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21st Century Literary Genre
What Does It Mean to Be Literate?
Since technology has increased the intensity
and complexity of literate environments, the
twenty-first century demands that a literate
person possesses a wide range of abilities and
competencies, many literacies. These
literacies—from reading online newspapers to
participating in virtual classrooms— are
multiple, dynamic, and malleable.
According to the National Council of Teachers of
English twenty-first century readers and writers
need to:
• Develop proficiency with the tools of
technology.
• Build relationships with others to pose and
solve problems collaboratively and cross-
culturally.
• Design and share information for global
communities to meet a variety of purposes.
•Manage, analyze and synthesize multiple
streams of simultaneous information
•Create, critique, analyze, and evaluate multi-
media texts
Who is the 21st Century Reader?
• grew up using technology as a primary
learning tool
• is capable of navigating and interpreting
digital formats and media messages
• possesses literacy skills which include
technological abilities such as keyboarding,
internet navigation, interpretation of
technological speak, ability to communicate and
interpret coded language and decipher graphics
What is 21st Century Literature?
• New literary work created within the last
decade
• Written by contemporary authors
• Deals with current themes/issues and reflects
a technological culture
• Often breaks traditional writing rules
• Emerging genres like IM and blog format
books, digi-fiction, doodle
21st Century Literature Genres:
Illustrated Novel – Story through text and
illustrated images;
- Generally, 50% of the narrative is presented
without words;
- The reader must interpret the images in order
to comprehend the complete story
- Textual portions are presented in traditional
form.
- Some illustrated novels may contain no text at
all.
- Illustrated novels span all genres
- Kind of like a picture book that grew up to
become a novel, except the images and text are
interdependent.
Digi-Fiction – Triple Media Literature
- a literary experience that combines three
media: book, movie/video, and Internet website
- In order to get the full story, students must
engage in navigation, reading, viewing, in all
three formats
- Popular series include: • 39 Clues: Grades 3-8
• Skeleton Creek: Grades 5-12 • Level 26:
Grades 8-12
Graphic Novels – Narratives in Comic Book
Formats
- A narrative work in which the story is
conveyed to the reader using comic form.

- The term is employed in a broad manner,
encompassing non-fiction works and
thematically-linked short stories as well as
fictional stories across a number of genres.
Manga – Japanese Comics
- the Japanese word for comics.
- It is used in the English-speaking world as a
generic term for all comic books and graphic
novels originally published in Japan
- considered an artistic and storytelling style
- "Amerimanga" is sometimes used to refer to
comics created by American artists in a manga
style.
- Shônen – Boy’s Manga
- Shôjo – Girl’s Manga
- Seinen – Men’s Manga
- Josei – Women’s Manga
- Kodomo – Children’s Manga
- Manga usually follows the traditional style as
found in Japan.
- Japanese Manga is to be read from the right
side to the left, opposite of traditional American
books
- In America, this traditional Japanese style
distinguishes Manga from other Graphic and
illustrated texts.
Doodle Fiction – Hand-scribed Font and Images
- A literary presentation where the author
incorporates doodle drawings and handwritten
graphics in place of traditional font.
- Drawings enhance the story, often adding
humorous elements that would be missing if
the illustrations were omitted.
- Example: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Double Dork
Diaries, Ellie McDoodle
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Text-Talk Novels – Blog, e-mail, & IM Format
Narratives
- Stories told almost completely in dialogue
simulating social network exchanges
Chick Lit – Chick Literature
- A fiction genre which addresses issues of
modern womanhood, often humorously and
lightheartedly.
- It typically features a female protagonist
whose womanhood is heavily thermalized in the
plot.
Flash Fiction – a style of fictional literature of
extreme brevity
- There is no widely accepted definition of the
length of the category.
- It could range from word to a thousand
- Example: Six-word Flash Fiction; six-word
story; the 280-character story; the "dribble";
the "drabble"; "sudden fiction"; flash fiction;
and "micro-story"
Science Fiction – A genre of speculative fiction
dealing with imaginative concepts such as
futuristic science and technology, space travel,
time travel, faster than light travel, parallel
universe and extraterrestrial life.
- Often explores the potential consequences of
scientific and other innovations and has been
called a “literature of ideas.”
Blog – A web log; a website containing short
articles called posts that are changed regularly.
- Some blogs are written by one person
containing their own opinions, interests and
experiences, while others are written by many
different people.
Creative Non-Fiction – Also known as literary
non-fiction or narrative non-fiction

- A genre of writing that uses literary styles and
techniques to create factually accurate
narratives.
- Contrasts with other non-fiction, such as
technical writing or journalism, which is also
rooted in accurate fact, but is not primarily
written in service to its craft.
- Examples:
• Narrative History
• Biography
• Travel writing
• Cultural Criticism
• Personal Essays
• Memoirs
• Literary Journalism
• Science Writing
- As a genre, creative non-fiction is still
relatively young, and is only beginning to be
scrutinized with the same critical analysis given
to fiction and poetry.
Hyper Poetry – Digital poetry that uses links
using hypertext mark-up
- It can either involve set words, phrases, lines,
etc. that are presented in variable order but sit
on the page much as tradition poetry does, or it
can contain parts of the poem that move
and/or mutate.
- This literary work relies on the qualities unique
to a digital environment, such as linked World
Wide Web pages or effects such as sound and
movement
Text Tula – a mobile phone poetry
- a group of words that uses mobile gadgets.
- Similar to a tanaga
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- composed of 7777 syllable count with rhyme
scheme aabb, abab, abba
- example:
If missing you is a crime
I am guilty, I am not fine
I miss how we used to be
Please, oh please come back to me
National Literature – a literature that reflects
the history and culture of a country, usually
created by its local writers.
- According to Rev. Harley Dewart, a national
literature is an essential element in the
formation of national character.
- It is not merely the record of a country’s
mental progress; it is the expression of its
intellectual life, the bond of national unity, and
the guide of national energy.
- It may be fairly questioned, whether the whole
range of history presents the spectacle of a
people firmly united politically, without the
subtle but powerful cement of a patriotic
literature.
Speculative Fiction - an umbrella term
encompassing the more fantastical fiction
genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy,
horror, weird fiction, supernatural fiction,
superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction,
apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and
alternate history in literature as well as related
static, motion, and virtual arts.
Philippine Literature during the
American Period
Themes of Literature
1. Desire for Freedom
2. Love for Country
3. Fight Against Colonialism and Imperialism
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Characteristics of Literature - Most influential newspaper in Manila during

the Spanish colonial period.
1. Nationalism
4. Manila Daily Bulletin
2. Freedom of Speech
- Philippines’ largest broadsheet newspaper by
3. Experience circulation.
4. Search and Use of a new medium - Currently known as “The Manila Bulletin”
Mediums Used - Founded in 1990 as a shipping journal
1. Spanish Three Timeframes of Philippine Literature
during the American Colonization
2. Tagalog
1. Period of Re-Orientation (1898-1910)
3. English
2. Period of Imitation (1910-1925)
American Influences
3. Period of Self-Discovery (1925-1941)
1. Schools
1. Period of Re-Orientation
2. New Education System
- English as a literary vehicle came with the
3. Cleanliness and Hygiene
American occupation in August 18, 1898.
4. English Language
- By 1900, English used as medium of
5. Politics instruction in public schools.

6. Freedom of Speech - American Forces were recruited the 1st

Newspapers
1. El Grito Del Pueblo (Ang Kapatid ng Bayan)
- Pro labor and radical nationalist newspaper
advocates independence under the protection
of the United States.
teachers of English.
- Thomasites – 1st English teachers (USS
Thomas) Composed of 346M, 180W, 43 states,
and 193 Educational Institutions
- August 21, 1901 – Establish New Public high
School System

- Founded by Pascual Pobelete (1899) with - UP, the forerunner in the use of English in
Tagalog version “Ang Kapatid ng Bayan” Higher Education.

