21ST CENTURY LITERATURE

FROM THE PHILIPPINES

AND THE WORLD
TOPIC: 21st Century Literature in Various Regions
 LITERATURE

 Pieces of writing that are valued as works of art,

especially novels, plays and poems – Oxford Advanced
Learner’s English Dictionary
 Body of written works on a particular subject – Merriam
Webster’s Dictionary/Thesaurus
 Any body of written works that is written and produced in
any country, language or age for a specific purpose such as
information, education or entertainment to the reader –
which can be fictional or non-fictional in nature – Dickson
Mtonga
Depicts the history, culture and tradition of a country. It is
hard to imagine a nation without it.
KINDS OF LITERATURE

Generally divided in to two:

 Fictional Literature
 Non-Fictional Literature
 IMPORTANCE OF LITERATURE
 Improves command of the language
 Teaches about life, cultures and experiences of people in
other parts of the world
 Sort of entertainment
 Makes one a wiser and more experienced person by forcing
one to judge, sympathize with or criticize the characters read
 sharing of human experiences
 One compare his own experiences with the experiences of
other people
 Gives information which may be useful in other subjects
(e.g. Geography, Science, History, Social Studies, etc.)
---- Shimmer Chinodya, 1992:36
 FICTIONAL LITERATURE

Imaginary composed writing or work of art that

is meant to provide information, education and
entertainment to the reader
Based on the writer’s imagination rather than
reality
Ex: plays, poems, short stories, novels, oral
literature, and songs
 NON-FICTIONAL LITERATURE

Factual writing or written work that gives facts

that can be proved as it provides real places,
events, characters, times or reality rather than
imaginary things
Ex: autobiographies, newspapers, subject text
journals, magazines, newspapers, subject texts
books such as Geography, History and Civic
Education
 21ST CENTURY LITERATURE IN VARIOUS REGIONS

Topics under this module

Philippine Literature during the Precolonial Period
Philippine Literature during the Spanish Colonial Period
Philippine Literature during the American and the Japanese Periods
Philippine Literature in the Postwar and Contemporary Period
Life and Works of Jose Garcia Villa
Life and Works of Carlos P. Romulo
Life and Works of Francisco Arcellana
Life and Works of Nestor Vicente Madali (N.V.M.) Gonzalez
Life and Works of Edith L. Tiempo
Life and Works of F. Sionil Jose
Life and Works of Virgilio S. Almario
Life and Works of Alejandro Roces
Life and Works of Bienvenido S. Lumbera
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE DURING
THE PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
 OBJECTIVE

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to

identify the characteristics of pre-colonial
literature of the Philippines.
What texts are considered pre-colonial literature?
 PRE-COLONIAL LITERATURE


Includes all literature produced before the
Spanish colonization like chants, proverbs,
songs, and folk narratives.

These were all passed down from generation
to generation by word of mouth.

Philippine folk narratives are varied and
distinct. They depict the people’s livelihood,
customs, and traditions.
 FOLK NARRATIVES

1. Folktale – This is a characteristically anonymous,

timeless, and placeless tale circulated orally among a
people.
2. Fable – This features animal characters or inanimate
objects that behave like people.
3. Legend – This is presented as history but is unlikely
to be true.
 FOLK NARRATIVES

4. Myth – This is told to explain a belief, a practice, or a

natural phenomenon.
5. Epic – This narrative poem celebrates the adventures and
achievements of a hero.
 FOLKTALES

 Folktales about Juan are very popular.

 Some emphasize certain virtues, and some serve
as warning about behavior.
 Also, some are for the reader’s amusement.
 EXAMPLE 1:
JUAN GATHERS GUAVAS (A TAGALOG FOLKTALE)

One day several neighbors came to Juan’s home to visit. His father wanted
to give the guests something to eat, so he sent Juan to get some ripe guavas for
them.
Full of mischief, Juan decided to play a joke on his father’s guests. He went
to get the guavas and ate all of them while thinking of a good joke. Then he saw
a wasp’s nest hung nearby. With some difficulty he managed to take it down
and put it into a tight basket. He hastened home and gave the basket to his
father. Quickly he left the room where the guests were and closed the door and
fastened it.
As soon as Juan’s father opened the basket, the wasps flew over the room.
With the door locked, the people fought to get out of the windows. After a
while Juan opened the door. When he saw the swollen faces of the people, he
cried.
“What fine, rich guavas you must have had! They have made you all so fat!”
 EXAMPLE 2:
JUAN PUSONG AND HIS FATHER’S COWS (A VISAYAN
FOLKTALE)
One day Juan Pusong's father put his cows out to pasture. Juan
slipped away from home and took the cows into the forest and tied
them there. When his father found out that the cows were missing, he
looked around for them. While looking, he ran into his son.
“Where did you come from?” he asked.
“I just came from school, Father. How about you, where are you
going?”
“I am looking for our cows.”
“You don’t say!" said Juan.
By that time, everybody knew about Juan’s power as a seer. So, he
took a little book from his pocket and looked into it. He said, “Our cows
are tied together in the forest.” So, his father went to the forest and
found the cows.
Later on, people would discover that Juan could not read even his
own name. Consequently, his father beat him for the trick he had
played on him.
 FABLES

The monkey is a common animal character in

Philippine fables. It is often depicted as a cunning
animal.
 EXAMPLE:
THE MONKEY AND THE CROCODILE (A TAGALOG FABLE)

One day, a monkey saw a tall macopa tree laden with ripe fruits, which
stood by a wide river. It was hungry, so it climbed the tree and ate all of the
fruits. When it climbed down, it could find no means by which to cross the
river. Then it saw a young crocodile who had just woken up from its siesta. It
said to the crocodile in a friendly way, “My dear crocodile, will you do me a
favor?”
The crocodile was greatly surprised by the monkey’s amicable
salutation. So, it answered humbly, “Oh, yes! If there is anything I can do for
you, I shall be glad to do it.” The monkey then told the crocodile that it
wanted to get to the other side of the river. Then the crocodile said, “I’ll
take you there with all my heart. Just sit on my back, and we’ll go at once.”
The monkey sat firmly on the crocodile’s back, and they began to move.
In a short while they reached the middle of the stream. Then the crocodile
began to laugh aloud. “You foolish monkey!” it said, “I’ll eat your liver and
kidneys, for I’m very hungry.” The monkey became nervous.
 THE MONKEY AND THE CROCODILE continuation

Trying to conceal its anxiety, it said, “I’m very glad that you
mentioned the matter. I thought myself that you might be hungry,
so I have prepared my liver and kidneys for your dinner.
Unfortunately, in our haste to depart, I left them hanging on the
macopa tree. Let us return, and I’ll get them for you.”
Convinced that the monkey was telling the truth, the crocodile
turned around and swam back to the direction of the macopa
tree. When they got near the riverbank, the monkey nimbly
jumped up onto the land and scampered up the tree. The
crocodile came to realize what happened and said, “I am a fool.”
 LEGEND

 There are different Filipino legends of the great flood.

