Comprehensive Study Notes: 21st Century Literature (ABM)

Wartime Literary Evolution and Vernacular Revival

  • How the evolution unfolded: Despite World War II, Philippine literature not only endured but found new avenues for expression; voices of writers refused to be silenced.
  • Impact of War: Destruction was deeply entrenched in the Philippine psyche for a significant period.
  • Literary Resilience: Filipino writers found their voices and continued to produce profound works.
  • Wartime literary evolution and vernacular revival occurred as a response to occupation and social upheaval.

Japanese Influence

  • Occupation promoted vernacular languages over English, leading to a flourishing of literature in local dialects.

Key Short Fiction Writers (Vernacular)

  • Genoveva Edroza-Matute (Tagalog): Known for stories featuring children and women’s epiphanies.
  • Clemente Alejandr ia (Bicolano)
  • Benjamin Pascual (Ilocano)
  • Nicolasa Ponte-Perfecto (Bicolano)
  • Liwayway Arceo (Tagalog)
  • Lorenzo Dilag Fajardo (Ilonggo)
  • Macario Pineda (Tagalog)
  • Rosario Tuason-Baluyut (Pampango)
  • Abe S. Gonzales (Ilonggo)

Post-War Novels

  • Both novels were praised for frank and bold portrayals of challenging themes.
  • "America is in the Heart" (1946) by Carlos Bulosan: A semi-autobiographical account of the struggles of Filipino immigrants in the U.S.
  • "Without Seeing the Dawn" (1947) by Stevan Javellana: Exposed harsh social realities, including those under Japanese occupation.

English Language Resurgence

  • English as Medium of Instruction: The 1960s saw the return of English as the primary language in schools, fostering new writers.
Notable English Fiction Writers (1960s)
  • N.V.M. Gonzalez: Influential teacher at UP and UST; works include
    • "Children of the Ash-Covered Loam" (1954)
    • "Look Stranger, on this Island Now" (1963)
  • F. Sionil Jose
  • Kerima Polotan-Tuvera
  • Ophelia Alcantara-Dimalanta
  • Aida Rivera-Ford
  • Gilda Cordero-Fernando

MODERNISM IN TAGALOG LITERATURE AND VERNACULAR NOVELS

  • "Mga Agos sa Disyerto" (1964): A pivotal anthology introducing modernism to Tagalog literature; contributors include Rogelio Sicat, Efren Abueg, and Edgardo Reyes.
Significant Vernacular Novels Reflecting Social/Political Realities
  • "Timawa" by Agustin Fabian (1953)
  • "Maganda Pa ang Daigdig" by Lazaro Francisco (1955)
  • "Pagkamulat ni Magdalena" by Alejandro G. Abadilla (1958)
  • "Mga Ibong Mandaragit" by Amado V. Hernandez (1960)
  • "Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" by Edgardo Reyes (1967)

PALANCA AWARDS AND THE PEAK OF MODERNIST POETRY

  • Palanca Awards (Instituted 1950): Recognized excellence in Philippine literature, initially for short stories, later expanding to other genres; early winners included Francisco Arcellana, Edith L. Tiempo, and Juan T. Gatbonton.
Modernism in Philippine Poetry (1950s Peak)
  • Proponents: T. D. Agcaoili (listed as T.D. Agcaolili in some sources), Amador Daguio; American New Criticism influence.
  • Emphasized unique voice and organic unity.
Key Poets
  • Nick Joaquin ("Prose and Poems," 1952)
  • Dominador I. Ilio ("The Diplomat and Other Poems," 1955)
  • Bienvenido N. Santos ("The Wounded Stag," 1956)
  • Ricardo Demetillo ("No Certain Weather," 1956)
  • Manuel A. Viray ("After this Exile," 1965)
  • Cirilo F. Bautista ("The Cave," 1968)

PILLARS OF PHILIPPINE ENGLISH LITERATURE

  • Edilberto and Edith Tiempo: Established the Silliman Writers' Workshop in 1961 in Dumaguete, a pivotal program for refining Filipino writers across genres.
  • Legacy: The workshop has been instrumental in nurturing a generation of writers.

