II. In Magnitude

In "Mahalaga ang papel ng Wika sa Paglinang ng Kultura"  (Asya:  Pag-usbong ng Kabihasnan, Vibal Publishing, 2008),  Mateo et al mentioned that language enriches culture (and vice versa). Such words coming from a social studies book for  second year high school students  have inspired an idea  and sent this idea into the voyage of research. 

Bikol is a rich language that gave birth to a line of literary works in such language.  Considered by many as the most famous of them, though lately has lost its popularity and distinction, is the tigsik. As the team prods on the popularity of "tigsik" among Bikolanos, it learned that the word tigsik is still familiar but the literature seems unknown at present to many. This is one reason that the team elected the topic for its research on this kind of bicol literature that it desires to reach out to many Bikolanos here and abroad as a humble act in preserving some "artifacts" of Bikol culture, particularly its language, more particularly through tigsik. It is the team's aim to raise awareness and provide additional source media about this vernacular literature, so that Bikolanos all over the world could find help to look back and be able to trace their roots.

A research on this one form of vernacular literature signifies that it does not only reveal the physical and environmental facets of life, but also the psychological nuances and values as experienced by the Bikolano people, themselves.

In a survey conducted by the team, it was found out that the word "tigsik" is still known to a large extent by Bikolanos, but its structure and form are yet unfamiliar. The survey indicated that 77% of respondents do not know how to compose tigsik and a high percentage of  65% are aware of the importance of tigsik in the bicol culture.  The result also showed that of the 435 respondents, 55% favored reviving the vernacular literature -tigsik, particularly.

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For the team to determine the real need to advocate and promote this vernacular literature, interviews were conducted with people considered to be in the forefront of advocacy toward the Bicol language.   In an interview conducted by the team with Mr. Estelito Jacob, an experienced Bikol writer, he mentioned that the bicol language is now a corrupted language "bicolanized" due to technological advancement and the rise of call centers luring people to appreciate the English language more than their vernacular.  He also mentioned that "youth today finds it hard to write using the acceptable bicol construction."  This is the reason why he is one of those who advocate reviving tigsik. To him reviving this vernacular literature can bridge this language gap among Bikolanos, and that is one cause of concern he wishes to admonish as president of KABULIG (organization of bicol writers). See video below

In the same interview, Mr. Jacob cited advantages of learning the language of tigsik especially to the youths. According to him, tigsik is a form of mental exercise that sharpens one's memory, hones his/her poetic skills, and most of all, preserves if not restore Bikol culture.

In an interview with another tigsik writer, Mrs. Aida Cirujales, an advocate and promoter of tigsik, she stressed the importance of reviving tigsik to restore Bikolanos' identity.  She also pointed out that tigsik is a reflection of the real identity of a bicolano. It is one poetical expression of feelings that Bikolanos utter or write to show the beauty and richness of the bicol language.  Please see interview

Mrs. Aida Cirujales is the author of a book entitled "Tigsik"  which was published through a grant from the National Commission  for Culture and the Arts.  In her book, she classified her written tigsik in different themes like foods, drinks, traditions, beliefs and other walks and facets of life.