Bienvenido Lumbera (born April 11, 1932), poet, professor, librettist and scholar, introduced to Tagalog literature what is now known as Bagay poetry, a landmark aesthetic tendency that has helped to change the vernacular poetic tradition. His works include Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa (poetry in Filipino and English, 1993); Balaybay: Mga Tulang Lunot at Manibalang (2002); Sa Sariling Bayan: Apat na Dulang may Musika (2004); and Agunyas sa Hacienda Luisita, Pakikiramay (2004). He wrote the libretto for The Tales of the Manuvu and Rama Hari. As a scholar, his major books include Tagalog Poetry, 1570-1898: Tradition and Influences in its Development; Philippine Literature: A History and Anthology; and Revaluation: Essays on Philippine Literature, Writing the Nation/Pag-akda ng Bansa. He was declared National Artist in 2006. (Agung, March-June 2015)
