The Philippine Literature in English language

Although the Filipinos were defeated in the Philippine-American War, or Philippine

Insurrection as termed by the Americans, they kept the flame of nationalism burning as ever.
Seeking to find a better solution other than violent means, they resorted back to the pen.
Peace movements started as early as 1900 and many Filipinos started writing again “after
the sword was broken.”

They wrote all forms of literature like news, poetry, stories, plays essays, novels which
clearly depicted their love of country and longing for independence. Hence, the spirit of
nationalism of the people remained undaunted.

With the arrival of the English language, a new way of writing literature has emerged. The
Filipinos, being lovers of languages and natural linguists, began using this new medium to
record their thoughts, sentiments, ideas and views, dreams and fears as well as everyday life-
matters. In short, a new weapon was added to their arsenal.

As students of Philippine literature, you need to understand how Philippine literature in

English developed and improved from its early years during the American period and
beyond. To begin with, let us take a look at the three periods, namely:

1. Period of Re-orientation
2. Period of Imitation
3. Period of Self-Discovery and Growth

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941)

In this period Filipino writers acquired mastery of the English Language. Evidently, they
began to write confidently and competently. They wrote in free verse, sonnets, odes,
elegies and others. They even started to write novels and dramas.

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Poetry

 The Philippine Writers Association was organized in 1925.
 Luis Dato wrote “Manila: A Collection of Verses”
 Marcelo De Gracia Concepcion wrote “Bamboo Flute”
 Aurelio S. Alvero wrote “Moon shadows on the Water”
 Pablo Laslo edited the “English-German Anthology of Filipino Poets”
 Luis Dato published “My Book of Verses”
 Rafael Zulueta da Costa wrote “First Leaves”
 Aurelio S. Alvero wrote “Nuances”
 Abelardo Subido wrote the sonnet “Soft Night”
 Rafael Zulueta da Costa won the Commonwealth Literary Contest with his compilation
“Like the Molave and other Poems”
 Jose Garcia Villa published “Poems by Doveglion” and he also published his books in
the US.
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Short Story
Aside from poetry, short story has likewise flourished during this time. Numerous short
story writers were motivated due to incentives given by these publications:

1. Philippine Free Press

2. The Graphic
3. The Philippine Magazine
4. UP Literary Apprentice
Short story became the most popular literary genre during this time. Popular short story
writers during this time include:

1. Paz Marquez Benitez published her first short story anthology “Filipino Love Stories.”
2. Jose Garcia Villa published “Philippine Short Stories.” He won first place the Philippine
Free Press short story writing contest with his “Mir-i-nisa.”
3. Manuel Arguilla won the Commonwealth Literary Contest for short story with his “How
my Brother Leon brought home a Wife.”
4. Paz Latorena wrote “Sunset”
5. Jose Lansang wrote “Broken Parasol”
6. Sinai C. Hamada wrote “Talanata’s Wife”
7. Fausto Dugenio wrote “Wanderlust”
8. Amado G. Dayrit wrote “His Gift” and “Yesterday”
9. Amador T. Daguio wrote “The Woman who looked out of the Window”
10. Arturo B. Rotor
11. Osmundo Sta. Romana
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Essay
The essay during this period was greatly improved in quality and quantity. There have
been improvements on the subject, content and style of writing essays. During this period,
various Filipino essayists were classified according to:

1. Political, social, and reflective essays. These essays were opinions and viewpoints by
the essayists using their newspaper columns which appeared regularly hence, they were
very popular during this time. Some political, social and reflective essayists include:
A. Federico Mangahas
B. Salvador P. Lopez
 C. Pura Santillan Castrence
D. Vicente Albano Pacis
E. Ariston Estrada
F. Jose Lansang
2. Critical essays. These essays were serious treatment of various issues during this
period.As these essayists regularly appear in various newspaper columns, they became
very popular during this time. The critical essayists during this time include:
A. Salvador P. Lopez
B. I.V. Mallari
C. Ignacio Manlapaz
D. Jose Garcia Villa
E. Arturo B. Rotor
F. Leopoldo Y. Yabes
G. Maximo Soliven wrote the prize-winning essay entitled, “They Called it
Brotherhood.”
3. Personal or familiar essays. These essays were casual and light in terms of the mood
they were written. They provided sort of entertainment and relaxation for the readers.
Popular essayists of this kind include:
A. Francisco “Mang Kiko” B. Icasiano
B. Alfredo E. Litiatco
C. Solomon V. Arnaldo
D. Amado G. Dayrit
E. Consuelo Gar Catuca
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Notable Essays
1. “Literature and Society” was written by Salvador P. Lopez. This is a collection of critical
reflections and serious essays. It won first place in the Commonwealth Literary Contest
in essay.
2. “The Filipino Way of Life” was written by Camilo Osias. This is a series of essays on the
Filipino way of life as drawn from history, folkways, philosophy, and psychology of the
Philippines.
3. “Mang Kiko” was a reprint of Francisco B. Icasiano’s essays in the “Sunday Times
Magazine” under the column “From my Nipa Hut.” It is an essay of the common tao and
is written with humor and sympathy.
4. “I am a Filipino” was an editorial essay written by Carlos P. Romulo printed in the
“Philippines Herald” magazine. It was published in his book “My Brother Americans” in
New York by Double Day & Company in 1945.
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Drama
The University of the Philippines introduced playwriting as a course. UP established the UP
Little Theater and provided incentives for playwrights who wrote plays.
 Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero became director of UP Theater and popularized drama
performances in the country.
 He founded the UP Mobile Theater which performed in various place throughout the
country.
 The UP Mobile Theater also performed in various universities worldwide.
Some of the notable dramas during this period include:

1. Daughters for Sale and other Plays written by Carlos P. Romulo

2. The Radiant Symbol written by Jorge Bocobo
3. The Husband of Mrs. Cruz & A Daughter of Destiny written by Vidal A. Tan
4. The Waves written by Hilarion Vibal
5. The Oil Lamp & The Earthquake written by Augusto C. Catanjal
6. The Land of our Fathers written by Severino Montano
7. Panday Pira, the Cannon Maker written by Jose M. Hernandez
8. 13 Plays was a collection of plays written by Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Biography
Writing biography and autobiography became fashionable during this period. Some notable
biographies during this period include:

1. Quezon was a biography written about Manuel L. Quezon by I.P. Caballero and Marcelo
de Gracia Concepcion.
2. The Great Malayan was a biography which won the Commonwealth Literary Contest
for biography about Rizal. It was written by Carlos Quirino, the most famous biographer
of this period.
3. Quezon, the Man of destiny was another biography written about Manuel L. Quezon
by Carlos Quirino, the most famous biographer of the period.
4. The Birth of Discontent was an autobiography written by I.V. Mallari.

REFERENCES
 Soriano-Baldonado, Rizza. (2013). Readings from World Literatures: Understanding
People’s Culture, Traditions and Beliefs: A Task-Based Approach. Great Books
Publishing, Quezon City.
 Vinuya, Remedios V. (2012). Philippine Literature: A statement of Ourselves.
Grandbooks Publishing, Inc., Metro, Manila.
 ncca.gov.ph/subcommissions/…/philippine-literature-during-the-american–period/