Republic of the Philippines

Tarlac State University

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
CENTER OF DEVELOPMENT
Lucinda Campus, Tarlac City
Tel. No. (045) 493-0182; Fax No. (045) 982-0110

Re-accredited Level III by the

Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and
Universities of the Philippines (AACUP), Inc.

EL 109
Survey of Philippine Literature

Literature under
the U.S. Colonialism

SUBMITTED BY:

David Jr., Aldrien

Bognot, Noel Christian
Rodriguez, Veverly
Lamasan, Bridget
Tabamo, Tristan
GROUP 4

SUBMITTED TO:

Dr. Criselda Madriaga

LECTURER
Literature under the US Colonialism

Learning Objectives:

1. Analyze the impact of US colonialism on Philippine literature through

thematic exploration and critical analysis.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in close reading and effective academic writing when
engaging with colonial-era literary texts.
3. Cultivate appreciation for the cultural resilience and diversity of Filipino
voices represented in literature during the colonial period.

During the American colonial period in the Philippines, Philippine literature

underwent significant transformations shaped by two key factors: education and
language. With the Americans providing free education and English instruction,
Filipino writers grappled with expressing themselves in a new language while
drawing inspiration from their cultural heritage. This period witnessed the emergence
of literary works that reflected American styles and themes, alongside efforts to
promote Filipino identity and advocate for independence. From these beginnings,
Philippine literature has evolved, reflecting the diverse experiences and aspirations
of the Filipino people throughout history.
The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, marked the end of the
Spanish-American War and led to significant territorial changes, particularly for Spain
and the United States. Under the terms of the treaty, Spain agreed to cede several of
its overseas territories, including the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico, to the
United States. In exchange, the United States paid Spain $20 million. The treaty
officially ended Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines and initiated a new phase of
American colonialism in the archipelago. This transfer of sovereignty sparked
widespread resistance among Filipinos, eventually leading to the Philippine-American
War as Filipinos fought for their independence against American rule. The Treaty of
Paris remains a pivotal moment in Philippine history, shaping the trajectory of the
nation's struggle for self-determination and independence.

On May 1, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, an American naval squadron

under the command of Commodore George Dewey entered Manila Bay in the
Philippines. Upon encountering a Spanish naval squadron under Admiral Patricio
Montojo, Dewey swiftly engaged the Spanish ships in a surprise attack. The American
fleet, consisting of modern steel warships, inflicted significant damage on the
antiquated Spanish vessels, sinking or disabling all of them without suffering any
casualties. This decisive victory at the Battle of Manila Bay established American naval
supremacy in the region and played a crucial role in the eventual defeat of Spanish
forces in the Philippines.
Education during U.S. Colonialism

During the American colonial period in the Philippines, Philippine literature was
profoundly influenced by the introduction of free education and the adoption of English
as the language of instruction. The provision of free education by the Americans
opened up opportunities for many Filipinos to pursue formal schooling, leading to
increased literacy rates and educational attainment. Unlike the Spanish colonizers who
predominantly used Spanish as the language of instruction and limited access to
education, the Americans were more willing to teach English to the Filipinos,
facilitating broader participation in the educational system.

This shift not only democratized access to education but also served as a stepping stone
for individuals to improve their social status, as proficiency in English became
increasingly important for employment and social mobility. As a result,
English-language literature began to flourish, reflecting the fusion of Western literary
forms with indigenous storytelling traditions, marking a significant chapter in the
evolution of Philippine literature.

Three Periods that Emerged during the American Colonialism

The period of re-orientation (1898-1910) in Philippine literature marked a

significant shift influenced by the arrival of American colonial forces and the adoption
of English as a literary vehicle. With the American occupation in 1898, English
became increasingly prominent, replacing Spanish as the primary language of
instruction in public schools by 1900. This transition represented a pivotal moment in
Philippine literary history, as writers and educators grappled with the implications of
this linguistic and cultural shift. The term "re-orientation" emerged to encapsulate this
period of adjustment and adaptation, reflecting the changes in language use, literary
styles, and cultural influences. As English-language literature began to take root,
Filipino writers explored new forms of expression, blending indigenous themes and
storytelling traditions with Western literary techniques, laying the groundwork for the
emergence of a distinctly Filipino literary voice in the years to come.

