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Philippine Regional Literature Overview

Jun 12, 2025

Overview

This lecture continued the survey of notable authors and literary works from various Philippine regions, emphasizing local literary heritage and the value of perspective in literature.

Recap & Objectives

  • Reviewed previous discussion on representative texts and authors from different regions.
  • Objectives: Recognize texts/authors from regional literature; value local authors and their contributions.

Literature Concept of the Week: Perspective

  • Perspective means a way of thinking or understanding something, often reflecting different viewpoints.
  • It also refers to knowing what is important and what is not.

Region 4A (Calabarzon) Highlights

  • Major sites: Quezon, Lucena City, and Mt. Taal.
  • Dr. Jose Rizal: Author of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo from this region.
  • Mars Ravelo: Renowned for Filipino superheroes Darna, Captain Barbell, and more.
  • Lamberto E. Antonio: Award-winning poet and dramatist (works include “Lullaby Servant”).
  • Frank C. Rivera: Known for “makata sa cell phone” (SMS poems); received multiple literary awards.

Region 4B (MIMAROPA) & Bicol Region

  • N.V.M. Gonzalez: National Artist, noted for warm portrayals of the Filipino spirit in fiction and essays.
  • Potenciano Gregorio: Bicolano composer, famous for “Sarung Banggi”.

Visayas Regions Highlights

  • Western Visayas: Rich in songs, riddles, proverbs; Graciano Lopez Jaena contributed to La Solidaridad.
  • Ma. Luisa A. Igloria: Prominent Hiligaynon writer, Carlos Palanca Hall of Fame awardee.
  • Central Visayas: Marcel M. Navarra, “Father of Modern Cebuano Literature”; Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, co-founder of PAWWA, known for works about war and migration.
  • Eastern Visayas: Carlos A. Angeles, Palanca awardee in poetry.

Mindanao Regions Highlights

  • Zamboanga Peninsula: Antonio Enriquez, novelist and author of “The White Horse of Alih” addressing alienation and discrimination.
  • Northern Mindanao: Damiana L. Eugenio, “Mother of Philippine Folklore”, compiler of legends and folktales.
  • Davao Region: Ida Rivera Ford, editor and author of “Love in the Cornhusks”; Candy Gourlay, UK-based Filipino author.

Other Key Regional Authors

  • SOCCSKSARGEN: Bartolome del Valle author of the epic “Indarapatra at Sulayman”.
  • Caraga: S. E. Manuel, known for “Tuang Attends a Wedding”.
  • BARMM: Steven Prince Patrick C. Fernandez, Palanca-awarded playwright.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Perspective — a way of viewing or understanding issues, events, or works from different viewpoints.
  • Makata sa Cell Phone — term describing poetry written and shared via SMS/text.
  • Anthology — a published collection of literary pieces.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Prepare for a review of texts/authors from each region.
  • Anticipate discussion of literary approaches and applications next session.
  • Optional: Read ahead or write personal reflections inspired by local authors.