2. El Nuevo Dia (The New Day) - UST, forerunner in the use of Spanish

- Founded by Sergio Osmeña (1900) 2. Period of Imitation

- A Cebuano Newspaper - UP College Folio (Philippine Collegian)

published the literary compositions of first
- Lasted for 3 years. Filipino writer in English.
3. El Renacimiento (The Renaissance) Literary Types
- Editor: Rafael Palma 1. Poetry
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2. Short Story - Poems were used to teach Spanish Language

(RA1881)
3. Plays
- Worked as a journalist for the Revolutionary
4. Novels newspapers: Independence, The Brotherhood,
The Union, Renaissance, and Democracy.
5. Essays
- Wrote in English and Spanish, and composed
6. Drama
poems that demonstrated his mastery of
Poetry Spanish.

- Noteworthy names in this field wrote in free - Al Heroe Nacional (To the National Hero) is a
verse, in odes, and sonnets and in other types. poem dedicated to Rizal.

- Was original, spontaneous, and competently - Pentélicas, he described landscapes evoking a

written and later, incorporated social vivid image.
consciousness.
2. Fernando Maria Guererro- Crisálidas
3. Period of Self-Discovery
- Prince of Filipino Lyric Poetry in Spanish
- Publications: the Philippine free press
- Favourite Theme: Eternal Sadness of Things
provided the first incentives to Filipino writers
in English by offering prizes to worthwhile 3. Jesus Balmori
contribution.
- Mi Casa de Nipa, Mi Choza de Nipa
- Drama (1925-1941) did not reach the heights
attained by the novel or the short story. - Pen-name: Batikuling

3 groups of Writers - Poet Laureate in Spanish

1. Spanish - Premio Zóbel for his contributions to

Philippine literature.
2. Tagalog
4. Manuel Bernabe
3. English
- King of Balagtasan in Spanish
Spanish Writers
- Translated Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam in
1. Cecilio Apostol Spanish.
2. Fernando Ma. Guerrero 5. Claro M. Recto
3. Jesus Balmori - Bajo Los Cocoteros – Under the Coconut Tree
(1911)
4. Manuel Bernabe
- Father of Philippine Constitutions
5. Claro M. Recto
6. Mena Pecson Crisologo
1. Cecilio Apostol- Pen name: Catulo
- Notario Eclesiastico of Nuera Segovia Diocese
- “A Rizal” (Masterpiece)
- “Neneng”
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- Introduced the Ilokano Balagtasan 10. Macario Adriatico- Legend of Mindoro – La

Punta de Salto
- Assigned as 1st provincial governor of Ilocos
sur during American Period (1901) 11. Epifanio de los Santos- Pen name: Don
Panyong
- Popular Iloko Poet and Dramatist
- 1st Filipino Academician
- Plays focused on historical or contemporary
issues and were played in Vigan between 1908- - 1st Filipino to become a member of the
1915. Spanish royal academy of language, of
literature, and of history in Madrid
- It walled Calle Crisologo or Crisologo Street.
Tagalog Writers
- Married to Felipa Florentino had daughter
Juana Groups of Tagalog Writers

- Ilocano literature contributor, a dramatist and
novelist
7. Evangelina Guerrero y Entrala de Zacarias
- Evangelina Guerrero y Entrala de Zacarias
(1904-1949), poet, journalist in Spanish
Language.
1. Poet of the Heart (Makata ng Puso)
2. Poets of Life (Makata ng Buhay)
3. Poets of the Stage (Makata ng Tanghalan)
*Julian Cruz Balmaceda classified the 3 kinds of
poets

- “Though You Tell Me Not” Makata ng Puso

- Eldest Daughter of the “Prince of Filipino Lyric 1. Lope K. Santos

Poetry,” Fernando Ma. Guerrero, and Dona
2. Iñigo Ed. Regalado
Remedios Entrala.
3. Carlos Gatmaitan
- Born in Quiapo, Manila (May 24 1904)
4. Pedro Deogracias Rosario
- Educated at Escuela Catolica De Nuestra
Señora De Guia and at the Centro Escolar de 5. Ildefonso Santos
Señoritas.
6. Amado V. Hernandez
- Married to Antonio Zacarias, also a poet, who
became a secretary of the Philippine Senate. 7. Nemesio Caravana

- Life time achievement awardee in 2005 for her 8. Mar Antonio

outstanding achievement in history.
Makata ng Buhay
- Icon of Philippine Literature and Journalism.
1. Lope K. Santos
8. Adelina Gurrea- First woman poet in the
Philippines 2. Jose Corazon de Jesus

- Obtained Novel Prize in poem “El Nido” 3. Florentino Collantes

9. Isidro Marfori- “Aromas de Ensueño: 4. Patricio Mariano

Poesias”.
5. Carlos Gatmaitan
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6. Amado V. Hernandez - Coined the word “Dula”

Makata ng Tanghalan - Father of Tagalog Drama

1. Aurelio Tolentino - CCP Theatre was named him – Tanghalang

Aurelio Tolentino
2. Patricio Mariano
- A Filipino playwright and dramatist whose
3. Severino Reyes works at the turn of the 20th century depict his
desire to see Philippine Independence from its
4. Tomas Remigio
colonizers.
Lope K. Santos
- Born in Santo Cristo, Guagua, Pampanga.
- Banaag at Sikat
- 3rd and youngest child of Leonardo Toletino
- Father of Filipino Grammar and Patrona Valenzuela

- “Apo” of the tagalog writers - Against Invaders – A play of struggle vs.

Imperialist powers.
- Ama ng Balarilang Filipino
Severino Reyes
Amado V. Hernandez
- Walang Sugat
- “Luha ng Buwaya”
- Pen Name: Lola Basyang
- “Ang Panday”
- Father of Tagalog Plays
- 1st king of Balagtasan
- Father of the tagalog zarzuela
- A pillar in the tagalog literature
Marcel M. Navarra
Jose Corazon de Jesus
- Father of Modern Cebuano literature
- Pen name: Huseng Batute
- Born in Tuyon Carcar
- “Ang Isang Punong Kahoy”
Spend most of his life writing almost 80 short
- Legendary Lyric Poet stories which were published in Cebuano
magazines: Bisaya, Alimyon, and Bulak
- King of Balagtasan
- First Short Story: Tungod sa kayagang (1931)
- A Filipino poet who used tagalog poetry to
express Filipino desire for independence - Editor of the 2 most popular Cebuano
magazine: Bisaya and Bagong-Suga
- “Love” a breathtaking tagalog poem about
love. - Stopped Writing after last work: Si Zosimo
(1955)
- “Virgins hand (1929)” is beautiful, touching
tagalog poem about how his love for a woman -Valeriano Hernandez Peña
changed him for the better.
- Pen name: Tandang Anong
Aurelio Tolentino- Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas
- Nena at Neneng
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Faustino S. Aguilar - “Prinsesa Urduja” – a play presented in the

cultural center of the Philippines.
- A Filipino author whose works were on the
side of social realism. English Writers in the Philippines

- Known during the American colonization 1. Carlos Romulo

period in the Philippines as a Journalist and
editor of Taliba. 2. Vicente Hilario

- Pinaglahuan (Author) 3. Jorge C. Bacobo

- Most of his novels talked about violence and 4. Mauro Mendez

injustice in the society during his time.
• Works are spiced with humor, wit, and satire.
- “Pinaglahuan” is a tagalog-language novel.
English Short Story/Informal Essay Writers
- Novel was published by Manila Filateco in
1. Ignacio Manlapaz
Manila, Philippines In 1907
2. Federico Mangahas
Magdalena Gonzaga Jalandoni
3. Francisco B. Icasiano
- Filipino Feminist Writer
4. Godfredo Rivera
- Remembered as one of the most prolific
Filipino writers in Hiligaynon Language 5. Salvador P. Lopez
- “Anabella” 6. Jose Lansang
Gardeopatra Quijano 7. Amando G. Dayrit
- Well known feminist writer born in Alcantara, Francisco Benitez
Cebu (27 April 2018)
- First Editor of Philippine Journal of Education
- “Kon” (If)
- Became Dean of UP College of Education
- Wrote over 50 stories before and after the
war, published in various Cebuano publications. Paz Marquez Benitez

