PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

THE CONTEMPORARY PERIOD

POST COLONIAL PHILIPPINE

LITERATURE
O
THE REBIRTH OF FREEDOM (1946-1970)

• The Americans returned in 1945. Filipinos

rejoiced and guerillas who fled to the
mountain joined the liberating American
Army.

• On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained

is freedom and the Filipino flag waved
joyously alone. The chains were broken.
THE STATE OF LITERATURE DURING THIS
PERIOD

• The early post-liberation period was

marked by a kind of “struggle of mind and
spirit” posed by the sudden emancipation
from the enemy, and the wild desire to see
print.
• 1. HEART OF THE ISLANDS (1947) –a collection of poems by Manuel Viray
• 2. PHILIPPINES CROSS SECTION (1950) –a collection of prose and poetry
by Maximo Ramos and Florentino Valeros
• 3. PROSE AND POEMS (1952) –by Nick Joaquin

• 4. PHILIPPINE WRITING (1953) –by T.D. Agcaoili

• 5. PHILIPPINE HAVEST –by Amador Daguio

• 6. HORIZONS LEAST (1967) –a collection of works by the professors of UE,

mostly in English (short stories, essays, research papers, poem and drama)
by Artemio Patacsil and Silverio Baltazar
The themes of most poems dealt with the usual love of nature, and of social
and political problems. Toribia Maño’s poems showed deep emotional
intensity.

• 7. WHO SPOKE OF COURAGE IN HIS SLEEP –by NVM Gonzales

• 8. SPEAK NOT, SPEAK ALSO –by Conrado V. Pedroche

• 9. Other poets were Toribia Maño and Edith L. Tiempo, Jose Garcia Villa’s
HAVE COME, AM HERE won acclaim both here and abroad

THE NEW FILIPINO LITERATURE DURING THIS

PERIOD

• Philippines literature in Tagalog was revived

during this period. Most themes in the writings
dealt with Japanese brutalities, of the poverty of
life under the Japanese government and the
brave guerilla exploits.
PERIOD OF ACTIVISM (1970-1972)

• Many young people became activists to

ask for changes in the government. In the
expression of this desire for change, keen
were the writings of some youth who
were fired with nationalism in order to
emphasize the importance of their
petitions.
THE LITERARY REVOLUTION

• The youth became completely rebellious

during this period. This was proven not
only in the bloody demonstrations and in
the sidewalk expressions but also in
literature. Campus newspapers showed
rebellious emotions. The once aristocratic
writers developed awareness for society.
They held pens and wrote on placards in
 red paint the equivalent of the word
MAKIBAKA (To dare!).

WRITING DURING THE PERIOD OF

ACTIVISM

• The irreverence for the poor reached

its peak during this period of the
mass revolution. It was also during
 this period that Bomba films that
discredit our ways as Filipinos started
to come out.
PALANCA AWARDEES FOR LITERATURE
IN ENGLISH

• Established in 1950, the Palanca Memorial

Awards for Literature had been giving
cash prizes for short story, poetry and
one-act play writing as an incentive to
Filipino writers. The prizes come from La
 Tondena, Inc., the firm founded by the late
Carlos Palanca Sr.
PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY (1972-1980)

• The period of the New Society started on

September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca
Awards continued to give annual awards.
• Almost all themes in most writings dealt with
the development or progress of the country –
like the Green Revolution, family planning,
proper nutrition, environment, drug addiction
and pollution. The New Society tried to stop
 pornography or those writings giving bad
influences on the morals of the people. All
school newspapers were temporarily stopped
and so with school organizations.
FILIPINO POETRY DURING THE PERIOD OF
THE NEW SOCIETY
• Themes of most poems dealt with
patience, regard for native culture,
customs and the beauties of nature and
surroundings.
THE PLAY UNDER THE NEW SOCIETY
• The government led in reviving old plays
and dramas, like the Tagalog Zarzuela,
Cenaculo and the Embayoka of the
Muslims which were presented in the
rebuilt Metropolitan Theater, the Folk Arts
Theater and the Cultural Center of the
Philippines.
RADIO AND TELEVISION

