The Life and Works of Gilbert Luis R. Centina III (AJ Vincent A. Tribunalo 11 STEM)
A Life of Faith and Words
Born in Manila, Centina became a member of the Order of Augustinian Recollects (O.A.R.) and was ordained as a priest in 1974. His vocation carried him across borders, serving communities in the Philippines, Spain, and the United States. Even while fulfilling his priestly duties, he never abandoned his passion for literature. His pen became his second ministry, allowing him to reach souls not just from the pulpit, but also through poetry and prose.
Sadly, Centina passed away on May 1, 2020, in León, Spain, a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic. But his legacy lives on in the beauty of his words.
A Multilingual Legacy
Centina’s works were written in English, Spanish, and Filipino—a reflection of his rich cultural background and global reach. His poetry and novels often explored faith, identity, truth, and social issues, reminding readers to look deeper into the human condition.
Some of his notable works include:
Somewhen (Poetry, 2019)
Glass of Liquid Truths (Poetry, 2018)
Rubrics and Runes (Poetry, 2012)
Madre España (Novel, 2013)
Diptych/Díptico (Bilingual poetry in English and Spanish)
Through these works, Centina became known for reviving religious poetry and promoting bilingual writing in both the Philippines and the Hispanic world.
Spotlight: Glass of Liquid Truths (2018)
Among his celebrated works is the poetry collection Glass of Liquid Truths. Here, Centina explores the fragile balance between reality and illusion, faith and doubt, truth and deception.
Sample Excerpt:
“The world is a chalice
Of liquid truths and lies,
Drink deep, but know the poison
That glitters in disguise.”
Elements of the Work:
Genre: Poetry
Theme: Truth vs. illusion, spiritual searching, human frailty
Tone: Reflective, philosophical, critical
Point of View: Varies between first person and omniscient
Imagery: Strong metaphors like chalice, poison, and light/darkness
Symbolism:
Glass → human perception of reality
Liquid truths → partial or shifting truths in life
Message: A call to spiritual discernment and critical thinking in a deceptive world
Why His Works Matter Today
In a time when truth often feels blurred by noise and misinformation, Centina’s voice remains timely. His poems remind us to question appearances, to see beyond glittering illusions, and to pursue genuine truth. For him, literature was not just art, it was a spiritual compass.
Final Thought: Gilbert Luis R. Centina III was more than a priest and a poet, he was a seeker of truth who invited us to look beyond the surface of life. His words, deeply rooted in faith and human experience, continue to inspire readers to drink deeply, but wisely, from the chalice of truth.
By: AJ Vincent A. Tribunalo
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