Philippine Literature during the American

Period
American period is one of the turning points which made our Philippine literary tradition
colorful and interesting. This period saw the addition of a colorful language, the English
language, as an indispensable tool for literature and communication. Indeed, this period
witnessed a dramatic flowering of the Philippine literature considering the sheer volume of
works produced, the ringing of names etched in the Philippine literary pantheon, as well as
the introduction and development of new literary genres as genuine additions to the already
rich Philippine literary tradition. So, brace yourselves and enjoy our literary journey together!

Intended learning outcomes

By the time of completion of this topic, you should be able to:

1. Trace the historical events and development of Philippine Literature during the
American Period;
2. Acquaint the three literary strands, the Spanish, Filipino and English literatures, that
prospered during the American period; and
3. Identify the contributions of American period to the Philippine literary tradition.

Historical background of the American period

 The Filipino revolutionaries won against the Spaniards and the Philippine
Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898.
 The flag was hoisted by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and the Philippine Republic was
inaugurated but was short-lived.
 The Philippines lost in the Philippine – American War with the surrender of Gen.
Miguel Malvar of Batangas and Gen. Simeon Ola of Bicol.
 The spirit of nationalism of the people remained undaunted.
 Peace movements started as early as 1900 and many Filipinos started writing
again  “after the sword was broken.”
 The Filipino men-of-letters wrote all forms of literary genres like news, poetry,
stories, plays essays, novels which clearly depicted their love of country and longing for
independence.

Newspapers circulated during the American period

These newspapers were published during the American period and were primarily established
to continue the fight for freedom after the defeat of the Filipino forces against the Americans.
These are:

1. El Nuevo Dia (The New Day) – established by Sergio Osmena in 1900. American
sensors banned this newspaper and threatened Osmena with banishment.
2. El Grito del Pueblo (The Call of the Nation) – established by Pascual Poblete in 1900.
3. El Renacimiento (The Rebirth) – founded by Rafael Palma.
Plays staged during the American period
1. Kahapon, Ngayon, Bukas (Yesterday, today and tomorrow) – written by Aurelio
Tolentino
2. Tanikalang Ginto – written by Juan Abad
3. Malaya – written by Tomas Remigio
4. Walang Sugat – written by Severino Reyes

The Philippine Literature in Spanish language

In the earlier years of American occupation, the inspiration of our Filipino writers in Spanish
was our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. His novels, Noli and El Fili, contained the best
qualities of a novel ever written which inspired a lot of Filipinos to use the Spanish language.
Here are some of our outstanding writers in the Spanish language.

1. Cecilio Apostol wrote poems dedicated to Rizal, Jacinto, Mabini and all other heroes.
His poem dedicated to Rizal entitled, “A Rizal” is his masterpiece: “…
que se  una bala destrozo tu craneo  tambien tu idea destrozo un imperio…”
2. Fernando Ma. Guerrero is a another writer who, together
with Apostol, became Kings of Balagtasan in Spanish. He also wrote a poem to honor
Rizal entitled, “Invocacion a Rizal:” “…
hablar contigo que dejaste escrito, el  evangelio libre de tu raza…”
3. Jesus Balmori used the pen name Batikuling. He was elected Poet Laureate in
Spanish besting Manuel Bernabe with his topic Recuerdo: “…Mi tema es el Recuerdo,
mi  moto hidalguia, Mi divisa un laurel, mi corazon un penasco!”
4. Manuel Bernabe is a lyric poet whose fierceness and nationalistic spirit was
unchanged in any topic. His topic was Olvido: “… Recordar! Ay del
alma  que recuerde, la quiebra que ha sufrido  la illusion…”
5. Claro M. Recto wrote poems and compiled them under the
title Bajo Los Cocoteros (Under the Coconut Trees).
6. Adelina Guerea was the first woman poet in the Philippines. She obtained the Zobel
Prize in her song El Nido (The Nest).
7. Isidro Marpori became famous for his books entitled Aromas de Ensueno (Scents of
Dreams).
8. Macario Adriatico wrote the legend of Mindoro entitle La Punta de Salto (The Place
of Origin).
9. Epifanio delos Santos (Don Panyong) was a good leader and biographer in Spanish.
10. Pedro Aunario wrote the Decalogo del  Proteccionismo.