- Ang Asawa nga Dala sa akong Uyoan (1941)
- Maayong Ngalan (1937) won prizes in Bisaya
Literary Contest
- A poet, fictionist and an essayist.
Iñigo Ed. Regalado
- Tilamsik (1964) – Awarded Work
- The Compilation “Damdamin” – Awarded
Work
- 1st Filipino Modern English Language Short
Stoy writer
- One of the Founders of the Philippine
Womens College
- Dead Stars (1925) – stand out as a model of
perfection in Character de Lineation, local color,
plot, and message.
Zoilo Galang- A Child of Sorrow – First Filipino
Novel Written in English.
- Nadia (1929)
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- Encyopedia of the Philippines (1957) - Planca Memorial Awardee of Literature

- Filipino Encyopedist - National Artist Award for Literature

- 1st English Language Filipino Novelist - Centennial Awrad for Literature

Jose Garcia Villa - “Winds of April”

- Pen Name – Doveglion - “A Season of Grace”

- “Comma Poet” - “The Bamboo Dancers”

- Masterpiece – Footnote of Youth - “The Land and the Rain”

Manuel Estabilla Arguilla - “The Happiest Boy in the World”

- How my brother Leon brought home a wife. - “Children of the Ash-Covered Loam”

- A Son is Born Japanese Literature

- Epilogue to Reconciation Japanese stopped most English newspapers

- Ilokano Writer in English, Patriot, and Martyr. • Tribune

- Best craftsman among Filipino fictionist in • Philippine Review

English whose voice is really authentic voice.
• Pillar
Wilfredo Ma. Guererro
• Free Philippines
- A Filipino playwright, teacher, and theatre
artist. • Filipina

- The 1st Filipino to have a theatre named after Victoria Abelardo

him – The Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero Theatre of the
University of the Philippines.
- Masterpiece “Wanted a Chaperon”
• Has described Filipino writing during the
Japanese occupation as being pessimistic and
bitter.

Nick Joaquin Nicanor Sta. Ana

- Pen name: Quijano de Manila • Kundiman Composer

- “May Day Eve” Weekly liwayway was placed under strict

surveillance until it was managed by a Japanese
- “The Woman who had two navels” named Ishiwara.

- “A portrait of the artist as a Filipino” The only contact with the outside world was
done with utmost secrecy through the
- “Summer Solstice” underground radio program called voice of
freedom.
N.V.M Gonzales
Many of the plays were reproductions of
Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzalez
English plays to tagalog.
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The translators were Francisco Soc Rodrigo, o 3rd Line have 5 syllables
Alberto Concio, and Narciso Pimentel – they
founded the organization of Filipino plays - Allegorical in meaning, is short and covers a
named Dramatic Philippines. wide scope in meaning.

Playwrights - Describes beauty of nature. And uses senses.

• Jose Ma. Hernandez – “Panday Pira” Haiku by Gonzalo K. Flores

• Francisco Soc Rodrigo – “Sa Pula, Sa Puti” - “Tutubi”

• Clodualdo de Mundo – “Bulaga” (An - “Anyaya”

expression in game: Hide and Seek)
• Tanaga
• Julian Cruz Balmaceda
- A type of Filipino poem, consisting of 4 lines
- “Sino Ba Kayo”? with seven syllables each with the same rhyme
at the end of each line
- “Dahil sa Anak”
- 7-7-7-7 syllable verse
- “Higante ng Patay”
- AABB rhyme scheme
Filipino Poetry during Japanese Period
- It is short but has measuring and rhyme
Themes Include:
Tanaga by Ildefonso Santos
• Nationalism
- Palay
• Country
- Kabibi
• Love
• Senryu
• Life in the Barrios
- 3 lines similar to haiku structure with 5-7-5 but
• Faith differs from the latter rhyme.

• Religion - Subject: Human Nature

• Arts - Tone is satirical and ironical

Five (5) types of poems during the Japanese - Examples of Senryu: Sho-gun and Salarin.
Period
• Tanka
• Haiku
- Longest of the Japanese poems.
- A poem of free verse that the Japanese like
- Has 5 lines with 31 syllables
- It was made up of 17 syllables divided into 3
lines. - 57577

o 1st Line have 5 syllables - Type of Tanka

o 2nd Line have 7 syllables o Karaniwang Anyo

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Filipino Short Story during Japanese Period 3.) NVM Gonzales – “Lunsod Nayon at Dagat-
Dagatan”
• Brigido Batungbakal
Philippine Literature in English
“Nagbibihis na ang Nayon”
• Carlos P. Romulo
• Macario Pineda
- Won Pulitzer Awards for his best seller
“Suyuan sa Tubigan”
“I saw the fail of the Philippines, I see the
• Serafin Guinigundo Philippines Rise”
“Nagmamadali ang Maynila” “Mother America and my Brother”
• Uwayway Arceo • Nick Joaquin
“Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa” Produced “The woman who looked like
Lazarus”
• Narciso Reyes
• Fred Ruiz Castro
“Lupang Tinubuan”
- Father of the Integrated Bar od the Philippines
• Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzalez
- Wrote a few poems
Lunsod Nayon at Dagat-Dagatan
SCRA – “Supreme Court Reports Annotated”
• Ligaya Perez
Essay
Mga Batong Hiyas
• Salvador P. Lopez
• Gloria Guzman
Literature and Society
Bakasyon Grande
• Francisco B. Icasiasiano
1945 Judges
- Wrote essays in the Philippine Review.
• Francisco Icasiano
- Mang Kiko
• Jose Esperanze Cruz
“Of Old Things and New” (Short Story)
• Antonio Rosales
• Carlos Bulosan
• Clodualdo de Mundo
“The Laughter of my father"
• Teodoro Santos
“The voice of Bataan”
Winners
“Six Filipino Poets”
1.) Narciso Reyes – “Lupang Tinubuan”
• Alfredo Litiatco
2.) Uwayway Arceo – “Uhaw ang Tigang na
Lupa” “With Harp and Sling”

• Jose P. Laurel
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“Forces that Make a Nation Great” Journalists

Novels • Salvador P. Lopez

• Juan Cabreros Laya • Leon Ma. Guerrero

“His Native Soil” • Raul Manglapus

• President Manuel L. Quezon • Carlos Bulosan

The Good Fight Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for

Literature
• Juan Collas
- Known to be the most prestigious and longest-
Translated Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” running award-giving body in the field of
literature, equivalent to the world-renowned
• Tomas Confessor
Pulitzer Prize.
“Diary of Tomas Confessor”
Carlos Palanca (Tan Quien Sien)
- World War II Resistance Leader of Panay: he
Col. Carlos Palanca y Guiterrez – Spanish
was the Chief of National Cooperatives
leader in China
Association.
Don Carlos Palanca
• Roman A. Dela Cruz
Gobernadorcillo
Founded, edited and published the provincial
weekly Newspaper

The Aklan Reporter

THE PERIOD OF ACTIVISM
One-Act Play Plot
Ponciano Pineda - "Father of the Commission
• Elisa Tabuñar on Filipino Language"

Debut HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Commonwealth Literary Awards
• Rafael Zulueta da Costa (Poetry)
“Like the Molave”
• Manuel E. Arguilla (Short Story)
“How my brother Leon brought home a wife”
The First Quarter Storm in 1970 was the
beginning of the period of activism in Philippine
literature. As thousands of students rallied on
the streets to protest the anti-democratic
policies of the Marcos administration, Filipino
writers utilized their writings to undermine the
issues of exploitation and injustice in the
country.