• Radio continued to be patronized

during this period. The play series
like SI MATAR, DAHLIA, ITO AND
PALAD KO, and MR. LONELY were
the forms of recreation of those
without television
FILIPINO FILMS
• A yearly Pista ng mga Pelikulng Pilipino (Yearly Filipino
Film Festival) was held during this time. During the
 festival which lasted usually for a month, only Filipino
films were shown in all theaters in Metro Manila.
1. MAYNILA…SA MGA KUKO NG LIWANAG written by Edgardo
Reyes and filmed under the direction of Lino Brocka. Bembol Roco
was the lead role.
2. MINSA’Y ISANG GAMU-GAMO; Nora Aunor was the principal
performer here.
3. GANITO KAMI NOO…PAANO KAYO NGAYON: led by Christopher
de Leon and Gloria Diaz.
4. INSIANG: by Hilda Koronel
5. AGUILA: led by Fernando Poe Jr., Jay Ilagan and Christopher de
Leon
COMICS, MAGAZINES AND OTHER
PUBLICATIONS

• During this period of the New Society,

newspapers donned new forms.
News on economic progress,
discipline, culture, tourism and the
like were favored more than the
sensationalized reporting of killings,
rape and robberies.
OVERVIEW OF THE LITERATUE DURING
THE NEW SOCIETY
• Bilingual education which was initiated by
the Board of National Education as early
as 1958 and continued up to the period of
Martial Rule in September 21, 1972,
resulted in the deterioration of English in
the different levels of education. The focus
of education and culture was on problems
of national identity, on re-orientation,
 renewed vigor and a firm resolves to carry
out plans and programs.
PERIOD OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC (1981-
1985)

• After ten years of military rule and some

changes in the life of the Filipino which
started under the New Society, Martial
Rule was at last lifted on January 2,
1981.
FILIPINO POETRY

• Poems during this period of the Third

Republic were romantic and
revolutionary. Writers wrote openly of
their criticism against the
government. The supplications of the
people were coached in fiery, colorful,
violent, profane and insulting
language.
FILIPINO SONGS

• Many Filipino songs dealt with themes

that were really true-to-life like those of
grief, poverty, aspirations for freedom,
love of God, of country and of fellowmen.
PHILIPPINE FILMS DURING THE PERIOD
• The yearly Festival of Filipino Films
continued to be held during this period.
The people’s love for sex films also was
unabated.
PERIODS (1986-1999)

• History took another twist. Once more, the

Filipino people regained their independence
which they lost twenty years ago.

• In the span of four days form February 21-25,

1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng
Bayan) prevailed. Together, the people
barricaded the streets petitioning the
government for changes and reforms.
ON NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER
PUBLICATIONS

• Newspapers which were once

branded crony newspapers became
instant opposition papers overnight.
This was true of BULLETIN TODAY
which became the opposition paper.
ON BOOKS
• The Philippine revolution of 1986 and the fire of
its spirit that will carry the Filipinos through
another epoch in Philippine history is still being
documented just as they have been in the
countless millions who participated in body and
spirit in its realization.
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE DURING THE
POST COLONIAL PERIOD
 As an aftermath of war and a series of foreign invasions in our
country, the term post-colonialism was popularized. The lasting impact of
imperialism and colonialism had been the utmost concern at this period.
American colonial rule already loosened but its influences and control are
still somehow affecting us in terms of social, political and economic
aspects of our country as manifested in the form of literature produced in
various genres.