The Philippine Literature in Filipino (Tagalog) language

Majority among the Filipinos were beginning to read and write. Most of them started to read
and became informed with what is happening around. As a result, more and more Filipinos
became writers and poets and dramatists. Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar’s epic poem,
Florante at Laura and Father Modesto De Castro’s social novel, Urbana at Felisa became the
inspiration of the Filipino (Tagalog) writers. Some of the more popular writers during this
period were:
1. Lope K. Santos was a novelist, poet, author and grammarian. He was called “Apo” of
the Tagalog writers. He was also dubbed as “Ama ng Balarilang Filipino” (Father of
National Language Grammar). The novel, “Banaag at Sikat” was his masterpiece.
2. Jose Corazon De Jesus was also known as “Huseng Batute.” He was deemed as
“Makata ng Pag-ibig.” He wrote the nationalistic poem, “Bayan Ko” and “Isang Punong
Kahoy,” an elegy, was his masterpiece.
3. Amado V. Hernandez was crowned “Makata ng mga Manggagawa” because his
poems revolve on the lives of city laborers. He wrote the poems “Isang Dipang Langit,”
“Bayang Malaya,” “Munting Lupa” while being incarcerated in the Muntinlupa Jail
because of his involvement in labor riots. The famous poem, “Ang Panday” was his
masterpiece.
4. Valeriano Hernandez Peña was popularly known as “Tandang Anong”. He used
“Kuntil Butil” as his pen name. The novel “Nena at Neneng” was his masterpiece.
5. Iñigo Ed. Regalado was the son of Odalager, a popular writer during Spanish Period.
He was a popular story-teller, novelist and newspaperman during the American period.

Filipino (Tagalog) poetry

Inspired by the Propagandists and Revolutionists writers and poets, more and more Filipinos
started using the pen to share their sentiments and emotions. A lot of Filipino poets emerged
during this period. Hence, Julian Cruz Balmaceda, a popular writer, dramatist and critic
classified these poets based on the poems that they wrote. They are classified as:

1. Poets of the Heart (Mga Makata ng Pag-ibig)

A. Lope K. Santos
B. Inigo Ed. Regalado
C. Carlos Gatmaitan
D. Pedro Gatmaitan
E. Jose Corazon de Jesus
F. Cirilo Panganiban
G. Deogracias del Rosario
H. Ildefonso Santos
I. Amado V. Hernandez
J. Nemecio Carabana
K. Mar Antonio
2. Poets of Life (Mga Makata ng Buhay)
A. Lope K. Santos
B. Jose Corazon de Jesus
C. Florentino Collantes
D. Patricio Mariano
E. Carlos Gatmaitan
F. Amado V. Hernandez
3. Poets of the Stage (Mga Makata ng Entablado)
A. Aurelio Tolentino
 B. Patricio Mariano
C. Severino Reyes
D. Tomas Remigio

Filipino (Tagalog) Short Story

The emergence of the English short story was instrumental in the development of this literary
genre called “Maikling kuwento” or simpy referred to as “Dagli” since they can be read in
one sitting. Short stories began to appear in Pangsandaliang Libangan (Short-time Leisure)
and Dagli (Fast) columns. Popular short story writers include:

1. Lope K. Santos
2. Patricio Mariano
3. Rosauro Almario
In “Liwayway,” a popular weekly publication who publishes short stories, we find the names:

1. Deogracias Rosario
2. Teodoro Gener
3. Cirio H. Panganiban

Filipino (Tagalog) drama

In the American period, a lot of changes began to unravel. Almost all literary genres were
affected with the coming of the Americans and the English language. However, there are still
Filipino men-of-letters who wanted to use the Tagalog medium and sought to improve
various literatures using it.

In Tagalog drama, Severino Reyes and Hermogenes Ilagan criticized the Spanish Moro-moro
and showed that dramas can be powerful vehicles for propagation of Filipino values for the
audiences. Aside from these values, these dramas were extensively used as a way to promote
nationalism as well. The popular dramatists during this period include:

1. Severino Reyes was called the “Father of Tagalog Drama.” His immortal play,
“Walang Sugat” was his masterpiece.
2. Aurelio Tolentino was deemed the “Father of Kapampangan Drama.” His work,
“Luhang Tagalog” was his masterpiece and his “Napon, Ngeni at Bukas” was a
translation of his other masterpiece, “Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas.”
3. Hermogenes Ilagan was a dramatist who founded the
group Campaña Ilagan, presenting many dramas in Central Luzon.
4. Patricio Mariano wrote the play entitled “Ninay.” His masterpiece was “Anak ng
Dagat.”
5. Julian Cruz Balmaceda was a playwright who wrote “Bunganga ng Pating.”