• Salvador P. Lopez (Essay) The mass protests against the administration at

that time led to the declaration of martial law in
Literature and Society 1972. Literature and mass communication were
silenced, but gradually, a group of Filipino
• Juan Laya (Novel)
writers took their writing underground and
His Native Soil recommitted themselves to writing short

stories, poetry and novels that explored the
social concerns of the times. Many writers
joined the underground activities and produced
literary works that are called protest literature.
Other writers challenged the regime's limit and
continued their protest literature above ground.
The period of activism ended when the Marcos
regime ended in 1983.
According to Ponciano Pineda, youth activism in
1970 – 1972 was due to domestic and
worldwide causes.
Activism is connected with the history of our
Filipino youth. Because of the ills of society, the
youth moved to seek reforms. Some continued
to believe that the democratic government is
stable and that it is only the people running the
government who is fault. Some believed that
socialism or communism should replace
democracy. Some armed groups were formed
to bring down the democratic form of
government.
THE SEEDS OF ACTIVISM:
The seeds of activism resulted in the declaration
of Martial Law in 1972. We can, however, say
that the seeds were earlier sown from the times
of Lapu-lapu, Lakandula, and Rizal.
The revolution against the powerful forces in
the Philippines can be said to be the monopoly
of the youth in whose veins flow the fire in their
blood. What Rizal said of the youth being the
hope of the Fatherland is still valid even today.
The Period of the Bloody Placards:
Pineda also said that this was the time when
the youth once more proved that it is not the
constant evasion that shapes our race and
nationalism. There is a limit to one’s patience. It
may explode like a volcano if overstrained.
THE LITERARY REVOLUTION
13
The youth became completely rebellious during
this period. This was proven not only in the
bloody demonstrations and in the sidewalk
expressions but also in literature. Campus
newspapers showed rebellious emotions. The
once aristocratic writers developed an
awareness for society. They held pens and
wrote on placards in red paint the equivalent of
the word MAKIBAKA.
They attacked the ills of society and politics.
Any establishment became the symbol of the
ills that had to be changed.
Rolando Tinio wrote his poetic collection: Rage
and Ritual, and Sitsit Sa Kuliglig.
Rogelio Mangahas - Palanca first prize winner
for his collection of poems, “Mga Duguang
Plakard.”
Efren Abueg - His works appeared on magazines
such as Liwayway, Bulaklak, Tagumpay, and
Homelife
Rio Alma - (Virgilio S. Almario) Poetry
collections: Palipad-Hangin (1985), Katon para
sa limang pandama (1987), Sentimental (2004),
etc. Second successful modernist movement in
Filipino poetry together with Rogelio Mangahas
and Teo Antonio.
Clemente Bautista –
“Marahil dahop and dila ko upang isaulo’t
ipaliwanag
ang panaginip at kamatayan ng sanglaksang
anak-pawis
Saksi ako sa palahaw ng mga dalagitang tila
kinakatay na baboy
Habang ginagahasa ng mga hayok na pulitiko’t
negosyante
Sa sabuyan ng putik ng mga kongresistang
pagkuan, kapiling ang kani-kaniyang alipores at
Tagapayong Puti ay naguunahang ibenta ang
bayan

Ano ang silbi ng kabayanihan? Ng limos na
laurel at ginto?
Ipangangalan sa iyo’y isang kalyeng baku-bako o
kaya’y lumuting monumentong ihian ng mga
lasenggo?”
Translation
“Maybe my mind is impoverished to explain, to
put to memory
The dreams and deaths of the poor
I’m witness to the cries of young girls butchered
like pigs
While being raped by greedy politicians and
businessmen.
In the mudslinging of congressmen, who at
once join their followers and alien advisers who
compete to sell their country
What price heroism? Of laurel and golden alms?
They’ll name you after a crooked street or a
mossy monument which drunkards use for
throwing.
WRITERS DURING THE PERIOD OF ACTIVISM:
Jose F. Lacaba, in his book Days of Disquiet,
Nights of Rage; The First Quarter’s Storm and
Related Events, wrote of the tragic and
tumultuous moments in our country’s history.
Describing this period, he writes: “That first
quarter of the year 1970...It was a glorious time,
a time of terror and of wrath, but also a time for
hope. The signs of change were on the horizon.
A powerful storm was sweeping the land, a
storm whose inexorable advance no earthly
force could stop, and the name of the storm
was history.”
14
Lacaba’s book is truly representative of writers
who were eyewitnesses to this time “of terror
and wrath. “Other writers strove to pour out
their anguish and frustrations in words
describing themselves as “gasping for the air,
thirsting for the water of freedom.” Thus, the
Philippine Center for the International PEN
(Poets, Essayists, and Novelists) held a
conference centering on the “writer’s lack of
freedom in a climate of fear.”
They denounced restrictions on artistic freedom
and passionately led a plea for freedom. Among
the writers in this group were: Nick Joaquin, S.P.
Lopez, Gregorio Brillantes, F. Sionil Jose,
Petronilo Daroy, Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc,
Mauro Avelina, and Jose W. Diokno. People in
the other media participated in this quest for
freedom.
Journalists Jose Burgos Jr., Antonio Ma. Nieva,
movie director Lino Brocka, art critic Anna Leah
S. de Leon were battling head –on against
censorship. They came up with resolutions that
pleaded for causes other than their own –like
the general amnesty for political prisoners, and
other secret decrees restricting free expression.
They requested editors and publishers to
publish the real names of writers in their
columns. It called on media to disseminate
information on national interest without
partisan leanings and resolved to be united with
all causes decrying oppression and repression.
The irreverence for the poor reached its peak
during this period of the mass revolution.
“Hands that broadcast sweat
Brandish placards of protest
In the haciendas of Negros

Sugar cane turns bitter
In the rice granaries of Luzon
Hatred, hammers, sickles,
On old newspapers
Students write the rubrica of dissent
Why should they who roast
The suckling grown loan on verbiage?
Why should they who plant and grind
The corn grow thin on grit and homing?
Strike! Strike! Strike!
A dormant hate errupts
Bundok Buntis, Arayat! Kanlaon!
Federico Licsi Espino Jr. - “Most Brilliant Poet in
Tagalog” in 1970.
This was also during this period that bomba
(bold) films that discredit our ways as Filipinos
started to come out.
Period of the New Society 1972-
1980
Historical Background
The period of the New Society started on
September 21, 1972 The Carlos Palanca Awards
continued to give annual awards.
Almost all themes in most writing dealt with the
development or progress of the country-like the
Green Revolution, family planning, proper
nutrition, environment, drug addiction and
15
pollution. The New society tried to stop
pornography or those writing giving bad
influences on the morals of the people.
A. FILIPINO POETRY DURING THE PERIOD OF
THE NEW SOCIETY
A few months after the declaration of military
rule, the following slogans of the New Society
were heard and ready by many:
1. Sa ikauunlad ng bayan Disiplina ang
kailangan. (Discipline is needed to develop the
nation)
2. Tayo’y kumakain ng gulay Upang humaba ang
buhay. (Let’s eat vegetables to lengthen our
lives)
3. Mag plano ng pamilya Nang ang buhay ay
lumigaya. (Let’s plan our families so we’ll lead
happy lives)
1. 4.Ang pagsunod sa magulang Tanda ng anak
na magalang. (Obeying parents is a mark of a
respectful child)
2. 5.Tayo’y magbigayan At huwag magsiksikan.
(Let’s be generous and not try to outdo each
other)
Themes of most poems dealt with patience,
regard for native culture, customs, and the
beauties of nature and surrounding. Those who
wrote poetry during this period were: Ponciano
Pineda, Anicento Silvestre, Jose Garcia Revelo,
Bienvenido Ramos, Vicente Dimasalang, Cir
Lopez Francisco, and Pelagio Sulit Cruz.
Many more composer added their bit during
this period. Among them were Freddie Aguilar,
Jose Marie Chan and the group Tito, Vic and
Joey. Anak of Freddie Aguilar became an instant
success because of the spirit and emotions
revealed in the song. There was even
translation in Japanese and in other languages.
B. THE PLAY UNDER THE NEW SOCIETY
The government led in reviving old plays and
dramas, like the Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo and

