Kapampangan poet Jaspe Dula writes 30

Angeles City, Pampanga — Renowned Kapampangan Poeta Laureado Jaspe Caling Dula passed away at the age of 89 on Friday.

The Pampanga cultural icon, known as "Tang Jaspe," was born in 1936 in San Vicente, Bacolor, Pampanga.

The renowned poet moved to Angeles City in 1967 as he searched for work. There, Dula perfected his craft in Kapampangan poetry.

The poet was also a professional boxer from 1955 to 1963 who fought in the Bantamweight Division, making him not just a literary genius, but also a known fighter.

Further down his career, Dula became a member of Watas at Taladalit ning Amanung Siswan (WATAS), Aguman Buklud Kapampangan, Aguman Talasulat Kapampangan (AGTAKA), and Akademyang Kapampangan (AKAP). These cultural groups flourished during the 1980s.

By 1991, he led the benefit program Atad Saya for victims of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, translated the Lupang Hinirang into Kapampangan, and co-wrote Himnu ning Angeles.

He was officially crowned as a Poeta Laureado in 1993 and was honored with several awards, including the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award.