21st Century Philippine Literature: Key Authors, Close Reading, and Region 3 Literature

Vocabulary flashcards featuring prominent Filipino literary figures, steps of close reading analysis, and key authors from Region 3 (Central Luzon).

Edith L. Tiempo

An English literature writer who left a fusion of style and substance, known for works such as The Little Marmoset and Bonsai.

Francisco Sionil Jose

An internationally acclaimed author famous for writing The Rosales Saga, which includes The Pretenders, Tree, and Po-on.

Virgilio "Rio Alma" S. Almario

A literary figure who revived traditional poetic forms and authored Ang Makata sa Panahon ng Makina.

Alejandro Reyes Roces

A literary figure who recovered stolen original manuscripts of Noli, El Fili, and Mi Ultimo Adios, and changed Independence Day to June 12.

Lazaro Francisco y Angeles

The founder of "Kapatiran ng mga Alagad ng Wikang Pilipino" and author of Maganda pa ang Daigdig.

Cirilo Bautista

The founder of the Philippine Literary Arts Council and author of The Trilogy of Saint Lazarus.

Close Reading

An in-depth, careful analysis of a short text that focuses on how meaning is created, rather than just what the text is about, supporting interpretations with precise evidence.

Literal Reading

Step 1 of close reading, focused on understanding the plot, situation, or argument by asking what is happening, who is speaking, and what the main idea is.

Second Reading

Step 2 of close reading, focused on how meaning is constructed through literary devices, grammatical structure, images and themes, and context.

Bring it Together

Step 3 of close reading, involving interpreting and evaluating the significance of a passage by linking techniques to overall themes, perspective, context, and reader positioning.

Region 3

Also known as the Central Luzon Region (comprising Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales), which is the largest contiguous flat land area in the Philippines.

Tomas Pinpin (1580-1648)

A printer born in Abucay, Bataan, known as the "Prince of the Filipino Printers," who published the first book printed by a Filipino in 1610, titled Librong Pag-aaralan nang mga Tagalog nang Uicang Castilla.

Francisco Balagtas y de la Cruz (1788-1862)

A Bulacan-born poet who learned poetry from Huseng Sisiw and authored Florante at Laura; his legacy includes the Balagtasan debate, town renaming, and a Mercurian crater.

Heber Bartolome (1948-2021)

A folk/rock singer born in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, who founded the protest band Banyuhay, used the native kubing instrument, and wrote Tayo'y mga Pinoy.

Juan Crisostomo Caballa Soto

An author born in Bacolor, Pampanga, known as "Crissot" and the "Father of Pampango Literature," who authored Ing Pamaquisawa ning Mete, a Pampango adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

Gregorio C. Brillantes (1932-2025)

A Tarlac-born Palanca Award Hall of Famer known as the "Catholic Writer," who authored the short story The Distance to Andromeda.