the Embayoka of the Muslim which were
presented in the rebuilt Metropolitan theater,
the Folk Arts Theater and the Culture Center of
the Philippines. Many schools and organization
also presented varied plays.
The Mindanao State University presented a play
Sining Embayoka at the Culture Center of the
Philippines. In 1977, the tales of Manuvu, a new
stlye of rock of the ballet opera was also added
to these presentations. This was performed by
Celeste Legaspi, Lea Navarro, Hadji Alejandro,
Boy Camara, Anthony Castelo, Rey Dizon and
choreographed by Alice Reyes.
The following organizations contributed a lot to
the development of plays during this period.
1. PETA of Cecille Guidote and Lino Brocka
2. Repertory Philippines: of Rebecca Godines
and Zenaida Amador
3. Up Repertory of Behn Cervantes
4. Teatro Filipina by Rolando Tinio.
C. RADIO AND TELEVISION
Radio continued to be patronized during this
period. The play series like SI MATAR, DAHILAN,
ITO ANG PALAD KO, and MR. LONELY were the
forms of recreation of those without television.
Even the new songs were first heard over the
airwaves.
However, many performing artists in radio
moved over to television because of higher pay.
Among these were Augusto Victa, Gene Palamo,
Mely Tagasa, Lina Pusing, and Ester Chavez.
Popular television plays were GULONG NG
PALAD. FLOR DE LUNA, and ANNA LIZA.
SUPERMAN AND TARZAN were also popular
with the youth.
D. FILIPINO FILMS
A yearly Pista ng mga Pelikulang Pilipino (Yearly
Filipino Film Festival) was held during this time.
During Festival which lasted usually or a month,
only Filipino films were shown in all theaters in
16
Metro Manila. Prizes and trophies were
awarded at the end of Festival in recognition of
excellence in film making and in role
performance.
New kinds of films without sex or romance
started to made but which were nevertheless
well-received by the public. Among these were:
1. MAYNILA- SA MGA KUKO NG LIWANAG
written by Edgardo Reyes and filmed under the
direction of Lino Brocka. Bembol Roco was in
the lead role.
2. MINSA’Y ISANG GAMU-GAMO; Nora Aunor
was the principal performer here.
3. GANITO KAMI NOON . . PAANO KAYO
NGAYON : led by Christopher de leon and Gloria
Diaz.
4. INSIANG: by Hilda Koronel
5. AGUILA: led by Fernando Poe Jr., Jay Ilagan
and Chritopher de leon
E. COMICS, MAGAZINES AND OTHER
PUBLICATIONS
The leading papers during this period were:
1. BULLETIN TODAY
2. TIMES JOURNAL
3. PEOPLES JOURNAL
4. BALITA
5. PILIPINO EXPRESS
6. PHILIPPINE DAILY EXPRESS
7. EVENING POST
8. EVENING EXPRESS
LIWAYWAY had been an old-time favorite of the
Filipinos since 1920. Other magazine were:
1. KISLAP
 17

2. BULAKLAK HONORABLE MENTION-”SCORING”- JOY T.

DAYRIT
3. LOVE LIFE
1974-75
4. EXTRA HOT
Frist Prize- co-winners
5. JINGLE SENSATION
• 1. THE DAY OF THE LOCUSTS”- Leoncio
P. Deriada
Like mushrooms, comics also proliferated • 2. “ROMANCE AND THE FAITH ON THE
everywhere and were enjoyed by the masses. MOUNT BANAHAW” –Alfred A. Yuson
Among these were:
Second Price-co winners
1. PILIPINO
• “THE MAN WHO MADE A COVENANT
2. EXTRA HOT WITH THE WIND- Cirilo F. Bautista
3. LOVE LIFE • 2. “ONCE UPON A CRUISE:
GENERATIONS AND OTHER LANDSCAPES”-
4. HIWAGA
Luning Bonifacio Ira
5. KLASIK
Third Price-co winners
6. ESPESYAL
• “THE DOG EATERS-Leonacio P. Deriada
F. PALANCA AWARDEES
• 2. “THE PEOPLE’S PRISON-Maura R.
SHORT STORY CATEGORY Avena

1972-1973 • 3. “DISCOVERY”-Dr. Porfirio F.

Villarin,Jr.
• First Prizes- “SPOTS ON THEIR WINGS
AND OTHER STORIES” –Antonio Enriquez • 4. “A SUMMER GOODBYE”-Linda
Ledesma and Benjamin Bautistas
• Second Prizes- “ON FRIENDS YOU PIN
SUCH HOPES’ –Ines Taccad Camayo

• Third Prizes- “THE LIBERATION OF MRS. G. AN OVERVIEW OF THE LITERATURE DURING

FIDELA MAGSILANG” –Jaime A. Lim THE NEW SOCIETY

1973-1974 Bilingual education which initiated by the Board

• First Prizes- “THE CRIES OF CHILDREN
ON AN APRIL AFTERNOON IN THE YEAR 1957” –
Gregorio C. Brillantes
• Second Prizes- “THE WHITE DRES” –
Estrella D. Alfon
• Third Prizes- “TELL ME WHO CLEFT THE
DEVIL’S FOOT” -Luning BONIFACIO IRA
of National Education as early as 1958 and
contributed up to the period of Martial Rule in
September 21,1972, resulted in the
deterioration of English in the different levels of
education. The focus of education and culture
was on problems of national identity, on re-
oriented, renewed vigor and a firm resolved to
carry out plans and programs.

PERIOD OF THE THIRD
REPUBLIC (1981-1985)
Philippines became a new nation, former
President Marcos called it “The New Republic of
the Philippines"
A historian called this the "Third Republic.".
• 1st Republic: he claimed during the Philippine
Republic of Emilio Aguinaldo.
• 2nd Republic: Americans granted us our
independence on July 4, 1946.
• 3rd Republic: we were freed from Military
Rule. During this period, it cannot be denied
that many people seethed with rebellion and
protest because of the continued oppression
and suppression.
OPPRESSION AND SUPPRESSION
Further aggravated when former Senator
Benigno S. Aquino Jr. the idol of the Filipino
Masses whom they hoped to be the next
president who was brutally murdered on
August 21, 2983.
THE PALANCA AWARDS
- The Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for
literature which was launched in 1950
In 1981, the winner were the following:
First Place: Jessie B. Garcia's "In Hog Heaven"
Second Place: Luning Bonidacio - Ira's "The
Party Hopper"
Third Place: Jesus Q. Cruz - "In these Hallowed
Halls"
In 1982, those who won were:
First Place: "Heart Island" by jose Dalisay Jr.
Second Place: "Pas de Deux" by Azucena Grajo
Uranza
18
Third Place: "The Sky Is Always Blue" by Joe
Marie A. Abueg
In 1983, the mood was restive, characteristics
on the time
First Place: "Oldtimer" by Jose Y. Dalisay Jr.
Second Place: "Games" by Jesus O. Cruz
Third Place: "Perfect Sunday" by Jose Y. Ayala
First Place in Poetry (Pilipino): Jose F. Lcaba
Frist Place (English essay): Gregorio Brillantes
Second Place (English essay): Adrian Cristobal
In 1983, the winners were:
First Place: "The Reprieve" by Susan S. Lara
Second Place: "The Tangerine Gumamela" by
Sylavia Mendez Ventura
Third Place co winner: "The little Wars of
Filemon Sayre" by Lemeuel Torrevillas
Third Place: "Stranger in an Asian City" by
Gregorio Brillantes
In 1985, those who won were:
First Place: "The Hand of God" by Conrado de
Quiros
First Place: "A Novel Prize forJorge" by Eli Ang
Barroso
No awards for second prize
Third Place: "Mecca of the East" by Charles
Loong
In 1984, the Palanca Awards started choosing
best in Novel Writing. La Tondeña continues to
be its sponsor
FILIPINO POETRY
Poems during this period of the Third Republic
were romantic and revolutionary. Writers wrote
openly of their criticism against the

