Contemporary Period
Influence of different literary trends
After World War II, the Philippines had to deal with
the economy and the need for rehabilitation and
reconstruction of infrastructures. There was political,
economic and social confusion, as well as great poverty,
and these issues found their way into the short stories
and novels during that time.
The flowering of Philippine literature in the various
languages continue especially with the appearance of
new publications after the Martial Law.
The protest tradition of Rizal, Bonifacio and Amado
Hernandez found expression in the works of Tagalog
poets from the late 1960’s to the 1980’s, as they
confronted Martial Law and repression.
Characteristics of Contemporary/Modern Period
1. Martial Law repressed and curtailed human
rights, including freedom of the press. Writers
used symbolisms and allegories to drive home
their message, at the face of heavy censorship
2. Theater was used as a vehicle for protest, such
as the PETA (Phil. Educational Theater
Association) and UP Theater.
3. From the eighties onwards, writers continue
to show dynamism and innovation
a. themes have changed from
sentimentalized romanticism to a
more realistic and naturalistic
delineation
b. venue for socio-politico-economic-
religious discussions and as a vehicle
for personal thoughts and feelings
c. Gay and lesbian literature came out
d. Strong feminist tendencies are evident
 Philippine Free Press
 Morning Sun of Sergio Osmena Sr.
 DAILY MIRROR of Joaquin Roces
Characteristics:
• Tagalog was revived: publications from
Bulaklak, Liwayway, Ilang-Ilang & Sinag-tala
• Japanese brutalities and poverty of life.
• Rhyme, substance and meaning
• Short stories had better characters (based
on facts or realities)
Tagalog Publications:
1. Mga Piling Katha (1947-48) by Alejandro
Abadilla
2. Ang Maikling Kuwentong Tagalog (1886-
1948) by Teodoro Agoncillo
4.
a. English and Filipino as media of
literature
b. adapted the Anglo-American tradition
of free verse and blank verse.
5. Regional literature was given importance
6. TV and films have become more popular
7. Younger writers have entered the literary
scene
8. More literary criticisms have been written
9. More writing workshops are held for budding
writers
It is subdivided into different periods: The Rebirth of
Freedom (1946 – 1970), Period of Activism (1970 – 1972),
Period of New Society (1972 – 1980), Period of the
Fourth Republic (1981 – 1985) and the Modern Period
(1986 – present)
A. 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.
• The Rebirth of Freedom
• Struggle of mind and spirit
• Post-war problems affected economic stability
• Proliferation of newspapers like:
 EVENING NEWS of Ramon Lopez
 BULLETIN of Hans Menzi
3. Ako’y Isang Tinig (1952) collection of poems
and stories by Genoveva Edroza Matute
4. Mga Piling Sanaysay (1952) by Alejandro
Abadilla
5. Maikling Katha ng Dalawampung
Pangunahing Autor (1962) by A.G. Abadilla and
Ponciano E.P.Pineda
B. Period of Activism (1970-1972)
• The Seed of Activism
- Resulted in the declaration of Martial
Law in 1972
 • Literary revolution
- The youth became completely
rebellious during this period
- Campus newspapers and placards
- Radical Changes
• Revolutionary Writers
- Both the public and private sectors in
government were chanting, and shouting;
women, men and the youth became
bolder and their voices were raised in
dissent. We can say that Philippine
literature, in spite of the many restrictions,
still surreptitiously retained its luster

