by: Rodel F. Fadri

With this issue, Silak completes its first volume. Many of us may be still wondering what Silak is all about and what’s in the mind of the person behind its publication. Here’s a heart to heart talk with the editor and publisher.

Why Silak? Silak symbolizes light and life. To Bantoanons, it also connotes hope and a new day just as we say nagsilakey after a storm or rain. Silak is far-reaching. I envisioned Silak to reach Bantoanons anywhere in the world.

What are the objectives of the publication? As pointed out in our first editorial, we conceived this publication so that every Bantoanon would never feel far from home. You know what home to Bantoanons means – sanrokan, masadyang pag-inibhanan, istoryahan, pagbinuligan, kilay-anan, all those things. But there are many more. One, we want to document the events happening to us as a people. Today’s events are tomorrow’s history. We also want to put on record the views, the feelings and the thoughts of Bantoanon writers expressed in different forms of literature. In so doing, we might preserve the culture and traits that we, Bantoanons, are proud of for the next generations. Of course, history serves a lot more. Knowing our past gives as a picture of our future – where are we going? Two, we would like to encourage every Bantoanon, especially those who are not residing in the island to participate in shaping the future of Banton and the Bantoanon community. Brain drain - precisely. Needless to say – aber mga maguyang nato ay ingtatabog kita paliwas et Banto-on. I dream of the day when Bantoanons will no longer seek the opportunities outside. Of course, I’m dreaming. Even with the developments happening in Banton now, life is still difficult. Even as we say that there are very many successful Bantoanons, there are more Bantoanons living difficult lives. Three, we would like to help Bantoanon parents residing outside the island to introduce Banton, its people, its culture and character, to their siblings so that even if they don’t grow up in the island, they would feel that they are Bantoanons. We don’t want them to lose the Bantoanon ways in the culture of the place they grow up. We want to develop in their hearts love for Banton. Banton needs them as it moves forward. Four, we want to develop Bantoanon literature and good Bantoanon men of letters. We have a very few of these literary vehicles. Even students in Banton don’t enjoy these opportunities. I just wish that those who are concerned would take efforts to take advantage the presence of Silak. When we were in the high school then, we demanded for the publication.

When was it conceived? I have conceived of Silak three or four years ago but I just didn’t have the guts. I guess, what really triggered me to push with it is my elder brother and one of my cousins. During my brother’s first months in Kansas, he would always give us a call and ask for news. When I went to Singapore last year, I feel the solitude of my cousin there. Kayangkag ara. Syempre, toma gihapon akong mga hali nak uya puat et akat et re-union. But it has to pass through the congress as how my couins and my brothers (Manong Brokoy, Manong Emski, Manong Boboy, Dodoy and Nonong) would put it. We have sessions during birthday celebrations over some bottles of beer.

What about the finances? I shouldered the cost of the first printing of Silak including the cost of mailing. The last issue before this, I charged half of it to the 50^th Founding Anniversary of the BHS/BNHS. As chairman of the souvenir program committee who was also assigned with the documentation of the event, I took advantage of the opportunity although I still shouldered the cost of mailing. This issue is lumped with the Biniray Souvenir Program precisely to save me the printing cost. However, I envision Silak to become a self-liquidating project in the near future. I mean, at least the cost of printing can be offset by subscriptions and advertisements. The cost of mailing ? – after this issue, I might not mail copies anymore to non-subscribers especially abroad.

About time? Time is how we find it. One will never have time if he won’t find time. But I don’t intend to remain as its editor for long. Once I find somebody who can and is willing to take over the chores, I would hand it to him. Actually, I don’t think I’m really a good writer. I think I’m more of an actuary than a writer.

How long do you think will Silak last? I really wish it could last long as its name connotes. However, I think it is more a question of relevance. We’ll never know. The internet may render Silak irrelevant as far as dissemination of information is concerned if the time comes when we can hook up in Banton. Bantoanon writers may lose their interest. Bantoanons may no longer see its value. But as far as I’m concerned, as long as Silak is relevant and Bantoanons find value in it, I intend to push through with it at all cost.

Who could tell? If there are no more subscribers, or if I don’t receive letters anymore.

What are Silak’s plan for the future? We might officially register a foundation in the SEC. We are also planning to put up a homepage in the web as suggested by Dante Fadriquela. He told me he can spearhead the project. We are also forming a team of correspondents there in Banton. I also hope that we finally can recruit student trainees.

Last words… We all have our lives to live. But the more we share our lives, the more meaningful it is to live. Let’s keep in touch.

Volume 1 No 3