Leon C. Pichay (Vigan, June 27, 1902 - August 11, 1970) was a Philippine writer and poet. Pichay was one of the most productive Ilocano writers of his time. He wrote short stories, plays, novels, essays and more than 400 poems. biography
Leon Pichay was born on 27 June 1902 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He studied law at the University of Manila. During his studies he wrote many poems and worked for various Ilocano newspapers. Eventually he did not finish his studies.
Pichay was a versatile and productive writer, writing short stories, plays, novels, essays and hundreds of poems. Although he enjoyed English-language education, he chose to write in his native language, the Ilocano, contributing to the development of Ilocano literature. He was also one of the initiators of Bukanegan, the Ilocano counterpart of Balagtasan. He was very popular with the people. For example, just before World War II, many sound recordings of his poems were sold, and he held poetry poems while celebrating the winners of the miss-election as the highlight of the annual fiesta.
His poems had themes like patriotism, spirituality and love. He also wrote about Philippine heroes like José Rizal and his provincial associate Antonio Luna. Some examples of his work are: Kailukoan (Ilocos), his people Ilocanos; Ni Kaingungotko (my lover); Nena A Naig Kararuak (Nena, joy of my soul), which he wrote for his wife Filomena Oasan; Ayatenka Uray Ulpitannak (I love you, despite your cruelty); Pinaan Ni Ulila (Pity on the poor being), O Apo Jesucristo Nga Ari (O, Christ, Lord), a religious poem; and Ti Dilak, a patriotic poem written from his love for the Ilocano and his conviction that as a writer you should use your native language. Source
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