The Period of Imitation (1910-1924) in Philippine literature witnessed the

emergence of the first Filipino writers in English, whose literary compositions were
published in school publications such as the UP College Folio by 1919. These
pioneering writers, notably Fernando Maramag, Juan F. Salazar, Jose M. Hernandez,
Vicente del Fierro, Francisco M. Africa, and Victoriano Yamzon, explored various
literary forms, with a particular emphasis on short story writing and poetry. However,
their works during this period were characterized by an earnest attempt to imitate
American and British literary models, resulting in a style that was often mannered,
artificial, and lacking in spontaneity. Influenced by writers such as Longfellow,
Hawthorne, Wordsworth, Tennyson, and other American Romantic School authors,
Filipino writers of this era grappled with finding their own voice amidst the shadow of
their literary influences, paving the way for a period of experimentation and evolution
in Philippine literature.

The Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941) marked a significant

maturation and diversification of Philippine literature in English. During this era,
Filipino writers demonstrated a mastery of the English language, allowing them to
confidently and competently explore a wide range of subjects in their literary works.
While themes of love and youth persisted as perennial favorites, writers delved into a
multitude of topics, reflecting the complexity of Filipino society and their evolving
understanding of self and identity. Moreover, this period witnessed a proliferation of
literary forms, with writers venturing into novel writing and drama alongside poetry
and short stories, further enriching the landscape of Philippine literature and
showcasing the depth of Filipino literary talent and creativity.

Characteristics and Features of the Period

During the early stages of the American colonial period in the Philippines, a
significant transformation occurred in the realm of dramatic literature, spurred by
Severino Reyes' popularization of a new dramatic form. Themes shifted from
traditional Christian-Muslim narratives to those depicting the tensions between
Filipinos and Spaniards. Nationalistic writers emerged, producing stage plays critical
of US colonial rule or advocating for independence.

Tagalog prose fiction during this period was characterized by a focus on

sentimental themes and romantic escapades rather than addressing pressing societal
issues. Authors such as Lope K. Santos, Modesto Santiago, and Valeriano Hernandez
Pena contributed to this genre with works like "Salawahang Pag-ibig," "Pagsintang
Naluoy," and "Unang Bulaklak," respectively.

These literary pieces often explored themes of love, longing, and emotional
turmoil, catering to the tastes of readers seeking romantic narratives. While some
Tagalog prose fiction writers may have shied away from tackling the social and
political realities of the time, their works provided readers with an escape into the
realm of emotion and imagination, contributing to the rich tapestry of Philippine
literature.

"Banaag at Sikat" is a novel written by Lope K. Santos, published in 1906. It is

considered one of the most important works of Philippine literature during the
American colonial period. The novel follows the story of Delfin, a young man from
the rural countryside, as he navigates the challenges of urban life in Manila. Through
Delfin's journey, the novel explores themes of social inequality, exploitation, and the
clash between traditional Filipino values and modernity.

"Banaag at Sikat" is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of Filipino society during
the early 20th century and its critique of the oppressive structures that perpetuate
poverty and injustice. It is also notable for its use of Tagalog language and its
advocacy for social reform and national awakening. The title "Banaag at Sikat"
translates to "Radiance and Dawn," symbolizing the hope for enlightenment and
progress amidst the darkness of social inequality.

Poetry during this period in the Philippines featured a diverse array of voices and
themes, with notable poets including Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion, Jose Garcia
Villa, Angela Manalang Gloria, Abelardo Subido, Trinidad Tarrosa Subido, and Rafael
Zulueta da Costa. These poets explored a wide range of subjects, producing not only
love poems but also works touching on patriotic, religious, descriptive, and reflective
themes. Their poetry exhibited versatility in form, with compositions in free verse,
odes, sonnets, and various other poetic styles. Characterized by originality,
spontaneity, and competent craftsmanship, the poetry of this era later incorporated
social consciousness, reflecting the evolving concerns and aspirations of Philippine
society.