 The story of Bukidnon, for instance, tells that a huge
crab caused the water to rise by going into the sea.
 On the other hand, the Igorot story tells that the sons
of Lumawig the Great Spirit caused the flood.
 EXAMPLE 1:
THE FLOOD STORY (A LEGEND OF BUKIDNON)

A long time ago there was a very big crab which crawled into the sea. When it
went in, it crowded the water out so that it ran all over the earth and covered all
the land.
Now about one moon before the flood happened, a wise man had told the
people that they must build a large raft. They did as he commanded and cut
many large trees until they had enough to make three layers. These they bound
tightly together; when it was done, they fastened the raft with a long rattan cord
to a big pole in the earth.
Soon after the raft was done, the flood came. White water poured out of the
hills, and the sea rose and covered even the highest mountains. The people and
animals on the raft were safe, but all the others drowned.
Soon the waters went down, and the raft was again on the ground. It was near
their old home, for the rattan cord had held.
The people on the raft together with the animals were the only ones left on
the whole earth.
 EXAMPLE 2:
THE FLOOD STORY (A LEGEND OF THE IGOROT)

Once upon a time, the world was flat, and there were no mountains. There
lived two sons of Lumawig, the Great Spirit. The brothers were fond of
hunting; since no mountains had formed, there was no good place to catch
wild pig and deer. The older brother said, “Let us cause water to flow over
all the world and cover it, and then mountains will rise up.”
So, the brothers caused water to flow over all the earth. When it was
covered, they took the head-basket of the town and set it for a trap. They
were very much pleased when they went to look at their trap, for they had
caught not only many wild pigs and deer but also many people.
Lumawig looked down from his place in the sky and saw that his sons had
flooded the earth. However, there was just one spot which was not
covered. All the people in the world had been drowned except a brother
and a sister who lived in Pokis.
Then Lumawig descended, and he called to the boy and girl, saying, “Oh,
you are still alive.”
 THE FLOOD STORY continuation

“Yes,” answered the boy, “we are still alive, but we are very cold.”
So, Lumawig commanded his dog and deer to get fire for the boy and girl. The
dog and the deer swam quickly away. Lumawig waited a long time, but the dog
and the deer did not return. All the time the boy and girl were growing colder.
Finally, Lumawig himself went after the dog and the deer. When he reached
them, he said, “Why are you so long in bringing the fire to Pokis? Get ready and
come quickly while I watch you, for the boy and girl are very cold.”
Then the dog and the deer took the fire and started to swim through the
flood. When they had gone only a little way, the fire was put out.
Lumawig commanded the dog and the deer to get more fire, and they did so.
However, they swam only a little way again when that of the deer went out. That
of the dog would have been extinguished also had not Lumawig gone quickly to
him and taken it.
As soon as Lumawig reached Pokis, he built a big fire which warmed the
brother and sister. The water evaporated so that the world was as it was before,
except that now there were mountains. The brother and sister married and had
children, and thus there came to be many people on the earth.
 MYTH

There are Philippine versions of the creation myth.

The Igorot’s story tells that Lumawig the Great Spirit created
people.
On the other hand, the Tagalog story tells that the first man
and woman came from a bamboo.
 EXAMPLE 1:
THE CREATION (AN IGOROT MYTH)

In the beginning, there were no people on the earth.

Lumawig, the Great Spirit, came down from the sky and cut
many reeds. He divided the reeds into pairs which he placed in
different parts of the world, and then he said to them, “You must
speak.” Immediately the reeds became people, and in each
place was a man and a woman who could talk. However, the
language of each couple differed from that of the others.
Then Lumawig commanded each man and woman to marry,
which they did. By and by there were many children, all
speaking the same language as their parents. The children
married and had many children of their own. In this way, there
came to be many people on the earth.
 The Creation (An Igorot Myth)

Now Lumawig saw that there were several things which the people on the
earth needed to use, so he set to work to supply them. He created salt and told
the inhabitants of one place to boil it down and sell it to their neighbors.
However, the people could not understand the directions. The next time he
visited them, they had not touched the salt. So, he took the salt away from them
and gave it to the people of a place called Mayinit.
The people of Mayinit did as Lumawig directed. Because of their obedience,
he told them that they should always be owners of the salt and that the other
peoples must buy of them.
Then Lumawig went to the people of Bontoc and told them to get clay and
make pots. They got the clay, but they did not understand the molding; the jars
were not well shaped. Because of their failure, Lumawig told them that they
would always have to buy their jars, and he removed the pottery to Samoki.
Lumawig told the people of Samoki what to do, and they did just as he said.
Their jars were well shaped and beautiful. Then Lumawig saw that they were fit
owners of the pottery, and he told them that they should always make many jars
to sell.
In this way, Lumawig taught the people and brought to them all the things which
they now have.
 EXAMPLE 2:
THE CREATION (A TAGALOG MYTH)

When the world first began there was no land. There were only the
sea and the sky, and between them was a kite. One day the bird which
had nowhere to light grew tired of flying about, so she stirred up the sea
until it threw its waters against the sky. The sky, in order to restrain the
sea, showered upon it many islands until it could no longer rise, but ran
back and forth. Then the sky ordered the kite to alight on one of the
islands to build its nest, and to leave the sea and the sky in peace.
Now at this time the land breeze and the sea breeze were married,
and they had a bamboo as their child. One day when the bamboo was
floating about on the water, it struck the feet of the kite which was on
the beach. The bird, angry that anything should strike it, pecked at the
bamboo. Out of one section came a man and from the other a woman.
 THE CREATION (A TAGALOG MYTH)
CONTINUATION

The earthquake called on all the birds and fish to see what should be done with
the man and the woman, and it was decided that they should marry. Many
children were born to the couple, and from them came all the different races of
people.
After a while the parents grew very tired of having so many idle and useless
children around. They wished to be rid of them, but they knew of no place to send
them to. Time went on, and the children became so numerous that the parents
enjoyed no peace. One day, in desperation, the father seized a stick and began
beating them on all sides.
The beating frightened the children so much that they fled in different directions.
Some seek hidden rooms in the house. Some concealed themselves in the walls.
Some ran outside, while others hid in the fireplace. Several fled to the sea.
Now it happened that those who went into the hidden rooms of the house later
became the chiefs of the islands; and those who concealed themselves in the
walls became slaves. Those who ran outside were free men; and those who hid in
the fireplace became negroes; while those who fled to the sea were gone many
years, and when their children came back they were the white people.
 EPIC

The Philippine epics are sung or chanted in episodes. They

feature supernatural characters and reflect the society
where they originated. Also, there are different versions of a
story.
 EPIC EXAMPLE:

Biag ni Lam-ang:
This Ilocano epic tells the adventures of Lam-ang, a man
with supernatural powers. He goes to war at nine-months-old
and seeks the killers of his father. He embarks on a quest with
his animal friends and meets his future wife, Innes Kanoyan.
He is swallowed by a fish and resurrected from death by his
animal friends.
 EPIC EXAMPLE:

