the futile

pursuit of a non-existent perfection”: and

5. Edmund Keenly believes that translation is a betrayal. He also believes that translation is a surgical

and is a necessity. Moreover, he said that translation is collaboration between the translators.

III. About the Poet

Delfin was born to Dionisio Quiboloy and Anastasia Turla on July 23, 1911 in Santa Catalina, Lubao,

Pampanga, Philippines where one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Philippines was initially built. He

attended public schools in his hometown during the same decade when famous Lubenians like President

Diosdado P. Macapagal and Senator Rogelio de la Rosa were also pursuing their elementary school

education.

Delfin started his teaching career after he earned his Elementary Teacher Certificate and Bachelor of

Science degree in Education from National University in Manila, Philippines. He married the former Africa

V. Paule on January 10, 1935 and their happy marriage produced a dozen children who all grew up to

become successful professionals and respectable citizens.

After many years of service in the teaching profession as a school principal, Delfin and his wife migrated

to the USA to join most of their children who made the "land of opportunity" as a second home.

At the time of Delfin's death, he was survived by eleven of his and Africa's twelve children namely,

Celia Q. Flores, Liberty Q. Singian, Estrella Q. Bognot, Dante Quiboloy, Alice Q. Singian, Daisy Q.

Bautista, Delfin Quiboloy, Jr., Nestor Quiboloy, Agnes Q. Japlit, Florante Quiboloy and Manuel Luis

Quiboloy. His wife, Africa Paule Quiboloy died on March 7, 1986 and his second eldest daughter, Amelia

Q. Cruz passed away on August 2, 1998.

Despite of a busy schedule as the breadwinner of the family and patriarch of the Quiboloy clan, Delfin

was a prolific husband and a very productive poet laureate, playwright, educator and a leader among his

peers. His literary achievements included several awards, medals and trophies. His crowning glory was on
 March 1, 1969 when he was honored by the president of United Poet Laureates International, Dr. Amado

Yuzon in recognition of Delfin's contribution to World Poetry in general and Kapampangan Poetry in

particular. His "Indung Kapampangan" (Mother Pampanga) won the 1st Prize in the Pampango Writing

Contest on February 13, 1981 in connection with the celebration of Pampanga Day sponsored by the

Province of Pampanga under the leadership of Governor and Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza.

Delfin was one of the founding members of Aguman Ding Talasulat Kapampangan in 1964 and he was

elected as the organization's president in June 1977. Through the assistance of the late Senate President Gil

J. Puyat, he launched the annual Don Gonzalo Puyat Memorial Awards for Pampango Literature in 1978.

Delfin wrote more than two hundred poems, novels, and dramas. A few of the zarzuelas he wrote are

"Ing Tagumpe ning Katutwan" (The Triumph of Truth); "Ganid" (A Cruel Person); "Sinta't Balen" (Love

and Country); "Aus Ning Laman" (Call of the Flesh); "Angga Banwa" ('Till Eternity) and "Malagung

Ubingan" (Beautiful Traitor).

Together with another poet laureate, Jose M. Gallardo, Delfin published a masterpiece called "Kuriro at

Kawatasan" in the early eighties.

"Kawatasan nang Delfin T. Quiboloy", a compilation of some of Delfin's favorite poems, includes "Iyas

King Balas"; "Indung Kapampangan"; "Pamibule-bule"; "Ibpa: King Penganak"; "Penganak: King Ibpa";

"Ketang Milabas"; "Poeta, Nanu Ka?"; "Dalit Babo Ning Damulag"; "Bisa Kung Dalit Pa"; "Katandanan";

"Katapatan; Musika, Kayupaya Mo.!"; "Ing Lugud Ku, Ngamo.?"; "Pamana;" "Tagulele Ning Ulila"; "Nanu

Ya Ing Sinta?"; "Ing Diwa Ku Manyabi Ya."; "Salamin Ning Napun"; "Ibpa Ko.!"; "Maki-lulu Ka King

Aldo.!"; "Tatanam Na Naman.!"; "Sangkan"; and "Ing Poeta".

IV. Poems

1. Wa Mate Ya Ing Tau People Will Die

Wa, mate ya ing tau! Ditak man ala yang dalan Yes, man will die! With nothing on his grave

King dangal na at salaping malwat keti titipunan, His integrity and wealth, nothing it can be.
Dapot, ating bantayug nang talakad na ena saulan Instead, his legacy must be stood and engraved

Ning nanu man bagyu’t alun a sapul ampon malintawag, Despite whatever storms and waves may come

Ita ya pin ing dapat nang makawili Karin dakal For it shall be enjoyed and rejoiced by anyone

Antimo waring kanangga a matula tang babawan, As if, it is a shield of salvation to a warrior.