During the period of 1925 to 1941 in the Philippines, the short story genre
experienced a flourishing renaissance, largely due to the incentives provided by
prominent publications such as the Philippine Free Press, The Graphic, The Philippine
Magazine, and college publications like the UP Literary Apprentice. These
publications served as platforms for aspiring writers to showcase their literary talents
and share their stories with a wider audience. The short story format, characterized by
its brevity and conciseness, allowed writers to explore a diverse range of themes and
narratives, capturing the complexities of Filipino life and society. With increased
opportunities for publication and exposure, both established and emerging writers
found avenues to contribute to the rich tapestry of Philippine literature through the art
of storytelling in the short story form.

Literature during the period of US colonialism in the Philippines exhibited several key
characteristics:

1. Nationalism: Writers explored and celebrated Filipino identity, heroism, and

resistance against colonial oppression, aiming to unite and empower the
Filipino people in their quest for self-determination and independence.

2. Freedom of Speech: Despite colonial censorship, literature provided a

platform for dissent and critique of colonial policies, challenging narratives of
superiority and advocating for civil liberties and independence.

3. Experience: Literature reflected the diverse experiences of Filipinos under

colonial rule, capturing both the struggles and resilience of everyday life,
drawing inspiration from personal experiences, historical events, and
communal struggles.

4. Search and Use of a New Medium: The introduction of English as a medium

facilitated a shift in literary production, enabling Filipino writers to engage
with Western literary forms and reach a broader audience, contributing to
transnational literary movements and cross-cultural dialogue.

The American Colonial Period: 1898-1946 The American regime saw the introduction
of new newspapers published mostly by American journalists:

⚫ The Manila Times (1898)

⚫ The Bounding Billow and Official Gazette (1898)

⚫ Manila Day Bulletin (1900)

⚫ Philippine Free Press (1908)

NEWSPAPER

When we think of a newspaper, we simply think of a printed publication (usually issued

daily or weekly) consisting of folded unstapled sheets and containing news, feature
articles, advertisements, and correspondence. But when we think on a deeper sense, we
would come across that newspaper back then are vital because this is one of the form of
media communication during the American colonization aside from the radio and
television. Furthermore, along my topic, we will tackle the newspaper that has
significantly contribution on national or international events.

The importance of newspaper serves as a source of information about local, national,

and international events and issues, and they help to keep people informed about what
is happening in their communities and around the world.

MANILA TIMES

The Manila Times is the oldest extant English-language newspaper in the Philippines.

It is published daily by The Manila Times Publishing Corp.

In 1898 Thomas Gowan, an Englishman living in the Philippines, founded the Manila
Times, the Philippines’ first English-language daily.

The newspaper was created to serve mainly the Americans who were sent to Manila to
fight in the Spanish–American War.

At the time, most of the newspapers in the Philippines were in Spanish and a few others
were in the native languages.

Example given: The Republic -The 4th of July used to be considered an important
national holiday in the Philippines. Not because it was the United States’ birthday, but
because it was Philippine Independence Day in 1946. Seventy eight years ago, the
Philippines was recognized as an independent, sovereign country by the United States,
which withdrew its authority over the archipelago as colonizer, when the big four make
progress on our country it was the headline on the news and this is one of the significant
events happened during the us colonialism.

BOUNDING BILLOW

The Bounding Billow was a small- circulation newspaper edited by, and aimed at,
American sailors aboard the USS Olympia, a Navy warship stationed in the Pacific
during the Spanish–American War.

Example given: The Battle of Manila - the main reason why it is written in bounding
billow because this type of newspaper is mainly given to American Navy in the
battleship. This events is one of the significant events that happened in the history that
was published in bounding billow.
MANILA BULLETIN

The Manila Bulletin is the Philippines' largest English language broadsheet newspaper
by circulation.

It was founded in 1900 by Carlson Taylor as a shipping journal

It is the second oldest extant newspaper published in the Philippines and the second
oldest extant English newspaper in the Far East.