Hinilawod:
This epic is of the Sulod, a group of people living in the
mountains of central Panay. It tells the story of three very
strong men, namely, Labaw Donggon, Humadapnon, and
Dumalapdap. They are the sons of Datu Paubari, the ruler of
Halawod, and the goddess Alunsina. The exploits of each son
concerns beautiful women that he wants to have as a wife.
 EPIC EXAMPLE:

Darangan:
This Maranao epic depicts the adventures of a brave
warrior named Bantugan. He owns a magical sword
protected by a spirit. After a battle, he rests and accidentally
falls into the water. A crocodile finds him and brings him to
the enemies. He fights, regains his strength, and wins the
war.
 The precolonial literature of the Philippines includes all
literature produced before the Spanish colonization. It
includes chants, proverbs, songs, spells, and different folk
narratives like folk tales, fables, legends, myths, and
epics that were all passed down from generation to
generation through the word of mouth.

SUMMARY
 PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE SPANISH COLONIAL
PERIOD
 At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
• Name some literary works published during the Spanish
Colonial Period, and
• analyze some literary works.

OBJECTIVES
 NOTES ON THE SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD
(1521–1898)

 Expeditions to the Philippines were sent by Spain in the

16th century. In their conquest, the Spaniards brought
Christianity with them. The clergy made a great impact
on faith, education, and government.
 NOTES ON THE SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD
(1521–1898)
 Through the Manila-Acapulco trade (1565–1815),
liberal ideas entered the country. Also, the trade gave
rise to a wealthier middle class. Children in middle
class families could then be sent to Europe to get an
education. Upon their return, they brought European
ideals of liberty and freedom with them. Such ideals
would then give rise to Filipino nationalism.
 PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE SPANISH OCCUPATION

 The Spanish missionaries taught the

gospel through the native language, so
they hired natives to translate Spanish
religious instructional materials.
Eventually, the natives became fluent in
Spanish and became known as ladinos.
 PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE SPANISH OCCUPATION
 Ladinos mainly wrote devotional poetry.
 Fernando Bagongbanta
- wrote Salamat nang walang hanga/gracias de sin
sempiternas,” which appeared in Memorial de la vida
cristiana en lengua tagala (1605), a book containing
basic Catholic doctrines.
 Gaspar Aquino de Belen.
- wrote “Ang Mahal na Passion ni Jesu Christong
Panginoon natin na tola” (1704), the earliest version
of pasyon.
 PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE SPANISH OCCUPATION

Native drama called the komedya or moro-

moro was popular. It depicted the war
between Christians and Muslims, wherein
the former always wins. The poet Jose de la
Cruz (1746–1829) was a master of such art
form.
 PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE SPANISH OCCUPATION

Native literature continued. Though the

Spaniards destroyed the written literature in
their effort to replace it with their own, the
oral tradition survived and flourished in areas
beyond the reach of the Spaniards.
 AUTHORS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE
NOURISHMENT OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE SPANISH OCCUPATION

 Francisco Baltazar (1788-1862),
- the master of traditional Tagalog poetry
- became well-known for his work Florante at
Laura (1838–1861), the most famous metrical
romance of the country.
 AUTHORS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE
NOURISHMENT OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE SPANISH OCCUPATION

 Pedro Paterno (1857–1911)
- wrote Sampaguitas y poesias varias (1880), the
first poetry collection in Spanish by a Filipino
- also wrote the novel Ninay (1885), in Spanish
which is considered to be the first Filipino novel
 AUTHORS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE
NOURISHMENT OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE SPANISH OCCUPATION

 Jose Rizal (1861–1896)
- a prominent ilustrado and the country’s national
hero
- famous for the novels Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo. These novels portray the corruption
and abuse of the Spanish officials and the clergy.
 AUTHORS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE
NOURISHMENT OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE SPANISH OCCUPATION

 Andres Bonifacio (1863–1897)
- the founder of the Katipunan
- wrote the poem “Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa.”
This poem appeared in the Kalayaan, the official
newspaper of the Katipunan, in March 1896.
 AUTHORS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE
NOURISHMENT OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE SPANISH OCCUPATION

 Leona Florentino (1849–1884)
- known as the “mother of Philippine women’s
literature,”
- was a poet in both Ilocano and Spanish.
- Twenty of her poems were preserved and
exhibited in Europe. The poems were included in
the Encyclopedia International des Oeuvres des
Femme in 1889.
 Philippine Literature during the Spanish
occupation was mostly influenced by
Christianity as well as the European ideals
of liberty and freedom through trade.
Filipino writers either wrote in Spanish or in
their own tongue or both.

SUMMARY
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
DURING THE AMERICAN
AND THE JAPANESE
PERIODS
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
• identify some Filipino writers who produced significant
works of literature during the American and Japanese
Periods (1898–1945), and
• analyze a poem by the Filipino poet Fernando Maramag.

OBJECTIVES
 NOTES ON THE AMERICAN OCCUPATION
(1898–1940)

 The US established a civil government in 1901. Free

public education was introduced. Also, English was
the medium of instruction.
 In 1934, President Roosevelt signed a bill making the
Philippines a commonwealth. On May 14, 1935
Manuel L. Quezon was elected president.
 AMERICAN PERIOD

Literary Works Produced

 The production of literary works in English is the direct result
of the American colonization of the Philippines.
 The first collection of poetry in English is Filipino
Poetry (1924), edited by Rodolfo Dato.
 AMERICAN PERIOD

Literary Works Produced

 The short story “Dead Stars” (1925) by Paz Marquez
Benitez is considered as the first Filipino modern short story
in English. 
 A Child of Sorrow (1921) by Zoilo M. Galang is the first
Filipino novel in English.
 The novel His Native Soil (1940) by Juan C. Laya won first
prize in the First Commonwealth Literary Awards in 1940.
 AMERICAN PERIOD

 Filipino writers in English during the apprenticeship period

(1900–1930) imitated American writing.
 The poet Fernando Maramag writes in the Romantic
tradition in his sonnet “Moonlight on Manila Bay”
(1912).
 Filipino fictionists copied Sherwood Anderson, William
Saroyan, and Ernest Hemingway.
Jose Garcia Villa used the Anderson pattern.
Manuel Arguilla and N. V. M. Gonzalez were
influenced by Anderson and Hemingway.
Francisco Arcellana was influenced by
Saroyan.
 NOTES ON THE JAPANESE
OCCUPATION (1941–1945)
 On December 8, 1941, the Japanese attacked
Manila.
 On January 2, 1942, Japanese occupied Manila.
They set up a Council of State in the country and
started propaganda to remold the Filipinos.
 In October 1943 the Japanese declared the
Philippines “independent.” On September 20, Jose
P. Laurel was elected president.
 NOTES ON THE JAPANESE
OCCUPATION (1941–1945)