government. The supplications of the people
were coached in fiery, colorful, violent, profane
and insulting language.
POETRY IN ENGLISH:
Most especially, during the wake of the tragic
Benigno Aquino Jr.'s incident, Alfredo Navarro
Salanga, a consistent writer of Philippine
Panorama Magazine in his column " Post-
Prandal Reflections" aptly said it: “darkness in
the mindand soul is how some forgotten poet
puts it. Its suddenness was so profound that we
couldn’t but react to it in any other way.”
Alfredo "Freddie" Navarro Salanga is a Filipino
literary critic, columnist, journalist, novelist,
poet, fictionist, editor, and multi-awarded
writer. He was a member of the Manila Critics
Circle. He was the author of 1984 novella The
Birthing of Hannibal Valdez. He had been
nicknamed as "Daddy Giant.”
1983 MEDIA
"It was a year of ferment, and change, of old
problems made more oppressive by the new
throbbing beat of the times.” - - Sheila S.
Coronel, PANORAMA staff
For journalists, it was a year loaded with libel
charges, lawsuits and seditious trials which they
gallantly bore as harassment suits. FILIPINO
SONGS
Many Filipino songs dealt with themes that
were really true-to-life like those of grief,
poverty, aspirations for freedom, love of God,
of country and of fellowmen.
PHILIPPINE FILMS DURING THE PERIOD
The yearly Festival of Filipino Films continued to
be held during this period. The people’s love for
sex films also was unabated.
PERIODS (1986-1999)
History took another twist. Once more, the
Filipino people regained their independence
which they lost twenty years ago.
19
In the span of four days from February 21-25,
1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng
Bayan) prevailed. Together, the people
barricaded the streets petitioning the
government for changes and reforms.
ON NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Newspapers which were once branded crony
newspapers became instant opposition papers
overnight. This was true of BULLETIN TODAY
which became the opposition paper.
ON BOOKS
The Philippine revolution of 1986 and the fire of
its spirit that will carry the Filipinos through
another epoch in Philippine history is still being
documented just as they have been in the
countless millions who participated in body and
spirit in its realization.
CHILDREN'S BOOK
The Children’s Communication Center (CCC)
directed by poet and writer Virgilio S. Almario,
already has built up an impressive collection of
these kinds of books.
1982: PLAYS FOR CHILDREN by James B. Reuter
S.J (New Day Publications)
1983: STORY TELLING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
1983: JOSE AND CARDO by Peggy Corr Manuel
1983: Jaoquinesquerie: MYTH A LA MOD (Cacho
Hermanos)
1983: LAHI: 5 FILIPINOS FOLK TALES (of 5
English books and 1 cassette tape)
1983: RIZALIANA FOR CHILDREN:
ILLUSTRATIONS and FOLKTALES by: Jose P, Rizal,
Introduced and annotated by ALFREDO Navarro
Salanga
1984: GATAN and TALAW by Jaime Alipit
Montero
(PROSE) Fables

1. The Crown Jewels of Heezenhurst by Sylvia
Mendez Ventura
2. The Emperor's New Underwear by Meynardo
A. Macaraig
3. The King's Cold by Babeth Lolarga
4. The Case of the Missing Charisma
(Unfinished) by Sylvia L. Mayuga
THE STATE OF PHILIPPINES LITERATURE IN
ENGLISH AT THIS TIME
Change in the direction of greater
consciousness in content and form.
Change in the number of readers and the
number of writers and the kind of class of
writers. Writers who joined the ranks came not
only from the established or professional
groups but from all ranks –clerks, secretaries,
drivers, housewives, students; in short, the
masses.
The resurgence of Balagtasismo and the
continued dominance of Modernismo. While
Balagtasismo turned its back on the American
challenge to Philippine literature its
conservative conventions, Modernismo adapted
Americanization for its own ends.
The birth of a new poetic movement still dims
in outline.
The apparent merging of the erstwhile separate
streams of oral and written literature.
After ten years of military rule and some
changes in the life of the Filipino which started
under the New Society, Martial Rule was at last
lifted on January 2, 1981.
Isagani Cruz, writes about Philippine literature
in the " Age of Ninoy"
SOME WRITERS DURING THIS PERIOD
1981: PHILIPPINE FOLK LITERATURE by
Damiana Eugenio
20
1981: ADVENTURES OF MARIAN by Carassa
Orosa Uy
1982: SOMEWHERE BETWEEN YOUR SMILE
AND YOUR FROWN and OTHER POEMS by Mila
R. Garcia
1983: PARES-PARES by Bievenido M. Noriega
Jr.
1983: AGON: POEMS, 1983 by Edgar B.
Maranan
1983: THE FARMER by Alfredo Navarro
Salanga
1984: THE ROAD TO MOWAB and OTHER
STORIES by Leoncia P. Deriada
Philippine Literature from 2000
to Present
Notable Authors and their Literary Contribution
Abdon M. Balde Jr. – a councilor of the
organization Lupon Sa Wika, a member of the
NationalCommission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA) and director of the Unyon ng mga
Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL; English: Writers’
Union of the Philippines).
Awards:
• Palanca Memorial Award for Literature (2003)
• Rokyaw Ibalong Bikol Highest Achievement
Award in Literature (2003)
• National Bookstore Awards (2003, 2004 and
2005)
• Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Novel (2004)
• Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Book of Fiction
(2005)
• Gintong Aklat Award (2005)

• Lifetime Achievement Award, Premio Arejola
Foundation (2007)
• Rector’s Recognition for Excellence,
Achievement, Commitment & Humanitarian
Service for Career Achievement, Aquinas
University of Legazpi (2007)
• Omaw sa Oragon: Tribute for Excellence
(2008)
Beverly “Bebang” Siy – published writer of all
sorts of genres (from serious poetry to horror
stories for adolescents to humorous essays to
erotic novel.)
- She did the writing, lay outing and publishing
of the spoof of her school's campus paper. She
sold each copy for P2.00 or $ 0.05 to her
classmates.
- She took up BA Creative Writing (Filipino) in
the University of the Philippines while she
worked as a waitress at night.
- She graduated cum laude in 2002. She
immediately signed up for MA Filipino, major in
Literature.
- She is the youngest member of UMPIL or
Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas' Board of
Directors in 2004-2010.
- President of Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at
Anyo (LIRA) in 2007-2009. LIRA is the premiere
and the oldest organization of Filipino poets
who write primarily in the national language.
- She is the Executive Officer for Membership
and Documentation of Filipinas Copyright
Licensing Society (FILCOLS), an organization of
authors and publishers that helps fight for the
economic rights of copyright holders.
Allan Popa – author of 7 collections of poetry,
most recent is “Basta” (Ateneo de Manila
University Press, 2009)
- Philippine Free Press Literary Awardee
- Manila Critics’ Circle National Book Awardee
21
- Earned his MFA in poetry at Washington
University, St. Louis where he won the Norma
Lowry Prize and the Academy of American
Poets Prize
Charlson Ong – written 3 collections of short
fiction: Men of the East and Other Stories,
Woman of Amkaw and Other Stories, and A
Tropical Winter’s Tale and Other Stories.
- resident fellow of the Institute of Creative
Writing and fictionist/scriptwriter/singer
extraordinaire, was born on July 6, 1960.
- obtained an A.B. in Psychology from the
University of the Philippines in 1977, and
currently teaches literature and creative writing
under UP's Department of English and
Comparative Literature.
- joined several writers' workshops here and
abroad, and has acquired numerous grants and
awards for his fiction, including the Palanca,
Free Press, Graphic, Asiaweek, National Book
Award, and the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for
Excellence.
- His novel, Embarrassment of Riches published
by UP Press in 2002, won the Centennial
Literary Prize. In addition to this, Ong has
served as co-editor of the Likhaan Book of
Poetry and Fiction
- Other novels: Banyaga, A Song of War, Blue
Angel, White Shadow
- His short stories range from parodies of well-
loved Filipino texts to insightful treatments of
Chinese-Filipino culture. These have been
collected into Men of the East and Other Stories
(1990 and 1999), Woman of Am-Kaw and Other
Stories (1993) and Conversion and Other
Fictions (1996).
Christina Pantoja Hidalgo – a renowned teacher,
editor, writer, and pioneer of creative
nonfiction.
- Garnering honors since her colegiala days, Dr.
Hidalgo has also received such prestigious