Example Given : Philippine First Five Hotel Make Grand Debut : The Manila Hotel is
a 550-room, historic five-star hotel located along Manila
Bay in Manila, Philippines. The hotel is the oldest premiere hotel in the Philippines
built in 1909 to rival Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the
Philippinesand was opened on the commemoration of American Independence on July
4, 1912. The hotel complex was built on a reclaimed area of 35,000 square metres
(380,000 sq ft) at the northwestern end of Rizal Park along Bonifacio
Drive in Ermita.Its penthouse served as the residence of General Douglas
MacArthur during his tenure as the Military Advisor of the Philippine
Commonwealth from 1935 to 1941

PHILIPPINE FREE PRESS

The Philippines Free Press is a weekly English language news magazine which was
founded in 1908, which makes it the Philippines' oldest weekly English language
periodical currently still in print.

It is known for being one of the few publications that dared to criticize the
administration of Ferdinand Marcos in the years before the declaration of Martial Law,
and for being one of the first publications shuttered once Martial Law was put into
effect
Example given: Americans Cut Okinawa in Two, The Manila Free Philippines, the
English-language newspaper of the American occupied Philippines, announces the
invasion of U.S. forces on Okinawa. Publications like this were the main source of
information for civilians in the Pacific. As much of this media was created by the Allied
forces, the content often leaned towards the benefit of the U.S. forces and highlighted
the American advance on the island. “Frank R. Slivon”

EL RENAICIMIENTO

-The Philippine was colonized by the Americans for 48 years from the year 1898-1947.
During the American colonization, newspaper published by the American journalist
were introduced.
-Nationalist newspaper is a serial publication that contains news about current events of
special or general that is widely distributed. Nationalist emerged again by 1920 with the
foundation of the pro Filipino The Philippine Herald, organized through the efforts of
Manuel L. Quezon.

-Other nationalist and liberal newspapers include El Renaicimiento. or the Renaissance,

Spanish articles were published under El Renacimiento, while Tagalog articles were
published under Muling Pagsilang.

-It was called the last rebel journal because the paper was already known for its crusade
for the oppressed, bravely investigating all forms of social injustice.
-El Renacimiento newspaper was established on September 3, 1901, and lasted until
January 17, 1910. It was founded by Don Martin Ocampo. Ocampo played a
prominent role in founding Philippine journalism through his position as manager and
publisher of El Renacimiento and La Vanguardia.

-It’s a Spanish-Tagalog bilingual newspaper. It was published during the American

period in the Philippines and was written in Spanish. Why was that written in Spanish
and not Tagalog or English? The choice of language was due to the fact that most
Filipinos at that time spoke and were educated in Spanish and not Tagalog. This
allowed the newspaper to target the Filipino audience rather than the Americans.
Notably, because the paper was written in Spanish, it provided a certain level of
freedom to express critical views against the American colonial government, as many
American colonizers did not really speak well. This linguistic advantage allowed for
the publication of materials that could bypass censorship. Again, the newspaper is to
target Filipinos, and to avoid being shut down, it changed to covering non-political
news (or at least material that was not critical of the American administration) in its
later years.

-El Renacimiento was considered a leading voice of opposition during its time because
it fearlessly expressed critical views against the American colonial government. The
directors were: Fernado M. Guererro, Teodoro M. Kalaw, Rafael Palma Lope K.
Santos, and the writers were: Fidel Reyes Wenceslao Retana, Javier Gomez de la
Serna, Dominador Gomez, Isabelo de los Reyes Felipe Calderon.
-On October 30, 1908, El Renacimiento published a Spanish-language editorial written
by Fidel A. Reyes, its city editor, entitled "Aves de rapiña" ("Bird of Prey"), which
dealt with corruption in the colonial government. One of the very critical editorials,
“Aves de Rapina,” or birds of prey, led to the famous libel case against the paper, its
publishers, and its editors because it called one of the American officials corrupt. It was
an editorial that appeared in the bilingual Spanish-Tagalog newspaper; it was not about
actual birds but rather a metaphor used to describe those who were seen as oppressors
or exploiters during that time. The news paper used this term to criticize and shed light
on the actions of those in power who were taking advantage of people.