 MacArthur and his Allied forces returned to the

country in 1944. They landed on Leyte on October
20, and the biggest naval battle in history ensued.
 The Japanese surrendered formally on September 2,
1945.
LITERARY WORKS PRODUCED DURING
THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION (1941–1945)

 During the occupation, publications were censored

by the military.
 Also, Tagalog was declared an official language
(together with Nihonggo). In effect, Philippine
literature in English came to a halt.
 Some Filipino writers then turned to writing in
Filipino.
LITERARY WORKS PRODUCED DURING
THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION (1941–1945)

 The Tagalog short story reached its maturity during the

period.
 The best works were compiled by the Liwayway magazine
editors in Ang Pinakamabuting Maikling Kathang Pilipino
ng 1943, which came out in 1944. It is a collection of stories
that won a contest sponsored by the Japanese.
 The top four stories were
1. “Lupang Tinubuan” by Narciso G. Reyes
2. “Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa” by Liwayway Arceo
3. “Nayon at Dagat-dagatan” by N. V. M. Gonzalez
4. “Suyuan sa Tubigan” by Macario Pineda.
 SUMMARY

The American occupation of the Philippines spurred the

writing of Filipinos in English. On the other hand, the
Japanese occupation censored literary works yet
contributed to the maturity of the Tagalog short story.
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN
THE POSTWAR AND
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
 OBJECTIVE

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify

postwar and contemporary literary authors and their works
and name their contributions to the development of
literature in the Philippines.
 POSTWAR AND CONTEMPORARY
LITERATURE

 Postwar and contemporary literature include all literary

works written and published in the Philippines from 1946.
 After World War II, the Philippines had to deal with the
economy and the need for rehabilitation and
reconstruction of infrastructures.
 There was political, economic, and social confusion, as
well as great poverty, and these issues found their way
into the short stories and novels during that time.
 POSTWAR PERIOD

 Filipino writers got their inspiration from American

teachers and were able to learn their techniques,
which also helped in mastering the English
language.
 Writers wrote fiction that focused on courageous
deeds as well as the sacrifices and suffering in the
lives of Filipinos.
 POSTWAR PERIOD
 It was also common for writers to write about the
experiences of the Filipino people under the Spanish and
American rule and the Japanese Occupation.
 Other subjects and themes include:
religious faith
superstitions
fantasy
social problems
poverty
politics
nationalism
 LITERARY WORKS DURING THE
POSTWAR PERIOD
 Philippine literature flourished even more during
the postwar and contemporary period.
 Writers were able to produce short stories, novels,
essays, and poems that continue to be read by
Filipinos today.
 LITERARY WORKS DURING THE
POSTWAR
PERIOD/CONTEMPORARY

 May Day Eve by Nick Joaquin, 1947

 Waywaya by F. Sionil Jose, 1983
 We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers by Alejandro Roces,
1948
 The Return by Edith L. Tiempo
 History and Philippine Culture by Horacio de la Costa,
1965
 Without Seeing the Dawn by Stevan Javellana, 1947
 Explanation:
Nick Joaquin, a National Artist for Literature awardee, wrote articles under
the name of Quijano de Manila. His short story "May Day Eve," published
in 1947, is about love in a patriarchal society. It also made use of magic
realism.
F. Sionil Jose, one of the most widely read Filipino writers in English, wrote
the short story "Waywaya," which is about pre-Hispanic society and the
people’s struggle for moral order.
Alejandro Roces, a Filipino author, essayist, and dramatist, wrote the short
story "We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers." This story focuses on the drinking
habits and culture of Filipinos and Americans.
Edith L. Tiempo's poem "The Return" is a sentimental piece that talks
about life in old age.
Horacio de la Costa wrote the essay "History and Philippine Culture,"
which emphasizes the importance of understanding and presenting a nation’s
culture.
Stevan Javellana wrote the first postwar Filipino novel in English, Without
Seeing the Dawn. This novel narrates what people experienced during World
War II under the Japanese rule in the Philippines.
 TIP

To be able to fully appreciate literature in the Philippines, as a

reader and a critic, you must also be aware of the country’s history,
culture, society, and psyche (human spirit).
LIFE AND WORKS OF
JOSE GARCIA VILLA
 OBJECTIVE

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to recognize

Jose Garcia Villa’s contributions to the development of
Philippine literature.
 LEARN ABOUT IT!

Jose Garcia Villa

Jose Garcia Villa was a Filipino literary critic, poet, painter, and short story
writer. He was born on August 5, 1908 in Manila.
He gained both local and international recognition for his works. He was
named as the National Artist for Literature in 1973, and he was also a
recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship.
During his college years, he wrote Man Songs, a collection of controversial
poems that was considered too bold by the University of the Philippines and
became the ground for his suspension from the said institution.
Some of his well-known literary works are "Mir-i-nisa" (won in the
Philippines Free Press in 1929), and "Footnote to Youth" (published in 1933)
 JOSE GARCIA VILLA AS A POET

As a poet, Jose Garcia Villa is known for introducing the reversed

consonance rhyme scheme. According to Villa, in this method, the last
sounded consonants of the last syllable, or the last principal consonant of a
word, are reversed for the corresponding rhyme. Thus, a rhyme
for light would be words such as tile, tall, tale, etc.
He is also known for his comma poems, where he employed a comma after
every word.
He used the pseudonym Doveglion, which is derived from dove, eagle, lion.
He died on July 7, 1997.
 Analyzing a writer's works will help you understand and identify his or her
contributions to Philippine literature.
Example:
One of Jose Garcia Villa's well-known works is "Footnote to Youth."
a. Setting
The short story is set in a small town.
b. Plot
Exposition
Dodong, a seventeen-year-old boy, tells his parents that he wants to marry his girlfriend
Teang. 
Rising Action
Teang secretly regrets marrying Dodong at a young age. She wonders what can happen if
she has married Lucio, who is nine years older than Dodong.
Climax
Dodong wonders why life does not get to fulfill all of a youth’s dreams.
 Falling Action
Blas tells Dodong about his plan to marry Tona.
Conclusion
Dodong wants to keep Blas from marrying Tona, but he cannot do anything
about it. He feels sorry for Blas.
c. Theme
The story focuses on the consequences of marrying at an early age and starting
a family.

Explanation:
In the story "Footnote to Youth," Dodong is the symbol for the Filipino
youth. His decision to marry his love interest, Teang, at the age of
seventeen demonstrates the passion of teenagers when it comes to
relationships.
Those of the younger generation usually strive for new pursuits to learn
things on their own, often rejecting their elders’ guidance. From the story,
it is depicted that lessons are learned through experience. Dodong, as well
as Teang, had many realizations when he became a parent.
 TIPS
• In analyzing a literary work, make sure that you read it thoroughly and analyze it well.
• Study the background of the author, as this will give you insights regarding the setting
of the story and the historical and/or social influences of the time and place in which the
author lived.
• Analyze the concepts presented in the literary work by relating them to practices and
traditions in the Philippines or in the place used as the setting of the story.
LIFE AND WORKS OF CARLOS P.
ROMULO
 OBJECTIVE

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify Carlos

P. Romulo's contributions to the development of Philippine
literature.
 LEARN ABOUT IT!

Carlos P. Romulo
Carlos P. Romulo was a Filipino diplomat, statesman, journalist, and soldier. He was born
on January 14, 1898 in Intramuros, Manila and grew up in Camiling, Tarlac.

