21st Century Literature

literature learning during American Colonization Period (1900-1941)

they introduce public school system

first teacher in the philippines

american soldiers called “thomasites” or USAT THOMAS - army transport thomas

philippine literature during american period

they learned english language and use it in their writings

key aspects of philippine literature during american period

language shift, genre development

forms of literature

poetry, drama, play, novel, short stories

poetry

followed tradition and modern style addressing societal issue concern and learning free verse and odes (revolution)

drama

used to degrade the spanish rule to immortalize the heroism of the man who bought under the katipunan

play

utilize drama to honor revolutionary heroes and critique spanish rule. ex: aurelio tolentino's kahapon, ngayon, at bukas

novel

long work of realist prose that focus on the psychological aspect of human character and socio-political dimension of collective existence

prose

daily conversation

short stories

develop on american style with publishing incentives from newspaper like the philippine free press helping them thrive

Contemporary Philippine Literature

Refers to literary works from 1945 to the present. Mirrors the realities, issues, and experiences of Filipinos in modern times. Written in Filipino, English, and regional Languages. Combines traditional form with new digital forms

Periods of contemporary literature

Rebirth of freedom, Period of activism, Period of new society, Period of third republic, Period during 1986-1999, 21st century

Rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)

refers to the period in Philippine literature after the country gained independence from the United States in 1946. Marked the beginning of Philippine Contemporary Literature. Writers were free to express their ideas without colonial restrictions. Focus on nationalism, identity, and rebuilding after World War 11.

Palanca awards

Established in 1950 to honor Don Carlos Palanca Sr. Considered the "Pulitzer Prize of the Philippines." Categories: short stories, poetry, essays, plays, novels. Purpose: encourage Filipino writers to improve their craft and promote Philippine literature. Until today, it remains the most prestigious literary award in the Philippines.

makibaka

From the Filipino phrase "_________, "Huwag Matakot!" Served as a battle cry for student activists, labor groups, and writers fighting against injustice, dictatorship, and foreign influence. Symbolized the merging of literature and activism during the Literary Revolution.

Period of activism (1970-1972)

Marked by student protests and demonstrations against social injustice. Literature became a weapon of protest and political expression. Common themes: oppression, inequality, nationalism, freedom. Writings circulated through pamphlets, essays, poems, and plays.

Period of new society (1972-1980)

Started with Marcos' Martial Law (1972) and the "Bagong Lipunan" vision. Literature shaped by censorship and propaganda. Protest writings spread underground (poems, plays, pamphlets). Themes: discipline, nationalism, resistance, human rights.

Period of third republic (1981-1985)

Began when Marcos lifted Martial Law (1981) but kept his rule. Literature reflected the continuing struggle for freedom and democracy. Writers openly addressed poverty, corruption, censorship, and human rights abuses. Protest literature grew stronger despite political repression.

Period during (1986-1999)

Started after the EDSA People Power Revolution (1986), toppling Marcos. Marked by the restoration of democracy and freedom of expression. Literature flourished: themes of freedom, social justice, and rebuilding the nation. Rise of feminist literature, migrant narratives, political commentaries.

21st century - present period

Marked by globalization, technology, and digital media. Literature expanded into blogs, social media, spoken word, graphic novels, and online publishing. Themes: identity, diaspora, politics, LGBTQ+, mental health, environment. Mix of traditional and experimental forms (print + digital).