-In addition, Aves de rapina Construed as a summation of how Filipino nationalists,

who still dreamed of having an independent Philippine nation, saw the American
imperialists’ real intentions in the country.
-Worcester was the interior secretary and a member of the Philippine Commission, and
he had sued El Renacimiento and its staff for libel after being alluded to in the “Birds of
Prey” editorial. Worcester's lawsuit pushed the paper towards bankruptcy and
subsequent closure and ended on October 30, 1908

-Despite the fact that Worcester won the lawsuit, El Renacimiento is remembered as a
nationalist newspaper that fought for press freedom during the American colonial
period in the Philippines.
-During the period of El Renacimiento, there is a gender lens that explores how
societies define ideas about masculinity and femininity, while a feminism lens sees
society as supporting male power and restricting female power. First, marginalization,
there are only male authors present in the newspaper, El Renacimiento. The reason is
that, before Spanish colonialism, women were not given educational opportunities.
Then, because of American colonialism, women were more in demand in the
manufacturing industry because of their craftsmanship. Eventually, the majority of
women will choose a career in business. Second, Subordination, because there are no
women in its publication at this time, they treat women as not capable of doing anything
that is wrong.

Philippine Free Press

The Philippines Free Press was founded in 1908 by Judge Kincaid with Pat
Gallagher as editor. It was taken over after a few months by R. McCulloch Dick, who
had been editor of the Manila Times for a number of years. The Free Press has
developed the largest circulation ever attained in the islands by a paper in English. R.
McCulloch Dick is the sole owner and F. Theo. Rogers is manager.

During the American colonial period, the Philippine Free Press played a crucial
role in promoting democratic ideals and advocating for Philippine independence. It
provided a platform for Filipino intellectuals, writers, and activists to express their
views on issues of national importance.

The Philippine Free Press provided in-depth coverage of socio-political issues

affecting the Philippines during the colonial period. It reported on developments in
governance, legislation, and administration, as well as issues related to land reform,
labor rights, and social justice. The magazine served as a forum for debate and
discussion on these critical issues.

The magazine served as a voice for the Filipino nationalist movement, which
sought independence from American colonial rule. It published articles, editorials, and
opinion pieces that called for self-determination and highlighted the injustices of
colonialism. The Philippine Free Press played a crucial role in mobilizing public
support for the cause of Philippine independence.

Throughout its history, the Philippine Free Press has been known for its
investigative journalism and advocacy for press freedom, human rights, and social
justice. It has tackled controversial issues and exposed corruption, abuse of power, and
social inequality.

Despite facing censorship and intimidation from colonial authorities, the

Philippine Free Press remained steadfast in its commitment to free and independent
journalism. It resisted attempts to suppress dissenting voices and continued to report on
sensitive topics, including government corruption and human rights abuses.

The magazine continued publication during World War II despite censorship and
persecution by the Japanese occupation forces. It served as a source of information
and inspiration for Filipinos during the dark days of the war, documenting the
resistance movement and providing a voice for those oppressed by the occupation.

After the war, the Philippine Free Press resumed publication and played a
significant role in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Philippines. It provided
critical analysis of post-war politics, economy, and society, contributing to the
nation-building efforts of the newly independent Philippines.

In addition to its political advocacy, the Philippine Free Press made significant
contributions to Philippine literature and culture. It published works of fiction, poetry,
and literary criticism by Filipino writers, helping to nurture a vibrant literary scene in
the Philippines during the colonial period.

The Philippine Free Press has also been a platform for Filipino writers and poets
to showcase their literary talents. It has published short stories, essays, and poetry by
both established and emerging writers, contributing to the development of Philippine
literature in English.

In recent years, the Philippine Free Press has continued its tradition of providing
insightful analysis and commentary on contemporary issues facing the Philippines.
Although far cry from its hay day, it has adapted to the digital age, maintaining an
online presence to reach a wider audience and engage with readers across different
platforms.

Overall, the Philippine Free Press holds a special place in Philippine media
history as a bastion of press freedom, democratic values, and literary excellence. Its
enduring legacy reflects its commitment to truth, justice, and the pursuit of a better
society for all Filipinos.

Theater plays under the US Colonialism

It was during the early American period that seditious plays, using the form of the
zarsuwela, were mounted. Zarsuwelistas Juan Abad, Aurelio Tolentino, Juan Matapang
Cruz.