Inya sana kapatad ku, mibuleta at migunam To my fellow, let us revolt and reflect

Kanita eta mangari kang Napoleon a matapang Unlike Napoleon, a person of bravery

Inya ngana ining bie ku, Guinu alang kabaldugan When once he uttered, life is worthless

Uling aku kamate ku, ulad la ring kaku mangan. For when I die, the soil will bury me into pieces

2. Bayabas A Guava Tree Love Story

Atin kang kayabe… atlu katau You have friends… three are you

King lalam ning bayabas nyang minsan a pasku When last Christmas, underneath a guava tree

Pamikakatawan, milulupa kayu You almost look the same, pretty and free

Dapot malagu king kadwang abe mu However, you are the fairest of them all

Ngeni king mukyat ku’t pangwa rakang byabas And now, I will pick guavas for you

Uling ngamu kaku tutu mu lang kapad, Coz you said, you love them too

Nanu kamatayan man, pilit kuring sungab? When even death, nothing can stop me

Kakuldas ku lalam kelilwa kong bubut When I’m done, I have chosen the best

Binye kung makapyak king kekang karungut And gave them all to you

Emu pa apansing ing mamale king lub Even if you did not just notice me

Nung keka ko binyereng anggang malulot? When I gave the sweetest fruit to you?

3. O Bulan Oh Moon, My Love

Ngara king uli na ning mutyang pigagap Because of ever-loving joy and passion
Nun inya ding gale ing tarling dang lakas That even fate can’t dictate us apart

Dapot kaku, Bulan, nung ika ing saslag For you are my only strength, my love

King diwa mung babye lalu lang sasampat Only you, can make me strong and alive

Siping daku man sa reng rehas a bakal Even my heart is put to jail

At eke akakit ing kakung palsintan Where I can not see my love

Ing tatabug kaku emu ika, Bulan For as long as there is love and faith

Ganap naku tula kilub ning sukulan It is more than enough even I feel pain

Nanan ke ta pin mo nung enaku tula What will I do when I am not with you

Ning paniguran king gintu kung diwa My life is worthless, my soul is in blue

Tebuga naku man ning mal pa king sabala And if I’ll receive offers better than you do

Nung ikang karap ku… mye ku pang matula…! I’d still rather choose to be with you

4. Panalangin My Prayer, Oh Lord

Ginu, aku king arap mu, sisiklaud king mangurus Lord, I praise and glorify you

Uling ya nang tengwanan mu tanda ng kaku maka-kabus Thank you for the gift of daily life

Iting pamanalangin ku kekang masusing mamawus I humbly pray for your presence and guidance

Ya ing pamangilala ku king dakal kung utang a lub That we owe you our life and salvation

Panata ke ining bye ku ban sumuyu ampon lugud I devote and offer my life to you, Oh Lord

Uling ika ing dala’na kayaryan a mipagkalub Cause you are the only hope of salvation

King ninu mang bisang miras king ligayang e mapupus Whoever wishes to be loved and saved

Dinan mu sang ligaya ining tapat nang titibok Have a joyful and courageous heart

Ning pusu kung mangumpisal kambe As I wholeheartedly say my prayer to you,

ning iwang mababaldug our Lord, Amen

 5. Pangalalu Envious Heart

Ikit dakang ating kasabing lalaki Once, I saw you with another guy

Lalam ning silid yu nyang minsan a bengi In your room, one summer night

Inisip kung aku ing kekong pagsisti Then, I thought I was the topic of your talk

Lepitan dakayu ala kung sasabyan I came closer to you, with nothing to utter

Dapot ing pusu ku kilub gaglas ne man Even though my heart is bursting with anger

Bisayang mamaliking keang tangahan I wanted to scream, I wanted to cry

Bako sang mibalik king kekong depatan So that you’ll stop, not knowing the reason why

Dapot anggang binit… aku mengawat ku But I tried to be calm and sound

King ala nanu man king depatan yu Even to things I do not understand

Sasalikut kumu ing pangalulu ku I’ll just hide what I feel

6. Pusu Heartbeat

Ang puso ay isa lamang simbahan A heart only knows one reason

Meron isang lugar kung san pwedeng magdasal A place where you can love and pray

Ako sa altar ng aking simbahan In the place where my altar

Ikaw lang ang nagiisang santo na aking sinasamba You are the only there, my love

Alam ko na sa puso ng mga lalaki Even though I know that to those other guys

Sa puso nila ikaw lamang ang laman You also captured their hearts

Ngayon alam mo na ang akin ay mas mahalaga Now you know whose heart is the most caring

