Professional Documents
Culture Documents
After World War II, the Philippines had to deal with a. English and Filipino as media of
the economy and the need for rehabilitation and literature
reconstruction of infrastructures. There was political,
b. adapted the Anglo-American tradition
economic and social confusion, as well as great poverty,
of free verse and blank verse.
and these issues found their way into the short stories
and novels during that time. 5. Regional literature was given importance
The flowering of Philippine literature in the various 6. TV and films have become more popular
languages continue especially with the appearance of
new publications after the Martial Law. 7. Younger writers have entered the literary
scene
The protest tradition of Rizal, Bonifacio and Amado
Hernandez found expression in the works of Tagalog 8. More literary criticisms have been written
poets from the late 1960’s to the 1980’s, as they 9. More writing workshops are held for budding
confronted Martial Law and repression. writers
Characteristics of Contemporary/Modern Period It is subdivided into different periods: The Rebirth of
1. Martial Law repressed and curtailed human Freedom (1946 – 1970), Period of Activism (1970 – 1972),
rights, including freedom of the press. Writers Period of New Society (1972 – 1980), Period of the
used symbolisms and allegories to drive home Fourth Republic (1981 – 1985) and the Modern Period
their message, at the face of heavy censorship (1986 – present)
2. Theater was used as a vehicle for protest, such A. The Rebirth of Freedom (1946 – 1970)
as the PETA (Phil. Educational Theater
Association) and UP Theater. • The Americans returned in 1945.
3. From the eighties onwards, writers continue • Filipinos rejoiced and guerillas who fled to the
to show dynamism and innovation mountain joined the liberating American
a. themes have changed from Army.
sentimentalized romanticism to a • On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained is
more realistic and naturalistic freedom.
delineation
• The Rebirth of Freedom
b. venue for socio-politico-economic-
religious discussions and as a vehicle • Struggle of mind and spirit
for personal thoughts and feelings
• Post-war problems affected economic stability
c. Gay and lesbian literature came out
• Proliferation of newspapers like:
d. Strong feminist tendencies are evident
Tagalog Publications:
B. Period of Activism (1970-1972)
1. Mga Piling Katha (1947-48) by Alejandro
• The Seed of Activism
Abadilla
- Resulted in the declaration of Martial
2. Ang Maikling Kuwentong Tagalog (1886-
Law in 1972
1948) by Teodoro Agoncillo
• Literary revolution - Both the public and private sectors in
government were chanting, and shouting;
- The youth became completely
women, men and the youth became
rebellious during this period
bolder and their voices were raised in
- Campus newspapers and placards
dissent. We can say that Philippine
- Radical Changes
literature, in spite of the many restrictions,
• Revolutionary Writers still surreptitiously retained its luster
Fables Magazines
• Tells the story of a middle-class Bartolome • The people’s cry of protest found outlets not
family during Martial Law as they suffer only in poetry but also in veiled prose fables
from extremist violence during that era. which transparently satirized the occupants of
Malacañang.
3. MINSA’Y ISANG GAMU-GAMO
• The Crown Jewels of Heezenhurst by Sylvia
• Nora Aunor was the principal performer Mendez Ventura
here.
• The Emperor’s New Underwear by Meynardo A.
4. GANITO KAMI NOO…PAANO KAYO Macaraig
NGAYON
• The King’s Cold by Babeth Lolarga
• The Case of the Missing Charisma (unfinished) atmosphere, however pointing out moral
by Sylvia L. Mayuga. degradation, indicating injustice, suggesting
alternatives, and directing thought.
In all the fables, the king, differently referred
to as Totus Markus or the king or Haring • Popular topics were on personal (happy or
Matinik was meant to poke fun at the ruler at tragic) experiences – abortion, separation,
Malacañang; similarly, Reyna Maganda or the alternative routes in life and new-found
Queen, was a veiled thrust at his queen. They happiness.
were both drunk with power and were
Contemporary Writers
punished in the end for their misdeeds.
• Lualhati Bautista
Essays
• F. Sionil Jose
• Bob Ong
- Conrado de Quiroz
(Columnist at Philippine Daily Inquirer)