"Tanikalang Ginto" By: Juan Abad

Symbolism of Characters

• Kaulayaw - Revolution
• Liwanag - Nationalism
• Maimbot - Americans
 • Dalita - Philippines
• Nagtapon - Filipinos who betrayed and became slaves of American’s
• Diwa - Heroism

The Protagonist of the story is Kaulayaw.

He is the one who fought for his love. He prove in the story that until the end he will
love and protect his one great love Liwanag

The Antagonist of the story is Maimbot. He is the one who wants to get Liwanag and
planned to kill Kaulayaw.

Theme

The theme of the story is Nationalism. The story is about freedom and love. Juan Abad
made the characters symbolized nationalism. He wrote the story in nationalistic way of
expressing how are we during American colonization and how we wanted freedom for
our country.

This is about the love story of Kaulayaw and Liwanag. As of promise of love,
Kaulayaw gave a handkerchief to liwanag . The other man named Maimbot also admire
liwanag so he gave liwanag a Golden chain as a gift.

Liwanag fell inlove with maimbot because he is rich but suddenly liwanag realized that
maimbot doesn’t deserve her love and she is still in love with kaulayaw .

Maimbot and his brother Nagtapon planned to separate Kaulayaw and Liwanag.
Because of envy and hatred, Kaulayaw was killed by Nagtapon, And Because of too
much depression and saddness Liwanag attempted suicide but Diwa stopped her.

Moral Lesson

The moral lesson of the story is True love conquers

all even death. Kaulayaw in the story really loves Liwanag even if Liwanag fell out of
love to him for a while he still fought for her until the end. Just like what the Author
wants to make readers realize that Filipino if we really love our country, Never lose
hope and fought for us to have Freedom.

“Hindi Ako Patay” by Juan Matapang Cruz

Characters

• Karangalan
• Tangulan
• Macamcam

The play talks about love and oppression. The play deals with the love affair between
Honor and Tangulan. Also, their opposition to Macamcam. Tangulan and Macamcam
fought and Tangulan died. Hindi Aco Patay by Juan Matapang Cruz is about the love
between Karangalan (honor) and Tangulan (the protector) as they fight the usurper
Macamcam (symbolizing the insular government of America).

Hindi Aco Patay (I Am Not Dead) by Juan Mta. can be called not only a seditious play,
but also one of the better pieces of Filipino literature. It is one of the best pieces of
Filipino literature because of the writing of some parts of the play that moves even the
indifferent American to sympathize with a character that symbolizes Filipino
patriotism.

An example of sedition in the play is a scene at the end where all the characters will
meet in the center to form the flag of the Philippines, which during the American
occupation was a sign of rebellion.

The play features characters whose names reflect not just a sociological clichés, but
significant archetypes of the time.
Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas” by Aurelio Tolentino

The various characterizations of the characters depicted in society in the play are:

INANGBAYAN - (PILIPINAS)
DILAT NA BULAG - (ESPANYA)
BAGONGSIBOL - (AMERIKA)
MASUNURIN - (BABAING PILIPINA)
TAGA ILOG - (ANG KATAGALUGAN)
MATANGLAWIN - (GOBYERNO NG KASTILA)
MALAYNATIN - (GOBYERNONG AMERIKANO)
ASALHAYOP (MAPAGLILONG TAGALOG)
DAHUMPALAY- (MAPAGLILONG TAGALOG)
HARINGBATA - (HA RING INTSIK)
HALIMAW - (PRAYLE)
WALANG TUTOL - (LALAKING PILIPINO)

The play "Kahapon. Ngayon et Bukas" by Amelio Tolentino is about the liberation of a
country (the Philippines) that went through conquest and suffering from foreign
countries such as Chinese, Spanish and American. These towns and the characters
contained in it are symbolized as characters in the play, which have names based on
their characteristics or customs such as Inangbayan, Masunurin, Walang-Tutol,
Tagailog and Asalhayop who will be identified first in the flow of the play,

The main character is the motherland who symbolizes the country of the Philippines
because of the courage she displayed in the play. the play introduces the heroine as a
young Filipina who has three foreign suitors who are fascinated by her beauty., the new
Sibol (America), Dilat-Na-Bulag (Spain) and Haring bata (Chinese King).