He was the first Filipino journalist who was awarded with the Pulitzer Prize in
Journalism. He was also the first Asian who served as the president of the United
Nations General Assembly.
"I am a Filipino" is one of the many essays written by Carlos P. Romulo. It was published
in The Philippines Herald in August 1941.

He also wrote the book entitled I Saw the Fall of the Philippines, in which he narrated his
personal experiences as an aide-de-camp to General Douglas MacArthur in Corregidor.
This book was followed by a sequel, I See the Philippines Rise, a journalistic account of
the Philippine War in 1944.
Among his other famous literary works are Mother America: A Living Story of Democracy,
a discussion of his political ideals about American democracy in the Philippines, and  I
Walked with Heroes, his autobiography.
He was conferred as National Artist for Literature in 1982.
 ABOUT THE ESSAY I AM A
FILIPINO

I am a Filipino is one of the valuable contributions of Carlos P. Romulo to

Philippine literature. Analyzing it would help one understand what he
thinks of the Filipino and what it means to be one.
In the essay, the author speaks of the pride and dignity of the Filipino
race, which is something he wants the future generation to uphold and
cultivate.
The essay also explains the Filipino identity as a product of the fusion of
Western culture (Spanish and American) and Eastern culture (Japanese
occupation and Malayan roots).
Carlos P. Romulo stresses that the fight for freedom sprung up from one’s
pride of being a Filipino. He takes pride in the bravery and sacrifices of the
heroes who fought for freedom like Lapu-Lapu , Diego Silang, Jose Rizal ,
Gregorio del Pilar, Antonio Luna, and Manuel L. Quezon.
He also emphasizes the beauty of the Philippines as blessed with
bountiful natural resources and colorful history and culture.
 SUMMARY

Carlos P. Romulo is a profound writer who wrote the essay I am a

Filipino, which is one of the great contributions to Philippine literature not
only because it shows one’s love for his country and freedom but also of
being proud as a Filipino.
LIFE AND WORKS OF FRANCISCO
ARCELLANA
 OBJECTIVE

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify the contributions of
Francisco Arcellana to Philippine literature by analyzing his literary works.
 Francisco Arcellana
LEARN ABOUT IT!
Francisco Arcellana is a Filipino teacher and a contemporary writer. He is one of
the prominent Filipino fictionists in English.

He is known for innovating and exploring new literary forms and experimenting
with different techniques in short story writing.

He was a member of the group The Veronicans, which was composed of

influential Filipino writers who aimed to use sensible literature in order to create a
greater impact on the Philippines.
He was also the first director of the University of the Philippines Creative Writing
Center.
Some of his well-known literary works are the short stories "The Man Who Would
Be Poe," "Death in a Factory," "A Clown Remembers," "The Mats," and "Lina."
In 1990, he was awarded as the National Artist for Literature.
His short stories "Flowers of May," "Christmas Gift," and "The Mats," were
adapted as screenplays.
 Analyzing a writer's literary works will help in identifying his contributions to Philippine literature.
Example:
Below are details regarding Francisco Arcellana's "The Mats."
a. Setting
The short story is set in the afternoon until evening at the house of the Angeles family.
b. Plot

Exposition
Mr. Angeles comes from a periodic inspection trip in Mariveles. During the trip, he writes to
his family and gets them excited about the exceptionally beautiful and colorful mats he bought
from an artist.
Rising Action
Upon arriving, he gives the mats one by one to his children. Each mat is woven with his
child’s name and symbols. They are all happy to receive the mats.
Climax
There are three mats that are to be unfolded. In a loud voice, he offers the three mats to his
dead children named Josefina, Victoria, and Concepcion.
Falling Action
Nana Emilia, anguished, said he should not have bought mats for them, but Mr. Angeles
insists that they must be remembered.
Conclusion
The children feel the tension and see the grief in the face of Mr. Angeles and the sadness of
Nana Emilia. The father unfolds the three mats in silence.
 c. Theme
Coping with the death of a loved one is a struggle. Commemorating his or her life is
painful, but it must be faced with courage and faith.
Explanation:
Francisco Arcellana presented the story using a distinct style. He focused
on the characters' actions and dialogues to reveal the innermost feelings and
motives of the characters, which set the dramatic tone of the short story.
 SUMMARY

Francisco Arcellana is a Filipino fictionist who demonstrated his

craftsmanship in writing great literary pieces such as "The Mats," a story that
highlights Filipino family values and pictures an interesting character coping
with the death of loved ones. In this short story, he uses writing techniques
such as emphasizing the characters’ actions and dialogues to reveal their inner
motives and emotions.
LIFE AND WORKS OF NESTOR VICENTE
MADALI (N.V.M.) GONZALEZ
 OBJECTIVE

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to analyze

literary works by N.V.M. Gonzalez and name his
contributions to the development of Philippine
literature.
 LEARN ABOUT IT!
N.V.M. GONZALEZ
Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzalez is an award-winning Filipino poet, essayist,
fictionist, journalist, editor, and teacher of creative writing.
He is the first president of the Philippine Writers’ Association.
He is also honored as one of the great Filipino writers who advanced literary
traditions and culture.
He was a recipient of the following awards: The Republic Cultural Heritage
Award, the Jose Rizal Pro-Patria Award, the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award
for Literature, and the National Artist Award for Literature in 1997.
Some of his published works are Seven Hills Away (1947), Children of the
Ash-Covered Loam and Other Stories (1954), and The Bamboo
Dancers (1949), which appeared in Russian translation in 1965 and 1974.
Seven Hills Away is a collection of short stories that sketch the daily lives of
the Filipino kaingeros in his hometown province, Mindoro.
The Bamboo Dancers is a diasporic novel that features the challenges faced
by Filipinos in America.
Carefully analyzing the works of a writer will help in determining what his works
have contributed to literature.
Example:
"Children of the Ash-Covered Loam" is a short story that depicts Filipino family
practices and beliefs in a rural setting.
a. Setting
The story is set in a provincial place where kaingin is a common practice.
b. Plot

Exposition
The story begins one sunny afternoon when Tarang’s father arrives with a pig to be taken care
of by Tarang, a seven-year-old boy.