VERNACULAR POETRY AND THE “BAGAY” MOVEMENT

  • Flowering Vernacular Poetry: Modernist influences seen in works by Lamberto E. Antonio, Pedro L. Ricarte, Rogelio Mangahas, and National Artist Virgilio Almario ("Rio Alma").
  • "Manlilikha: Mga Piling Tula 1961-1967" (1967): Anti-commercialism anthology of Tagalog poems.
  • "Bagay" Movement (Ateneo de Manila University): Focused on concrete objects over abstract ideas; notable poets include Rolando S. Tinio, Bienvenido Lumbera, Jose F. Lacaba, and Antonio E. Samson.

POST-WAR PHILIPPINE DRAMA AND ESSAYS

  • Revitalization of Drama: Driven by figures from UP and Ateneo; Fernando Poe Sr. and directors Jean Edades, Narciso Pimentel, and Francisco Rodrigo.
  • Palanca Winners in Drama: Isabel Taylor, Wilfredo Nolledo, Alberto Florentino, Jesus Peralta.
  • Prominent Essayists: Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil (column "My Humble Opinion" and collection "Woman Enough and Other Essays" (1963)); Francisco Arcellana (column "Through a Glass Darkly"); Pura Santillan-Castrence, Amador Daguio, Estrella D. Alfon (featured in This Week magazine).

DURING THE LATE 20TH CENTURY LITERATURE

How the Evolution Unfolded

  • Dramatic political scene shaped literature in ways that reflected oppression, censorship, and societal changes.
  • Reaction to Oppression: Writers responded to censorship and governmental shifts with resilience.
  • Multi-faceted Literature: Language and genre diversified; Marcos regime influenced themes and forms.
  • Bilingual Flourishing: The 1987 Constitution solidified Filipino and English as official languages, sustaining bilingual literary production.

THE VOICE OF PROTEST: POETRY DURING THE DICTATORSHIP

  • Amado V. Hernandez: National Artist for Literature; published "Bayang Malaya" (1970), a narrative poem recalling Japanese occupation through proletariat eyes; set a tone for exposing political and social realities.
Mentorship and Workshops
  • Ateneo de Manila University: Tagalog writers' workshop (1970).
  • Siliman University: Tiempo’s annual workshop continued.
  • NVM Gonzalez: Mentored new generations in college classes; produced works such as
    • Juan T. Gatbonton, Resil B. Mojares, Luis V. Teodoro, Ninotchka Rosca.
English-Language Poets
  • Ruben Cuevas: "Prometheus Unbound" (Anti-Marcos poem).
  • Emmanuel S. Torres: "Shapes of Silence" (1972, year of martial law).
Filipino Poetry in Protest (1979)
  • Virgilio Almario: "Doktrinang Anakpawis" (worker-rights poetry).

UNDERGROUND LITERATURE AND POETS OF RESISTANCE

  • Censorship and Shutdowns: Dictatorship recognized literature’s power; outlets shut down (e.g., magazines).
  • Underground Movement: Writers produced pamphlets and anthologies to express dissatisfaction, including Kamao, Panitikan ng Protesta (1970-1986), Versus (1986), STR (1989).
Notable Poets of Protest
  • Bienvenido Lumbera: National Artist; militant poetry on nationalism and cultural identity.
  • Lamberto E. Antonio: Socially charged poems in Filipino.
  • Jose F. Lacaba: Sharp, allegorical verses against the dictatorship.
  • Edgardo Maranan: Poet and journalist chronicling social struggles.
  • Emmanuel Lacaba ("Eman"): Poet-activist; died fighting for freedom.
  • Kris Montañez: Underground poet on revolution and resistance.
  • Mila Aguilar: Feminist poet using verse for political activism.
  • Tomas F. Agulto: Poetic explorations of rural and urban oppression.
  • Teo Antonio: Folk poet blending tradition with protest themes.
  • Jesus Santiago: People-centered poems in the underground press.

POETRY BEYOND BARS AND POST-DICTATORSHIP FLOURISHING

  • Prisoner Poets: Jose Ma. Sison, Alan Jazmines, Judy Taguiwalo; demonstrated that imprisonment could not stifle creative and political expression.
  • Aquino Assassination Impact (1983): Poets Gemino Abad, Alfredo Navarro Salanga, Tita Lacambra-Ayala, Alfred Yuson responded powerfully to the political upheaval.
  • Filipino poets’ bravery during martial law was undeniable.