The term “kahapon” (yesterday) symbolizes the conquest of our motherland by

foreigners and the term “ngayon” (today) is the experiences we have gone through in
the past at the hands of foreigners and “bukas” (tomorrow) is the new generation that is
promoting the continued defense of the motherland. people to achieve success and
freedom.

The play as an implementation of a work of fiction is part of our tradition and

culture. This type of presentation is very helpful in the Filipino culture especially the
group or religion where it started because it is a clear representation of the history and
culture of a group. Usually, the subject of the play is based on the real experience and
history of a place because a play is also a way of expressing feelings and opinions.
The Period of Re-orientation covered the early years of American period and the
landing of the Americans to Philippine shores including Philippines-American wars.

Even during the war, the Americans established public school system in areas that
have been pacified. English language as a literary vehicle came with the American
occupation in August 13, 1898.

By 1900, English came to be used as a medium of instruction in the public schools. The
first English teachers were the American soldiers stationed in various areas. Later on,
the professional teachers arrived via the US Army transport ship "USS Thomas" hence,
these pioneering teachers were called "Thomasites."
By 1908, the primary and intermediate grades were using English. It was also about this
time when UP, the forerunner in the use of English in higher education was founded.

There were not much of literary works produced during the period as Filipino writers
were still adjusting to:

The idea of democracy, the new phraseology of the English language, and standard of
the English literary style.

PERIODICALS

El Renacimiento- This became the most famous Spanish-language Filipino newspaper

which was brilliantly written but obsessed with the micro- politics of the period. It
became the object of several libel suits from American officials.

Philippine Free Press- Founded by R. McCullough Dick and 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. The Philippine's oldest
weekly English language periodical currently still in print.
POETRY

Sursum Cordo/ Sursum Corda- written by Justo Juliano and was published in the
Renancimiento in 1907. This was the first work to be published in the English which
means "lift up your hearts" or "hearts lifted"

Which reexamine the Filipino heart and the meaning of "home". It shows how the
Filipino proudly carried the Philippine Flag into battle. This is related to liberal
humanism or realism since it depicts based on reality.

My Mother, and Air Castles- both written by Juan F. Salazar 1909

To My Lady in Laoag- written by Proceso Sebastian

Justo N. Juliano

Born on December 6, 1887, in Manila, he died on Friday, January 28, 1972, in

Zephyrhills, Florida. He was 84 years old.

His wife was Josephine Nee Meyer, they had two sons and a daughter.

Dr. Justo N. Juliano's, patriotic piece "Sursum Corda" is the first known Filipino poem
published in English and appeared in the Philippines Free Press in 1907.

He was a teacher at the Paco Intermediate School in Manila and was also the editor of
the Filipino Teacher as well as the secretary of the Philippine Teachers' Association.

Juliano was forced to resign from both his position as a teacher and his roles within
PTA after his poem was published, although he was elected as a General Secretary in
May 1910. He was punished not for his verse but for the time, which also prohibited the
public display of the Philippine flag. Refusing to retract his anti-colonial position on
American occupation. Afterwards, he attended university in Chicago. To support
himself, Dr. Juliano taught Spanish and was also head of the Spanish Department at
Carl Schurz High School in Chicago until he retired in 1953.
Juan F. Salazar

Born on 1889 at San Roque, Cavite

Died later because of Pneumonia.

He is a Chilean anthropologist and a video maker. He is a senior lecturer in

communication and media studies at the school of Communication Arts at the Center
for Cultural Research. He is also a PhD in Communication and Media and Cultural
Studies, University of Western Sydney.

He was part of the first batch of Filipino writers who used the English language in their
writing, and he crafted poems and stories modeled after. He is best known for his
poems entitled "My Mother" and "Air Castles"
Proceso Sebastian

Born on January 26, 1892, in Claveria in the Philippine province of Cagayan.

He was the son of Gregorio Sebastian and Filomena Esmeria Sebastian.

Completed a bachelor's degree in law from the University of the Philippines in 1915.

He wrote the "To my Lady in Laoag” in 1909.

Sursum Corda

By Justo Juliano

But scarce her wounds could heal, gores yet fresh,

The wailing cries still linger in the breeze,

That mighty Eagle from across the sea

Came, shedding patriots’ blood, forces Liberty.