Rising Action
Tia Orang, an old midwife, sees Tarang and tells him to inform his mother of her passing by.
Climax
Tatay and Nanay, Tarang’s parents, together with their neighbors are all set for performing
religious rites after kaingin (burning of trees). They believe that these practices will take away
all evil spirits and will give them a bountiful harvest. Tatay lays the pullet’s neck and lets the
streaks of blood drop on the ash-covered loam.
 Falling Action
After the clearing of the land, Tia Orang visits the family and performs hilot on Nanay
and tells her that she is ready to bear a child. She also shares stories of evil ones and
spirits.
Conclusion
Tarang, half-awake, hears the noise outside, gets up, and accidentally strikes a tree
stump with his big toe. The hurt does not concern him, for he is more interested in
seeing how life emerge from the land as the rice grains peek through the dirt
c. Theme
Death forms new life. Death and new formations of life are recurring motifs in the
story. When a living thing dies, a new life emerges. The story paints a cycle of life and
death for the family. The kaingin practice and the killing of the pullet as a ritual are
some forms of deaths that the family believes will bring new life like a bountiful
harvest and another child.
Explanation:
The use of words such as kaingin, hilot, Nanay, and Tatay is part of N.V.M.
Gonzalez's writing style, as even his other works showcase terms that are unique to
the setting of the story. Analyzing a story will help readers see details such as this
that will give them ideas regarding the writer's contributions to Philippine literature .
 N.V.M. Gonzalez is known as a local colorist writer. Local color is a
literary technique that features the unique regional traditions of people and
emphasizes the ordinary events in their lives. This is used by N.V.M
Gonzalez to present the sociocultural dimensions of Filipino families and
farmers in the provinces. In "Children of the Ash-Covered Loam," words
that show local color include kaingin, hilot, Nanay, and Tatay.
Since the terms used by local colorists may be unfamiliar to you, you should analyze
and infer their meaning by taking note of context clues in the story.

TIP
LIFE AND WORKS OF EDITH L.
TIEMPO
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify Edith L. Tiempo's
contributions to Philippine literature by analyzing her literary works.

OBJECTIVE
 LEARN ABOUT IT!
EDITH L. TIEMPO
Edith L. Tiempo was a Filipino writer in English. She was a poet, fiction writer, and literary
critic.
She was known for using intricate and witty representations to portray significant human
experiences.
Some of her well known poems are "The Return," a poem that describes the characteristics of
old age, "Lament for the Littlest Fellow," a poem that presents a metaphor to describe the
plight of a submissive wife under her domineering husband, and "Bonsai," a poem that gives
a look at how tangible objects could be keepers of memories and emotions.
As a fictionist, she was known for her moral profoundness. One of her remarkable short
stories, "The Black Monkey," won third prize in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award. "The
Black Monkey," which is set during the time when guerrillas were fighting against the
Japanese during World War II, narrates the tormenting encounter of a woman with a monkey.
She also wrote the novel A Blade of Fern, which depicts the problems of Filipino miners of
Nibucal in southern Philippines.
She was awarded as the National Artist for Literature in 1999.
She founded with her husband the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, which
produced great young writers of her time.
Analyzing the literary work of a writer would help in determining what her contributions are
to literature.
Example:
Below is an excerpt of Edith L. Tiempo's poem "The Return."
The Return

If the dead years could shake their skinny legs and run
As once he had circled this house in thirty counts,
he would go thru this door among those old friends and they would not shun
Him and the tales he would tell, tales that would
bear more than the spare
Testimony of willed wit and his grey hairs.
And he would live in the whispers and locked heads.
Wheeling around and around turning back was where he started:
The turn to the pasture, a swift streak under a boy’s running;
The swing, up a few times and he had all the earth he wanted;
The tower trees, and not so tall as he had
imagined;
The rocking chair on the porch, you pushed it and it started rocking,
Rocking, and abruptly stopped. He, too, stopped in the doorway, chagrined.
He would go among them but he would not tell, he could be smart,
He, an old man cracking the bones of his embarrassment apart.
The excerpts cited in this material are copyrighted by their respective authors. Quipper
ensures that the use of these works has permission from their authors and this effort is
ongoing. Should you have concerns regarding the proper use of these works, or if you have
not received communication from us regarding this matter, please let us know immediately.
 Explanation:
Old age is the subject of the given poem. This poem describes the life
of an old man who loved to travel in his youth. The phrases dead years,
skinny legs, and thirty counts denote the physical weakness and
isolation that the old man feels. The old man wants to visit his friends
to bond with them and share to them his travel stories and
experiences. Hopelessly, he sees only the things associated with old
age: irritability and illness, rocking chair, pasture, and the tower tree.
The themes or messages of the poem are:
Time is irreversible, and memories can only be remembered and
cherished.
Old people face physical weakness and emotional challenges such as
feelings of isolation, sadness, and frustration.
Old age is an inevitable period in human growth and development.
 AUTHOR’S STYLE

Edith L. Tiempo used a very contemplative style in writing the poem "The
Return." The theme and the subject of the poem are very serious. Her
narrative tone and vivid visual imagery allow readers to think deeply about
old age and evoke emotions of nostalgia and sadness from the old man’s
perspective.
Edith L. Tiempo is one of the foremost Filipino contemporary writers in
English who is known for her style and substance. Her language is
considered descriptive but without scrupulous detailing. Her literary works
are hailed for their artistic representation of significant human experiences.
• In analyzing and interpreting a poem, a reader must not confuse the subject and the
theme of the poem. The subject is what the poem is about whereas the theme is the
poem's underlying idea or message.
• A poem could have two or more themes.
TIPS
LIFE AND WORKS OF F. SIONIL
JOSE
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify F. Sionil Jose’s contributions
to the development of Philippine literature.