ACTIVITY 1
Can you name all of the Presidents of the Philippines? List them
down and choose one that you admire the most. Provide a brief
description of your chosen President. Write your answer on a
separate sheet.
POST-COLONIAL PERIOD (1945-present) AFTER
THE WAR
✔ In 1944, Sergio S. Osmeña, Sr. assumed the presidency upon the death of
Manuel L. Quezon while the Philippine Commonwealth government was in exile
in the U.S.
✔ Manuel A. Roxas defeated Sergio S. Osmeña, Sr. as the President in April
1946 for the Independent Second Republic of the Philippines.
✔ Elpidio R. Quirino assumed the remaining term of Roxas when the latter
died of a heart attack in 1948.
✔ In 1953, Ramon F. Magsaysay was elected as the new president but died
in an airplane crash on March 16, 1957.
✔ Magsaysay's position was assumed by Carlos P. Garcia who was re-elected
and served until 1961.
✔ Diosdado P. Macapagal became the President after Carlos P. Garcia. He
changed the date of Philippine Independence from July 4, 1946 (Liberation from
America) to June 12, 1896 (Liberation from Spanish by the revolutionists). He
also recognized the presidency of Jose P. Laurel.
PHILIPPINES DURING THE MARTIAL LAW PERIOD
✔ Ferdinand E. Marcos took office for presidency in 1965 who got
re-elected in 1969 making him the first to win two presidential terms.
✔ He declared Martial Law on September 21, 1972 and led the
country into what he calls "The New Society" against lawlessness
which incited a lot of opposition.
✔ Marcos was forced to hold an election in 1978 and 1981 to
stabilize the country's chaotic condition where he won again.
✔ The death of Benigno Simeon "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. became the
beginning of calling for Marcos' removal.
✔ EDSA People Power Revolution (bloodless revolution) through the
initiative of Maria Corazon C. Aquino and her supporters erupted
which marked a significant national event.
✔ Snap election was conducted in 1986 which seated Corazon
Aquino- the widow of Benigno Simeon "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. as the 11th
President of the Philippines and ended the 21 years of what many
claimed as the tyrant rule. ✔ Marcos went on exile in Hawaii, where
he died on September 28, 1989.
PHILIPPINES AFTER THE MARTIAL LAW PERIOD (5TH REPUBLIC TO PRESENT)
✔ The political and economic condition of the Philippines during Cory Aquino's administration
was described as chaotic.
✔ Monopolization of the agricultural industry took place after the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) forced the Philippines to pay its debt amounting to 27.2 billion dollars which they
claimed to be inherited from Marcos administration.
✔ Fidel V. Ramos (also known as "Centennial President") took office in 1992 where he
immediately worked on the country's recovery. He was awarded the Peace Award by UNESCO
in his effort to achieve a Peace Agreement with MILF.
✔ Film actor Joseph Ejercito Estrada won presidency with his pro-poor campaign in1998 but was
ousted in 2001 because of corruption and gambling issues.
✔ Maria Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assumed office in 1998, got re-elected, and served until 2010.
During her term, many impeachment complaints were filed against her due to corruption and
electoral sabotage where she got hospital arrest for her spinal surgery.
✔ Former Senator Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III (aka PNoy or Noynoy Aquino) seated as the next
president in 2010.
✔ Next to him is our current President- Rodrigo Roa Duterte who is both a lawyer and politician.
Dimensions of Philippine Literature

✔ Filipino writers began to develop new themes, styles, and techniques. The first notable work
that appeared right after the second world war under Japanese occupation in the Philippines is a
novel written by Macario Pineda entitled Ginto sa Makiling which was considered as a narrative of the
Philippines’ social, political, and moral aspects (Macansantos, et al, n.d.). It was noted for its
resemblance to the work of Rizal and more on the work of Balagtas in terms of plot and style.
✔ The rise of English writers began after exposure to American language and culture, although
there were still many Filipino writers observed using the vernaculars. Sarvia (n.d.) considers the
following factors contributory to the flourishing of Filipino literature: 1) establishment of the
University of the Philippines in 1908 where English was primarily used as the medium of instruction,
2) the founding of the Philippine Writers’ Association in 1953, and 3) the establishment of the Carlos
Palanca Memorial Award in 1955 to name a few.
✔ According to Macansantos et al (n.d.), among the common literary themes in novels and short
stories were war experiences which can be seen in the works of Stevan Javellana’s Without Seeing the
Dawn (1947) and Edilberto Tiempo’s Watch in the Night for the English category. While for Filipino
literature that used the vernaculars, the works of Lazaro Francisco were profoundly noted for his
style associated to Rizal’s influence such as Bayaning Nagpatiwakal (1932), Sugat sa Alaala (1950),
Maganda pa ang Daigdig (1956), and Daluyong (1962). The influence of both Spanish and American
styles could be observed in the work of Nick Joaquin where his flashback technique was highly
appreciated by critics. Some writers attempted to incorporate a taste of folk tradition especially in
poetry such as epic and other oral forms of literature which still existed like Balagtasan. However,
oral tradition became less popular as people became more interested in short stories.
Some literary genres which the computer and internet helped create are the following:
Genre Definition
Blog This is also known as web log or a website
containing short articles called posts that are
changed regularly. Some blogs are written by
one person containing their own opinions,
interests and experiences, while others are
written by many different people.
Chick Lit This genre fiction addresses issues of modern
womanhood, often humorously and light-
heartedly. The genre became popular in the
late 1990s, with chick lit titles topping best
seller lists and the creation of imprints devoted
entirely to chick lit.
Creative Also known as literary nonfiction or narrative
Nonfiction nonfiction, it is a genre of writing that uses
literary styles and techniques to create
factually accurate narratives. Creative
nonfiction contrasts with other nonfiction,
such as technical writing or journalism, which
is also rooted in accurate fact, but is not
 primarily written in service to its craft. As a
genre, creative nonfiction is still relatively
young, and is only beginning to be scrutinized
with the same critical analysis given to fiction
and poetry.

