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Being one of the most admired writers in Philippine literature, Nick Joaquin was recognized as
National Artist of the Philippines for Literature in 1976. In his historical novel entitled The
Woman Who Had Two Navels, Joaquin examines the effects and influence of the past towards
the post-war events in the Philippines.

Among the great novels in Philippine literature, Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) is the most

controversial and widely-known – it’s included in the current education curriculum of Filipino
high school students. Written by the country’s national hero, Dr. José Rizal, this novel sparked
the social awakening of Filipinos during the Spanish colonial era. As Rizal cannot fathom the
unfairness of the Spanish priests and the ruling government at the time, his purpose of writing
the book was to expose the ills of Philippine society at the time.
 SCRAPBOOK
IN
CONTEMPORARY ARTS

JAMYCA MENDOZA

12-HE-C

JOHN J. SERRANO