awards as Gawad Balagtas, Graphic, Free Press,
Focus, Manila Critics' Circle, British Council
Grant to Cambridge, and the U.P. President's
Award for Outstanding Publication.
- She has been recognized as Outstanding
Thomasian Writer, Hall of Famer for the
International Publication Award, and Grand
Prize winner for the Novel in the Palanca
Awards.
- She was Vice President for Public Affairs of the
University of the Philippines and at present is
the director of the University of Sto. Tomas
Publishing House, and an associate of the UP
Institute of Creative Writing.
Danton Remoto – has written nine books and
edited eight other titles, including the landmark
“Ladlad Series” of gay literature.
- taught English and Literature at Ateneo de
Manila University before taking early
retirement to work as a Communications
Analyst at the United Nations Development
Program.
- He is now the Head of Research and Desk
Manager of TV5, where he also co-hosts a
weekly TV show and a daily radio show.
- He studied at Ateneo de Manila University,
University of the Philippines, University of
Stirling (U.K.) and Rutgers University (U.S.A.)
Dean Francis Alfar – (born 1969), is a Filipino
playwright, novelist and writer of speculative
fiction.
- His plays have been performed in venues
across the country, while his articles and fiction
have been published both in his native
Philippines and abroad, such as in Strange
Horizons, Rabid Transit, The Year's Best Fantasy
and Horror and the Exotic Gothic series.
- His literary awards include ten Don Carlos
Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature ...
including the Grand Prize for Novel for
Salamanca (Ateneo Press, 2006) ... as well as
22
the Manila Critics' Circle National Book Awards
for the graphic novels Freedom and Passion,
and the Philippines Free Press Literary Award.
- He was a fellow at the 1992 Dumaguete
National Writers Workshop and 20th UP
National Writers Workshop.
- He is an advocate of the literature of the
fantastic, editing the Philippine Speculative
Fiction series, as well as a comic book creator
and a blogger.
- Alfar is also an entrepreneur ... running several
businesses. He lives in Manila with his wife,
fictionist Nikki Alfar and their two daughters.
- 2006 - Best Comic Book (Siglo: Passion) 2004 -
Best Comic Book (Siglo: Freedom)
Edgar Calabia Samar – author of two books of
poetry: Pag-aabang sa Kundiman: Isang
Tulambuhay (2006) and Isa Na Namang
Pagtingala sa Buwan (2005).
- His 2009 novel, Walong Diwata ng Pagkahulog
[Eight Muses of the Fall], longlisted for the Man
Asian Literary Prize and won the NCCA Writer's
Prize for the Novel.
- His works have also received awards from the
Palanca, PBBY Salanga Writer's Prize, Gawad
Surian sa Tula and Gantimpalang Collantes.
- His second novel, Sa Kasunod ng 909, which
won the 2011 KAL Gawad Antonio M. Abad for
Best Dissertation in UP Diliman, will be
published soon. He was invited as writer in
residence to the 2010 International Writing
Program of the University of Iowa. Samar
teaches Philippine Literature and Creative
Writing at Ateneo de Manila University and is
now the Director of the Ateneo Institute of
Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP).
Edward P. Jones – Awarded, among others, the
National Book Critics Circle Award and the
International IMPAC Dublin and Lannan Literary
Awards for The Known World;

- he also received a MacArthur Fellowship in
2004.
- His first collection of stories, Lost in the City,
won the PEN/Hemingway Award and was
shortlisted for the National Book Award. His
most recent book is All Aunt Hagar's Children.
- He lives in Washington, D.C.
Eros S. Atalia – a Filipino author, professor and
journalist from Cavite City who wrote several
books including the Palanca Award-winning
'Tatlong Gabi, Tatlong Araw' (Three Nights,
Three Days) in 2013and Ang Ikatlong Anti-
Kristo' (The Third Antichrist) in 2017.
- His book 'Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me' (published in
2009) was adapted into film in 2011
- He is a faculty member at the University of
Santo Tomas
- a resident at the International Writing
Program of the University of Iowa
- co-founded the defunct local newspaper
Responde Cavite, where he also served as an
editor.
- Taguan-Pung at Manwal ng Pagpapatiwakal
(2005)
- Peksman (Mamatay ka Man) Nagsisinungaling
Ako (2007)
- Ligo na U, Lapit na Me (2009)
- Wag Lang Di Makaraos (2011)
- It's Not That Complicated: Bakit Hindi Pa
Sasakupin ng Alien ang Daigdig sa 2012 (2012)
Gemma Nemenzo – One of those who
conceptualized and created “Batibot,” a
children’s educational TV show.
- Abstract editor for US-based electronic
database publisher;
23
- Managing editor and columnist of “Filipinas” –
the only monthly glossy magazine for the Fil-Am
community in the US.
J. Neil C. Garcia – finished his BA Journalism
(magna cum laude) in the University of Santo
Tomas in 1990.
- He is currently teaching creative writing and
comparative literature at the University of the
Philippines, Diliman, where he also serves as an
associate for poetry in the Institute of Creative
Writing.
- He is the author of numerous poetry
collections and works in literary and cultural
criticism, including Our Lady of the Carnival
(1996), The Sorrows of Water (2000), Kaluluwa
(2001), Philippine Gay Culture: The Last Thirty
Years (1996), Slip/pages: Essays in Philippine
Gay Criticism (1998), Performing the Self:
Occasional Prose (2003), The Garden of
Wordlessness (2005), and Misterios and Other
Poems (2005)
- His latest critical work, Postcolonialism and
Filipino Poetics: Essays and Critiques, is a
revised version of his PhD dissertation in English
Studies: Creative Writing, which he completed
in 2003. He is currently working on a full-length
book, a postcolonial survey and analysis of
Philippine poetry in English.
Isagani R. Cruz – Former Philippine
Undersecretary of Education ISAGANI R. CRUZ
(Ph.D. English, University of Maryland) is
currently a Professor Emeritus, a University
Fellow, and the Academic Publications
Executive Publisher of De La Salle University,
the Director of the Teachers Academy of Far
Eastern University, and a Visiting Lecturer at the
Ateneo de Manila University and the University
of Santo Tomas.
- He writes plays, essays, biographies, and short
stories in Filipino and English, for which he has
won numerous national and international
awards, including the Carlos Palanca Memorial

Awards in Literature Hall of Fame and the
Southeast Asian Writers (SEAWRITE) Award.
- written or edited more than thirty books.
- a professor or a visiting fellow at various
universities in the Philippines, the United
States, Iran, Japan, Taiwan, and the United
Kingdom, including the University of Oxford.
- heads the Philippine Fulbright Scholars
Association, Wika ng Kultura at Agham (WIKA),
Books for Philippine Schools Foundation, the
Active E-Learning Technologies Foundation, and
Libro Amigo Publishers.
- co-founded the Manila Critics Circle, the
Philippine Association of Scholarly and
Academic Publishers (PASAP) and the Philippine
Journals Online project.
- former President of the Philippine Studies
Association (PSA).
- retired Senior Bibliographer of the Modern
Language Association of America (MLA).
- decorated by the Government of France as a
Chevalier dans l’Ordre National du Mérite and
by the Ramain family as Honorary Sultan of
Iligan City.
- Project Director of the Foundation for
Upgrading the Standard of Education (FUSE)
and is the Program Director of the Philippine
Cultural Education Program (PCEP) of the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA).
- member of the English Speaking Union (ESU)
Philippines, the Technical Advisory Council of
the Congressional Commission on Science,
Technology, and Engineering (COMSTE),
Filipinas Licensing Copyright Society (FILCOLS),
and Former Senior Government Officials
(FSGO).
- writes for Philippine Star and BizNews Asia.
Rosario Cruz-Lucero – holds a Ph.D. in Philippine
Studies from the University of the Philippines,
24
Diliman and is a professor at the Department of
Filipino and Philippine Literature in the same
university.
- Besides critical essays on the literature of the
Visayas and Mindanao, she has published two
anthologies of Hiligaynon literature (translated
into Filipino) and authored collections of short
stories, Feast and Famine, Herstory, and La
India or the Island of the Disappeared.
Resil B. Mojares – Essayist and scholar
- authored award- winning books: Origins and
Rise of the Filipino Novel (1979), Theater in
Society, Society in Theater (1985), House of
Memory (1997 ), Waiting for Mariang Makiling
(2002), and Brains of the Nation (2006).
- served as visiting professor in Philippine
Studies at universities in Japan, Singapore, and
the United States.
- Long-time member of the Manila Critics Circle,
he is currently general editor of the Ramon
Magsaysay Award Foundation and professor
emeritus at the University of San Carlos in Cebu
City.
Jose Dalisay, Jr. - published more than 25 books
of fiction and nonfiction, winning many awards
for his writing both in the Philippines and
overseas.
- a Fulbright, Hawthornden, British Council,
David TK Wong, Rockefeller, and Civitella
Ranieri fellow.
- lectured on Philippine culture and politics in
the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy,
Singapore, Malaysia, and China, among other
places.
- second novel, Soledad's Sister, was shortlisted
for the inaugural Man Asian Literary Prize in
2007.
Santiago B. Villafania – a Pangasinan poet
[based in Manila]. He writes in Pangasinan,
Filipino/Tagalog and English.