Saan ka pupwesto sa aming mga puso? Where would you choose to stay?
Ano ang halaga ng buhay na ito, sabi ko What is the value of life, I said

Dahil ang aking dalangin sayo ay natupad When all of my dreams for you happened

Hinahayaan na kita na lumayo sa aking puso I am just letting you go

Lumayo at kalimutan ang pagkagusto sayo Let go and forget about my feelings

Pero bakit umiiyak ka nung nagpapaalam ako? But why is there tears when I go?

7. Gareta Native Sled

Babo ning gareta dakal kong babai-ng Above a native sled are group of girls

Pakabito bitis at mapapagtisti Hanging out while teasing and laughing

Akung king harap yu lalawe mepipi I was speechless when I saw you

Ikit ku santa ka… malagu kang dili I saw a beautiful saint… you’re the most beautiful

King panga-dangat da ka keka ding mata ku While I was staring at you

Misakdal ya tula ing pusu kung mau My heart felt love and joy

Mekad malasak ne ing banwang tulid ku Even if I lost my way

Nung ikang karungut…pihung paburen ku I just don’t care, only if I’ll be with you

Inya deng damulag ume nong kulyut na That’s why cows are tired

Lupa mung malagu eke patdan mata I will stare no matter what

Nung e ing dine ku lupa mung dalaga Only for your beautiful face

Siklulu raka sang kildas king gareta I would just help you get off the sled

8. Ing Sasaling Gatas The One Who Bought Milk

Ing sasaling gatas agad ng inuli He went back home immediately

Uli ning mikit nang sari ling kaputi Upon seeing the milk he bought

Ena na tikman man at pisurisuri He did not taste it before

Nung nanung lasa na ning gatas nang seli If it really taste good or not.

Inyang takman na ing keang abalas When he’s home and check out

King itang seli na e lalasang gatas The milk does not taste good

Agad nang inugse… tigtug na king balas He threw it all… threw it all on the ground

Saka ya sisisi…king sising mataktak… And realized he should have tasted it before

Ngaku sa babai ding magnasa keka Like when girls like you

Pilinana meng mayap ban eka misala Choose wisely as it can be

King sakaling gatas pota mangari ka Like what happened to the milk

Emuna abalik ing mepalyari na…! You cannot turn back time

9. Nanung Lakwan Ning Tau Keti Yatu? What’s Left When People Leave?

Nanu waring malakwan king tau king keang bye What is there to be left in people’s life

A dapat mong paniglon ding melakwan nang kayabe? That is worthy of emulation and greed

Ya wari itang sengilan da ring amanung maglate Is it the money that will pay off

King panamdam ning malukang lalam kekang lawe That is root of all evil

King lupa ning lalam keka … danup-danup, maybug mate? Faced by poverty, wealth means more money

Emu wari isipan man king ika man atin kang bye Don’t you think there is more life there

Panamdam mu, panamdam na… tau yang maki-marine The way you feel, is the same way the feel

Emu wari gaganakan king parehu kayung mate Don’t you think death will cross both of you

At makalus kong parehu king pangagalus ning mamante And face the judgement later on

Ing kamung at ganaka ilang makibat a tune When kindness and compassion will be counted
Mitalakad maging tanda ning bantayug mung e mete! Will it defined your life on earth

10. Iyas King Balas Precious Sand Spot

Mekeni kuyug ku, magluklukan kata My compatriot, come here and have a seat

Kening babo batung kekata menaya Here on earth, we’ve waited a lot

Umasdan tang mayap ing lihim nang dala Take a look at the message behind

Ning makalantang nang balas ning playa That has been written on the ground

At oyan ing alun daratang king pampang Here comes the wave fast approaching

Ing baling pinandit a paglapit na nian Anytime and anywhere it goes

Laksa ning binutil a balas lakwan It will leave the sand on the shore

Oyan na ing aldo sisilip ne’t saslag Here comes the sun, shinning on its brightest

Yang tatangaran nang kislap reng balas Sunrays strike the sand and glow

Ilang sasabian kung binutil kening kakung aklat. That makes the salt of my wisdom