1980s and 1990s Excellence

  • Marjorie Evasco: "Dreamweavers" (1987).
  • Ramon C. Sunico: "The Secret of Graphite: Poems in 2 Tongues" (1989).
  • Fatima V. Lim: "Wandering Roots, 1978-1988" and "From the Hothouse, 1989-1990".
  • Eric Gamalinda: "Lyrics from a Dead Language" (1991).

Contemporary Poetry Giants

  • J. Neil Garcia, Jim Agustin, Danton Remoto, Ma. Luisa Aguilar-Cariño, Marne Kilates, Lina Sagaral Reyes, Juaniyo Arcellana, Herminio Beltran Jr., Grace Monte de Ramos, Fanny Llego, Merlinda Bobis, Cesare Syjuco, Cesar Ruiz Aquino.

FICTION'S RESPONSE: SOCIAL THEMES AND ENDURING VOICES

Heightened Social Themes (1970s)

  • Influenced by martial law.
  • Key works:
    • Wilfredo Nolledo: "But for the Lovers" (1970).
    • "Sigwa" (1972): An anthology featuring Fanny Garcia, Epifanio San Juan Jr., Ricardo Lee; protested social injustice.
    • Jun Cruz Reyes: "Utos ng Hari at Iba Pang Kuwento" (1981): Adopted street slang of the masses.

Outlets for Protest Fiction

  • Despite censorship, works found their way into anthologies and collections such as Kamao, Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win, and Ulos.

POST-DICTATORSHIP FICTION AND NOTEWORTHY ESSAYISTS

  • Post-dictatorship fiction and essays reflected social realities, history, and identity in powerful narratives with international resonance.
  • Flourishing English Fiction: Fewer outlets, but nationally and internationally acclaimed works emerged.
Short Story Anthologies (Notable Collections)
  • Jose Y. Dalisay Jr.: "The Old-timer and Other Stories" (1986); "Sarcophagus and Other Stories" (1992).
  • Charlson Ong: "Of the East and Other Stories" (1990).
  • Eric Gamalinda: "Peripheral Vision" (1992).
Renowned Novels
  • NVM Gonzalez: "The Praying Man" (1982).
  • Eric Gamalinda: "Great Philippine Jungle Energy Café" (1989).
  • Azucena Grajo Uranza: "Bamboo in the Wind" (1990).
  • Jessica Hagedorn: "Dogeaters" (1990).
  • Lina Espina-Moore: "The Honey, The Locusts" (1992).
  • Jose Dalisay Jr.: "Killing Time in a Warm Place" (1992).

Brilliant Vernacular Fictionists

  • Gremer Chan Reyes, Ricardo Oebanda, Mig Alvarez Enriquez, Alicia Tan-Gonzales, Godofredo Roperos, Lina Espina-Moore, Dionisio Gabriel, Wilfredo Nolledo.

Prolific Essayists

  • Nick Joaquin (Quijano de Manila): "Reportage on Politics and Other Essays," "Language of the Street and Other Essays".
  • Conrado de Quiros: "Flowers from the Rubble" (1990).
  • Carmen Guerrero Nakpil: "The Philippines" (1989).
  • Alfred Yuson: "Confessions of a Q.C. House-Husband" (1991).
  • Other prominent essayists: Sylvia Mayuga, Maximo Soliven, Juan Gatbonton, Amando Dayrit, Napoleon G. Rama, Alfredo Navarro Salanga, Nestor Mata.

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE: AWARDS AND THE FUTURE OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

Palanca Awards

  • Continued to recognize top writers; expanded to include children’s literature and vernacular texts, discovering new giants.

Manila Critics Circle (Established 1981)

  • Awarded literary texts in English, Filipino, and other local languages.
  • Key figures: Isagani Cruz, Soledad Reyes, Gemino Abad, Edel Garcellano, Doreen Fernandez, Priscelina P. Legasto, Ma. Luisa Torres Reyes, Edna Z. Manlapaz.

Dynamic and Diverse Present

  • Philippine literature today is highly dynamic and diverse with a plethora of genres reflecting abundant local cultures.
  • English and Filipino traditions remain dominant, though literature in local languages is gaining national and international attention.

Selection in Focus

  • Doreen Fernandez: "Puto- Bumbong, Bibingka, Salabat, atbp" highlights the diversity of Filipino life and culture through food experiences.

Present Day

  • Philippine literature is vibrant and diverse with a strong English and Filipino tradition.
  • Growing recognition and appreciation of works in regional languages.