- born in Tuliao, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan on
January 31, 1971. Finished his Bachelor of Arts
Major in English at the University of Pangasinan
in 1991.
- Some of his poems have appeared in local and
international print and web publications. His
poetry collection in Pangasinan language Balikas
na Caboloan is among the works published by
the National Commission for the Culture and
the Arts (NCCA) under its UBOD New Writers
Series (2005).
- advocates for the resurgence of Pangasinan as
a literary language.
- awarded the Writer of the Year (2004) by the
Ulupan na Pansiansia’y Salitan Pangasinan
(Association for the Preservation of the
Pangasinan Language) and Award of Merit
(2005) by the Association of Writers and
Authors for Regional Development (Region I) for
his first book, Pinabli tan arum ni’ran
Anlong(Beloved and Other Poems) published in
2003.
- His second book of poems, Malagilion: Soniton
Pangasinan, is an attempt to open the
propylaea of literary renaissance in Pangasinan.
- currently coming out with a chapbook of his
poems in English titled Murtila.
- teaches literature at Emilio Aguinaldo College
Manila.
RJ Ledesma – Honorary Vice Consul of Monaco
to the Philippines (2010-present) and is a
member of the Consular Corps of the
Philippines.
- Writes a weekly lifestyle column for the
Philippine Star ‘Pogi from a Parallel Universe’
(2006-2015) and was one of the winners of the
Philippine Star 2006 Lifestyle Journalism Awards
- Produced six best-selling creative nonfiction
books from Anvil Publishing. Three of his books
(Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Me? (2010), It Only
Hurts When I Pee (2011) and Blue Babble, Gang
25
Green: The Ateneo-La Salle Rivalry (2014)) were
Na tional Book Awards finalists. His other books
are Lies My Yaya Shoud Have Told Me (2008), I
Do or I Die (2009) and Playing With Pink Parts
(2013).
- Former editor-in-chief of Mega Publication’s
Manual Magazine (2005-2009) and Five Leaf
Publishing’s UNO Magazine. Former columnist
for Manila Times (2004-05).
- A writing fellow of the 53rd University of the
Philippines National Writers Workshop (2014)
and of the 1994 Silliman University National
Writers Workshop.
- known more popularly as ‘Joey’ of the Royal
Tru-Orange series of commercials that ran from
1988-1991. The commercials were directed by
the late Lino Brocka, the late Ishmael Bernal,
Peque Gallaga and Jun Urbano. The first Royal
commercial ranked fourth in the Pilipino
Advertising Klasiks (Pilak) Awards.
Flor Marie “Neni” Sta. Romana Cruz –award-
winning writer, accomplished educator, noted
children’s book critic, reading advocate and
freelance journalist.
- Prior to her appointment to the NBDB, Sta.
Romana-Cruz chaired the Philippine Board on
Books for Young People (PBBY) and was likewise
a board member of the “Sa Aklat Sisikat”
Foundation, an organization which promotes
book reading and lifelong learning.
- Some of the award-winning books she
authored were the following: “Why the Piña has
a Hundred Eyes and Other Classic Philippine
Folk Tales About Fruits” which won the 1993
National Book Award for Children’s Literature
and a biography of Gabriela Silang which
received a National Book Award citation for
excellence in 1992.
- recent works are the highly successful
companion gift books “You Know You’re Filipino
If….,” “Don’t Take a Bath on a Friday: Philippine
Superstitions and Folk Beliefs,” and “Ngalang

Pinoy: A Primer on Filipino Wordplay,” all
published by Tahanan Books.
- graduated cum laude from St. Scholastica’s
College and holds a master’s degree in English
Literature from the Ateneo de Manila
University.
- taken courses in children’s literature from
Michigan State University.
- taught writing to talented elementary school
students at International School-Manila, where
she headed the Children’s Media Center.
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard – author and editor
of nineteen books.
- co-founded PAWA or Philippine American is an
award-winning Women Writers and Artists;
- founded Philippine American Literary House.
- Magdalena (novel, Plain View Press, 2002)
Magnificat: Mama Mary's Pilgrim Sites (Edited
by Brainard, Anvil, 2012) Gintong Aklat Award
(Golden Book Award), for Finding God: True
Stories of Cecilia Manguerra Brainard
Ian Rosales Casocot – (born 1975)
- creative writer and journalist from Dumaguete
City, Negros Oriental
- known for his prizewinning short stories Old
Movies, The Hero of the Snore Tango, Rosario
and the Stories, and A Strange Map of Time.
- maintains A Critical Survey of Philippine
Literature, a website on Filipino writings and
literary criticism.
- The 2003 UBOD New Writers Series
Gémino Henson Abad – a poet and critic from
Cebu.
- A Makeshift Sun, 2001
- "Care of Light: New Poems and Found", 2010
Cirilo F. Bautista – (born 1941)
26
- a multi-awarded Filipino poet, fictionist, critic
and writer of nonfiction.
- Sunlight On Broken Stones (2000)
- Tinik Sa Dila: Isang Katipunan Ng Mga Tula
(2003)
- The Trilogy Of Saint Lazarus (2001)
- Believe and Betray: New and Collected Poems
(2006)
Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta – (June 16, 1932 –
November 4, 2010)
- a poet, editor, author, and teacher
- One of the country's most respected writers
- published several books of poetry, criticism,
drama, and prose and edited various literary
anthologies.
- In 1999, she received Southeast Asia's highest
literary honor, the S.E.A. Write Award.
- Passional (2002)
- The Ophelia Alcantara-Dimalanta Reader,
Volume 1, Poetry (2005)
NOTABLE WORKS:
2004 – Best Comic Book (Siglo: Freedom) The
first book, had been hailed by critics for pushing
the envelope in the realm of graphic novels
2006 – Best Comic Book (Siglo: Passion) the
newest book in the Siglo series, is one of the
most ambitious comic book projects in
Philippine publishing and literary history.
Salamanca – (The Sorcery) refers to the fuel
that powers an imaginary Spanish galleon to
soar through the skies.
- Winner, 2005 Palanca Grand Prize for Novel
Gintong Aklat Award (Golden Book Award):
- Magdalena (novel, Plain View Press, 2002)
 27

- Finding God: True Stories of Spiritual

Encounters (co-edited with Marilyn Y. Orosa)
(2009)

- Magnificat: Mama Mary's Pilgrim Sites (Edited

by Brainard, Anvil, 2012)

2003 UBOD New Writers Series:

" Care of Light: New Poems and Found”

published by Anvil in 2009 by Gemino H. Abad

Sunlight On Broken Stones (2000) Tinik Sa Dila:

Isang Katipunan Ng Mga Tula (2003) The Trilogy
of Saint Lazarus (2001) Believe and Betray: New
and Collected Poems (2006) by Cirilo F. Bautista

Passional (2002) and The Ophelia Alcantara-

Dimalanta Reader (Selected Poetry) Vol. 1 (2