Flash Fiction This is characterized with a style of fictional

literature or fiction of extreme brevity. There is
no widely accepted definition of the length of
the category. Some self-described markets for
flash fiction impose caps as low as three
hundred words, while others consider stories
as long as a thousand words to be flash fiction.
Hyperpoetry It is a form of digital poetry that uses links
using hypertext mark-up. It is a very visual
form, and is related to hypertext fiction and
visual arts. The links mean that a hypertext
poem has no set order, the poem moving or
being generated in response to the links that
the reader/user chooses. It can either involve
set words, phrases, lines, etc. that are
 presented in variable order but sit on the page
much as traditional poetry does, or it can
contain parts of the poem that move and / or
mutate.

Mobile Phone A particular example of this poem is a tanaga,

Text Tula a type of Filipino poem, consisting of four lines
with seven syllables each with the same rhyme
at the end of each line - that is to say a 7-7-7-
7 syllabic verse, with an AABB rhyme scheme.
The modern Tanaga still uses the 7777 syllable
count, but rhymes range from dual rhyme
forms: AABB, ABAB, ABBA; to freestyle forms
such as AAAB, BAAA, or ABCD.

Speculative This is an umbrella term encompassing the

Fiction more fantastical fiction genres, specifically
science fiction, fantasy, horror, weird fiction,
supernatural fiction, superhero fiction,
utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and
post-
apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in
literature as well as related static, motion, and
virtual arts.
ACTIVITY 2
The Kundiman- is the traditional Filipino love song which became popular in the late 19 th century and well
into many decades of the 20th century. The King and Queen of Kundiman were Ruben Tagalog and Sylvia La
Torre respectively. Here are samples of lyrics from kundiman songs. Can you find similar Filipino
compositions from the present? Write their lyrics next to those of the given Kundiman.

Kundiman Filipino love song from the present

O, Ilaw (By Ruben tagalog)

O. ilaw
Sa gabing malamig
Wangis mo'y
Bituin sa langit
O, tanglaw
Sa gabing tahimik
Larawan mo, Neneng
Nagbigay pasakit

Ayy...
Gising at magbangon
Sa pagkagupiling
Sa pagkakatulog
Na lubhang mahimbing
Buksan ang bintana
At ako'y dungawin
Nang mapagtanto mo
Ang tunay kong pagdaing
Ibong Sawi (by Sylvia La Torre)

Ako'y isang ibong sawi

Na hindi na makalipad At sa
puso'y may sugat wala pang
luminga
Isang saglit ng hating gabi sa madilim
na paglipad saan ngayon ang aking
pugad sa mata mo'y may isang langit
ng pangarap sa puso mo'y mayron
kang pugad ng paglingat kung ako'y
mamamatay sa kapighatian. Sa puso
mo lamang muli kang mabubuhay.