Notes on Philippine Literature During the American Regime

Introduction

• Presentation begins in a dimension of literature.
• Host: Maria Eliza Delugar.

Historical Background of the Philippines under American Regime

• Filipino Revolution: Against Spanish rule (over 300 years).
• Independence: Flag hoisted on June 12, 1898; Emilio Aguinaldo as the first president.
• Filipino-American War: Resulted in the defeat of General Miguel Malvar (1903).
• Literary Activity: Despite challenges, nationalists and writers emerged.
  • Notable Newspapers:
    • El Nuevo Dia (Sergio Esmeña, 1900)
    • El Greto del Pueblo (Pascua Poblete)
    • El Renacimiento (Rafael Palma, 1900)
  • Plays:
    • Nakahapon Ngayon at Bukas (Aurelio Tolentino)
    • Tanikalang Ginto (Juan Abad)
    • Walang Sugat (Severino Reyes)

Education System Under American Rule

• Public Education: Key strategy to spread American cultural values; English as the medium of instruction.
• Establishment of Schools:
  • Philippine Normal University (1901)
  • Siliman University (first American private school)
  • Central Philippine University (first Baptist university in Asia)

Literature Features during American Regime

• Languages Used: Spanish and Tagalog predominated initially; English began to gain prominence by 1910.
• Influences:
  • American education, hygiene, politics, freedom of speech.

Characteristics of Literature

1. Spanish Literature:
   • Cecilio Apostol: Arizal, praise of Rizal.
   • Fernando Maria Guerrero: Grisalidas, notable poems.
   • Jesus Balmori (Batikuling) & Manuel Bernabe: Debates on poetry.
2. Tagalog Literature:
   • Lope K. Santos: Banaag at Sikat; father of national language grammar.
   • Jose Corazon de Jesus: Bayan Ko; poet of love.
   • Armando V. Hernandez: Ang Panday, poet of laborers.
   • Valeriano Hernandez Peña: Nena at Nening; known as Tandang Anong.

Periods of Philippine Literature in the American Period

• Period of Reorientation (1898-1910):
  • Establishment of English as a medium in schools.
  • Key Publications: El Renacimiento and Philippine Free Press.
  • Notable Works:
    • Sorsum Cordo by Giusto Giuliano (1907).
• Period of Imitation (1910-1925):
  • Imitation of American styles; first Filipino writers in English.
• Period of Self-Discovery (1925-1941):
  • Mastery of English; exploration of various subjects.

Types of Literature

1. Poetry: Original and socially conscious.
2. Short Stories: Flourished, especially in English.
3. Drama: Less prominent compared to novels and short stories.

Influential Writers

• Notable Spanish Writers:
  • Cecilio Apostol, Fernando Maria Guerrero, Claro M. Recto, Jesus Balmori, Manuel Bernabe.
• Notable English Writers:
  • Paz Marquez Benitez: The Death of the Author (1925).
  • Carlos Bulosan: America is in the Heart.
  • Manuel Arguilla: How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife (1914).
  • Carmen Guerrero Nakpil: Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

Filipino Literature Development

• Increased literacy and writing among Filipinos.
• Emergence of various genres influenced by past traditions and new experiences.
  • Epic: Florante at Laura by Francisco Balagtas.
  • Novels: Urbana at Feliza by Father Modesto de Castro.

Classification of Poets

1. Poets of the Heart:
   • Lupe K. Santos, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Amado V. Hernandez.
2. Poets of Life:
   • Lupe K. Santos, Amado V. Hernandez.
3. Poets of the Stage:
   • Severino Reyes, Aurelio Tolentino.

Conclusion

• The American period marked a significant turning point in Philippine literature, which became richer and more diverse, incorporating various styles and languages, shaping the literary landscape of the nation.