PERIOD OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND GROWTH (1925-1941)

NOTABLE LITERARY WRITERS OF THE ERA: PROSE AND DRAMA

NOTABLE LITERARY WRITERS OF THE ERA: PROSE AND DRAMA

1. Paz Marquez Benitez – (1894–1983) She was a prominent Filipino writer and teacher, best known for her short story "Dead Stars", which is
regarded as one of the most significant works in Philippine literature in English. Born in the Philippines, she was a pioneering female author
during the early 20th century when English was becoming a prominent language of literary expression in the country.

She was an educator by profession, teaching English at various schools, including the University of the Philippines. Her writing often
explored themes of love, social class, and the Filipino experience during the colonial era, as well as the intricacies of personal relationships.

Filipino Love Stories by Paz Marquez Benitez

Benitez is one of the first Filipino women to publish literary works in English, and she is deserving of praise
and acknowledgment. The book Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society states that she is regarded as a crucial
literary character. One of her most sought-after pieces is Dead Stars. It was the first contemporary Filipino short
tale written in English that contributed to her success in Philippine literature. The protagonist, Alfredo Salazar,
goes through the complexities of falling in and out of love. The 1925 story significantly influenced Filipino short fiction, transitioning it from
imitation to adaptaption and experimentation. Her other writings include Filipino Love Stories, A Night in the Hills, and Woman's Home
Journal.

2. Doveglion or Jose Garcia Villa – He was the literary pseudonym of José García Villa (1908–1997), a Filipino poet, literary critic, and
National Artist for Literature. The name “Doveglion” is a combination of Dove, Eagle, and Lion, symbolizing the different aspects of his poetic
persona. Villa was known for his modernist and avant-garde writing style, often experimenting with form and language in his works.

Philippine Short Stories is a collection edited by José García Villa, first published in 1941. It is a significant anthology that showcases the
evolution of Philippine short fiction written in English. The anthology includes short stories that reflect the experiences, culture, and social
dynamics of the Philippines, particularly during the early 20th century when English was becoming an increasingly important literary language
in the country. The stories cover a wide range of themes, including Filipino identity, the complexities of personal relationships, societal issues,
and the struggles of the Filipino people under colonial rule.

3. Manuel Arguilla – He was a Filipino writer known for his short stories, essays, and poems. Born on June 17, 1911, in Barrio Naguilian,
Bauang, La Union, Philippines, he was part of the generation of writers who emerged in the 1930s. Arguilla's works ofen depicted rural life in
the Philippines, exploring themes of love, family, and social
issues. One of his notable short stories is "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife," which won first prize in the Commonwealth Literary
Contest in 1940. Unfortunately, Manuel Arguilla's promising literary career was cut short when he died at the young age of 30 in 1944 during
World War II. Despite his brief life, his contributions to Philippine literature continue to be celebrated and studied.

HOW MY BROTHER LEON BROUGHT HOME A WIFE By Manuel Arguilla

"How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" by Manuel Arguilla is a short story that explores the
cultural clash and adjustments faced by a woman named Maria who visits her husband's rural hometown for the first time. The story delves into
themes of love, acceptance, and the challenges of bridging different worlds. Leon brings his wife, Maria, home to introduce her to his family, and
the narrative unfolds through Maria's perspecstve as she navigates the unfamiliar environment and gains insights into her husband's roots.

4. JOSE LANSANG(1904–1964) was a Filipino writer, best known for his short stories and contributions to Philippine literature in English.
Lansang’s works often explored themes such as love, relationships, and the intricacies of human emotions, often set against the backdrop of
Filipino society.
Lansang was born in the Philippines and educated at the University of the Philippines, where he developed a passion for writing in
English. Throughout his career, he wrote short stories that often dealt with the complexities of love, family dynamics, and the human condition.

Broken Parasol is a short story written by José Lansang, a Filipino writer known for his works in English. The story was first published in 1940
and has since become one of the notable pieces in Philippine literature.
The story follows the life of a young woman named Victoria, who is in a relationship with a man named Felipe. They are deeply in love, but
their relationship is marked by misunderstandings and an inability to communicate their true feelings.

5. Paz Latorena (1907-1953) Paz Latorena, is a Filipino English writer who was born in Boac, Marinduque in
1907. A fictionist. She completed her basic education in Manila at St. Scholastica and South Highschool. In 1925
she enrolled at the University of the Philippines of Education where she earned her Bachelor of Science in
degree of Education, and took a graduate course at the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
She became nationally known when Jose Garcia Villa included her story "Sunset", in his anthology
of Philippine Short Stories in 1929.

Sunset By Paz Latorena

The story is about a maid who seeks shelter in a cobbler's shop after running away from her senorita's house due to harassment by the
senorita's younger brother. Grateful for the cobbler's kindness, she tells him about her troubles, and he promises to marry her once he saves
enough money. They live happily together, but when the senorita visits, she gives the maid money as a gift for her marriage, asking her not to
reveal seeing her. The maid hopes the cobbler will use the money for their wedding but discovers he refused it. Instead, he gives her a violet
scarf as a surprise. Heartbroken, the maid decides to return to her senorita.
Latorena's stories have a widhfulness which tells of a gentle disillusionment with life. Many of her stories chronicle the unexpressed heartaches
of women. There is bitterness, however, but sadness over certain dreams left unfulfilled.