To give her key, and banished from his isle,

Who will not yield, who will not reconcile.

What could a handful do against a host?

Leonidas e’en perished, tho not lost!

It is dedicated to the Renacimiento Filipino, the brightest torch of Philippine Progress,

culture, and civilization.

The poem “Sursum Corda” means lift up your hearts in which reexamine the Filipino
heart and the meaning of “home”. It shows how the Filipino proudly carried the
Philippine flag into battle. This is related to liberal humanism or realism since it depicts
based on reality.

My Mother

I wish to write of my mother,

My mother loving and kind,

Who to me, more than any other,

Is the idol of my mind.

She cared for me in my girlhood

With a care that can never be told

And that love in the years of womanhood

Is even more precious than gold.

I was often wayward and reckless,

Bust she loved me just the same;

And when I was cruel and heartless

Her heart condoned the same.

Her beautiful raven tresses

Are fading to winter’s gray,

But the weal of her caresses

Grows greater everyday.

Her face, like an angel’s , grow brighter

With the passing of the years,

And her voice makes the dark places lighter

As she wipes away my tears.

My mother, my beautiful mother

Thank God for your life sublime,

You have taught us sisters and brother,

The noblest lesson of time.

That for others our lives should be given

That our actions should always be right;

Your reward is secured up in heaven,

A crown in the mansion’s light.

In the poem, the speaker describes their mother as a source of strength and support,
highlighting her selflessness and dedication to her family. The speaker acknowledges
the hardships their mother has faced, noting the sacrifices she has made for her children.
Despite these challenges, the speaker expresses gratitude and admiration for their
mother, recognizing her as a beacon of light and love in their life.

The poem also touches on the universal nature of the mother-child relationship,
emphasizing the profound impact a mother has on her child's life. Through simple yet
evocative language, Salazar captures the essence of maternal love and the profound
bond between a mother and her child.

Air Castle
By Juan F. Salazar

My life’s tomorrow beckons me

From distant mountains high and low;

My future seems a boundless sea,

Where moving passions come and go.

Deep in my heart ambition dwells;

He cheers me up the highland,

And guide me through the hills and dells

Where I pass the busy days.

I cannot write with Shakespeare’s pen;

But I can love with Shakespeare’s heart;

I love his skill his craft f men,

His mastery of poet’s art.

I do not care for fame, as he,

Enthroned was like unto a god:

The depths he reached are dark to me.

But I will grope the ways he tried.

I wear achievement’s coronet.

For best are they who see things done!

And all the wrought my work alone.

If I be met by adverse fate,

And all my dreams but in vain;

Then, must I work the harder yet

With high resolve to try again.

It is a reflective poem that explores the theme of dreams and aspirations. The poem uses
the metaphor of building a castle in the air to symbolize the act of dreaming or
imagining a better future.

The speaker describes how they have built a castle in the air, a place where they can
escape from the harsh realities of life and indulge in their dreams and fantasies. The
castle represents the speaker's hopes, desires, and aspirations, serving as a symbol of
their innermost desires and longings.

CONCLUSION

Philippine literature during US colonialism involved writers using English for

cultural representation and criticism. Nationalist motifs emerged, promoting
independence and cultural pride while challenging colonial views. Increased
publications fostered diverse perspectives, intellectual discourse, and societal
transformation campaigns. Newspaper gives us the knowledge of the significant events
that happened in the past that serves as history and, they are also considered as a
documentation or reference to a certain issues. It enlighten us the way we think and it
serves a form of media communication. However, it will always up to us if we are going
to believe this issues or critique certain matter.

During US colonization in the Philippines, literature and periodicals showcased

Filipino resilience and creativity against colonial oppression. Writers used poetry and
plays to reflect society, advocate for change, and affirm Filipino identity. Playwrights
like Juan Abad and Aurelio Tolentino addressed themes of national identity and
autonomy, challenging colonial narratives. Despite censorship, theater thrived as a
platform for societal critique and empowerment. Periodicals like the Philippine Free
Press promoted literary discussions, democratic principles, and Filipino nationalism,
fostering unity and national consciousness.