OBJECTIVE
 LEARN ABOUT IT!
F. SIONIL JOSE
Francisco Sionil Jose, widely known as F. Sionil Jose, was born on
December 3, 1924 in Rosales, Pangasinan.
His life and most of his works are influenced by Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
He edited various literary and journalistic publications, and he founded the
Philippine PEN, an organization of poets, playwrights, and novelists.
He opened Solidaridad Publishing House in 1965. A year after, he
founded Solidarity, a magazine that produces content mainly focused on
"current affairs, ideas, and the arts."
He was a recipient of numerous awards. Some of which are the Ramon
Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative
Communications in 1980, the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award in 2004,
and the Officer in the French Order of Arts and Letters in 2014.
He was conferred as National Artist for Literature in 2001.
 F. SIONIL JOSE'S LITERARY
WORKS
F. Sionil Jose’s are generally written in English and are translated to more
than twenty languages and produced worldwide.
Among his most celebrated works is the Rosales Saga. It is a series of
novels that are set from the Spanish colonial period to the proclamation of
Martial Law in the 1970s. This saga includes the following novels: Po-
on, Tree, The Pretenders, Mass, and My Brother, My Executioner.
He has also written several short stories, including the notable "The God
Stealer". It is a story about the friendship of Philip Latak, an Ifugao, and
Sam Christie, an American who wanted to buy a bulol, a sculpture of an
Ifugao god. The story depicts the relationship and truths about the
colonizer and the colony.
Waywaya: Eleven Filipino Short Stories is a compilation of short stories
about pre-Hispanic Philippine society.
In 2004, he published the children’s book The Molave and Other
Children’s Stories.
 To identify a writer's contributions to Philippine literature, it is important to
analyze and take a close look at his literary works.
Example:
In a nutshell, F. Sionil Jose’s "The God Stealer" tells the story of Philip Latak
and Sam Christie. Philip was residing in the city for years against his family’s
wishes. Sam, his colleague, was an American who wanted a bulol, an Ifugao
god sculpture, as a souvenir before he gets back to Boston. Philip stole his
grandfather’s bulol for Sam, as he felt indebted to repay Sam’s kindness. Then
Philip’s grandfather died, and he no longer wanted to come with Sam back in
the city.
Explanation:
The story tackles one of the many effects of colonization, that is, losing one’s
identity. Philip represents the Philippines, while Sam represents America.
Philip’s way of offering the bulol to Sam out of gratitude shows how he tried to
denounce his roots by embracing a new one, thus losing himself in the process.
 F. Sionil Jose is among the most widely read Filipino writers in English whose
novels and short stories depict a wide scope of social underpinnings and struggles of
the Filipino masses. He is the country’s most influential living writer who employs
realism through his narrative techniques and styles.
SUMMARY
LIFE AND WORKS OF VIRGILIO S.
ALMARIO
 At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
• identify the valuable contributions of Virgilio S. Almario to Philippine Literature;
and
• analyze one of his poems.
OBJECTIVES
 LEARN ABOUT IT!
VIRGILIO S. ALMARIO
Virgilio S. Almario, popularly known by his pen name Rio Alma, is a Filipino
artist known for his poetry and literary criticism. He was proclaimed National
Artist for Literature in 2003.
Almario, together with poets Rogelio Mangahas and Lamberto E. Antonio,
pioneered the second modernist movement in Filipino poetry. In his own
words, he defines modernist poetry as sparing, suggestive, and restrained in
emotion; its vocabulary and subject are immersed in the now. Among his
poetry collections are Makinasyon at Ilang Tula (1968), his very first
collection; Peregrinasyon at Iba Pang Tula (1970), which won first prize in
poetry in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards; Doktrinang
Anakpawis (1979); Mga Retrato at Rekwerdo (1984); and Muli Sa Kandungan
ng Lupa (1994).
 Almario’s earliest works of literary criticism were published in the Dawn,
the weekly organ of the University of the East. Some of those works were
later included in Ang Makata sa Panahon ng Makina (1982), now
considered as the first book of literary criticism in Filipino. His other
critical works include Taludtod at Talinghaga (1965), which tackles the
traditional Tagalog prosody; and Balagtasismo Versus Modernismo (1984),
in which he presents the two main directions of the Tagalog Poetry.
Almario performed significant deeds in the field of Philippine literature. He
founded the Galian sa Arte at Tula (GAT) with the other poets Teo Antonio
and Mike Bigornia in 1970; and the Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo
(LIRA), an organization of poets who write in Filipino, in 1985. From 1986
to 1992, he served as chairman of the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa
Pilipinas (UMPIL), considered to be the biggest umbrella organization of
writers. From 1998 to 2001, he served as executive director of the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). In 2013 he became the
chairman of the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF).
 EXAMPLE:
HIGH ZOOCIETY
NI RIO ALMA
Masdan ang tagak sa likod ng kalabaw, 
Parang birheng-birheng manang
Na di-madapuan ng langaw 
Sa ibabaw ng karosa patungong simbahan;
At ang mga dekadenteng gansa sa gilid ng lawa,
Maluluma ang mga donyang nakahilata
Habang ibinibilad ang kuto at muta.
Hayun ang mga maryakaprang paawit-awit,
Parang mga binibining umiikot ang puwit,
Sa bulwagang hitik sa masalapi’t makikisig;
At ang mga burukratang unggoy
Sa tuktok ng mala-palasyong kahoy,
Pulu-pulutong kung magpulong
Kung paanong mas lalapad ang papel at tumbong.
 Naghahari’t matitikas na oso’t agila,
Nagkikikil lang ng kuko’t pangil tuwing umaga
Para isakmal sa karne’t isuob na barya
Kaya tumatambok ang tiyan at bulsa.
Samantala, matatalinong kuwago’y naghihilik,
Malalaki nga ang mata’y lagi namang pikit,
Marahil, bagong paraiso ang laman ng panaginip.
Di tulad ng buwayang laging abala
Sa paghanap ng kahit butiking mabiktima,
Bundat na’y lagi pa ring nakanganga.
Pero higit na mag-ingat sa hunyango’t ahas 
Na sa damuhan ay nagkalat;
Tuwing maghuhunos ng kulay at balat,
Pakay ay kay-hirap madalumat.
 Explanation:
The poem "High Zoociety" is part of the collection Doktrinang
Anakpawis (1979). Published during the martial law years (1972–1981),
the poem and the rest of the collection are considered committed poetry,
that is, of social awareness and concern. The title is a play on the term
"High Society," which refers to the rich and powerful.
"High Zoociety" has eight stanzas following this pattern of number of
lines: 4-3-3-4-4-3-3-4. It uses what is called in Tagalog poetry as
"tugmang karaniwan," wherein the last word of each line has the same
sound. The second, fifth, and seventh stanzas use "tugmang patinig,"
wherein the last words of the lines have the same vowel wound. On the
other hand, the rest of the stanzas use "tugmang katinig," wherein the last
words of the lines end in a consonant preceded by the same vowel sound.
However, the poem has no regular meter.
Virgilio S. Almario, or Rio Alma, is a Filipino artist known for his works of
modernist poetry and literary criticism on Filipino poetry, which are valuable
contributions to Philippine literature.

KEY POINTS
LIFE AND WORKS OF
ALEJANDRO ROCES
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify Alejandro R. Roces’s
contributions to the development of Philippine literature.

OBJECTIVE
 LEARN ABOUT IT!

ALEJANDRO R. ROCES AS A FILIPINO

WRITER
Alejandro R. Roces was a Filipino literary writer. He was born on July 13, 1924.
He was a playwright, an essayist, and a short story writer. He was also a columnist
at the Philippine Star, the Manila Times, and the Manila Chronicle.
He attended the Ateneo de Manila University for his primary and secondary
education and the University of Arizona where he earned his degree in fine arts.
He pursued further studies at the following institutions: Far Eastern University
(master’s degree); Ateneo de Manila University, Polytechnic University of the
Philippines, St. Louis University, and Tokyo University in Japan (doctorate).
Alejandro R. Roces was known for his short story "We Filipinos Are Mild
Drinkers," a story about an American soldier in the Philippines who brags about
his drinking habits, but becomes overly drunk after drinking lambanog offered by
a Filipino farmer.
From 1961 to 1965, he served as the Secretary of Education under the regime of
former president Diosdado Macapagal. He has also served as chairman of the
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) in 2001.
 From 1961 to 1965, he served as the Secretary of Education under the
regime of former president Diosdado Macapagal. He has also served as
chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board
(MTRCB) in 2001.
His other literary works are "My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken," a story
which talks about two brothers who were arguing whether the chicken they
caught was a hen or a rooster; Something to Crow About, the first Filipino
zarzuela in English about a man named Kiko who earns a living by means
of cockfighting; and Fiesta, a collection of essays about various Philippine
festivals.
Alejandro R. Roces was conferred as National Artist for Literature in
2003.
He died on May 23, 2011.
 Read the synopsis of “My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken” below, one of
Alejandro R. Roces’ notable works.

