The American Regime refers to the

period in Philippine history when the

Philippines was under the control of the
United States, which lasted from 1898 to
1946. This era began after the Spanish-
American War when Spain ceded the
Philippines to the United States.
During the American Regime, the United States
implemented various policies and reforms in
the Philippines. One significant aspect was the
introduction of a democratic system of
government, which included the establishment
of a bicameral legislature and the
implementation of a civil service system.
The United States also invested in
infrastructure development, such as
building roads, bridges, and schools.
Education was another area that underwent
significant changes during this period. The
American government introduced a public
school system, which aimed to provide
education to a wider population. English
became the medium of instruction, and new
educational institutions were established.
Economically, the American Regime
brought both positive and negative
impacts. On one hand, the United States
introduced modern agricultural
techniques and improved transportation
systems, which led to increased
agricultural production and trade. On the
other hand, there were instances of land
dispossession and exploitation of local
resources.
The American Regime also witnessed a
growing sense of nationalism and calls for
independence among Filipinos. This
eventually led to the granting of
independence to the Philippines on July 4,
1946.
This period saw the emergence of a new generation of
Filipino writers who were influenced by American
literary traditions and styles.

One notable literary movement during this time was

the "Golden Age of Philippine Literature in English."
Filipino writers began to write in English, which
became the medium of expression for many literary
works. This shift allowed Filipino literature to reach a
wider audience and gain recognition internationally.
Prominent writers of this era include Nick
Joaquin, who is considered one of the
greatest Filipino writers in English. His
works, such as "The Woman Who Had Two
Navels" and "May Day Eve," explored
themes of identity, history, and social
issues.
Other notable writers during the American
Regime include Jose Garcia Villa, whose
poetry showcased his experimentation
with language and form, and Carlos
Bulosan, whose novel "America Is in the
Heart" depicted the struggles of Filipino
immigrants in the United States.
It is important to note that while literature
in English flourished during this period,
there were also writers who continued to
write in Spanish and in various Philippine
languages. Their works often reflected the
social and political realities of the time.
Overall, the American Regime had a
significant impact on Philippine literature,
as it introduced new literary forms,
themes, and influences. It marked a
period of transition and exploration for
Filipino writers, as they navigated
between their own cultural heritage and
the influences of American literature.
These periods reflect the influence of American
culture and the evolving socio-political landscape of
the time. Here are three significant periods:

1. The Period of Imitation (1910-1924): This period

was characterized by Filipino writers imitating the
styles and themes of American literature. Many works
during this time were written in English and
showcased American literary influences. Writers
focused on romanticism, patriotism, and social issues.
2. The Period of Self-Discovery (1925-1941): In
this period, Filipino writers began to explore their
own cultural identity and express their unique
experiences. They moved away from imitating
American literature and started incorporating
local themes, settings, and characters into their
works. This period saw the rise of writers like Jose
Garcia Villa, Amado V. Hernandez, and Manuel
Arguilla.
3. The Period of Activism (1942-1946): This
period was marked by the Japanese
occupation during World War II. Filipino
writers used literature as a means of
resistance and activism against the Japanese
forces. They wrote about the struggles and
sacrifices of the Filipino people, promoting
nationalism and the fight for independence.
These periods of literature during the
American Regime reflect the changing
literary landscape and the growing sense of
Filipino identity and nationalism. They
showcase the evolution of Filipino literature
from imitation to self-expression and
activism.
During the American Regime in the Philippines,
newspapers typically consisted of several
sections that covered various topics. Here are
some common parts or sections of newspapers
during that time:
1. News Section: This section contained the
latest local, national, and international news. It
covered a wide range of topics, including
politics, government, economy, and social
issues.
3. Feature Section: This section included longer
articles or features that delved into specific topics
of interest. It could cover a wide range of subjects,
such as culture, arts, literature, science, and
technology.
4. Sports Section: This section focused on sports-
related news, including local and international
sports events, scores, and updates. It often included
articles, interviews, and analysis related to different
sports.
5. Business and Economy Section: This section
provided information on business news, stock
market updates, trade, and economic
developments. It could include articles on
entrepreneurship, industry trends, and financial
advice.
6. Classifieds Section: This section contained
advertisements for job vacancies, real estate,
services, and other classified ads. It served as a
platform for individuals and businesses to
promote their offerings.
7. Entertainment Section: This section covered
news and features related to entertainment,
including movies, theater, music, and other
forms of popular culture. It could include
reviews, interviews, and upcoming event
listings.
These sections varied from newspaper to
newspaper, and some publications may have had
additional or different sections based on their
focus or target audience. It's important to note
that the structure and content of newspapers
during the American Regime may have evolved
over time as the media landscape developed.
Paz Marquez Benitez was a prominent Filipina
writer and educator. She was born on March 3,
1894, in Lucena City, Philippines, and passed
away on October 15, 1983. Benitez is best known
for her short story titled "Dead Stars," which is
considered one of the most important works in
Philippine literature.
Benitez was a pioneer in the field of Philippine
literature in English. She was part of the first
generation of Filipino writers who wrote in
English and helped shape the development of
modern Philippine literature. Her works often
explored themes of love, disillusionment, and
the complexities of human relationships.
Aside from her literary contributions,
Benitez was also an educator. She taught
at the University of the Philippines, where
she inspired and mentored many aspiring
writers. Benitez played a significant role in
promoting the use of English as a medium
of instruction in Philippine schools.
Her short story "Dead Stars" is often
studied in Philippine literature classes and
is considered a classic in Philippine
literature. It delves into the themes of
unrequited love, societal expectations, and
the pursuit of dreams.
Paz Marquez Benitez's contributions to
Philippine literature and education have
left a lasting impact, and she is
remembered as one of the pioneering
figures in the development of Philippine
literature in English.
The elements of a short story typically include:

1. Plot: The sequence of events that make up

the story. It usually consists of an exposition
(introduction of characters and setting), rising
action (development of conflict), climax
(turning point or highest point of tension),
falling action (events following the climax), and
resolution (conclusion or outcome).
2. Characters: The individuals or entities
that drive the story. They can be fictional
or based on real people, and they typically
have distinct personalities, motivations,
and roles within the narrative.
3. Setting: The time and place in which the
story takes place. The setting helps
establish the atmosphere, mood, and
context for the events that unfold.
4. Theme: The central idea or message
that the author wants to convey through
the story. Themes can be moral,
philosophical, or social in nature and often
explore universal human experiences or
issues.
5. Point of View: The perspective from
which the story is told. It can be first
person (narrator is a character in the
story), third person limited (narrator
focuses on the thoughts and feelings of
one character), or third person omniscient
(narrator has knowledge of all characters'
thoughts and feelings).
6. Conflict: The struggle or problem that
drives the plot. It can be internal (within
a character's mind) or external (between
characters, society, or nature).
7. Tone: The attitude or mood conveyed by
the author. It can be serious, humorous,
suspenseful, or any other emotional
quality that sets the overall tone of the
story.
These elements work together to create a
cohesive and engaging short story.
However, it's important to note that
different authors may approach these
elements in unique ways, resulting in a
wide variety of storytelling styles and
techniques.
Zoilo Galang (1873-1959) was a Filipino
writer and journalist who is considered
one of the pioneers of Philippine literature
in English. He was born in Bacolor,
Pampanga, Philippines. Galang is best
known for his novel "A Child of Sorrow,"
which was published in 1921 and is
considered the first novel written in
English by a Filipino.
Galang's writing often explored themes of
social realism and the struggles of the
Filipino people during the American
colonial period. He was known for his
keen observations of Filipino society and
his ability to depict the complexities of
human emotions and relationships.
Aside from his literary works, Galang was
also a journalist and educator. He worked as
a reporter for various newspapers and
served as an editor for the Philippine Free
Press. Galang also taught English and
literature at the University of the
Philippines.
Zoilo Galang's contributions to Philippine
literature in English have made him an
important figure in the country's literary
history. His works continue to be studied
and appreciated for their insights into
Filipino culture and society during the early
20th century.
During the American Regime in the Philippines,
various forms of poetry were practiced and
influenced by American literary traditions. Here are a
few notable forms of poetry during that period:

1. Sonnet: The sonnet, a 14-line poem with a specific

rhyme scheme, was popular during the American
Regime. It often explored themes of love, nature, and
patriotism.
2. Free Verse: American poets
introduced the concept of free verse,
which does not adhere to a specific
rhyme or meter. This form allowed
Filipino poets to experiment with more
flexible and expressive styles.
3. Haiku: The influence of Japanese
poetry, particularly the haiku, can be
seen during this period. Haiku is a
concise form of poetry consisting of
three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern,
often capturing moments of nature or
human experience.
4. Narrative Poetry: Narrative poetry,
which tells a story, was also prevalent.
Poets would use this form to depict
historical events, folk tales, or personal
narratives.
5. Patriotic Poetry: Given the political
climate of the time, patriotic poetry
emerged as a significant form. Poets
expressed their love for the Philippines,
their desire for independence, and their
hopes for a better future.
It's important to note that these forms
of poetry were not exclusive to the
American Regime period and continued
to evolve and be practiced in
subsequent eras.
Amado Vera Hernandez (1903-1970)
was a prominent Filipino writer, poet,
and social activist. He is considered one
of the most important figures in
Philippine literature and is known for his
works that reflect the struggles and
aspirations of the Filipino people.
Hernandez was born on September 13,
1903, in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. He
grew up in a working-class family and
experienced firsthand the hardships
faced by the laboring class. This greatly
influenced his writing, which often
focused on social issues, inequality, and
the plight of the marginalized.
One of Hernandez's most famous works
is his novel "Mga Ibong Mandaragit"
(Birds of Prey), published in 1969. The
novel explores the exploitation of
peasants and workers by the ruling elite
and highlights the need for social justice
and revolution.
Aside from his novels, Hernandez also
wrote numerous poems, short stories,
and essays. His works often showcased
his deep empathy for the poor and
oppressed, and he used his writing as a
means to advocate for social change.
Hernandez was also politically active and
was a member of various progressive
organizations. He was imprisoned
multiple times for his activism, including
during the Japanese occupation of the
Philippines and under the subsequent
Philippine government.
Amado Vera Hernandez's contributions to
Philippine literature and his commitment
to social justice have made him an
influential figure in Filipino society. His
works continue to be studied and
celebrated for their powerful portrayal of
the Filipino experience.
Manuel Arguilla (1911-1944) was a
Filipino writer and activist known for his
contributions to Philippine literature. He
was born in Nagrebcan, Bauang, La
Union, Philippines. Arguilla is best known
for his short stories, which often depicted
the struggles and aspirations of the
Filipino people during the early 20th
century.
Arguilla's works often explored themes of rural
life, social injustice, and the impact of
colonialism on Filipino society. Some of his
notable short stories include "How My Brother
Leon Brought Home a Wife," "Midsummer,"
and "Morning in Nagrebcan." His writing style
was characterized by vivid descriptions,
realistic portrayals of characters, and a deep
understanding of the Filipino culture and way
of life.
Aside from his literary contributions,
Manuel Arguilla was also involved in
political activism. He was a member of
the Communist Party of the Philippines
and actively fought for social justice and
the rights of the Filipino people.
Tragically, Arguilla's life was cut short
during World War II. He was arrested by
the Japanese military authorities in 1944
and was executed shortly after. Despite
his untimely death, Manuel Arguilla's
literary works continue to be celebrated
and studied as important contributions
to Philippine literature.
Juan Cabreros Laya (1910-1987) was a
prominent Filipino diplomat, writer, and
educator. He served as the Secretary of
Foreign Affairs of the Philippines from
1967 to 1984. Laya played a significant
role in shaping Philippine foreign policy
during his tenure, particularly in
promoting the country's interests in the
international arena.
Aside from his diplomatic career, Laya
was also known for his contributions to
literature. He wrote numerous novels,
short stories, and essays, often exploring
themes of social justice and national
identity. Some of his notable works
include "His Native Soil" and "The Great
Malayan."
Laya was also involved in the field of
education. He served as the President of
the University of the Philippines from
1956 to 1958 and was instrumental in
implementing reforms to improve the
quality of education in the country.
Throughout his life, Juan Cabreros Laya
made significant contributions to
Philippine diplomacy, literature, and
education. His work and legacy continue
to be recognized and appreciated in the
Philippines.
Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero (1911-1995) was a
prominent Filipino playwright, director,
and theater artist. He is considered one
of the pioneers of Philippine theater and
made significant contributions to the
development of Philippine drama.
Guerrero's works often explored social
issues and the Filipino identity. He wrote
numerous plays, including "Wanted: A
Chaperon," "Forever," "Three Rats," and
"The Forsaken House," among others. His
plays were known for their realistic
portrayal of Filipino life and their ability to
resonate with audiences.
Aside from being a playwright, Guerrero
was also a theater director and founded
the University of the Philippines (UP)
Dramatic Club, which later became the
UP Theater. He played a crucial role in
shaping the theater scene in the
Philippines and inspiring generations of
theater artists.
Guerrero's contributions to Philippine
theater were recognized with various
awards and honors, including the
National Artist for Theater and Literature
in 1997, which was awarded
posthumously. His works continue to be
performed and studied in the Philippines,
leaving a lasting impact on the country's
theatrical landscape.