- Some of those who rallied to this Censorship during Martial Law

revolutionary form of literature were
• Started from 1972 to 1986
Rolando Tinio, Rogelio Mangahas,
Efren Abueg, Rio Alma, and Clemente • “Censorship” refers to the control or
Bautista. suppression of certain information that the
- government deemed to be seditious, immoral,
C. Period of the New Society (1972-1980) or undesirable
• Started on September 21, 1972
• September 22, 1972 – Through Letter of
• Themes in most writings deal with
Instruction no. 1, Marcos orders the closure of
development or progress of the country
media establishments like Manila Times; Daily
• Establishment of Ministry of Public Affairs
Mirror; Manila Chronicle; Manila Daily Bulletin;
• Reviving of old plays like Cenaculo, Zarzuela
Philippine Daily Express; Philippines Herald;
and the Embayoka of the Muslims
Philippine Free Press, Graphic; and the Nation
• KISLAP and Liwayway became outlets for
as well as wire agencies.
revolutionary writers.
• September 25, 1972 – The Department of
Literature During New Society (1972 – 1980)
Public Information (DPI) issues Order No. 1
• Characteristics requiring all media publications to get a
- Bilingual education initiated by the clearance from the DPI, and Order No.2 which
Board of National Education as early prohibits printers “from producing any form
as 1958 and continued up to the of publication for mass dissemination without
period of Martial Rule in September 21, permission from DPI.” On this day, the
1972 Philippine Daily Express restarts publication.
- The focus of education and culture
• October 28, 1972 – Marcos issue Presidential
was on problems of national identity,
Decree (PD) 33 which “penalizes the printing,
on re-orientation, renewed vigor and a
possession, and distribution of leaflets and
firm resolves to carry out plans and
other materials, and even graffiti which
programs.
‘undermine the integrity of the government.’”
D. Period of the Fourth Republic (1981-1985)
• January 6, 1973 – Marcos issues PD 90
• Characteristics penalizing rumor-mongering. Rumor,
- After ten years of military rule and some according to the decree, is “false news and
changes in the life of the Filipino which information and gossip which undermines the
started under the New Society, Martial stability of government.”
Rule was at last lifted on January 2, 1981.
- To those in government, the lifting of
PEOPLE POWER PERIOD(1986-1999)
military rule heralded a change. To their
- Once more, the Filipino people regained
perceptions, the Philippines became a
their independence which they lost
new nation and this, former President
twenty years ago.
Marcos called “The New Republic of the
- In the span of four days form February 21-
Philippines.” A historian called this the
25, 1986, the so-called People Power
Fourth Republic.
(Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed — where
- During this period, it cannot be denied
people petitioned the government for
that many people seethed with rebellion
changes and reforms.
and protest because of the continued
• Characteristics
oppression and suppression. This was
- Freedom became a reality – won through a
further aggravated when former Senator
peaceful, bloodless and God-blessed
Benigno S. Aquino Jr., the idol of the
revolution to Defense Minister Juan Ponce
Filipino masses, whom they hoped to be
Enrile and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Fidel
the next president, was murdered on
V. Ramos, as well as to the cause of freedom
August 21, 1983
do the Filipinos owe their gratitude for the
 blessing of Independence. To the Filipino
people, this is the true Philippine Republic of
the Philippines
 Poetry
 Fables
 Short Story
 Essay
 Research Papers
 Drama
 Play
 Media - Radio and Television , Filipino Films
Poetry (Post war)
• The themes of most poems dealt with the
usual love of nature, and of social and political
problems.
– WHO SPOKE OF COURAGE IN HIS
SLEEP – by NVM Gonzales
– SPEAK NOT, SPEAK ALSO – by
Conrado V. Pedroche
– Other poets were Toribia Maño and
Edith L. Tiempo
– Jose Garcia Villa’s HAVE COME, AM
HERE won acclaim both here and
abroad.
Poetry (Fourth Republic)
• Poems during this period of the Fourth
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.
Novels & Short Stories
• Without Seeing the Dawn
– By Stevan Javellana
– Tells of the grim experiences of war
during the Japanese Occupation.
– Without Seeing the Dawn was derived
from one of José Rizal's character in
the Spanish-language novel Noli Me
Tangere or Touch Me Not. Javellana's
368-paged book has two parts, namely
Day and Night.
– The first part, Day, narrates the story
of a pre-war barrio and its people in
the Panay Island particularly in Iloilo.
Literature during Contemporary Period
 Comics
 Magazines
 Songs
 Newspapers and other publications (Campus,
Nationwide)
 Books, Children’s Books
 Novels
 Speeches
– The second part, Night, begins with
the start of World War II in both the
U.S. and the Philippines, and retells
the story of the resistance movement
against the occupying Japanese
military forces of the barrio people
first seen in Day.
• The Hand Of The Enemy
– By Kerima Polotan (1961)
– won the Stonehill Award for the
Filipino novel in English.
– “The Hand of the Enemy” is a story of
a woman who realized she has to
struggle as a daughter, a mother, a
wife and a woman. Emma Gorrez, the
protagonist of the story, suffers with
her relationships with men: her father,
her husband and her employer who
wanted to become her lover.
Newspapers, Comics & 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.
• Opposition tabloids flourished. They sold our
papers with the red news to the starved
public; hence, smut magazines like the TIKTIK,
PLAYBOY SCENE, and SAKDAL also played the
sidewalks.
Radio & Television
• Radio led by RADIO VERITAS started reporting
coverage of demonstrations. Information
Minister Gregorio Cendaña called the tabloids
 the “mosquito press” and called their new
“political pornography.”
• However, there was a perceptible
liberalization of editorial policies in the major
newspapers.
• 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.
• Popular television plays were GULONG NG
PALAD, FLOR DE LUNA, and ANNA LIZA.
• SUPERMAN AND TARZAN were also popular
with the youth.
• Voltes V was banned during Martial Law
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.
• New kinds of films without sex or romance
started to be made but which were
nevertheless well-received by the public.
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.
• Julio, a fisherman from a poor area,
descends into social alienation, as he
arrives in Manila to search for his loved
one.
2. DEKADA ‘70
• Julio, a fisherman from a poor area,
descends into social alienation, as he
arrives in Manila to search for his loved
one.
• Written by Lualhati Bautista
• Tells the story of a middle-class Bartolome
family during Martial Law as they suffer
from extremist violence during that era.
3. MINSA’Y ISANG GAMU-GAMO
• Nora Aunor was the principal performer
here.
4. GANITO KAMI NOO…PAANO KAYO
NGAYON
• led by Christopher de Leon and Gloria
Diaz.
5. INSIANG
• by Hilda Koronel
6. AGUILA
• led by Fernando Poe Jr., Jay Ilagan and
Christopher de Leon
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.
• Coritha, Eric and Freddie Aguilar.
• "Laban ng Bayan ko" by Coritha
Coritha and Eric composed a song
titles LABAN NG BAYAN KO and this was first
sung by Coritha during the National
Unification Conference of the Opposition in
March, 1985. This was also sung during the
Presidential Campaign Movement for Cory
Aquino to inspire the movement against
Marcos in February 1986.
Children’s Books:
• 1982: PLAYS FOR CHILDREN by Jame B. Reuter
S.J. (New Day Pub.)
• 1983: STORY TELLING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
• 1983: JOSE AND CARDO by Peggy Corr Manuel
• 1983: LAHI: 5 FILIPINO FOLK TALES (of 5
English books and 1 cassette tape)
• 1984: RIZALIANA FOR CHILDREN:
ILLUSTRATIONS and FOLKTALES by: Jose P.
Rizal, Intoduced and annotated by Alfredo
Navarro Salanga
• 1984: GATAN AND TALAW by Jaime Alipit
Montero
Prose (Fables)
• The people’s cry of protest found outlets not
only in poetry but also in veiled prose fables
which transparently satirized the occupants of
Malacañang.
• The Crown Jewels of Heezenhurst by Sylvia
Mendez Ventura
• The Emperor’s New Underwear by Meynardo A.
Macaraig
• The King’s Cold by Babeth Lolarga
 • The Case of the Missing Charisma (unfinished)
by Sylvia L. Mayuga.
In all the fables, the king, differently referred
to as Totus Markus or the king or Haring
Matinik was meant to poke fun at the ruler at
Malacañang; similarly, Reyna Maganda or the
Queen, was a veiled thrust at his queen. They
were both drunk with power and were
Contemporary Writers
punished in the end for their misdeeds.
Essays
atmosphere, however pointing out moral
degradation, indicating injustice, suggesting
alternatives, and directing thought.
• Popular topics were on personal (happy or
tragic) experiences – abortion, separation,
alternative routes in life and new-found
happiness.
• Lualhati Bautista