Synopsis:
Kiko and his brother found a peculiar chicken. They argued whether it was
a hen or a rooster. Kiko believed that it was a rooster, while his brother
thought otherwise. Kiko’s brother emphasized that it could not be a rooster
as the chicken has neither wattles nor comb. Their parents took turns in
looking at the chicken and had different thoughts about it; thus, they ended
up arguing like their children. Kiko and his brother asked the chieftain
about it, and he thought that it was a bird of a different kind. They also
asked Mr. Eduardo Cruz, someone who studied poultry raising, and he
suggested examining the insides of the chicken, to which Kiko refused.
They both agreed to bring the chicken to a cockpit and have it fight with a
rooster from Texas. However, the rooster performed a love dance around
the peculiar chicken. It turned out that the peculiar chicken was waiting for
a chance to attack. It stubbed its spur into the rooster, and won. Kiko’s
brother was convinced that the chicken was a rooster. However, when he
was holding the chicken, it suddenly quivered and laid an egg.
 Humor is a literary device which aims to make the audience or readers
laugh or be amused. Alejandro R. Roces employed humor in most of his
works. There are various types of humor. Some of which are
exaggeration/hyperbole, surprise, and sarcasm.
Sarcasm – is a literary device used to mock. In the story, the chicken
crowed and Kiko triumphantly asked his brother if he heard it. Kiko then
mocked his brother by saying “I suppose you are going to tell me now that
hens crow and that carabaos fly.”
Exaggeration/Hyperbole – is a literary device used to make an event
appear better or worse than what it really is. In the story, Kiko’s brother
shared how they were almost whipped for arguing too much.
Surprise – is a literary device commonly found in unlikely situation or an
unexpected turn of events. As the brothers ran from the mob, Kiko’s
brother was convinced that the chicken was a rooster based on how it
defeated its opponent, until it laid an egg.
 Alejandro R. Roces was best known for his short stories, "My Brother’s Peculiar
Chicken" and "We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers." He employed humor in most of his
works, usually tackling the Filipinos’ fascination of cockfighting.

SUMMARY
 LIFE AND WORKS OF
BIENVENIDO S. LUMBERA
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify the valuable contributions of
Bienvenido S. Lumbera in the development of Philippine literature, and analyze two
of his poems.

OBJECTIVES
 LEARN ABOUT IT!
PERSONAL LIFE :
Lumbera, who was called Beny when he was a young boy, was born in Lipa,
Batangas on April 11, 1932. His parents had passed away before he turned five.
Beny and his older sister were raised by Eusebia Teru, their paternal grandmother.
When Eusebia died, Beny came to live with his godparents, Enrique and Amanda
Lumbera.
Beny showed natural aptitude for English. In sixth grade, his writing impressed his
teacher so much that she once asked him, in an accusatory tone, if he did write his
composition himself. In his third year in high school, his teacher gave him difficult
works of literature to read.
Lumbera took a degree in journalism at the University of Santo Tomas in 1950 and
graduated cum laude in 1954. A year before his graduation, his first published
work, the poem “Frigid Moon,” appeared in the Sunday magazine of the Manila
Chronicle.
On a full scholarship granted by the Fulbright Committee, Lumbera obtained his
masters and doctorate degrees at Indiana University.
 Literary Background
Lumbera writes in English and Filipino. Below are some of his works.
Poetry Collections
Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa (1993)
Balaybay: Mga Tulang Lunot at Manibalang (2002)
Critical Works
Abot Tanaw: Sulyap at Suri sa Nagbabagong Kultura at Lipunan (1987)
Writing the Nation/Pag-Akda ng Bansa (2000)
Tagalog Poetry, 1570–1898: Tradition and Influences in Its Development (2001)
Librettos
Tales of the Manuvu (1977)
Rama Hari (1980)
Sa Sariling Bayan: Apat na Dulang May Musika (2003)
Lumbera is a strong advocate of the Filipino language. According to him, the gap between the
well-educated Filipinos and the majority cannot be bridged until Filipino becomes their true
lingua franca.
Lumbera has received numerous awards for his work. The most notable ones were the Special
Prize from the Palanca Awards for his poetry collection Sunog sa Lipa at Iba Pang Tula in
1975, the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication
Arts in 1993, and the Philippine Centennial Literary Prize for Drama in 1998.
Lumbera received the title of National Artist for Literature in 2006.
 A EULOGY OF ROACHES
BY BIENVENIDO LUMBERA
Blessed are the They settle where they wish
and have no rent to pay.
cockroaches. Eviction is a word
quite meaningless to them
who do not have to own
In this country they are their dingy crack of wall.

the citizens who last.

They need no police
to promulgate their peace
because they tolerate
each other’s smell or greed.

Friends to dark and

filth,
they do not choose their
 Not knowing dearth or the strong, the wise, the
taxes, dead.
they increase and multiply.
Survival is assured (Reproduced by
even the jobless roach; permission of National Artist,
his opportunities Dr. Bienvenido S. Lumbera.)
pile up where garbage grows.

Dying is brief and cheap

and thus cannot affright.
A whiff of toxic mist,
an agile heel, a stick
—the swift descent of pain
is also final death.
 ANALYSIS OF THE POEM

Published in 1965, “A Eulogy of Roaches” is a piece of Bagay poetry. Its

subject, the roaches, represents a deeper meaning. However, the poet
merely focuses on giving precise visual images of the subject and not on
explicitly stating its representations.
The poet uses imagery, a literary technique in which figurative language
is used to appeal to the reader’s physical senses. An example is the poet’s
description of roaches as “friends to dark and filth.”
Also, the poet uses juxtaposition, a literary technique in which two (or
more) ideas are placed side by side for comparison and contrast. In the last
two stanzas, the poet draws both a comparison and a distinction between
the roaches’ life and the life of the poor: that the poor die simply of
starvation, but the roaches still go on living their short lives in the
“cupboards of the rich, the strong, the wise, the dead.”
 Bienvenido S. Lumbera is a poet, critic, and librettist. He has made valuable
contributions in the development of Philippine literature especially in the vernacular
language. He has published works in English and Filipino and received numerous
awards including the National Artist for Literature title in 2006.

SUMMARY
-END-