and share his messages and lessons from our history hidden in events of today.
Through my design, I hope to instill a sense of optimism, hope, and possibility in the minds
and hearts of my own generation towards our country’s future,
through Sir Cirilo’s empowering words, as it did to me.”
JANELLE GAN


“I believe that Filipinos today, especially our generation, should be reminded by empowering words such as this, so they continuously defend our rights,
as well as inspire us to call for justice. In the eyes of our fellow Filipinos,
2020 has shown nothing but countless unprecedented events that resulted
in turbulence in the political, economical and social systems of our country.
I hope that Cirilo’s words would remind us Filipinos that our voices are catalysts
for change and that we should only strew flowers on a land
we know we deserve to live in.”
There’s just something intriguing about Cirilo’s artistry with words – the way he paints vivid mental landscapes and sceneries through meticulously described analogies covering the simplest, mundane ideas to highly abstract ones. Yet, it’s just as striking to be able to recognize and associate such intricacies to certain historical events
and figures so quickly, as if they were lucid moments and first hand experiences.
to important people throughout history and writes them as shared memories.
His works are without a doubt labors of love and passion, with his drive
and fuel for national change infectious as you continue to read its pages.
These words resonate far more meaningfully in the “new normal” we are living in. I hope that while reading these words, we are able to pay respects to those who have continuously brought our country forward during this time of national strife – to those in the medical fields, to our farmers, teachers, business workers, volunteers,
and all of our fellow Filipinos who helped bravely,
tirelessly and wholeheartedly amidst risk and adversity.
Love must not betray them, and their sacrifices should be honored to no end.
to the ‘House of Words’ to honor the many other transformative accounts
and records of our national artist.
