PREFACE

Subanen means "river people, "or "people of the headwaters." In conversation, Subanen often identify a town or area by naming the river that flows there, and a distance place as "beside another river." may mean "place"-or even "home."

         In A Voice from Many Rivers, thirty Central Subanen writers and storytellers employ story, personal history, essay, speeches, poetry and song to portray life along the rivers of the Zamboanga Peninsula. They write and speak in a variety of genres, but with one voice: the voice of the Subanen way of life.

         The contributors present this book with joy and enthusiasm, ardent in their desire to acquaint the world at large with Subanen customs, history and oral literature. They want to share their literary tradition with readers the world around, and to inform people far beyond their provinces and nation about the values Subanen Society is based upon. 

        Even more keenly, the authors and raconteurs have wanted to create this book as an heirloom for Subanen sumpat menumpat, from generation to generation, far into the future.

          When Subanen wish to take special care of prize object, safekeeping it to use on a special occasion or to bequeath to their heirs, the place it inside a kaban, a wooden chest, plain or carved. Under the lid of a kaban, one might find a blouse embroidered by a favorite aunt, calling to mind the woman’s graceful dancing to the rhythm of gongs.

FELICIA BRICHOUX
Translator 
Summer Institute of Linguistics of the Philippines