Vernacular poetry
Aside from the flowering of Spanish, Filipino and English languages as literary media,
several vernaculars writers and poets gained popularity in their respective localities. Let us
take a look at some of them.
Ilokano Poetry
1. Pedro Bukaneg was deemed as the “Father of Ilocano Literature.” The
Ilocano Bukanegan was the Ilokano form of Balagtasan which was periodically held to
honor his name.
2. Claro Caluya was the “Prince of Ilocano Poets.”
3. Leon Pichay was crowned as the “Best Bukanegero.” He was also a poet, novelist,
short story writer, dramatist and essayist.
Kapampangan Poetry
1. Juan Crisostomo Soto was called the “Father of Kapampangan Literature.”
The Crisotan was the Kapampangan form of Balagtasan held in his honor.
2. Aurelio Tolentino was a dramatist and his “Napon, Ngeni at Bukas” was a translation
of his masterpiece “Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas.”
Visayan Poetry
1. Eriberto Gumban was dubbed as the “Father of Visayan Literature.” He wrote a
number of zarzuela, moro-moro and plays in Visayan language.
2. Magdalena Jalandoni was a notable female novelist who wrote “Ang mga Tunuk
san isa ca Bulaclac.”

The Philippine Literature in English language

Although the Filipinos were defeated in the Philippine-American War, or Philippine
Insurrection as termed by the Americans, they kept the flame of nationalism burning as ever.
Seeking to find a better solution other than violent means, they resorted back to the pen.
Peace movements started as early as 1900 and many Filipinos started writing again “after the
sword was broken.”

They wrote all forms of literature like news, poetry, stories, plays essays, novels which
clearly depicted their love of country and longing for independence. Hence, the spirit of
nationalism of the people remained undaunted.

With the arrival of the English language, a new way of writing literature has emerged. The
Filipinos, being lovers of languages and natural linguists, began using this new medium to
record their thoughts, sentiments, ideas and views, dreams and fears as well as everyday life-
matters. In short, a new weapon was added to their arsenal.

As students of Philippine literature, you need to understand how Philippine literature in

English developed and improved from its early years during the American period and
beyond. To begin with, let us take a look at the three periods, namely:

1. Period of Re-orientation
2. Period of Imitation
3. Period of Self-Discovery and Growth

Period of Re-orientation (1898-1910)

The Period of Re-orientation covered the early years of American period and the landing of
the Americans to Philippine shores including the Philippine-American War. Even during the
war, the Americans established public school system in areas that have been
pacified. English  language was used as medium of instruction in public schools as early as
1900 in the Corregidor Island.

 The first English teachers were the American soldiers stationed in various areas.

 Later on, the professional teachers arrived via US Army transport ship “USS Thomas”
hence, these pioneering teachers were called “Thomasites.”
 These Thomasites established numerous public Elementary, Secondary and Tertiary
schools throughout the archipelago.
 They established the University of the Philippines with Murray Bartlett, a Thomasite,
as the First President; which was the first to use English language in the higher
education.
 They also established Philippine School of Arts and Trades (which became
Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Philippine Normal School (which became
Philippine Normal University), Silliman University and Xavier University, in the
Visayas and Mindanao.
Pioneer English Newspapers
The revolutionary newspaper “El Renacimiento” edited by Rafael Palma, who later on
became UP President, was the pioneering newspaper to publish works written in English
Language.

The Philippines Free Press founded by R. McCullough Dick & D. Theo Rogers was the first
privately owned publication to publish English works of Filipino writers. They pay the
Filipino writers when their work was chosen to be published.

Pioneer Filipino English writers

 Justo Juliano wrote “Sursum Corda” as the first literary work published in English in
1907.
 Juan F. Salazar wrote “My Mother” and “Air Castles” which were published in 1909.
 Proceso Sebastian wrote “To my Lady in Laoag” which was published in 1909.