• Filipino essays address societal issues, are

freer and daring, manifesting a more liberated
– Bulaklak sa City Jail – Sixty in the City

– Dekada '70 – In Sisterhood

– Bata, Bata… Pa’no Ka Ginawa? – Sonata

– ‘GAPÔ – Hinugot sa Tadyang (non-fiction)

• F. Sionil Jose

- In the five-novel masterpiece, the Rosales

saga, consisting of The Pretenders, Tree,
My Brother, My Executioner, Mass,
and Po-on, he captures the sweep of
Philippine history while simultaneously
narrating the lives of generations of the
Samsons whose personal lives intertwine
with the social struggles of the nation.

• Louie Mar Gangcuanco

- The youngest among the list, Louie Mar

Gangcuanco published his debut novel
entitled“Orosa-Nakpil, Malate” at the age
of 18. The novel illustrates the pink culture
in the streets of Orosa and Nakpil, which is
known as the haven of gay Filipino culture.

• Bob Ong

is the pseudonym of an anonymous Filipino

contemporary author known for using
conversational Filipino to create humorous
and reflective depictions of life as a Filipino.

“The enemy of education isn’t English or Filipino or

bilingualism,” he continues, “but the TV. Along with
TV, computers are creating a visual culture antithetical
to reading and writing.”

- Conrado de Quiroz
(Columnist at Philippine Daily Inquirer)