6. Sinai Hamada(1912-1991)
 A Japanese-Filipino who is born in Baguio City, His father was a Japanese engineer and his mother was an Ibaloi. She often writes features,
essays, poems, and short stories, mostly on cross-cultural currents.

TANABATA’S WIFE By Sinai Hamada

Fas-ang, a Bontoc woman, arrives in Baguio with the intention to work on road construction. She and three others plan to stay in the
city but face uncertainty about accommodations. Japanese gardener Tanabata offers work to two women, including Fas-ang, in his garden. Fas-
ang agrees for ten pesos. Over time, she adapts to Japanese customs and has a child with Tanabata. Fas-ang becomes a frequent moviegoer,
causing tension with Tanabata. One night, she leaves a note, revealing an affair with a man from Bontoc, and escapes with their child, leaving
Tanabata heartbroken.

7. CAMILO P. OSIAS Camilo Osias (1889–1976) was a prominent Filipino educator, politician, and author. Born on March 23, 1889, in
Balaoan, La Union, Philippines, Osias played a significant role in Philippine education and politics during the early to mid-20th century. He
earned a law degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law and later pursued postgraduate studies in the United States. The
President of the Senate of the Philippines from 1945 to 1946 and was a member of the Philippine delegation to the United Nations in the 1950s.

THE FILIPINO WAY OF LIFE By Camilo Osias

"The Filipino Way of Life: The Pluralized Philosophy" was published in 1940, the book is a significant contribution to understanding Filipino
culture, traditions, values, and social structures. Camilo Osías, a noted figure in the development of Filipino literature and education, provides an
insightful exploration of the Filipino way of life through his work.

The Filipino Way of Life by Camilo Osías is not a fictional narrative with a traditional plot, but rather a sociocultural analysis and exploration of
Filipino traditions, values, and social structures.

7. CARLOS P. ROMULO was a prominent Filipino diplomat, politician, journalist, and writer. He is best known for his significant role in
shaping Philippine foreign policy and his service as a statesman. Romulo made history as the first Asian to serve as President of the United
Nations General Assembly, a position he held in 1949.
He was born in Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines, Romulo was a highly educated man, attending the University of the Philippines and later
earning a scholarship to attend Columbia University in New York

I AM A FILIPINO by Carlos P. Romulo

"I Am a Filipino" by Carlos P. Romulo is an essay that passionately expresses the author's deep sense of national pride and explores the essence
of being Filipino. Romulo delves into the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, celebrating its history, diversity, and resilience. The essay
reflects on the unique qualities that define the Filipino identity, emphasizing a strong sense of community, family, and patriotism. Romulo's work
serves as a powerful expression of love for his country and has become an influential piece in Philippine literature, resonating with readers as a
testament to the spirit of being Filipino. It was printed in The Philippine Herald on August 16, 1941.

8. Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero (January 22, 1910 – April 28, 1995) was a highly regarded Filipino playwright, director, teacher, and theater artist.
He made signifcant contributions to Philippine theater and is known for writing over 100
plays, with 41 of them being published. His unpublished works have been either broadcast on the radio or
staged in different parts of the Philippines. Guerrero's influence on Philippine theater is profound, and his works continue to be celebrated and
performed He was a dedicated teacher, having taught at the University of the Philippines (UP), where he inspired and mentored many aspiring
theater artists. Throughout his career, Guerrero explored various themes and aspects of Filipino life and culture in his plays. His works often
touch on topics such as love, family, societal norms, identity, and the human condition.

13 Plays by Wilfrido Ma. Guerero –is an anthology of plays written by the influential Filipino playwright Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, showcasing
his mastery of drama and reflecting his deep understanding of Filipino society, culture, and the human condition

Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero was a renowned Filipino playwright and theater director. He penned a wide array of plays, many of which are considered
classics in Philippine literature. Here are some of his most famous works:
1. "Wanted: A Chaperon" - A play about a young woman who wants to go out but needs a chaperon, and the
humorous situations that ensue.
2. "Forever" - A drama about a woman who is forced to choose between her love and her family's honor.
3. "Condemned" - A play about a man who is sentenced to death and his final moments.
4. "Perhaps" - A story about uncertainties and the unpredictability of life.
5. "In Unity" - A play about the importance of unity and cooperation.
6. "Deep in My Heart" - A drama about a woman who is torn between her love and her duty.
7. "Three Rats" - A play about infidelity and its consequences.
8. "Our Strange Ways" - A play about the idiosyncrasies and peculiarities of Filipino culture.
9. "The Forsaken House" - A drama about a family that is torn apart by greed and envy.
10. "Frustrations" - A play about the struggles and frustrations of life.
11. "The Dancers" - A drama about a group of dancers and their personal struggles.
12. "Call Me Flory" - A play about a woman who is trying to find her identity.
13. "Half an Hour in a Convent" - A story about a young woman who is about to become a nun but is visited by
her lover.

Guerrero's plays are known for their depth, engaging storytelling, and ability to resonate with audiences. Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero's legacy in
Philippine theater is significant, and his contributions have left a lasting impact on the country's cultural landscape.