Period of Imitation (1910-1924)

This period was characterized by the Filipino writers imitating the American and English
writers. The UP College Folio, the school publication of the University of the Philippines,
published literary compositions in English written by the pioneers in English poetry, essays
and short stories.

Period of Imitation Poets

1. Fernando Maramag wrote the “Rural Maid.” Other poets include:
2. Juan F. Salazar
3. Jose M. Hernandez
4. Vicente del Fierro
5. Francisco Tonogbanua
6. Maximo Kalaw
7. Vidal A. Tan
8. Francisco Africa
9. Victoriano Yamzon
Period of Imitation Essay writers
Essay was a Filipino literary genre that was born in the Period of Imitation. The following
essayists wrote Formal essays which were truly scholarly, full of sobriety, substance and
structure. Pioneers in formal essay include:

1. Carlos P. Romulo
2. Jorge C. Bocobo
3. Mauro Mendez
4. Vicente Hilario
Informal essay writers also emerged and they are composed of:

1. Ignacio Manlapaz
2. Godofredo Rivera
3. Federico Mangahas
4. Francisco B. Icasiano
5. Salvador P. Lopez
6. Jose Lansang
7. Amado G. Dayrit
Period of Imitation Short Stories
Short story as a literary genre was brought along by the Americans. Filipinos readily adopted
short story because as a form of relaxation and entertainment, it proved to be worthwhile for
one can read such in just a short while. There were even Filipino (Tagalog) and other
vernacular versions of them. By and large, short stories began to be published in various
school newspapers and periodicals such as:

1. UP College Folio which became Philippine Collegian

2. Bulletin
3. The Philippine Herald
4. The Philippine Review
5. The Independent
6. Rising Philippines
7. Citizens
8. The Philippine Education Magazine
Many Filipino writers became popular during this period due to their masterful works.
Notable writers include:

1. Paz Marquez Benitez who wrote the “Dead Stars” which stand out as model of
perfection in character delineation, local color, plot and message. She also became the
editor of Women’s Journal, the first literary magazine in English published in the
Philippines
2. Bernardo P. Garcia wrote the poem “George Washington.”
3. Eulogio B. Rodriguez was a research writer of UP College of Liberal Arts who won
Villamor Prize in the Provincial History Competition
4. Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion wrote the award-winning poem “Azucena.”
5. Procopio Solidum wrote “Never mind and Other Poems.”
6. Lorenzo E. Paredes wrote the first poetry anthology “Reminiscenses.”
7. Zoilo Galang published his first volume of essay entitled “Life and Success.”
8. Eliseo Quirino and Vicente Hilario wrote the essay “Thinking for Ourselves.”
9. Zoilo Galang published the first anthology of short stories in “Tales of the
Philippines.”
10. Rodolfo Dato published his anthology “Filipino Poetry.”
11. Carlos P. Romulo published a collection of plays entitled “Daughters for Sale and
other Plays.”

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941)

In this period Filipino writers acquired mastery of the English Language. Evidently, they
began to write confidently and competently. They wrote in free verse, sonnets, odes,
elegies and others. They even started to write novels and dramas.

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Poetry

 The Philippine Writers Association was organized in 1925.
 Luis Dato wrote “Manila: A Collection of Verses”
 Marcelo De Gracia Concepcion wrote “Bamboo Flute”
 Aurelio S. Alvero wrote “Moon shadows on the Water”
 Pablo Laslo edited the “English-German Anthology of Filipino Poets”
 Luis Dato published “My Book of Verses”
 Rafael Zulueta da Costa wrote “First Leaves”
 Aurelio S. Alvero wrote “Nuances”
 Abelardo Subido wrote the sonnet “Soft Night”
 Rafael Zulueta da Costa won the Commonwealth Literary Contest with his
compilation “Like the Molave and other Poems”
 Jose Garcia Villa published “Poems by Doveglion” and he also published his books in
the US.
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Short Story
Aside from poetry, short story has likewise flourished during this time. Numerous short story
writers were motivated due to incentives given by these publications:

1. Philippine Free Press

2. The Graphic
3. The Philippine Magazine
4. UP Literary Apprentice
Short story became the most popular literary genre during this time. Popular short story
writers during this time include:
1. Paz Marquez Benitez published her first short story anthology “Filipino Love
Stories.”
2. Jose Garcia Villa published “Philippine Short Stories.” He won first place the
Philippine Free Press short story writing contest with his “Mir-i-nisa.”
3. Manuel Arguilla won the Commonwealth Literary Contest for short story with his
“How my Brother Leon brought home a Wife.”
4. Paz Latorena wrote “Sunset”
5. Jose Lansang wrote “Broken Parasol”
6. Sinai C. Hamada wrote “Talanata’s Wife”
7. Fausto Dugenio wrote “Wanderlust”
8. Amado G. Dayrit wrote “His Gift” and “Yesterday”
9. Amador T. Daguio wrote “The Woman who looked out of the Window”
10. Arturo B. Rotor
11. Osmundo Sta. Romana
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Essay
The essay during this period was greatly improved in quality and quantity. There have been
improvements on the subject, content and style of writing essays. During this period, various
Filipino essayists were classified according to:

1. Political, social, and reflective essays. These essays were opinions and viewpoints
by the essayists using their newspaper columns which appeared regularly hence, they
were very popular during this time. Some political, social and reflective essayists
include:
A. Federico Mangahas
B. Salvador P. Lopez
C. Pura Santillan Castrence
D. Vicente Albano Pacis
E. Ariston Estrada
F. Jose Lansang
2. Critical essays. These essays were serious treatment of various issues during this
period.As these essayists regularly appear in various newspaper columns, they became
very popular during this time. The critical essayists during this time include:
A. Salvador P. Lopez
B. I.V. Mallari
C. Ignacio Manlapaz
D. Jose Garcia Villa
E. Arturo B. Rotor
F. Leopoldo Y. Yabes
G. Maximo Soliven wrote the prize-winning essay entitled, “They Called it
Brotherhood.”
3. Personal or familiar essays. These essays were casual and light in terms of the mood
they were written. They provided sort of entertainment and relaxation for the readers.
Popular essayists of this kind include:
A. Francisco “Mang Kiko” B. Icasiano
B. Alfredo E. Litiatco
C. Solomon V. Arnaldo
D. Amado G. Dayrit
E. Consuelo Gar Catuca
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Notable Essays
1. “Literature and Society” was written by Salvador P. Lopez. This is a collection of
critical reflections and serious essays. It won first place in the Commonwealth Literary
Contest in essay.
2. “The Filipino Way of Life” was written by Camilo Osias. This is a series of essays
on the Filipino way of life as drawn from history, folkways, philosophy, and psychology
of the Philippines.
3. “Mang Kiko” was a reprint of Francisco B. Icasiano’s essays in the “Sunday Times
Magazine” under the column “From my Nipa Hut.” It is an essay of the common tao and
is written with humor and sympathy.
4. “I am a Filipino” was an editorial essay written by Carlos P. Romulo printed in the
“Philippines Herald” magazine. It was published in his book “My Brother Americans” in
New York by Double Day & Company in 1945.
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Drama
The University of the Philippines introduced playwriting as a course. UP established the UP
Little Theater and provided incentives for playwrights who wrote plays.

 Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero became director of UP Theater and popularized drama

performances in the country.
 He founded the UP Mobile Theater which performed in various place throughout the
country.
 The UP Mobile Theater also performed in various universities worldwide.
Some of the notable dramas during this period include:

1. Daughters for Sale and other Plays written by Carlos P. Romulo

2. The Radiant Symbol written by Jorge Bocobo
3. The Husband of Mrs. Cruz & A Daughter of Destiny written by Vidal A. Tan
4. The Waves written by Hilarion Vibal
5. The Oil Lamp & The Earthquake written by Augusto C. Catanjal
6. The Land of our Fathers written by Severino Montano
7. Panday Pira, the Cannon Maker written by Jose M. Hernandez
8. 13 Plays was a collection of plays written by Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Biography
Writing biography and autobiography became fashionable during this period. Some notable
biographies during this period include:
1. Quezon was a biography written about Manuel L. Quezon by I.P. Caballero and
Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion.
2. The Great Malayan was a biography which won the Commonwealth Literary
Contest for biography about Rizal. It was written by Carlos Quirino, the most famous
biographer of this period.
3. Quezon, the Man of destiny was another biography written about Manuel L. Quezon
by Carlos Quirino, the most famous biographer of the period.
4. The Birth of Discontent was an autobiography written by I.V. Mallari.

Source: https://salirickandres.altervista.org/american-period/