Written by Alyanna Miñoza and Shai Montillano
On September 11, 2026, the Cebu literary and cultural community gathered at the Cebu Rolling Hills Memorial Chapels to pay tribute to National Artist for Literature Resil B. Mojares and commemorate his life and contributions to Philippine arts, literature, history, and culture.
The homage brought together Cebuano literary organizations, cultural and art groups, historical and heritage associations, students, friends, and family members. They were people with whom Mojares shared memories, whom he inspired through his writings, and whom he introduced to Cebuano and Visayan literature in his own meaningful way.
The commemoration was divided into four parts, remembering Mojares as an artist and critic, historian, mentor and educator, and journalist. Notable figures from the literary, academic, cultural, and media communities read excerpts from his works and shared personal tributes and stories that offered a glimpse of the man behind the words.
As an artist and critic, Mojares was first remembered through an excerpt from his work Pasumbingay: Antolohiya sa mga Sugbuanong Balak, read by his former student, lecturer, and writer Joanalyn Gabales. One of the notable lines in the excerpt read, “The imperative of Cebuano poetry is to first make itself heard, first in the community that speaks the language…” The passage highlighted the limited exposure and understanding of Cebuano poetry and the importance of making it heard within its own community.
Prof. Raymund Fernandez also shared a life tribute, remembering Mojares as one of the people who inspired him. He fondly recalled that “to sit with him in a panel is to be his student.”
As a historian, the commemoration featured an excerpt from Mojares’ well-known work Waiting for Mariang Makiling, read by journalist Chris Evert Lato Ruffulo, along with excerpts from Isabelo’s Archive. The readings explored gaps in the understanding of Philippine history and the limited access to many of its stories and narratives.
Prof. Jobers Reybes Bersales then remembered Mojares for his “critical eye” and his ability to identify the questions that needed to be asked. He also reflected on Mojares’ view that Philippine history should encompass more than “Imperial Manila” and extend to other places where stories remain to be discovered.
As a mentor and educator, Mojares was remembered through an excerpt from Writing About Ourselves, which discussed how Filipinos developed their own notions of “enlightenment” and “modernity” and the emergence of Filipino nationalism during the colonial period. In her life tribute, Prof. Erlinda Alburo recalled Mojares as a mentor who taught her to ask the right questions and conduct research by exploring narratives from different places and recognizing the variations in the use of words.
As a journalist, Prof. Jason Baguia read an excerpt from In the Colonial World of Print, where Mojares traced the emergence of media and journalism amid censorship and oppression in the press and its gradual evolution through time. Ms. Nini Cabaero then shared Mojares’ journey as a journalist and his ventures in the field. Among the lessons she recalled was his emphasis on “the lead,” which, according to Mojares, could point to what others might otherwise overlook.
The UP Serenata and USC Choristers also delivered heartfelt performances dedicated to Mojares. Prof. Hope Sabanpan-Yu then delivered the eulogy, remembering him as a mentor and co-worker whose works left a lasting mark on Cebuano and Philippine history.
Mr. Eric Zerudo of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts expressed appreciation for Mojares’ contributions to national heritage and culture, particularly his advocacy for Visayan literature.
Mojares’ son, Mark Soren Mojares, shared words of gratitude on behalf of the Mojares family. He recalled his parents and the support of his mother, the late Mrs. Mojares, for his father’s academic pursuits, creating an environment that allowed the National Artist to pursue his work and fully develop his scholarship.
The tribute concluded with University of the Philippines Cebu Chancellor Leo B. Malagar delivering a brief closing statement, expressing gratitude and appreciation for Dr. Resil B. Mojares and his enduring contributions to Cebuano and Visayan literature.